Analysis of the nuclear proteome of the resurrection plant Xerophyta viscosa (Baker) and its response to dehydration stress

Xerophyta viscosa Baker (family Velloziaceae) can survive extremes of dehydration (desiccation), down to 5% relative water content (RWC) and resumes full physiological activity within 80 h of rehydration. A thorough understanding of this phenomenon may provide further insight into possible mechanisms for improving drought tolerance in other plants. In this respect a comprehensive analysis of the nuclear proteome of this plant and its response to dehydration stress at 35% RWC was carried out. The RWC at 35% represents a distinct phase of the dehydration process where induction of late protection mechanisms is initiated and is a characteristic of desiccation tolerant species. We optimized nuclei isolation and nuclear protein extraction protocols and successfully employed these protocols to isolate highly purified nuclei and subsequently nuclear proteins from fully hydrated and dehydrated X. viscosa leaf samples. The integrity of the purified nuclei was confirmed with light and fluorescent microscopy. The nuclei were uniform spheres, approximately 5 μm in size. The purity and enrichment of the nuclear proteins were confirmed by chlorophyll assay and Western blot analysis. The nuclear proteins were investigated using two-dimensional (2D) and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technologies. Using the 2DE approach, a total of 438 proteins spots were reproducibly detected and analysed of which 18 protein spots were shown to be up-regulated in response to dehydration. These proteins contained both regulatory and functional proteins. The largest category comprised five novel protein factors and two proteins with unassigned functions. The second category comprised proteins involved in gene regulation and signal transduction. The third category comprised stress responsive proteins with chaperone type activities. Other categories include proteins involved in energy metabolism, protein degradation and translation. These results demonstrate that dehydration was controlled by multiple genes within the plant nucleus and X. viscosa may possess its own specific nuclear proteins that are involved in desiccation stress. In addition we comprehensively analyzed the nuclear proteome of X. viscosa using iTRAQ with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to complement the data obtained from the 2DE approach. Using iTRAQ, we reproducibly University of Cape Town identified 128 proteins with confidence ¥ 95% (Ï < 0.05). Sixty six percent of the identified proteins showed consistent expression levels. The remaining 34% proteins showed significant changes in expressions. Of the latter, 23% were shown to be up regulated in response to dehydration stress. The remaining 11% were shown to be down regulated. The nuclear proteins of X. viscosa up-regulated in response to dehydration stress showed a coordinated response involving both regulatory and functional proteins and were implicated in diverse cellular functions. The characteristic feature of the X. viscosa nuclear proteins is the high level of stress molecules among the dehydration responsive proteins with evident functions in defense mechanisms compared to down regulated proteins and proteins showing consistent expression levels. These results demonstrate that enhanced defense capacity is crucial to desiccation tolerance and strongly support the notion that late dehydration responsive proteins are involved in protection of the cellular structures during dehydration. Proteins showing consistent expression levels during dehydration most likely maintain the minimum viability in cells under all conditions or may be indirectly associated with desiccation tolerance. Down-regulated proteins are likely important for plant survival under normal growth conditions. The proteins up-regulated in response to dehydration stress were assumed to be associated directly with the acquisition of desiccation tolerance. The up-regulated proteins were further categorized into nine functional groups to gain more insight into their roles in desiccation tolerance. The largest group was shown to be involved in gene regulation and signal transduction (36%), which reflects the role of the nucleus in gene expression and regulation. The second group included stress responsive molecules such as antioxidants, molecular chaperones and compatible solutes (33%). This reflects the importance of strong defense systems in preventing lipid peroxidation, protein aggregation, membrane leakage and maintaining the integrity of cellular structures during dehydration and in the dried state. The third group contained proteins involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport (10%). This might reflect the capacity of this plant to control the movement of molecules to and from the nucleus during dehydration and the importance of this process in adaptation to dehydration stress. The fourth group contained proteins involved in protein translation (7%). Proteins categorized to other functions, include proteins with miscellaneous and unknown functions. Proteins with unknown functions were considered to be X. viscosa nuclear-specific proteins. There was good correlation between the up-regulated proteins identified by 2-DE and iTRAQ approaches. In conclusion, this study revealed that X. viscosa nuclear proteome was responsive to dehydration stress and desiccation tolerance is University of Cape Town genetically encoded. Secondly, X. viscosa relies on readily inducible protection to combat desiccation and desiccation tolerance is controlled by multiple genes within the plant nucleus. Thirdly, the protective mechanisms of desiccation tolerance utilized by X. viscosa appear to involve signal perception genes and modulating gene expression of appropriate genes encoding protective molecules including antioxidants, molecular chaperones, compatible solutes, proteins of translation and degradation machinery, proteins with miscellaneous functions and novel protein factors. Lastly, proteins are crucial to desiccation tolerance allowing X. viscosa to possess a unique stress tolerance with versatile and coordinated actions to provide protection for its cellular structures during desiccation and in the dried state. To our best knowledge this is the first study to provide insight into the nuclear (organellar) proteome of a desiccation tolerant plant

