Impact of invasive alien plant species and their management implications to endemic diseases, food and health security in Africa

Abstract:

Africa is currently invaded by dangerous invasive alien plant species (IAPS) – Chromolaena odorata, Parthenium hysterophorus, and P. juliflora which are directly involved in food and health securities and disrupt the ecosystem. Herein, the current location of these IAPS on the African continent, the interlocking economic and health impact, blueprint reinforcing early surveillance, phytosanitary, and strategic management measures are presented. As a di- rect consequence of IAPS, the African continent incurs annual losses of over USD 3–5 billion severely impacting food production and the livelihoods of subsistence farmers. We show that out of 54 African countries, 29.63% (n=16), 31.48% (n=17), and 59.25% (n=32) are invaded by C. odorata, P. juliflora, and P. hysterophorus, in endemic re- gions,respectively. Remarkably, out of the 54 African countries, 84.33% (n=45) are invaded either by C. odorata, P. juliflora, or P. hysterophorus.This study depicts an unparalleled invasion of the African continent which severely threat- ens food and health securities, notably, promotes malaria. We propose a blueprint management strategy for IAPS which requires more leadership and investment in reinforcing integrated IAPS phytosanitary surveillance, containment, and control.

Keywords: Malaria, food security, Prosopis invasion, Parthenium infestations, Chromolaena, resistance, surveil- lance

Selection of fungi with cellulolytic and fermentative capability from sacred groves for consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulose biomass to bioethanol

Abstract:

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) to bioethanol requires selection of suitable strains with cellulolytic and fermentation ability and optimization of process parameters for maximum production of bioethanol. In this study, four selected sacred groves of Manipur, India were explored for isolation and selection of potential fungi for bioprocessing of LCB. Fungal population in the sacred groves ranged from 1.36 Ö103 to 1.52 Ö 104 CFU/g of litter soil sample and a total of 270 fungi were obtained from the population using Congo Red Assay (CRA). Out of the total isolates, 168 isolates exhibited cellulolytic activity on carboxy-methyl cellulose (CMC), among which 26 isolates possessed cellulolytic and fermentative potential. Seven superior cellulolytic and fermentative fungi (CFF) were identified which produced ethanol titre of 0.10 to 4.85 g/L, 0.08 to 0.46 g/L, and 0.12 to 0.22 g/L within 144 hrs of incubation in the medium supplemented with glucose, xylose, and cellulose, respectively. Two fungal strains, identified as Fusarium oxysporum HG19 and Trichoderma koningiopsis LL28 produced varying level of ethanol titre (0.32 to 1.12 g/L) from four LCB substrates viz. sugarcane bagasse (SB), cassava aerial parts, ficus fruits, and rice straw (untreated and hydrothermally treated). Highest titre of 1.12 and 1.09 g/L of ethanol were produced by strains HG19 and LL28, respectively on hydrothermally pretreated LCB of SB. The resultant ethanol concentration could be attributed to content of reducing sugars in LCB, pretreatment effect and fungal preference for the polymer constituent of LCB. Thus this study showed F. oxysporum HG19 and T. koningiopsis LL28 as promising fungi from sacred grove to use in production of ethanol by CBP of LCB. Further research on optimization of parameters in CBP of LCB by the isolates may promote enhanced ethanol yield.
Keywords: Bioethanol, Lignocellulosic biomass, Sacred grove, Cellulolytic activity, Consolidated bioprocessing, Fermentation

Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus producing biofilm by Rhamnolipid biosurfactant

Abstract:

Biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria is associated with reduced efficacy in action of antimicrobial agents against them. Rhamnolipids are a group of bacterial metabolites which exhibit antibiofilm efficacy. The antibiofilm efficacy of rhamnolipid of Pseudomonas aeruginosa JS29, produced in glucose rich culture medium, was tested against the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Different concentration of rhamnolipid in the range of 0.12 to 4 mg/ml was tested for inhibition of biofilm production and growth of the bacteria in-vitro. Results revealed that the biofilm production by the pathogen was inhibited by 90% in presence of rhamnolipid at 2% mg/ml concentration. At 4 mg/ml concentration, the rhamnolipid also caused 100% inhibition of bacterial growth and the effect was at per with that of the standard drug Clindamycin (Clid 300) at 0.5% mg/ml concentration. The inhibition of biofilm formation could be the combined effect of reduced growth and production of Exopolysaccharide (ESP) by the pathogen under the influence of the rhamnolipid.
Keywords: Biofilm inhibition, Rhamnolipid biosurfactant, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa JS29

Antioxidant, α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase-Inhibitory Activity and Composition of Phenolic, Flavonoid and Minerals in few Ethnomedicinal Antidiabetic Plants of North-East India

Abstract:

Ten ethnomedicinal antidiabetic plants of North-East India were evaluated for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory as well as antioxidant activities. Phenolic, flavonoid and mineral contents in these plants were also analyzed. α-amylase inhibitory activity(IC50 25.455-52.833 μg/mL) was detected in only four while α-glucosidase inhibitory activity(0.444-450.233 μg/mL) was detected in seven of these plants. Lagerstroemia speciosa (25.455 μg/mL) and Parkia timoriana (25.655 μg/mL) showed highest -amylase inhibitory activity, while α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was highest in Euryale ferox (0.444 μg/mL) and P. timoriana (0.563 μg/mL). Six species namely,Lysimachia candida, Antidesma acidum, Dillenia indica E. ferox,L. speciosa, and P. timoriana showed higher antioxidant activity (in DPPH, ABTS and reductive assay) and these plants also contained phenolic and flavonoid in higher quantity compared to the remaining four plants. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc were present in all the plants but potassium and zinc were found to be the most abundant macro and micro element. The heavy metals were not detected in these plants. Thus the preliminary data on the ethno medicinal antidiabetic plants show the potential of L. speciosa, P. timoriana, E.ferox, L. candida for carrying out further bioactivity guided evaluation and pre-clinical studies in future.
Keywords: Ethnomedicinal; Antioxidant; Phenolics; α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, Minerals

SRR loaded dual band MIMO antenna with enhanced isolation

Abstract:

An antenna is a device or a transducer that converts an RF signal into electromagnetic waves and serves as a means of transmitting and receiving radio waves. A novel dual-band Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) applications is presented in this paper. Each dual-band antenna element in the MIMO antenna is made up of a T-shaped monopole and a Split Ring Resonator (SRR). The antenna operates at frequencies ranging from 2.1 GHz to 5.6 GHz in the centre. Furthermore, the isolation at the dual band is improved by inserting a meta material-based spilt ring resonator, which can reduce the original mutual coupling. The MIMO antenna has a dimension of 50 Ö 110 Ö 1.6 mm3 and the dimension of single patch antenna is 50 Ö 70 Ö 1.6 mm3. This designed partial ground antenna resonates at 2.1 GHz and 5.6 GHz frequencies, with return losses of -24.67 dB and -15 dB, respectively, and good isolation of less than -10 dB in the 2.1 GHz to 5.6 GHz band. The MIMO antenna has a far field gain of 2.44 dB at 2.1 GHz and 4.22 dB at 5.6 GHz.
Keywords: Antenna, Dual-Band, Monopole, MIMO, SRR, WLAN

Antioxidant, α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase-Inhibitory Activity and Composition of Phenolic, Flavonoid and Minerals in few Ethnomedicinal Antidiabetic Plants of North-East India

Abstract:

