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The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized genome editing due to its simplicity, efficiency, and specificity; making genome-modified large animals’ important components in sustainable food production and biomedical systems. Small ruminant species are essential elements of such systems due to their size, anatomy, productivity, and adaptability. However, many limitations should be overcome before adopting genome editing technologies at a large scale. For example, mosaicism, a common feature of genome editing, represents a real impediment in the production of stable genome-modified animals. Moreover, costs, technical difficulties, and outcomes inconsistency of commonly used microinjection of CRISPR-Cas9, represents another challenge. Therefore, replacing microinjection with an alternative that can reduce costs, technical difficulties, and mosaicism is one of the essential steps before successfully embedding genome editing into the production system. Electroporation was used effectively to deliver genome editors into in vitro and in vivo cells. In my research, I optimized the electroporation of CRISPR-Cas9 parameter and time to overcome several obstacles faced by one-step zygote gene editing. Using dual sgRNAs, I targeted two sheep genomic loci: SOCS2 and PDX1 and one goat genomic locus: OTX2. I compared the efficiency of microinjection with three different electroporation settings at four different times of development. I found that electroporation of sheep and goat zygotes 6 hours after fertilization in an electroporation parameter that involved short-high voltage (poring) and long-low voltage (transfer) pulses was efficient to produce non-mosaic knock-out blastocysts (chapter 2). I transferred the SOCS2 knock-out embryos (chapter 3) to estrus synchronized recipients to extend my investigation beyond the preimplantation stages. I obtained eight knock-out fetuses, and lambs, of which 3 grew to become three healthy adults. All fetuses and lambs were SOCS2 biallelic mutants. The knock-out phenotype was confirmed by the absence of SOCS2 mRNA and protein in the healthy lambs. In conclusion, embryo electroporation of CRISPR-Cas9 is an efficient method to produce knock-out sheep.

Abstract: Learning and memory are two of our mind's most magical abilities. Different brain regions have roles to process and store different types of memories. The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for receiving information and storing it in the neocortex. One of the most impressive characteristics of the hippocampus is its capacity for neurogenesis which is a process, new neurons are produced and then transformed into mature neurons and integrated into neural circuits. The neurogenesis process in the hippocampus, an example of neuroplasticity in the adult brain, is believed to aid hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. New neurons are constantly produced in the hippocampus and integrated into the pre-existing neuronal network, this allows old memories already stored in the neocortex to be removed from the hippocampus and replaced with new ones. Factors affecting neurogenesis in the hippocampus may also affect hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. The flavonoids can exert particularly powerful actions in mammalian cognition and improve hippocampaldependent learning and memory by positively affecting hippocampal neurogenesis.

In the study, the effect of different doses of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation on the biochemical quality of Eregli Black Carrot (Daucus carota L. spp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) investigated, during storage. For this purpose, the carrot roots treated with 0 kJ/m² (control), 1.575 kJ/m² (15d), 3.15 kJ/m² (30d) and 6.30 kJ/m² (60d) doses of UV-B were placed into the 1 kg sized PE bag and then stored in a cold room at 4 ± 1oC temperature and 85-90% relative humidity for 5 months. In the present study, it is found that even if UV-B applications increased the amount of total soluble phenol content of carrots 1.16-1.53 fold during the first month of the experiment, later the amount of TSP decreased. During the storage period, the amount of TSP content changed between 23.72 and 51.11 mg KAE/100 mL. While the lowest amount of anthocyanin has obtained from the control application with 557.76 mg/kg FW, the highest value measured in UV-B 30d with 1636.96 mg/kg FW. As a result of the study, it has determined that UV-B radiation of 3.15 kJ / m² dose could be used to increase the anthocyanin content of carrots.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially its sporadic form (sAD), is of multifactorial nature. Brain insulin resistance and disrupted zinc homeostasis are two key aspects of AD that remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary zinc deficiency and supplementation on memory, hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and insulin signaling in intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (icv-STZ)-induced sAD in rats. The memory performance was evaluated by Morris water maze. The expression of hippocampal protein and mRNA levels of targets related to synaptic plasticity and insulin pathway was assessed by Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR. We found memory deficits in icv-STZ rats, which were fully recovered by zinc supplementation. Western blot analysis revealed that icv-STZ treatment significantly reduced hippocampal PSD95 and p-GSK3β, and zinc supplementation restored the normal protein levels. mRNA levels of BDNF, PSD95, SIRT1, GLUT4, insulin receptor, and ZnT3 were found to be reduced by icv-STZ and reestablished by zinc supplementation. Our data suggest that zinc supplementation improves cognitive deficits and rescues the decline in key molecular targets of synaptic plasticity and insulin signaling in hippocampus caused by icv-STZ induced sAD in rats.

Azolla pinnata is a small floating fern which widely occurs in certain regions such as Southeast Asia. Azolla is utilized in the new plant research on the currently existing products for soilless growth media. Soilless growth media are an alternative component to replace soil for cultivation uses. In urbanization scenario nowadays, most of the flatten open-area soil is used for development, affecting the soil supply for plants. To introduce a new component such as the soilless growth media, it must have the same or more nutrients than soil or other existing soilless growth media. A study found that Azolla is used as a soilless growth media in the nursery for olive trees cultivation. According to the study, the nutrients obtained from Azolla are sufficient to replace soil as a growth media. In this experiment, the Single Dry Ashing, and Kjeldahl and Dummas methods were used to evaluate and compare both macro and micronutrients of Azolla to Midorie Pafcal and Jiffy-7 pallets. Based on the results, the values were 0.94 % (N), 4352.00 ppm (P), and 563.13 ppm (K); compared to 1.35% (N), 377.13 ppm (P), 1512.33 ppm (K); and 0% (N), 563.13 ppm (P), 1343.67 ppm (K), respectively. The results also showed the values of Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn) for Azolla, Midorie Pafcal and Jiffy-7 samples were 15.33 ppm (Cu), 2579.67 ppm (Fe), 93.63 ppm (Zn); 7.53 ppm (Cu), 9988.33 ppm (Fe), 26.77 ppm (Zn); and 13.01 ppm (Cu), 1150.30 (Fe), 12.40 ppm (Zn), respectively. In conclusion, Azolla pinnata is capable of providing the nutrients required for a plant, making it suitable as a soilless growth media for all plants.

