23 research outputs found
Abubakar Dauda. — “They love us because we give them Zakāt.” The Distribution of Wealth and the Making of Social Relations in Northern Nigeria
No full textThis book is based on a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D at the Graduate School “Muslim Cultures and Societies” of the Freie Universität of Berlin. It is published as the twenty-third volume of the “Islam in Africa” series inititated by E. J. Brill in 2003. It is a good addition to this series, which had already made a considerable contribution to the understanding of Islam and Muslim societies in Africa. Its author, Dauda Abubakar, analyzes the p..
Base Editing in Plants: Applications, Challenges, and Future Prospects
No full text<jats:p>The ability to create targeted modifications in the genomes of plants using genome editing technologies has revolutionized research in crop improvement in the current dispensation of molecular biology. This technology has attracted global attention and has been employed in functional analysis studies in crop plants. Since many important agronomic traits are confirmed to be determined by single-nucleotide polymorphisms, improved crop varieties could be developed by the programmed and precise conversion of targeted single bases in the genomes of plants. One novel genome editing approach which serves for this purpose is base editing. Base editing directly makes targeted and irreversible base conversion without creating double-strand breaks (DSBs). This technology has recently gained quick acceptance and adaptation because of its precision, simplicity, and multiplex capabilities. This review focuses on generating different base-editing technologies and how efficient they are in editing nucleic acids. Emphasis is placed on the exploration and applications of these base-editing technologies to enhance crop production. The review also highlights the drawbacks and the prospects of this new technology.</jats:p>
Insights on Phytomonas: A Bibliometric Analysis on Global Research Outputs Highlighting Research Gaps and Future Directions
No full textThe study aims to access the research output on Phytomonas from inception to 2023 using bibliometric science mapping and visualization tools. We analyzed the distribution of publications retrieved from the Scopus database, categorized topics, and tracked progress over time. Additionally, we examined country contributions and author collaboration (co-authorship), with particular emphasis on research topics and emerging research areas. We also highlighted the paucity of research from Australia, Africa, and Asia, where Phytomonas could be a major parasite affecting important crops
Finite element modelling of hot rolling of Al-3%Mg and the kinetics of static recrystallisation
No full textThe principal objectives of this work were (i) to investigate the effect of geometry on the through-thickness gradient in microstructure evolved during post-deformation annealing treatment of rolled AI-3%Mg slabs and (ii) to employ the finite element method and empirical equations characterising the rate of static recrystallisation to predict the gradient in the volume fraction recrystallised through the slab thickness. Geometry was characterised by the aspect ratio of the deformation zone. The finite element method was used principally to simulate the evolution and spatial distribution of process parameters namely the strain, strain rate and temperature of deformation through the rolled slab thickness. Standard metallographic techniques and quantitative metallography combined with optical microscopy under polarised light were employed to measure the volume fraction recrystallised. The geometric orientation of microbands developed due to hot deformation was also characterised. Rate-dependent, thermomechanical material constitutive data based on the hyperbolic sine and Voce type of flow stress/strain relationships were used as input in the two-dimensional finite element model together with a friction model based on the penalty method. Published empirical equations linking the rate of static recrystallisation and the process parameters were then employed to predict the measured volume recrystallised. Results indicated that gradients in microstructure occurred through the rolled slab thickness for all the slab/geometry and rolling conditions considered and that the orientation of microbands developed independent of the rolling reduction. The main conclusions drawn were that (i) geometry had a profound effect on the evolution of microstructure through the rolled slab thickness; (ii) the finite element method can be used as an effective tool in the prediction of through-thickness gradient in microstructure evolved in the post-deformation annealing treatment; and (iii) microband development was an important microstructural feature during hot rolling of AI-3%Mg, acting as potential nucleation sites for subsequent static microstructural transformation processes. (author)Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN045785 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo
Cassava mosaic virus in Africa: Functional analysis of virus coat proteins based on evolutionary processes and protein structure
No full textGenome-Wide Identification and Characterisation of Cytokinin-O-Glucosyltransferase (CGT) Genes of Rice Specific to Potential Pathogens
