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This study focuses on the optimization of ultrasound-assisted oil extraction from Carica candamarcensis seed using response surface methodology. The process parameters considered were extraction time (30–60 min), ultrasound amplitude level (20–40%), and solvent to seed ratio (10–20 mL/g). These were varied as suggested by Box-Behnken experimental model. Optimum values of these process parameters were given by the regression model, with the corresponding extraction yield. The model was validated experimentally to ensure its reliability. Physicochemical properties and fatty acid compositions of the extracted oil were evaluated accordingly. Furthermore, the extracted oil was then converted into biodiesel via ultrasound-assisted transesterification, using potassium hydroxide as the catalyst. FAME contents of the produced biodiesel were measured using gas chromatography. In addition, physicochemical properties of the biodiesel were also determined accordingly. Hence, findings from this study would be beneficial in further exploration on the usage of Carica candamarcensis as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in farmed aquatic organisms has already been the prime priority of researchers due to the food security concerns for human consumption. A number of commercially important aquaculture systems have already been investigated for MPs pollution but the mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture system has not been investigated yet even though it is a highly demanded commercial species globally. This study reported the MPs pollution in the mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture system for the first time. Three different stations of the selected aquafarm were sampled for water and sediment samples and MPs particles in the samples were isolated by the gravimetric analysis (0.9% w/v NaCl solution). MP abundance was visualized under a microscope along with their size, shape, and color. A subset of the isolated MPs was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for the surface and chemical characterization respectively. The average MPs concentration was 47.5 ± 11.875 particles/g in sediment and 127.92 ± 14.99 particles/100 L in the water sample. Fibrous-shaped (72.17%) and transparent-colored (59.37%) MPs were dominant in all the collected samples. However, smaller MPs (>0.05–0.5 mm) were more common in the water samples (47.69%) and the larger (>1–5 mm) MPs were in the sediment samples (47.83%). SEM analysis found cracks and roughness on the surface of the MPs and nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene MPs were identified by FTIR analysis. PLI value showed hazard level I in water and level II in sediment. The existence of deleterious MPs particles in the mud crab aquaculture system was well evident. The other commercial mud crab aquafarms must therefore be thoroughly investigated in order to include farmed mud crabs as an environmentally vulnerable food security concern. [Display omitted] • MPs were found in both water and sediment samples of the mud crab culture system. • MPs were more abundant in sediment samples than in water samples. • Fibrous and transparent colored MPs were the most common types of MPs particles. • The types of MPs characterized were nylon, PE, PP, and PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a Ni-SDC anode-supported cell operating with a dry CH 4 feed stream and the effectiveness of exposing the anode to H 2 as a method of removing carbon deposits are evaluated. This has involved the continuous monitoring of the outlet gas composition during CH 4 operation and H 2 exposure. A degradation rate in the cell voltage (∼1.33 mV h −1 ) is observed during 100 h operation with dry CH 4 . Carbon is detected in the Ni-SDC anode after the stability test but only in the portion of the anode closest to the fuel channel. No carbon is detected at the electrolyte-anode interface, which is the likely reason that the cell performance remains relatively stable. The information obtained from SEM and gas outlet composition analyses can be explained by a process whereby most of the CH 4 that reacts decomposes into H 2 and C in the Ni-SDC anode near the fuel channel. H 2 then makes its way to the anode-electrolyte interface where it is electrochemically oxidized to H 2 O which can also react with any C that may have formed, leaving behind C primarily at the fuel channel. When an aged cell is exposed to H 2 , carbon-containing gases (CO, CH 4 and CO 2 ) are released, indicating that some carbon has been removed from the anode. Examination of the anode after the test shows that some carbon still remains after this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of nickel-samaria-doped ceria (Ni-SDC) anode-supported cell with CO-CO 2 feed was evaluated. The aim of this work is to examine carbon formation on the Ni-SDC anode when feeding with CO under conditions when carbon deposition is thermodynamically favoured. Electrochemical tests were conducted at intermediate temperatures (550–700 °C) using 20 and 40% CO concentrations. Cell operating with 40% CO at 600–700 °C provided maximum power densities of 239–270 mW cm −2 , 1.5 times smaller than that achieved with humidified H 2 . Much lower maximum power densities