Isolation and characterization of a novel keratinolytic bacterial strain from soil samples of chicken feather keratinaceous-waste dumping sites of Ngaoundere (Cameroon)
April 2021
This study aims at characterizing new chicken feather-degrading bacteria isolated from soils of keratinic waste collected from four dumping sites of Ngaoundere. Fifteen proteolytic bacteria were isolated with three (D1, D2 and F1) showing the capacity to degrade feather in Basal Salt Media. Highest degradation rate (71.11 ± 3.05%) of feather was obtained from isolate D2 from Municipal slaughterhouse. The partial...
Comparison of homogenization methods for extraction of maize cob metabolites
March 2021
Previous proteomic studies have shown maize cob tissue to have an essential role in pathogen defense. Currently, there are no studies published regarding neither maize cob metabolomic profiles nor an accepted method of metabolite extraction from cob. This study assesses the reproducibility of metabolite extraction from the cobs of fungal pathogen -resistant and -susceptible cultivars. Hand grinding, mechanical...
Brewer’s residues and cocoa pod shells as a substrate for cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus CCIBt 2339 and enzymes production
March 2021
This work investigated the best composition of a substrate for cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus CCIBt 2339 using brewer's spent grain (SG) and cocoa pod shells (CP) complemented with hot trub (HT) and/or residual brewer’s yeast (RY). The residue HT was detrimental for cultivation and a substrate composition (%, w/w) of 58% SG + 40% CP + 2% RY – with a C/N ratio of 25.77 g/g – resulted in the best...
Adsorption of copper (II) ions onto raw Globimetula oreophila (Afomo ori koko) leaves
March 2021
This study examined the adsorption of copper onto raw Globimetula oreophila leaves. The adsorbent surface nature was examined using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Adsorption parameters such as the –log10[H+], point of zero charge, initial metal concentration, mass of biomass and contact time were determined. Copper adsorption decreased gradually with pH. The point of zero...
Response of French bean genotypes to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and evaluation of their resistance using SCAR markers
February 2021
Common bean anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is one of the major biotic constraints to production of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Kenya. This study aimed at screening French bean genotypes in relation to their response to common bean anthracnose in order to identify potential sources of germplasm for breeding. The genotypes were tested in three sites (Kakamega, Mwea and Kutus) where results...
Expression, purification and testing of zinc metalloproteinase aureolysin as potential vaccine candidate against Staphylococcus aureus
February 2021
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a versatile bacterium which exhibits multiple antibiotic resistances. To ameliorate the undesirable diseases causing potential, there is a need to design a protective vaccine capable of stimulating immune response against this pathogen. In a similar study in our laboratory, reverse vaccinology approach was used to nominate potential vaccine candidate genes against S. aureus. Zinc...
Aspects of mushroom cultivation to obtain polysaccharides in submerged cultivation
February 2021
Medicinal and edible mushrooms have biological properties that are important in promoting health. In the last decades, an increasing number of studies have explored various aspects of the cultivation and metabolism of various species. Many isolated substances have potential for use in medicine and among them are polysaccharides, which have been shown to have physiological properties such as anti-tumor, immunomodulatory,...
Identification of zygotic and nucellar seedling of Harumanis mango through molecular markers and morphological approach
February 2021
Identification of zygotic and nucellar seedlings of Harumanis mango by morphological approach is impossible or hard to be performed. Therefore, this research were to identify zygotic or nucellar seedlings from Harumanis mango polyembryonic seeds through simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers in relation with germination sequence and vigour of seedlings for source of true-to-type cutting material. The...
A novel genotype-independent technique for successful induction of somatic embryogenesis of adult plants of Jatropha curcas L. using petiole transverse Thin Cell Layer (TCL)
February 2021
Developing a protocol for somatic embryogenesis (SE) for adult mother plants of Jatropha curcas, aids to overcome problems such as harvesting time and an uneven yield, providing the opportunity to propagate proven elite genotypes. Until now, several authors have achieved SE in J. curcas using different explants, however, in none of these protocols adult plants have been used as mother plant material. Furthermore, the...
Analysis of the degradation of polyethylene, polystyrene and polyurethane mediated by three filamentous fungi isolated from the Antarctica
February 2021
Plastic polymers are petroleum-derived synthetic materials that have multiple uses in everyday life, but their excessive production has led to the accumulation of approximately 1,000 million tons of residues, causing negative ecological impacts. This study analyzed the biological degradation in liquid medium of polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyethylene samples by filamentous fungi isolated from Antarctica. The plastic...