Camel Milk is an Alternative and a Complementary Treatment to the Current Parenteral Insulin Therapy of Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The main treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is insulin replacement via parenteral routes which is far from satisfactory, because injection is generally a painful procedure, especially when patients need to get the injections throughout their life by 2-3 injections/day. Secondly, many patients have phobia against injections especially children. Thirdly, insulin is expensive to purchase. Fourthly, parenteral insulin is not safe in the long-term of uses as development of anti-insulin antibodies is possible, and fifthly, parenteral insulin is associated with the risk of hypoglycemic events. For those reasons, raw dromedary’s camel milk is an alternative and or complementary to pareneral insulin treatment of IDDM. This paper discusses the chemical constituents and properties of dromedary’s camel milk, recent research about its efficacy in the treatment of IDDM, its role in the restoration of experimentally damaged beta-cells of the pancreas, its role in the improvement of lipid metabolism, body mass index and functions of the kidneys and liver of subjects with IDDM received camel milk. This paper demonstrates that, raw dromedary’s camel milk causes significant reduction in insulin doses in insulin dependent diabetic subjects to obtain glycemic control along with significant hypoglycemic effects. Significant improvement were also observed in HbA1c levels, micro albuminuria, lipid metabolism, BMI, biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions of camel milk fed experimental subjects with IDDM. Camel milk works as a regulator of blood sugar in the absence of original insulin, and it seems to work together with the body’s own restorative and regenerative abilities to maintain normal health. Camel milk is well tolerated and its uses are not associated with the risk of hypoglycemic events, and it may be able to eliminate the alloxan and other chemicals’ induced-toxicity on pancreas and on other body’s organs via regenerative effects on damaged cells with unknown mechanism and could be used as an alternative and or a complementary treatment to current IDDM therapy

FAULT DIAGNOSIS USING SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FOR CHEMICAL PROCESS PLANT

Fault detection and diagnosis have gained an importance in the automation process industries over the past decade. This is due to several reasons; one of them being that sufficient amount of data is available from the process plants. The goal of this project is to develop such fault diagnosis systems, which use the input-output data of the realm process plant to detect, isolate, and reconstruct faults. The first part of this project focused on developing a different prediction models to the real system. Moreover, a linearized model using Taylor Series Expansion approach and ARX (Autoregressive with external input) model of the real system have been designed. In addition, the most accurate identification model which describes the dynamic behavior of the monitored system has been selected. Furthermore, a technique Statistical Process Control (SPC) used in fault diagnosis. This method depends on central limit theorem and used to detect faults by the analysis of the mismatch between the ARX model estimation and the process plant output. Finally the proposed methodology for fault diagnosis has been applied in numerical simulations to a non-isothermal CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactor) and the results and conclusion have been reported and showed excellent estimation of ARX model and good fault diagnosis performance of SPC

Review on Internal Auditing Reports of Inventory Commodities and Whether Quality Internal Control Is Aid the External Auditor in Institution Industry in Sudan : Study on Manufactures Classes