No full textCytokinin glucosyltransferases (CGTs) are key enzymes of plants for regulating the level and function of cytokinins. In a genomic identification of rice CGTs, 41 genes with the plant secondary product glycosyltransferases (PSPG) motif of 44-amino-acid consensus sequence characteristic of plant uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) were identified. In-silico physicochemical characterisation revealed that, though the CGTs belong to the same subfamily, they display varying molecular weights, ranging from 19.6 kDa to 59.7 kDa. The proteins were primarily acidic (87.8%) and hydrophilic (58.6%) and were observed to be distributed in the plastids (16), plasma membrane (13), mitochondria (5), and cytosol (4). Phylogenetic analysis of the CGTs revealed that their evolutionary relatedness ranged from 70–100%, and they aligned themselves into two major clusters. In a comprehensive analysis of the available transcriptomics data of rice samples representing different growth stages only the CGT, Os04g25440.1 was significantly expressed at the vegetative stage, whereas 16 other genes were highly expressed only at the reproductive growth stage. On the contrary, six genes, LOC_Os07g30610.1, LOC_Os04g25440.1, LOC_Os07g30620.1, LOC_Os04g25490.1, LOC_Os04g37820.1, and LOC_Os04g25800.1, were significantly upregulated in rice plants inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani (RS), Xoo (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) and Mor (Magnaporthe oryzae). In a qRT-PCR analysis of rice sheath tissue susceptible to Rhizoctonia solani, Mor, and Xoo pathogens, compared to the sterile distilled water control, at 24 h post-infection only two genes displayed significant upregulation in response to all the three pathogens: LOC_Os07g30620.1 and LOC_Os04g25820.1. On the other hand, the expression of genes LOC_Os07g30610.1, LOC_Os04g25440, LOC_Os04g25490, and LOC_Os04g25800 were observed to be pathogen-specific. These genes were identified as the candidate-responsive CGT genes and could serve as potential susceptibility genes for facilitating pathogen infection
Chapter 13 - In silico approaches for xenobiotic polymers and their degradation mechanism
No full textXenobiotic polymers have been identified as a greater source of concern because they remain persistent in the environment and they have developed a higher level of resistance to degradation. The indiscriminate application of synthetic polymers has resulted in enhanced water and land pollution. This has constituted a menace to the environment as they possess the potential to cause a detrimental effect on nontarget organisms and nutrient cycling as well as a detrimental influence on human health. Hence, there is a need to look for a long-term solution that could be applied for the sustainable management of these anthropogenic activities. The application of conventional bioremediation techniques has several challenges which include their being less effective, costly, and is time-consuming. Moreover, they are not effective most especially for the rejuvenation of the environment and eradication of complex environmental pollutants that remain persistent in the environment. Hence, the application of in silico bioremediation techniques could be applied for the elimination of hazardous compounds and xenobiotic polymers for a safe environment and human health. Therefore, this chapter provides more detailed information on the usage of computational techniques such as molecular dynamics simulation and docking for the catalysis simulation of enzymes during bioremediation of xenobiotic polymers as well as other techniques, like toxicological database and algorithms. Furthermore, relevant facts were provided on the application of numerous in silico techniques and the modes of action involved in the bioremediation and degradation pathways prediction using current resources for these xenobiotic polymers. Comprehensive information was provided on the application of in silico such as lignins, heavy metals, pesticides, halocarbons, herbicides, halocarbons, nitroaromatics, chlorophenols, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, synthetic dyes, synthetic polymers, and alkyl benzyl sulfonates
Genome-Wide Analysis of Cytochrome P450s of Alternaria Species: Evolutionary Origin, Family Expansion and Putative Functions
No full textCytochrome P450s are a group of monooxygenase enzymes involved in primary, secondary and xenobiotic metabolisms. They have a wide application in the agriculture sector where they could serve as a target for herbicides or fungicides, while they could function in the pharmaceutical industry as drugs or drugs structures or for bioconversions. Alternaria species are among the most commonly encountered fungal genera, with most of them living as saprophytes in different habitats, while others are parasites of plants and animals. This study was conducted to elucidate the diversity and abundance, evolutionary relationships and cellular localization of 372 cytochrome P450 in 13 Alternaria species. The 372 CYP proteins were phylogenetically clustered into ten clades. Forty (40) clans and seventy-one (71) cyp families were identified, of which eleven (11) families were found to appear in one species each. The majority of the CYP proteins were located in the endomembrane system. Polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster was the predominant secondary metabolic-related gene cluster in all the Alternaria species studied, except in A. porriof, where non-ribosomal peptide synthetase genes were dominant. This study reveals the expansion of cyps in these fungal genera, evident in the family and clan expansions, which is usually associated with the evolution of fungal characteristics, especially their lifestyle either as parasites or saprophytes, with the ability to metabolize a wide spectrum of substrates. This study can be used to understand the biology, physiology and toxigenic potentials of P450 in these fungal genera
Robust Profiling of Cytochrome P450s (P450ome) in Notable Aspergillus spp.
