Malaysian Applied Biology

Green Synthesis of Chrysanthemum morifolium Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Its Antibacterial Activity

Lai Mun Leong, Ghim Hock Ong, Khye Er Loh — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing prevalence of microbial infections and antibiotic resistance has sparked interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as effective antimicrobial agents. The current study seeks to optimize the synthesis of AgNPs using Chrysanthemum morifolium (CM) extract and evaluate their antibacterial activity. Maximum synthesis of CM-AgNPs was achieved using 10 mM of AgNO3 and 20 mg/mL of CM extract at a 6:4 ratio and 3 hr of incubation period at pH 11 and 40°C. The Chrysanthemum morifolium-synthesized silver nanoparticles (CM-AgNPs) displayed a spherical shape, with sizes ranging from 12 to 34 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Pseudomonas mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 0.0117, 0.0117, 0.0031, and 0.100 mg/mL, respectively. CM-AgNPs demonstrated notable antibiofilm activity of 49.26%, 87.31%, and 66.23% against P. mirabilis, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae, respectively. These results indicate that CM-AgNPs possess antibacterial properties and hold promise as antimicrobial agents.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Its Relationship with Diet Quality Among Malaysian Young Adults

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The global rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption presents potential public health challenges. UPFs, laden with additives and extensively marketed, are increasingly prevalent in modern diets. However, there is limited research on UPF consumption among Malaysian young adults, particularly its relationship with diet quality. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between UPF consumption and diet quality among 177 young adults aged 18 to 29 years from Terengganu, Johor, and Perak. A two-day 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess UPF intake, classified by the NOVA system, while diet quality was evaluated using the Standardised-Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (S-MHEI). The S-MHEI was adopted with the scores for each food group (adequacy component) calculated according to the recommended servings per food group expressed per 1,000 kcaL. Statistical analyses, including Spearman correlation, were conducted using SPSS version 25 to determine the relationship between UPF consumption and diet quality with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The median total energy intake was 1,417 kcaL (IQR=735.38), with UPFs contributing 38.6% of this intake. The median S-MHEI score was 44.65 (IQR=12.77), indicating that 74.6% of participants had poor diet quality. Statistical analysis found no significant relationship between UPF consumption and diet quality (p=0.395). Although no significant association was found, this study lays the groundwork for further research on nutrition and health among Malaysian young adults.

Effect of Cooking Method on The Physicochemical Properties of Tomatoes

Arnida Hani Teh, Teo Wan Ting — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The cooking process influences the chemical and physical changes in food due to the increase in temperature. It also alters the appearance, taste, color, and texture of food either positively or negatively. Therefore, this study was done to determine the effect of cooking methods on the physicochemical properties and the retention of antioxidant content in tomatoes. The cooking conditions used were boiling at 100°C for 6 min, frying at 230°C for 4.5 min, baking at 175°C for 25 min, and cooking with an air fryer at 200°C for 15 min. Physicochemical characteristics (cooking loss, ash, crude fiber, firmness, color, pH value & total soluble solids) were measured. Antioxidant properties (antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, lycopene content, and ascorbic acid content) were also determined. There were significant differences (p<0.05) for ash, color, pH value, and total soluble solid, while no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed for cooking loss, crude fiber, and firmness. Different cooking methods had shown a significant difference (p<0.05) against all tests for determining antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, lycopene content, and ascorbic acid content. Air frying is the best cooking method to preserve the physicochemical properties of tomatoes, compared to other methods employed. Hence, it can be concluded that different cooking methods have different effects on the physicochemical properties of tomatoes.