were attained with 20% CO (50–88 mW cm −2 ). Some degradation was observed during the 6 h galvanostatic operation at 0.1 A cm −2 with 40% CO fuel at 550 °C which is believed due to the accumulation of carbon at the anode. The degradation in cell potential occurred at a rate of 4.5 mV h −1 , but it did not lead to cell collapse. EDX mapping at the cross-section of the anode revealed that carbon formed in the Ni-SDC cell was primarily deposited in the anode section close to the fuel entry point. Carbon was not detected at the electrolyte-anode interface and the middle of the anode, allowing the cell to continue operation with CO fuel without a catastrophic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air contamination by fungi is common nowadays. It creates health problems, especially in people with asthma. Approximately 80% of these patients are allergic to fungus. In this study, a bioactive compound, potassium sorbate which is actively used in the food industry for antifungal purposes was evaluated for its ability to treat indoor airborne fungal contamination in two higher educational buildings at a university in Johor, Malaysia. Indoor air samplings of fungi were carried out at three different sites in each building using malt extract agar (MEA), which were incorporated with the mentioned biocide as culture media. It was shown under indoor and outdoor conditions that fungi were able to colonize untreated MEA. The effectiveness of the biocide to prevent the growth of fungi on treated MEA was compared with that of untreated MEA. It was clearly shown that the biocide can effectively prevent the airborne fungal growth at all six sites as the number of colony forming units was drastically reduced by more than 88% averagely on the treated culture media as compared with that of the untreated media. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This study evaluates the immune responses of single avian influenza virus (AIV) HA DNA vaccine immunization using attenuated Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium as an oral vaccine carrier and intramuscular (IM) DNA injection. One-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks immunized once by oral gavage with 109 Salmonella colony-forming units containing plasmid expression vector encoding the HA gene of A/Ck/Malaysia/5858/04 (H5N1) (pcDNA3.1.H5) did not show any clinical manifestations. Serum hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer samples collected from the IM immunized chickens were low compared to those immunized with S. typhimurium.pcDNA3.1.H5. The highest average antibody titers were detected on day 35 post immunization for both IM and S. typhimurium.pcDNA3.1.H5 immunized groups, at 4.0±2.8 and 51.2±7.5, respectively. S. typhimurium.pcDNA3.1.H5 also elicited both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of immunized chickens as early as day 14 after immunization, at 20.5±2.0 and 22.9±1.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in chickens vaccinated intramuscularly were low at 5.9±0.9 and 8.5±1.3%, respectively. Immunization of chickens with S. typhimurium.pcDNA3.1.H5 enhanced IL-1β, IL-12β, IL-15 and IL-18 expressions in spleen although no significant differences were recorded in chickens vaccinated via IM and orally with S. typhimurium and S. typhimurium.pcDNA3.1. Hence, single oral administrations of the attenuated S. typhimurium containing pcDNA3.1.H5 showed antibody, T cell and Th1-like cytokine responses against AIV in chickens. Whether the T cell response induced by vaccination is virus-specific and whether vaccination protects against AIV infection requires further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was prepared from a PVDF/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution using liquid-induced phase separation with 2-propanol as the soft coagulant. In this paper, the effect of the dissolving temperature on the morphology and crystalline structure of PVDF membrane and subsequently on protein binding was studied. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was performed to observe the membrane morphology, and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) along with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the crystallinity and crystalline structure of the membrane respectively. The FESEM and FTIR results show that membrane morphologies and crystalline changed significantly as a result of the dissolving temperature, while no obvious change observed on the crystallinity of the membrane, based on the DSC results. It was found that a critical temperature of 40°C existed. At lower temperatures, the protein binding ability was governed by the crystalline structure of the membrane, whereas at temperatures greater than 40°C, the protein binding was primarily governed by the membrane porosity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this novel study, oil was extracted from the kernel of an exotic indigenous species known as Canarium odontophyllum via an ultrasound-assisted process. The extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD). The optimal conditions for the investigated parameters were determined as ultrasound amplitude level: 38.30%, ratio of n -hexane to kernel powder: 50:1 in mL/g, extraction time: 45.79 min, resulting in an oil extraction yield of 