Evaluation of Sorghum Varieties for Quality Silage Production | IJB 2024

Michael M. Uy, from the institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Evaluation of Sorghum Varieties for Quality Silage Production. Entitled, Development and evaluation of three sorghum varieties under different fermentation period for silage production. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal Biosciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Silage is a crucial source of nourishment for livestock, especially during dry periods or poor-quality grass. The simple random and ranking technique was used, and it was conducted at Cagayan State -University at Piat Campus to investigate the nutritional value of three sorghum cultivars when turned into silage with varying fermentation durations. Generally, the study aimed to determine the most suitable sorghum variety for optimal silage production based on nutritional quality. The results showed that all three sorghum varieties exhibited an increase in crude protein content from 14 to 21 days of fermentation. Additionally, higher fiber content was observed after 28 days of fermentation. Extended fermentation led to a reduction in moisture content due to microbial activity during the ensiling process. The presence of calcium and phosphorus in the fermentation substrate influenced the proliferation and activity of fermentative microorganisms. Based on the study, the 21-day fermentation period for sorghum silage is recommended for local livestock farmers. Furthermore, considering their nutritional content, the SV2 and SV3 sorghum varieties are suitable for silage production. It is recommended that a wider range of sorghum cultivars and varying fermentation durations be considered to identify the best options for high-quality silage production.

Introduction

The demand for needs like food, clothing, and housing is rising as a result of the planet's ongoing rapid population growth. Regrettably, the amount of land accessible for crop production has significantly decreased as a result of this demand, which is negatively affecting the agricultural sector. The livestock business also faces difficulties as a result of the loss of pasture lands and natural vegetation brought on by the conversion of land for commercial use.

Because they have few resources, livestock farmers in the surrounding farming villages feed their animals by using naturally occurring weeds and agricultural waste materials. However, the lack of sufficient nourishment from these sources frequently results in low animal productivity.

The Department of Agriculture is trying to address this problem by introducing new technology and ways to give cattle greater nutrition. Planting sorghum, a significant fodder crop that does well in a range of environmental circumstances, is one such alternative. Because of its morphophysiological responses to water stress, sorghum can thrive in arid and semi-arid environments and produce high dry matter yields while adjusting to variable rainfall patterns.

Because of their high nutritional value, limited buffering capacity, and high concentration of soluble carbohydrates, sorghum plants are also good for making silage. In tropical areas, silage production is a vital technique for conserving fodder and is frequently employed to keep livestock fed during dry spells.

Crop health and productivity are also influenced by the methods used in their upbringing, care, and nursing. Due to its environmental adaptability, sorghum is a significant feed crop that is utilized in livestock systems in many parts of the world (Sanchez et al., 2002). Due to its morpho-physiological responses to water stress, which result in a high dry matter yield (DMY) and resilience in places with irregular rainfall distribution, sorghum is a significant source of roughage in arid and semi-arid regions (Sankarapandian et al., 2013).

 In addition to these traits, sorghum plants are good for making silage (Brocke et al., 2014). This is due to their high soluble carbohydrate content (Sankarapandian et al., 2013), low buffering capacity, and high nutritional value (Kumar et al., 2015), all of which are necessary for sufficient lactic acid fermentation (Santos et al., 2013).

It is significant because, in tropical countries, silage production is a primary means of conserving fodder, which gives animals something to eat during dry spells.

Sorghum leaves and stalks can be used as silage, green feed, or fodder for animals, especially cattle and ruminants. Silage is made by fermentation and gives animals a high-quality diet at times when feed is in short supply. However, several variables, including the crop's age, the length of the fermented period, and the crop itself, might impact the nutrient composition of sorghum silage. Consequently, a study was carried out to ascertain the nutrient composition of sorghum silage by counting the number of days throughout the fermentation process. Generally, the study aimed to develop and evaluate the three sorghum cultivars for silage as affected by the number of days in the fermentation period. Specifically, it aimed to: (1) evaluate the nutritional quality of the silage produced from the three sorghum varieties under different fermentation periods and (2) identify the most suitable sorghum variety for optimal silage production based on nutritional quality.

Reference

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Brocke KV, Trouche G, Weltzien E, Barro CPK, Sidibé A, Zougmoré R. 2014. Helping farmers adapt to climate and cropping system change through increased access to sorghum genetic resources adapted to prevalent sorghum cropping systems in burkina faso. Experimental Agriculture 50, 284–305.

Gupta RK, Gangoliya SS, Singh NK. 2015. Reduction of phytic acid and enhancement of bioavailable micronutrients in food grains. Journal of Food Science and Technology 52(2), 676-684.

Kung Jr, L, Shaver RD. 2001. Interpretation and use of silage fermentation analysis reports. Focus on Forage 3(13), 1-6.

Kung Jr, L, Shaver RD. 2018. Silage Fermentation and Silage Additives, Journal of Dairy Science 101, 4020–4033.

McDonald. 1991. titled “The Biochemistry of Silage” Chalcombe Publications, 340 p.

Sanchez AC, Subudhi PK, Rosenow DT, Nguyen HT. 2002. Mapping QTLs associated with drought resistance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Plant Molecular Biology 48, 713–726.

Sankarapandian R, Audilakshmi S, Sharma V, Ganesamurthy K, Talwar HS, Patil JV. 2013. Effect of morpho-physiological traits on grain yield of sorghum grown under stress at different growth stages, and stability analysis. The Journal of Agricultural Science 151, 630–647.

Santos EM, Silva TC, Macedo CHO, Campos F. S. 2013. “Lactic acid bacteria in tropical grass silages,” in Lactic Acid Bacteria: R, D for Food, Health and Livestock Purposes, ed M. Kongo (Rijeka: InTech), 335–362.

Santos MM, Galvão JCC, Silva IR, Miranda GV, Finger FL. 2010. Application times nitrogen in top dressing in corn crops in direct planting, and allocation of nitrogen (15n) in the plant. Brazilian Journal of Soil Science 34(4), 1185-1194.

Article source : Development and evaluation of three sorghum varieties under different fermentation period forsilage production

 

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Environmental Awareness Among CFCST Students: Building a Greener Future | JBES 2025

Simonette C. Villabeto, College of Arts and Sciences, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, Doroluman, Arakan, Cotabato, Philippines. wrote a research article about, Environmental Awareness Among CFCST Students: Building a Greener Future. Entitled, Green minds, brighter future exploring environmental awareness among Cotabato foundation college of science and technology (CFCST) students.  This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal Biodiversity.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study investigated the level of environmental awareness of second year college students of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), Doroluman, Arakan, Cotabato, Philippines across the seven environmental concepts: Balance of Nature, Pollution, Stewardship, Finiteness of Resources, Change, Interdependence, and Diversity and Stability. Using a descriptive research design, structured survey questionnaires were administered to 106 randomly selected students from various degree programs. The results revealed that the students are very much aware of all seven environmental concepts, indicating a strong understanding of ecological relationships and environmental responsibility. When grouped according to gender, significant differences were found in the concepts of Balance of Nature, Pollution, and Stewardship, where female students exhibited higher awareness than males. However, no significant difference was observed when students were grouped according to their major field of concentration, indicating a consistent level of environmental awareness across disciplines. The study concludes that the high level of awareness may be attributed to the effective integration of environmental education in the curriculum. It is recommended that the college continue to strengthen its environmental education programs, enhance gender engagement strategies, and extend future studies to include other year levels and academic programs to provide a more comprehensive assessment of environmental awareness.

