Sensory Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Aromatic Rice Accessions Cultivated in Benin

Rice is one of the most widely cultivated cereals in the world, and its aroma is increasingly in demand. With the advancement of research, a major rice flavor gene has been identified on rice chromosome 8. It encodes non-functional betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase leading to the accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline which is the major olfactory compound that confers the fragrant character to rice. The aroma of rice is considered a special trait of enormous economic importance that determines the prime price in world trade. To satisfy the needs of the population and reduce rice imports into Benin, we conducted this study to identify aromatic rice accessions grown in Benin. Seventy-two rice accessions collected across Benin were PCR amplified with three SSR markers RM 7049, Aro 7, and RM 223, linked to the fgr (fragrance of rice) aroma gene. Molecular analysis revealed that 12 of the 72 accessions, namely Bagou 19, Bagou 22, Tchaka 34, Foun 15, Tchaka 41, Nana 32, Kan 61, Kung 69, Kung 67, Bagou 20, Agbab 101 and Koum 55 possess the fgr gene and can be considered as aromatic rice accessions. A sensory phenotypic test using KOH was carried out on rice accessions carrying fgr gene. Of the twelve positives, only one had the smell of aromatic rice, like the Azucena control. These results show that Benin also has aromatic rice varieties that can be sold on national and international markets.

Molecular Screening of Rice Cultivated in Benin for the Identification of Xanthomonas oryzae Pv. oryzae and Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance Genes

One of the most devastating diseases of rice worldwide is bacterial blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo). In Benin, Xoo was first described in 2013 on wild rice Oryzae longistaminata. So far, no study has been done on Beninese Xoo strains. We do not know whether the pathogen has already passed into the rice varieties grown, or if they are exposed to other bacteria. Whereas the use of resistant varieties, carrying resistance genes, is the only highly effective and environmentally friendly way to control this disease, no information is available on these Xoo resistance genes in rice varieties grown in Benin apart from the one we recently. This study aims to identify Beninese Xoo strains, causing BLB and screen rice varieties grown in Benin for the main resistance genes. Diseased rice leaves showing typical symptoms of fire blight collected from different rice fields in the three phytogeographic areas of Benin were analyzed by PCR for Xoo-specific sequence identification. Furthermore, seventy-five collected rice accessions were screened to identify xa5, Xa7, xa13, and Xa21 resistance genes to Xoo. The results reveal that Xanthomonas oryzae was identified in two fields in Banikouara and one in Malanville. On the other hand, Sphingomonas sp. has been identified in several other rice fields in Benin. Forty-seven of seventy-five rice accessions examined (62.66%) carried Xoo resistance genes with 3 (4%) and 40 (53.33%) of xa5 and Xa21 respectively. None of the accessions had either Xa7 or xa13 resistance genes. Three accessions possess both xa5 and Xa21 genes. Isogenic lines IRBB60 and IRBB21, supposed to be a positive control, presented a Xoo sensitivity allele. These results indicate that Xoo has moved from the wild rice variety to the cultivated variety in northern Benin and varietal improvement programs must be implemented with varieties having several resistance genes for the efficient response against a possible BLB pandemic in Benin.

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Effectively Treats Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera was a medicinal plant generally used by populations in the food and therapeutic fields. It’s used to treat anemia has been observed in the Djougou Zone in northern Benin. To our knowledge, there were no scientific data available that have evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of haemolytic anemia. This was what justifies this research work in which the phytochemical analysis, extraction and evaluation of the anti-anemic effect were carried out. Methods: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. All the rats were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride on the first two days D0 and D1 except those in the negative control group. From the second day, the anemic groups were force-fed either with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at 200 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day, or with vitafer, the reference drug against anemia. The positive control group (anemia) was not treated. Blood samples were taken from all the rats on different days: D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to evaluate the data of the hemogram and the osmotic resistance of the red blood cells. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, saponosides, triterpenes and mucilages. A good yield was obtained at the extraction. Both the extract and the reference drug vitafer completely corrected anemia within two weeks after stimulating hemoglobin synthesis and early release of immature red blood cells into the bloodstream. Its effect seemed dose-dependent and specific. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves showed good therapeutic efficacy and can be considered and exploited for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) in the treatment of anemia.

