Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Introduction: The essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica fruits have been reported to possess numerous biochemical effects. However, no toxicological data is available regarding the safety evaluation of the essential oils from the plant spice. The present study was performed to evaluate the safety of essential oils from X. aethiopica (XAEO) fruit by acute and sub-acute oral toxicity studies in experimental rodents. Methods: In assessing the safety of XAEO, acute and sub-acute oral toxicity tests were performed following OECD guidelines 425 and 407, respectively, with slight modifications. At the end of each test, hematological and biochemical analysis of the collected blood was performed. Histopathological examination of vital organs of the animals was conducted for gross findings and for comparison to controls. Results: In acute oral toxicity, signs of toxicity were observed in the initial period of the experiment which culminated in the death of the mice before the end of the experi...

Ants (Formicidae) represent a taxonomically diverse group of hymenopterans with over 13,000 extant species, the majority of which inject or spray secretions from a venom gland. The evolutionary success of ants is mostly due to their unique eusociality that has permitted them to develop complex collaborative strategies, partly involving their venom secretions, to defend their nest against predators, microbial pathogens, ant competitors, and to hunt prey. Activities of ant venom include paralytic, cytolytic, haemolytic, allergenic, pro-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, and pain-producing pharmacologic activities, while non-toxic functions include roles in chemical communication involving trail and sex pheromones, deterrents, and aggregators. While these diverse activities in ant venoms have until now been largely understudied due to the small venom yield from ants, modern analytical and venomic techniques are beginning to reveal the diversity of toxin structure and function. As such, ant venoms are distinct from other venomous animals, not only rich in linear, dimeric and disulfide-bonded peptides and bioactive proteins, but also other volatile and non-volatile compounds such as alkaloids and hydrocarbons. The present review details the unique structures and pharmacologies of known ant venom proteinaceous and alkaloidal toxins and their potential as a source of novel bioinsecticides and therapeutic agents.

Biotechnology is an evolving research field that covers a broad range of topics. Here we aimed to evaluate the latest research literature, to identify prominent research themes, major contributors in terms of institutions, countries/re-gions, and journals. The Web of Science Core Collection online database was searched to retrieve biotechnology articles published since 2017. In total, 12,351 publications were identified and analyzed. Over 8500 institutions contributed to these biotechnology publications, with the top 5 most productive ones scattered over France, China, the United States of America, Spain, and Brazil. Over 140 countries/regions contributed to the biotechnology research literature, led by the United States of America, China, Germany, Brazil, and India. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineer-ing was the most productive journal in terms of number of publications. Metabolic engineering was among the most prevalent biotechnology study themes, and Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were frequently used in biotechnology investigations, including the biosynthesis of useful biomolecules, such as myo-inositol (vitamin B8), mono-terpenes, adipic acid, astaxanthin, and ethanol. Nanoparticles and nanotechnology were identified too as emerging biotechnology research themes of great significance. Biotechnology continues to evolve and will remain a major driver of societal innovation and development.

Certificate for Highly Cited Paper from Elsevier Awarded in December, 2016
Name of the paper:
Protective role of antioxidants on thioacetamide-induced acute hepatic
encephalopathy: Biochemical and Ultrastructural study.

Dear Dr. Mustafa,

The editors of Tissue and Cell are delighted to inform you that your paper, Protective role of antioxidants on thioacetamide-induced acute hepatic encephalopathy: Biochemical and Ultrastructural study, published in 2013 is one of the most highly cited papers during 2014, 2015 and up until June 2016.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for publishing with us and to congratulate you.

We have designed a certificate that acknowledges your achievement. <View your certificate here>.  Wherever relevant, we will promote your achievement on our social media pages.  Of course, we would like to encourage you to share your certificate to highlight your own work via your own social media pages, your website or in other appropriate ways. We would like to thank you for submitting your work to the journal, and hope that you will consider Tissue and Cell for the publication of further high quality research.

