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Corrosive Lesions at Concrete Infrastructures as Promising Source for Isolating Bioactive Actinobacteria
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
247-256
Received:
25 May 2015
Accepted:
1 June 2015
Published:
17 June 2015
Abstract: The aim of this paper is isolating rare actinobacteria from new ecological source as corrosive lesion at concrete infrastructure and screening their ability to produce biological products. Ten pure actinobacteria isolates were isolated from corrosive lesions at concrete infrastructures of irrigation channel using cement extract media at different pHs (9- 12) and incubated at 30°C for 7d. All of the isolates produced variable levels of cellulase and lipase, and nine of them displayed variable levels of alkaline protease and amylase products. Only Four isolates produced extracellular alkaline phosphatase in liquid media. The antagonistic activities of these isolates were screened against four pathogenic microorganisms including Gram positive and negative bacterial species and two species of fungi. Only the isolate ROR40 exhibited antagonism activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , whereas nine isolates showed different degrees of antagonism activities against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophyte. The potential isolate (ROR40) to produce extracellular alkaline phosphatase was selected and identified depending on phenotypical, physiological and molecular according to partial sequences of 16S r RNA gene. It had 98% similarity with Pseudonocardia alni 20049 and P. alni 44104. Finally the isolate is named Pseudonocardia sp. ROR40 (Genbank accession no KJ 725072). The isolate produced extracellular alkaline phosphatase in liquid medium at optimum conditions were pH 8.5 of production medium, 37 °C for 4d. in stand incubator. Conclusion: Our study would be the first instance in comprehensive characterization of concert deteriorating actinobacteria for producing commercially valuable primary and secondary metabolites and it may facilitate us to isolate and characterize more bioactive species.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is isolating rare actinobacteria from new ecological source as corrosive lesion at concrete infrastructure and screening their ability to produce biological products. Ten pure actinobacteria isolates were isolated from corrosive lesions at concrete infrastructures of irrigation channel using cement extract media at different p...
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Biochemical Changes of Glutathione S-Transferase Activity During the Germination of Trifolium alexandrinum
Ragaa Reda Hamed,
Ehab Mostafa Mohamed Ali,
Abeer Shokeer,
Rasha Awni Guneidy,
Abdul Aziz Mohamad Gad
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
257-267
Received:
16 May 2015
Accepted:
1 June 2015
Published:
19 June 2015
Abstract: The key objective of this study was to investigate the effect of germination on biochemical and enzymatic antioxidant activities of Trifolium alexandrinum seeds. The T. alexandrinum was chosen for GST purification and characterization due to its highest GST activity and antioxidant capacity, beside its economical importance. Seeds of T. alexandrinum were germinated for 6 days. Changes in glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in germinating and dormant seeds of T. alexandrinum were evaluated. Also the changes in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant capacities were monitored for 6 days of germination using spectrophotometeric methods. Simple reproducible procedures for the purification of T. alexandrinum GST from both dormant and 6 days germinated seeds were established using DEAE-Sepharose and Sephadex G-100 columns chromatography. The results showed the presence of three isoenzymes for both dormant and germinated seeds designated as GST1, GST2 and GST3. The major GST of the dormant seed was GST2 while for the germinated one was GST3. Dormant GST2 was expressed as a heterodimer with molecular weight of 27.5 and 28.5 KDa while germinated GST3 was expressed as a homodimer with molecular weight of 27 KDa. Characterization of both dormant GST1 & GST2 and germinated GST2 and GST3 including optimum pH, kinetic parameters [kmGSH of 1.17±0.39, 1.22±0.13, 0.84±0.19, 0.96±0.24mM, respectively and kmCDNB of 0.65±0.095, 0.57±0.11, 0.59±0.14, 1.02±0.18 mM, respectively]. The substrate selectivity using different electrophilic compounds and inhibitor effects were carried out. In opposite to other isoenzymes, germinated GST3 exhibited enzymatic activity towards ethacrynic acid with specific activity of 0.073±0.005 µmol/min/mg protein while cibacron blue was the most potent inhibitor for these isoenzymes.