This study is represented the internal audit to whether coincidences employee behavior and objects institutions operation for achieved , in the large institution is necessary to explanation relation between authority and responsibilities and identified jurisdictions and assignment to any one employees that will be represented map organization so the regulation the Research aim to achieved the Applying study in revaluation and review inventory in system internal control and to what extend the correct data at inventory Presented report to reflect risk practical side on count inventory The shorts in explain internal control from procedures that may face risk audit so that create negative final audit report to firm assurance and Check the correct and judications and measures control that is following in firm with precisely control in inventory during and after process internal control The research problem to deal with the following case to whether The procedures applying in count inventory is represented sufficient procedures to help external audit and opinion auditor is neutral The following procedures is weak in check inventory is part on organization diagram for firm that reflect point weak in firm so that create environment chaos in firm, Research Important is represented clarified and will understanding the characteristic basically internal control The risk statement in revaluation inventory in system internal control ,The effect interdisciplinary overlap in side firm and to whether effects annually audit report Research time limits. The research cover one firm working on business glass for the period 2013-2014 , research Hypothesis is build the main research hypothesis is building to there is relation between revaluation internal audit on inventory and procedures following with external auditor report research methodology to achieve the purpose of research through two method deductive approach ,Analytical &amp; Description Research : that is dependent on specific and accurate description for applying effective review the inventory according the method applying in firm and acknowledge weak point in that way which is following to check inventory and the whether statement coming through study case to one firm company Sudanese glass manufactures through collect facts and data available in system internal control recommendation to applying more study relate CAATs that may more effective to review inventory ,Uses or employment more professional training staff The firm must use program training for time to time Separate the employment job in diagram firm that may help role in firm Review to HR to employee to define is qualified or not ,Use software advances with internal control training staff in this soft ware Keywords :CAATs, inventory count, warehouse manager, audit team ,procedure DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-14-07 Publication date:May 31st 202

Effects of red brick production on land use, household income, and greenhouse gas emissions in Khartoum, Sudan

In Khartoum (Sudan) a particular factor shaping urban land use is the rapid expansion of red brick making (BM) for the construction of houses which occurs on the most fertile agricultural Gerif soils along the Nile banks. The objectives of this study were to assess the profitability of BM, to explore the income distribution among farmers and kiln owners, to measure the dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and organic carbon (C_org) in cow dung used for BM, and to estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burned biomass fuel (cow dung and fuel wood). About 49 kiln owners were interviewed in 2009 using a semi-structured questionnaire that allowed to record socio-economic and variable cost data for budget calculations, and determination of Gini coefficients. Samples of cow dung were collected directly from the kilns and analyzed for their nutrients concentrations. To estimate GHG emissions a modified approach of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was used. The land rental value from red brick kilns was estimated at 5-fold the rental value from agriculture and the land rent to total cost ratio was 29% for urban farms compared to 6% for BM. The Gini coefficients indicated that income distribution among kiln owners was more equal than among urban farmers. Using IPCC default values the 475, 381, and 36 t DM of loose dung, compacted dung, and fuel wood used for BM emit annually 688, 548, and 60 t of GHGs, respectively

FAULT DIAGNOSIS USING SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION FOR CHEMICAL PROCESS PLANT

Fault detection and diagnosis have gained an importance in the automation process industries over the past decade. This is due to several reasons; one of them being that sufficient amount of data is available from the process plants. The goal of this project is to develop such fault diagnosis systems, which use the input-output data of the realm process plant to detect, isolate, and reconstruct faults. The first part of this project focused on developing a different prediction models to the real system. Moreover, a linearized model using Taylor Series Expansion approach and ARX (Autoregressive with external input) model of the real system have been designed. In addition, the most accurate identification model which describes the dynamic behavior of the monitored system has been selected. Furthermore, a technique Statistical Process Control (SPC) used in fault diagnosis. This method depends on central limit theorem and used to detect faults by the analysis of the mismatch between the ARX model estimation and the process plant output. Finally the proposed methodology for fault diagnosis has been applied in numerical simulations to a non-isothermal CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactor) and the results and conclusion have been reported and showed excellent estimation of ARX model and good fault diagnosis performance of SPC

Medications package inserts’ usefulness to doctors and patients: Sudanese doctors perspective