Tumor metabolic reprogramming ensures that cancerous cells obtain sufficient building blocks, energy, and antioxidants to sustain rapid growth and for coping with oxidative stress. Neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NeuroD1) is upregulated in various types of tumors; however, its involvement in tumor cell metabolic reprogramming remains unclear. In this study, we report that NeuroD1 is positively correlated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, the regulation of G6PD by NeuroD1 alters tumor cell metabolism by stimulating the PPP, leading to enhanced production of nucleotides and NADPH. These, in turn, promote DNA and lipid biosynthesis in tumor cells, while decreasing intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, we showed that NeuroD1 binds directly to the G6PD promoter to activate G6PD transcription. Consequently, tumor cell proliferation and colony formation are enhanced, leading to increased tumorigenic potential in vitro and in vivo. These findings reveal a novel function of NeuroD1 as a regulator of G6PD, whereby its oncogenic activity is linked to tumor cell metabolic reprogramming and regulation of the PPP. Furthermore, NeuroD1 represents a potential target for metabolism-based anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.

This study analyzes the colorectal cancer refers to gradually growing cancer that begins as tumor or tissue development in the internal layer of the rectum or stomach. CRC is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation and can cause collapse. This study is an analytical observational study using a cross-sectional study design with an evaluation stage of increasing LGR-5 levels on clinical aspects and stages of Colorectal Carcinoma patients in Makassar. Data collection was primary, where the data taken was demographic data and related to clinical aspects of the patient, namely, age, gender, cancer location, and cancer stage, lymph node participation, histopathological type when the patient came to treatment with diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The non-sanskari analysis was carried out on variables from the results of the study using contradiction analysis to determine the relationship between the increased level of LGR-5 and the stage of carcinogen ma patients based on AJCC. The analysis was carried out with the chi-square test. The value of significance is obtained when p

Vegetarian diets are slowly becoming a lifestyle in Malaysia but is still lacking in the production of vegetarian foods in the form of ready-to-eat meals. The main objectives of this study were to determine the proximate composition and sensory acceptance of selected Indian vegetarian dishes (aloo gobi, dhal curry, potato curry, aloo patta gobi, bhindi masala, vadai and vegetarian kebab) before and after sterilization process. The preparation of the dishes was done using sterilization and vacuum packaging technique. As for the proximate analysis, ash, moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrate and crude fibre and total caloric content were determined. Sensory analysis which was quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and the 7-point hedonic scale were used to determine appearance, colour, odour, taste, texture and overall acceptance, before and after sterilization process. In proximate analysis, significant difference (p

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and non-disabling stroke are common emergency department (ED) presentations. Currently, there are no prospective multicenter studies determining predictors of neurologists confirming a diagnosis of cerebral ischemia in patients discharged with a diagnosis of TIA or stroke. The objectives were to (1) calculate the concordance between emergency physicians and neurologists for the outcome of diagnosing TIA or stroke, and (2) identify characteristics associated with neurologists diagnosing a stroke mimic. This was a planned sub-study of a prospective cohort study at 14 Canadian EDs enrolling patients diagnosed with TIA or non-disabling stroke from 2006 to 2017. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with neurologists’ diagnosis of cerebral ischemia. Our primary outcome was the composite outcome of cerebral ischemia (TIA or non-disabling stroke) based on the neurologists’ assessment. The diagnosis of cerebral ischemia was confirmed by neurologists in 5794 patients (55.4%). The most common identified stroke mimics were migraine (18%), peripheral vertigo (7%), syncope (4%), and seizure (3%). Over a third of patients (38.4%) ultimately had an undetermined aetiology for their symptoms. The strongest predictors of cerebral ischemia confirmation were infarct on CT (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.65–2.02), advanced age (OR comparing 75th–25th percentiles 1.67, 1.55–1.80), language disturbance (OR 1.92, 1.75–2.10), and smoking (OR 1.67, 1.46–1.91). The strongest predictors of stroke mimics were syncope (OR 0.59, 0.48–0.72), vertigo (OR 0.52, 0.45–0.59), bilateral symptoms (OR 0.60, 0.50–0.72), and confusion (OR 0.50, 0.44–0.57). Physicians should have a high index of suspicion of cerebral ischemia in patients with advanced age, smoking history, language disturbance, or infarcts on CT. Physicians should discriminate in which patients to pursue stroke investigations on when deemed at minimal risk of cerebral ischemia, including those with isolated vertigo, syncope, or bilateral symptoms.

This research reports nanoparticles or nanocatechin produced from catechin extracted from gambier and the differences between the properties of the extracted catechin and nanocatechin. The study began with the preparation of >95% pure catechin through successive extraction. The catechin obtained was converted to nanocatechin with a high-speed homogenizer on a 1% suspension of catechin in water at 12,000 rpm for 30, 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes. Results showed average diameters of the nanocatechin 90-minute homogenized colloids were then dried with a spray dryer so physical and chemical properties could be compared with those of the raw extracted catechin. Catechin content, water content, pH, refractive index, density, molecular weight and rotational angle were unaltered. Appearance, solubility, thermal properties, highest absorbance wavelength and antioxidant activity were measured. Initial degradation temperature and antioxidant activity of nanocatechin were higher than those in the originally extracted catechin.