Decoding molecular mechanisms:brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular study of HCV detection,genotypes and their routes of transmission in North West Frontier Province,Pakistan

Objective:To determine hepatitis C virus(HCV) genotypes and explore the associated risk factors in chronic HCY patients.Methods:A total of 116 patients with chronic hepatitis C were subjected to polymerase chain reaction(PCR) based detection out of which 112 chronic HCV patients[53 male(47.32%),59 female(52.68%);mean age(43.76±16.40) years;mean BMI(23.8± 3.9)kg]were enrolled in this study.The frequency of 6 HCV genotypes and associated risk factors were evaluated from five districts of North West Frontier Province(NWFP).Results:Genotype 3was the most prevalent in 73 samples(65.17%) followed by genotype 1 in 24(21.42%) and genotype2 in 13(11.60%) samples.Genotype3 had significantly high prevalence(P=0.0002).The results showed that 48(42.85%) samples were infected with HCV 3a:25(22.32%) with 3b;14(12.50%) with 1a;10(8.92%)with 1b;11(9.82%) with 2a;2(1.78%) with 2b;and 2 were untypable.The distribution of HCV genotypes in Murdan.Charsadda,Peshawar.Sawabi and Nowshehra districts was different.Use of unsterile equipment lor medication,barbers and previous history of hospitalization were the main risk factors for HCV transmission.Conclusions:Cenotype 3a and 3b.1a.1b and 2a are the common genotypes in NWFP.Genotype 4.5.and 6 can not be found in a single sample.The level of awareness about various modes ot transmission of HCV among the population is found to be verv low.

Evaluation of Humic Acid Application Methods for Yield and Yield Components of Mungbean

A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized complete block design was conducted to evaluate different humic acid (HA) application methods at Agricultural Research Farm, of KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar. Three methods of HA application: seed priming, foliar spray and soil application were included in the experiment. Humic acid application methods significantly affected pods plant-1, grains pod-1, 1000 grain weights, and grain yield whereas biological yield was not significantly affected by HA application methods. Humic acid application at the rate of 3 kg&middotha-1 resulted in higher number of pods plant-1, thousand grain weights and grain yield, however it was statistically similar to the treatments where HA was soil applied at rate of 1 and 2 kg&middotha-1, seed priming with 0% (water soaked), 1%, 2% HA solution and foliar spray with 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% of HA solution. It is concluded that HA application in all the three methods significantly enhances grain yield and yield components of mungbean.

Analysis of Rice Grain Quality-Associated Quantitative Trait Loci by Using Genetic Mapping

The main objective of this research was to identify quantitative trait loci associated with rice qualities to provide reliable information for marker-assisted selection and development of new varieties. In total, 120 doubled haploid (DH) lines developed by another culture from the F1 hybrid of a cross between “Cheongcheong”, a Tongil variety, and “Nagdong”, a japonica variety, were used. A microsatellite linkage map of 222 markers spanned 2082.4 centimorgans (cM) and covered 12 rice chromosomes with an average interval of 9.4cM between markers. Eight quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were associated with rice quality, consisting of two QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 9 for amylose content;three QTLs on chromosomes 8, 9, and 10 for protein content;and three QTLs on chromosomes 2, 3, and 6 for lipid content. PCR expression levels measured using the SSR markers RM23914 for proteins and RM6266 for lipids, and RM586 showed a higher degree of amplification. The present study should be useful for improving the nutritional quality of rice by means of marker-assisted selection.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir:Interferon free therapy for hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) has infected more than 200 million people around the globe. From 2001-2011, interferon plus ribavirin remained the standard of care for patients with HCV infection. The therapy had a limited response with a number of side effects. Recently, results for phase III trials of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir combination therapy have been announced. In treatmentnave patients, 12 wk of therapy with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir showed a sustained virological response(SVR) rate of 99%. In treatment experienced patients, 12-24 wk of therapy with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir in the absence or presence of ribavirin showed an SVR rate of 94%-99%. In cirrhotic patients the rate of SVR was 86% and 99% for 12 and 24 wk of therapy, respectively. The ledipasvir and sofosbuvir therapy showed very good results in different subgroups of patients regardless of patient's race, alanine aminotransferase levels, sex and host genetic factors. The combination therapy was well tolerated with no emergence of resistant mutants. The most common adverse effects were nausea, headache and fatigue. With the availability of interferon free therapy with minimal adverse effects, it will be easy to decrease the future morbidity and mortality caused by HCV infection.

