Thermal behavior and elastic properties of phospholipid bilayers under the effect of a synthetic flavonoid derivative, LEW-10.

We have investigated the effect on phospholipidic bilayers of LEW-10, a synthetic flavonoid, derivative of diosmin. Two optical techniques, Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (QLS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used. The results show that in the presence of LEW-10, the phase transition of the bilayers is lowered and that the elastic modulus is decreased. The FT-IR results indicate interactions in the aqueous interface regions of the bilayers. We also discuss LEW-10 comparatively with another derivative, LEW-7/S1, whose effect has been previously studied.     

Farmers’ perception of termites in agriculture production and their indigenous utilization in Northwest Benin

Background

Although termites are considered as agricultural pests, they play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem. Therefore, it matters to investigate the farmers’ perception of the impacts of the termites on the agriculture and their indigenous utilization.

Methods

A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 94 farmers through 10 villages of Atacora department, in the northwestern region of Benin, to obtain information for the development of successful strategies of termite management and conservation. Their perceptions on the importance and management of termites along with the indigenous nomenclature and utilization of termite mounds were assessed. Termite species identified by farmers were collected and preserved in 80% alcohol for identification.

Results

Eight crops were identified by farmers as susceptible to termites with maize, sorghum, and yam as being the most susceptible. According to farmers, the susceptibility to termites of these crops is due to their high-water content and sweet taste. A total of 27 vernacular names of termites were recorded corresponding to 10 species, Amitermes evuncifer, Macrotermes subhyalinus, and Trinervitermes oeconomus being the most damaging termite species. All the names given to termite species had a meaning. The drought was identified by farmers as the main factor favouring termite attacks. Demolition of termite mounds in the fields was the most commonly reported control method. Salt and other pesticides were commonly used by farmers to protect stored farm products. The lack of effective control methods is the main constraint for termite management. In northwestern Benin, farmers reported different purpose utilizations of termite mounds and termites.

Conclusions

The study has shown that farmers perceived termites as pests of several agricultural crops and apply various indigenous control practices whose efficiency need to be verified. Utilization of termites and termite mound soil as food and medicinal resources underlines the need for a more focused approach to termite control for the conservation of non-pest termite species. The sensitization of farmers on the importance of termites as well as the development of an integrated control method to combat termite pests proved necessary.

     

Identification of Protease from Euphorbia amygdaloides Latex and its Use in Cheese Production

Abstract

In this research, protease enzyme was purified and characterized from milk of Euphorbia amygdaloides. (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractionation and CM‐cellulose ion exchange chromatography methods were used for purification of the enzyme. The optimum pH value was determined to be 5, and the optimum temperature was determined to be 60°C. The V_max and K_M values at optimum pH and 25°C were calculated by means of Linewearver‐Burk graphs as 0.27 mg/L min^?1 and 16 mM, respectively. The purification degree was controlled by using SDS‐PAGE and molecular weight was found to be 26 kD. The molecular weight of the enzyme was determined as 54 kD by gel filtration chromatography. These results show that the enzyme has two subunits.

In the study, it was also researched whether purified and characterized protease can be collapsed to milk. It was determined that protease enzyme can collapse milk and it can be used to produce cheese.     

Cytosolic and non-cytosolic carbonic anhydrase enzymes from bovine leukocytes.

In this study, carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme has been purified and separately characterized according to bound form in 4 steps as outer peripheral, cytosolic, inner peripheral, and integral from bovine leukocyte. Affinity chromatography has also been used for purification of the enzyme in four steps. CA has been found for each step. Measurment of enzyme activity has been done by CO2 hydratase activity and esterase activity methods. Optimum pH and optimum temperature have been defined for each step of purified enzyme. The behaviors of CA with specific inhibitors, such as KSCN and NaN3 have been investigated. In each step, molecular weight and purity have been determined by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. In addition, enzyme K(M) and Vmax values have been determined with the method of Lineweaver-Burk.     

The effects of MgS nanoparticles-Cisplatin-bio-conjugate on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line

Molecular Biology Reports - Magnesium sulfide nanoparticles (MgS NPs) is a nanomaterial that has an important place in diagnosis, treatment, diagnosis, and drug delivery systems. Neuroblastoma, a...     

Preparation of CoS nanoparticles-cisplatin bio-conjugates and investigation of their effects on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line

Neuroblastoma is one of the most widely seen under the age of 15 tumors that occur in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia. Cisplatin, an antineoplastic drug, is a Platinum-based compound and is known to inhibit the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells. Effective applications of nanoparticles in biomedical areas such as biomolecular, antimicrobial detection and diagnosis, tissue engineering, theranostics, biomarking, drug delivery, and anti-cancer have been investigated in many studies. This study aims to prepare the bioconjugates of CoS (cobalt sulfide) nanoparticles (NPs) with cisplatin combination groups and to evaluate their effects on the neuroblastoma cell line. Nanoparticle synthesis was done using the green synthesis technique using Punica granatum plant extract. The size and shape of CoS NPs were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. Zeta potential was confirmed by the DLS study. For this purpose, the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was cultured in a suitable cell culture medium. Cisplatin 5 µg and different concentrations (Cisplatin + CoS NPs bioconjugates (5, 10, 25, 50, 75 μg) doses were applied to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines for 24 h. TAC, TOS and MTT tests were performed 24 h after the application. According to the MTT test results, cisplatin and CoS NP combinations reduced the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells by 78 to 57% compared to the cisplatin control. From the findings obtained; the most effective Bio-conjugate group was Cisplatin 5 μg/mL + CoS 75 μg/mL.     

Characterization and purification of acid phosphatase from ancient human bone

In this research, acid phosphatase was purified and characterized from approximately 3000-year-old human bones from archeological excavations. Using anion exchange chromatography, two isoenzymes, TrACP and TsACP, were isolated from the bone. TrACP and TsACP were eluted separately, with a concentration gradient, from a CM-sepharose column. The resulting TrACP was further purified on a cellulose phosphate column. The activity was determined by using pNPP as substrate. Additionally, protein was determined by the Bradford and Coomassie Brilliant Blue method. The optimum pHs of TsACP and TrACP were 6 and 5, respectively. The optimum temperatures were 0 and 10 degrees C, respectively. Molecular weights were measured by gel filtration chromatography. The isoenzyme purity was checked with SDS-PAGE. Finally, the effects of sodium molybdate and tartrate on isoenzyme activity were determined.