Correction: Sundaraj et al. Cloning, Expression and Functional Characterization of a Novel α-Humulene Synthase, Responsible for the Formation of Sesquiterpene in Agarwood Originating from Aquilaria malaccensis. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45, 8989-9002.

Afiq Adham Abd Rasib and Roohaida Othman were not included as authors in the original publication [...].

Cloning, Expression and Functional Characterization of a Novel α-Humulene Synthase, Responsible for the Formation of Sesquiterpene in Agarwood Originating from Aquilaria malaccensis.

This study describes the cloning, expression and functional characterization of α-humulene synthase, responsible for the formation of the key aromatic compound α-humulene in agarwood originating from Aquilaria malaccensis. The partial sesquiterpene synthase gene from the transcriptome data of A. malaccensis was utilized for full-length gene isolation via a 3' RACE PCR. The complete gene, denoted as AmDG2, has an open reading frame (ORF) of 1671 bp and encodes for a polypeptide of 556 amino acids. In silico analysis of the protein highlighted several conserved motifs typically found in terpene synthases such as Asp-rich substrate binding (DDxxD), metal-binding residues (NSE/DTE), and cytoplasmic ER retention (RxR) motifs at their respective sites. The AmDG2 was successfully expressed in the E. coli:pET-28a(+) expression vector whereby an expected band of about 64 kDa in size was detected in the SDS-PAGE gel. In vitro enzyme assay using substrate farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) revealed that AmDG2 gave rise to two sesquiterpenes: α-humulene (major) and ß-caryophyllene (minor), affirming its identity as α-humulene synthase. On the other hand, protein modeling performed using AlphaFold2 suggested that AmDG2 consists entirely of α-helices with short connecting loops and turns. Meanwhile, molecular docking via AutoDock Vina (Version 1.5.7) predicted that Asp307 and Asp311 act as catalytic residues in the α-humulene synthase. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the cloning, expression and functional characterization of α-humulene synthase from agarwood originating from A. malaccensis species. These findings reveal a deeper understanding of the structure and functional properties of the α-humulene synthase and could be utilized for metabolic engineering work in the future.

Production of Lectins from Marine Algae: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities for Non-Destructive Extraction.

Marine algae are an excellent source of novel lectins. The isolation of lectins from marine algae expands the diversity in structure and carbohydrate specificities of lectins isolated from other sources. Marine algal lectins have been reported to have antiviral, antitumor, and antibacterial activity. Lectins are typically isolated from marine algae by grinding the algal tissue with liquid nitrogen and extracting with buffer and alcohol. While this method produces higher yields, it may not be sustainable for large-scale production, because a large amount of biomass is required to produce a minute amount of compound, and a significant amount of waste is generated during the extraction process. Therefore, non-destructive extraction using algal culture water could be used to ensure a continuous supply of lectins without exclusively disrupting the marine algae. This review discusses the traditional and recent advancements in algal lectin extraction methods over the last decade, as well as the steps required for large-scale production. The challenges and prospects of various extraction methods (destructive and non-destructive) are also discussed.

Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Proinflammatory Cytokines Is a Potential Therapeutic Action of Ficus lepicarpa B. (Moraceae) against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

Local tribes use the leaves of Ficus lepicarpa B. (Moraceae), a traditional Malaysian medicine, as a vegetable dish, a tonic, and to treat ailments including fever, jaundice and ringworm. The purpose of this study was to look into the possible therapeutic effects of F. lepicarpa leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. The DPPH test was used to measure the antioxidant activity of plants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the phytochemical analysis (GCMS). Six groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the following treatment regimens: control group, CCl4 alone, F. lepicarpa 400 mg/kg alone, CCl4 + F. lepicarpa 100 mg/kg, CCl4 + F. lepicarpa 200 mg/kg and CCl4 + F. lepicarpa 400 mg/kg. The rats were euthanized after two weeks, and biomarkers of liver function and antioxidant enzyme status were assessed. To assess the extent of liver damage and fibrosis, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of liver tissue were undertaken. The total phenolic content and the total flavonoid content in methanol extract of F. lepicarpa leaves were 58.86 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g and 44.31 ± 0.10 mg CAE/g, respectively. F. lepicarpa's inhibitory concentration (IC50) for free radical scavenging activity was reported to be 3.73 mg/mL. In a dose-related manner, F. lepicarpa was effective in preventing an increase in serum ALT, serum AST and liver MDA. Histopathological alterations revealed that F. lepicarpa protects against the oxidative stress caused by CCl4. The immunohistochemistry results showed that proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2) were suppressed. The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging activities of F. lepicarpa can be related to its hepatoprotective benefits.

Adaptive Strategies of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolated from Acid Mine Drainage Site in Sabah, Malaysia.