RAD50 Deficiency and Its Effects on Zebrafish Embryonic Development and DNA Repair Mechanisms

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex is essential in detecting, signaling, and repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), thus maintaining genomic integrity. Mutations in RAD50 are linked to severe conditions such as microcephaly, mental retardation, and growth retardation in humans. This study investigates the developmental impact of RAD50 protein disruption in zebrafish embryos. Zebrafish embryos were treated with MIRIN (35 µM) to inhibit RAD50 and subsequently exposed to gamma-ray irradiation (15 Gy) to analyze the role of RAD50 in managing DNA damage during embryogenesis. Time-point analysis indicated that inhibiting RAD50 and ATM proteins during early embryonic stages (at 1 hpf) leads to increased embryonic mortality and abnormalities. These adverse effects were exacerbated by irradiation, underscoring the critical role of RAD50 in DNA DSB repair. The study concludes that RAD50 deficiencies can lead to embryonic lethality and human deformities due to the inability of tissues to repair DNA DSBs effectively.

The Effect of Silver Nitrate and Silver Thiosulphate on In Vitro Shoot Regeneration of Australian Pink Finger Lime (Citrus australasica cv. Mia Rose)

Stephanie Qiao Er Wong, Sreeramanan Subramaniam, Bee Lynn Chew — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the finger lime, is a distinctive fruit indigenous to the coastal rainforest of Australia. It is renowned for its unique appearance, tangy flavor, and multiple medicinal properties. Additionally, its unique caviar-like pulp has garnered significant attention in the culinary industry. Conventional propagation of C. australasica is challenged by incompatibility issues during grafting and budding, its monoembryonic nature, and the lengthy time required to flower and bear fruits. Micropropagation on the other hand is an efficient alternative to conventional propagation for various commercial crops including citruses. However, the issue of leaf abscission was previously observed in C. australasica cultures, which has resulted in reduced shoot viability. The current study aimed to determine the effects of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and silver thiosulphate (STS) on in vitro shoot regeneration of C. australasica cv. Mia Rose. Nodal explants were cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with AgNO₃ at 2.00, 4.00, 6.00, 8.00, and 10.00 mg/L and STS at 10.00, 20.00, 40.00, 60.00 and 80.00 µM in combination with 2.00 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Results demonstrated that 4.00 mg/L AgNO₃ resulted in the highest shoot number and length (2.65 ± 0.18 and 0.27 ± 0.03 cm respectively), while treatment with 10.00 µM STS resulted in the highest number of shoots and shoot length (2.36 ±0.19 and 0.32 ± 0.04 cm respectively). No leaf abscission was observed for all treatments of AgNO₃ and STS after eight weeks of culture. This study underscored the efficacy of AgNO₃ and STS as potent ethylene antagonists in shoot cultures of C. australasica cv. Mia Rose, suggesting their potential utilization in the micropropagation of the finger lime species.

The Effects Of 2,4-D, BAP, and Sucrose Concentrations in The Callus Induction of White (Clitoria ternatea var. Albiflora) and Blue Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The blue butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) and white butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea var. Albiflora) belong to the Fabaceae family. Both are locally known as “bunga telang” and native to the Southeast Asian regions. The blue flowered variety is traditionally used to treat headaches, fever, and diabetes and is renowned scientifically for its memory-enhancing properties due to the presence of novel pentacyclic triterpenoids. However, farming of C. ternatea is challenged by inconsistent yields of novel secondary metabolites, especially under changing environmental conditions. Callus and cell suspension cultures, on the other hand, offer an alternative for the consistent production of these metabolites. The current study aims to optimize the treatments of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and sucrose concentrations for friable callus formation from seedling explants. Sterile cotyledon explants of in vitro seedlings from both types of butterfly pea were subjected to half-strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 2,4-D and BAP, with sucrose at 15 g/L and 30 g/L. The highest friable callus fresh weight from the white butterfly pea explants (0.064 ± 0.010 g) was achieved in treatments of 0.40 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.50 mg/L BAP. In contrast, the highest fresh weight of friable callus for the blue variety (0.025 ± 0.016 g) was induced in 0.25 mg/L of 2,4-D. Both varieties showed the highest friable callus weight in 15 g/L sucrose supplemented with 1.00 mg/L of 2,4-D (0.146 ± 0.032 g) and 0.25 mg/L of 2,4-D (0.245 ± 0.075 g) for the white and blue variety respectively. The morphology of calli for both varieties were yellowish, watery, and sticky. This study provides an essential basis the establishment of cell suspension cultures, as an efficient alternative to harness the secondary metabolites associated with the mammalian neuroprotective properties.