Introduction

Environmental awareness-the capacity to recognize, interpret, and evaluate the biophysical and socioecological elements of one‟s surroundings-is a foundational component of environmental literacy and an essential prerequisite for responsible environmental behavior (Hollweg et al., 2011; Sengupta et al., 2010). Environmental literacy comprises interrelated domains of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values that enable individuals to identify environmental problems, assess their causes and consequences, and engage in informed decisionmaking to promote sustainability. In the contemporary era, increasing population density and rapid technological advancement have intensified anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems, manifesting in resource depletion, pollution, habitat loss, and deteriorating public health-trends that emphasize the urgent need for enhanced public understanding of environmental issues (Ejem and Bello, 2013; Yap et al., 2024).

Although technological and industrial development have yielded economic benefits and global interconnectedness, these advances frequently entail ecological trade-offs.

Industrialization and technology-driven productivity can accelerate environmental degradation when not coupled with scientific understanding and effective stewardship (Mandler et al., 2012). Consequently, fostering environmental awareness is not solely a matter of imparting facts; it requires educational strategies that cultivate analytical reasoning, socio-scientific judgement, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Recent scholarship highlights that instruction which explicitly links scientific concepts to socio-scientific issues enhances students‟ capacity to apply disciplinary knowledge to real-world environmental problems (Georgiou and Kyza, 2023). Within the sciences, chemistry occupies a central role in explaining the mechanisms underlying many environmental phenomena-ranging from pollutant transformation and nutrient cycling to material degradation and chemical hazards. Chemistry education therefore has unique potential to contribute to environmental literacy by equipping learners with conceptual frameworks and methodological tools to diagnose environmental problems, evaluate risks, and propose evidence-based interventions (Mandler et al., 2012; Asworo, 2024). Pedagogical approaches that foreground green chemistry principles and socio-scientific inquiry have been shown to strengthen students‟ scientific literacy and orientation toward responsible citizenship, thereby bridging abstract chemical knowledge and practical environmental stewardship (Georgiou and Kyza, 2023).

Empirical evidence from both international and Philippine contexts indicates variability in environmental literacy across educational levels and curricular emphases. Studies in the Philippines report moderate levels of environmental literacy among senior high school students, suggesting opportunities for deeper, higher-education interventions to consolidate environmental understanding and proenvironmental behaviour (Mahinay et al., 2023).

Moreover, research synthesizing trends in chemistryliteracy scholarship reveals a growing emphasis on linking chemical knowledge with broader literacy goals-an evolution that supports the rationale for investigating the relationship between science curricula and environmental awareness at the tertiary level (Asworo, 2024).

-analyses and primary studies indicate that gender may moderate environmental concern and engagement, with females often reporting higher environmental sensitivity (Zelezny et al., 2000). Likewise, students‟ majors and the epistemic orientation of their coursework (e.g., science- vs. education-oriented curricula) may produce differing levels of exposure to environmental content and scientific modes of inquiry, thereby influencing environmental awareness (Ejem and Bello, 2013; AlBarakat et al., 2025).

Guided by these theoretical and empirical considerations, the present study aims to examine the level of environmental awareness among second-year college students of the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology. It particularly seeks to describe their awareness in terms of key environmental concepts-balance of nature, pollution, stewardship, finiteness of resources, change, interdependence, and diversity and stability- and to explore how this awareness may differ according to gender and field of specialization.

Through this investigation, the study endeavors to provide empirical insights into how exposure to science-oriented disciplines, particularly chemistry, influences students‟ environmental understanding and contributes to the cultivation of environmentally literate and responsible citizens.

Reference

Al-Barakat A, AlAli R, Alotaibi S, Alrashood J, Abdullatif A, Zaher A. 2025. Science education as a pathway to sustainable awareness: teachers’ perceptions on fostering understanding of humans and the environment: a qualitative study. Sustainability 17(15), 7136.

Almoraie NM, Alothmani NM, Alomari WD, Al-Amoudi AH. 2024. Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: a narrative review. Nutrition Research Reviews, 1–16.

Asworo YD. 2024. How important does chemistry and literacy? bibliometric analysis from 1993–2023. Journal of Research in Environmental and Science Education 1(1), 42–57.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 2022. Annual report: sustaining environmental governance and natural resource protection. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. https://www.denr.gov.ph/

Georgiou Y, Kyza EA. 2023. Fostering chemistry students’ scientific literacy for responsible citizenship through socio-scientific inquiry-based learning (SSIBL). Sustainability 15(8), 6442.

Hollweg KS, Taylor JR, Bybee RW, Marcinkowski TJ, McBeth WC, Zoido P. 2011. Developing a framework for assessing environmental literacy. Washington, DC: North American Association for Environmental Education. http://www.naaee.net

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2023. Summary for policymakers. In: Climate change 2023: synthesis report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, Lee H, Romero J (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647.001

Ejem L, Bello A. 2013. Environmental awareness, literacy and biodiversity conservation practices of freshmen students in Bukidnon State University, Philippines. JPAIR Institutional Research 1(1).

Kollmuss A, Agyeman J. 2002. Mind the gap: why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behavior? Environmental Education Research 8(3), 239–260.

Mahinay HAC, Marapao MSA, Jempero JB, Allawan JGL. 2023. Environmental literacy levels and environmental pollution among senior high school students. Journal of Environmental Impact and Management Policy 3(6). https://doi.org/10.55529/jeimp.36.17.25

Mandler D, Naaman RM, Blonder R, Yayon M, Hofstein A. 2012. High school chemistry teaching through environmentally oriented curricula. Chemistry Education Research Practice 13, 80–92.

Masongsong JR. 2024. Environmental awareness and participation among college students of Mindoro State University–Calapan City Campus. American Journal of Environment and Climate 3(1), 25–29.

Republic Act No. 9512. National Environmental Awareness Act and Education Act of 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2019.

Sengupta M, Das J, Maji PK. 2010. Environmental awareness and environment-related behaviour of twelfth grade students in Kolkata: effects of stream and gender. Anwesa 5, 1–8.

