Evaluation of chemical properties of organic briquettes developed from slaughterhouse waste

Service slaughter houses in the country generate large quantities of animal blood, manure and rumen contents as waste material. Eco-friendly disposal of such waste often requires long time or expensive equipment. The study was conducted to develop organic briquettes using biomass originating from slaughterhouse wastes and to investigate its chemical properties to be used as an organic nutrient source in crop cultivation. Dried rumen contents were mixed with fresh blood collected after bleeding of animals in different proportions and dried using tray drier. The dried rumen content-blood (RB) mixture was further mixed with commercially available coir pith in 12 different proportions. The rumen content-blood-coir pith (RBC) mixture was formed into briquettes using a hydraulic biomass briquetting machine. Each organic briquette was five centimetres in diameter and had an average weight of 30-40 grams. The treatments were analyzed for organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen and carbon: nitrogen ratio. The organic briquette that had rumen content with 100 per cent blood and 80 per cent coir pith (T10) recorded the highest total nitrogen (1.76±0.09 per cent) and lowest carbon: nitrogen ratio while highest organic carbon content (45.97±0.93 per cent) was noted in organic briquette that had rumen content with 80 per cent blood and 60 per cent coir pith (T8 ). The study showed that there is considerable potential for development of organic briquettes that are compact, easy to transport and market, and ideal for grow bag cultivation and garden nurseries by using slaughter house wastes as sources of organic nutrient.

Pathogenesis and tissue tropism of Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza virus (H9N2) in single and mixed infections

Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are globally considered as a serious threat to the chicken and other avian species. The paramyxovirus type 1 and orthomyxovirus type A are RNA viruses, which cause ND and AI infection, respectively.

Efficacy of commercial vaccines against the prevalent strains of Newcastle disease and avian influenza (h9n2) infections in broilers in Pakistan

TThe efficacy of the two commonly used commercial vaccines for Newcastle disease (ND) and low path avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 were evaluated against field virus in broiler chicks. One hundred one-dayold commercial broiler chicks were divided into four groups (A to D) with an equal number of birds per group. Group A and B were vaccinated against H9N2 and NDV, respectively, at day 7 of age while group C served as positive infected control for H9N2 and group D for NDV. Serum samples from birds in all groups were tested for presence of antibodies against H9N2 and NDV at day 21 of age. Subsequently, on day 28 of age, groups A and C were challenged with the field strain of H9N2 virus, and Group B and D with NDV. Birds were monitored for a period of 2 weeks for development of any clinical signs and mortality. The geometric mean titer were high in groups A (4.90) and B (7.3), and low in the unvaccinated groups C (0.7) and D (1.1). The highest and lowest value of H9N2 antibody titer detected through ELISA were 1.498 and 0.502, respectively. The S/P ratios greater than 0.5 were considered positive. The highest and lowest value for NDV antibody titer detected through ELISA were 783 and 882, respectively. Serum samples with titer greater than 396 were considered positive and indicated vaccination or other exposure to NDV. On histological examination severe congestion, necrosis, degeneration, hemorrhages and leukocyte infiltration were observed in intestine, lungs, trachea and bursa of Fabricius of the non-vaccinated group post-infection. Mild tissues changes were observed in the vaccinated group. It can be concluded from the findings that the commonly used commercial vaccines may provide effective protection against the circulating H9N2 and ND virus in broiler birds by producing protective antibody titer.

Phenolics, tocopherols and fatty acid profiling of wild and commercial mushrooms from Pakistan

Mushrooms can be used as nutraceutical or functional foods to maintain and promote good health. In the present study, wild Ganoderma lucidum and four commercial mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, Volvariella volvacea, Hericium erinaceus and Lentinus edodes, collected from Pakistan were screened for phenolics, tocopherols and fatty acid contents. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of phenolic acids showed that chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, p-Coumaric and caffeic acids were observed in selected mushrooms. H. erinaceus contained high amounts of chlorogenic acid (11.49±0.1 µ/g of dry weight) and ferulic acid (7.84±0.7 µg/g of dry weight). γ-tocopherol and lutein were present in all studied mushrooms. Lutein contents were higher in H. erinaceus (2.42±0.087 µg/g of DW) followed by V. volvacea> P. ostreatus> L. edodes. γ-tocopherol was observed in the range of 74.25±3.01 to 29.65±1.2 µg/g of dry weight. GC/MS analysis of fatty acids showed that linoleic acid (18’:2n6c), oleic acid (18’:1n9c), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), linolenic acid (18’:3n3) and nonadecanoic acid (C19-0), were the main fatty acids found in selected mushrooms. The unsaturated fatty acids were predominated over saturated fatty acids. It is concluded that selected mushrooms are good sources of antioxidant compounds and unsaturated fatty acids.