Water Quality and Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli) in Sungai Terengganu, Malaysia

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global issue impacting human, animal, and environmental health, as well as economic security. Water bodies, especially, are now recognized for their role in the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, though standardized monitoring methods are lacking. This study investigates the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in the Sungai Terengganu River in Malaysia, focusing on water quality and ESBL E. coli monitoring. Sampling was conducted twice in 2023 at 13 locations along the river. Overall, the water quality index (WQI) classified the river as Class II (WQI = 81), with upstream regions rated as Class I, indicating minimal anthropogenic impact. Higher Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in downstream areas suggested organic pollution from anthropogenic activities. Four metal elements exceeded the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS): Al (0.88 mg/L), Fe (3.45 mg/L), Cu (0.102 mg/L), and Hg (2.525 mg/L). No Pb, Cr, Se, Sn, or As were detected. Statistical analysis showed better water quality correlates with lower microbial contamination. ESBL E. coli was found in 8 of 13 sampling sites (61.5%), with the highest concentration at 800 CFU/100 mL. From 40 presumptive ESBL isolates tested, 87.5% (35 isolates) were positive for ESBL and carried additional drug resistance genes, including mcr-1, tetW, sul-1, and sul-2. These findings indicate a concerning presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in the river, representing a potential public health risk.

Phaleria macrocarpa Fruit Protein Aqueous Extract Affects Viral Entry, Virucidal Activity, and Progeny Release

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Presence of acyclovir (ACV) resistant virus posed a major problem in treating virus infection. Alternative treatment with the ability to encounter infection of acyclovir-resistant virus is thus needed and possibly with a different mode of action from ACV. Hence, this study evaluates the antiviral effect of Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl fruit protein aqueous extract (PMFPAE) against three different strains of human herpesvirus type-1 (HHV-1) including a clinical strain, a less pathogenic strain (KOS-1), and acyclovir (ACV) resistant mutant (UKM-1). PMFPAE displayed antiviral activity towards all the HHV-1 strains when post-treated with high selective indices (SIs) of 80.6, 50, and 35, respectively. Plaque reduction percentages were reduced in attachment and penetration assays following treatment with PMFPAE indicating the ability to deactivate the early phases of the HHV-1 replication cycle. The virucidal activity was also noted following treatment of the virus with PMFPAE and this is supported by damages to the virus envelope as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Incubation of virus-treated cells with PMFPAE for 24 hr, reduced progeny release in a dose-dependent manner. The study confirms the antiviral mode of action of P. macrocarpa fruit against HHV-1 strains and the ACV-mutant strain includes inhibition during virus entry represented as the early stages of viral replication, virucidal activity, and interfering with progeny release. PMFPAE mode of action is hence different from ACV and worthy for the development of future antiviral drugs.

The Oryza sativa Stress Associated Protein (OsSAP) Promoter Modulates Gene Expression in Response To Abiotic Stress by Utilizing Cis Regulatory Elements Within The Promoter Region

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The occurrence of extreme weather patterns induced by climate change has resulted in abiotic stress problems impacting the growth and productivity of plants. Rice (Oryza sativa), a staple food source for most Asians, is similarly affected by these challenges. Previous studies have identified the Oryza sativa Stress Associated Protein (OsSAP) genes to play a significant role in responding to abiotic stress. Among the 18 Stress Associated Protein members, OsSAP4 was highly expressed during drought and salinity conditions. Therefore, further experiments have been conducted, focusing specifically on the promoter region, to comprehend its regulation in response to abiotic stresses. Various types of cis-elements binding sites have been identified within the OsSAP4 promoter, encompassing MYB, CAMTA, CPP, C3H, HDZIP, bZIP, WRKY, and ERF. However, promoter analysis revealed that the distribution of the Cis-Regulatory elements bound by the Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) was the most prominent in the OsSAP4 promoter. Consequently, an analysis of promoter regulation was conducted using GUS reporter in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) on two different sizes of OsSAP4 promoter sequences, each containing different quantities of ERF transcription factor binding sites. A noticeable difference in GUS staining activity was observed between pOsSAP4(1524 pb)::GUS and pOsSAP4(460 pb)::GUS, where pOsSAP4(1524 pb)::GUS exhibited higher GUS staining activity than pOsSAP4(460 pb)::GUS. The differences in GUS staining analysis are evident at the vegetative stage (leaf), silique, and inflorescence stages. This implies the participation of various other cis-element binding sites that influence the expression pattern of the OsSAP4 promoter during abiotic stress.