In vitro daylily (Hemerocallis species) bract multiple shoot induction
February 2021
A bract is a non-inflorescence structure that exists in many plant species. In daylilies, the bract is biologically functional and is the object of the present tissue culture study. After sterilization, bract explants were treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) that were used individually or in combination in Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrients medium, under room environmental conditions, to study...
Biotreatment of water samples from Itakpe iron mining site, Kogi State, Nigeria using Bacillus species
January 2021
Four soil samples and water effluents each within the mining environment were tested in this study. Twenty six bacteria were isolated using nutrient agar and acidified nutrient agar. Gram staining and endospore staining were carried out to determine the Bacillus species used for bioremediation. Speciation of the microorganisms using 16S rRNA sequencing showed the organisms to be Bacillus cereus NK1, Lysinibacillus...
HBc antibody seroprevalence in HBs negative antigen blood donors at the Chad National Blood Transfusion Center in N’Djamena
January 2021
The aim of this study is to assess the risk of hepatitis B transfusion in negative HBsAg blood donors who test positive for anti HBcAb. From January to December 2019, an observational study of virological markers was carried out with blood donors (family and volunteers) at the National Blood Transfusion Center in N’Djamena. The donors included were also tested negative for the markers (Ab anti HCV, HIVAg/Ab and...
Use of mineral salts to remove recalcitrance to somatic embryogenesis of improved genotypes of cacao (Theobrama cacao L.)
January 2021
Some improved genotypes of cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.), have shown in standard study conditions of absence or a very low response to the induction of somatic embryos. This is the case of the recalcitrant genotypes C8 and C15, partially recalcitrant genotypes C14 and C16. This study aims to improve the production of somatic embryos of recalcitrant genotypes. Staminodes and petals excised from the immature buds of the...
Screening of maize germplasm for resistance to maize lethal necrosis disease in Zambia
January 2021
Maize is an important staple crop for humans and livestock feed in Zambia. A total of 473 maize germplasms were screened under maize lethal necrosis (MLN) artificial inoculation and disease pressure using an alpha lattice design to identify potential tolerant varieties as sources of resistance. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on the MLN score range of 1-9 showed that the levels of MLN resistance in the...
Prospective study of dental implantology related patents in Brazil
January 2021
Technological innovation and the development of new products is what currently boost the competitiveness between enterprises and moves the economy. The technical-scientific advances in Dentistry grow each day and there are great investments by research centers and universities in new materials, especially in dental implantology. The objective was to evaluate the patents deposited and granted in implantology at the...
Comparative performance of different yeast strains in the production of bioethanol using simultaneous liquefaction saccharification and fermentation (SLSF)
December 2020
The performance of a hybrid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus (Yeast B) compared with an industrial strain of S. cerevisiae (Yeast A) was studied. The two strains of yeasts: Yeast A obtained from the Bioresources Development Centre, National Biotechnology Development Agency Ogbomosho and Yeast B obtained from Scotch Whisky Research Laboratory in Edinburgh, Scotland (Strain 63M) were studied...
Comparative studies on the antimicrobial, chemical and biochemical contents of the foliar extracts of Capsicum fructescens L. varieties
December 2020
Capsicum fructescens is a variety of Capsicum with much nutritional and therapeutic usefulness. This study is aimed at investigating the antimicrobial, chemical and biochemical properties of C. fructescens. The biochemical, mineral and phytochemical analyses of the extract were carried out using standard methods. The organic contents of the extracts were determined by GCMS to identify its bioactive constituents which...
First report of mortality in Phoenix canariensis associated with subgroup 16SrIVâ€D phytoplasmas in Coahuila, Mexico
December 2020
In 2015, a disease of unknown origin appeared in Torreon, Coahuila, in the Northeast of Mexico, causing great mortality in Phoenix palms, especially in Phoenix canariensis. Until early 2019, around 1300 palms died from this disease. The aim of this study was to determine its etiology. The symptoms registered in affected palms were similar to those described for Texas Phoenix Palm Decline (TPPD). Phytoplasmas were...
Role of microorganisms in biodegradation of food additive Azo dyes: A review
November 2020
Food additives Azo dyes are synthetic compounds added to foods to impart color and improve their properties. Some azo dyes have been banned as food additives due to toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic side effects. Long exposure to foods containing azo dye leads to chronic toxicity. Some microorganisms are capable to degrade these dyes and convert them to aromatic amines. In human body, microbiota can play a vital role...
