• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2022

Bulbophyllum auricomum Lindl. is a rare orchid and has flowers with an attractive fragrance. The present study investigated the tissue culture method for micropropagation. Capsules derived from artificial self-pollination were obtained for the best seed germination in MS basal medium. Plant growth regulators (1.0 mg·L^-1 of BAP and 2.0 mg·L^-1 of NAA) were affected by callus induction from subcultured pseudobulb explants. For the callus subculture, different natural plant extracts were tested in 11 treatment media. Among them, MS medium with 150 mL·L^-1 of coconut water was generally effective in fresh weight (1.75 ± 0.08) and (3.01 ± 0.20) of callus proliferation and PLBs induction at 1 and 2 months, respectively, followed by an MS combination of 30 g·L^-1 of banana and 20 g·L^-1 of potato extract. The results of a comparative study of different MS mediums containing plant growth regulators with a natural extract combination and MS medium supplemented with natural extract only showed that MS medium supplemented with a combination of natural extracts (150 mL·L^-1 of coconut water) and plant growth regulators (2.0 mg·L^-1 of BAP and 1.0 mg·L^-1 of NAA) obtained the highest shoot regeneration (3.37 ± 0.17) and (6.41 ± 0.68) after 1 month and 2 months of culturing, respectively.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.1593-1598
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• 2003

Nutritional evaluation of some agro-industrial byproducts available in Samoa [dry brewers' grains (DBG), cocoa shell (CS), cocoa dust (CD) and desiccated coconut waste meal (DCWM)] available in Samoa was carried out using both the in vivo and in vitro techniques. In the in vivo study 24 Anglo-nubian goats were offered by-products with other feed ingredients to compound four different diets. The goats were randomly allocated to 4 diets on the basis of liveweight (18.7-0.3kg). The ADF content of the byproducts followed a similar trend to NDF. The byproducts have a high content of organic matter (91.0-95.4%). Gross energy (GE) content was higher in DCWM (25.1 MJ/kg DM), closely followed by CD (23.2 MJ/kg DM). Concentrate intake was significantly different (p<0.05) among the goats. Average daily live weight gains were 105, 92, 88 and 97 g/goat/day for DBG, CS, CD and DCWM, respectively. Daily live weight gains were higher (p<0.05) in the goats that received DBG, while the least gain was obtained in the goats that received CS byproduct diet. DM digestibility was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the goats on DBG diet than in the other goats. The least DM digestibility was obtained in the goats that received CD diet (p>0.05). CP digestibility followed a similar pattern to DM digestibility. The digestibility of NDF and ADF was influenced by the nature of the diets. The digestibility of OM and GE were best (p<0.05) in the goats that received DBG, DCWM and CS byproduct diets than in CD. Significant differences (p<0.05) among the byproducts were recorded for net gas production. Potential gas production (a+b) ranged from 7.064 to 42.17 ml. Organic matter digested (OMD) from gas production value at 24 h was higher in DBG (47.6 g/kg DM) and this was followed by DCWM (42.5 g/kg DM). The least OMD was obtained in CD (17.9 g/kg DM). A significant difference (p<0.05) in DM disappearance after 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h was recorded. The potential and effective degradability varied significantly (p<0.05) from 85.95-99.6 g/kg DM and from 39.9-65.8%, respectively. The digestibility of the byproducts in both the in vivo and in in vitro techniques demonstrated that they are potential source of feed ingredients for ruminant livestock in Samoa and possibly in the other small Pacific Island countries. On the basis of their potential degradability the byproducts could be ranked in the following order:DCWM>DBG>CD>CS. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that all the byproducts can contribute to ruminant livestock diets without adverse effects on feed intake, growth rate and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.631-639
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• 2001