Abstract: The key objective of this study was to investigate the effect of germination on biochemical and enzymatic antioxidant activities of Trifolium alexandrinum seeds. The T. alexandrinum was chosen for GST purification and characterization due to its highest GST activity and antioxidant capacity, beside its economical importance. Seeds of T. alexandrinu...
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Bioinformatics Analysis of the Structure and Function of CG17196 Protein of Drosophila Melanogaster
Hongchao Liu,
Xianming Zou,
Yiming Wang,
Xuanlong Du,
Qian Wang,
Junbao Xie,
Xinming Tu
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
268-273
Received:
25 May 2015
Accepted:
6 June 2015
Published:
1 July 2015
Abstract: Recent studies have suggested that chimeric genes may account for the formation and evolution of new genes and functional divergence. However, the biological function of the new chimeric gene CG17196 of Drosophila melanogaster remains unknown, therefore, this study aims to analyze the structure and function of CG17196 protein using bioinformatics methods. Based on the amino acid sequence of CG17196 protein from NCBI database, the bioinformatics analyses were performed, including protein physical and chemical properties, transmembrane region, signal peptide, subcellular localization, domain, tertiary structure, and the phylogenetic tree of CG17196 related proteins from different species. The results showed that CG17196 protein was an unstable hydrophobic protein, performing biological function in the endoplasmic reticulum. It contained DHHC-type zinc finger domain and three transmembrane regions, but without signal peptide. The prediction result of gene ontology showed that the chance that the CG17196 protein actually had palmitoyltransferase activity was 70%. CG17196 protein and its related proteins in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Ashbya gossypii, Dictyostelium discoideum and Arabidopsis thaliana showed high homology. In conclusion, CG17196 protein belongs to DHHC protein family and contains palmitoyltransferase activity, which may participate in the protein palmitoylation in the endoplasmic reticulum of Drosophila melanogaster, providing theoretical references for further systematic research on the function and evolution of new chimera CG17196.
Abstract: Recent studies have suggested that chimeric genes may account for the formation and evolution of new genes and functional divergence. However, the biological function of the new chimeric gene CG17196 of Drosophila melanogaster remains unknown, therefore, this study aims to analyze the structure and function of CG17196 protein using bioinformatics m...
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Nutritional Analysis of Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Perspective of Bangladesh
Sultana Parvin,
Dilruba Easmin,
Afzal Sheikh,
Mrityunjoy Biswas,
Subed Chandra Dev Sharma,
Md. Golam Sarowar Jahan,
Md Amirul Islam,
Narayan Roy,
Mohammad Shariar Shovon
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
274-278
Received:
13 June 2015
Accepted:
19 June 2015
Published:
3 July 2015
Abstract: Present study reveals a thorough investigation of nutritional values of three different varieties (Trounja, Lagou, Gounda) of Tunisian dates available in Bangladeshi local markets. Moisture and total solids were (13.2-14.1%) and (85.9-86.8%), respectively. Ash and crude fibers contents were (2.13-2.18%) and (6.05-6.9%), respectively. The dates were rich in carbohydrate (51.8–55.0% dry weight), while they contained low concentrations of protein and lipid (2.0–2.2% and 0.12–0.72%, respectively). Dates represented little amounts of vitamin-A (0.7-1.2 mg%) and vitamin-C (0.7-0.9 mg%). High source of energy, as 100gm of date flesh can provide an average between (226.49-241.79) kcal. 11 minerals were determined from dates by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The predominant mineral was potassium (460-680 mg%). They contained low content of sodium (0.6-1.0 mg%). Rich source of calcium (51-60 mg%), phosphorus (52-60 mg%), magnesium (48-53 mg%) were found. Good source of iron (0.79-0.90 mg%), manganese (0.85-1.1 mg%), zinc (0.69-0.72 mg%), copper (0.32-0.36 mg%), chromium (0.36-0.42 mg%) and selenium (0.22-0.31 mg%) were found.
Abstract: Present study reveals a thorough investigation of nutritional values of three different varieties (Trounja, Lagou, Gounda) of Tunisian dates available in Bangladeshi local markets. Moisture and total solids were (13.2-14.1%) and (85.9-86.8%), respectively. Ash and crude fibers contents were (2.13-2.18%) and (6.05-6.9%), respectively. The dates were...