Identification of phytohormone changes and its related genes under abiotic stresses in transgenic rice

Abiotic stresses,such as drought and salinity,adversely affect plant growth and productivity.Comparison between non transgenic and transgenic rice harboring CaMsrB2 gene,which induces tolerance to abiotic stress,is important to observe response of gene under abiotic stress.Phytohormone showed a tendency to increase under the drought stress or salinity stress in the transgenic plant.RT-PCR analysis showed that gene expression and phytohormone levels under abiotic stress,to be closely related.The CaMsrB2 gene is related to the expression of JA and ABA hormones.Therefore,the level of expression of these genes and hormones was observed.The transcription levels of LOX2 and OsWRKY45 were substantially higher in the wild type rice in comparison to the transformants,which suggested that phytohormone are also required for the regulation of leaf and root.Comparison between control and transgenic rice overexpressing a CaMsrB2 gene,resulted in different pattern of ABA,JA levels under different stress condition.In both drought and salinity stresses,the expression of OsWRKY45 gene was similar in both treatments with time.These results suggest that gene involved in the plant physiology response in mechanism to abiotic stress.

Effects of lead(Pb)-induced oxidative stress on morphological and physio-biochemical properties of rice

In rice,high concentration of lead(Pb)can cause phyto-toxicity affecting several physiological functions.Cultivation of rice varieties that are resistant to Pb-induced oxidative stress is an important management strategy in Pb-contaminated soils.In the current study,we evaluated four different rice cultivars for their response to Pb-induced stress.Three japonica type cultivars X-Jigna,Ediget,and Furat,and one Indica type cultivar Amber 33 were grown in soil containing different Pb concentrations(0 mM,0.6 mM,and 1.2 mM).The soil was treated with 0 mM or 0.6 mM or 1.2 mM Pb solution one month prior to rice seedling transplantation.Thereafter,four-week-old rice seedlings were transplanted into the treated soil and their responses were observed until maturity.The data revealed that a highest concentration of Pb(1.2 mM)induced significant reduction in agronomic traits such as plant height,number of tillers per plant,number of panicles per plant,and number of spikelets per panicle in all the rice cultivars.However,least reduction in the agronomic traits was observed in X-Jigna,whereas the highest reduction in the agronomic traits was observed in Ediget.Antioxidant activity of catalase(CAT),peroxidase(POD),polyphenol oxidase(PPO),and superoxide dismutase(SOD),was evaluated along with the accumulation of superoxide ions(O2.-),protein,proline,chlorophyll,sucrose,glucose,and fructose contents in all the rice cultivars.A significant increase in antioxidant activity and in the accumulation of proline and sucrose contents with the least reduction in the chlorophyll and protein contents was observed in X-Jigna suggesting that X-Jigna is the most tolerant among all the rice cultivars tested against Pb-stress.On the other hand,non-significant and slightly significant increase in the antioxidant activity,less accumulation of proline and sucrose contents,and higher reduction in the chlorophyll and protein contents was observed in Ediget,which further suggest that Ediget is the most susceptible rice cultivar to Pb-stress.In addition,the other rice cultivars Furat and Amber 33,were found to be moderately tolerant to Pb-induced oxidative stress.In summary,our results suggest that tolerance to Pb-induced oxidative stress would be a result of a synergetic action of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems,leading to a balanced redox status in rice.

Effect of Maltose Concentration on Plant Regeneration of Anther Culture with Different Genotypes in Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.)