In Peninsular Malaysia, barn owls (Tyto javanica javanica) have been utilized as biological control of rats since the 1960s. In this study, the impact of introduced barn owls on rat populations in an oil palm plantation in Sabah, Malaysia, were studied. There were three treatment areas in this study: T1 (barn owl area) was an oil palm plot where no rodenticides were applied and rat control relied solely on predation of the introduced barn owls, T2 was an oil palm plot where one fixed baiting campaign was carried out per year, and T3 was an oil palm plot where two fixed baiting campaigns were carried out per year. Rat abundance and fresh fruit bunch (FFB) damage were assessed monthly throughout the four-year study period. The dominant species at all treatment areas was the House rat, Rattus rattus diardii. Both rat abundance and FFB damage were higher in the first year of study at all three treatment areas. FFB damage was lowest at T3 compared to the other two treatment areas throughout the entire study period, probably due to the intensive baiting carried out at T3. FFB damage at T1 was comparable to FFB damage at T2 (with the exception of the first year of study). Additionally, FFB damage at T1 after the first year was frequently below the 5% FFB damage threshold level. The results of this study indicate that introduced barn owl control of rat pests was sufficient for at least three years and perhaps more.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags represent some of the smallest animal-borne technologies available. They are frequently used for understanding fine-scale associations between animals and their environments. However, currently available devices are often prohibitively expensive or difficult to customise. We present ‘WildWID’, an open-source radio-frequency identification system that can be used for detecting encounters between tags and loggers and/or integrated into more advanced experimental set-ups for triggering audio or visual playbacks following the detection of RFID tag codes. WildWID systems can be made using commercially available components (costing ~$20 USD for tags and ~$60 for loggers) and can be customised to fit project and species-specific needs. WildWID tags have been deployed on a range of species including koalas Phascolarctos cinereus, lions Panthera leo and shy albatross Thalassarche cauta for a range of research topics, including the assessment of road-crossing structures and species' responses to intraspecific competitors. WildWID is a cost-effective RFID system that can increase the accessibility of this technology for a wider range of researchers and study questions. Its use provides researchers with opportunities to mitigate ethical concerns, for example, by customising systems for species-specific conditions, and its customisability extends the range of applications where RFID systems can be used by field biologists.

Kappahycus alvarezii is a species of seaweed belongs to Rhodophyta class which is commonly cultivated by coastal community in tropical areas. This research therefore aimed to clarify the growth of K. alvarezii thallus from culture tissue and cloning selection cultivated using horizontal net. The method was an experimental design, which used a randomized group and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) analysis. Horizontal net was used to avoid pest attack and research failure. The results showed the total growth rate in average within 40 days from the initial 20 g growth to 120,1g and 139,7g of cloning and tissue culture seed, respectively. Meanwhile, the average of SGR of tissue culture and cloning were 6.3% and 6.7%/day, respectively. Statistically, the cloning selection method and tissue culture were not significantly different with good maintenance, especially using the horizontal net. Transparency level had a positive correlation with the growth of cloning selection seeds.

The study was conducted to determine the best gambier liquid by-product (GLB) processing methods based on antioxidant activity as natural antioxidant sources. The processing methods were A (ethyl acetate fractionation), B (oven drying) and C (freeze drying) methods. The observed variables were dry extract (using weighing method), tannin (using hide powder method), catechin (using SNI 01- 339-2000 method), total phenol (using folin ciocalteu reagents) and antioxidant activities (DPPH method) based on ICAO50. These antioxidant activities were compared with vitamin C as a positive control. The results indicated that the different processing methods significantly affected (P

Hydroxycoumarins and their based conjugates revealed a wide-ranged biological activity providing potential scaffolds to serve better in therapy. This work aims to synthesize six new azo-coumarinic conjugates termed SY1-SY6 and investigate their potentials as antitumor and antibacterial applicants. The synthesis of these conjugates started from cantabiline, which was employed as a synthetic precursor and comparable agent in the biological assessment. The antitumor activity of the conjugates was investigated versus four tumor-cell lines by applying an MTT-based assay; these cell-lines included KYSE-30, MCF-7, HeLa, and SK-OV-3. The antibacterial activity was evaluated versus four standard bacterial strains using a broth-dilution technique; these strains were Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Escherichia coli. The spectral data acquired from various spectrophotometers were confirmed the chemical structures of the synthesized conjugates. The biological investigation exhibited that the conjugates have moderate-to-good antitumor and antibacterial activities. Also, the substituent on the inserted aromatic component of the azo bond exerts a notable influence on the investigated activities. When this substituent has an electron-withdrawing character, the activity shifted toward the antitumor than antibacterial effect. This shifting was reversed in the case of electron-donation substituents. The authors concluded that the utilization of these two findings may result in the construction of new conjugates with an activity directed toward fighting cancer or bacterial infections by modulating the nature of the substituted group.

Recent studies in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) have reported conflicting roles for NAC DOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN 17 (ANAC017), a transcription factor regulating mitochondria-to-nuclear signaling, and its closest paralog NAC DOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN 16 (ANAC016), in leaf senescence. By synchronizing senescence in individually darkened leaves of knockout and overexpressing mutants from these contrasting studies, we demonstrate that elevated ANAC017 expression consistently causes accelerated senescence and cell death. A time-resolved transcriptome analysis revealed that senescence-associated pathways such as autophagy are not constitutively activated in ANAC017 overexpression lines, but require a senescence-stimulus to trigger accelerated induction. ANAC017 transcript and ANAC017-target genes are constitutively upregulated in ANAC017 overexpression lines, but surprisingly show a transient “super-induction” 1 d after senescence induction. This induction of ANAC017 and its target genes is observed during the later stages of age-related and dark-induced senescence, indicating the ANAC017 pathway is also activated in natural senescence. In contrast, knockout mutants of ANAC017 showed lowered senescence-induced induction of ANAC017 target genes during the late stages of dark-induced senescence. Finally, promoter binding analyses show that the ANAC016 promoter sequence is directly bound by ANAC017, so ANAC016 likely acts downstream of ANAC017 and is directly transcriptionally controlled by ANAC017 in a feed-forward loop during late senescence.