Profiling The Growth Conditions and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) Tolerance of Phenoliferia glacialis USM-PSY62

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Antarctica is characterized by extreme cold, isolated, and unique ecosystems. Nevertheless, Antarctica harbors diverse species of microorganisms, particularly in its ice-covered lakes and subglacial environments. These microorganisms have special adaptations to extreme cold and low-nutrient conditions. Some extremophiles, like psychrophiles can thrive in these harsh environments. Phenoliferia glacialis USM-PSY62, previously identified as Rhodotorula sp. USM-PSY62 is a psychrophilic yeast isolated from the ice brine of Antarctica. However, there is very little information on this psychrophilic yeast. This study aims to characterize the P. glacialis USM-PSY62 through the identification of the optimum growth parameters in different media (Yeast Peptone Dextrose, YPD & Yeast Malt, YM), temperature (4°C, 15°C, 20°C) and pH (6, 7, 8, 9) as well as their ability in carbon assimilation and extracellular enzyme production. It has an optimal growth in YPD compared to YM broth media. P. glacialis USM-PSY62 grows optimally at 15°C and pH 7.0. This Antarctic yeast enters the stationary phase on day six of incubation under optimum conditions. It appeared mainly as elongated-shape and oval-shaped with budding formation and was found to produce extracellular enzymes such as protease and amylase in the presence of 2% glucose concentration in YM media. P. glacialis USM-PSY62 also can assimilate various types of carbon sources including raffinose, arabinose, and maltose. Interestingly, the psychrophilic yeast presented growth in media supplemented with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). These preliminary findings suggest that P. glacialis USM-PSY62 has tremendous potential for bioremediation application in polluted cold regions, as well as deepening our knowledge of its optimal growth conditions.

Forecasting Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Landing in Sarawak Using Grey Model

Abang Mohammad Hudzaifah Abang Shakawi, Ani Shabri, Ruhana Hassan — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Green sea turtles, known scientifically as Chelonia mydas, prefer to nest on specific sandy beaches in Sarawak, particularly within the Sarawak Turtle Islands (STI). The number of turtles landing, among other variables (number of eggs collected, eggs incubated, and eggs hatched) is an important element in assessing the population size in Sarawak. However, modeling and predicting the number of turtles landing presents challenges due to limited data availability, resulting in less accurate forecasts for medium and long-term periods. To overcome this problem, this study presents a Grey Model (GM) approach, leveraging its capacity to effectively model systems with limited data, irregular patterns, and a lack of prior knowledge. Using data from 1949 to 2016, GM (1,1) was found to be the most suitable model for the given dataset, exhibiting the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) as compared to other statistical models such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Exponential Smoothing. The model also suggested that the current conditions will likely increase turtle landings. This approach will find useful applications in evaluating the conservation status of the species.