Background: Written medication information is important for both doctors and patients. In the developing countries, the medication package inserts (PIs) represent the most available and easily accessible source of written medication information. The main objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Sudanese doctors toward written medication information in the PIs, and its usefulness for both doctors and patients.Methods: Four hundred (n=400) doctors were randomly selected and addressed with an open to answer the questionnaire composed of fifteen questions (n=15).Results: A big majority (95.7%) of the respondents considered the medications’ PIs, which they regularly read (93.2%), as a reliable and useful source of medication information in their prescribing. Only a minority of the respondent doctors (43.6%) used to advise their patients to read the PIs, whereas a majority (62.4%) of respondents believed that patients might find difficulty in understanding written medication information in the PI. The majority (61.3%) of respondent used to rely on pharmacists to provide patients with the needed medication information. The majority of the respondents (82.2%) used to inform their patients about the possible medication side effects. Respondents ranked medications’ dose (79.5%), how to use it (77.3%) and information about side effects (73%) on top of patients’ medication information most needed particulars.Conclusion: Doctors should give more attention to their patients’ medication information specific needs, advice and motivate them to read the PIs before using their medications

Medication package inserts’ usefulness for Sudanese pharmacists and patients: pharmacists’ perspective

Background: Written medication information is important to health care professionals and patients, alike. Medication package inserts (PI) can prove useful sources for written medication information for pharmacist and patients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the Sudanese pharmacists toward PIs.Methods: A total of 120 randomly selected Sudanese community and hospital pharmacists, were addressed with a questionnaire of 14 free to answer closed-ended questions.Results: Results showed clear dominance of the young (96.5%), females (63.3%)pharmacists population, whose majority (90.8%) had their undergraduates studies in Sudan. Majority (79.2%) of respondents was keen to read the PIs, and (75.8%)considered them as reliable written medication information sources and references. Correlation between respondents’ reliability and reading of PIs was significant (**p=0.038). How to use medications (95%) their dose (92.5%), and compliance (67.5%), topped the medication information particulars provided by respondents to patients. Drug-interactions and side-effects (36.7%) were downplayed by the respondents. Only a small minority (21.7%) of respondents used to advise patients to read PIs. Majority (85%) of respondents believed that PIs were difficult for patients to understand. Their texts’ language (68.2%), technical terminology (75%) and font size (10%) were cited as main barriers to understandability.Conclusions: To secure usefulness of PIs, they shall be written in lay terminology of patients’ native language. Pharmacists shall seek independent sources of medication information, advice and motivate patients to read PIs and keep them for ongoing reference

Palate of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): Gross Anatomical, Light and Scanning Electron Microscopical Study

This investigation aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the palate of bronze black turkey by gross anatomy, light and scanning electron microscopy. The oral roof (palate) constitutes 87.73% of the oropharyngeal roof length, comprising two parts; rostral and caudal. The rostral part of is characterized by the presence of median palatine ridge, rostral and caudal lateral palatine ridges, narrow part of the choanal slit and three rows of palatine papillae. The median palatine ridge shows rostral continued and caudal interrupted parts. This ridge as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) bears 4-5 transverse furrows at the level of the beginning of the caudal lateral palatine ridges. Numerous Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive compound tubular mucous maxillary, palatine and sphenopterygoid salivary glands are distributed in the mucosa of the palate. From all above mentioned, it's clear that the palate in turkey reveals some different anatomical features in compared with that of the other birds

Morphological Studies on the Upper Beak of Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

This study was carried out to provide a detailed description about the upper beak of turkey, regarding its gross anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopic morphology. The upper beak extends in a hook like infront of the lower beak. It measures 53.80 mm long. The height and width of the upper beak increase caudalwards. SEM shows that the tip and the lateral sides of the upper beak are covered with numerous flakes of keratin. At the free tip of the beak, these keratinized flakes have an irregular appearance which may be due to desquamation of the epithelium during manipulation of foods. Immediately in front of the angle of the mouth, the lateral edge of the upper beak is characterized by the presence of transverse furrows which giving it a serrated appearance. The upper beak of the turkey consists of a bony support covered by dermal and epidermal layers