No abstract

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most prevalent tick in the world and a well-recognized vector of many pathogens affecting dogs and occasionally humans. Pathogens exploit tick salivary molecules for their survival and multiplication in the vector and transmission to and establishment in the hosts. Tick saliva contains various non-proteinaceous substances and secreted proteins that are differentially produced during feeding and comprise of inhibitors of blood congealing and platelet aggregation, vasodilatory and immunomodulatory substances, and compounds preventing itch and pain. One of these proteins is Evasin-1, which has a high binding affinity to certain types of chemokines. The binding of Evasin-1 to chemokines prevents the detection and immune response of the host to R. sanguineus, which may result in the successful transmission of pathogens. In this study, we screened potential Evasin-1 inhibitor based on the pharmacophore model derived from the binding site residues. Hit ligands were further screened via molecular docking and virtual ADMET prediction, which resulted in ZINC8856727 as the top ligand (binding affinity: -9.1 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation studies, coupled with MM-GBSA calculations and principal component analysis revealed that ZINC8856727 plays a vital role in the stability of Evasin-1. We recommend continuing the study by developing a formulation that serves as a potential medicine aid immune response during R. sanguineus infestation.

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This study aims to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition and compare FA-based nutritional indices/ratios of colostrum and milk obtained on the 30th, 60th, and 90th day of lactation from 27 Murrah and 18 “Murrah × Carabao” crossbred buffaloes. The major saturated FA (SFA) in colostrum and milk is palmitic acid (C16:0), comprising 32–33% by weight of total FAs. Other important SFAs – myristic acid (C14:0), stearic acid (C18:0), and lauric acid (C12:0) – were lower (P < 0.05) in colostrum than in milk. Oleic acid (C18:1-n9c), a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), is the second most abundant FA in colostrum (28.5%) and milk (18.0–18.8%). Arachidonic acid (C20:4-n6, AA) is the dominant polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in colostrum (0.92%) and milk (0.42–0.45%). Conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2-c9t11, CLA) was higher in colostrum (0.64%) than in milk (0.14–0.16%). Colostrum and milk had a very low PUFA/SFA ratio (0.02–0.06: 1). The linoleic acid (C18:2-n6, LA) to α-linolenic acid (C18:3-n3, ALA) ratio was higher in colostrum (3.21: 1) than in milk (0.62–1.55: 1). The omega-6 (LA and AA) to omega-3 [ALA and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6-n3, DHA)] or n-6/n-3 ratio was more balanced for milk (1.76-2.34: 1) than colostrum (3.37: 1). Colostrum had lower atherogenicity (2.53 vs. 4.50–4.66), lower thrombogenicity (2.68 vs. 4.48–4.59), and higher health-promoting index (0.39 vs. 0.21–0.22) than milk. The hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio was higher for colostrum (0.64: 1) than milk (0.34–0.36: 1). Except for AA, the FA composition of colostrum and milk were not significantly different between Murrah and “Murrah × Carabao” crosses (P > 0.05).

This study compared the composition, yield, and freezing point of buffalo colostrum and milk collected on the 30 th , 60 th , and 90 th day of lactation from purebred Murrah and its crosses with the Philippine Carabao. A total of 133 milk samples were collected from 36 buffaloes (20 purebred Murrah and 16 "Murrah x Carabao" crosses) and evaluated for fat, protein, and lactose content, solids non-fat (SNF), total solids, and freezing point. Colostrum contained significantly (p<0.05) more protein, SNF, total solids, and higher freezing point, but less moisture and lactose, and were produced in lower amounts than milk obtained on different days of lactation. Fat percentage was not significantly different (p>0.05) between colostrum and milk. Colostrum from Murrah buffaloes had more protein but less fat and colostrum yield than "Murrah x Carabao" crosses. Among crossbred buffaloes, the F2 "75% Murrah -25% Carabao" crosses produced more colostrum than F1 "50% Murrah -50% Carabao" (p<0.05). Older buffaloes also produced more colostrum. Milk parameters were similar for Murrah and "Murrah x Carabao" crosses, except for test-day milk yield, which was significantly higher in "Murrah x Carabao" crosses. The F1 crossbred buffaloes had milk containing more lactose and SNF, but lower freezing point than milk from F2 crossbred buffaloes. Buffaloes, already with more lactations, had higher test-day milk yield but with lower fat and total solids. High monthly temperature reduced test-day milk yield. In conclusion, breed differences, age at calving, number of lactations, and high monthly temperature may have caused changes in the composition and yield of buffalo colostrum and milk.

No abstract

The nutritional value of egg yolk in terms of fat content and fatty acid (FA) composition is needed to evaluate their possible effect on human cardiovascular health and disease. This study determined the FA-based nutritional indices/ratios of egg yolks from 29 breeds belonging to seven poultry species (chicken, mallard, quail, Muscovy, guinea fowl, turkey, and ostrich) in a government poultry research station at Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines. At least four pooled samples (each consisting of four egg yolks) per breed were randomly collected and immediately frozen at –20 °C until analyzed for fat content and FA composition by gas chromatography. The major FAs in egg yolk with the highest proportions by weight of total FAs were oleic acid C18:1 n-9 (30.6–43.9%), palmitic acid C16:0 (22.2–54.4%), linoleic acid (LA) C18:2 n-6 (0.4–16.6%), and stearic acid C18:0 (4.0–12.1%). Compared to chicken and quail eggs, the mallard egg yolk seems to have more health benefits because of a lower LA to α-linolenic acid C18:3 n-3 (ALA) ratio (15.70: 1), atherogenicity (0.45), and thrombogenicity (0.91) – as well as higher yolk weight (22.7 g), fat content (31.8%), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio (1.73: 1), health-promoting index (2.20), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (2.26). Among mallard breeds, the egg yolks from Tsaiya and Pekin were superior to that from Itik-Pinas breeds. Egg yolk from other poultry species generally had lower FA-based nutritional values. Significant breed differences in fat content, FA composition, and nutritional indices/ratio were also reported for egg yolks from chicken, quail, and turkey.

Materials made from renewable resources offer a promising strategy for reducing environmental problems. Starch is a well-known alternative among several biodegradable materials due to its availability, cheap cost, and degradability. This research aims to develop a degradable film from cassava starch and use citric acid as the crosslinker. Light transmittance measurement reveals that the films produced have high UV barrier capacity in the UV region and above 80% transmittance values in the visible region. Additionally, it was found that the film with 10% citric acid had a favorable balance of tensile strength, elongation, and fracture stress.