This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.
Acanthaceae/parasitology ; Animals ; Buffaloes/parasitology ; Fasciola/*anatomy & histology/*physiology ; Gallbladder/parasitology ; Larva/anatomy & histology/physiology ; *Life Cycle Stages ; Mice ; Microscopy ; Oryza sativa/parasitology ; Time Factors

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.
Acanthaceae/parasitology ; Animals ; Buffaloes/parasitology ; Fasciola/*anatomy & histology/*physiology ; Gallbladder/parasitology ; Larva/anatomy & histology/physiology ; *Life Cycle Stages ; Mice ; Microscopy ; Oryza sativa/parasitology ; Time Factors

Raw white rice has not been considered a good carrierfor oral vaccination, probably because of its antiviralactivity. Methods are required to overcome antiviralactivity in raw white rice. This study was carried out todetermine the effects of various treatments of raw whiterice on the survival of strain I-2 of Newcastle diseasevirus. These included cooking and baking the rice ormixing the rice with vegetable oil prior to coating withvaccine virus. The vaccine-coated rice was then stored for30min and 24h, followed by quantitative recovery of thevirus. Thirty min after mixing, uncooked, cooked, andbaked rice, and rice mixed with vegetable oil showed titersof 10(6.2), 10(7.2), 10(6.6), and 10(7.0) EID50/0.1ml, respectively.After storage for 24h at 22-25oC, the titers dropped to10(5.0), 10(6.5), 10(5.0), and 10(6.0) EID50/0.1ml for uncooked,cooked, baked, and oiled rice, respectively.
Animals ; Chick Embryo ; Chickens ; Cookery ; Newcastle Disease/*virology ; Newcastle disease virus/growth & development/*physiology ; Oryza sativa/chemistry/*virology ; Viral Vaccines/chemistry

To investigate potential health risks associated with exposure to metals from an abandoned metal mine, the authors studied people living near an abandoned mine (n=102) and control groups (n=149). Levels of cadmium, copper, arsenic, lead, and zinc were measured in the air, soil, drinking water, and agricultural products. To assess individual exposure, biomarkers of each metal in blood and urine were measured. beta2-microglobulin, alpha1-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and bone mineral density were measured. Surface soil in the study area showed 2-10 times higher levels of metals compared to that of the control area. Metal concentrations in the groundwater and air did not show any notable differences between groups. Mean concentrations of cadmium and copper in rice and barley from the study area were significantly higher than those of the control area (p<0.05). Geometric means of blood and urine cadmium in the study area were 2.9 microgram/L and 1.5 microgram/g Cr, respectively, significantly higher than those in the control area (p<0.05). There were no differences in the levels of urinary markers of early kidney dysfunction and bone mineral density. The authors conclude that the residents near the abandoned mine were exposed to higher levels of metals through various routes.
Aged ; Cadmium/*blood/*urine ; Copper/blood/urine ; Environmental Exposure ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Female ; *Food Contamination ; Hordeum ; Humans ; Korea ; Lead/blood/urine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Mining ; Oryza sativa ; Risk Factors ; Soil Pollutants/analysis ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Zinc/blood/urine

An herbal extract mixture and yogurt added to the herbal extract mixture were tested for their protective and therapeutic effects on ethanol-induced liver injury. The herbal extract mixture, yogurt and commercial drugs were used for treatment for two weeks prior to administering a single oral dose of ethanol (3 g/kg body weight). The herbal extract mixture and yogurt added to the herbal extract mixture were found to provide protection against ethanolinduced toxicity comparable to the commercial drug treatment, according to the serum and histopathological analysis. It was also shown that co-treatment with herbal extract mixture and yogurt against a triple oral dose of ethanol (2 g/kg body weight, over one week) provided protection against ethanol toxicity. After the initial set of experiments, the herbal extract mixture and yogurt treatments were extended for three more weeks. When compared to the positive control, further treatment with both the herbal extract and yogurt significantly reduced liver injury and resulted in a lower grade of lipid deposition.
Alnus/*chemistry ; Animals ; Body Weight/drug effects ; Brassica napus/*chemistry ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Eating ; Ethanol/antagonists & inhibitors/*toxicity ; Fabaceae/*chemistry ; Fermentation ; Liver/pathology ; Male ; Milk Thistle/*chemistry ; Oryza sativa/*chemistry ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts/*therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Yogurt

The effects of black rice anthocyanidins (BRACs) on retinal damage induced by photochemical stress are not well known. In the present study, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93M for 1 week, after which 80 rats were randomly divided into two groups and treated with (n = 40) or without BRACs (n = 40) for 15 days, respectively. After treatment, both groups were exposed to fluorescent light (3,000 +/- 200 lux; 25degrees C), and the protective effect of dietary BRACs were evaluated afterwards. Our results showed that dietary BRACs effectively prevented retinal photochemical damage and inhibited the retinal cells apoptosis induced by fluorescent light (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary BRACs inhibited expression of AP-1 (c-fos/c-jun subunits), up-regulated NF-kappaB (p65) expression and phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha, and decreased Caspase-1 expression (p < 0.05). These results suggest that BRACs improve retinal damage produced by photochemical stress in rats via AP-1/NF-kappaB/Caspase-1 apoptotic mechanisms.
Animal Feed/analysis ; Animals ; Anthocyanins/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; Antioxidants/administration & dosage/*physiology ; Blotting, Western ; Caspase 1/*genetics/metabolism ; Diet ; Dietary Supplements/analysis ; I-kappa B Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; NF-kappa B/*genetics/metabolism ; Neoplasm Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Oryza sativa/chemistry ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics/metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun/genetics/metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Retinal Diseases/etiology/*prevention & control ; Signal Transduction/*drug effects/radiation effects ; Transcription Factor AP-1/*genetics/metabolism