63.48%. For verification purposes, experiments were conducted using the same optimized values of the investigated parameters which resulted in the average oil yield of 63.27% and this prove the reliability of the regression model. The extracted oil's fatty acid composition was obtained using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with flame-ionization detection (FID). The low acid value of the extracted oil is another interesting finding. This is important because it circumvents pretreatment processes such as degumming and esterification prior to the transesterification process. Biodiesel was produced from the oil via ultrasound-assisted transesterification, with a yield of 95.2%. Physiochemical properties of the C. odontophyllum biodiesel were determined, and it was found that all the tested properties comply with fuel specifications based on ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. Significant savings of 52.3% and 80.9% in energy consumption and extraction time, respectively were achieved via ultrasound-assisted extraction compared with the conventional Soxhlet extraction. This study establishes the foundation and the need to further explore the usage of C. odontophyllum as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The catalytic performance of Ni-POFA catalyst for methane decomposition has been evaluated. • Increasing the Ni loading from 5 to 15 wt.% increased the Ni-POFA performance. • Catalyst degradation at 20 wt.% Ni loading was due to Ni agglomeration and large filamentous carbon. • Increasing the GHSV from 5000 to 7000 mL/g h increased the Ni-POFA performance. • Low performance at 15,000 and 25,000 mL/g h was due to short contact time between CH 4 gas and Ni-POFA. The performance of Ni supported on palm oil fuel ash (Ni-POFA) catalyst was evaluated for methane decomposition reaction. The effects of Ni loading (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) (5000, 7000, 15,000 and 25,000 mL/g h) were investigated at 550 °C for 6 h. The results show that increasing the Ni loading from 5 to 15 wt.% increased the initial H 2 yield. However, the highest Ni loading (20 wt.% Ni) resulted in the lowest CH 4 conversion and H 2 yield, which has been associated to Ni particles agglomeration and formation of large filamentous carbon. The increase of GHSV from 5000 to 7000 mL/g h increased the initial CH 4 conversion and initial H 2 yield. Nonetheless, the catalytic performance of Ni-POFA degraded rapidly at higher GHSVs (15,000 and 25,000 mL/g h). This has been linked to a shorter contact time between CH 4 gas and the catalyst at higher CH 4 flow rates. The current study proposes the 15 wt.% Ni and 7000 mL/g h as the optimum Ni loading and GHSV for Ni-POFA catalyst, respectively. Under these conditions, methane decomposition performed admirably at 87.0% initial CH 4 conversion and 27.0% initial H 2 yield. Under the same conditions, the highest stable value of H 2 production was achieved at ∼2.0% over the 6-h reaction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in energy demand coupled with the depletion of fossil-based resources has elevated the need for cleaner, renewable and sustainable fuels. Amongst alternative energies, hydrogen-based energy solution has become a promising replacement candidate due to its clean emission, high efficiency and it is considered to be a perfect substitute to reduce the dependency on non-renewable sources. Recently, the valorization biomass has become one of the attractive routes for hydrogen production and it has received growing attentions from worldwide researchers. Glycerol, the by-product from the biodiesel production faced oversupply crisis due to the high refining cost and this has affected the economics and sustainability of biodiesel industry. Hence, the most attractive way to boost the economic value of biodiesel is through the valorization of crude glycerol into value-added products, i.e., H 2 and syngas. Previously, the production of H 2 from glycerol has been carried out using various reforming processes such as aqueous phase reforming, pyrolysis, steam reforming, partial oxidation and dry reforming reactions. In the large scale industrial applications, Ni-based catalyst has been reported as the most common catalyst used in reforming reactions since this type of catalyst is readily available, inexpensive and possesses high catalytic activity. Ni was also found to have a good intrinsic activity and easily dispersed over the support materials. Throughout the years, various production routes and catalyst design have been reported in literature; however, none of the literatures are specifically focusing on benefits, constraints, limitation and challenges faced by glycerol reforming reactions catalyzed by Ni-based catalysts. Therefore, the focus of this review is to highlight the recent findings on Ni-based thermochemical processes of glycerol reforming reactions and emphasis will be given on the recent advances in catalyst and reactor designs as well as discovering the main routes of catalyst deactivation. • A review of glycerol reforming reactions over Ni-based catalysts is presented. • Glycerol as the potential feedstocks for hydrogen and syngas productions. • Recent technologies on glycerol reforming are systematically overviewed. • Role of catalyst, supports