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) being called as ‘Machcher-Raja’ or ‘The King of Fish’ has been designated as national fish of Bangladesh. Hilsa is a popular fatty fish containing health beneficial omega-3 PUFAs and rich in other essential nutrients. It plays a significant role in the food, nutrition, culture, cuisine and economy of Bangladesh. The nutritional composition of fish varies greatly from species to species and within the species, depending on age, feed intake, physical activity, sex and sexual changes connected with spawning, environment or geographical localities and season. The present study was designed with an objective to see the spatial changes in proximate composition of mature female hilsa in different stages of life cycle like without eggs (young or spent) and with eggs (ripe or gravid), flesh and eggs during its anadromous migration from the Bay of Bengal to Meghna river. Marine and riverine hilsa were procured from the coast of Bay of Bengal (Chittagong), Payra river (Patuakhali), Kirtonkhola river (Barisal), and Meghna river (Chandpur) respectively. Moisture, crude protein, crude fat and ash content of hilsa sample were estimated using the oven dry, Kjeldahl and Soxhlet method respectively. The ash content was determined by incinerating the dried samples contained in the crucibles in a muffle furnace at 550-600°C for about 6-8 hrs without pre-ashing. The results showed that in mature/young or spent hilsa flesh the moisture content were 64.74%, 61.12%, 63.80% and 65.58% respectively. The protein values were 17.20%, 19.60%, 16.68%, 17.09% respectively. The fat content followed a gradual decrease with 16.07%, 16.94%, 15.24%, 14.43% values respectively and ash percentage were 1.10%, 1.20%, 2.81%, 2.19% respectively. On the contrary, in ripe or gravid hilsa, the moisture content showed decreasing trend with 67.26%, 67.16%, 64.89% and 62.48% respectively. In contrast to moisture, very high protein and fat values with a gradual increase were estimated and observed as 15.74%, 16.29%, 18.07%, 19.44% and 14.38%, 13.84%, 14.67%, 14.33% respectively and ash percentage were 1.01%, 1.23%, 1.28%, 2.45% respectively. In hilsa eggs, the moisture content declined with upward migration and recorded as 65.97%, 68.01%, 62.71% and 62.56% respectively while protein and fat values increased as 13.56%, 15.09%, 15.56%, 15.62% and 16.83%, 14.77%, 18.16%, 18.23% respectively and ash percentage were 2.67%, 1.26%, 2.55%, 2.67% respectively. The proximate composition of hilsa flesh varied quite widely between spent or young and ripe or gravid hilsa of marine and riverine catches during their anadromous migration. The study also revealed that hilsa eggs are valuable nutritional element with higher protein fat and ash contents. It is thus concluded based on lipid content, both flesh and eggs could be used as decent source to nutrition. These results suggest that the proximate composition of hilsa species varies with the stages of maturity.

In this study, 55 Holstein cows were used to study biochemical parameters of milk from machine-milked cows, comparing early and late lactation phases. The experiment started on the first day of lactation and lasted for 10 months. To determine milk composition, samples were obtained from each cow on the last day of the first week in month 1 and 2 (early lactation) and month 7, 8, 9 and 10 (late lactation). There was a decrease of milk fat content from the second month and a gradual increase after the 7 th month of lactation. The values for milk fat, pH and total solids were highest during the 9 th and 10 th months after delivery. The rate of decline of milk biochemical parameters was lower during the last months (between 7-10 months) than during the first months of lactation. In this study, the means of biochemical parameters in milk from machine-milked cows were different from those reported for hand-milked cows and the suckled dairy cows during lactation period. However, the curves followed the same trend regardless of the milking method. From the results, the stages of lactation have significant influence on the milk fat level. Accurate knowledge of lactation curves has an important relevance to management and research on dairy production systems. When definite goals become more clearly established, certain breeds or herds may be determined to be more desirable when selecting for increased total milk yield and biochemical milk parameters.