Study of selected therapeutic potentials of Momordica charantia fruit

M. charantia extract partitioned in different solvents was assessed for antioxidant (2, 2-diphenyl l-picrylhydrazyl), total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), antiglycation, alpha amylase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities along with cytotoxic, thrombolytic and antibiofilm potentials. Most effective antioxidant fraction was n-hexane with TPC and TFC, highest in n-butanol and ethanol fractions, respectively. Ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum glycation and alpha amylase inhibitions and optimum acetylcholinesterase inhibition was by ethanol fraction. Fractions exhibited significant hemolytic and thrombolytic efficacies and bacterial growth restraint. The present research reveals some medicinal potency of M. charantia.

An insight into nutritional profile of selected Pleurotus species

The global demand for good quality food indicates that consumers are more concerned about a particular diet associated with good health and lower risk for certain ailments. Mushrooms are widely used as healthy nutritious food. In the present study, the nutritional composition of four different Pleurotus sp. was determined. Prior to extraction, all the selected mushrooms were subjected for proximate composition analysis. The protein, fat, ash, total carbohydrate, fiber and energy contents were in the range of (16.07- 25.15%), (0.64-2.02%), (2.1-9.14%), (65.66-82.47%), (6.21-54.12%) and (342.20-394.30Kcal/100g), respectively. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that the concentration of protein was in the range of 45.78-33.47 mg/g in all Pleurotus sp. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of sugars showed six different mono and disaccharides in all the selected mushrooms. The fatty acid profile by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the main fatty acids in selected mushrooms were present in the order linoliec acid> oleic acid> palmitic acid. The results suggested that all the Pleurotus sp. could be considered as a rich source of nutrients.

Antioxidant potential analysis of P. ostreatus, P. sajor-caju, P. sapidus and P. columbinus

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity of ethanol, n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and water extracts of four different Pleurotus spps. P. ostreatus, P. sajor-caju, P. sapidus and P. columbinus. The extraction was performed by classical organic solvent extraction (COSE). The extracts of Pleurotus spps. contained appreciable levels of total phenolic contents (TPC) (0.95-19.49 GAE, mg/g) and total flavonoid contents (0.85-3.73 CE, mg/g). All Pleurotus spps. also contained considerable DPPH radical scavenging activity, showing IC50 (19.15-54.50%) and reducing power (0.50-2.94 nm), respectively. The ascorbic acid content was in the range of (2.90-5.97 mg/g) for all Pleurotus spps. All studied Pleurotus spps. showed potential antioxidant activity. The results of four different Pleurotus spps. extracts showed that they can be used as a good food ingredient, and as a medicinal mushroom for digestive ailments, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry and in cosmetics.

Effect of incorporation of calcium lactate on physico-chemical, textural, and sensory properties of restructured buffalo meat loaves

AIM

The present study was conducted to develop a functional meat product by fortifying calcium (in the form of calcium lactate) with restructured buffalo meat loaf (RBML).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Deboned buffalo meat obtained from the carcass of adult female buffalo within 5-6 h of slaughter and stored under frozen condition. Calcium fortified RBML were prepared by replacing the lean buffalo meat with calcium lactate powder at 0%, 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5% level through the pre-standardized procedure. The developed products were evaluated for physico-chemical properties, proximate composition, calcium concentration (mg/100 g), water activity (aw), Lovibond(®) tintometer color units, texture profile analysis (TPA), and sensory qualities as per-standard procedures.

RESULTS

Of the various product quality parameters evaluated, cooking yield (%), product pH, moisture (%), protein (%), fat (%), and water activity (aw) decreases significantly with increasing level of calcium lactate. Calcium content of fortified functional RBMLs was 135.02, 165.73, and 203.85 mg/100 g as compared to 6.48 mg/100 g in control. Most of the sensory scores at 1% and 1.25% levels of calcium lactate in treatment products remained comparable among themselves and control product, with a gradual decline.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study concluded that 1.25% calcium lactate was the optimum level for the fortification of calcium in RBML without affecting the textural and sensory properties which could meet out 15% of recommended dietary allowance for calcium.

Estimating genetic potential of biofuel forest hardwoods to withstand metal toxicity in industrial effluent under dry tropical conditions

Biofuel tree species are recognized as a promising alternative source of fuel to conventional forms. Additionally, these tree species are also effective in accumulating toxic heavy metals present in some industrial effluents. In developing countries such as Pakistan, the use of biofuel tree species is gaining popularity not only for harvesting economical and environmentally friendly biofuel, but also to sequester poisonous heavy metals from industrial wastewater. This study was aimed at evaluating the genetic potential of two biofuel species, namely, Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata, to grow when irrigated with industrial effluent from the Pak-Arab Fertilizer Factory Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The growth performances of one-year-old seedlings of both species were compared in soil with adverse physiochemical properties. It was found that J. curcas was better able to withstand the toxicity of the heavy metals present in the fertilizer factory effluent. J. curcas showed maximum gain in height, diameter, and biomass production in soil irrigated with 75% concentrated industrial effluent. In contrast, P. pinnata showed a significant reduction in growth in soil irrigated with more than 50% concentrated industrial effluent, indicating that this species is less tolerant to higher toxicity levels of industrial effluent. This study identifies J. curcas as a promising biofuel tree species that can be grown using industrial wastewater.

