Biotechnology of Okpeye: A Nigerian Traditional Fermented Food Condiment

Most legumes and oil bean seeds used in condiment manufacture in Africa are inedible by nature. They contain antinutritional elements such indigestible oligosaccharides and phytate. Fermentation affects desired alterations by lowering anti-nutritional components and enhancing digestibility. Okpeye is a traditional West African seasoning prepared from Prosopis africana seed solid substrate fermentation. Many homes consider it as a family business because the preparation follows a passed-down habit from previous generations as an inexpensive source of plant protein. However, natural nature of the fermentation process raises concerns about the consistency, quality, and safety of the finished product. Because the seasoning is created on a small scale with less sophisticated equipment and manufacturing procedures, there are concerns about microbial safety. Thus, fermentation process and the range of microbial composition involved in Prosopis africana okpeye production were evaluated in this review. Potential spoilage agents, as well as biochemical and nutritional changes occurring during production of okpeye are gaining interest among researcher. This review highlights information that can help in developing starter cultures in a controlled fermentation process that ensures quality, longer shelf life, and microbiological safety.

Effect of Turbidity on Semi-Automatic Analysis of Copepod Size and Abundance Distribution in the Water Column

Automated image systems to characterize aquatic organisms improve research and enable fast response to environmental risk situations. In November 2015, a dam in Mariana City-MG (Brazil) collapsed and led to the disposal of mud tailings from the mining process to the Doce River. The accident resulted in several casualties and incalculable damage to surrounding communities and the environment. The mud increased water turbidity, an essential condition to the functioning of the image analysis systems, and directly affected the characterization of the organisms, making it impossible to distinguish copepods in the mud, due to the blurred outline. To get a quick response evaluating environmental situations, this work aimed to develop and test different algorithms characterizing and classifying copepods by their size (length and area) using in situ images acquired by the Lightframe On-Sight Keyspecies Investigation device. Field tests were carried out under different turbidity levels throughout the gradient observed in the coastal zone adjacent to the Doce River. The best algorithm reduced nearly 50% of the noise in some images when compared with manual treatment and led to 96% accuracy in measurement and counting. Semi-automated devices that perform post-processing corrections are suitable for fast environmental evaluation under high turbidity scenarios.

In Silico and in Vitro Analysis of Pyrazolone Derivatives against Zika Virus and Identification of Potential NS5 Methyltransferase Inhibitors by Molecular Docking

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has been associated with benign infections for decades. However, it has become a public health concern due to its association with severe fetal and neurological complications. Although many efforts have been made to control ZIKV infection, approved vaccines or antiviral drugs are still lacking. Consequently, the development of new effective anti-ZIKV agents is urgently needed. In this context, we investigated the antiviral potential of pyrazolone derivatives against ZIKV replication using in silico and in vitro methods. The four pyrazolone derivatives evaluated (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) inhibited over 50% of ZIKV replication with low cytotoxicity. Among them, compound 1b exhibited the most potent activity (EC50 = 4.3 μM) and the highest selectivity (SI = 342). Mechanism of action studies indicated that these compounds act at early stages of virus replication, and compound 1b can also directly inactivate ZIKV particles. Molecular docking studies suggested that these compounds can bind to and block the activity of ZIKV NS5 methyltransferase. Finally, pharmacokinetic and toxicological predictions have reinforced the safety and drug-like profiles of these derivatives. In conclusion, the pyrazolone scaffold proved to be valuable for anti-ZIKV drug development, and the derivatives studied deserve further investigation.

