Abstract: The small plot experiment was set in 2013 at the RISFLátókép Experimental Farm of the Centre for Agricultural and Applied Economic Sciences of the University of Debrecen, on lime-coated chernozem soil in four replications. The final heights of the maize hybrids were studied at three plant densities (50, 70, and 90 thousand ha-1) and two row spacing (45 and 76cm). During the experiment, we have investigated the development of the final plant heights of five maize hybrids of different vegetation time and genotype: Sarolta, DKC 4025, P 9175, Reseda/P 37M81, and SY Affinity. In the development of the plant heights, the tiller number and the hybrid were the decisive factors. The increasing stock density resulted in significant difference in the plant height values, while the row spacing did not. With the increase of plant density and the length of vegetation time, the heights of the individual plants increased.
Abstract: Protein hydrolysates prepared from a number of medicinal plants are promising sources of various bioactive peptides. In this work, proteins from dried whole plant of Euphorbia hirta Linn. were extracted and digested with pepsin for 12h. The hydrolysates of lesser than 3 KDa were fractionated by a cut-off membrane. The peptide hydrolysate was then purified by an anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel™ column and reverse-phase chromatography on Sep-pak C18 column, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of each peptide fraction against a gastric carcinoma cell line (KATO-III, ATCC No. HTB103) was investigated using colorimetric MTT viability assay. A human liver cell line (Chang Liver, CLS No. 300139) was used as a control normal cell line. Two purified peptide peaks, peak l and peak ll at 100µg peptides mL-1 affected cell viability of the gastric cancer cell lines to 63.85±4.94 and 66.92±6.46%, respectively. Our result showed for the first time that the peptide fractions derived from protein hydrolysate of Euphorbia hirta Linn. have anti-gastric cancer activity, which offers a potential novel and natural anti-gastric cancer remedy.
Abstract: We present a preliminary x-ray study on human-hair
microstructures for a health-state indicator, in particular a cancer
case. As an uncomplicated and low-cost method of x-ray technique,
the human-hair microstructure was analyzed by wide-angle x-ray
diffractions (XRD) and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). The
XRD measurements exhibited the simply reflections at the d-spacing
of 28 Å, 9.4 Å and 4.4 Å representing to the periodic distance of the
protein matrix of the human-hair macrofibrous and the diameter and
the repeated spacing of the polypeptide alpha helixes of the
photofibrils of the human-hair microfibrous, respectively. When
compared to the normal cases, the unhealthy cases including to the
breast- and ovarian-cancer cases obtained higher normalized ratios of
the x-ray diffracting peaks of 9.4 Å and 4.4 Å. This likely resulted
from the varied distributions of microstructures by a molecular
alteration. As an elemental analysis by x-ray fluorescence (XRF), the
normalized quantitative ratios of zinc(Zn)/calcium(Ca) and
iron(Fe)/calcium(Ca) were determined. Analogously, both Zn/Ca and
Fe/Ca ratios of the unhealthy cases were obtained higher than both of
the normal cases were. Combining the structural analysis by XRD
measurements and the elemental analysis by XRF measurements
exhibited that the modified fibrous microstructures of hair samples
were in relation to their altered elemental compositions. Therefore,
these microstructural and elemental analyses of hair samples will be
benefit to associate with a diagnosis of cancer and genetic diseases.
This functional method would lower a risk of such diseases by the
early diagnosis. However, the high-intensity x-ray source, the highresolution
x-ray detector, and more hair samples are necessarily
desired to develop this x-ray technique and the efficiency would be
enhanced by including the skin and fingernail samples with the
human-hair analysis.
Abstract: A new sythetic gene coding for a Human
Elastin-Like Polypeptide was constructed and expressed. The
recombinant product was tested as coating agent to realize a
surface suitable for cell growth. Coatings showed peculiar
features and different human cell lines were seeded and
cultured. All cell lines tested showed to adhere and proliferate
on this substrate that has been shown also to exert a specific
effect on cells, depending on cell type.