Identification and Functional Analysis of Git3 G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Ganoderma boninense PER71

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral components of eukaryotic heterotrimeric G proteins, playing crucial roles in detecting extracellular signals and initiating the activity of signaling proteins within cells to activate cellular responses to these signals. The objectives of this study are to identify and characterize the function of Git3, a Class III GPCR protein, in the oil palm pathogen Ganoderma boninense. To identify the potential genes encoded for GPCR in this fungus, intensive data mining on the genome and transcriptome data has been carried out. A total of six classes of GPCRs have been identified. These include Class II pheromone detectors, Class III carbon detectors, Class IV nitrogen detectors, Class VII proteins similar to glycosyltransferase, Class VIII proteins similar to hemolysin, and Class X protein receptors. Among these, the Class III protein Git3, postulated to be involved in glucose sensing and fungal pathogenicity, was selected for gene knockdown using RNA interference (RNAi). A plasmid, designated pUChph-GIT3, was constructed, to target git3 silencing by incorporating a hygromycin resistance gene cassette and antisense sequences of git3. Transformation of G. boninense PER71 with pUChph-GIT3 produced five potential Δgit3 gene-silenced mutants. PCR analysis confirmed the integration of the RNAi expression cassette into the fungal genome. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed significant reductions in git3 expression in three G. boninense mutants, M42, M66, and M5 by 47%, 23%, and 13%, respectively. The Disease Severity Index (DSI) indicated slower disease progression in oil palm plantlets infected with Δgit3 mutants compared to those infected with wild-type G. boninense PER71. In conclusion, this study successfully isolated and characterized the git3 GPCR from G. boninense and demonstrated that it might play a role during the early stages of infection, as the mutants were able to slow the progression of infection in oil palm plantlets.

Unravelling The Bioactivities of Acmella paniculata Extract-Mediated Green Deep Eutectic Solvent of Citric Acid Monohydrate and Glycerol

Rajina Shahmir Sivaraj, Roziana Mohamed Hanaphi, Rizana Yusof — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Plants are important sources of underlying medicinal value properties. The extraction of bioactive compounds from botanical sources using green solvents has gained interest due to its environmental sustainability. This study highlighted the bioactivities potential of Acmella paniculata extract mediated by green deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of the citric acid monohydrate and glycerol. Acmella paniculata, a local flowering shrub was selected due to its rich medicinal value compounds. The synergistic effect between plant’s bioactive compounds and DES is capable of enhancing bioactivity, making DES a promising plant solvent extractor candidate. The plant extracts were prepared in leaf and flower parts using the centrifugation method. The phytochemical screening for both extracts showed the presence of terpenoids and steroid constituents which have valuable bioactivity functions. The antibacterial activity assessed by disc diffusion assay exhibited higher susceptible bacterial response of E. coli, Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. aureus against the flower extract compared to the leaf extract. The DPPH assay was conducted to assess free radical scavenging activity. The flower extract demonstrated radical scavenging activity (RSA) of 75%-77% while the leaf extract demonstrated 65%-69%. The flower extract results showed higher RSA emphasizing its potential as a natural antioxidant. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by egg albumin denaturation assay, which showed a greater inhibition rate in flower extract than the leaf extract which was up to 95% and 89% respectively. Thus, both extracts possess an in vitro anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusively, flower extract exhibited better bioactivities value than leaf extract in a green DES. Hence, offering a new insight into its application as an effective alternative in natural product-based therapeutics.

The Susceptibility of Malaysian Rice Brands To Sitophilus oryzae and The Potential Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles For Control Purposes

Nurin Nazifa Syanizam, Siti Khadijah Mohd Bakhori, Siti Nasuha Hamzah — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, is an insect pest that can pose severe harm to stored grains. Rice weevils, both adults and larvae, cause significant economic losses because they can infest a wide range of plants and stored goods. Nanoparticle insecticides are created and studied to replace the overly-used synthetic chemical insecticides. The purpose of this study is to investigate the susceptibility of several commercialized rice brands towards S. oryzae infestation and to assess the toxicity of different types of zinc oxide (ZnO) against S. oryzae. The study involved twelve rice brands, and S. oryzae infestation rates were observed in the laboratory for 17 weeks. The infestation rates were obtained at the end of the observation period. To obtain the required dosages of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% (w/w), four different concentrations of each type of ZnO nanoparticle that had undergone various reactivity modifications were mixed with rice for bioassays test. S. oryzae has been proven to be susceptible to almost all commercialized rice brands studied in this research. Based on the data, it can be concluded that the ZnO nanoparticle modified with gamma-ray is the most effective at controlling S. oryzae, as 100% mortality was seen after three days of treatment at concentrations between 0.4 to 0.08% (w/w). The slow emergence of pests in monitored rice brands is attributed to the protectants and their residue, which work by eradicating eggs and adults that have consumed the grain. Zinc oxide type 7A is the most toxic towards S. oryzae because of its exposure to gamma-ray which has the highest energy compared to neutron and beta rays. This results in the release of more active molecules to act on the pest.