Profiling of the Retrospective Epidemiology of the Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers in the United Arab Emirates Population

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of infectious cancers, leading to a growing global interest on the profiling of HPV-related cancers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the retrospective epidemiological profile of HPV-related cancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The incidence profiling of HPV-related cancers in males and females of UAE of all ages ranged from a minimum of 0.6% to a maximum of 4.5% for testes cancer and colon cancer respectively in males;whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 1.0% and a maximum of 34% for Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney, bladder, liver and pancreas cancer and breast cancer, respectively. The incidence profiling of HPV-related cancers in males and females of ages 15 - 44 years old ranged from a minimum of 0.1% to a maximum of 11.2% for pancreas cancer, and colon and rectum cancer respectively in males, whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 0.1% and a maximum of 18% for pancreas and breast cancer, respectively. The mortality profiling of HPV-related cancers in males and females of all ages in the UAE ranged from a minimum of 0.1% for Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer to a maximum of 4.5% for colon and rectum cancer respectively in males, whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 0.2% and a maximum of 4.5% for pancreas and breast cancer, respectively. The mortality profiling of HPV-related cancers mortality in males and females of ages 15 - 44 years old in the UAE ranged from a minimum of 0.2% to a maximum of 4.3% for testicular cancer and colon cancer respectively in males, whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 0.2% and a maximum of 7.2% for bladder and breast cancer respectively. In conclusion, the profiling of HPV-related cancers in UAE for both males and females of all ages is similar to that reported for other parts of the world.

Multi-Organ Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomal inherited disorder that affects all races and ethnicities in the United States. However, it is mostly predominant in the Caucasian populace accounting for about 80% of all CF cases. CF most severe complication can be referred to as pulmonary bronchiectasis and infections of the airways, nonetheless, the devastating effects of the disease have far-reaching consequences beyond lung damage. CF is a heterogeneous disease that is caused by mutations in Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. The impairment or absence of this gene can affect multiple organs and systems and is characterized not only by chronic lung blockage, infections, and inflammation but also by exocrine gland dysfunction, intestinal obstruction, liver pathology, elevated sweat chloride concentration, and in males, infertility due to the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. To this end, we briefly explore the pathological effects of CF and how CF mediates the destruction of several critical organs in the body and some of the gene therapeutical approaches such as gene editing and viral-based strategies available for the treatment of this multi-organ disease.

Ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation and modification:an emerging theme in plant-microbe interactions

Post-translational modification is central to protein stability and to the modulation of protein activity. Various types of protein modification, such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, myristoylation, glycosylation, and ubiquitination, have been reported. Among them, ubiquitination distinguishes itself from others in that most of the ubiquitinated proteins are targeted to the 26S proteasome for degradation. The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system constitutes the major protein degradation pathway in the cell. In recent years, the importance of the ubiquitination machinery in the control of numerous eukaryotic cellular functions has been increasingly appreciated. Increasing number of E3 ubiquitin ligases and their substrates, including a variety of essential cellular regulators have been identified. Studies in the past several years have revealed that the ubiquitination system is important for a broad range of plant developmental processes and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. This review discusses recent advances in the functional analysis of ubiquitination-associated proteins from plants and pathogens that play important roles in plant-microbe interactions.

Why natural killer cells in triple negative breast cancer?

The triple-negative subtype of breast cancer(TNBC)has the bleakest prognosis,owing to its lack of either hormone receptor as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.Henceforth,immunotherapy has emerged as the front-runner for TNBC treatment,which avoids potentially damaging chemotherapeutics.However,despite its documented association with aggressive side effects and developed resistance,immune checkpoint blockade continues to dominate the TNBC immunotherapy scene.These immune checkpoint blockade drawbacks necessitate the exploration of other immunotherapeutic methods that would expand options for TNBC patients.One such method is the exploitation and recruitment of natural killer cells,which by harnessing the innate rather than adaptive immune system could potentially circumvent the downsides of immune checkpoint blockade.In this review,the authors will elucidate the advantageousness of natural killer cell-based immuno-oncology in TNBC as well as demonstrate the need to more extensively research such therapies in the future.

