Frontiers in Biology

ISSN 1674-7984

ISSN 1674-7992(Online)

CN 11-5892/Q

   Online First

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, Volume 13 Issue 3

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REVIEW
Siberian plants: untapped repertoire of bioactive endosymbionts
Syed Baker, Svetlana V. Prudnikova, Tatiana Volova
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 157-167.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1483-5

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BACKGROUND: Endosymbionts are microorganisms present in all plant species, and constitute the subject of interest among the scientific community. These symbionts have gained considerable attention in recent years, owing to their emerging biological roles. Global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, cancer, and many genetic disorders, exist. Endosymbionts can help address these challenges by secreting value-added bioactive compounds with various activities.

OBJECTIVE: Herein, we describe the importance of plants inhabiting Siberian niches. These plants are considered to be among the least studied organisms in the plant kingdom worldwide. Barcoding these plants can be of interest for exploring bioactive endosymbionts possessing myriad biological properties.

METHODS: A systematic survey of relevant scientific reports was conducted using the PubMed search engine. The reports were analyzed, and compiled to draft this review.

RESULTS: The literature survey on Siberian plants regarding endosymbionts included a few reports, since extremely few exploratory studies have been conducted on the plants in these regions. Studies on the endosymbionts of these plants are highly valuable, as they report potent endosymbionts possessing numerous biological properties. Based on these considerations, this review aims to create awareness among the global scientific community working on related areas.

CONCLUSION: This review could provide the basis for barcoding novel endosymbionts of Siberian plants and their ecological importance, which can be exploited in various sectors. The main purpose of this review is to create awareness of Siberian plants, which are among the least studied organisms in the plant kingdom, with respect to endosymbionts, among the scientific community.

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CBP/p300: intramolecular and intermolecular regulations
Yongming Xue, Hong Wen, Xiaobing Shi
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 168-179.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1502-6

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BACKGROUND: CREB binding protein (CBP) and its close paralogue p300 are transcriptional coactivators with intrinsic acetyltransferase activity. Both CBP/p300 play critical roles in development and diseases. The enzymatic and biological functions of CBP/p300 are tightly regulated by themselves and by external factors. However, a comprehensive up-to-date review of the intramolecular and intermolecular regulations is lacking.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the molecular mechanisms regulating CBP/p300s functions.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) for literatures published during 1985-2018. Keywords “CBP regulation” or “p300 regulation” were used for the search.

RESULTS: The functions of CBP/p300, especially their acetyltransferase activity and chromatin association, are regulated both intramolecularly by their autoinhibitory loop (AIL), bromodomain, and PHD-RING region and intermolecularly by their interacting partners. The intramolecular mechanisms equip CBP/p300 with the capability of self-regulation while the intermolecular mechanisms allow them to respond to various cell signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION: Investigations into those regulation mechanisms are crucial to our understanding of CBP/p300s role in development and pathogenesis. Pharmacological interventions targeting these regulatory mechanisms have therapeutic potentials.

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A review on melatonin action as therapeutic agent in cancer
Soumya Nair, Sandra Suresh, Arya Kaniyassery, Panchami Jaya, Jayanthi Abraham
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 180-189.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1503-5

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BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a hormone which is produced from pineal gland in human and is said to have various impacts in human body like controlling sleep wake cycle, regulating the immune and cardiovascular system and regulating the peripheral organ functioning to name a few. Researchers have reported that the melatonin levels correlates with cancer risks.

OBJECTIVE: In this review article, focus has been given to the therapeutic applications and impact of melatonin hormone in human behavior and physiologic activities. Through this article we aim in compiling the scattered information regarding melatonin and its various aspects of importance in human system.

METHODS: We made an analysis of existing hypothesis and studies published on melatonin and circadian rhythm, factors effecting Melatonin secretions in body, sleep disturbances and cancer risks and melatonin therapy in cancer patients.