Reaction centre light-harvesting 1 (RC–LH1) complexes are the essential components of bacterial photosynthesis. The membrane-intrinsic LH1 complex absorbs light and the energy migrates to an enclosed RC where a succession of electron and proton transfers conserves the energy as a quinol, which is exported to the cytochrome bc1 complex. In some RC–LH1 variants quinols can diffuse through small pores in a fully circular, 16-subunit LH1 ring, while in others missing LH1 subunits create a gap for quinol export. We used cryogenic electron microscopy to obtain a 2.5 Å resolution structure of one such RC–LH1, a monomeric complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The structure shows that the RC is partly enclosed by a 14-subunit LH1 ring in which each αβ heterodimer binds two bacteriochlorophylls and, unusually for currently reported complexes, two carotenoids rather than one. Although the extra carotenoids confer an advantage in terms of photoprotection and light harvesting, they could impede passage of quinones through small, transient pores in the LH1 ring, necessitating a mechanism to create a dedicated quinone channel. The structure shows that two transmembrane proteins play a part in stabilising an open ring structure; one of these components, the PufX polypeptide, is augmented by a hitherto undescribed protein subunit we designate as protein-Y, which lies against the transmembrane regions of the thirteenth and fourteenth LH1α polypeptides. Protein-Y prevents LH1 subunits 11–14 adjacent to the RC QB site from bending inwards towards the RC and, with PufX preventing complete encirclement of the RC, this pair of polypeptides ensures unhindered quinone diffusion.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Gastrointestinal complications post cardiac surgery are infrequent but difficult to diagnose and carry a high mortality. Plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) concentrations and the relationship between I-FABP, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and postoperative outcomes were investigated in patients who developed gastrointestinal dysfunction (acute gastrointestinal injury [AGI] grade ≥2) and those with normal gastrointestinal function. METHODS Patients with (AGI 2 group, n = 11) and without (matched controls, AGI 0 group, n = 22) early postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction were extracted from a larger single-center prospective observational study, including adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation, and investigated in this nested case-control analysis. RESULTS Both groups displayed variations in I-FABP concentrations with higher I-FABP on postoperative Day 1 compared to baseline and postoperative Days 2 and 3 (p

Pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 3 (PBX3) is a member of the PBX family and contains a highly conserved homologous domain. PBX3 is involved in the progression of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer; however, the detailed mechanism by which it promotes tumor growth remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that PBX3 silencing induces the expression of the cell cycle regulator p21, leading to an increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell apoptosis as well as suppression of proliferation and colony formation. Furthermore, we found that PBX3 is highly expressed in clinical CRC patients, in whom p21 expression is aberrantly low. We found that the regulation of p21 transcription by PBX3 occurs through the upstream regulator of p21, the tumor suppressor p53, as PBX3 binds to the p53 promoter and suppresses its transcriptional activity. Finally, we revealed that PBX3 regulates tumor growth through regulation of the p53/p21 axis. Taken together, our results not only describe a novel mechanism regarding PBX3-mediated regulation of tumor growth but also provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of the tumor suppressor p53.

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the high level of thyroxine affects on each of the luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of rats and to estimate the potential effect of the administration of aqueous rosemary extract and propylthiouracil against testicular toxicity induced by levothyroxine in male rats. Negative control group rats were treated with distilled water. Three groups of male rats were treated subcutaneously with 0.5 mg/kg levothyroxine for 12 days: Since day 13th to the 24th day of the experiment first group was regarded as a positive control group that received distilled water, the second group was given propylthiouracil at a dose level of 10 mg/kg b.wt, and the third was given aqueous extracts of rosemary 10 mg/kg b.wt. The results revealed that treatment with aqueous extract of rosemary lead to a significant decrease in the levels of serum testosterone while a highly significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, and LH levels in serum revealed after treatment with propylthiouracil. Thus, it can be concluded that the effect of propylthiouracil and rosemary aqueous extract resulted in dialectical hormonal results in which the favor was to propylthiouracil.

The research, influences of different energy microwaves treated water on the antioxidant enzyme of Trigonella foenum-graecum (T. foenum ) were studied. The analysis was carried out in 2020 in the laboratories of Ecology Department, College of Science under stable variables such as temperature, humidity, sunlight. The antioxidant enzyme, The catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity in T. foenum (hypocotyl and radical) were measured after twenty days of experiments. Results showed that germination was increased with water energy, and all enzymes activity were increased in low energy treated water gradually but decreased rapidly in high energy treated water. hypocotyl showed a higher response than Radical. (CAT) and (SOD) enzymes activity rises slowly in 30w* until it reaches a peak in 50 w * 120 s then decreases rapidly in 70 w * 150 s and whenever the time of treatments increased the enzyme becomes less effective. Both (APX) and (POD) had the same response but showed an increase in activities at 30W. The results improve that microwaves treated water-induced antioxidant enzyme response in T. foenum. While the specified energy level and duration showed a better growth rate compared to regular watering water. The results of this research serve those interested in developing cultivation and water treatment methods and improving our understanding of T. foenum irrigation behaviour using microwave treated water.

Forty-eight taxa of saprophytes fungi were isolated and identified from submerged plant debris samples collected from different sites in Misan province, southern Iraq, which are Maymouna, Al-Salam, Majar Al-Kabir, and Amara. Among them, 24 species belonged to Ascomycota (six of which are sexual state), 19 species to hyphomycetes (anamorphic fungi), 4 to Zygomycota, and one to Oomycetes. Six species were isolated and newly recorded from Iraq, which are Aniptodera margaration, Cirrenalia iberica, Cordana lignicola, Cordana verruculosa, Pseudoacrodictys appendiculata, and Scytalidium thermophilum. However, in the evaluation of both moist chamber and direct culture methods, 34 species were isolated by the first method and 27 species by the second method, meantime, 13 species (9 belonged to Ascomycota, 2 to hyphomycetes, and 2 to Zygomycetes) were recovered by both methods. Aspergillus terrus was appeared in highest frequency and occurrence (11.76%, 42.55%, respectively), followed by Aspergillus horti (10%, 36.17%, respectively), and then A. niger with a frequency and occurrence of 5.29% and 19.14%, respectively, while 17 species were appeared lowest frequency and occurrence to reach 0.58%, 2.12%, respectively, for all. One hundred and seven isolates have been recovered from all study sites. Meantime, sixty-four isolates have been reported from Majar Al-Kabir, as compared with other sites, followed by Amara (43 isolates), while 39 isolates have been isolated from the Maymouna, and 24 isolates from Al-Salam. The biodiversity of fungi isolated from submerged plant debris was compared with previous studies. Brief descriptions of the new recorded fungi were given.

