The use of ITS1 rDNA PCR in detecting pathogenic African trypanosomes

There are 11 different pathogenic trypanosomes in trypanosomiasis endemic regions of Africa. Their detection and characterisation by molecular methods relies on species-specific primers; consequently several PCR tests have to be made on each sample. Primers ITS1 CF and ITS1 BR, previously designed to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) of rDNA, have been evaluated for use in a universal diagnostic test for all pathogenic trypanosomes. Blood was collected from 373 cattle and 185 camels. The primers gave constant PCR products with the stocks of each taxon tested. Members of subgenus Trypanozoon (T. brucei brucei, T. evansi, T. b. rhodesiense and T. b. gambiense) gave a constant product of approximately 480 bp; T. congolense, savannah 700 bp, T. congolense kilifi 620 bp and T. congolense forest 710 bp: T. simiae 400 bp, T. simiae tsavo 370 bp, T. godfreyi 300 bp and T. vivax 250 bp. The sensitivity of the test ranged from 10 pg for Trypanozoon, T. congolense clade and T. vivax to 100 pg for T. simiae and T. godfreyi. The primers detected cases of multi-taxa samples, although the sensitivity was reduced with an increase in the combinations. A better detection rate of trypanosome DNA was recorded with buffy coats than from direct blood. With the field samples, the diagnostic sensitivity was close to the sensitivity obtained using single reactions with species-specific primers for Trypanozoon 38/40 (95%) and T. congolense savannah 30/33 (90.9%) but was lower with T. vivax 25/31 (77.4%). The primers offer promise as a routine diagnostic tool through the use of a single PCR; however, further evaluation is recommended

Microwave assisted synthesis of chiral pyrrolines with biological activity

A new, high yield regioselective reaction affording racemic and enantiomeric 1,2-dimethyl-3-[2-(6-substituted naphthyl)]-2H,5H-pyrrolines is reported. Compounds were provided by dehydration of the corresponding 1,2-dimethyl-3-[2-(6-substitutednaphthyl)]-3-hydroxypyrrolidines under microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions. Pharmacological properties of enantiomeric compounds are also described; the analgesic activity was investigated by the hot plate test. A conformational analysis of the compounds was carried out by molecular modeling techniques with the aim to get information about the fitting to known analgesic pharmacophore models

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification test for Trypanosoma vivax based on satellite repeat DNA

Trypanosoma vivax is major cause of animal trypanosomiasis and responsible for enormous economic burden in Africa and South America animal industry. T. vivax infections mostly run low parasitaemia with no apparent clinical symptoms, making diagnosis a challenge. This work reports the design and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for detecting T. vivax DNA based on the nuclear satellite repeat sequence. The assay is rapid with results obtained within 35min. The analytical sensitivity is ∼1trypanosome/ml while that of the classical PCR tests ranged from 10 to 10 trypanosomes/ml. The T. vivax LAMP test reported here is simple, robust and has future potential in diagnosis of animal trypanosomiasis in the field

Oral Bone Tissue Regeneration: Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Secretome, and Biomaterials

In the last few decades, tissue engineering has become one of the most studied medical fields. Even if bone shows self-remodeling properties, in some cases, due to injuries or anomalies, bone regeneration can be required. In particular, oral bone regeneration is needed in the dentistry field, where the functional restoration of tissues near the tooth represents a limit for many dental implants. In this context, the application of biomaterials and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appears promising for bone regeneration. This review focused on in vivo studies that evaluated bone regeneration using biomaterials with MSCs. Different biocompatible biomaterials were enriched with MSCs from different sources. These constructs showed an enhanced bone regenerative power in in vivo models. However, we discussed also a future perspective in tissue engineering using the MSC secretome, namely the conditioned medium and extracellular vesicles. This new approach has already shown promising results for bone tissue regeneration in experimental models

Oral Bone Tissue Regeneration: Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Secretome, and Biomaterials

: In the last few decades, tissue engineering has become one of the most studied medical fields. Even if bone shows self-remodeling properties, in some cases, due to injuries or anomalies, bone regeneration can be required. In particular, oral bone regeneration is needed in the dentistry field, where the functional restoration of tissues near the tooth represents a limit for many dental implants. In this context, the application of biomaterials and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appears promising for bone regeneration. This review focused on in vivo studies that evaluated bone regeneration using biomaterials with MSCs. Different biocompatible biomaterials were enriched with MSCs from different sources. These constructs showed an enhanced bone regenerative power in in vivo models. However, we discussed also a future perspective in tissue engineering using the MSC secretome, namely the conditioned medium and extracellular vesicles. This new approach has already shown promising results for bone tissue regeneration in experimental models

Exploring the potential of small water bodies as an integrative management tool for fisheries production

Understanding the potential of small water bodies (SWBs) will open greater opportunities in investment towards increased food and energy production. This study established the carrying capacity for fisheries development in SWBs in eight counties in Central and seven counties in Western Kenya. The carrying capacity of SWBs was calculated using socio-economic index (SI), trophic status index (TSI), and summaries of socio-economic and limnological data from 74 SWBs. The central region had a potential of 72,447 t in 37 sampled SWBs, whereas that of the western region had only 447 t in a similar number of sampled sites that forms part of the total national aquaculture potential. The higher potential in the central region is attributed to the relatively larger hydroelectric dams located in the area. To boost production in SWBs with low carrying capacities, restocking with native endemic fish species, which require limited or no supplementary feeding, is recommended. However, in SWBs, where depths reach 3.0 m or more, which optimises on intensive feeding and good water circulation, cage culture reared fish coupled with a strong local community association would be recommended. The indexing holistic approach herein forms an integrative management tool for fisheries production