RESULTS: Melatonin's role as an endogenous synchronizer, growing evidence suggests its anti-oxidative activity as well as its having a role in modulating immune responses. Fluctuating melatonin levels can be boosted by ingesting products containing melatonin. A large portion of the examinations detailed by the researchers clearly conclude that keeping up an impeccable sleep-wake cycle and having a healthy diet is extremely important to keep up the regular melatonin levels and in order to stay fit.

CONCLUSION: Melatonin is considered as a critical hormone that controls and regulates many functions in our body. Melatonin production is emphatically related to the night time duration. Its most absolute biological role is to convey information to the body about day length for a variety of physiologic functions. In addition to melatonin's role as an endogenous synchronizer, growing evidence suggests its anti-oxidative activity as well as its having a role in modulating immune responses. At present, a growing interest is focused on the validity of the anti-tumor mechanisms of melatonin.

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The effect of coagulation factors polymorphisms on abortion
Narjes Feizollahi, Zeinab Deris Zayeri, Najme Moradi, Mahvash Zargar, Hadi Rezaeeyan
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 190-196.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1500-8

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OBJECTIVE: Recent studies showed coagulation factors play important role in controlling pregnancy duration in addition to controlling homeostasis. Recent studies showed several polymorphisms of coagulation factors genes increase the clot formation and lead to abortion. In this study, we evaluated the polymorphisms of coagulation factors and their effects on the development of the fetus.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search (1988-2017) of English language papers using the terms Abortion, pregnancy woman, coagulation factor and polymorphism.

RESULT: Several polymorphisms of coagulation factors disturb the exchange of food and other materials between the fetus and the mother, and impairs the formation of the placenta during embryonic stages.

DISCUSSION: Evaluation of functional polymorphisms in coagulation factors gene during fetal development can be used as a prognostic factor in the prevention of the abortion.

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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Process optimization for microencapsulation of probiotic yeasts
Mangala Lakshmi Ragavan, Nilanjana Das
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 197-207.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1495-1

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BACKGROUND: Microencapsulation is a technique which improves the survival and viability of probiotics. We demonstrate encapsulation of five potential probiotic yeasts with alginate and gum as encapsulation matrices to improve their gastrointestinal transit.

METHODS: Gum extracted from various cereals viz. rice, oats, barley, finger millet and pearl millet along with alginate have been used to encapsulate five potential probiotic yeasts. Screening was carried out by measuring swelling index, encapsulation efficiency and nutritional value of microcapsules encapsulated with alginate and gum. The concentration of OBG, sodium alginate and inoculum dosage of probiotic yeasts was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Efficiency of alginate OBG microcapsules with or without coating materials viz. whey protein and chitosan also tested. The mucoadhesion ability and storage stability of alginate OBG microcapsules with coating materials were tested.

RESULTS: Highest encapsulation efficiency of probiotic yeasts was noted using oats bran gum (OBG) microcapsules along with alginate in all the five probiotic yeasts. Notably whey protein coated microcapsules showed maximum GIT tolerance (95%) and mucoadhesion (90%) for L. starkeyi VIT-MN03. The minimum loss of viability was observed in L. starkeyi VIT-MN03 microcapsules on 60th day of storage.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on optimization and survival of microencapsulated probiotic yeasts under simulated GIT conditions using natural gum and alginate as encapsulation matrices and whey protein as coating material.

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Isolation and characterization of marine biofilm forming bacteria from a ship’s hull
Kavitha S, Vimala Raghavan
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 208-214.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1496-0

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BACKGROUND: Diverse aquatic microorganisms are capable of colonizing living and non-living surfaces leading to the formation of biofilms. Commonly visualized as a slimy layer, these biofilms are filled with hundreds of other microorganisms compared to free living planktonic cells. Microbial surface colonization and surface-associated metabolic activities also exert several macroscale deleterious effects, including biofouling, biocorrosion and the persistence and transmission of harmful or pathogenic microorganisms and virulence determinants. The present study deals with the isolation and screening of marine bacteria for biofilm formation. The screened isolates were characterized and identified as Psychrobacter celer, Psychrobacter alimentarius and Kocuria rhizophila by 16S rRNA sequencing.

