Unveiling genome sequence of Bacillus safensis strain WOB7 KX774196, a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) isolated from cassava wastewater (CWW) in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Bacillus safensis strain WOB7 is a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) that was isolated from cassava wastewater obtained from a processing factory. We present here the draft genome sequence of the strain (WOB7). These data provide valuable information on the prospects of the linamarase and other genes of importance associated with cyanogen detoxification.

Draft genome sequence of Bacillus safensis strain WOIS2 KX774194, a nitrile-metabolizing bacterium isolated from solid waste leachates at Olusosun dumpsite, Ojota, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Bacillus safensis strain WOIS2, a nitrile-metabolizing bacterium, was isolated from solid waste leachates at the Olusosun dumpsite, Ojota, Lagos State, Nigeria. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of strain WOIS2. These data provide valuable information on the bioprospecting of B. safensis nitrilase and other intriguing genes of interest.

COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test could contain transmission in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has impacted heavily on global health. Although real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the current diagnostic method, challenges for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) necessitate cheaper, higher-throughput, reliable rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the documented performance characteristics of available COVID-19 RDTs to understand their public health utility in the ongoing pandemic, especially in resource-scarce LMIC settings. METHODS: Using a scoping review methodology framework, common literature databases and documentary reports were searched up to 22 April 2020, irrespective of geographical location. The search terms included 'SARS-CoV-2 AND serological testing' and 'COVID-19 AND serological testing'. RESULTS: A total of 18 RDTs produced in eight countries, namely China (6; 33.33%), the United States (4; 22.22%), Germany (2; 11.11%), Singapore (2; 11.11%), Canada, Kenya, Korea and Belgium (1 each; 5.56%), were evaluated. Reported sensitivity ranged from 18.4% to 100% (average = 84.7%), whereas specificity ranged from 90.6% to 100% (average = 95.6%). The testing time ranged from 2 min to 30 min. Of the 12 validated RDTs, the IgM/IgG duo kit with non-colloidal gold labelling system was reported to elicit the highest sensitivity (98% - 100%) and specificity (98% - 99% for IgG and 96% - 99% for IgM). CONCLUSION: We found reports of high sensitivity and specificity among the developed RDTs that could complement RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, especially for screening in LMICs. However, it is necessary to validate these kits locally.

Dynamics of inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress across maternal serum, placenta and amniotic fluid in laboratory rats and the role played by genistein aglycone.

Background Genistein was reported to adversely influence fetal development although this is yet to be fully understood as a mechanism. Methods In this study, pregnant rats were divided into control (Cont.) and genistein force-fed (2-mg/kg and 4-mg/kg) groups. Each group was divided further into five subgroups: GD-0, GD-6, GD-13, GD-18, and GD-20 based on the terminal gestational day (GD). On the respective terminal GD, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples and amniotic fluid were carefully collected and separated and placenta homogenates were prepared. These samples were evaluated for oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction. The weights of embryonic implant and placenta tissue were also recorded. Heat shock protein (Hsp) (60 and 90), corticosterone, and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in all the samples. Results Fetal and placental weights in all genistein-exposed groups were significantly decreased. A fluctuation in the level of the Hsp was recorded with a significant decrease recorded in Hsp90 level in the placenta and amniotic fluid towards GD-20 along with a concomitant increase in the corticosterone level in the amniotic fluid in all genistein groups compared to control. Maternal serum at GD-18 and GD -20 recorded a significant increase in antioxidant level (SOD, GSH, CAT) in all genistein-exposed groups. However, these antioxidants were significantly reduced in the placenta and the amniotic fluid compared to control. Conclusions Genistein enhances the placenta function in attenuating the risk of oxidative stress in the amniotic fluid and deferentially suppressed inflammatory activities in the placenta during early gestation and towards late gestation period.

A comparison of the anti-diabetic potential of d-ribose-l-cysteine with insulin, and oral hypoglycaemic agents on pregnant rats.