and promoters in glycerol reforming reaction is reported. • Deactivation of Ni-based catalysts in glycerol reforming is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the catalytic pyrolysis of glycerol into syngas over a 3 wt%Ce-20 wt%Ni/77 wt% α-Al 2 O 3 catalyst and at reaction temperatures of 973 K, 1023 K and 1073 K. NH 3 - and CO 2 -TPD analyses have revealed that the as-synthesized catalyst was net acidic with acid-to-basic site ratio of 1.24. This provides ideal conditions for chemisorption of glycerol. In addition, the BET specific surface area was 2.89 m 2 g −1 . The small surface area can be attributed to the thermally stable α-Al 2 O 3 support. In addition, the average crystallite size was 40.22 nm. The catalytic glycerol pyrolysis produced gaseous products that were comprised of H 2 , CO, CO 2 and CH 4 only with H 2 :CO ratios that were consistently less than 2.0. This ratio is suitable for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The yields of CO 2 and CH 4 were several folds lower than the yields of H 2 and CO, indicating that the latter were from primary reaction, viz. glycerol decomposition whilst the former were from secondary competing reactions. In addition, the activation energy obtained via Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was 25.34 kJ mol −1 . Used catalyst characterization showed that the carbonaceous deposit was in the forms of whisker-type. This type of carbon deposit would not physically deactivate the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Goniothalamus macrophyllus (Blume) Hook. f. & Thoms. is a plant widely distributed in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to identify compounds from the roots of G. macrophyllus. The ground roots were extracted with aqueous methanol and partitioned sequentially with n-hexane, chloroform and butanol. Purification from this extracts afforded six compounds with two new compounds, namely goniolandrene-A (1), -B (2). The absolute configuration of goniolandrene B (2) was established by circular dichrosim. The compounds were cytotoxic against the P388 cells with IC50 values ranging from 0.42 to 160μM. Goniothalamin (3) exhibited the highest inhibition of 0.42μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the utilization of polymeric membrane for bio-sensing application in most efficient and rapid way. Customization of membrane formulation via phase separation study to modify its morphologies and properties enable the detection of different pathogens in a specific manner. Experimental findings (FESEM, through-pore distribution, porosity, capillary flow test and protein binding test) verified the predictions of faster capillary flow time and higher membrane’s protein binding by the addition of cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose to the membrane casting dope, respectively. Throughout the phase separation study, the potential phase behavior was investigated, which was correlating various membrane structures to its performances for potential pathogens detection in water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae that has caused severe economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. Several strains of NDV were reported to induce cytolysis to cancerous cell lines. It has prompted much interest as anticancer agent because it can replicate up to 10,000 times better in human cancer cells than in most normal cells. In this study, two NDV strains, viserotropic–velogenic strain AF2240 and lentogenic strain V4-UPM, showed cytolytic activity and apoptosis induction against Mouse myelomoncytic leukemia (WEHI 3B). The cytolytic effects of NDV strains were determined using microtetrazolium (MTT) assay. The cytolytic dose – fifty percent (CD50) were 2 and 8HAU for AF2240 and V4-UPM strains, respectively. Cells treated with NDV strains showed apoptotic features compared to the untreated cells under fluorescence microscope. NDV induced activation of caspase-3 and DNA laddering in agarose gel electrophoresis which confirmed the apoptosis. The anti-leukemic activity of both strains was evaluated on myelomoncytic leukemia BALB/c mice. The results indicated that both NDV strains significantly decreased liver and spleen weights. It also decreased blasts cell percentage in blood, bone marrow and spleen smears of treated mice (p <0.05). Histopathological studies for spleen and liver confirmed the hematological results of blood and bone marrow. From the results obtained, the exposure to both NDV stains AF2240 and V4-UPM showed similar results for Ara-c. In conclusion NDV strains AF2240 and V4-UPM can affect WEHI 3B leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Studied the behavior of concrete incorporating alum sludge as fine aggregate. • Up to 10% alum sludge ratio was observed good in terms of hardend properties. • Good durability performance of concrete containing alum sludge as fine aggregate was observed. Water treatment plant generates alum sludge as waste during the process of treating drinking water for human consumption. Notwithstanding the benefits of treating water, there are still problems associated with the disposal of waste generated from the water treatment plant after the treatment process. Studies have shown that the conventional disposal method is associated with environmental