Two experiments were carried out concerning the effects of urea-molasses cake (UMC) and its separate components as supplements on rumen environment, in sacco feed degradability and intake of swamp buffaloes fed rice straw, grasses or a mixture of grasses and rice straw. Experiment 1 was a change-over design with 4 animals and 6 treatments. The buffaloes were fed rice straw ad libitum, and the experimental treatments were: no supplementation (R); 700 g of the complete urea-molasses cake (RUMC); 53.2 g urea (RU); 276 g rice bran and 52.5 coconut meal (RRC); 26.6 g salt, 26.6 g bone meal and 2.1 g trace minerals (RMi); and 25 g molasses (RMo). Experiment 2 was a Latin square design with four diets and four animals. The treatments were: rice straw ad libitum and mixed grass (RG) at 2.5 g dry matter per kg live weight (LW); RG plus 700 g urea-molasses cake (RGUMC); mixed grass ad libitum (G); and G plus 700 g cake (GUMC). In both experiments the supplements were fed once daily. In Exp. 1 although the rumen pH was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets, it varied only from 6.90 to 7.06. The ruminal ammonia was also significantly (p<0.05) different among the diets with RUMC significantly higher than R. Total bacterial and protozoal counts were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RUMC, RU, RMo and RRC diets. Total feed and rice straw intakes were highest for RUMC (p<0.05) and lowest for the RMi and RMo diets, but in sacco degradability of four different roughages were not significantly different among diets. In Exp. 2, rumen pHs of the diets differed significantly and (p<0.01) ranged from 7.04 - 7.19. Ruminal $NH_3-N$ concentrations (mg/100 ml) were also significantly different (p<0.05), and higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets. The total counts of bacteria and protozoa were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets. The total feed intake and roughage intake were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets compared to the RG diet. Correspondingly, LW changes also differed among treatments (p=0.06). It was concluded that there were significant increases in rumen $NH_3-N$ concentration, microbial populations and feed intake in the buffaloes by UMC supplementation, whereas the significant difference in in sacco DM degradation was not found by any type of supplementation. There seemed to be a need of a combination of urea, molasses, minerals and other protein nitrogen sources to enhance rice straw intake. Adding grass to the rice straw diet at 0.25% LW (DM) should also be considered to maintain buffalo rumen function and production with UMC supplementation, when rice straw is the main roughage.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3903-3907
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• 2013

Background: Patients with colorectal cancer are usually treated with chemotherapy, which reduces the number of blood cells, especially white blood cells, and consequently increases the risk of infections. Some research studies have reported that aromatherapy massage affects the immune system and improves immune function by, for example, increasing the numbers of natural killer cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, there has been no report of any study which provided good evidence as to whether aromatherapy with Thai massage could improve the immune system in patients with colorectal cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the use of aromatherapy with light Thai massage in patients with colorectal cancer, who have received chemotherapy, can result in improvement of the cellular immunity and reduce the severity of the common symptoms of side effects. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six patients with colorectal cancer in Phichit Hospital, Thailand, were enrolled in a single-blind, randomised-controlled trial. The intervention consisted of three massage sessions with ginger and coconut oil over a 1-week period. The control group received standard supportive care only. Assessments were conducted at pre-assessment and at the end of one week of massage or standard care. Changes from pre-assessment to the end of treatment were measured in terms of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio and also the severity of self-rated symptom scores. Results: The main finding was that after adjusting for pre-assessment values the mean lymphocyte count at the post-assessment was significantly higher (P=0.04) in the treatment group than in the controls. The size of this difference suggested that aromatherapy with Thai massage could boost lymphocyte numbers by 11%. The secondary outcomes were that at the post assessment the symptom severity scores for fatigue, presenting symptom, pain and stress were significantly lower in the massage group than in the standard care controls. Conclusions: Aromatherapy with light Thai massage can be beneficial for the immune systems of cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy by increasing the number of lymphocytes and can help to reduce the severity of common symptoms.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.802-807
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• 2002

This study was conducted to see effects of dietary bacterial fiber produced by Gluconoucetobacter hansenii on gross structure, and disaccharidase activities of small intestine and body lipid status in rats. Bacterial fiber was prepared by drying and alkali treatment of floating membrane produced IS days after the bacterial culture using coconut juice media. Male Sprague-Dawely rats of 320+10 g were grouped into three and fed 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol diets with three different dietary fibers, i .e. cellulose, and pectin and bacterial fiber, at the level of 2% (w/w). During four-week experimental period, food intakes and body weight gains were not different among three groups. Total lengths and jejunal fragment weights of small intestine did not differ among the three groups but cecal weight was higher in bacterial fiber groups than those of the other two groups. Colon content and fecal dry weight were lower in bacterial fiber group. Sucrase activity of the jejunal mucosa was lower in bacterial fiber group but maltase activity was not different from those of the other two groups. Plasma total cholesterol level was lower and that of HDL-cholesterol higher in pectin group than those of cellulose and bacterial fiber groups, the latter of which did not differ. Both in plasma and liver triglyceride levels were lower in bacterial fiber group than cellulose and pectin groups, and liver cholesterol level was lower in pectin group. Relative liver weights and Plasma activities of GOT md GPT were not different among three groups. It is concluded that bacterial fiber used in the present study had hypotriglyceridemic effect that help improve lipid status in the body.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1759-1767
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• 2012