Isolation and molecular characteristics of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from hospital attendees in Ebonyi State, Abakaliki
November 2020
This present study was designed to determine the occurrence frequency of blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli, and their antibiotic resistance patterns among hospital attendees in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Out of the 73 uropathogenic E.coli isolates analyzed, 52 were identified to be ESBL producers using double disk synergy technique. The frequency of...
Effects of inoculation with some native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth
November 2020
In Burkina Faso, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) sector plays a very important socio-economic role. However, its production is confronted by many constraints, among which is the soil poverty in mineral elements such as nitrogen and available phosphorus resulting in an increase in the area of land that is sown for this crop and an increase in the use of chemical inputs. In addition, chemical inputs have shown their...
Development of starter cultures carrier for the production of high quality soumbala, a food condiment based on Parkia biglobosa seeds
November 2020
In this study, three Bacillus subtilis (B7, B9 and B3) and one Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (I8) strains previously selected as potential starter cultures were cultivated on boiled dehulled African locust bean seeds to produce ready to use ferments. These ferments were then used to produce soumbala. The microbial load changes during ferments production were evaluated. Biochemical and microbiological characteristics of the...
An investigation of meristem culture in Anchote [Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cong.] under the influence of plant growth regulators and media strength
November 2020
Considering the potential benefit of meristem culture in the mass production of quality propagation materials, an experiment was conducted to investigate meristem culture in KUWE (G1) and 223098 (G2) genotypes of anchote. Concentration levels of 6-benzylamimopurine (BAP) with and without gibberellic acid (GA3) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for shoot induction while BAP and kinetin (Kn) for shoot multiplication were...
Quantification of indole-3-acetic acid from Bambusa tulda Roxb. seedlings using high performance liquid chromatography
October 2020
Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is an important plant growth regulator. As the very first endeavor, the study is aimed at extracting and quantifying IAA from seedlings of Bambusa tulda and evaluating its bioactivity. The extraction of IAA was performed in organic solvent followed by sample evaporation and TLC with a mobile phase composed of chloroform, methanol and formic acid (77:22:1 v/v) in isocratic mode. The extract...
Symptoms, epidemiology and diagnosis: A mini-review on coronavirus
October 2020
There is worldwide concern about the rapid spread of the Covid19 (COVID-19) pandemic which now affects almost every country in the world. Generating accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 by testing hundreds of thousands of people per day, and the search for effective therapeutics and vaccines are currently the focus of intense research in large numbers of companies and academic institutions around the world. This review will...
Advancing adoption of genetically modified crops as food and feed in Africa: The case of Kenya
October 2020
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and Genetic Engineering (GE) technology has been around since mid 1990s. Numerous successful applications of genetically modified (GM) crops have been recorded in different parts of the world. The technology has been adopted steadily in several countries with acreage under GM crops steadily increasing in many cases. Socio-economic studies show GMO adoption result in improved...
DNA isolation and optimization of PCR protocol for ISSR analysis of Girardinia diversifolia: A medicinal and economic plant species from Nepal Himalaya
October 2020
Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis is a perennial herb commonly known as Himalayan giant nettle which belongs to the family Urticaceae. The plant has cultural, medicinal and economic importance. The plant contains high concentration of polysaccharides, polyphenols and secondary metabolites which obstructs the process of isolation of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and inhibits downstream Polymerase Chain Reaction...
Comparative study of maggots’ production in brewery wet grains, dung and rumen content of cattle with or without addition of attractant
October 2020
The objective of this study was to compare maggots’ production in different substrates following an experimental design of six treatments (S1, 1000 g of brewery wet grains - BWG; S2, 900 g of BWG and 100 g of blood; S3, 1000 g of dung; S4, 900 g of dung and 100 g of blood; S5, 1000 g of rumen content; and S6, 900 g of rumen content and 100 g of blood) repeated trice. 121 flies were collected and identified and 5...
Diversity assessment of vanilla (Vanilla species) accessions in selected counties of Kenya using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers
October 2020
Diversity assessment of vanilla (Vanilla species) in Kenya is a key strategy for germplasm conservation and improvement. Production of vanilla crop in Kenya is limited due to inadequate knowledge on genetic diversity. This study was carried out to characterize 76 vanilla accessions from five counties of Kenya using 14 microsatellite DNA markers. POPGENE version 1.32 was used to compute variety factors. Amplicons ranged...