METHODS: Biofilm forming bacteria were isolated by spread plate technique and subjected to screening by microtiter plate assay. The potent biofilm formers were identified by molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS: Twelve bacterial isolates were obtained by pour plate technique and subjected to biofilm assay. Among the 12 isolates three isolates which showed maximum biofilm formation were subjected to molecular characterizationby 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. The isolates were identified as Psychrobacter celer, Psychrobacter alimentarius and Kocuria rhizophila. The EPS produced by the three biofilm forming bacteria was extracted and the protein and carbohydrate content determined.

CONCLUSION: Among the isolates screened, isolate 8 (Kocuria rhizophila) produced maximum protein and carbohydrate which was also in accordance with the results of microtiter plate assay.

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Construction of protein–protein interaction network based on transcriptome profiling of ovine granulosa cells during the sheep’s anestrus phase
Reza Talebi, Ahmad Ahmadi, Fazlollah Afraz
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 215-225.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1499-x

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BACKGROUND: Small antral follicles as the final reserve of folliculogenesis, are existed throughout the reproductive life span of sheep. However, the ovarian cycles of ewe cease in the anestrus phase. This study was aimed to elucidate the ovarian small antral follicles transcriptome in the ewe’s anestrus phase.

METHODS: Granulosa cells of small antral follicles (≤3 mm) were collected from two groups of Mehraban ewes under long days of summer in the non-breeding season as anestrus phase. Transcriptome profiling of these granulosa cells were obtained using the RNA-Seq technology. An integrative analysis was utilized to identify key regulatory genes which may have potential impacts on intra-ovarian molecular activities.

RESULTS: Globally, 14506 genes were expressed whose higher expressions belonged to genes that encoded ribosomal proteins. Top significant terms of gene ontology were pertained to protein translational processes. Apart of this, most of highly significant terms were also relevant to apoptotic process through extracellular vesicles, including apoptotic bodies and exosomes. Regarding to node effect property, UBA52 (ubiquitin A-52 residue ribosomal protein fusion product 1) and RPS5 (ribosomal proteins S5) contained in highest out-degree and in-degree, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ribosomal mRNA/proteins could make the granulosa cells undergo a lot of changes from the point of view that ovarian activities are ceased in the anestrus phase.

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Mobile blood collection sites and their roles in providing safe and adequate supply: A six-year experience
Mostafa Paridar, Abbas Khosravi, Mohammad-Ali Jalali-Far, Sima Zolfaghari, Omid Kiani Ghaleh Sardi, Mehdi Sajadi
Front. Biol.. 2018, 13 (3): 226-234.  
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-018-1497-z

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BACKGROUND: The determination of the role of mobile sites, as compared with fixed sites, in providing safe blood supply will help with the planning of future programs.

MATERIALS and METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out at the Khuzestan Blood Transfusion Organization from 2007 to 2012. Samples of the blood collected at mobile sites and fixed sites were compared. Comparisons took into consideration noticeable trends as well as the prevalence of major TTIs including HIV, HBV and HCV.

RESULTS: The total number of blood donations from 2007 to 2012 was 621117 out of which 89590 (14.43%) were collected from mobile sites. The overall blood donation index was estimated at 23.8 per 1000 population. The prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in mobile site donations was 5.31, 320.34 and 117.4, and in fixed sites was 5.31, 214.72 and 104.83 per 100000 donations respectively. HBV prevalence in mobile sites was significantly higher than in fixed sites (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION: The blood donation index in Khuzestan province is much better when compared with areas of similar socio-economic status as well as neighboring countries. The allotment of blood units collected by mobile teams is lower than that of national reports. In addition, the prevalence of TTIs in mobile site blood donations was higher than at fixed sites.

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8 articles