Shepardson DP, Niyogi D, Choi S, Charusombat U. 2011. Students’ conceptions about the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change. Climatic Change 104(3), 481–507.

Shri GU, Tiwari RR. 2021. Environmental literacy among college students. Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 25(3), 128–132.

Singh P, Gupta N. 2021. Environmental awareness and sustainable behavior among college students: a case study. International Journal of Environmental Studies 78(5), 853–869. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2020.1864321

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 2020. Education for sustainable development: a roadmap. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374802

United Nations Environment Programme. 2021. From pollution to solution: a global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution. United Nations. https://doi.org/10.18356/9789210056955

United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). 2010. Briefing Note No. 5: gender and Indigenous people’s environment. United Nations, New York. www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/BriefingNote5_GREY.pdf

Yap CK, Nuli R, Syazwan WM, Omar H, Aguol KA, Nawi MM, Leow CS. 2024. Population growth and environmental resources: a short note on their relationships and consequences and impacts. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research 55(2), 46884–46896.

Zelezny LC, Chua P, Aldrich C. 2000. Elaborating on gender differences in environmentalism. Journal of Social Issues 56(3), 443–445.

Article source : Green minds, brighter future exploring environmental awareness among Cotabato foundation college ofscience and technology (CFCST) students  

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Andropause Awareness, Symptoms, and Coping Among Boholanos | IJB 2025

Veronica B. Dumaran, from the institute of the Philippines. Wrote a research article, Andropause Awareness, Symptoms, and Coping Among Boholanos. Entitled, Andropause: Awareness, severity of symptoms experienced and coping self-efficacy among Boholanos. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal Biosciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of awareness, degree of symptoms experienced of andropause, and coping skills employed by male Boholanos aged 40 to 59. A descriptive-correlational research design was used in this study employing cross-sectional methods. The selection of respondents for this study employed purposive sampling, aligning with the objectives of the study. The researcher utilized the standardized questionnaires which permissions from authors were obtained thru emails. In determining the severity of symptoms experienced, the Male Self-Assessment Questionnaire (MASSQ) of Dr. Abdolrahim Asadollahi was utilized. To determine the coping strategies employed by the respondents, the researcher utilized the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale of Dr. Margaret A. Chesney. The findings revealed that respondents with higher level of awareness were those who have experienced more severe andropause symptoms, while majority of those who were slightly or not aware of andropause were those who do not experience andropause symptoms. It also revealed that awareness was significantly linked to their coping mechanisms. Notably, those with a high level of awareness consistently applied coping styles, whereas individuals with low awareness tended not to engage in coping behaviors.

Introduction

Men typically struggled with sleep difficulties, waking up too early and a decrease in libido as they grew older. They would also bemoan the fact that they and their spouses were no longer sleeping in the same bed and were, instead, living as siblings. Many stated that their desire for sex had significantly decreased, while others said they felt as like they had run out of energy. They saw that their muscles were getting less dense and more quickly exhausted, and that their physical strength had decreased. Their general sense of annoyance and dissatisfaction was further compounded by their growing susceptibility to irritability and depression. Studies have shown that testosterone levels usually start to drop around the age of forty, a process called andropause (Asadollahi et al., 2013). A person's ability to carry out daily chores may be restricted or impaired by a variety of symptoms that result from this drop in testosterone. Pommerville and Zakus (2006) contended that men's "andropause" is not clinically or scientifically equal to women's menopause. Rather, they recommended referring to this condition as Partial Androgen Decline in the Aging Male (PADAM) or Androgen Decline in the Aging Male (ADAM). However, Martelli et al. (2021) assert that Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) is the most current and often used nomenclature for this syndrome.

Approximately 12.3 out of every 1,000 males reported signs of the andropause over the course of a year, according to a Massachusetts study. Global research shows that approximately 480,000 older men experience male menopause annually, with symptoms increasing and happening more frequently over time (Mohammadi et al., 2023). Furthermore, studies indicate that over 70% of males over 40 may eventually have andropauserelated symptoms (Adebajo et al., 2007). There are more than 10,000 publications on women's climacteric (or menopause) than there are on men's (Adebajo, 2007). Menopausal men have been the subject of about 1:100 published research compared to menopausal women (Hirokawa, 2012).

Many facets of men's health are impacted by andropause. It could be linked to low blood testosterone levels that cause metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, an increased risk of bone fractures (osteoporosis two times more), an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (two or three times more) (Wang et al., 2009). The most significant and prevalent sign of hypogonadism in men is erectile dysfunction and diminished desire. Previous reviews have indicated that 83.3% of men over 60 experience sexual dysfunction, which negatively impacts their quality of life (Novák et al., 2002). Low self-esteem, anxiety, and sadness may result from this condition, which could harm their sexual partner's relationship (Odu et al., 2014).

Despite its importance, studies have shown that there is a low level of knowledge and awareness about andropause among individuals in Iran, Asia, Europe, and America, including in cities such as Meybod and Rasht, Iran (Mazloomy Mahmoodabad et al., 2021; Samipoor et al., 2017). Additionally, research conducted in Nigeria has found that a significant percentage of participants in different years - 76.4% in 2003, 45.1% in 2006, and 43% in 2014 - were not aware of the condition of andropause (Odu et al., 2014).

Reyes et al. (2004) performed a survey among doctors in the Philippines. The study's findings indicated that most doctors believed that males might experience andropause and that more education was needed to address andropause and its treatment among Filipino doctors.

The significant occurrence of key risk factors associated with andropause among healthy individuals highlights the need to enhance social conditions that greatly impact the quality of life for middle-aged men (Samipoor et al., 2017). Raising awareness about andropause should be a central element of health planning. Limited research has addressed this topic, indicating a need for further studies to explore andropause-related issues and complications. It is essential for society, healthcare institutions, and universities to educate the public and promote widespread understanding of this critical issue (Samipoor et al., 2017).

This study aims to fill the information gaps regarding andropause in various countries, with a specific focus on the Philippines, particularly in Bohol. It will address the necessity for information dissemination and health interventions. The results of this research will assist health educators in developing their curriculum for Maternal and Child Care and Primary Health Care, as andropause symptoms can impact family dynamics. Additionally, policymakers can utilize the findings to design community health initiatives for men dealing with andropause symptoms. Future researchers may also learn about the study's limitations and use this knowledge to conduct more rigorous research.

Reference

Adebajo S, Odeyemi K, Oyediran M, Amirul R, Wright L. 2007. Knowledge and experiences of Andropause among men in Lagos, Nigeria. West African Journal of Medicine 26, 106–112.