No full textCytochrome P450s (P450ome) constitute an extended superfamily group of heme-thiolate enzymes identified in all biological domains. P450omes play a critical role in the oxidation of steroids and fatty acids, xenobiotic degradation of hydrophobic compounds, biosynthesis of hormones, and primary and secondary metabolism in organisms. Aspergillus species are among the most economically important fungal organisms in human medicine, industry, and agriculture worldwide. Exploring insight on the genome-wide annotations of cytochrome P450s in Aspergillus species is necessary for their biosynthetic applications. In this present study, we report the identification of 306 cytochrome P450s and their robust profiling in eight notable Aspergillus species (A. carbonarius, A. clavatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. oryzae, and A. terreus). Based on the evolutionary relationship, the Aspergillus P450s families clustered into 15 clades, with clades V, I, and XIII recording higher percentages (17.3%, 15.00%, and 14.71%, respectively) of Cyp families. Cyps were classified into 120 families 64 clans, and their putative functions were also elucidated. P450s were predicted to be located in 13 subcellular components, but the endoplasm reticulum was the dominant location across the eight Aspergillus species. Cyps genes of Aspergillus species were associated with seven secondary metabolism-related gene clusters. Elucidating the genome-wide annotations of P450s enzymes in Aspergillus species will form vital potential biotechnological tools that could be harnessed for industrial, pharmaceutical, and agricultural use
Isolation and Characterization of a Cholesterol-Lowering Bacteria from Bubalus bubalis Raw Milk
No full textProbiotics retrieved from animal sources have substantial health benefits for both humans and animals. The present study was designed to identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from domestic water buffalo milk (Bubalus bubalis) and to evaluate their potential as target-based probiotics. Forty-six LAB strains were isolated and, among them, five strains (NMCC-M2, NMCC-M4, NMCC-M5, NMCC-M6, and NMCC-M7) were regarded as possible probiotics on the basis of their phenotypic and biochemical properties. These isolates were molecularly identified as Weissella confusa (NMCC-M2), Leuconostoc pseudo-mesenteroides (NMCC-M4), Lactococcus lactis Subsp. hordniae (NMCC-M5), Enterococcus faecium NMCC-M6, and Enterococcus lactis NMCC-M7. The tested bacterial strains showed significant antimicrobial activity, susceptibility to antibiotics, acid and bile tolerance, sugar fermentation, enzymatic potential, and nonhemolytic characteristics. Interestingly, NMCC-M2 displayed the best probiotic features including survival at pH 3 and 0.5% (w/v) bile salts, complete susceptibility to the tested antibiotics, high enzymatic potential, and in vitro cholesterol reduction (48.0 µg/mL for NMCC-M2) with 0.3% bile salt supplementation. Therefore, the isolated strain NMCC-M2 could be considered as a potential target-based probiotic in cholesterol-lowering fermented food products