Abstract: Among all microRNAs (miRNAs) in 12 plant species investigated in this study, only miR398 targeted the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS). The nucleotide sequences of miRNA binding sites were located in the mRNA protein-coding sequence (CDS) and were highly homologous. These binding sites in CCS mRNA encoded a conservative GDLGTL hexapeptide. The binding sites for miR398 in the CDS of superoxide dismutase 1 mRNA encoded GDLGN pentapeptide. The conservative miR398 binding site located in the CDS of superoxide dismutase 2 mRNA encoded the GDLGNI hexapeptide. The miR398 binding site in the CDS of superoxide dismutase 3 mRNA encoded the GDLGNI or GDLGNV hexapeptide. Gene expression of the entire superoxide dismutase family in the studied plant species was regulated only by miR398. All members of the miR398 family, i.e. miR398a,b,c were connected to one site for each CuZnSOD and chaperone mRNA.
Abstract: A statistical optimization was studied to design a media composition to produce optimum cellulolytic enzyme where palm oil mill effluent (POME) as a basal medium and filamentous fungus, Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 were used in the liquid state bioconversion(LSB). 2% (w/v) total suspended solid, TSS, of the POME supplemented with 1% (w/v) cellulose, 0.5%(w/v) peptone and 0.02% (v/v) Tween 80 was estimated to produce the optimum CMCase activity of 18.53 U/ml through the statistical analysis followed by the faced centered central composite design(FCCCD). The probability values of cellulose (
Abstract: The Zung self-depression scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used both to study the depression and anxiety levels of Armenian Crohn’s disease patients, and to reveal the relation between emotional status and placebo effect of these patients. On the other hand, the blood cell analyses and gut bacteria investigations were used to assess the placebo effect on ESR, and haemoglobin-s and leukocyte-s levels as well as gut commensal E. coli quantities of these patients. Despite of registered high levels of depression and anxiety, the high placebo effect on psychoemotional status for investigated patients during the investigations was described. On the other hand, no positive effect of placebo on measurements of ESP and hemoglobin-s levels of Crohn’s disease patients was revealed. The importance of use of psychotherapies for optimal outcomes during treatments of Crohn’s disease is discussed.
Abstract: The present study describes the biosynthesis of a milkclotting
protease by solid state fermentation (SSF) of a locally
isolated mould, Rhizopus stolonifer. The production medium was
prepared using wheat bran at 50% (w/v). The production conditions
are optimized by varying 7 parameters: carbon and nitrogen sources,
medium moisture, temperature, pH, fermentation time and
inoculum-s size. The maximum enzyme synthesis was measured after
96 h of incubation time at temperature of 28°C. The optimum pH
determined was 6 and the inoculum size was 3.106spores/ml. The
optimum initial moisture content is comprised between 50 to 70%.
The formation of milk clotting protease is enhanced when galactose
and peptone are used at 10% (w/v) and 1% (w/v) concentrations
respectively. The maximum production of milk clotting protease is
120 US/ml.
Abstract: This study examined the toxicological effects and
safety of polypeptide k isolated from the seeds of Momordica
charantia in laboratory rats. 30 male Sprague Dawley rats (12 weeks
old, bodyweight 180-200 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups
(1000 mg/kg, 500 mg and 0 mg/kg). Rats were acclimatized to
laboratory conditions for 7 days and at day 8 rats were dosed orally
with polypeptide k (in 2% DMSO/normal saline) and the controls
received the dosed vehicle only. Rats were then observed for 72
hours before sacrificed. Rats were anaesthetized by pentobarbital
(50 mg/kg ip) and 2-3.0 mL of blood was taken by cardiac puncture
and rats were scarified by anaesthetic overdose. Immediately, organs
(heart, lungs, liver, kidneys) were weigh and taken for histology.