Asadollahi A, Saberi LF, Faraji N. 2013. Validity and reliability of male andropause symptoms self-assessment questionnaire among elderly males in Khuzestan province of Iran. Journal of Mid-Life Health 4, 233–237. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-7800.122258

Chesney MA, Neilands TB, Chambers DB, Taylor JM, Folkman S. 2006. Coping self-efficacy scale. PsycTESTS Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1037/t66701-000

Hirokawa K, Taniguchi T, Fujii Y, Takaki J, Tsutsumi A. 2012. Job demands as a potential modifier of the association between testosterone deficiency and andropause symptoms in Japanese middle-aged workers: a cross-sectional study. Maturitas 73((3)), 225–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.07.006

Martelli M, Zingaretti L, Salvio G, Bracci M, Santarelli L. 2021. Influence of work on Andropause and menopause: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(19), 10074. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910074

Mazloomy Mahmoodabad SS, Peyghambari F, Kebriaei A, Dehghani tafti A. 2021. A survey of knowledge and attitudes of men over 40 years old in Meybod about Andropause. The Journal of Tolooebehdasht. https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v20i2.6761

Mohammadi M, Allahverdipour H, Ghanbari Moghaddam A, Matlabi H. 2023. The prevalence of Andropause and its relationship with sexual quality of life among older Iranian men. American Journal of Men’s Health 17(2), 155798832311610. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883231161050

Novák A, Brod M, Elbers J. 2002. Andropause and quality of life: Findings from patient focus groups and clinical experts. Maturitas 43(4), 231-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-5122(02)00274-8

Odu O, Olajide A, Olajide F. 2014. Awareness and perception of androgen deficiency of aging males (ADAM) among men in Osogbo, Nigeria. Journal of community medicine and primary health care. African Journals Online. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jcmphc/article/view/102239

Polit DF, Beck CT, Hungler BP. 2001. Essentials of nursing research: methods, appraisal, and utilization. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott.

Pommerville PJ, Zakus P. 2006. Andropause: Knowledge and awareness among primary care physicians in Victoria, BC, Canada. The Aging Male 9(4), 215-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685530601040661

Reyes III J, Tan D, Quimpo J, Tan-Garcia J, Garcia L, Gonzaga F, Torralba T, Lim-Abrahan M, De la Rosa M, Santos M, The PhiSSAM Male Aging Study Group. 2004. The Philippine male aging survey. The Aging Male 7(3), 227-235. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685530400004116

Samipoor F, Pakseresht S, Rezasoltani P, Kazemnajad Leili E. 2017. Awareness and experience of andropause symptoms in men referring to health centers: A cross-sectional study in Iran. The Aging Male, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685538.2017.1298586

Wang C, Nieschlag E, Swerdloff RS, Wu FC. 2009. Reply to Anton Ponholzer and Stephan Madersbacher’s letter to the editor re: Christina Wang, Eberhard Nieschlag, Ronald Swerdloff, et al. Investigation, treatment, and monitoring of late-onset Hypogonadism in males: Isa, issam, eau, EAA, and ASA recommendations. European Urology 55(5), e93-e94.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2008.11.054

Article source : Andropause: Awareness, severity of symptoms experienced and coping self-efficacy among Boholanos  

 

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Boosting Pineapple Growth and Fruit Quality Through Fertilization | IJAAR 2025

Jr. Cipriano M. Ticman, from the institute of the Philippines. Wrote a research article, Boosting Pineapple Growth and Fruit Quality Through Fertilization. Entitled, Enhancing growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus) with organic and inorganic fertilizer applications. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research | IJAAR. an open access scholarly research journal Agronomy.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) under field conditions at the Institute of Agricultural Technology, Isabela State University, Cauayan Campus, Philippines. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three fertilizer treatments: organic fertilizer (OF), inorganic fertilizer (IF), and an integrated combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers (IF+OF). Growth parameters, yield components, and fruit quality attributes were assessed and analyzed using analysis of variance, with mean separation performed at p ≤ 0.05. Organic fertilizer application significantly enhanced vegetative growth, producing the tallest plants (98.4 cm), the highest number of leaves (42.3 leaves plant⁻¹), and the greatest stem diameter (6.42 cm), compared with inorganic fertilizer treatment. Yield performance was also improved under OF and IF+OF treatments, which recorded higher fruit numbers (1.42 and 1.36 fruits plant⁻¹, respectively) than IF. The highest mean fruit weight was obtained from OF-treated plants (1.78 kg), while IF resulted in comparatively lighter fruits (1.44 kg). Fruit quality was strongly influenced by fertilizer source. Pineapples produced under organic fertilization exhibited the highest soluble solids content (15.6 °Brix), larger fruit diameter (13.8 cm), and superior sensory scores (8.1 on a 9-point hedonic scale). Integrated fertilization produced intermediate values across most quality parameters, whereas inorganic fertilizer alone resulted in lower sugar content and sensory ratings. Overall, the results indicate that organic and integrated fertilizer applications improve pineapple growth, yield, and fruit quality more effectively than inorganic fertilizer alone, highlighting their potential role in sustainable pineapple production systems. 

Introduction

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) is one of the most important tropical fruit crops worldwide, valued for its distinctive flavor, nutritional composition, and economic significance. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, where it contributes substantially to farm income, agro-industrial development, and food security. In the Philippines, pineapple production represents a major component of the horticultural sector, supporting both domestic consumption and exportoriented markets (López et al., 2019).

Optimizing pineapple growth, yield, and fruit quality remains a key challenge in commercial production systems. Among the agronomic factors influencing pineapple performance, nutrient management plays a central role. Inorganic fertilizers have traditionally been used to enhance crop productivity due to their high nutrient concentration and rapid availability to plants (Ali et al., 2017). However, intensive reliance on mineral fertilizers has raised concerns related to soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and environmental contamination, particularly in tropical agroecosystems where nutrient leaching and soil acidification are common (Khan et al., 2017; Bai and Zhong, 2019).

Organic fertilizers, such as compost and animal manure, have gained increasing attention as sustainable alternatives or complements to mineral fertilizers. These inputs contribute to soil organic matter accumulation, improve soil structure, enhance microbial activity, and promote gradual nutrient release, thereby supporting longterm soil fertility (Verma et al., 2018). Several studies have demonstrated that organic fertilization can improve crop growth and yield while also enhancing fruit quality attributes, including sweetness, flavor, and texture (Sanyal and Nayak, 2017; Jha and Agarwal, 2021).

Recent research has emphasized the potential benefits of integrated nutrient management, which combines organic and inorganic fertilizers to balance immediate nutrient supply with sustained soil health improvement. Such systems have been shown to increase nutrient use efficiency, stabilize crop performance, and reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with excessive mineral fertilizer use (Giri et al., 2020; Kumar and Chaudhary, 2020). In pineapple cultivation, integrated fertilization strategies have been reported to improve yield components while maintaining desirable fruit quality characteristics (Singh and Rajput, 2019; Pérez and Rivera, 2021).