Investigation of lipid production and fatty acid composition in some native microalgae from Agadir region in Morocco
October 2020
Microalgae are a promising alternative source to produce biofuels and bio-products, as they consume carbon dioxide to grow, multiply quickly, and can be cultivated in domestic and industrial wastewater. The efficiency of microalgae-based biodiesel industry depends on the selection of appropriate strains with best lipid content yields and adequate fatty acids composition. The aim of this study was to select a potential...
Improvement of the key flavour compounds of fermented garlic by fermentation process optimization
October 2020
Flavour compounds in fermented garlic were identified by physicochemical analysis and gas chromatography (GC) after pre-treatment. Reducing sugars, acids, polyphenols and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) were detected in fermented garlic, and 5-HMF was identified to be the key aroma compounds. To further improve the flavour quality of fermented garlic, the influence of pre-treatment method, fermentation temperature and...
Treatment of mangrove and well contaminated water using activated charcoal from coconut shell in Douala, Cameroon
October 2020
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of activated carbon, based on coconut shell, in the treatment of mangrove and well contaminated water from the BONAPRISO district. More precisely, it consisted of preparing the activated carbon, then characterizing the mangrove water and the well water through a manual of sampling procedure; and finally verifying that the activated carbon produced had a...
Genetic progresses from over four decades of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Poaceaea family] breeding in Ethiopia
October 2020
Information on genetic progress achieved over time from a breeding program is absolutely essential to develop effective and efficient breeding strategies. Thirty-seven improved lowland sorghum varieties released between 1976 and 2016 and promising advanced lines were evaluated to estimate the genetic progresses made in 40 years of sorghum breeding in Ethiopia. The study was conducted at 2 environments during 2018...
Diversity and genetic structure in natural populations of Croton linearifolius (Euphorbiaceae) based on molecular markers
September 2020
Croton linearifolius Mull. Arg, an endemic species of Brazil, has insecticidal activity proven. To the detriment of its importance as a natural resource, the studies of this species are incipient, as well as the strategies applied to its management and conservation. The diversity and genetic structure in 61 individuals of C. linearifolius collected in the National Forest Contendas do Sincorá (NFCS) were...
Evaluation of sugar beet monogerm O-type lines for salinity tolerance at vegetative stage
September 2020
Increased production of sugar beet under rainfed conditions on saline–sodic soils in the Iranian areas highlights the importance of salt tolerant varieties. Screening of genotypes for salinity tolerance is difficult in field due to heterogeneity of physical and chemical properties of soil. In order to evaluate the salinity tolerance of 21 sugar beet monogerm O-types lines, a pot experiment was conducted using a...
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of selected Kenyan groundnut (Arachis hypongaea L.) varieties
September 2020
Groundnuts are among the principle economic oilseed largely cultivated in warm regions of Kenya and contribute to domestic food security and cash revenue. The study aimed at evaluating genetic diversity and phenotypic characterization of groundnut varieties grown in some parts of Kenya. Six varieties (ICG83708, ICGV99568, CG7, ICGV12991, RV and Chalimbana) obtained from KALRO (Kakamega) based on quality traits. Seeds...
In vitro efficacy of two microbial strains and physicochemical effects on their aflatoxin decontamination in poultry feeds
September 2020
The efficacy of two microbial isolates, Bacillus spp. (B285) and Saccharomyces spp. yeast strain (Y833), in reducing aflatoxin concentration in poultry feeds in comparison with the commonly used commercial chemical binder, bentonite, was investigated using the VICAM ® fluorometer. The influence of the poultry feed matrix, pH (4.5 and 6.5), and temperature (room temperature, 37 and 42ºC) on the aflatoxin...
Characterization of Kenyan French Bean genotypes into gene pool affiliations using allele specific markers
September 2020
French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major export crop in Kenya where it serves as a cash crop for smallholder farmers and a source of employment. However, there is limited information on characterization of available germplasm which is essential in genetic improvement of this crop. The present study was therefore aimed to identify the gene pool affiliations of Kenyan French bean germplasm using specific molecular...
Germination studies on seeds of Burkea africana and Erythrophleum africanum from Kazuma Forest Reserve, Northern Botswana
September 2020
Burkea africana and Erythrophleum africanum are characterized by seed coat-imposed dormancy that prevents water entry and gaseous exchange, which are essential for the germination process. The objective of this study was to determine the best possible pre-sowing treatment method that maximizes seed germination of the two species. Seeds of both species were subjected to four experiments, containing 10 levels of presowing...