Organ sections were then evaluated by a histopathologist. Serum
samples were assayed for liver functions (ALT and γ-GT) and kidney
functions (BUN and creatinine). All rats showed normal behavior
after the dosing and no statistical changes were observed in all blood
parameters and organ weight. Histological examinations revealed
normal organ structures. In conclusion, dosing of rats up to 1000
mg/kg did not have any effects on the rat behavior, liver or kidney
functions nor histology of the selected organs.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine how different
ripening processes (traditional vs. industrial) influenced the
proteolysis in traditional Serbian dry-fermented sausage Petrovská
klobása. The obtained results indicated more intensive pH decline
(0.7 units after 9 days) in industrially ripened products (I), what had a
positive impact on drying process and proteolytic changes in these
samples. Thus, moisture content in I sausages was lower at each
sampling time, amounting 24.7% at the end of production period
(90 days). Likewise, the process of proteolysis was more pronounced
in I samples, resulting in higher contents of non-protein nitrogen
(NPN) and free amino acids nitrogen (FAAN), as well as in faster
and more intensive degradation of myosin (≈220 kDa), actin (≈45
kDa) and other polypeptides during processing. Consequently, the
appearance and accumulation of several protein fragments were
registered.
Abstract: Recent research has shown that milk proteins can
yield bioactive peptides with opioid, mineral binding,
cytomodulatory, antihypertensive, immunostimulating, antimicrobial
and antioxidative activity in the human body. Bioactive peptides are
encrypted in milk proteins and are only released by enzymatic
hydrolysis in vivo during gastrointestinal digestion, food processing
or by microbial enzymes in fermented products. At present
significant research is being undertaken on the health effects of
bioactive peptides. A variety of naturally formed bioactive peptides
have been found in fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, sour
milk and cheese. In particular, antihypertensive peptides have been
identified in fermented milks, whey and ripened cheese. Some of
these peptides have been commercialized in the form of fermented
milks. Bioactive peptides have the potential to be used in the
formulation of health-enhancing nutraceuticals, and as potent drugs
with well defined pharmacological effects.
Abstract: Bacterial molecular chaperone DnaK plays an essential role in protein folding, stress response and transmembrane targeting of proteins. DnaKs from many bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Haemophilus infleunzae are the molecular targets for the insect-derived antimicrobial peptide pyrrhocoricin. Pyrrhocoricin-like peptides bind in the substrate recognition tunnel. Despite the high degree of crossspecies sequence conservation in the substrate-binding tunnel, some bacteria are not sensitive to pyrrhocoricin. This work addresses the molecular mechanism of resistance of Helicobacter pylori DnaK to pyrrhocoricin. Homology modelling, structural and sequence analysis identify a single aminoacid substitution at the interface between the lid and the β-sandwich subdomains of the DnaK substrate-binding domain as the major determinant for its resistance.
Abstract: Application of Expert System in the area of agriculture would take the form of Integrated Crop Management decision aids and would encompass water management, fertilizer management, crop protection systems and identification of implements. In order to remain competitive, the modern farmer often relies on agricultural specialists and advisors to provide information for decision-making. An expert system normally composed of a knowledge base (information, heuristics, etc.), inference engine (analyzes knowledge base), and end user interface (accepting inputs, generating outputs). Software named 'CROP-9-DSS' incorporating all modern features like, graphics, photos, video clippings etc. has been developed. This package will aid as a decision support system for identification of pest and diseases with control measures, fertilizer recommendation system, water management system and identification of farm implements for leading crops of Kerala (India) namely Coconut, Rice, Cashew, Pepper, Banana, four vegetables like Amaranthus, Bhindi, Brinjal and Cucurbits. 'CROP-9-DSS' will act as an expert system to agricultural officers, scientists in the field of agriculture and extension workers for decision-making and help them in suggesting suitable recommendations.