hazards; and there is a need to derive more sustainable method of alum sludge disposal. This study focused on investigating the properties of concrete incorporating alum sludge as a partial replacement of fine aggregate. The alum sludge used in this study as replacement of fine aggregate was prepared in two ways; oven-dried under temperature 105 °C and 300 °C heated alum sludge (heated in the furnace). Both alum sludge (oven-dried alum sludge, 300 °C heated alum sludge) was crushed/grinded to obtain a maximum particle size of 65 µm and used to replace fine aggregate in different proportions (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%). The produced concrete was tested for fresh properties; and then cured at 7, 28, 56, 90 and 180 days to test for hardened and durability properties. The results from the study showed that oven-dried alum sludge and 300 °C treated alum sludge produce a workable mix and can be used as replacement of fine aggregate with optimum replacement content of 10%. Both alum sludge improved the density of the concrete, strength properties of the concrete and concrete durability. At 15% replacement content of fine aggregate with oven dried and 300°C heated alum sludge, yield a decrease in workability and strength properties, with poor durability properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• COVID-19 was deemed a pandemic because of the spread of SARS-CoV-2. • The Government of Malaysia has taken significant precautions to prevent virus transmission. • The Movement Control Order has diminished the number of new cases per day. • This article could be helpful for COVID-19 detection, diagnosis, and recovery. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel pneumonia disease originating in Wuhan, was confirmed by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020 before becoming an outbreak in all countries. A stringent screening process at all airports in Malaysia was enforced after the first case outside China was reported in Thailand. Up to April 14, 2020, Malaysia had reported two waves of COVID-19 cases, with the first wave ending successfully within less than 2 months. In early March 2020, the second wave occurred, with worrying situations. The Government of Malaysia enforced a Movement Control Order starting on March 18, 2020 to break the chain of COVID-19. The media actively spread the hashtag #stayhome. Non-governmental organizations, as well as prison inmates, started to produce personal protective equipment for frontliners. Various organizations hosted fundraising events to provide essentials mainly to hospitals. A provisional hospital was set up and collaborations with healthcare service providers were granted, while additional laboratories were assigned to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Health. An initial financial stimulus amounting to RM 20.0 billion was released in February 2020, before the highlighted PRIHATIN Package, amounting to RM 250 billion, was announced. The PRIHATIN Package has provided governmental support to society, covering people of various backgrounds from students and families to business owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Rice bran biodiesel is produced using ultrasound and infrared radiation. • ANN-GWO is a reliable tool to optimize the transesterification process. • The predicted rice bran yield is 98.16%. • The optimum yield obtained from the experiment is 97.74%. • The FAME content of the optimized biodiesel is 95%. A system combining ultrasound and infrared radiation was used to increase the chemical reactions between incompressible reactants by enhancing their mass transfers with the aim to reduce the energy usage and reaction time. In this study, biodiesel from RBO was produced via transesterification, and the process variables were optimized using the combination of ANN and GWO algorithm. Process parameters considered in this study are ratio of methanol to oil, catalyst concentration, and reaction time. Based on the ANN-GWO algoritm used, the optimum conditions for the process parameters were (1) methanol to oil ratio: 60%, (2) concentration of catalyst: 1 wt%, (3) time: 7.76 min, leading to the metyl ester yield of 98.16 wt%. The algoritm was verified by conducting a triplicate independent experiments using the suggested optimum values, resulting in an average methyl ester yield of 97.74 wt%. Subsequently, properties of rice bran biodiesel were compared to ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards, and the obtained values met both the standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics pollution has become a threat to aquaculture practices, as nearly all farming systems are saturated with microplastics (MPs) particles. Current research on MPs is limited considering their effects on aquatic organisms and human health. However, limited research has been conducted on potential cures and treatments. In today's world, bioremediation of needful parameters in different culture systems is being successfully practiced by introducing floc-forming bacteria. Researchers had found that some bacteria are efficacious in degrading microplastics particles including polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). In addition, some bacteria that can form floc, are being used in fish and shellfish culture