A multilocus molecular phylogeny for the avian genus Liocichla(Passeriformes:Leiothrichidae:Liocichla)

Background:Historically the babblers have been assigned to the family Timaliidae but several recent studies have attempted to rest the taxonomy of this diverse passerine assemblage on a more firm evolutionary footing.The result has been a major rearrangement of the group.A well?supported and comprehensive phylogeny for this widespread avian group is an important part of testing evolutionary and biogeographic hypotheses,especially in Asia where the babblers are a key component of many forest ecosystems.However,the genus Liocichla is poorly represented in these prior studies of babbler systematics.Methods:We used a multilocus molecular genetic approach to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for all five cur?rently recognized species in the avian genus Liocichla.Multilocus DNA sequence data was used to construct individ?ual gene trees using maximum likelihood and species trees were estimated from gene trees using Bayesian analyses.Divergence dates were obtained using a molecular clock approach.Results:Molecular data estimate a probable window of time for the origin for the Liocichla from the mid to late Miocene,between 5.55 and 12.87 Ma.Despite plumage similarities between the insular Taiwan endemic,L.steerii,and the continental L.bugunorum and L.omeiensis,molecular data suggest that L.steerii is the sister taxon to all continen?tal Liocichla.The continental Liocichla are comprised of two lineages;a lineage containing L.omeiensis and L.bugunorum and a lineage comprised of L.phoenicea and L.ripponi.The comparatively early divergence of L.steerii within the Liocichla may be illusory due to extinct and therefore unsampled lineages.L.ripponi and L.phoenicea are parapatric with a Pleistocene split(0.07–1.88 Ma) occurring between an Eastern Himalayan L.phoenicea and a Northern Indo?china distributed L.ripponi.L.bugunorum and L.omeiensis underwent a similar split between the Eastern Himalaya(L.bugunorum) and Central China(L.omeiensis) divided by the Hengduan Mountains.Conclusions:This study supports an origin of the Liocichla occurring sometime prior to the Miocene–Pliocene boundary,a period of significant climatic upheaval in Asia.The biogeographical patterns within the Liocichla mirror those of other birds in the region and allude to common geological and climatic drivers of avian diversification in Asia.

Chronic Supplementation with L-Isoleucine Alone or in Combination with Exercise Reduces Hepatic Cholesterol Levels with No Effect on Serum Glucose, Insulin, or Lipids in Rats Fed a High Fructose Diet

The thought of using branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in the prevention and treatment of certain disorders is becoming increasingly popular. Individual BCAA use has been associated with improving glucose tolerance and liver disease. Previous studies have cited improvements in glucose metabolism with a single dose of L-isoleucine (ILE). However, it is still unclear whether chronic consumption of ILE has any direct benefit. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of chronic ILE supplementation alone or in combination with exercise on fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipids, and lipoprotein cholesterol levels;glucose tolerance;and hepatic lipids in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were divided into Control (low fructose diet);High Fructose diet (HF);HF plus 1.5% ILE (HF + ILE);HF plus exercise (HF + EX);and HF plus 1.5% ILE and exercise (HF + ILE + EX). The HF diets consisted of 70% kcalories from fructose. After 6 weeks of treatment, no significant differences were observed between groups for changes in fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipids, or lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, hepatic total cholesterol was significantly lower in the HF + ILE + EX compared to the Control and HF, while, the HF + ILE had significantly lower hepatic free cholesterol compared to the HF. We also found no differences between groups for serum glucose response following an oral glucose tolerance test. In conclusion, our study shows that ILE supplementation in rats does not influence serum glucose and lipid biomarkers but may have an influence on lipid metabolic pathways within the liver.