Abstract: In order to characterize the soy protein hydrolysate obtained in this study, gel chromatography on Sephadex G-25 was used to perform the separation of the peptide mixture and electrophoresis in SDS-polyacrylamide gel has been employed. Protein hydrolysate gave high antioxidant activities, but didn't give any antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant activities of protein hydrolysate was in the same trend of peptide content which gave high antioxidant activities and high peptide content between fractions 15 to 50. With increasing peptide concentrations, the scavenging effect on DPPH radical increased until about 70%, thereafter reaching a plateau. In compare to different concentrations of BHA, which exhibited higher activity (90%), soybean protein hydrolysate exhibited high antioxidant activities (70%) at a concentration of 1.45 mg/ml at fraction 25. Electrophoresis analysis indicated that, low- MW hydrolysate fractions (F1) appeared, on average, to have higher DPPH scavenging activities than high-MW fractions. These results revealed that soybean peptides probably contain substances that were proton donors and could react with free radicals to convert them to stable diamagnetic molecules.
Abstract: Yogurt is a coagulated milk product obtained from
the lactic acid fermentation by the action of Lactobacillus
bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The additions of fruits
into milk may enhance the taste and the therapeutical values of milk
products. However fruits also may change the fermentation
behaviour. In this present study, the changes in physicochemical, the
peptide concentration, total phenolics content and the antioxidant
potential of yogurt upon the addition of Hylocereus polyrhizus and
Hylocereus undatus (white and red dragon fruit) were investigated.
Fruits enriched yogurt (10%, 20%, 30% w/w) were prepared and the
pH, TTA, syneresis measurement, peptide concentration, total
phenolics content and DPPH antioxidant inhibition percentage were
determined. Milk fermentation rate was enhanced in red dragon fruit
yogurt for all doses (-0.3606 - -0.4126 pH/h) while only white
dragon fruit yogurt with 20% and 30% (w/w) composition showed
increment in fermentation rate (-0.3471 - -0.3609 pH/h) compared to
plain yogurt (-0.3369pH/h). All dragon fruit enriched yogurts
generally showed lower pH readings (pH 3.95 - 4.03) compared to
plain yogurt (pH 4.05). Both fruit yogurts showed a higher lactic
acid percentage (1.14-1.23%) compared to plain yogurt (1.08%).
Significantly higher syneresis percentage (57.19 - 70.32%)
compared to plain yogurt (52.93%) were seen in all fruit enriched
yogurts. The antioxidant activity of plain yogurt (19.16%) was
enhanced by the presence of white and red dragon fruit (24.97-
45.74%). All fruit enriched yogurt showed an increment in total
phenolic content (36.44 - 64.43mg/ml) compared to plain yogurt
(20.25mg/ml). However, the addition of white and red dragon fruit
did not enhance the proteolysis of milk during fermentation.
Therefore, it could be concluded that the addition of white and red
dragon fruit into yogurt enhanced the milk fermentation rate, lactic
acid content, syneresis percentage, antioxidant activity, and total
phenolics content in yogurt.
Abstract: Image watermarking has become an important tool for
intellectual property protection and authentication. In this paper a
watermarking technique is suggested that incorporates two
watermarks in a host image for improved protection and robustness.
A watermark, in form of a PN sequence (will be called the secondary
watermark), is embedded in the wavelet domain of a primary
watermark before being embedded in the host image. The technique
has been tested using Lena image as a host and the camera man as
the primary watermark. The embedded PN sequence was detectable
through correlation among other five sequences where a PSNR of
44.1065 dB was measured. Furthermore, to test the robustness of the
technique, the watermarked image was exposed to four types of
attacks, namely compression, low pass filtering, salt and pepper noise
and luminance change. In all cases the secondary watermark was
easy to detect even when the primary one is severely distorted.
Abstract: The performance of an image filtering system depends
on its ability to detect the presence of noisy pixels in the image. Most
of the impulse detection schemes assume the presence of salt and
pepper noise in the images and do not work satisfactorily in case of
uniformly distributed impulse noise. In this paper, a new algorithm is
presented to improve the performance of switching median filter in
detection of uniformly distributed impulse noise. The performance of
the proposed scheme is demonstrated by the results obtained from
computer simulations on various images.