Introduction Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a multicultural metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to abnormalities in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Abnormalities in insulin secretion or action cause problems in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. DM Type II is characterized by the occurrence of insulin resistance in body tissues. Trigona honey is rich in phenolic compounds because it is food collected by bees from plants. The total phenolic content in honey is highly correlated with antioxidant activity. In this study, we aimed to see the different effects of trigona honey (Tetragonula sp) on plasma insulin and blood glucose levels in mice with diabetes mellitus. Methods. Balb/c mice (n= 28) were randomly assigned into the control group (n=7), negative control, positive control, and intervention group which received a daily intake of trigona honey (n= 14). Results. showed that administration of trigona honey can increase administration of the metformin. This is caused because honey contains high antioxidants and contains bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenol compounds. Conclusion. Daily consumption of trigona honey has a remarkable potential to decrease the blood glucose, thus it can contribute to the prevention of the diabetes mellitus development.

Carica papaya Linnaeus commonly known as papaya is widely grown in Malaysia as a herbaceous plant with phytochemicals for a variety of use, particularly in the medical field. The therapeutic medicinal way of treating dengue fever using papaya leave extract mainly involves consumption a raw concoction and is very distasteful. Therefore, a study was carried out to develop stable emulsion with an acceptable taste through a ternary phase diagram system (TPDS), which comprised virgin coconut oil (VCO), isolated whey protein (WPI) and Carica papaya leaves extract (CPLE). The TPDS was developed using Chemix Software version 3.6 to identify the existence of homogenous phase region. In the first phase, a total of 11 selected samples (named as A to K) with concentrations ranging from 20% to 30% (w/w) of WPI from the homogenous phase region were used to select the best emulsion selection. Sample I with a composition of 25, 30 and 45% (w/w) comprising VCO, WPI and CPLE was selected and considered as the best and stable emulsion. In the second phase, sample I (renamed as sample M) underwent an addition of + 2% (sample L) and reduction of −2% (sample N) VCO. Analysis was carried out such as emulsion stability test (creaming index), pH value, viscosity, color and storage stability (4, 28 and 45 °C). The control sample was CPLE without any VCO or WPI. Sensory evaluation was also conducted to handpick the best formulation favored by 30 panellists. The sensory evaluation was conducted on samples L, M, N and CPLE using 7-point hedonic scale for preference on color, viscosity, odor, bitterness and overall acceptance attributes. The results showed that centrifugation test exhibited a stable emulsion for all the three samples (p > 0.05) L, M and N. In fact, there were differences between all the samples (p

This review focuses on the use of bromelain in various applications in animal products with the latest literature so that it can provide information on what parts of this enzyme can be applied. Bromelain is a protease enzyme found in stems (EC 3.4.22.32), leaves, crowns, fruit skins, fruit flesh (EC 3.4.22.33) and fruit tubers in pineapple. Bromelain has been exploited commercially in many applications in the food industry (baking industry), drinks industry (stabilizers in beer), tenders (meat), and pharmaceuticals (anti-tumorigenic agents). However, not all types of proteins can be hydrolyzed by bromelain, such as keratin which can only be hydrolyzed by keratinase, this is because the enzymes work specifically. In animal food products, bromelain is applied as a meat tenderizer, making of protein hydrolyzate products, cheese and also fish sauce product. The application of bromelain to animal food products has proven that hydrolyzed products using this enzyme can increase umami taste, which means that bromelain has great potential when applied to animal food products. Bromelain is useful in the processing of some animal food products because bromelain works specifically and is very active in animal protein such as milk, meat and collagen.

NT3 protein is expressed by Neurotrophin 3 (NTF-3) which plays a role in the process of differentiation, survival of peripheral and neuropathological of neurons. The information of structure and function of NT-3 proteins is still very limited, especially in Gallus gallus. This study aims to predict the three-dimensional structure of the Trk A and Trk B proteins in Gallus gallus. The target protein obtained from the UniProt server with access codes Q91009 (Trk A) and Q91987 (Trk B) using the 6kzc 1.A (PDB ID) template was analyzed in silico through a homology approach and describing the structural assessment using Chimera UCSF software. The analysis showed that the Trk A protein had a QMEAN value of -0.08, composed of 778 amino acids, mass 87334.30 Daltons, and Seq Identity 79.93%. Trk B had a QMEAN value of 0.16, consisting of 818 amino acids, mass 91732.05 Daltons, and Seq Identity 84.30%. Key words: NT3; homology; UCSF chimera; G. gallus

In recent years, several studies have reported positive outcomes of cell-based therapies despite insufficient engraftment of transplanted cells. These findings have created a huge interest in the regenerative potential of paracrine factors released from transplanted stem or progenitor cells. Interestingly, this notion has also led scientists to question the role of proteins in the secretome produced by cells, tissues or organisms under certain conditions or at a particular time of regenerative therapy. Further studies have revealed that the secretomes derived from different cell types contain paracrine factors that could help to prevent apoptosis and induce proliferation of cells residing within the tissues of affected organs. This could also facilitate the migration of immune, progenitor and stem cells within the body to the site of inflammation. Of these different paracrine factors present within the secretome, researchers have given proper consideration to stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1) that plays a vital role in tissue-specific migration of the cells needed for regeneration. Recently researchers recognized that SDF1 could facilitate site-specific migration of cells by regulating SDF1-CXCR4 and/or HMGB1-SDF1-CXCR4 pathways which is vital for tissue regeneration. Hence in this study, we have attempted to describe the role of different types of cells within the body in facilitating regeneration while emphasizing the HMGB1-SDF1-CXCR4 pathway that orchestrates the migration of cells to the site where regeneration is needed.