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Germination in Vitro of Brassicaceae (Sinapis arvensis L.) in the Northern Region of Tlemcen (Algeria)
Benabadji Noury,
Belkhodja Amal Nesrine,
Abdeljalil Anissa
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
279-289
Received:
3 June 2015
Accepted:
17 June 2015
Published:
4 July 2015
Abstract: This ecophysiological study was conducted on a species (Sinapis arvensis L.) widespread in nature in Algeria particularly in the province of Tlemcen. This plant, even if it is undesirable in crop fields, can be useful in maintaining the biodiversity of the plant world. The goal set in this study was to treat the micro-propagation and germination of the species Sinapsis arvensis L. in synthetic environments, since these phenomena of growth and development in a sterile environment are poorly controlled. Our work deals successively with the following results: - The in vitro germination of Sinapis arvensisin different synthetic media, seeds taken of pods are harvested in stations in the Tlemcen region (Zenata, Beni-Ghanam and Rachgoun stations).They germinate differently; the germination rates vary with temperature and media used (Nutrient Agar and Potatoes Dextrose Agar, distilled water with NaCl at different concentrations, 1 g/L, 3 g/L and 5 g/L). This phenological phase appears to respond positively to the experimentation multiple conditions. - The percentage of germination was 75%. - Contamination by pathogens reaches 25%, despite the taken precautions (sterility of plant material, cleaning glassware, etc.).
Abstract: This ecophysiological study was conducted on a species (Sinapis arvensis L.) widespread in nature in Algeria particularly in the province of Tlemcen. This plant, even if it is undesirable in crop fields, can be useful in maintaining the biodiversity of the plant world. The goal set in this study was to treat the micro-propagation and germination of...
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Attractant Role of Bacterial Bioluminescence of Photorhabdusluminescenson a Galleria mellonella Model
Walter Patterson,
Devang Upadhyay,
Sivanadane Mandjiny,
Rebecca Bullard-Dillard,
Meredith Storms,
Michael Menefee,
Leonard D. Holmes
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
290-294
Received:
16 June 2015
Accepted:
25 June 2015
Published:
8 July 2015
Abstract: Though the intricate relationship between the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and its symbiotic bacterial counterpart Photorhabdus luminescensis generally known; the role of bioluminescence produced by the bacterial symbiont is yet to be identified. The objective of this study was to determine if bacterial luminosity plays a crucial role in attraction of larval insect hosts. This study focused on bacterial bioluminescence produced from both in vitro and in vivo culturing of the bacterial symbiont. The obtained results portrays that the average distance between Galleria mellonellalarvae and the bacterial light source (P. luminescens)decreased in a linear fashion as a function of increasing intensities of luminosity; thereby supporting the hypothesis that bioluminescence offers a symbiotic role to attract insect host larvae.
Abstract: Though the intricate relationship between the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and its symbiotic bacterial counterpart Photorhabdus luminescensis generally known; the role of bioluminescence produced by the bacterial symbiont is yet to be identified. The objective of this study was to determine if bacterial luminosity plays a...
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Serum Metabolomics Reveals Cholic Acid, Chenodeoxycholic Acid, and Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid as Potential Biomarkers for Hypothyroid Rats
Hidenori Nagao,
Masanori Suzuki,
Hironori Aoki,
Kouichi Minato
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
295-305
Received:
7 June 2015
Accepted:
21 June 2015
Published:
8 July 2015
Abstract: Hypothyroidism decreases energy metabolism including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and protein synthesis, due to reduced serum levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Although many endogenous serum metabolites are influenced by hypothyroidism, serum metabolomic profiling has rarely been applied to the study of hypothyroidism. In the present study, we investigated potential biomarkers for hypothyroidism using serum metabolomics, and then measured serum levels of these endogenous metabolites using an analytical method: ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. There was a significant difference in the metabolic profiles of thyroidectomized (Tx) and normal rats. We found that many bile acid (BA) levels were significantly changed in serum of Tx rats. Simultaneous measurement of 12 different BAs in serum revealed that cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) levels significantly increased in Tx rats by approximately 25-fold, 11-fold, and 3-fold, respectively, compared with those of control rats. In Tx rats with active hormone T3 replacement, serum T3 levels were returned to physiological levels. However, these changes in BA levels were maintained at a high level. These results indicate that T3 replacement does not normalize the thyroid hormonal milieu. Thus, increased CA, CDCA, and TCDCA levels in serum after Tx may be a homeostatic response to not only T3 but also pro-thyroid hormone T4 deficiency. This study is the first to report that CA, CDCA, and TCDCA may be potential biomarkers for hypothyroidism and the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroidism.