This study describes the impact of different concentrations of maltose on plant regeneration of anther culture for five genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa). N6 medium was used for calli induction, while N6 medium supplemented with different concentrations of maltose, 2.0 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L kinase was used for plant regeneration. The result showed that during the initial stages of calli induction the anther cultures had varying rates of calli formation among genotypes, with the best frequency being observed for Dreami2/CaMsrB2-8-DH-1 with a calli frequency of 27.8%. Different genotypes of rice cultured in regeneration media showed varying plantlet regeneration on media supplemented with different concentrations of maltose, with low concentrations (0.04 g/L) leading to low frequency regeneration plantlet but high green plant production. Indeed, when Dreami2/CaMsrB2-8-DH-2 and Dreami2/CaMsrB2-8-DH-5 were cultivated under these conditions, 100% green plants were observed. Another genotype also showed a small rate of albino frequency in response to the lowest concentration of maltose, while increased maltose concentrations resulted in increased rates of albino plants. Overall, the results of this study should facilitate establishment of an efficient plant regeneration system from anther culture in rice.

Response of Explants of Calli Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>L.) Japonica cv. “Ilmi” to Gene Transformation Using <i>Agrobacterium tumefaciens</i>-Mediated

The AtBI-1 gene encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana Bax inhibitor was introduced into Japonica cultivars of rice (“Ilmi”) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and a large number of transgenic plants were produced. The neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII) gene was used as a selectable marker. The activity of neomycin phosphotransferase could be successfully detected in transgenic rice calluses. Introduction of the AtBI-1 gene was also confirmed by PCR using AtBI-1 specific oligonucleotide primers in regenerated plants. Stable integration and expression of the AtbI-1 gene in plants were confirmed by GFP analysis.

Effect of interferon plus ribavirin therapy on hepatitis C virus genotype 3 patients from Pakistan:Treatment response,side effects and future prospective

More than 10 million people are suffering from hepatitis C virus(HCV) in Pakistan,The available treatment option is a combination of interferon and ribavirin.Treatment response is linked with several factors and also induces a number of side effects.We searched in Pubmed.Pak Medi Net and Coogle Scholar for the articles presenting the effect of interferon plus ribavirin therapy on HCV patients from Pakistan,their side effects and future prospects.The major prevalent HCV genotype in Pakistan is 3.Conventional interferon alpha plus ribavirin showed sustained virological response of 54%-64%while pegylaled interferon alpha plus ribavirin showed sustained virological response of 58%-75%.IL-28 B CC genotype is linked with better sustained virological response.Studies on patients with HCV genotype 3 infections showed no correlation between treatment response and interferon sensitivity determining region mutations.Interferon therapy is linked with a number of side effects like thyroid dysfuncton.hactnatological disorders,weight loss,gastrointestinal tract side effects and neuropsychiatric side effects.Unusual side effects of clubbing of fingers and seizures were also observed in a couple of patients.Interferon alpha plus ribavirin therapy showed better response rate in HCV genotype 3 patients from Pakistan with number of side effects.A couple of interferon free therapies are light of hope for the patients living with HCV.

Prediction of promiscuous T-cell epitopes in the Zika virus polyprotein:An in silico approach

Objective:To predict immunogenic promiscuous T-cell epitopes from the polyprotein of the Zika virus using a range of bioinformatics tools.To date,no epitope data are available for the Zika virus in the IEDB database.Methods:We retrieved nearly 54 full length polyprotein sequences of the Zika virus from the NCBI database belonging to different outbreaks.A consensus sequence was then used to predict the promiscuous T cell epitopes that bind MHC 1 and MHC II alleles using Propred1 and Propred immunoinformatic algorithms respectively.The antigencity predicted score was also calculated for each predicted epitope using the Vaxi Jen 2.0 tool.Results:By using Pro Pred1,23 antigenic epitopes for HLA class I and 48 antigenic epitopes for HLA class II were predicted from the consensus polyprotein sequence of Zika virus.The greatest number of MHC class I binding epitopes were projected within the NS5(21%),followed by Envelope(17%).For MHC class II,greatest number of predicted epitopes were in NS5(19%) followed by the Envelope,NS1 and NS2(17% each).A variety of epitopes with good binding affinity,promiscuity and antigenicity were predicted for both the HLA classes.Conclusion:The predicted conserved promiscuous T-cell epitopes examined in this study were reported for the first time and will contribute to the imminent design of Zika virus vaccine candidates,which will be able to induce a broad range of immune responses in a heterogeneous HLA population.However,our results can be verified and employed in future efficacious vaccine formulations only after successful experimental studies.

Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract reduces AlCl_3-induced neurotoxicity in mice brain through regulation of amyloid precursor protein and oxidative stress gene expression

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Syzygium aromaticum(S.aromaticum)extract(500 mg/kg) on AlCl_3(300 mg/kg)-induced mouse model of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity.Methods: An ethanolic extract of S.aromaticum seeds was prepared and the active compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.BALB/c mice were divided into five groups(negative control, AlCl_3-treated, self-recovery, AlCl_3 + S.aromaticum, S.aromaticum only; n=10) and treated with AlCl_3 and S.aromaticum extract.Expression of oxidative markers [Superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1) and peroxiredoxin 6(Prdx6)] and amyloid precursor protein(APP) in the hippocampus and cortex was evaluated via PCR.Histopathological assessment was performed to investigate the extent of neurodegeneration.Results: It was observed that AlCl_3 exposure increased the expression of APP770 while simultaneously down regulated the expression of APP695.AlCl_3 also induced a significant decrease(P<0.05) and an increase(P<0.05) in the expression level of SOD1 and Prdx6, respectively.A substantial decrease substantial(P<0.05) in the density of Nissl substance was also observed in cortex of the mice treated with AlCl_3.Interestingly, treatment with S.aromaticum extract normalized the alterations in the expression level of SOD1, Prdx6 and APPisoforms and improved the neuronal structural damage.Conclusions: The results showed that S.aromaticum is a promising antioxidant and a neuroprotective agent.

Comparison and Analysis of QTLs, Epistatic Effects and QTLx Environment Interactions for Yield Traits Using DH and RILs Populations in Rice

Two genetic linkage maps, constructed by DH and RILs populations derived from the same parents, were carried out for the identification and comparison of QTLs controlling yield traits across different years in rice （Oryza sativa L.）. A total of 194 SSR and STS markers were used in two maps, of which 114 markers were same. The distribution of Samgang allele was higher in RILs population than it in DH population. Comparing with DH population, RILs population has more lines with higher yield and wider phenotypic transgressive segression for yield traits. Although most of QTLs for the same trait were different in two populations across different years, 8 QTLs （including gwp 11.1, spp5.1, spp 10.1, spp 11.2, ssrl. 1, ssrl 1.1, tgw9.1 and tgwl 1.1） were detected over 2 yr. It is important to note that pppl0.1, sppl0.1 and tgw9.1 were identified in two populations, while sppl 0.1 and tgw9.1 were simultaneity observed across different years. Epistatic effects were more important than additive effects for PPP, SPP, yield in DH population and TGW, yield in R/Ls population. Epistatic effects of DH and RILs populations were different on the same genetic background in the present study, which illuminated the QE interaction played an important role on epistatic effect. Identification and comparison of QTLs for yield traits in DH and RILs populations should provide various and more precise information. The QTLs identified in present study would be valuable in marker-assisted selection program for improving rice yield.

Expression analysis of OsSERK,OsLEC1 and OsWOX4 genes in rice(Oryza sativa L.)callus during somatic embryo development