systems to treat toxic pollutants as the heterotrophic bacteria use organic compounds to grow and are effective in degrading microplastics and minimizing toxic nitrogen loads in aquaculture systems. In this review, the ability of biofloc bacteria to degrade microplastics has been summarized by collating the results of previous studies. The concept of this review may represent the efficacy of biofloc technology as an implicit tool in the fish culture system restricting the MPs contamination in water resources to safeguard ecological as well as human health. • Biofloc technology has a potential impact on the MPs pollution reduction. • Specific biofloc producing bacteria are found to be a MPs degrader. • Biofloc producing bacteria can degrade microplastics and convert them to environment-friendly non-toxic compounds. • Microplastics pollution free aquaculture system could be established through the biodegradation of MPs by biofloc bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• B.enclensis was identified as bioflocculant-producing bacteria based on morphological and flocculating activity. • Bioflocculant-producing bacteria, B. enclensis yielded 93% of flocculation efficiency. • Microplastics was incubated with B. enclensis , changes in physical and chemical properties were observed by SEM and FTIR. • The microplastics served as the sole source of carbon for the bacterial culture that was grown in Mineral Salt Medium. • Inoculation of B. enclensis with microplastics provide eco-friendly treatment for microplastic pollution in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance For centuries, Edible Bird Nest (EBN) has been used in treatment of variety of respiratory diseases such as flu and cough as a Chinese natural medicine. Aim of the study This natural remedy showed the potential to inhibit influenza A virus (IAV). However, little is known about the mechanism of this process and also the evaluation of this product in an animal model. Hence, the current study was designed to elucidate the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of EBN against IAV strain A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1). Materials and methods First, influenza infected MDCK cells treated with EBNs from two locations of Malaysia (Teluk Intan and Gua Madai) that prepared with different enzymatic preparations were analyzed by RT-qPCR and ELISA for detection of viral and cytokines genes. The sialic acid composition of these EBNs was evaluated by H-NMR. Subsequently, after toxicity evaluation of EBN from Teluk Intan, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of this natural product was evaluated in BALB/c mice by analysis of the viral NA gene and cytokine expressions in the first week of the infection. Results EBN showed high neuraminidase inhibitory properties in both in vitro and in vivo , which was as effective as Oseltamivir phosphate. In addition, EBN decreased NS1 copy number ( p <0.05) of the virus along with high immunomodulatory effects against IAV. Some of the immune changes during treatment of IAV with EBN included significant increase in IFNγ, TNFα, NFκB, IL2, some proinflammatory cytokines like IL1β, IL6, and cytokines with regulatory properties like IL10, IL27, IL12, CCL2 and IL4 depends on the stage of the infection. EBNs from two locations contained different composition of sialic acid and thymol derivatives, which gave them different antiviral properties. EBN from Gua Madai that contained more acetylated sialic acid (Neu2,4,7,8,9 Ac6) showed higher antiviral activity. Conclusion The findings of this study support the antiviral activity of EBN against influenza virus and validate the traditional usage of this natural remedy by elucidation of toxicity and the molecular mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious avian disease and one of the major causes of economic losses in the poultry industry. The emergence of virulent NDV genotypes and repeated outbreaks of NDV in vaccinated chickens have raised the need for fundamental studies on the virus–host interactions. In this study, the profiles of B and T lymphocytes and macrophages and differential expression of 26 immune-related genes in the spleen of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, infected with either the velogenic genotype VII NDV strain IBS002 or the genotype VIII NDV strain AF2240, were evaluated. A significant reduction in T lymphocyte population and an increase in the infiltration of IgM+ B cells and KUL01+ macrophages were detected in the infected spleens at 1, 3 and 4 days post-infection (dpi) (P <0.05). The gene expression profiles showed an up-regulation of CCLi3, CXCLi1, CXCLi2 (IL-8), IFN-γ, IL-12α, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, TLR7, MHCI, IL-17F and TNFSF13B (P <0.05). However, these two genotypes showed different cytokine expression patterns and viral load. IBS002 showed higher viral load than AF2240 in spleen at 3 and 4dpi and caused a more rapid up-regulation of CXCLi2, IFN-γ, IL-12α, IL-18, IL-1β, iNOS and IL-10 at 3dpi. Meanwhile, the expression levels of CCLI3, CXCLi1, IFN-γ, IL-12α, IL-1β and iNOS genes were significantly higher in AF2240 at 4dpi. In addition, the expression levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in the IBS002-infected chickens at 3 and 4dpi. Hence, infection