The adaptive process in bacteria is driven by specific genetic elements which regulate phenotypic characteristics such as tolerance to high metal ion concentrations and the secretion of protective biofilms. Extreme environments such as those associated with heavy metal pollution and extremes of acidity offer opportunities to study the adaptive mechanisms of microorganisms. This study focused on the genome analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt MCMY1), a gram positive rod shaped bacterium isolated from an acid mine drainage site in Sabah, Malaysia by using a combination of Single Molecule Real Time DNA Sequencing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The genome size of Bt MCMY1 was determined to be 5,458,152 bases which was encoded on a single chromosome. Analysis of the genome revealed genes associated with resistance to Copper, Mercury, Arsenic, Cobalt, Zinc, Cadmium and Aluminum. Evidence from SEM and FTIR indicated that the bacterial colonies form distinct films which bear the signature of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and this finding was supported by the genome data indicating the presence of a genetic pathway associated with the biosynthesis of PHAs. This is the first report of a Bacillus sp. isolated from an acid mine drainage site in Sabah, Malaysia and the genome sequence will provide insights into the manner in which B. thuringiensis adapts to acid mine drainage.

Recombinant LipL32 Protein Developed Using a Synthetic Gene Detects Leptospira-specific Antibodies in Human Serum Samples.

BACKGROUND: Synthetic biology is emerging as a viable alternative for the production of recombinant antigens for diagnostic applications. It offers a safe alternative for the synthesis of antigenic principles derived from organisms that pose a high biological risk. METHODS: Here, we describe an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the synthetic recombinant LipL32 (rLipL32) protein expressed in Escherichia coli for the detection of Leptospira-specific antibodies in human serum samples. The rLipL32-based ELISA was compared with a microscopic agglutination test (MAT), which is currently used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of leptospirosis. RESULTS: Our results showed that all the MAT-positive serum samples were positive for Leptospira-specific IgG in an ELISA, while 65% (n = 13) of these samples were also positive for Leptospira-specific IgM. In the MAT-negative serum samples, 80% and 55% of the samples were detected as negative by an ELISA for Leptospira-specific IgM and IgG, respectively. CONCLUSION: An ELISA using the synthetic rLipL32 antigen was able to distinguish Leptospira-specific IgM (sensitivity 65% and specificity 80%) and IgG (sensitivity 100% and specificity 55%) in human serum samples and has the potential to serve as a rapid diagnostic test for leptospirosis.

Homogeneous Nature of Malaysian Marine Fish Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Perciformes; Serranidae): Evidence Based on Molecular Markers, Morphology and Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis.

Taxonomic confusion exists within the genus Epinephelus due to the lack of morphological specializations and the overwhelming number of species reported in several studies. The homogenous nature of the morphology has created confusion in the Malaysian Marine fish species Epinephelus fuscoguttatus and Epinephelus hexagonatus. In this study, the partial DNA sequence of the 16S gene and mitochondrial nucleotide sequences of two gene regions, Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I and III were used to investigate the phylogenetic relationship between them. In the phylogenetic trees, E. fuscoguttatus was monophyletic with E. hexagonatus species and morphology examination shows that no significant differences were found in the morphometric features between these two taxa. This suggests that E. fuscoguttatus is not distinguishable from E. hexagonatus species, and that E. fuscoguttatus have been identified to be E. hexagonatus species is likely attributed to differences in environment and ability to camouflage themselves under certain conditions. Interestingly, this finding was also supported by Principal Component Analysis on Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier-transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) data analysis. Molecular, morphological and meristic characteristics were combined with ATR-FTIR analysis used in this study offer new perspectives in fish species identification. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an extensive genetic population study of E. fuscoguttatus in Malaysia and this understanding will play an important role in informing genetic stock-specific strategies for the management and conservation of this highly valued fish.

Complete genome sequence data of an Antarctic bacterium Arthrobacter sp. EM1 from the freshwater lake of the King George Island.

Arthrobacter sp. EM1 is a cold-adapted bacterium isolated from the Antarctic region, which was known to exhibit mannan-degrading activity. Accordingly, this strain not only promises a cell factory for mannan-degrading enzymes, widely used in industry but also serves as a model organism to decipher its cold adaptation mechanism. Accordingly, whole genome sequencing of the EM1 strain was performed via Single Molecule Real Time sequencing under the PacBio platform, followed by genome HGAP de novo assembly and genome annotation through Rapid Annotation System Technology (RAST) server. The chromosome of this strain is 3,885,750 bp in size with a GC content of 65.8. The annotation predicted a total of 3607 protein-coding genes and 65 RNA genes, which were classified under 398 subsystems. The subsystem with the highest number of genes is carbohydrate metabolism (397 genes), which includes two genes encoding mannan-degrading enzymes (endoglucanase and α-mannosidase). This confirmed that the EM1 strain is able to produce cold-adapted mannan degrading enzymes. The complete genome sequence data have been submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and have been deposited at GenBank (Bioproject ID Accession Number: PRJNA963062; Biosample ID Accession Number: SAMN34434776; GenBank: CP124836.1; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/CP124836).