Abstract: Hypothyroidism decreases energy metabolism including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and protein synthesis, due to reduced serum levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Although many endogenous serum metabolites are influenced by hypothyroidism, serum metabolomic profiling has rarely been applied to the study of h...
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Response of Potus Plants (Epipremnum Aureum) to Irrigation with Drainage Water of Ornamental Fish Basins and Magnesium Sulphate as Foliar Fertilizer
Sami A. Metwally,
Abdelraouf R. E.,
Abou-Leila B. H.
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
306-310
Received:
30 May 2015
Accepted:
12 June 2015
Published:
14 July 2015
Abstract: This study was carried out at the laboratory of National Research Centre, Egypt during two successive seasons on 2012 and 2013 to study the response of potus plants ( Epipremnum Aureum) irrigated by drainage water of ornamental fish basins diluted with tap water (DWOFB) at the concentrations 100% DWOFB, 75% DWOFB + 25% Tap water and 50% DWOFB + 50% Tap water) and interacted with magnesium sulphate as foliar fertilizer rate (MFFR) at the concentrations MFFR1 (25 ppm) and MFFR2 (50 ppm). The results indicated that, the plants watered with absolute fish effluent (100% fish) single or interacted with Mg 50 ppm performed the highest growth parameters, the highest percentage of carbohydrate and significant increase in photosynthetic pigments. The foliar application of Mg 50 ppm had positive effect on growth parameters and significantly increases in photosynthetic pigments. The plants irrigated with fish water effluent 75% followed by 50% had the second and the third largest average growth parameters and chemical constituents respectively.
Abstract: This study was carried out at the laboratory of National Research Centre, Egypt during two successive seasons on 2012 and 2013 to study the response of potus plants ( Epipremnum Aureum) irrigated by drainage water of ornamental fish basins diluted with tap water (DWOFB) at the concentrations 100% DWOFB, 75% DWOFB + 25% Tap water and 50% DWOFB + 50%...
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Intestinal Secretion and Barrier Function; Implication with Muscarinic Cholinoceptor
Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan,
Takashi Yazawa,
Junsuke Uwada,
Abu Syed Md. Anisuzzaman,
Takanobu Taniguchi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
311-315
Received:
15 June 2015
Accepted:
11 July 2015
Published:
18 July 2015
Abstract: Two most important physiological functions of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are intestinal secretion and barrier function in order to protect the host from invasive microorganisms. Acetylcholine (ACh) is regarded as a central molecule for the regulation of these gut functions. Although, ACh is considered as a classical neurotransmitter, numerous studies report the synthesis and release of ACh from non-neuronal epithelial cells and are believed to regulate gut functions via cholinergic activation. Recently, it is established that IECs express M1 and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). Although, the role of M3 mAChR-mediated intestinal secretion in Ussing Chamber has been highly established, little is known about M1 mAChR-mediated intestinal secretion and barrier function. Here, we review the current knowledge about the functions of M1 and M3 mAChRs and their downstream signaling in the regulation of intestinal secretion and barrier function. We also discuss the role of mAChRs in IECs under inflammatory conditions.
Abstract: Two most important physiological functions of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are intestinal secretion and barrier function in order to protect the host from invasive microorganisms. Acetylcholine (ACh) is regarded as a central molecule for the regulation of these gut functions. Although, ACh is considered as a classical neurotransmitter, numero...