Abstract: Two commercial proteases from Bacillus
licheniformis (Alcalase 2.4 L FG and Alcalase 2.5 L, Type DX) were
screened for the production of Z-Ala-Phe-NH2 in batch reaction.
Alcalase 2.4 L FG was the most efficient enzyme for the C-terminal
amidation of Z-Ala-Phe-OMe using ammonium carbamate as
ammonium source. Immobilization of protease has been achieved by
the sol-gel method, using dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMDMOS) and
tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) as precursors (unpublished results). In
batch production, about 95% of Z-Ala-Phe-NH2 was obtained at
30°C after 24 hours of incubation. Reproducibility of different
batches of commercial Alcalase 2.4 L FG preparations was also
investigated by evaluating the amidation activity and the entrapment
yields in the case of immobilization. A packed-bed reactor (0.68 cm
ID, 15.0 cm long) was operated successfully for the continuous
synthesis of peptide amides. The immobilized enzyme retained the
initial activity over 10 cycles of repeated use in continuous reactor at
ambient temperature. At 0.75 mL/min flow rate of the substrate
mixture, the total conversion of Z-Ala-Phe-OMe was achieved after 5
hours of substrate recycling. The product contained about 90%
peptide amide and 10% hydrolysis byproduct.
Abstract: Dried soy protein hydrolysate powder was added to
the burger in order to enhance the oxidative stability as well as
decreases the microbial spoilage. The soybean bioactive compounds
(soy protein hydrolysate) as antioxidant and antimicrobial were added
at level of 1, 2 and 3 %.Chemical analysis and physical properties
were affected by protein hydrolysate addition. The TBA values were
significantly affected (P < 0.05) by the storage period and the level of
soy protein hydrolysate. All the tested soybean protein hydrolysate
additives showed strong antioxidant properties. Samples of soybean
protein hydrolysate showed the lowest (P < 0.05) TBA values at each
time of storage.
The counts of all determined microbiological indicators were
significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the addition of the soybean
protein hydrolysate. Decreasing trends of different extent were also
observed in samples of the treatments for total viable counts,
Coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, yeast and molds. Storage period
was being significantly (P < 0.05) affected on microbial counts in all
samples Staphylococcus aureus were the most sensitive microbe
followed by Coliform group of the sample containing protein
hydrolysate, while molds and yeast count showed a decreasing trend
but not significant (P < 0.05) until the end of the storage period
compared with control sample. Sensory attributes were also
performed, added protein hydrolysate exhibits beany flavor which
was clear about samples of 3% protein hydrolysate.
Abstract: Sugarcane bagasses are one of the most extensively used agricultural residues. Using acid hydrolysis and fermentation, conversion of sugarcane bagasses to lactic acid was technically and economically feasible. This research was concerned with the solubility of lignin in ammonium hydroxide, acid hydrolysis and lactic acid fermentation by Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus casei. The lignin extraction results for different ammonium hydroxide concentrations showed that 10 % (v/v) NH4OH was favorable to lignin dissolution. Acid hydrolysis can be enhanced with increasing acid concentration and reaction temperature. The optimum glucose and xylose concentrations occurred at 121 ○C for 1 hour hydrolysis time in 10% sulphuric acid solution were 32 and 11 g/l, respectively. In order to investigate the significance of medium composition on lactic acid production, experiments were undertaken whereby a culture of Lactococcus lactis was grown under various glucose, peptone, yeast extract and xylose concentrations. The optimum medium was composed of 5 g/l glucose, 2.5 g/l xylose, 10 g/l peptone and 5 g/l yeast extract. Lactococcus lactis represents the most efficient for lactic acid production amongst those considered. The lactic acid fermentation by Lactococcus lactis after 72 hours gave the highest yield of 1.4 (g lactic acid per g reducing sugar).