Yin yang 2 (YY2) is a multifunctional zinc finger protein that belongs to the yin yang (YY) family. YY2 has dual function in regulating gene expression, as it could act either as a transcriptional activator or as a repressor of its target genes. YY2 could regulate genes that have been previously identified as targets of yin yang 1 (YY1), another member of the YY family, by binding to their common binding sequences. However, recent studies revealed that YY2 also has its own specific binding sequences, leading to its particular biological functions distinct from those of YY1. Furthermore, they have different levels or even opposite regulatory effects on common target genes, suggesting the importance of balanced YY1 and YY2 regulations in maintaining proper cellular homeostasis and biological functions. Recent studies revealed that YY2 plays crucial roles in maintaining stemness and regulating differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells, as well as in the development of the brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems. YY2 expression is also closely related to diseases, as it could act as a tumour suppressor gene that regulates tumour cell proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, YY2 is also involved in immune regulation and immune surveillance. Herein, we summarize recent perspectives regarding the regulatory functions of YY2, as well as its biological functions and relation with diseases.

Nanoparticles was done by adding water hyacinth leave extract to AgNO3 2mM solution with a ratio of 1:40. Formed silver nanoparticles were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, XRD, PSA, and FTIR to determine its characteristics. Results showed that absorbance value increased if reaction time is increased. Maximum absorption was obtained at wavelength 432-446 nm by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Result of PSA analysis shows that the average size of silver nanoparticles formed is 93.2 nm while XRD analysis shows that the average crystal size of silver nanoparticles is 50.11 nm, with round shape and amorphous. Result of FTIR analysis to determine functional group that contributes to nanoparticle synthesis shows the contribution of OH group. Keywords: reduction method, silver nanoparticles, Eichornia crassipes, bioreductor

Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are major health care problems worldwide. More effort is required to identify factors associated with adverse outcome. Evaluate the prognostic capacity of tum...

Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) is the most widely produced coffee in Indonesia. The relatively high acid content causes robusta coffee to be less attractive to both local and international consumers. Acid levels in coffee can be reduced by heating techniques using water as a solvent because it is cheap and easy to obtain and water is also a safe solvent and has no side effects for health. Coffee bean water content was analyzed by heating to constant weight by the oven method, acid content by titration technique, and followed by organoleptic testing. The results of the analysis of water content for dry treatment of 10.02%, wet treatment of 10.35% and on heating for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes respectively at 9.99%; 10.34%; 9.70%; 10.40%; 11.65% and 11.36%. The results of the analysis of acid levels for the treatment of dry processing amounted to 3.65%, wet processing amounted to 3.42%, and for heating for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes respectively 3.03%; 2.76%; 2.51%; 2.39%; 2,32% and 2,28%. Organoleptic test results showed that the decline in the quality of coffee occurs when heating above 45 minutes. Based on research data it was concluded that the heating method can reduce acid levels in coffee beans with a maximum heating time of 45 minutes to maintain the quality of taste in coffee. Keywords: Coffea canephora, organoleptic, warming up, titration.

The kernel of groundnut and groundnut-based products are easily contaminated by aflatoxin: a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. A total of 526 samples of groundnut and groundnut-based products were collected from six states in Nigeria namely Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Benue States and analyzed for Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) contamination using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Results of the analysis revealed that both groundnut kernel and processed products had varying levels of AfB1 contamination. While AfB1 contamination levels varied between 7.82 and 12.33 µg/kg in kernels of local groundnut varieties, they ranged between 3.79 and 6.79 µg/kg in those of improved groundnut varieties. Mean AfB1 levels in groundnut-based products ranged from 12.30 to 99.37 µg/kg, with the highest recorded in kuli-kuli - a by-product of groundnut oil processing. Variability between mean AfB1 contamination levels in groundnut kernels of improved and local varieties were significant while no statistical difference was found between mean AfB1 contamination levels in groundnut kernels between/amongst the states. Outcomes of the study suggest that an integrated approach including the use of improved groundnut varieties, appropriate crop management practices and awareness creation on food safety, and notably on aflatoxin, could mitigate contamination in the groundnut value chain. Key words: Aflatoxin B1, prevalence, groundnut, distribution, Nigeria.

Analyses of morphological and agronomic traits not only provide important information in the selection of rice varieties for breeding, these data are also important in deciding plant materials for molecular characterization and analysis of phenotypic traits of interest. The aim of the present study was to collect, analyze and compare the agro-morphological data of 6 upland rice and 17 lowland rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) from the Malaysian rice germplasms grown under the same greenhouse condition. The common factors that contributed to yield per plant in both upland and lowland rice varieties are plant height and percentage of filled grains. Panicle length was positively correlated to grain yield in upland rice varieties while many other agronomic traits could affect the yield per plant in lowland rice varieties such as total number of tillers, total number of panicles per plant, flag leaf width and days-to-flowering. The upland rice varieties have a slightly higher average total grain number per panicle in compensation of a low number of panicles. The compensation in total grain numbers per panicle was not sufficiently significant to affect the total yield per plant most probably due to a low total number of grains per plant. Despite a high 100-grain weight in general, some of these upland rice varieties have more than 50% percentage of unfilled grains. Data on these rice germplasms may offer information on a valuable gene pool which can be utilized in different varietal improvement/development program in future.

Honey bee plants are those plant species that provide honey bees with food sources in the form of nectar and/or pollen. The contribution of a bee plant species to honey production depends on the pl...