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Assessing the Effects of Aquatic Vegetation Composition on Waterbird Distribution and Richness in Natural Freshwater Lake of Malaysia
Abdoul Baset Hassen-Aboushiba
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
316-321
Received:
29 June 2015
Accepted:
13 July 2015
Published:
30 July 2015
Abstract: Aquatic vegetation structure and composition is a major driven factor which plays a significant role in waterbird foraging sites and habitat selection. Assessing the effects of aquatic vegetation composition on the distribution and richness of waterbird in a freshwater lake is a useful tool to understand the habitat requirement and preference of waterbird species for future better conservation and management. A total of 19 aquatic plants was recorded in the Paya Indah lake using 10 X 10 m quadrant method. Eleocharis variegata (13.0%), E. dulcis (12.0%), Scirpus mucronatus (11.0%), and Fimbristylis globulosa (10.0%) were the most dominant aquatic plants which cover around 46.0% of the lake area. Likewise, a total of 1492 bird individuals represnting 24 waterbird species and 8 families was recorded through direct observation using 10X50 binocular. Porphyrio porphyrio (17.02%), Amaurornis phoenicurus (15.82%), and Ardea purpurea (8.31%) were three most common waterbird species in the study area. In contrast, three waterbird species, namely Hydrophasianus chirurgus (0.8%), Tachybaptus ruficollis (0.6%), and Gallirallus striatus (0.54%) were the rarest i.e., recorded only a few individuals. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test illustrated that aquatic vegetation species have strong positive correlationship (i.e., r = 0.9259, P > 0.05) with waterbird species distribution and richness in the lake area. This showed that higher waterbird richness could be due to the diversity of aquatic vegetation species composition. Overall, the finding of this study highlighted that Paya Indah Lake is rich in aquatic vegetation structure and composition that had attracted a wide array of waterbird to perform various activities such as food, water, habitat and reproduce.
Abstract: Aquatic vegetation structure and composition is a major driven factor which plays a significant role in waterbird foraging sites and habitat selection. Assessing the effects of aquatic vegetation composition on the distribution and richness of waterbird in a freshwater lake is a useful tool to understand the habitat requirement and preference of wa...
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Darwin Misunderstood
Arie Nicolaas Van Den Berg
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
322-331
Received:
8 July 2015
Accepted:
14 July 2015
Published:
5 August 2015
Abstract: Darwin did not specify: “Species”. Darwin did not know the difference between “Phenotypic and Genotypic features”. “Natural Selection” cannot produce new species. Spontaneous mutations do not exist. Mutants have no offspring. Darwin did not make tests to confirm his theory. Evolution, with natural selection, is neither about the Origin of Life, nor about New Life but is about the Optimal Preservation of all existing living creatures.
Abstract: Darwin did not specify: “Species”. Darwin did not know the difference between “Phenotypic and Genotypic features”. “Natural Selection” cannot produce new species. Spontaneous mutations do not exist. Mutants have no offspring. Darwin did not make tests to confirm his theory. Evolution, with natural selection, is neither about the Origin of Life, nor...
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Nutritional Status of Preschoolers in Four Selected Fisher Communities
Md. Abdul Hakim,
Md. Kamruzzaman
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2015
Pages:
332-336
Received:
4 July 2015
Accepted:
23 July 2015
Published:
12 August 2015
Abstract: The current study was conducted in the four selected fisher communities in Bangladesh. The communities were at random to take part the Satkhira, Patuakhali, Mymensingh and Tangail districts fisher communities. There were sorted 46% (n=54) girls and 55% (n=66) boys from the communities by using simple random sampling method to carry on the study. Results divulged to contribute 30% (n=36) underweight, 22.5% (n=27) stunted and 12.5% (n=15) wasted preschoolers in the four selected fisher communities. The smoking and alcoholism prevalence of the fathers of preschoolers were found 72.5% (n=87) and 10% (n=12). The apt method of disposal of child excreta and safe water using in cooking and drinking purposes were 80.8% (n=97) and 90.8% (n=109) respectively. The study also showed that 69.2% (n=83) fathers and 66.7% (n=80) mothers of the preschoolers attained education up to the PSC level. Parental education level, father’s alcoholism and smoking patterns, method adopted to dispose child excreta and frequent use of safe water for drinking and cooking assay were closely linked to attain the attained nutritional status of the preschoolers in the target population
Abstract: The current study was conducted in the four selected fisher communities in Bangladesh. The communities were at random to take part the Satkhira, Patuakhali, Mymensingh and Tangail districts fisher communities. There were sorted 46% (n=54) girls and 55% (n=66) boys from the communities by using simple random sampling method to carry on the study. Re...
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