with velogenic genotype VII and VIII NDV induced different viral load and production of cytokines and chemokines associated with inflammatory reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We had examined the immunogenicity of a series of plasmid DNAs which include neuraminidase (NA) and nucleoprotein (NP) genes from avian influenza virus (AIV). The interleukin-15 (IL-15) and interleukin- 18 (IL-18) as genetic adjuvants were used for immunization in combination with the N1 and NP AIV genes. In the first trial, 8 groups of chickens were established with 10 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens per group while, in the second trial 7 SPF chickens per group were used. The overall N1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titer in chickens immunized with the pDis/N1 + pDis/IL- 15 was higher compared to the chickens immunized with the pDis/N1 and this suggesting that chicken IL-15 could play a role in enhancing the humoral immune response. Besides that, the chickens that were immunized at 14-day-old (Trial 2) showed a higher N1 antibody titer compared to the chickens that were immunized at 1-day-old (Trial 1). Despite the delayed in NP antibody responses, the chickens co-administrated with IL-15 were able to induce earlier and higher antibody response compared to the pDis/NP and pDis/NP + pDis/IL-18 inoculated groups. The pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-15 inoculated chickens also induced higher CD8+ T cells increase than the pDis/N1 group in both trials (P < 0.05). The flow cytometry results from both trials demonstrated that the pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-18 groups were able to induce CD4+ T cells higher than the pDis/N1 group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-18 group was able to induce CD8+ T cells higher than the pDis/N1 group (P < 0.05) in Trial 2 only. In the present study, pDis/NP was not significant (P > 0.05) in inducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when co-administered with the pDis/IL-18 in both trials in comparison to the pDis/NP. Our data suggest that the pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-15 combination has the potential to be used as a DNA vaccine against AIV in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Scylla mud crab farming, limb autotomy is commonly used in soft-shell crab production to expedite the moulting process and temporarily achieve high stocking density during crablet transportation. However, little is known about the effect of limb loss on the feeding ability of mud crabs. Therefore, we investigated the effect of various degrees of limb autotomy on the feeding ability of S. olivacea on either live blood cockles or cockle meat, and subsequently the effect of different live cockle size and days after limb removal. The removal of all appendages except for swimming legs compromised S. olivacea 's ability to feed on live cockles but not on cockle meat. When fed with live cockles, the total eaten cockle mass was similar among treatments, but the loss of limbs resulted in lower number of crabs engaged in feeding activity and longer feeding duration. When fed with cockle meat, crabs of all treatments engaged in feeding activity, and only full autotomised crabs showed prolonged feeding duration. Limb loss, but not cockle size nor day after limb removal, affected cockle consumption. Only crabs with one cheliped removed improved their feeding duration after Day 7, whereas crabs that lost both chelipeds did not show change in feeding duration. These results suggest that limb removal affect the feeding ability in mud crabs, and this serves as essential knowledge for future optimisation of the feeding practices of mud crab juveniles right after transportation or during soft-shell crab culture. • Full limb autotomised crabs unable to feed on live cockles. • Limb loss resulted in longer feeding duration. • Crabs missing two limbs or full autotomised ate higher cockle mass. • Only crabs missing one limb showed improved feeding after a week. • The degree of limb removal alters feeding behaviour and duration of mud crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to comprehensively review the anaerobic digestion (AD) process utilising the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) substrate. The AD of OFMSW has received considerable attention due to its significant energy and nutrient recovery as well as its greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential. AD is a biological process involving treating and stabilising organic matter in the absence of oxygen accomplished by a consortium of microorganisms and occurs under hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis phases. The hydrolysis phase is recognised as the primary rate-limiting step. Thus, exploring the ways to speed up the hydrolysis process will maximise biogas production. The key factors affecting the digestion efficiency include feedstock quality, pre-treatment process, design and selection of digestion process and process conditions including pH, temperature, carbon to nitrogen (C: N) ratio, organic loading rate and hydraulic retention time. The review reveals that solid-state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) is best suited for OFMSW due to its high solid