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary fat sources, i.e., beef tallow, soybean oil, olive oil and coconut oil (each 3% in feed), on the growth performance, meat quality and gene expression in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 72 crossbred pigs (Landrace${\times}$Large White${\times}$Duroc) were used at $71{\pm}1$ kg body weight (about 130 d of age) in 24 pens ($320{\times}150$ cm) in a confined pig house (three pigs per pen) with six replicate pens per treatment. The growing diet was given for periods of $14{\pm}3$ d and the finishing diet was given for periods of $28{\pm}3$ d. The fat type had no significant effect either on growth performance or on chemical composition or on meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. Dietary fat type affected fatty acid composition, with higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the olive oil group. Microarray analysis in the Longissimus dorsi identified 6 genes, related to insulin signaling pathway, that were differentially expressed among the different feed groups. Real time-PCR was conducted on the six genes in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM). In particular, the genes encoding the protein kinase, cAMP-dependent, regulatory, type II, alpha (PRKAR2A) and the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1, beta isoform (PPP1CB) showed the highest expression level in the olive oil group (respectively, p<0.05, p<0.001). The results of this study indicate that the type of dietary fat affects fatty acid composition and insulin signaling-related gene expression in the LM of pigs.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.210-214
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• 2008

This experiment was carried out investigation of optimum concentration of supply nutrient solution in hydroponics of sweet pepper using coir substrates (coconut dust fiber=70% : 30%, v/v). During the growing period, it was found out that the electric conductivity (EC) would increase in proportion to the supply nutrient concentration but it was in inverse proportion to the moisture content. The pH of drainage was stable, while EC was high showing EC $7.3\;dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ in EC $4.0\;dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ of supply nutrient concentration. Also, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were high. Plant length was no difference by the supply nutrient concentration. Photosynthesis rate was generally high in supply nutrient concentration EC$4.0\;dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$. Fruit weight was heavy in supply nutrient concentration EC $4.0\;dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, fruit shape was close to a regular square in supply nutrient concentration EC $3.5dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 1976

These experiment were conducted to investigate the cultural condition of the lipase production by Rhizopus japonicus. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Soybean meal and ammonium sulfate were the most effective in the lipase production as organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, respectively. 2. The lipase production was strongly inhibited, when added as carbon sources xylose, glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose, soluble starch, and dextrin causing the lowering of pH of the medium during culture. Sucrose did not inhibit the lipase production, but not caused any effect when added. 3. $K_2HPO_4$ as phosphate salt and $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$ as magnesium salt were the most effective in the lipase production. 4. The addition of olive oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil respectively increased the enzyme production and especially 1% olive oil increased it by 50%. 5. The enzyme production increased slightly on the addition of yeast extract to $0.05{\sim}0.07%$. 6. The optimum composition of the medium for the lipase production by Rhizopus japonicus was in the composition of soybean meal 2%; $K_2HPO_4{\cdot}$ 0.5%; $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ 0.1%; $MgSO_4\;7H_2O$ 0.05%; yeast extract 0.05%; olive oil 1%. The maximum production of the lipase was attained by the incubation far 48hrs under the optimum incubation condition.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.181-188
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• 2007

This study examined the effects of green tea extract supplementation (500 or 1,000 mg/kg b.w. per day) in conjunction with an atherogenic diet (10% coconut oil (w/w), 0.1% cholesterol) on plasma lipid composition, regression of pre-existing foam cells, and on the mRNA levels of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and LDL receptor. Compared to groups fed only with the atherogenic diet, the addition of green tea extract to atherogenic diet-fed groups significantly down-regulated plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, dose-dependently. Supplementation of 1,000 mg/kg b.w. of green tea extract with the atherogenic diet induced significant up-regulation of both HMG-CoA reductase and LDL receptor messenger RNA levels in liver as compared to the group receiving green tea extract supplementation at 500 mg/kg b.w. The F1B hamsters fed the atherogenic diet had greater foam cell accumulation compared to those fed a normal diet, or the atherogenic diet supplemented with green tea extract. Regression of fatty streak lesions was achieved by atherosclerosis in fat- and cholesterol-fed hamsters and this effect was associated with down-regulation of plasma cholesterol and up-regulation of hepatic LDL receptor expression.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2004

This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of various agricultural by-products as basal substrates for the mycelial growth and fruiting body formation of Hericium erinaceum. For this aim, oak sawdust, cotton waste, sugarcane bagasse, Job's tears, rice hull, Chinese cabbage, and coconut waste were used as sole or mixed substrate(s). Corn waste and rice bran were used as nutrient supplements. The growth and density of mycelium, yield of fruiting body, and biological efficiency were compared among tested substrates colonized by Hericium erinaceum. The best measurement of mycelial growth and density, yield of fruiting body, and biological efficiency in a laboratory test was found in a spawn substrate composed with oak sawdust 80% and rice bran 20%. The suitability of this spawn substrate composition for Hericium fruiting body production was testified through practical tests in plastic bottles (850 ml) in a mushroom farm which had bottle cultivation facility. However, test in a mushroom farm which had plastic bag cultivation facility, best production of Hericium fruiting body (520 g per one bag) was observed in a spawn substrate composed of cotton waste 40%, saw dust 40%, corn waste 10%, and rice bran 10%.