Despite these advances, comparative field-based evaluations of organic, inorganic, and integrated fertilization regimes under local production conditions remain limited, particularly with respect to their combined effects on growth, yield, and sensory quality of pineapple. Understanding how different nutrient sources influence these parameters is essential for developing sustainable fertilization practices tailored to tropical environments.

Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, and their integrated application on the growth performance, yield components, and fruit quality of pineapple grown under field conditions at Isabela State University, Philippines. The findings are expected to contribute to improved nutrient management strategies that support both productivity and fruit quality in pineapple production systems.

Reference

Ali A, Kumar A, Singh R. 2017. Effect of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of pineapple. Journal of Horticultural Science 12(3), 101–109.

Bai Z, Zhong F. 2019. Fertilizer use efficiency and environmental impact in pineapple production. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 39(1), 23–34.

Giri S, Saha S, Dey D. 2020. Integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers for better crop yield and quality: A review. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 66(2), 132–144.

Gomez KA, Gomez AA. 1984. Statistical procedures for agricultural research. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Jha S, Agarwal P. 2021. Organic fertilization and its impact on pineapple yield and fruit quality in tropical conditions. Agricultural Reviews 42(4), 234–245.

Khan M, Khan A, Shah T. 2017. Impact of inorganic fertilizers on soil health and crop yield: A review. Journal of Agricultural Science 32(1), 45–59.

Kumar P, Chaudhary V. 2020. Integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers for sustainable pineapple production. International Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 10(2), 211–224.

López M, Hernandez A, Fernandez J. 2019. Economic importance of pineapple cultivation in the Philippines: A socio-economic analysis. Philippine Journal of Agricultural Economics 44(2), 23–35.

Pérez F, Rivera L. 2021. Nutrient management in pineapple production systems. Horticultural Science and Technology 29(5), 611–619.

Sanyal P, Nayak P. 2017. Effects of different organic fertilizers on pineapple yield and quality. Agricultural Research 28(4), 291–298.

Singh K, Verma D. 2020. The impact of fertilization on pineapple yield and fruit characteristics: A review. Horticultural Science and Technology 37(2), 215–225.

Singh S, Rajput R. 2019. Comparative study of organic and chemical fertilizers on pineapple yield and quality. International Journal of Tropical Agriculture 36(4), 500–510.

Verma S, Yadav P, Gupta R. 2018. Sustainable agricultural practices: A comprehensive review of organic fertilizers. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 6(1), 1–12.

Article source : Enhancing growth,yield, and fruit quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus) with organic and inorganic fertilizer applications

 

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Multimodal Physiotherapy for Migraine Rehabilitation | IJB 2024

Saurabh Kumar, depertment of Faculty of Physiotherapy, SGT University, Gurugram Haryana, India. M. Ejaz Hussain, depertment of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram Haryana, India. Sonia Pawaria, depertment of Department of Physiotherapy, Gurugram University, Gurugram Haryana, India. Wrote a research article, Multimodal Physiotherapy for Migraine Rehabilitation. Entitled, Rehabbing migraine: A pilot study on multimodal physiotherapy for pain, strength, disability, posture, and quality of life. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher

Abstract

Migraine is a severe headache that causes throbbing, pulsing head pain on one side of the head. The headache phase of a migraine usually lasts at least four hours, but it can also last for days. Considering the multitude of contributing factors to migraine, a multimodal treatment may be an effective therapeutic option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of the multimodal approach, including cervical spine traction, myofascial release, trigger point release, relaxation exercise, stretching and strengthening exercises, in the treatment of patients with migraine. Sixteen 18-55 years old individuals both male and female diagnosed with migraine were randomly assigned into two groups; Group A (control group, n = 8) who received Active ROM of Cervical and active stretching exercises only the multimodal approach or group B (experimental group, n = 8) who received the multimodal approach. The trial evaluated the cutaneous allodynia, craniovertebral angle (CVA), disability, posture, cervical deep flexor strength and quality of life at baseline, end of 4th weeks and end of 8th weeks after intervention. Following the 8 weeks, multimodal exercise program significant improvements in cervical deep flexor strength, posture, disability and quality of life were observed in intervention group compared to the control group. Finding of the present study showed that a multimodal exercise program improving problems associated with migraine in patients.  

Introduction

Migraine is a neurological disease considered as the second leading cause of disability, affecting over one billion people globally (de Almeida Tolentino et al., 2021). It is characterized by severe, recurring headaches on one or both sides of the head. The headaches can last for hours to days and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound (Yan et al., 2012; Cutrer, 2010). Migraine, without aura is a type of headache that occurs in episodes and tends to recur. It has symptoms and features that make it different from types of headaches such as cluster headaches or tension type headaches. It's common for individuals to have a combination of migraines with and without aura (Sharpe et al., 2019). The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd Edition provides criteria, for this condition (HIS 2018). It has an influence, on the disability of individuals under the age of 50 than any other condition and it is also acknowledged by the World Health Organization as a primary contributor, to disability (Carvalho et al., 2020). Migraine attacks can be different from person to person in terms of how often they occur, how severe they are, and how long they last. Stress can make migraine attacks worse in all of these ways. Migraines often lead to disability, can result in missed work. These attacks are an occurrence, in the brain that can last for hours or even days happening repeatedly (Ruschel and De Jesus 2023; Lawler et al., 2006) People with migraines often experience hypersensitivity to touch (allodynia) and increased pain sensitivity (sensitization), especially in the face, back of the head, and neck (Lawler et al., 2006). Research shows that 80% of people with migraines also experience neck pain. This is more common than nausea, another common migraine symptom. Neck pain can worsen migraines and make medication less effective. It can also be triggered by tension in the neck muscles. Studies have shown that people with migraines have imbalances in their neck muscles, especially when they do activities that require force. Migraines affect about 10-12% of the population and can significantly impact their ability to work, live, and participate in social activities (Carvalho et al., 2020; Luedtke et al., 2020; Ferracini et al., 2017).

Both pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological treatments are available to reduce headache episodes their frequency and intensity. Pharmacological therapy appears to be effective for prophylaxis and some acute cases. However, occasionally treatment is unsuccessful or has negative effects, and some patients end up with chronic illnesses. Chronic headaches increase the number of medical visits and can even result in drug overuse headache, which costs the healthcare system expense. Physiotherapy, which includes many modalities such aerobic exercise, manual therapy, electric stimulation, therapeutic pain neuroscience education, and relaxation therapy, is a non-pharmacological treatment for migraine (Lipton et al., 2008). After reviewing the literature, more than 90% of patients reporting migraine have cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction (Carvalho et al., 2020). Despite the prevalence, functional impairment, and economic consequences of migraine sufferers, there is a substantial gap in the literature exists, failing to provide sufficient and high-quality evidence to effectively guide the conservative management of migraine (Luedtke et al., 2020). From a clinical perspective, considering the diversity of the contributing factors to migraine, a multimodal treatment might be considered as an effective therapeutic option. Nevertheless, there is a lack of randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this approach. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effects of a multimodal approach on various clinical outcomes in migraine.