Rice molecular markers and genetic mapping:Current status and prospects

Dramatic changes in climatic conditions that supplement the biotic and abiotic stresses pose severe threat to the sustainable rice production and have made it a difficult task for rice molecular breeders to enhance production and productivity under these stress factors. The main focus of rice molecular breeders is to understand the fundamentals of molecular pathways involved in complex agronomic traits to increase the yield. The availability of complete rice genome sequence and recent improvements in rice genomics research has made it possible to detect and map accurately a large number of genes by using linkage to DNA markers. Linkage mapping is an effective approach to identify the genetic markers which are co-segregating with target traits within the family. The ideas of genetic diversity, quantitative trait locus（QTL） mapping, and marker-assisted selection（MAS） are evolving into more efficient concepts of linkage disequilibrium（LD） also called association mapping and genomic selection（GS）, respectively. The use of cost-effective DNA markers derived from the fine mapped position of the genes for important agronomic traits will provide opportunities for breeders to develop high-yielding, stress-resistant, and better quality rice cultivars. Here we focus on the progress of molecular marker technologies, their application in genetic mapping and evolution of association mapping techniques in rice.

Isolation and Antibiotic-Resistant Pattern of Opportunistic Infectious Microbes from the Infected Sites of Oral Cancer Patients Compared to That of Healthy People Oral Microbiota

Introduction: Oral cancer is the third most prominent type of cancer in Bangladesh. During or after oral cancer treatment, immune-compromised cancer patients may be susceptible to an infection by multi-drug-resistant opportunistic microbes. This study aims to identify the prevalent microorganisms from the infected site of oral cancer patients and observe their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: Clinical samples were collected from the infected sites of oral cancer patients and healthy people. The swabs collected were placed on nutrient agar slant, then incubated for 24 hours at 37ºC. Bacteria from the slant were inoculated in several selective media (Mannitol Salt Agar Media, KF Streptococcus Agar media, Cetrimide Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue Agar). Several biochemical tests identified opportunistic microorganisms. Finally, the antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The study found that 65.4% of microbes isolated from the patients’ oral cavities were Gram-negative bacteria, and 34.6% were Gram-positive bacteria. Among the patient group isolates (n = 55), the most prevalent organism was Pseudomonas spp. (30;54.54%). Others were Klebsiella spp. (27;49.09%), Staphylococcus spp. (24;43.63%), E. coli (14;25.45%), Streptococcus spp. (14;25.45%), Proteus spp. (12;21.8%) and Enterococcus spp. (6;10.90%). Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes from the patient group have shown high resistance to the commonly used antibiotics. In the control group (n = 50), the most prevalent organism was Staphylococcus spp. (15;30%). Other organisms were Streptococcus spp. (6;12%), Klebsiella spp. (11;22%), E. coli (3;6%), Streptococcus spp. (14;25.45%), Pseudomonas spp. (8;16%). The microbes of the control group showed less resistance to the antibiotics and rather showed sensitivity to them. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of multi-drug-resistant opportunistic microbes on immune-compromised oral cancer patients compared to microbes isolated from healthy people’s oral cavity.

Enhancement of the Photodynamic Therapy Effect on Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm

Biofilm is a community of bacteria, less susceptible to traditions treatments. Although photodynamic therapy （PDT） is a very effective way to microorganism inactivation, in biofilm it is not as efficient as it is in planktonic bacteria cultures. The increment of an element to increase the effectiveness of PDT was our aim. Therefore, this in vitro study evaluates the susceptibility ofa biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans on metallic surface of orthodontic accessories under the application of PDT with a surfactant. Samples obtained from blades of orthodontic bands （NiCr）, where used as adhesion surface for the biofilm. They were treated with 1 mg/ml of curcumin, with 0.1% of sodium dodecyl sulfate and exposed to 30 J/cm^2 of light （455 nm）. Eight experimental groups were studied, including the positive and negative controls. The results show that the group with PDT and surfactant had a significant decrease （p 〈 0.001） in viability. In this case, the reduction observed was of 5.6 log10 （CFU/ml） in comparison to the control group. We have shown that, even though the biofilm is very tough and complex structure, we are able to promote almost the complete inactivation ofS. mutans in systems similar to an orthodontic treated patient＇s mouth.

Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose From Oil Palm Shoot Juices and Coconut Juice/Poly(ethylene glycol) Biocomposite

A new biocomposite was preformed between bacterial cellulose(BC)pellicle and polyethylene glycol(PEG)at different concentrations(0%,5,10%,15%and 20%)and different molecular weight(600,1000 and 2000).The structure and mechanical properties of BC/PEG biocomposite were investigated.The results indicated that the properties of the BC were improved by the addition of PEG.The morphology of the BC and BC/PEG blend was examined by a scanning electron microscope(SEM).These showed that PEG was coated with a large pore size fibril on the BC and the BC/PEG was dense with an even and smooth surface.All the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)thermograms of BC/PEG showed the same functional groups as typical BC and PEG.The DSC result showed that the thermal stability improved which might be associated with a weak interaction between BC and PEG,and may be useful for applications.

The testis:an accessible Mesenchymal Stem Cells source

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are adult stem cells that are predominantly found in bone marrow but also cord blood,peripheral blood,lungs,and adipose tissue.They are considered multipotent cells,which can differentiate to form multiple cells types—adipocytes,bone,cartilage,skin,and muscle.This potential elicits a great deal of attention because it appears to hold great promise regarding regenerative cell-based therapy to treat various diseases,including cancer.They are considered powerful allogeneic nonhematopoietic transplantation stem cells due to their low immunogenicity.Recently,several researchers have identified and isolated MSCs from primary human testes cultures.This review aimed to highlight the latest advances in MSC biological properties and characteristics studies,focusing on testicular mesenchymal stromal stem cells(tMSC),their differentiation capacity,and immunosuppressive properties—all of which have the potential to establish MSCs as powerful therapeutic agents for various diseases,including cancer.

Biomaterial Implants:A Gateway to Cancer Through Genetics and Epigenetics

Biomaterials are currently and will continue to exert a high impact in the field of medicine and biological systems.Despite their great importance to humans,biomaterials have been reported to increase the risk of various kinds of cancers.Herein we shed light on the impact of biomaterial on the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that may boost cancer risk.In addition,we identify the key elements for the selection of the most reconcilable biomaterials and tests to ensure their biocompatibility.We examined the downsides of the usage of these biomaterials;specifically,immunological foreign body response due to wear and corrosion and their ability to cause cancers.The main focus of our review is to highlight the current knowledge about how orthopedic implants may contribute to cancer formation.We conclude that,although the risk appears to be minimal,implants may contribute to the development of cancer demanding the employment of a test that gauges the mutagenicity of the biomaterial used in the various implants’applications.

The Role of AMPK in Metabolic Changes in Pancreatic Cancer Cells through High Protein Diet

The present study investigates the contribution of AMPK response and mTOR （mammalian target of rapamycin） pathways through high protein diet to the pancreas cancer susceptibility. The hypothalamic modulation of the AMPK/ACC and mTOR signaling pathways induce by HPD and are followed by assaying the tumorigenicity. The results demonstrate that AMPK and mTOR cooperated in the hypothalamus during HPD and resulted in reducing AMPK activity, and increasing mTOR activity.

Cloning of Three Antiporter Genes from Arabidopsis and Rice for Over-Expressing Them in Farmer Popular Tomato Varieties of Bangladesh

Salinity is one of the most critical environmental problems, which causes plant growth retardation by disturbing intracellular ion homeostasis. The Na+/H+ antiporter plays an important role in resistance to salt stress by sequestering Na+ in exchange for H+ across the vacuolar membranes. In the current study, the coding regions of two Arabidopsis antiporters (AtNHX1 and AtNHX2) and one rice antiporter (OsNHX1) were amplified by target specific PCR. PCR amplicons were first cloned into pENTR/D-TOPO and later recombined with a destination vector (pK7WG2.0) by LR reaction. Positive clones were selected by PCR, restriction digestion (RD) and sequencing. They were then transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens (LBA4404 strain) for subsequent transformation of farmer popular tomato varieties.