Preparation and storage stability of meat spread developed from spent hens

AIM

The present study was carried out to develop a meat spread as a healthier alternative to already existing meat products utilizing undervalued spent hen meat to add a new dimension to meat products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Carcasses were processed within 30 min of slaughter and conditioned at 4±1°C for about 24 h and then braised along with other ingredients to get the final product. The products were evaluated for proximate composition, peroxide values, pH, microbiological, and sensory qualities as per standard procedures.

RESULTS

The mean percent values for moisture, crude protein, ether extract, and total ash content of developed product were 58.75±0.32, 9.12±0.44, 11.19±0.16, and 2.35±0.17, respectively. No significant difference was observed for mean coliform and the yeast and mold counts with the progression of storage period, but samples differed significantly for mean pH, thiobarbituric acid and total viable plate count during storage of meat spread. A progressive decline in mean sensory scores was recorded along with the increase in storage time.

CONCLUSION

The meat spread was found to be a good alternative to process the underutilized spent hens for its efficient utilization for product development.

Value of biomedical scientists providing on-site specimen adequacy assessment for fine-needle aspirations

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is accepted as a first-line investigation in patients with superficial or deep-seated mass lesions. One of the fundamental principles of successful aspiration is harvesting sufficient numbers of cells that are representative of the lesion being investigated. Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides FNA services to Christie Hospital, including non-attended and biomedical scientist-attended aspirations, some of which are assessed on-site for specimen adequacy. This study audits the FNA coverage provided to Christie Hospital by exploring the contribution of biomedical scientist on-site specimen adequacy assessment to successful aspirations and identifies potential areas for service improvement such that unsatisfactory sampling is reduced. Satisfactory sampling rates varied between biomedical scientist-attended (79%) and non-attended (70%) procedures. Within the former group, 100% satisfactory sampling was achieved with on-site assessment, falling to 77% without on-site assessment. The highest unsatisfactory sampling rate was identified at 33% for thyroid aspirations in endocrinology, while rates elsewhere varied between 21% and 23%. This audit demonstrated the value of on-site specimen adequacy assessment as the ultimate goal of any FNA is to negate the need for more invasive procedures. In terms of flexibility and economic value, having adequately trained biomedical scientists to perform on-site assessment is quite feasible. Extending this biomedical scientist-led service to other departments would reduce unsatisfactory sample rates and the requirement for more invasive procedures.

Interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 prime migrational responses of haemopoietic progenitor cells to stromal cell-derived factor-1α

BACKGROUND

Lung-homing of progenitor cells is associated with inflammatory and remodelling changes in asthma. Factors that modulate the increased traffic of progenitor cells to the site of inflammation in asthma remain to be defined. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are Th2 cytokines that are key regulators of asthma pathology.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the role of IL-4 and IL-13 in modulating the trans-migrational responses of haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC).

METHODS

HPC were enriched from cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB) samples. Migration of HPC was assessed using transwell migration assays, and responding cells were enumerated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

IL-4 and IL-13 primed migration of CB- and PB-derived HPC (CD34(+) 45(+) cells) to stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), in vitro. However, these cytokines had no effect on migrational responses of eosinophil-lineage committed progenitors (CD34(+) 45(+) IL-5Rα(+) cells) or mature eosinophils to SDF-1α. For HPC, priming effects of IL-4 (0.1 ng/mL) and IL-13 (0.1 ng/mL) were detectable within 1 h and optimal at 18-h post-incubation, and IL-4 was the more effective priming agent. Pre-incubation with IL-4 or IL-13 had no effect on the intensity of cell surface expression of SDF-1α receptor, CXCR4. Disruption of cell membrane cholesterol content by pre-incubation with polyene antibiotics inhibited IL-4 priming of SDF-1α stimulated migration of HPC indicating that increased incorporation of CXCR4 into membrane lipid rafts mediated the cytokine primed migrational response of HPC. This was confirmed by confocal fluorescent microscopy.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

IL-4 and IL-13 prime the migrational response of HPC to SDF-1α by enhancing the incorporation of CXCR4 into lipid rafts. The priming effect of these cytokines is specific to primitive HPC. These data suggest that increased local production of IL-4 and IL-13 within the lungs may promote increased SDF-1α mediated homing of HPC to the airways in asthma.