An antenna is a device or a transducer that converts an RF signal into electromagnetic waves and serves as a means of transmitting and receiving radio waves. A novel dual-band Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) applications is presented in this paper. Each dual-band antenna element in the MIMO antenna is made up of a T-shaped monopole and a Split Ring Resonator (SRR). The antenna operates at frequencies ranging from 2.1 GHz to 5.6 GHz in the centre. Furthermore, the isolation at the dual band is improved by inserting a meta material-based spilt ring resonator, which can reduce the original mutual coupling. The MIMO antenna has a dimension of 50 Ö 110 Ö 1.6 mm3 and the dimension of single patch antenna is 50 Ö 70 Ö 1.6 mm3. This designed partial ground antenna resonates at 2.1 GHz and 5.6 GHz frequencies, with return losses of -24.67 dB and -15 dB, respectively, and good isolation of less than -10 dB in the 2.1 GHz to 5.6 GHz band. The MIMO antenna has a far field gain of 2.44 dB at 2.1 GHz and 4.22 dB at 5.6 GHz.
Keywords: Antenna, Dual-Band, Monopole, MIMO, SRR, WLAN

Growth of ZnO nanostructures in organic solvent

Abstract:

The growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures of varied morphology in organic solvents was always a challenge as the release of hydroxyl ions necessary for the growth of ZnO is very slow. However, organic solvents have many advantages that make them attractive for use in nanomaterial synthesis. In this work, ZnO nanostructures were successfully synthesized using an organic solvent n-hexane. In order to affix the nanostructures on substrates, pre-synthesized nanoparticles were deposited on glass substrates using cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) as an ionic carrier for zincate ions and the interface between n-hexane and methanol as an alignment tool for CTAB.The seeding of the substrates was successfully carried out which was confirmed using SEM.Nanorods of ZnO with width in the range of 150-200 nm and lengths in the range of 6–7 μm grew through the solvothermal process. The nanorods were found to be tapered, which can be attributed to the decrease in concentration of the reactants with growth time and subsequent increase in pH from 6.8 to about 10. The ZnO nanorods were found to be of wurtzite crystal structure from XRD analysis. Some nanostructures of ZnO like nanobelts, nanorods, and nanocubeswere also observed to grow at the interface of n-hexane and methanol.
Keywords: Zinc oxide, Nanostructure, Solvent, Organic, Solvothermal

Biological clock and melatonin: A crosstalk in the era of artificial light at night (ALAN) in fish

Abstract:

The time keeping machinery, generally termed as the biological clock system, works through neurohormonal mecha- nism to anticipate in the daily and seasonal changes. This cross talk ensures individual’s sustainability by maximizing the efficiency of all the biological processes. Different organisms have their own challenges depending upon their niche. The aquatic niche offers diverse environment, with fish surviving in almost all of them. A new factor, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) has added in the fish niche. The contemporary night-time images from satellite show a boundary of light between the sea and the land, such is the extent of artificial lighting on the seacoast. Currently, the studies on the repercussion of artificial lighting at night has been substantially increased, however, they hardly address the piscine system. ALAN can directly alter the physiology and behaviour of fish, although the response route is species and life-stage specific. In this article, we have tried to present an overview of biological clock system in various classes of organism and effect of post-translational modifications on clock system. Subsequently, melatonin biosynthesis and its interplay between clock and melatonin system in fish is presented. The effect of ALAN on the fish clock system and melatonin is critically evaluated.
Keywords: Biological Clock, Melatonin, Circadian Rhythm, Fish

Traditional Nutraceuticals and its impact in the avoidance of different type of cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

Abstract:

Nutraceuticals are natural compounds with nutritional value that act efficaciously in the presentation and treatment of diseases. Traditional nutraceuticals are referred to as naturally occurring whole foods with potential health benefits. Several classes of nutraceuticals have been proposed to have potential benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and the ones with the strongest evidence are summarized in this review. Several foods and dietary supplements have been shown to protect against developing CVD which are reported to be used worldwide. Dietary variables are significant supporters of cardiovascular danger, either straightforwardly, or through their impacts on other cardiovascular ailments including hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Nutraceuticals are normal dietary mixtures, which have been demonstrated to be useful in deterrent medication or the treatment of sickness. A few food varieties and dietary enhancements have been shown to secure against the improvement of CVD. The point of this audit is to introduce a report on the latest proof identifying the utilization of nutraceuticals regarding the avoidance and treatment of CVD.
Keywords: Traditional nutraceutical, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Lycopene, Curcumin, Hypertension

