Determination of Bacterial Diversity of Propolis Microbiota

Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by the excretions of honeybees. PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene region was achieved using DNA of pre-enriched propolis samples collected from Apis mellifera production hives (n=37) in Eastern Türkiye (Bingöl and its regions). Next-generation sequencing and metabarcoding techniques were used to identify bacterial communities in propolis samples. Firmicutes dominated the phylum structure, with Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, and Spirochaetes following. The top three bacterial families were Bacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae. Bacillus (dominantly B. badius and B. thermolactis at the species level) was recognized at the genus level, followed by Enterococcus and Clostridium sensu stricto. Our study comprehensively identified the bacterial diversity of propolis samples. Further investigations targeting to enlighten the microbiota of propolis and its potential application fields are required to gain better insight into ecological, nutritional, and medicinal perspectives.     

A review of the impact of environmental factors and pollutants on covid-19 transmission

Aerobiologia - The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused an unprecedented loss of life with colossal social and economic fallout over 237 countries and territories worldwide. Environmental...     

Inhibitory evaluation of Curculigo latifolia on α-glucosidase,DPP (IV) and in vitro studies in antidiabetic with molecular docking relevance to type 2 diabetes mellitus

The inhibition of α-glucosidase and DPP enzymes capable of effectively reducing blood glucose level in the management of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the inhibitory potential of α-glucosidase and DPP (IV) activity including with the 2-NBDG uptake assay and insulin secretion activities through in vitro studies. The selected of active compounds obtained from the screening of compounds by LC-MS were docked with the targeted enzyme that involved in the mechanism of T2DM. From the results, root extracts displayed a better promising outcome in α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 2.72 ± 0.32) as compared with the fruit extracts (IC₅₀ 3.87 ± 0.32). Besides, root extracts also displayed a better activity in the inhibition of DPP (IV), enhance insulin secretion and glucose uptake activity. Molecular docking results revealing that phlorizin binds strongly with α-glucosidase, DPP (IV) and Insulin receptor (IR) enzymes with achieving the lowest binding energy value. The present work suggests several of the compounds have the potential that contribute towards inhibiting α-glucosidase and DPP (IV) and thus effective in lowering post-prandial hyperglycaemia.     

A ‘turn-off’ fluorescence sensor for selective Hg(II) based on phenothiazine derivative

Given how crucial it is to preserve a human-safe and sustainable environment, the rapid discovery of possibly lethal heavy metals such as Hg(II) has drawn much attention in recent years. A novel sensor, known as (E)-2-((10-octyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)methylene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (PTZHC), was synthesized as a fluorescence ‘on–off’ sensor for Hg²⁺ ions. Coordination alters organic molecule electron densities, quenching the fluorescence intensity. PTZHC was described completely with the help of FTIR and ¹H-NMR spectrum studies. The Hg²⁺ ion was successfully detected using the PTZHC sensor even when there were other metal ions present. The limit of the detection was estimated to be 2.5 × 10⁻⁸ M and the Job's plot examination implied that PTZHC was bound to Hg²⁺ with a simple 1:1 stoichiometry in s CH₃CN/H₂O (9:1, v/v) suspension. To further cast light on the bridged effect on geometric and optoelectronic characteristics, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level and DFT were both examined.     

Prodigious therapeutic effects of combining mesenchymal stem cells with magnetic nanoparticles

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained wide-ranging reputation in the medical research community due to their promising regenerative abilities. MSCs can be isolated from various resources mostly bone marrow, Adipose tissues and Umbilical cord. Huge advances have been achieved in comprehending the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic functions of MSCs. Despite the proven role of MSCs in repairing and healing of many disease modalities, many hurdles hinder the transferring of these cells in the clinical settings. Among the most reported problems encountering MSCs therapy in vivo are loss of tracking signal post-transplantation, insufficient migration, homing and engraftment post-infusion, and undesirable differentiation at the site of injury. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used widely for various biomedical applications. MNPs have a metallic core stabilized by an outer coating material and their magnetic properties can be modulated by an external magnetic field. These magnetic properties of MNPs were found to enhance the quality of diagnostic imaging procedures and can be used to create a carrying system for targeted delivery of therapeutic substances mainly drug, genes and stem cells. Several studies highlighted the advantageous outcomes of combining MSCs with MNPs in potentiating their tracking, monitoring, homing, engraftment and differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the role of MNPs in promoting the therapeutic profile of MSCs which may improve the success rate of MSCs transplantation and solve many challenges that delay their clinical applicability.     

Not just in the past: Racist and sexist biases still permeate biology,anthropology, medicine,and education

In the past decades, it has been increasingly recognized that some areas of science, such as anthropology, have been plagued by racist, Western-centric, and/or sexist biases. Unfortunately, an acculturation process to racism and sexism has been occurring for generations leading to systemic inequities that will take a long time to disappear. Here, we highlight the existence of current examples of racism, Western-centrism and sexism within: (1) the most popular anatomical atlases used in biological, anthropological and medical education; (2) prominent natural history museums and World Heritage Sites; (3) biological and anthropological scientific research publications; and (4) popular culture and influential children's books and educational materials concerning human biology and evolution.