Spectroscopic and chemical analysis of a Nigerian hybrid Hevea Brasiliensis (Rubber) seed oil for product quality assessment in technical applications
September 2020
Rubber seeds from a Nigerian hybrid rubber tree were dried in an oven at 110°C for 2 h to 7 wt% moisture content and cold-screw pressed at 30°C to obtain an oil yield of 28 wt%. Chemical compositional, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were conducted on the oil sample extracts. Chemical analysis of the oil indicated iodine value of 136.07 g I2/100 g...
Earning trust and building credibility with a new paradigm for effective scientific risk-benefit communication of biotechnology innovations
September 2020
Biotechnology has tremendous potential to transform agriculture and contribute significantly to reduce hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity. Many benefits of biotechnology have been recorded over the years, yet the fears surrounding biotechnology adoption persist in the same measure. Unfortunately, the reasons for opposition to biotechnology have remained the same over the years. The developing world has...
Evaluation of different fungi and bacteria strains for production of cellulases by submerged fermentation using sugarcane bagasse as carbon source: Effect of substrate concentration and cultivation temperature
September 2020
Cellulases (enzymes of great potential in biotechnology) are currently of interest due to their applicability in the hydrolysis of cellulose from lignocellulosic materials, producing fermentable sugars for alcohol production. The great demand for efficient enzymes is the driving force to prospect new cellulases-producing microorganisms, as well as to optimize the enzyme production step. Many variables can be optimized...
Exploring differentially expressed genes of microspore embryogenesis under heat stress in sweet pepper
September 2020
Stress is considered to be the inducer of microspore embyogenesis (ME), and heat stress is indispensible in the ME of sweet pepper. The aim of the study was to explore differentially expressed genes of microspore embryogenesis under heat stress in sweet pepper. The swollen rate of microspore was significantly affected by heat stress, while no green plant could be acquired without heat pretreatment. Anthers with or...
Characterization of crude invertase extracted from Aspergillus species CSA 35
August 2020
The enzyme invertase is very useful, especially in food industries. Invertase hydrolyzes the disaccharide sucrose into two monosaccharides, glucose and fructose. Invertase was extracted from Aspergillus sp. CSA35, and studied using spectrophotometric methods for enzyme kinetics and determination of other factors affecting enzyme activities such as salt tolerance, pH, temperature and substrate specificity. The invertase...
Wolbachia infected anthropophilic mosquitoes in The Gambia are not infected with filarial nematode
August 2020
Wuchereria bancrofti has been reported to cause 90% of all cases of lymphatic filariasis in Africa. wolbachia endosymbiot infect a wide range of insects and nematodes. This study was conducted in 48 settlements (8 from each division). A total of 2003 mosquitoes was pooled into 120 clusters from the 48 settlements in The Gambia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of Wolbachia and filarial...
Genetic characterization of indigenous Tswana pig population using microsatellite markers
August 2020
The indigenous Tswana pig is currently listed as an endangered animal genetic resource and if not conserved, might go extinct. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity (genetic characterization) of the indigenous Tswana pig population. Blood samples were collected from 30 randomly selected Tswana pigs in Kgatleng and South-East districts of Botswana for the assessment of genetic diversity using a...
Molecular epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Central River Region of The Gambia
August 2020
Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent tropical parasitic disease after malaria, and one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries especially in Africa. This study was carried out among students, farmers and fishermen/women from four villages in the Central River Region of The Gambia. The aim of this study was to show the prevalence value of schistosomiasis in Central River Region of...
Natural occurrence of products of cryptic pathway metabolites of pharmacological importance using liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques in date palm fruit, garlic bulb and groundnuts from North-West Nigeria markets
August 2020
Investigation of secondary metabolites from the cryptic metabolic pathways in date palm fruit, garlic bulb and groundnuts from North-West Nigeria was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated the presence of several compounds which include Valinomycin, asperglaucide, asperphenamate, cyclo (L-Pro-L-Tyr). Cyclo (L-Pro-L-Val), emodin, physcion, integracin A...
A survey of the aflatoxin level and molecular identification of fungal contaminants in poultry feed mills from different geopolitical zones of Nigeria
August 2020
Aflatoxin contamination of poultry feeds in Nigeria is a common problem in most feed mills. A survey on the distribution of aflatoxin in feed mills from different parts of Nigeria was carried out. The aflatoxin concentration in most feed mills from the North-western part of Nigeria was low compared to the concentration in the feed mills from the South-eastern part. The total aflatoxin level in three feed mills (B, C and...
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