Refined, bleached and deodorized tenera palm olein is widely used for domestic and commercial food frying. However, repeated heating and frying might lead to oil spoilage. This study focuses on the effect of deep-frying on physicochemical properties of repeatedly heated palm olein. Recycled palm olein was prepared by frying potato strips up to 5 cycles with potato-to-oil (g/ml) ratio of 3:20 prior to colour, density, viscosity, moisture content, contact angle, peroxide value and iodine value analyses. The fluctuation in the temperature of the oil was insignificant for every cycle (p > 0.05). The increase in red colour of the oil was significant (p

In a greenhouse experiment, the inoculated and uninoculated grains with Azospirillum brasilense NO40 or Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were sown in unsterilized sandy soil and watered normally till the 8th day. Thereafter, the drought stress was initiated by watering pots once every 10 days while the unstressed pots were irrigated normally once every 5 days. Samples of spikes and dry grains were collected after 120 days from sowing. The results indicated that the inoculated-drought-stressed plants maintained significantly higher values of all of the measured yield parameters, where the yielded grains had higher amounts of the direct reducing sugars, sucrose, starch; lower contents of total soluble proteins and the total free amino acids, and altered protein patterns compared to those of the uninoculated-drought-stressed plants. SDS-PAGE of the yielded grains showed that drought led to the appearance of some newly synthesized stress protein bands and disappearance of others. Inoculation with PGPB resulted in the re-appearance of some of the disappearing bands and the synthesis of new others. Meanwhile, wheat inoculation under normal conditions resulted in significantly promoted grain yields with higher contents of carbohydrates, total soluble proteins and total free amino acids than that of the uninoculated control. It has been proved that treating wheat plants with the PEG-tolerant Azospirillum brasilense NO40 or Stenotrophomonas maltophilia that were compatible with the systems into which they were introduced and possess multiple plant growth promoting traits, can be an efficient strategy to enhance wheat growth and productivity, not only under normal conditions, but also under drought stress.

An efficient and reproducible in vitro plant regeneration protocol has been developed for Annona reticulata L., a medicinally important plant of family Annonaceae. This is the first report of an efficient in vitro micropropagation and genetic fidelity evaluation of Annona reticulata using nodal segments as explants. Nodal explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with various concentrations of cytokinins alone and in combination with auxins. MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.3 mg/l indole-3-butyricacid (IBA) combination has proven the best for optimum regeneration response (87.4%) and a maximum number of multiple shoots (6.33 ± 0.37). Rhyzogenesis occurred on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/l IBA, resulted in the highest percentage of rooting (73%) and a maximum number of roots (4.65 ± 0.23) along with maximum root length (1.76 ± 0.08 cm). The well developed regenerates were shifted to the mixture of soil, sand and organic manure (2:1:1) in small plastic cups and acclimatized successfully. Genetic fidelity of the discussed etiquette was validated using two types of DNA fingerprinting techniques i.e. start codon targeted (SCoT), and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analyses. Among the ten SCoT (SC) and ISSR primers used, an excellent amplification with scorable DNA bands was produced by SC9 and ISSR4 primers. The results showed that the regenerated plantlets are monomorphic and true-to-type with mother plant. This study provides important information about selection of suitable regeneration medium to improve multiple shoot induction and rooting of Annona reticulata. It can be used for commercial cultivation and for further genetic redevelopment investigation studies, also applied for large scale propagation of elite genotypes.

Aims: The research aimed to study the effect of several dose of vermicompost to arabica coffee seedling growth. Study Design: Completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in experimental garden of Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University from September to December 2018. The altitude of research site was 385 meter above sea level (asl). Methodology: The research aimed to study the effect of several dose of vermicompost to arabica coffee seedling growth. Completely randomized design was used in the research that consisted of 5 treatments (No vermicompost, 5 ton/ha, 10 ton/ha, 15 ton/ha and 20 ton/ha) and replied 3 times. Each experimental unit consisted of 6 seedlings. The data was analyzed by Duncan’s New Multiple Test in 5%. Results: The result showed that 5 ton/ha of vermicompost dose has affected the growth component of arabica coffee seedling. Conclusion: The addition of vermicompost dose affected the arabica coffee seedlings growth.

This research aims to find out the composition of the coral and benthic organisms at Tiaka Oilfield. This study was conducted in July 2015. Monitoring of coral and benthic organisms used line intercept transect and visual census method. The research results indicated that 16 coral species were consisting of 6 genera. Coral species dominated by the genus Acropora. Benthic organisms that live in symbiosis with coral reef ecosystems in the Tiaka Oil Field were found 11 benthic species consisting of 54 species

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the short term toxicological assessment of the Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) oil (oil bean seed) on organs of normal male albino rats. Fresh pods of Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) were collected directly from the plant tree in July 2009 at the site opposite the Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. Twenty four (24) healthy male albino rats purchased from Animal house of Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, and weighing between 92.0 – 105.4 g were used for the experiment. The effect of the oil extract was investigated by oral administration of the oil into different groups of rats using oral cannular (Group A-D). All the administration was carried out as single dose continually for 8 weeks. The toxicity effects of the extracted oil from Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) was investigated on five organs of rats (liver, brains, kidney, heart and testis). The animals were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) fed with a normal diet and three different levels of concentrations of the oil. With the oral cannular techniques, the first group (A) rats were fed with 0.2 ml/day of oil with a normal diet, second group (B) with 0.4 ml/day with a normal diet, the third group (C) fed with 0.6 ml/day oil with normal diet while fourth group D were treated with normal diet only, serving as the control group for the study. The results of the histological examination indicated that as the concentrations of the oil ingested increases, some of the tissues of the organs were affected. Therefore, the study suggested that Pentaclethra macrophylla (Benth) oil was toxic to the organs of the rats. Therefore, the consumption of the seeds by the human can constitute health hazards and risks.

