Thermodynamic study of interactions between ZnO and ZnO binding peptides using isothermal titration calorimetry

Whilst material specific peptide binding sequences have been identified using a combination of combinato-rial methods and computational modelling tools, a deep molecular level understanding of the fundamental principles through which these interactions occur and in some instances modify the morphology of inorganic materials is far from being fully realized. Understanding the thermodynamic changes that occur during peptide-inorganic interactions and correlating these to structural modifications of the inorganic materials could be the key to achieving and mastering con-trol over material formation processes. This study is a detailed investigation applying isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to directly probe thermodynamic changes that occur during interaction of ZnO binding peptides (ZnO-BPs) and ZnO. The ZnO-BPs used are reported sequences G-12 (GLHVMHKVAPPR), GT-16 (GLHVMHKVAPPR-GGGC) and alanine mutants of G-12 (G-12A6, G-12A11 and G-12A12) whose interaction with ZnO during solution synthesis studies have been extensively investigated. The interactions of the ZnO-BPs with ZnO yielded biphasic isotherms comprising both an endo-thermic and an exothermic event. Qualitative differences were observed in the isothermal profiles of the different pep-tides and ZnO particles studied. Measured ΔG values were between -6 and -8.5 kcal/mol and high adsorption affinity val-ues indicated the occurrence of favourable ZnO-BP-ZnO interactions. ITC has great potential in its use to understand peptide-inorganic interactions and with continued development, the knowledge gained may be instrumental for simplifi-cation of selection processes of organic molecules for the advancement of material synthesis and design

A Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Candidate Genes Regulating Response to Trypanosoma congolense Infection in Mice

About one-third of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of contracting “Nagana”—a disease caused by Trypanosoma parasites similar to those that cause human “Sleeping Sickness.” Laboratory mice can also be infected by trypanosomes, and different mouse breeds show varying levels of susceptibility to infection, similar to what is seen between different breeds of cattle. Survival time after infection is controlled by the underlying genetics of the mouse breed, and previous studies have localised three genomic regions that regulate this trait. These three “Quantitative Trait Loci” (QTL), which have been called Tir1, Tir2 and Tir3 (for Trypanosoma Infection Response 1–3) are well defined, but nevertheless still contain over one thousand genes, any number of which may be influencing survival. This study has aimed to identify the specific differences associated with genes that are controlling mouse survival after T. congolense infection. We have applied a series of analyses to existing datasets, and combined them with novel sequencing, and other genetic data to create short lists of genes that share polymorphisms across susceptible mouse breeds, including two promising “candidate genes”: Pram1 at Tir1 and Cd244 at Tir3. These genes can now be tested to confirm their effect on response to trypanosome infection

Interactions between metal oxides and biomolecules: from fundamental understanding to applications

Metallo-oxide (MO) based bioinorganic nanocomposites promise unique structures, physico-chemical properties and novel bio-chemical functionalities and within the last decade, investment in research on materials such as ZnO, TiO2, SiO2 and GeO2 has significantly increased. Besides traditional approaches, the synthesis, shaping, structural patterning and post-processing chemical functionalization of the materials surface is inspired by strategies which mimic processes in nature. Would such materials deliver new technologies? Answering this question requires the merging of historical knowledge and current research from different fields of science. Practically, we need an effective defragmentation of the research area. From our perspective, the superficial accounting of material properties, chemistry of the surfaces and the behaviour of biomolecules next to such surfaces is a problem. This is particularly of concern when we wish to bridge between technologies in vitro and biotechnologies in vivo. Further, besides the potential practical technological efficiency and advantages such materials might exhibit, we have to consider the wider long-term implications of material stability and toxicity. In this contribution we present a critical review of recent advances in the chemistry and engineering of MO based biocomposites highlighting the role of interactions at the interface and the techniques by which these can be studied. At the end of the article we outline the challenges which hamper progress in research and extrapolate to developing and promising directions including additive manufacturing and synthetic biology that could benefit from molecular level understanding of interactions occurring between inanimate (abiotic) and living (biotic) materials

Dystocia in a Rothschild Giraffe at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, Nairobi, Kenya

A 15-year old female Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) weighing approximately 800kg, at the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), Giraffe Center, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya was presented with dystocia in June 2010. This giraffe named Laura, had a protracted labor and was regularly monitored by sanctuary education staff. Dystocia was relieved on the 3rd day at this wildlife sanctuary. The giraffe was chemically immobilized by using 7mg of Etorphine Hcl (0.98%) (M99®) (Norvatis South Africa (Pty) Limited) and 50mg of Azaperone(10%) (Kyron Laboratories (Pty) Limited, South Africa) in a Dan-Inject dart (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skowej, Denmark). On obstetrical examination of the giraffe, a fetal malposition type of dystocia had occurred. The fetus was positioned at posterior presentation extended posture with tail butting on the maternal pelvis, which is abnormal in giraffes. The fetus was manually extracted by using both alternate and simultaneous limb traction. The dam survived the procedure and later was reported to be in a good reproductive condition but the male fetus was a stillbirth. The fetus had died due to stress of prolonged labour. Relief of dystocia in giraffes is a difficult obstetrical procedure because obstetrical examination and relief requires chemical immobilization plus physical restrain with ropes by trained staff. Anesthesia or immobilization of giraffes remains a challenge because of the giraffe's unique anatomy and physiology. Giraffes are large animals which limits physical control and manipulation at critical times during induction and recovery of anesthesia. Giraffe's long neck if not pinned to the ground will act as a lever causing fatal injuries to self and support staff. Giraffes develop elevated systolic blood pressure; have a small respiratory tidal volume with a large dead space and relatively small cardiac output during anesthesia, which compromises safe levels of anesthesia. [Vet. World 2011; 4(12.000): 565-568

Awareness and factors associated with NHIF uptake in four counties in Western Kenya

Background: Kenya is in the process of implementing universal health care whose success and sustainability will be determined by its funding mechanism and by uptake of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) by its populace. Unfortunately, NHIF enrollment is currently voluntary with a higher uptake among formally employed individuals who represent only 16.4% of the population. To improve the voluntary uptake rate of the scheme, it is important to have increased awareness as well as implement strategies that address barriers to NHIF uptake. Methods: This was a cross sectional community-based survey conducted in Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Siaya counties between October 2018 and September 2019.It utilized multistage stratified sampling technique. Interviewer assisted questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, socio-economic, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) knowledge, NHIF awareness and uptake data. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression statistical analysis were conducted using STATA version 15. Results: From a representative sample of 3597 participants interviewed, NHIF awareness was noted to be 81.5%, with low uptake rate of 21-25% in the four selected counties. Being older than 69 years, having a low level of education and income status as well as lower health risk were significant barriers to NHIF uptake. Conclusion: Despite high rates of NHIF awareness noted in this study, there is still low uptake of this scheme in rural western Kenya especially among those with low socioeconomic status, advanced age and at risk of chronic illnesses. There is need for further qualitative studies to explore contextual factors affecting NHIF uptake in Western Kenya