Over 18% of pregnant women are affected by diabetes mellitus (DM) and Insulin has been the commonest drug used in its treatment. There are reports of noncompliance to insulin due to trypanophobia, with suggestions for the use of oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs). However, the opposing views about the benefits and risk of oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) warrant a continuous search for an alternative regimen. Therefore, this study is aimed at comparing the antidiabetic effects of d-ribose-l-cysteine (riboceine) with vildagliptin, glibenclamide, metformin, glipizide and insulin in diabetes in pregnancy. Forty (40) female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were mated with twenty (20) male SD rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and the female SD rats were divided into 8 groups of five (5) rats each. The animals were administered either of the OHAs vildagliptin, glibenclamide, metformin, glipizide and riboceine for a period of 19 gestational days. The results showed that streptozotocin (STZ) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the weights of the animals, increased malondialdehyde, blood glucose levels and altered reproductive hormones. These effects of STZ were better ameliorated in animals that received insulin and riboceine compared to the other OHAs. While progesterone levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in animals that received riboceine compared to insulin. Glibenclamide increased (p < 0.05) foetal weights compared to non-diabetic animals. In conclusion, glibenclamide may be a threat to mother`s life in the management of diabetes in pregnancy however, riboceine as well as vildagliptin, metformin and glipizide are effective oral hypoglycaemic agents which could serve as a potent adjuvant comparable to insulin in the management of diabetes during gestation.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Lagos, Nigeria.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an essential enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway that prevents oxidative damage to cells. This study determined the genotypic and allelic frequencies of G6PD G202A and A376G and also investigated correlation between G6PD polymorphisms and hemoglobin (Hb) phenotypes in children in Lagos, Nigeria. Seventy-eight children [55 with Hb AA (ßΑ/ßA) and 23 with Hb AS (ßΑ/ßS) trait] and 65 Hb SS (ßS/ßS) (HBB: c.20A>T) subjects in steady state with age range between 5-15 years were recruited for the study. Hemoglobin phenotypes of all study participants were carried out using alkaline electrophoresis and solubility tests. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) was used to determine the G202A and the A376G mutations of the G6PD gene. The genotype and allele distributions of G6PD G202A and A376G according to the Hb phenotypes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The minor allele frequency 202A was 0.15 (15.0%) and 0.14 (14.0%) in cases and controls, respectively. The overall frequency of 376G allele in the case group was 0.35 (35.0%) and 0.38 (38.0%) in the control group. No statistical significance was observed in the genotype and allele distributions of A376G in both the case and control groups (p > 0.05). The G6PD A- frequency in Hb SS subjects and the control group were 6.2 and 2.6%, respectively. G6PD G202A and A376G polymorphisms were not associated with Hb phenotypes and the allele distributions of 202A and 376G in this study are typical of West African populations.

Restraint Stress Impairs Glucose Homeostasis Through Altered Insulin Signalling in Sprague-Dawley Rat.

The study investigated the potential alteration in the level of insulin and adiponectin, as well as the expression of insulin receptors (INSR) and glucose transporter 4 GLUT-4 in chronic restraint stress rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and stress group in which the rats were exposed to one of the four different restraint stressors; 1 h, twice daily for a period of 7 days (S7D), 14 days (S14D) and 28 days (S28D). Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were evaluated following the final stress exposure. ELISA were performed to assess the level of insulin and adiponectin as well as expression of INSR and GLUT4 protein in skeletal muscle. Plasma corticosterone level was also determined as a marker of stress exposure. Restraint stress for 7 days caused transient glucose intolerance, while S14D rats demonstrated increased glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity. However, restraint stress for 28 days had no effect on glucose tolerance, but did cause an increase in glucose response to insulin challenge. The serum level of adiponectin was significantly (p< 0.05) lower compared with the control value while insulin remained unchanged except at in S28D rats that had a significant (p<0.05) increase. The expression of INSR and GLUT4 receptors were significantly (p< 0.05) decreased in the skeletal muscle of restraint stress exposed rats. There was a significant (p< 0.05) increase in the plasma corticosterone level of the stress rats compared with their control counterparts. Restraint stress caused glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity in male Sprague-Dawley rats, which becomes accommodated with prolonged exposure and was likely related to the blunted insulin signalling in skeletal muscle.