Somatic embryogenesis is an asexual reproduction process that occurs in many plant species,including rice.This process contains several totipotency markers such as Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor-like Kinase(SERK),Leafy Cotyledon1(LEC1)and WUSCHEL-Related Homeobox4(WOX4)and also a helpful model for embryo development and clones and transformations.Here,we report the gene expression during somatic embryo development correlates with regeneration frequency in 14 Javanica rice(pigmented and non-pigmented)using modified N6 media supplemented with Kinetin(2.0 mg/L)and NAA(1.0 mg/L).Although there have been advances in understanding the genetic basis of somatic embryogenesis in other varieties,rice is still unexplored,especially during somatic embryo development.Moreover,for the formation of callus induction from immature embryos,2,4-D(2.0 mg/L,3.0 mg/L)was used.This study analysed the gene expression of OsSERK,OsWOX4 and OsLEC1 genes through RT-PCR analysis.Higher expression of the OsLEC1 gene indicates that their function may correlate in the in vitro with the high response of rice after transfer to regeneration media.This study found that rice varieties of pigmented rice(MS Pendek and Gogoniti II)and non-pigmented rice(Pandan Ungu)showed high regeneration frequency,showing higher OsLEC1 expression than other varieties because OsLEC1 promotes the maturation of somatic embryos in plant regeneration on day 14.However,the contrast with Genjah nganjuk may be effective because of other regulatory genes.RT-PCR analysis showed OsSERK had less expression level than OsLEC1 and OsWOX4 in the varieties,which correlate with the percentage of plant regeneration,but not for Gogoniti II.In conclusion,the higher percentage of plant regeneration correlates with the higher expression level of OsLEC1 at day 14 of media regeneration of rice.

Analysis of Low Amylose and Processability Fractured Endosperms Derived from Somatic Variation

Recently, improving eating quality and processing properties has become one of the most important objectives in japonica rice breeding programs in Korea. This study was carried out to determine the agronomy and physicochemical characteristics of the opaque endosperm rice "S-21-3-8" regenerated from seed-derived callus culture of a rice cultivar, "Ilpum". S3 generation of opaque endosperm mutants selected from pedigree breeding was used for analysis of agronomic and physicochemical traits. Genetic segregation was observed at the highest frequency among opaque endosperm mutants, being present in 85.7% (12/14 lines) of the entire opaque lines. However, the major agricultural characteristics and grain traits of "S-21-3-8" were similar to those of a donor cultivar, "Ilpum". "S-21-3-8" showed significantly lower (10.6%) amylose than those (17.7%) of "Ilpum" in brown rice, while the protein levels were similar to those of the donor plant. The grain hardness of "S-21-3-8" (1.67 kgf/mm2) was lower than that of "Ilpum" (1.97 kgf/mm2), resulting in a high flour-milling percentage. The loosely packed starch granules of "S-21-3-8" in the opaque endosperm were demonstrated by SEM analysis of cross-sectioned rice grains. The opaque endosperm mutants that were of somaclonal variations in the tissue culture will lead to improved eating quality and processing properties of rice.

Modification of the Genetic Polymorphism of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in Motorcycle Drivers Exposed to BTEX in Cotonou

The glutathione-S-transferase genes mainly the GSTM1 and GSTT1 alleles are responsible for the synthesis of detoxication enzymes that can remove toxic substances. The objective of this study is to seek changes in the genetic polymorphism of glutathione-S-transferase GSTM1 and GSTT1 in motorcycle drivers exposed to BTEX. Our study group consists of 60 motorcycle drivers including 30 professional and 30 non-professional. Blood samples were preleveled from the study population in the EDTA tubes and DNA was extracted by the phenol/chloroform method. The PCR technique was used to determine the presence or absence of genes. Our results showed that the percentage of GSTM1 null genotype has a statistically significant difference (P = 0.02), while the percentage of GSTT1 null genotype was non-significant (P = 0.76) between the two groups. The percentage of deletion of both genes is higher in professional than non-professional motorcycle drivers. Air pollution in Cotonou by BTEX seems to influence the deletion of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes at a higher percentage among professional than non-professional motorcycle drivers.

Identification of novel silent HIV propagation routes in Pakistan

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) is rapidly increasing in both high risk groups and the general population.In this study, silent routes of propagation in teenaged Pakistanis are discussed. In order to promote sexual activity in youths, regular clients write contact details of sex workers on the doors of public washrooms. HIV prevalence is much higher among Hijra sex workers.Hijra sex workers have apparently stepped into the profession of begging at public places, where they earn money by both begging and distributing visiting cards offering unsafe sex. In many educational institutes, sex education is lacking or absent; if delivered via teachers,government agencies and nongovernmental organizations this could prevent a future epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in Pakistan.