Reference

Benatto MT, Florencio LL, Bragatto MM, Dach F, Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Bevilaqua-Grossi D. 2022. Neck-specific strengthening exercise compared with placebo sham ultrasound in patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Neurology 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-022-02650-0

Bevilaqua-Grossi D, Goncalves MC, Carvalho GF, Florencio LL, Dach F, Speciali JG, Bigal ME, Chaves TC. 2016. Additional Effects of a Physical Therapy Protocol on Headache Frequency, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Improvement Perception in Patients with Migraine and Associated Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 97(6), 866–874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.12.006

Carvalho GF, Schwarz A, Szikszay TM, Adamczyk WM, Bevilaqua-Grossi D, Luedtke K. 2020. Physical therapy and migraine: musculoskeletal and balance dysfunctions and their relevance for clinical practice. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 24(4), 306–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.11.001

Cutrer F. 2010. Pathophysiology of Migraine. Seminars in Neurology 30(02), 120–130. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249222

De Almeida Tolentino G, Lima Florencio L, Ferreira Pinheiro C, Dach F, Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Bevilaqua-Grossi D. 2021. Effects of combining manual therapy, neck muscle exercises, and therapeutic pain neuroscience education in patients with migraine: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial. BMC Neurology 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02290-w

Dittrich SM, Gunther V, Franz G, Burtscher M, Holzner B, Kopp M. 2008. Aerobic Exercise with Relaxation: Influence on Pain and Psychological Well-being in Female Migraine Patients. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 18(4), 363–365. https://doi.org/10.1097/jsm.0b013e31817efac9

Espi-Lopez GV, Ruescas-Nicolau MA, Nova-Redondo C, Benitez-Martinez JC, Dugailly PM, Falla D. 2018. Effect of Soft Tissue Techniques on Headache Impact, Disability, and Quality of Life in Migraine Sufferers: A Pilot Study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 24(11), 1099–1107. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0048

Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Cuadrado M, Pareja J. 2006. Myofascial Trigger Points, Neck Mobility and Forward Head Posture in Unilateral Migraine. Cephalalgia 26(9), 1061–1070. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01162.x

Ferracini GN, Chaves TC, Dach F, Bevilaqua-Grossi D, Fernández-de-Las-Penas C, Speciali JG. 2017. Analysis of the cranio-cervical curvatures in subjects with migraine with and without neck pain. Physiotherapy 103(4), 392–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2017.03.004

Ghorbani A, Chitsaz A. 2011. Comparison of validity and reliability of the Migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) versus headache impact test (HIT) in an Iranian population. Iranian Journal of Neurology 10(3-4), 39–42. 

Gupta A, Kumar S, Gupta A, Rishi P. 2022. Effect of aerobic exercises and therapeutic pain neuroscience education on disability, pain, head posture and QOL in migraine patients. Comparative Exercise Physiology 19(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3920/cep220029

International Headache Society. 2018. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia 38(1), 1–211. https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102417738202

Lawler SP, Cameron LD. 2006. A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 32(1), 50–59. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15324796abm3201_6

Lemstra M, Stewart B, Olszynski WP. 2002. Effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Intervention in the Treatment of Migraine: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 42(9), 845–854. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.2002.02202.x

Lipton RB, Bigal ME, Ashina S, Burstein R, Silberstein S, Reed ML, Serrano D, Stewart WF. 2008. Cutaneous allodynia in the migraine population. Annals of Neurology 63(2), 148–158. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.21211

Luedtke K, Starke W, Korn K, Szikszay TM, Schwarz A, May A. 2020. Neck treatment compared to aerobic exercise in migraine: A preference-based clinical trial. Cephalalgia Reports 3, 251581632093068. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515816320930681

Mosallanezhad Z, Rezaeian T, Ahmadi M, Nourbakhsh M. 2021. The impact of myofascial release and stretching techniques on the clinical outcomes of migraine headache: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 26(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.4103/jrms.jrms_745_18

Munoz-Gomez E, Ingles M, Serra-Ano P, Espi-Lopez GV. 2021. Effectiveness of a manual therapy protocol based on articulatory techniques in migraine patients. A randomized controlled trial. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 54, 102386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102386

Piovesan EJ, Di Stani F, Kowacs PA, Mulinari RA, Radunz VH, Utiumi M, Muranka EB, Giublin ML, Werneck LC. 2007. Massaging over the greater occipital nerve reduces the intensity of migraine attacks: evidence for inhibitory trigemino-cervical convergence mechanisms. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 65(3A), 599–604. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0004-282×2007000400010

Rendas-Baum R, Bloudek LM, Maglinte GA, Varon SF. 2012. The psychometric properties of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire version 2.1 (MSQ) in chronic migraine patients. Quality of Life Research 22(5), 1123–1133. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-012-0230-7

Rezaeian T, Mosallanezhad Z, Nourbakhsh MR, Ahmadi M, Nourozi M. 2019. The Impact of Soft Tissue Techniques in the Management of Migraine Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 18(4), 243–252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2019.12.001

Ruschel MAP, Jesus OD. 2023. Migraine Headache (In StatPearls.). StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560787/

Sharpe L, Dudeney J, Williams AC, Nicholas M, McPhee I, Baillie A, Welgampola M, McGuire B. 2019. Psychological therapies for the prevention of migraine in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd012295.pub2

Simons DG. 2008. New Views of Myofascial Trigger Points: Etiology and Diagnosis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 89(1), 157–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2007.11.016

Sohn JH, Choi HC, Lee SM, Jun AY. 2010. Differences in cervical musculoskeletal impairment between episodic and chronic tension-type headache. Cephalalgia 30(12), 1514–1523. https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102410372096

Tsai CT, Hsieh LF, Kuan TS, Kao MJ, Chou LW, Hong CZ. 2010. Remote Effects of Dry Needling on the Irritability of the Myofascial Trigger Point in the Upper Trapezius Muscle. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 89(2), 133–140. https://doi.org/10.1097/phm.0b013e3181a5b1bc

Yan J, Melemedjian OK, Price TJ, Dussor G. 2012. Sensitization of Dural Afferents Underlies Migraine-Related Behavior following Meningeal Application of Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Molecular Pain 8, 1744–80698–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-8069-8-6

Source : Rehabbing migraine: Apilot study on multimodal physiotherapy for pain, strength, disability,posture, and quality of life

 

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Trichoderma Isolation and L-Glutaminase Production Optimization | IJB 2025

