Studies on the glucose family phosphotransferases of Clostridium beijerinckii

Revival of the ABE fermentation will be enhanced by the ability of bacterial strains to utilise cheap, renewable substrates containing a range of fermentable carbohydrates. Development of an effective process will, however, depend on a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of uptake and metabolism of the available sugars. The predominant mechanism for uptake of sugars and sugar derivatives in the clostridia is the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) - dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS), which not only catalyses the concurrent uptake and phosphorylation of its substrate but also plays a central role in regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Complete characterization of the PTS in the solventogenic clostridia will therefore be instrumental in developing strategies for constructing effective fermentation strains. The Clostridium beijerinckii 8052 genome encodes 43 complete phosphotransferase systems, including sixteen belonging to the glucose-glucoside family. Three of the PTSs are members of the glucose subgroup in a phylogenetic branch, and might therefore transport glucose. Since glucose has been shown to repress utilization of other sugars by Clostridium beijerinckii, these systems could also potentially be involved in glucose sensing and carbon catabolite repression (CCR). The cbei 0751 gene encoding a IICBA PTS permease was amplified by PCR, and cloned into Escherichia coli ZSC113, a mutant which cannot take up and phosphorylate glucose and mannose. Transformants showed a positive fermentation phenotype for glucose and mannose. Extracts showed glucose PTS activity, and cbei 0751 was therefore shown to be a functional glucose PTS. The activity was inhibited by mannose confirming that the system also recognises mannose as a substrate. The expression of this gene appeared to be constitutive although quantitative expression was not performed. Similar experiments were used to investigate the function of a second system encoded by cbei 4983 (IICB) and cbei 4982 (IIA). Although these genes were successfully cloned, their function could not be identified. Since the cbei 4984 gene encodes a putative glycoside hydrolase, this suggests that the primary function of this PTS may be to transport and phosphorylate a disaccharide, but further experimental analysis is required to identify the substrate of this system. Attempts to inactivate the two phosphotransferases to examine the effect on the cells were not successful

Development of wideband phased array antenna

Wideband communication system covering the range from 4 to 8 GHz requires compact antenna to provide desirable characteristic over whole operating band. This project consists of two designs; first design is presented with optimum geometry of an ultra wideband circular patch antenna. To achieve an UWB characteristic, a patch antenna is designed before proceeding to the bandwidth optimization techniques for the proposed antenna which generates (3.1 – 10.6 GHz). While the second design wideband phased array antenna was realized by adding one element and meander line T-divider, partial ground plane and two slots at ground plane. The antenna was designed and optimized using CST Microwave studio (CSTMWS). The proposed antenna‟s parameters were optimized with various options such as differing the ground plane length, different slot position, and the distance between the elements, and found to operate satisfactorily. An optimized bandwidth has been noticed in this design. Moreover, the antennas structure offers great advantages due to its simple designs and small dimensions working with c-band application. The antenna has been fabricated using FR-4 substrate and tested using network analyzer which has range between 3GHz to 9GHz at the radio frequency (RF) laboratory. Simulation result for wideband 4-8 GHz while the measurement result drops at 7.8 - 4.2 GHz, and the gain is 3.65 dB, and directivity 5.35 dBi. As well as the phase difference between the port 1 to port 2 is -154° and the phase from port 1 to port 3 is 66.8°.The antenna performance showed good agreement between both simulation and measurement results with only some small deviation and this observed deviation is due to the different numerical modeling and meshing techniques

The role of strigolactones in resistance, tolerance and control of Striga infection in Sorghum

In sub-Saharan Africa the root-parasitic weed Striga, is among the most serious pests attacking the main grain crops. Satisfactory control is still out of reach and Striga is considered a threat to food security in the region. Resistance and tolerance to this parasite are valuable traits to reduce the burden. For germination, Striga seeds require the presence of strigolactones (SLs), a plant hormone and signaling molecules that is secreted by the host into the rhizosphere. In his thesis, using a combination of lab, greenhouse and field experiments, Nasreldin Mohemed investigated the role of SL composition and amount in Striga control in sorghum. In addition, he assessed the role of SLs in the suitability of millet, sesame and groundnuts as rotation and/or trap crop to reduce infection of sorghum by Striga and control its seed bank. He found a number of SLs that have not been reported before in these inter/rotation crops, thus explaining their suitability for Striga control and showed that in sorghum strigolactone composition is linked to low germination resistance as well as tolerance to Striga. This knowledge will provide the basis needed for further improving Striga resistance, tolerance and control in the important African staple food sorghum.</p