Prospects of value chain development in agriculture and allied sectors in North East India: A mini review

Abstract:

The North Eastern Region (NER) of India is one of the most biodiverse zones globally, with diverse flora and fauna adding to its rich natural resource base. The region is inhabited by numerous tribes and communities, making the region socio-culturally rich and diverse. The NER has been predominantly agrarian and practices subsistence farming with a vast majority of its workforce dependent on agriculture and allied activities for livelihoods. Activities like livestock farming, fisheries, forestry and sericulture, and others allied to agriculture have traditionally been an integral part of the culture, habit, and livelihoods of the people in the NER of India. While the region is blessed with abundant natural resources, these have not been explored to the fullest potential to promote sustainable development. Yet, there are many opportunities for sustainably exploring the existing resources, especially by facilitating the value chain development in some promising sectors. This mini-review attempts to reflect on such opportunities based on the recent observations and several of the studies conducted in this domain.
Keywords: Livelihoods, Value chain development, North Eastern Region (NER)

Diabetes mellitus and natural products: Recent updates

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic, with an estimated prevalence of 463 million people worldwide and is thought to increase to 700 million by 2045. Despite the numerous pharmacological choices dietary lifestyle still remains as the cornerstone of diabetes.Oxygen consumption inherent in cell growth leads to the generation of a series of reactive oxygen species (ROS) also called as free radicals.In addition toharmful effects, ROS also have some beneficial roles in immune system activation and maintain the homeostasis of body. Imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants leads to oxidative stress that results in the development of pathological condition,and diabetes is oneamong them. Diabetes mellitus represents an important disease to study the adverse effects of oxidative stress and its treatment. Numerous studies worldwide reportedthe mechanistic aspects of diabetes progression at biochemical and molecular levels including the altered functions of pancreatic -cells in hyperglycemia, the effect of oxidative stress on -cells, role of oxidative stress in diabetes and linkedpathophysiology as well as antioxidant therapy based randomized human clinical trials.From eternity plants have been an ideal source of drugs/pharmaceuticals and have directly or indirectly yieldedessential medicines used for diverse etiology.In modernera, antioxidants ofnatural origin have gainedgrowing attention over chemically synthesized products in the defense against diabetes because of their establishedadvantages, low toxicity, and ease of entry usingdietary supplements. For example, metformin, the widely used hypoglycemic drug was discoveredby the traditional approach of using Galega officinalis. On the whole, herbal prescriptions are attainingrecognition because of several benefits such as a relatively lower occurrence of side-effects at optional dosages, improvedacceptance by patients, comparatively low cost, and acceptance due to a long traditional use.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Natural products,Reactive oxygen species, Traditional uses

Neurofibroma the benign tumor of oral cavity: A case report

Abstract:

The malignant tumours of the tongue are far common than the benign ones. Papilloma, fibroma, adenoma, mucous cyst, lymphangioma are the most commonly reported benign tumours. Neurofibroma of the tongue is also a rare one. In this case report, lingual benign tumours and their distinctive histopathological features of a 22 years old male patient has been reported with.The chief complaint of swelling in the tongue since one year. Incision biopsy was done.Histopathology showed spindle cells with thin wavy nuclei along with fine collagen fibrils. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of a myxoid predominant intramural solitary neurofibroma.The purpose of this case report is to apprehendthe uncommon presentation of neurofibroma and to document the successful management of such a lesion using an intraoral approach.
Keywords: Neurofibroma, Tongue, Histopathological, Radiology, Oncology