S. Subashini, R. Nithyatharani,  S. Rega, and S. Geetha, from the different institute of india.  Wrote a research article,  Trichoderma Isolation and L-Glutaminase Production Optimization. Entitled, Isolation and identification of Trichoderma species, followed by the optimization of L-glutaminase enzyme production. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Advanced biotechnological techniques offer practical solutions to challenges related to food safety. To maintain quality control in food production and processing, the use of enzymes, antibodies, and microbes is indispensable. Isolation and identification of Trichoderma sp. from sugarcane soil is used for production of L-glutaminase enzyme in this study. The Trichoderma sp. was grown in PDA agar and then the species were isolated for huge production of L-glutaminase enzyme. The optimization of enzyme production was high in particular pH 7, temperature 30°C, Nacl concentration at 2g, 5g of substrate and ammonium nitrate shows higher enzyme production at 1g. Based on the analysis the enzymes have an average molecular weight around 14 to 20 kDa. By leveraging biotechnology, these manufacturing systems are being optimized leading to the faster, more efficient and flexible production of new or improved products.

Introduction

Modern biotechnological approaches offer efficient strategies for resolving food safety challenges. The application of biotechnical techniques can decrease the time needed to detect foodborne pathogens, toxins, and chemical contaminants, as well as enhance the sensitivity of these findings. The use of enzymes, antibodies, and microbes is essential for monitoring quality control in food production and processing systems (Athira et al., 2014). These manufacturing operations are being enhanced by biotechnology, which allows for the development of new or upgraded products with improved speed, efficiency, and flexibility. Commonly referred to as biological catalysts, enzymes enhance the speed at which chemical reactions occur (Kashyap et al., 2002). The main benefit of incorporating enzymes into industrial processes lies in their efficiency, precision, specificity, convenience, and economical nature. Enzymes are generally divided into two groups: intracellular enzymes and extracellular enzymes. Intracellular enzymes are generated within the cell and facilitate reactions internally, while extracellular enzymes are secreted by cells and transported to different locations to catalyze biochemical reactions (Koibuchi et al., 2000). Living microbial cells are responsible for producing enzymes. Enzymes utilized in industry are derived from both animal and plant sources, as well as from microorganisms. Despite this, the availability of animal and plant sources for enzyme production is highly constrained and can be affected by environmental influences. Consequently, there is an increasing focus on encouraging the use of microbial sources for enzyme production. Different fermentation technologies are employed for producing the majority of microbial enzymes (Coral et al., 2002). Enzyme production has also benefited from other techniques, such as solid-state fermentation (SSF) with inert solid supports or the use of immobilization methods. It entails the cultivation of microbial cells in liquid media in controlled environments within large vessels referred to as bioreactors for the production of target metabolites. A variety of culture medium components consist of common, cost-effective substrates such as carbon sources (e.g., glucose, sucrose, and maltose) and nitrogen sources (e.g., ammonium salts, sodium nitrate), along with vitamins and minerals that can be provided in consistent amounts. Enzymes utilized for medical and therapeutic purposes are referred to as therapeutic enzymes (Curthoys et al., 1976). One of the main prospective applications of therapeutic enzymes is in combating cancer. L-glutaminase (Lglutamine amidohydrolase EC 3.5.1.2) is responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of L-glutamine, resulting in the formation of L-glutamic acid and ammonia (Dutt et al., 2010). Over the past few years, there has been a growing focus on L-glutaminase due to its suggested applications in pharmaceuticals as well as in the food industry (Iyer and Singhal, 2010). Lglutaminase has the potential to be important in treating cancer, particularly acute lymphocytic leukemia, when used either in combination with or as a replacement for asparaginase (Kumar and Chandrasekaran, 2003). Fungi serve a crucial role in generating a wide variety of products, including food items (e.g., bread and mycoprotein), alcoholic beverages (like wine and beer), as well as recombinant proteins, vitamins, and antibiotics. Various fermentation systems are utilized with fungi to attain this level of productivity, with the selection based on the type of fungus (whether filamentous or yeast), the desired product, and the production scale. In this present study is aimed to isolate and identifying the Trichiderma sp. from sugarcane agriculture soil sample and optimization of L-glutaminase enzyme production through fermentation process.

Reference

Athira RN, Elizebeth T, Narendra T, Sheik Tanweer Ahmed, Shankar Kumar Gupta, Manoj Chaudary, Siddalingeshwara KG, Pramod T. 2014. Investigation on the production of L-glutaminase from Pseudomonas stutzeri strain under solid state fermentation using various agro residues. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics 4(2), 81–85.

Coral G, Arikan B, Unaldi MN, Guvenmes H. 2002. Some properties of crude carboxymethyl cellulase of Aspergillus niger Z10 wild-type strain. Turkish Journal of Biology 26, 209–221.

Curthoys NP, Kuhlenschmidt K, Godfrey SS. 1976. Regulation of renal ammoniagenesis: Purification and characterisation of phosphate-dependent glutaminase from rat kidney. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 174, 82–89.

Dutt SPLN, Siddalingeshwara KG, Sudipta KM, Karthic J, Shantaveer G. 2010. A promising technique for rapid screening and confirmation of L-glutaminase- A tumour inhibitor from novel Penicillium expansum. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research 2(4), 275–277.

Iyer P, Singhal RS. 2010. Glutaminase production using Zygosaccharomyces rouxii NRRL-Y 2547: Effect of aeration, agitation regimes and feeding strategies. Chemical Engineering Technology 33, 52–62.

Kashyap P, Sabu A, Pandey A, Szakacs G, Soccol CR. 2002. Extra-cellular L-glutaminase production by Zygosaccharomyces rouxii under solid-state fermentation. Process Biochem 38, 307–312.

Koibuchi K, Nagasaki H, Yuasa A, Kataoka J, Kitamoto K. 2000. Molecular cloning and characterization of a gene encoding glutaminase from Aspergillus oryzae. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 54, 59–68.

Kumar SR, Chandrasekaran M. 2003. Continuous production of L-glutaminase by an immobilized marine Pseudomonas sp. BTMS-51 in a packed bed reactor. Process Biochem 38, 1431–1436.