concentration (>15%) and better process performance. The continuous digestion with thermophilic temperatures was found to be the best condition for high solid AD process. The plug flow and continuous stir tank reactors were the best performing options to control the biological conditions for the digestate post-treatment. Proper selection of the parameters for the whole process is crucial in ensuring process feasibility and economic sustainability of AD of OFMSW. The study revealed that the AD of OFMSW could play a significant role to mitigate waste and waste-related problems. • Studies on organic fraction of municipality solid waste are reviewed. • Pretreatment is required to achieve optimum results in anaerobic digestion. • The digestion operating conditions significantly controls the biogas output. • The products of digestate require post-treatment for maximised output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The expressions of IFN-related genes, T-cell related genes and Th1 associated cytokines were associated with bursal immunopathology in inbred line. • Inbred line P showed greater bursal lesion scores and higher viral copy numbers compared to line N, accompanied by higher expression of IFNB, IL1B, IL6, IL15, IL17, CXCLi2, and CCL4. • Meanwhile, line N showed greater down-regulation of B cell related genes (BLNK, TNFSF13B and CD72) compared to line P. • Hence, the bursal immunopathology of IBDV correlates with expression of proinflammatory related genes and not B-cell related genes. Among different inbred chickens' lines, we previously showed that lines P and N of Institute for Animal Health, Compton, UK are the most susceptible and the least affected lines, respectively, following infection with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). In this study, the differential expressions of 29 different immune-related genes were characterized. Although, birds from both lines succumbed to infection, line P showed greater bursal lesion scores and higher viral copy numbers compared to line N. Interestingly, line N showed greater down-regulation of B cell related genes (BLNK, TNFSF13B and CD72) compared to line P. While up-regulation of T-cell related genes (CD86 and CTLA4) and Th1 associated cytokines (IFNG, IL2, IL12A and IL15) were documented in both lines, the expression levels of these genes were different in the two lines. Meanwhile, the expression of IFN-related genes IFNB, STAT1, and IRF10, but not IRF5, were up-regulated in both lines. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, IL18, and IL17) and chemokines (CXCLi2, CCL4, CCL5 and CCR5) were up-regulated in both lines with greater increase documented in line P compared to line N. Strikingly, the expression of IL12B was detected only in line P whilst the expression of IL15RA was detected only in line N. In conclusion, the bursal immunopathology of IBDV correlates more with expression of proinflammatory response related genes and does not related to expression of B-cell related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petrochemical wastewater (PCW) from acrylic acid plants possesses a very high chemical oxygen demand (COD) due to the presence of acrylic acid along with other organic acids. The treatment of PCW by conventional aerobic and anaerobic methods is energy intensive. Therefore, the treatment of PCW with concurrent power generation by employing microbial fuel cell (MFC) could be a potential alternative to solve the energy and environmental issues. This study demonstrates the potentiality of PCW from acrylic acid plant with an initial COD of 45,000 mg L−1 generating maximum power density of 850 mW m−2 at a current density of 1500 mA m−2 using acclimatized anaerobic sludge (AS) as biocatalyst. The predominant microbes present in acclimatized AS were identified using Biolog GEN III analysis, which include the electrogenic genera namely Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. along with methanogenic archea Methanobacterium spp. The mechanism of electron transfer was elucidated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which clearly demonstrated the natural metabolite-based electron transfer across the electrode/biofilm/solution interface. The abundance of the electron shuttle metabolites was increased with the microbial growth in the bulk solution as well as in the biofilm leading to a high power generation. The COD removal efficiency and the coulombic efficiency (CE) were found to be 40% and 21%, respectively after 11 days of operation using initial COD of 45,000 mg L−1. The low COD removal efficiency could drastically be increased to 82% when the initial COD of PCW was 5000 mg L−1 generating a power density of 150 mW m−2. The current work proves the feasibility of the MFC for the treatment of acrylic acid plant PCW using acclimatized anaerobic sludge (AS) as a biocatalyst. Unlabelled Image • Petrochemical wastewater from acrylic acid plant was treated in microbial fuel cell. • Acclimatized sludge contained predominantly electrogen along with methanogen. • Maximum power density of 850 mW m−2 was obtained after 11 days of operation. • COD removal efficiency decreased with the increase of initial COD. • Indirect electron transfer mechanism played crucial role in enhanced power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]