August 2018

Nuclear isolation and purification using SDS/urea (NIPSU) method for efficient and rapid extraction of high-purity genomic DNAs from Jatropha curcas L: A comparative analysis of DNA isolation protocols

Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) has gained popularity for its potential use in biodiesel production in arid regions, and its yield improvement by molecular breeding has been anticipated. However, Jatropha is known for its recalcitrance in the extraction of pure genomic DNAs. In this study, four DNA extraction methods were comparatively examined for their efficiency and quality of genomic DNA isolations from Jatropha....

Author(s): Yoshihiko Nanasato,, Ryo Uenoyama, Kaede Tomooka, Atsushi Kato, and Kinya Akashi,  

August 2018

Evaluation and comparison of staining effect of Punica granatum flower extract on testis and ovary of Wistar rats: First results

The evaluation and comparison of the staining effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) flower extract (dye solution) on histological sections of rat testis and ovary provides a simple, quick technique for the visualisation of both cells. In the developed procedure, this work shows the staining effect of P. granatum flower extract used at different pH of dye bath and temperatures on the histological sections of rat testis...

Author(s): Nilgün Güler KuÅŸçulu  

August 2018

Circular RNA expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic autoimmune disease involving synovial inflammation and joint destruction. Lack of knowledge on RA pathogenesis hinders development of effective treatments. The aim of this study was to examine whether circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are involved in the development of other diseases, may also play a role in RA. Expression profiles of circRNAs were compared between...

Author(s): Xinqiang Song, Erqin Dai, Pengpeng Zhang, Shuai Wang, Lei Wang, Lei Chen, Yapeng Han and Yuan Luo#  

August 2018

Comparative analysis of the chemical compositions of indigenous watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds from two districts in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Seeds from different indigenous watermelons were analysed for their chemical composition such as phenolics, proteins, oils, minerals, ash and fibre content as well as antioxidant activity measured in methanol extract using 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The morphological variations of watermelons, which revealed diversity in terms of fruit and seed colour were also assessed. Average percentages for lipid...

Author(s): Emmanuel Alpheus Mogotlane, Phatlane William Mokwala and Phetole Mangena