Source : Isolation and identification of Trichoderma species, followed by the optimization of L-glutaminase enzyme production 

 

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Fish Oil and Tamoxifen Modulate Hormone Receptors in Mammary Cancer | JBES 2026

Caroline Paul Mari, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India, and Mirunalini Sankaran, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Wrote a research article about Fish Oil and Tamoxifen Modulate Hormone Receptors in Mammary Cancer. Entitle, Modulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression by fish oil and tamoxifen in 7,12 dimethyl benz(a) anthracene induced mammary carcinogenesis in female sprague dawely rats. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Cancer remains a primary global health challenge characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation and significant mortality. Within this landscape, breast cancer represents one of the most prevalent and hormone-dependent malignancies, contributing substantially to cancer-related deaths. While endocrine therapy with tamoxifen is a standard treatment for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, its efficacy is often hampered by dose-associated toxicity and inconsistent outcomes. This study evaluates the potential of fish oil, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as an adjunct to tamoxifen in modulating hormonal imbalance and estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) expression. A 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)–induced mammary tumor model was established in female Sprague Dawley rats to assess the effects of fish oil alone and in combination with low and high-dose tamoxifen. Plasma estradiol and progesterone levels were quantified via ELISA, while ER/PR expression in mammary tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. DMBA induction significantly increased ER and PR expression, indicating hormonal dysregulation. Fish oil treatment alone produced a moderate reduction in receptor expression. However, the combination of fish oil with tamoxifen markedly suppressed ER and PR levels. Notably, the fish oil low-dose tamoxifen combination produced effects comparable to the high-dose combination, suggesting that fish oil may enhance tamoxifen efficacy and allow effective endocrine regulation with a lower drug dose and potentially reduced toxicity. Fish oil maintained physiological hormone levels in control animals. In conclusion, fish oil enhances the endocrine-modulating effects of tamoxifen and may serve as a beneficial supplementary strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy while potentially minimizing adverse effects.

Introduction

Cancer persists as a leading cause of mortality worldwide, continuing to limit gains in global life expectancy. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths were reported globally. Female breast cancer has emerged as the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, accounting for nearly 2.30 million new cases, followed by lung, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancer (Bray et al. 2024 and National Cancer Institute, 2026). Despite significant advances in breast cancer management including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy treatment-related toxicity, high economic burden, and inconsistent therapeutic responses remain major challenges contributing to sustained mortality rates.

Breast cancer is a complex and diverse disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors, resulting in abnormal cell growth through multiple signalling pathways. Nearly two-thirds of breast cancers are hormone-dependent, regulated by estrogen and progesterone via Estrogen Receptors (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR) (Freihat et al., 2025). These hormone signalling mechanisms contribute to cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and maintenance of normal breast tissue.

Breast cancer is a complex and diverse disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors, resulting in abnormal cell growth through multiple signalling pathways. Nearly two-thirds of breast cancers are hormone-dependent, regulated by estrogen and progesterone via Estrogen Receptors (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR) (Freihat et al., 2025). These hormone signalling mechanisms contribute to cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and maintenance of normal breast tissue.

In light of this, there is increasing interest in identifying alternative and supportive therapeutic approaches that target hormonal dysregulation with reduced toxicity. Natural bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources have gained attention for their potential to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects (Bidinotto et al., 2012 and Bougnoux et al., 2009). Fish oil, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has demonstrated antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antitumor properties. These fatty acids modulate membrane fluidity, reduce oxidative stress, and suppress pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby influencing estrogen biosynthesis and hormone-dependent signalling pathways (Fabian et al., 2015). Additionally, their ability to regulate aromatase activity and improve antioxidant defences supports their role in modulating endocrine function during mammary carcinogenesis.

Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, remains a cornerstone in the treatment of hormoneresponsive breast cancer due to its ability to inhibit estrogen binding and suppress tumor growth. However, its long-term use is often limited by adverse effects and the development of resistance (Manni et al., 2015). Emerging evidence indicates that the combination of fish oil and tamoxifen may enhance therapeutic efficacy through multiple mechanisms, including improved drug bioavailability, modulation of apoptosis, and reduction of inflammation. (Subbaramaiah et al. 2019), This combination has been shown to influence circulating hormone levels and downregulate ER and PR expression in tumor tissues. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of fish oil as an effective adjuvant strategy to improve endocrine regulation and therapeutic outcomes in hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Reference

Bidinotto LT, de Cicco RL, Vanegas JE, Santucci-Pereira J, Vanden Heuvel JP, Washington S. 2012. Fish oil alters tamoxifen-modulated expression of mRNAs that encode genes related to differentiation, proliferation, metastasis, and immune response in rat mammary tumors. Nutrition and Cancer 64, 991–999.

Bougnoux P, Hajjaji N, Ferrasson MN, Giraudeau B, Couet C, Le Floch O. 2009. Improving outcome of chemotherapy of metastatic breast cancer by docosahexaenoic acid: A phase II trial. British Journal of Cancer 101, 1978–1985.

Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Soerjomataram I. 2024. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 74, 229–263.

Cao W, Ma Z, Rasenick MM, Yeh S, Yu J. 2012. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids shift estrogen signaling to inhibit human breast cancer cell growth. PLoS ONE 7, e52838.

Fabian CJ, Kimler BF, Hursting SD. 2015. Omega-3 fatty acids for breast cancer prevention and survivorship. Breast Cancer Research 17, 62.

Freihat O, Sipos D, Kovacs A. 2025. Global burden and projections of breast cancer incidence and mortality to 2050: A comprehensive analysis of GLOBOCAN data. Frontiers in Public Health 13, 1622954.

Manni A, El-Bayoumy K, Skibinski CG, Thompson HJ, Santucci-Pereira J, Bidinotto LT, et al. 2015. Combination of antiestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids for breast cancer prevention. BioMed Research International 2015, 638645.

Manni A, Richie JP Jr, Xu H, Washington S, Aliaga C, Bruggeman R. 2020. Influence of omega-3 fatty acids on endocrine signaling and mammary tumor growth in experimental breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 180, 351–362.

Manni A, Xu H, Washington S, Aliaga C, Cooper TK, Richie JP Jr. 2010. The impact of fish oil on the chemopreventive efficacy of tamoxifen against development of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis. Cancer Prevention Research 3, 322–330.

National Cancer Institute. 2026. Low dose tamoxifen with or without omega-3 fatty acids for breast cancer risk reduction (NCT06195306). ClinicalTrials.gov.

Rengarajan T, Rajendran P, Nandakumar N, Lokeshkumar B, Rajendran P, Nishigaki I. 2015. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and risk of breast cancer. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 40, 605–614.

Rodgers KM, Udesky JO, Rudel RA, Brody JG. 2018. Environmental chemicals and breast cancer: An updated review of epidemiological literature informed by biological mechanisms. Environmental Research 160, 152–182.

Subbaramaiah K, Iyengar NM, Dannenberg AJ. 2019. Targeting the white adipose tissue inflammation-aromatase axis for breast cancer prevention. Cancer Prevention Research 12, 721–728.

Yager JD, Davidson NE. 2006. Estrogen carcinogenesis in breast cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine 354, 270–282.

Article source : Modulation of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression by fish oil and tamoxifen in 7,12 dimethylbenz(a) anthracene induced mammary carcinogenesis in female sprague dawely rats  

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