Metformin Modulates GLP-1- and GIP-Mediated Intracellular Signaling under Normoglycemic Conditions

GLP-1 and GIP promote insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells by inducing intracellular signals such as Ca2+ and cAMP. Metformin primarily acts by inhibiting glucogenesis in the liver and promoting glucose metabolism in the muscle. It is used as a concomitant drug with the incretin in the treatment of T2D. We focused on intracellular signals under various glucose concentrations and assessed the effects of metformin on incretin signaling in MIN6 β-cells. Metformin inhibited incretin-induced [Ca2+]i in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose but not 16.7 mM glucose. In accordance with low [Ca2+]i, insulin secretion from MIN6 cells declined, despite enhanced incretin-induced cAMP production. Abundant expressions of Adcy 6 and 9, which are negatively controlled by Ca2+ signals, were detected in MIN6 cells. Thus, increasing cAMP production was associated with the inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization by metformin. However, we show that metformin controls insulin secretion by inhibiting incretin-mediated [Ca2+]i under normoglycemic conditions.

The Concurrence of Hypercholesterolemia and Aging Promotes DNA Damage in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Recent evidence shows that increased oxidative stress and aging contribute to DNA damage in various cardiovascular diseases such as lipid disorders and atherosclerosis. In the present study, we used the comet assay to evaluate the influ- ence of aging on DNA damage in whole blood cells from apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE?/?) mice and compared the results to those found in cells from wild-type C57BL/6 (C57) mice. Using the alkaline comet assay and fluorescent ethidium bromide staining, DNA damage was analyzed in the peripheral whole blood (5 μL) cells that were isolated from either young (8-week-old) and elderly (72-week-old) apoE?/? mice or from age-matched C57 mice. The levels of total plasma cholesterol were approximately 6-fold higher in apoE?/? mice of both ages compared to C57 mice. Elderly apoE?/? mice showed significantly higher levels of DNA damage (19%) compared to elderly C57 mice (8%, p < 0.01) and young apoE?/? mice (10%, p < 0.01). The comet assay in whole blood cells is a suitable technique for the detection of DNA damage in the apoE?/? mouse;it is an easy, rapid, inexpensive and sensitive method. The novelty of this study is that DNA damage occurring in whole blood cells of this murine model requires the concurrence of aging and oxida- tive stress-related hypercholesterolemia.

Therapeutic Effects of Myriocin in Experimental Alcohol-Related Neurobehavioral Dysfunction and Frontal Lobe White Matter Biochemical Pathology

Background & Objective: Chronic excessive alcohol consumption causes white matter degeneration with myelin loss and impaired neuronal conductivity. Subsequent rarefaction of myelin accounts for the sustained deficits in cognition, learning, and memory. Correspondingly, chronic heavy or repeated binge alcohol exposures in humans and experimental models alter myelin lipid composition leading to build-up of ceramides which can be neurotoxic and broadly inhibitory to brain functions. Methods: This study examined the effects of chronic + binge alcohol exposures (8 weeks) and intervention with myriocin, a ceramide inhibitor, on neurobehavioral functions (Open Field, Novel Object Recognition, and Morris Water Maze tests) and frontal lobe white matter myelin lipid biochemical pathology in an adult Long-Evans rat model. Results: The ethanol-exposed group had significant deficits in executive functions with increased indices of anxiety and impairments in spatial learning acquisition. Myriocin partially remediated these effects of ethanol while not impacting behavior in the control group. Ethanol-fed rats had significantly smaller brains with broadly reduced expression of sulfatides and reduced expression of two of the three sphingomyelins detected in frontal white matter. Myriocin partially resolved these effects corresponding with improvements in neurobehavioral function. Conclusion: Therapeutic strategies that support cerebral white matter myelin expression of sulfatide and sphingomyelin may help remediate cognitive-behavioral dysfunction following chronic heavy alcohol consumption in humans.