The Physiological Effect Of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanopesticide On Aedes aegypti Larvae

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting various mosquito-borne diseases. Recently, there have been concerns about the negative impacts of the insecticides used in vector control including insecticide resistance development in the mosquito population. These circumstances lead to efforts to develop other strategies for controlling mosquito vectors. As technology in nanoparticles advances, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have the potential as the alternative for chemical pesticides for mosquito larvicides due to their optical properties and widespread usage in different industries. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles towards Ae. aegypti larvae and to examine the physiologies of Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae treated with ZnO nanoparticles at LC₅₀ level. Toxicity bioassays were carried out to determine LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values. The larvae surface and midgut treated with LC₅₀ ZnO were examined using the Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles after 4 hr of direct UV exposure against Ae. aegypti larvae were 49.141 mg/L and 64.195 mg/L, respectively. After exposure to ZnO nanoparticles, Ae. aegypti larvae showed morphological abnormalities, including distorted and shrunk body parts as well as midgut rupture. Overall, the findings suggest that ZnO nanoparticles have the potential to replace chemical pesticides as a means of reducing the populations of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.

Metabolomic Fingerprints: Seasonal and Farm-Specific Differences in Heterotrigona itama Bee Bread

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Stingless bees’ products such as honey and bee bread are beneficial to human health. However, the metabolite composition within the products may differ according to spatial and temporal factors. This study aims to investigate the impact of spatial and temporal factors on the significant metabolite composition present in Heterotrigona itama bee bread collected from different seasons and types of bee farms. Thus, tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) based metabolomics analysis was used to achieve the said goal, focusing on H. itama bee bread samples, followed by multivariate analysis using the MetaboAnalyst platform. Our findings revealed significant metabolites that set bee bread samples apart. In terms of temporal factors, the analysis highlights specific metabolites exclusive to the wet season, such as flavones and flavonoids. However, in contrast, during the wet season, there are no significant metabolites in herbal farm samples. The results also underscore the significance of phenolic compounds in wet season samples and as vital metabolites distinguishing the groups. This study highlights a total of 24 annotated significant metabolites identified in different bee bread samples, as well as their capacity to differentiate between seasons and bee farms. Notably, these results suggest a wide variety of potential plant families as a source of bee bread. These findings shed light on the impact of seasons and diverse plant families contributing to bee bread composition, which may impact the growing meliponiculture industry greatly.

From Zebrafish To Humans: In Silico Comparative Study of RAD50 Sequences

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

DNA damage, particularly the occurrence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), presents a significant hazard to the integrity and viability of cells. Improper repair of DSBs can result in chromosomal alterations, oncogenic changes, or cell demise. The MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex plays a crucial role in DNA repair and signaling under the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) kinase regulation. In this study, we employed comprehensive computational techniques to analyze the structure of RAD50 in Danio rerio (Zebrafish), utilized as a model organism. Additionally, we conducted in silico assessments of RAD50 from both Zebrafish and humans, comparing their characteristics. The substantial sequence resemblance between DrRAD50 and HsRAD50 suggests that DrRAD50 could potentially serve as a valuable model for HsRAD50. However, it is important to acknowledge that sequence similarity alone does not necessarily imply functional equivalence. Further functional studies are needed to confirm the extent of their functional similarities. By examining the secondary and tertiary protein structures of RAD50, we observed a notable likeness between Zebrafish and Human RAD50 proteins. In silico analysis demonstrated that the sequence of RAD50 in zebrafish shares 70% similarity with the human RAD50 protein.