Aims: Rice bran has been documented as a rich source of bioactive compounds such as gamma-oryzanol, phenolic acids, phytic acid, β-sitosterol and vitamin E, which offer beneficial health properties and confer antioxidant activity related benefits. The objective of this research is to evaluate the bioactive compounds content of fermented rice bran such as organic acids, ɣ-oryzanol, α- tocopherol and phenolic acids using three lactic acid bacteria (LAB), namely Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus pentoseous in a solid state fermentation. Methodology and results: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the concentration of the active compounds in rice bran. The most abundant organic acids detected in fermented rice bran samples were lactic acid and acetic acid, which showed significant improvement after fermentation. Fermentation of rice bran with P. acidilactici showed a two-fold increment in ɣ-oryzanol and α-tocopherol compared to unfermented rice bran. A higher concentration of ferulic acid was observed in rice bran fermented with P. acidilactici compared to other strains. Meanwhile, coumaric acid concentration in all fermented samples decreased significantly upon fermentation. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: These results indicated that the fermentation with LAB could enhance certain bioactive compounds production and antioxidant activity of rice bran. Therefore, improved rice bran has the potential to be used as an ingredient in functional food and cosmetic formulation. Keywords: Rice bran; bioactive compounds; fermentation, lactic acid bacteria; antioxidant activity
Fermentation ; Oryza

Aims: Bakanae disease on rice has been widely distributed in all countries where rice is grown commercially, especially in Asian countries including Malaysia. As an alternative measure in controlling Fusarium fujikuroi, two approaches have to be adapted i.e. by using resistant varieties and biocontrol agents as reported in the present study. Methodology and results: A total of 31 Malaysian rice varieties were used in screening and results showed that variety MR211 was the most susceptible and MR220 was slightly susceptible. Out of 60 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum isolated from soils in Malaysia and tested against the pathogen under in vitro condition, 13 isolates showed high percentage of inhibition (PIRG > 60%). All isolates of T. harzianum showed that the PIRGs were significantly different at p≤0.05 with those of control plates. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Biocontrol agent and resistant variety are better alternative for controlling plant diseases. We found a variety MR220 was slightly susceptible, but none of tested varieties is resistant towards pathogen of bakanae disease. T. harzianum has the ability to inhibit the growth of F. fujikuroi (T3068P) under in vitro condition. The findings of the Malaysian susceptible/resistant variety and potential T. harzianum isolate as a biocontrol agent of bakanae are important for future tests in the plant house and field trials.
Biological Control Agents ; Oryza

Aims: Food security and safety are current issues around the world. Rice is a staple food for a large portion of the world’s population, and in Malaysia around 2.2 million tonnes of rice were consumed annually. Fertilizer input is the key to increase rice production. Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) has developed multifunctional biofertilizer products in an effort to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers for crop production. Methodology and results: Multifunctional biofertilizer products contain indigenous microorganisms that have desired characteristics, which include plant growth promoting, phosphate solubilising, potassium solubilising and enhancing N2- fixing activity were used in this study. These products were formulated as liquid inoculants, which is suitable for rice production. A greenhouse trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of multifunctional biofertilizer on rice. Multifunctional biofertilizer products were applied singly and in combination with rock phosphate, feldspar and irradiated oligochitosan from a project by Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA), Japan. Plants that were given chemical fertilizers and plants not receiving fertilizer or biofertilizer products were used as controls. Fresh and dry weights of rice seedlings were determined. Application of multifunctional biofertilizer combined with irradiated oligochitosan (T3) resulted in significantly higher fresh weights (97.12 g) and dry weights (84.16 g) as compared to non-treated plants (77.39 g fresh weights and 69.56 g dry weights). The results suggested that application of multifunctional biofertilizer in combination with irradiated oligochitosan could increase rice growth. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Combination of biofertilizer with oligochitosan increased rice growth in greenhouse trial. Further investigation of this interaction phenomenon should be carried out.
Crop Production ; Oryza

BACKGROUND: Rice is the staple food in the Philippines and the major carbohydrate source that greatly affects the weight, blood glucose and triglyceride levels of the population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the researchers was to determine the effects of white, brown and red rice varieties on weight, blood glucose and triglyceride levels in rats.

METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were fed with diets of cooked rice of different rice variety; white, brown and red. Weight was measured using a digital laboratory weighing scale. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels were measured by glucometer (OneTouch®) and Humalyzer Primus®, respectively.

RESULTS: Rats fed with white rice had the greatest increase in weight and blood glucose levels, and red rice had the least increase. For the postprandial blood glucose test, all three rice groups reached their peak blood glucose level at 30 minutes, with white rice having the greatest value, followed by brown rice, and lastly, red rice. Rats fed with red rice had the greatest decrease in triglyceride level.

CONCLUSION: In this study, consumption of white rice contributes to weight gain, blood glucose level increase and minimal triglyceride level change compared to brown and red rice.