University departments (including schools and centres) with a direct or indirect link to biotechnology were identified. Representatives at these entities were surveyed to establish what measures South African universities are undertaking to promote biotechnology amongst students. Of the 168 departments identified, 55 submitted usable questionnaires. Four broad types of initiatives were identified: (1) facilitation of funding from the National Research Foundation, (2) facilitation of relevance, (3) facilitation of biotech industry networks, and (4) facilitation of biotech industry funding. Initiatives that the departments most frequently engage in pertain to the traditional role of universities, namely to ensure public funding for students and to academically prepare undergraduate biotechnology students to successfully complete postgraduate studies. Initiatives that link students to the biotechnology sector more directly and dynamically (through various forms of university-industry interaction) are less frequently practiced. The respondents also discussed a number of additional actions that are taken by their departments to facilitate the entrance of students into the biotechnology sector, as well as insights and suggestions as to how universities can promote biotechnology amongst students. The tension between 'biotechnology as a discipline' and 'biotechnology as an interdisciplinary tool' was raised and is highlighted as a subject of concern.

One of the leading challenges to public health globally is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition caused by irregular high level of glucose in the blood. However, therapeutic option mostly adopted is the use of natural plant derivatives. The potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis was evaluated in blood serum and kidney following Streptozotocin-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male albino rats of Wistar strain were randomly allocated into five groups: Group A: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (animals injected with 50mg/kg b. wt. of Streptozotocin intravenously), and treated with low dose of ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (200mg/kg b. wt.) for eight days, Group B: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and then treated with high dose of ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (400mg/kg b. wt.) for eight days, Group C: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Metformin (1.43mg/kg b. wt.) for eight days, Group D: Untreated Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, Group E: Control (animals received distilled water only for eight days). Blood glucose concentration was determined at every 48 hours for 8 days. Other biochemical parameters such as sodium and potassium concentration, total protein (TP) concentration, albumin concentration, creatinine and urea concentration were also determined. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats showed significant (p<0.05) increase in blood glucose level. Treatment with ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) dose dependent reduction in blood glucose levels with a steep descent seen at higher dose. Streptozotocin significantly increased (P<0.05) the serum level of sodium, potassium, creatinine and urea, while it decreased the serum total protein and albumin concentration. Treatment with ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis significantly (p<0.05) decreased serum level of sodium, potassium, creatinine and urea, while it increased the serum total protein and albumin concentration. The results of this study showed that ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis is good antihyperglycaemic agent in lowering the blood glucose level. Hypernatremia and hyperkalaemia (diabetic ketoacidosis) caused by Streptozotocin are also lowered through the use of ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis. This may therefore suggest the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis in protecting renal damage in streptozotocin induced diabetes. Therefore, the protective mechanism of Telfairia occidentalis might be due to its free radical scavenging potential and antidiabetic property.

Effects of naturally existing rare-earth metals (REMs; atomic numbers, 39, 57-60, 62-71; Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu), added as chloride salts, on Ca2+ influx induced by two different stimuli, namely hypoosmotic shock and hydrogen peroxide, were examined in a suspension-cultured transgenic cell line of BY-2 tobacco cells expressing aequorin, a Ca(2+)-sensitive luminescent protein in cytosol. Most REM salts used here showed inhibitory effect against Ca2+ influx. Especially NdCl3, SmCl3, EuCl3, GdCl3 and TbCl3 showed the most robust inhibitory action. In contrast, LuCl3, YbCl3, ErCl3 and YCl3 were shown to be poor inhibitors of Ca2+ influx. Since REMs tested here form a sequential range of ionic radii from 86.1 to 103.2 pm and the optimal range of ionic radii required for blocking the flux of Ca2+ was determined for each stimulus. The hydrogen peroxide-induced Ca2+ influx was optimally blocked by REMs with a broad range of ionic radii (93.8-101 pm) which is slightly smaller than or similar to that of Ca2+ (100 pm), while the hypoosmotically induced flux of Ca2+ was inhibited optimally by few REMs with a narrower range of relatively smaller ionic radii around that of Gd3+ (93.8 pm) a well known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels. Possible applications of such series of channel blockers in elucidation of plant signal transduction pathways are encouraged.