Background and aim: The prevalence of typhoid fever is reportedly high, especially in Asia. When a pathogen enters the human body, there are markers in the form of molecules that will be known by the innate immune system. Specific molecular markers of gram negative bacteria, which are Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Toll-Like receptors-4 will interact with LPS. The binding between LPS and TLR-4 will give rise to activation signals that will activate innate immune cells. Immune cells will release a number of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. While Vitamin D Receptors (VDR) are expressed in large amounts in tumor tissue and infected cells. This study aimed to prove the role of IL-6, TNF-α, and VDR in inhibiting bacterial growth in mice that have been induced by S.Typhi. Methods: This research was a real experimental pre-post test design to investigate the level of IL-6, TNF-α and VDR in suppressing the growth of bacteria in the peritoneal fluid of S. Typhi, male, mice BALB/c. Mice were divided into three groups comprised of 10 mice each. All mice in groups A and B were intraperitoneally inoculated with S. Typhi strain Thy1 in study day 0. Group A was treated with antibiotic Levofloxacine, on study day 4th. Another study group, group B, was used as a placebo and received aquades on study day 4th. While group C as a control was not inoculated with S. Typhi. Blood samples from three groups for the calculation of serum Il-6, TNF-α, and VDR were collected. This examination was taken four times; at baseline, 4th day, 10th day, and 30th day. For the calculation of bacterial colony, peritoneal fluid retrieval was collected three times, which is on 4th day, 10th day, and 30th day. Results: A repeated measure ANOVA in group A (antibiotic) and group B (placebo) group showed that mean IL-6, TNF-α, and VDR level differed statistically significant between times (p-value 0.000). There was a strong negative correlation between bacterial colony count and VDR level, which was statistically significant in both groups (group A; r = -0.875, p-value = 0.000 vs group B; r = -0.470, p-value = 0.002). IL-6 and TNF-α didn't give significant statistical correlation with bacterial colony count. Conclusion: VDR, IL-6, and TNF-α play an important role in killing bacteria. From the results of this study, IL-6 level is related to the number of bacterial colonies, the lower the IL-6 level, the less the number of bacterial colonies. Similarly, TNF-α levels have a positive correlation with the number of bacterial colonies. While VDR levels are also related to the number of bacterial colonies, the higher the VDR level, the lower the number of bacterial colonies.

All over the world, hundreds of plants have been identified based on researchers and experimental evidence as good sources of medicinal agents. The bioactive components (phytochemicals) of both the seeds and pulp of Cola milleni were extracted using ethanol as solvent. The bioactive components detected were alkaloids, tanins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, sterols, resins and terpenes while Flavonoids, anthraquinones, anthracyanides and phenol were not detected for both the seed and pulps. Antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract (Seed and pulp) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Penicillium notatum was carried out using standard techniques. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest zone of inhibition for pulp having a range of 9.7mm±0.58mm - 19.7mm±2.52mm while Penicllium notatum had the least with 0.00mm. S.aureus also had the highest zone of inhibition range of 14.3mm±2.08mm - 21.3mm±1.53mm for the seed extract while penicillium had the least inhibition range of 5.0mm±1.00mm - 5.7mm±0.58. E.coli showed the highest minimum inhibitory concentration with ethanol extract of the pulp (160mg/ml) while penicillium notatum was not reactive. The minimum inhibitory concentration of seed against penillium notatum was the highest (160mg/ml) while staphylococcus aureus showed the lowest of 40mg/ml. The antimicrobial activity is as a result of the presence of phytochemicals detected, which suggest the use of the plant for the treatment of diseases caused by these organisms. Key words: Cola millenii, Phytochemical, Antimicrobial activity, Bacteria, Fungi

Understanding the mechanisms facilitating coexistence within species assemblages is a key consideration for conservation as intact assemblages are necessary for maintaining full ecosystem function. The African large predator guild represents one of the few remaining functionally intact large predator assemblages on Earth, and as such, represents a unique study system to understand competitive interactions. Yet, relatively little is known of the coexistence mechanisms between some of its intermediately sized members, particularly leopards (Panthera pardus ). Here, we use overlapping spatio‐temporal activity and GPS data on lions (Panthera leo ), leopards, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus ) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus ) to examine spatial interactions and temporal partitioning between leopards and other guild members in northern Botswana. We found that at the population level, male leopard space use and activity patterns were largely unaffected by intraguild competitors. Leopards showed minimal movement coherence with competitors (avoidance or attraction) when moving through areas of home ranges shared with intraguild species. Moreover, we found evidence to support the hypothesis that guild species’ activity patterns are primarily driven by light availability rather than predator avoidance. Our results suggest predator avoidance has a limited impact on broad‐scale leopard spatio‐temporal niches, with aspects of the leopards’ ecology and life history likely facilitating its ability to thrive in close proximity to competitors. Considered alongside other studies, our results suggest that landscape‐level approaches to conservation may be suitable for aiding leopard conservation.

Flemingia macrophylla is an important ethnomedicinal plant of Fabaceae, with immense pharmaceutical properties. Now, it is becoming rare because of its poor seed dispersal mechanism and over-exploitation of the material. In this study we have successfully established an in vitro micro-propagation protocol employing explants like ex vivo leaf and cotyledonary node. Both the explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with various combinations and concentrations of growth hormones. In vitro morphogenetic response of leaf explants are very poor when compared with cotyledonary nodes. Cotyledonary nodes cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/l) in combination with IAA (0.2 mg/l) produced a high percentage of multiple shoots (13.76 ± 1.1). Elongated shoots (6.30 ± 0.01 cm) rooted on MS medium with IBA (0.8 mg/l) produced a high frequency of rooting (10.80 ± 1.23) with excellent root length (10.56 ± 1.70 cm). Plantlets with a fully developed root system were acclimatized using soil: manure (1:1) and shifted to the greenhouse. Investigations for the corroboration of genetic stability among the clones and mother plants were carried out by using ISSR and RAPD markers and the results were in clear evidence that all the plants are true-to-type. This scientific approach for in vitro propagation and conservation is prerequisite for better sustainability of the plant.