Using of blue green algae extract and salicylic acid to mitigate heat stress on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) plant under Siwa Oasis conditions:

Increasing temperature is a global issue due to the existing climate change problem that reduces agricultural productivity and increases prices. It badly affects the yield, and active constituents of medicinal and aromatic plants, especially in newly reclaimed lands in desert areas. The Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a remarkable crop known for its calyces to make a refreshing drink. It is in other food industries and has many healing effects. A split-plot field experiment was conducted on Hibiscus sabdariffa L. at Siwa Oasis, Egypt, during the 2018 and 2019 seasons for studying to reduce the harmful effect of heat stress on plants and yield improvement. Spraying with three salicylic acid concentrations was put to main plots as 0, 500, and 1000 mg/l and the number of sprays with Spirulina platensis algae extract was allotted to sub-plots and used as 0, 1 and 2 times in the season. Some quantity and quality parameters were under investigation. The significant highest increases in dry weight per plant, number of fruits per plant, dry yield of sepals per hectare and sepal's anthocyanin content were from the combination among spraying with salicylic acid at the concentration of 500 mg/l and spraying with blue green algae extract twice through the season. This treatment was helpful to decrease the high-temperature injury on growth through the summer months

Coccydynia - a medical condition with multiple causes and different management strategies: A local experience

Background: Coccydynia is a common complaint which is usually self-limited and tolerable. Although most of these patients respond dramatically to conservative measures, some patients need more complex plane of treatment. In these conditions, the cause of coccydynia can be complex and multifactorial. Patients and methods: A total of 8 cases were included in the study. All cases received medical treatment for 9 months before surgery. Complete coccygectomy was performed for all cases. Post-operative outcomes were measured according to the degree of pain relief. Results: The mean age of the included cases was 43.87 years (range, 39 – 52). A total of 5 females (62.5%) and 3 males (37.5%) were included. The mean preoperative VAS score was 9 (range, 8 – 10), while post-operatively, it decreased significantly down to 2 (range, 1 – 3). Excellent postoperative outcomes were achieved in 6 cases (75%) whereas good outcomes were obtained in the remaining 2 cases (25%). Conclusion: Although conservative medical measures are effective for treating coccydynia, but surgical excision is still a valid treatment option in resistant cases

Primary oral manifestation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis refractory to conventional therapy but susceptible to BRAF-specific treatment: a case report and review of the literature

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report on a rare case of its primary oral manifestation that was treated successfully with the BRAF-specific agent, vemurafenib, after insufficient standard LCH treatment. This case underlines the importance of proper diagnosis and the evaluation of targeted therapy as a valuable tool in LCH treatment. Furthermore, the close collaboration of surgeons, oncologists, and dentists is mandatory to ensure adequate treatment, restore the stomatognathic system in debilitating post-treatment situations, improve quality of life, and ensure effective disease control in infants and young patients

Responding to Covid-19 via online learning: the relationship between Facebook intensity, community factors with social capital and academic performance

The rapid adoption of social media technologies has resulted in a fundamental shift in the way communication and collaboration take place. As staff and students use social media technologies in their personal lives, it is important to explore how social media technologies are being used as an educational tool especially during a pandemic where teaching and learning has to be done via mediated communication. However, the question arises as to how effective the use of social media in terms of Academic Performance and Social Capital of the students. Academic Performance and Social Capital of university students are two interrelated and critical issues which can define the efficacy of social and academic activities of students at their universities. However, few studies have adopted a holistic approachto determine the direct role of online social network activities such as Facebook Intensity, and Community Factors on both Academic Performance and Social Capital of university students. Thus, this study attempted to conduct a cross-sectional survey using self-administered questionnaires which were distributed to 518 undergraduate students at the University of Sirte, Libya. The data was analyzed using various analytical techniques including descriptive statistics, preliminary and inferential analyses by using SPSS and PLS-SEM. The results revealed that Facebook Intensity and Community Factors significantly relate to Social Capital and Academic Performance. This study concludes that the intensity of Facebook Usage among university students and the interactions maintained by students can be used to develop Social Capital. Also, university students with good social communications skills and high self-esteem will benefit from interactions with lecturers and peers and these benefits will certainly enhance their Academic Performance. This study also demonstrates the potential of using Facebook as a teaching aid during pandemic

Influence of Fertilizer Microdosing on Strigolactone Production and Striga hermonthica Parasitism in Pearl Millet

Parasitism by the root-parasitic plant, Striga (Striga hermonthica L.), is a main threat to pearl millet production in sub-Saharan Africa and nutrient deficiency aggravates this problem, often leading to complete failure of pearl millet crops. Like many other species, pearl millet secretes germination stimulants (strigolactones) into the soil in response to mineral nutrient deficiency, which triggers Striga seed germination resulting in infection. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of different doses of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer on strigolactone production and Striga infection in three different African pearl millet cultivars (KBH, Sadore Local and Striga resistance). All the pearl millet genotypes produced varying amounts of different strigolactones like orobanchol, epi-orobanchol, orobanchyl acetate and 5-deoxystrigol, the level of which decreases with increasing doses of DAP. The control treatment (no DAP) showed maximum Striga germination, emergence and dry biomass production in all cultivars of pearl millet. Supply of DAP fertilizer up to 4 g per hill suppressed Striga germination by 69, 64 and 59%; emergence by 87, 85 and 95% and dry biomass by 91, 98 and 83% in cvs KBH, Sadore Local and Striga Resistance, respectively. The present findings reveal that DAP fertilizer minimizes strigolactones production and, as a result, reduces Striga infection in pearl millet. Low doses of DAP fertilizer is a promising strategy to lower the destructive effect of Striga on pearl millet. The use of small doses of DAP fertilizer combined with resistant crop cultivars, intercropping with legumes and hand pulling of Striga at flowering in an integrated Striga control strategy should be developed to help African farmers control this noxious weed

Prevalence of Breast Tumors and Methods of Prevention: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in women and one of the most severe and significant public health concerns in developing nations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of breast tumors and women’s preventive behavior. Methods: A descriptive, correlational cross-sectional design was employed for this study. The study was conducted at (jeddah). Participants were selected during the period from September to November 2022. Population of this study were adult women (Aged >18 years) at KSA. Study instruments consisted of the following domains sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, information related to menstrual cycle and pregnancy, obstetric history, family history, practices of breast self-examination, procedures of early detection and knowledge, attitude and practice assessment for methods of prevention. Results: The study included 420 women of different ages. Breast cancer was found among 82 women (19.5%). The mean age among all study participants was 33.96 + 14.79 years with median age of 28 years. More than half of study participants had normal BMI (n= 220, 52.4%) while third participants were overweight (n= 136, 32.4%). Among participants, 18.1% had a history of post-partum complications, 38.3% had undergone previous surgery, 1.4% had experienced vascular moles, 18.6% had a history of fibroid uterus, 6% had cervical polyps, and 5% had endometriosis. Table 3 presents obstetric history among study participants. More than half of study participants underwent previous hysteroscopy (n= 235, 56%). On the other hand, 81 women had a family history of breast cancer (19.3%). Most of women in this study perform self-examination of the breast (n= 300, 71.4%) and 102 women underwent fine needle aspiration procedure (FNA) (24.3%). The FNA result was positive among 81 women. Furthermore, 124 women underwent mammography (29.5%) and the result was positive among 67 participants. Breast cancer is found among 82 women (19.5%). Women in this study agreed that they should have clinical breast examination at any time (n= 191, 45.5%) while other women believed they should have this examination in certain circumstances such as mastodynia (n= 61, 14.5%), history of benign breast tumors (n= 38, 9%), obesity (n= 37, 8.8%) and family history of breast cancer (n= 32, 7.6%). Conclusion: Breast cancer prevalence was 19.5%. Urban residency was predominant, with varying educational levels. Marital status, income, family size, and work differed among participants. Chronic conditions and diverse anthropometric measurements were observed. Obstetric history showed early marriage and delivery ages, limited abortions, and varied complications. Family history indicated links to chronic diseases and cancers. Participants exhibited awareness about breast cancer risk factors and methods for early detection