Whole genome sequence data of a marine bacterium, Marinobacter adhaerens PBVC038, associated with toxic harmful algal bloom.

Marinobacter adhaerens (PBVC038) was isolated from a harmful algal bloom event caused by the toxic dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum (P. bahamense) in Sepanggar Bay, Sabah, Malaysia, in December 2012. Blooms of P. bahamense are frequently linked to paralytic shellfish poisoning, resulting in morbidity and mortality. Prior experimental evidence has implicated the role of symbiotic bacteria in bloom dynamics and the synthesis of biotoxins. The draft genome sequence data of a harmful algal bloom-associated bacterium, Marinobacter adhaerens PBVC038 is presented here. The genome is made up of 21 contigs with an estimated 4,246,508 bases in genome size and a GC content of 57.19%. The raw data files can be retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the Bioproject number PRJNA320140. The assessment of bacterial communities associated with harmful algal bloom should be studied more extensively as more data is needed to ascertain the functions of these associated bacteria during a bloom event.

Small RNA datasets of drug-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from Sabah, Malaysia.

These datasets present a list of small RNAs from three drug-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from Sabah, Malaysia. Sputum samples were obtained from three tuberculosis patients belonging to different districts. The bacteria were detected using GeneXpert MTB/RIF, isolated and cultured in BACTECTM MGITTM 320, and tested for their drug susceptibility. Total RNAs were extracted, sequenced, and analyzed using bioinformatic tools to filter out small RNA present in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Small RNA sequencing generated total raw reads of 63,252,209, 63,636,812, and 61,148,224 and total trimmed reads (15-30 nucleotides) of 51,533,188, 53,520,197, and 51,363,772 for Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain SBH49, SBH149, and SBH372, respectively. The raw data were submitted to the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the accession numbers of SRX16744291 (SBH49), SRX16744292 (SBH149), and SRX16744293 (SBH372). Small RNAs play important roles in cellular processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, development of resistance to antibiotics and immune response, and metabolism regulation. The small RNAs determined here could provide further insights into various cellular processes crucial for Mycobacterium tuberculosis survivability and a better understanding of their gene regulation which ultimately opens a new pathway for combating tuberculosis infection.

Seroprevalence and molecular characterisation of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in broiler farms in Sabah, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is classified as a highly contagious viral agent that causes acute respiratory, reproductive and renal system pathology in affected poultry farms. Molecular and serological investigations are crucial for the accurate diagnosis and management of IBV. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IBV and to characterise the circulating IBV in poultry farms in Sabah Province, Malaysia. METHODS: To determine IBV antibodies, a total of 138 blood samples and 50 organ samples were collected from 10 commercial broiler flocks in 3 different farms by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IDEXX Kit) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 94.2% (130/138) of the samples were seropositive for IBV in the vaccinated flock, and 38% (52/138) of the birds was the IBV titre for infection. The selected seropositive samples for IBV were confirmed by RT-PCR, with 22% (11/50) being IBV positive amplified and sequenced by targeted highly conserved partial nucleocapsid (N) genes. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis constructed using amplified sequences again exposed the presence of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Chinese QX variants circulating in poultry farms in Sabah, Malaysia. CONCLUSIONS: The unexpectedly increasing mean titres in serology indicated that post infection of IBV and highly prevalent IBV in selected farms in this study. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of multiple IBV variants circulating in Malaysian chicken farms in Sabah, which further monitoring of genetic variation are needed to better understand the genetic diversity.

Carrageenan From Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae): Metabolism, Structure, Production, and Application.

Carrageenan is a polysaccharide derived from red algae (seaweed) with enormous economic potential in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, printing, and textiles. Carrageenan is primarily produced through aquaculture-based seaweed farming, with Eucheuma and Kappaphycus species accounting for more than 90% of global output. There are three major types of carrageenan found in red algae: kappa (κ)-, iota (ι)-, and lambda (λ)-carrageenan. Kappaphycus alvarezii is the most common kappa-carrageenan source, and it is primarily farmed in Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Carrageenan extracted from K. alvarezii has recently received a lot of attention due to its economic potential in a wide range of applications. This review will discuss K. alvarezii carrageenan in terms of metabolic and physicochemical structure, extraction methods and factors affecting production yield, as well as current and future applications.

Dataset of genome sequence, de novo assembly, and functional annotation of Ruegeria sp. (PBVC088), a marine bacterium associated with the toxin-producing harmful dinoflagellate, Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum.

The dataset comprises a whole-genome sequence of Ruegeria sp. PBVC088, a symbiotic (Gram-negative) bacterium associated with Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, which has been associated with harmful algal blooms in the coastal waters of west Sabah, Malaysia. Harmful algal blooms contribute to economic losses for the aquaculture industry, as well as human illnesses and fatalities due to paralytic shellfish poisoning. Bacteria-algae dynamics have posited that the interaction is potentially responsible for the toxin production during a toxic harmful algal bloom event. Despite the expanding body of literature on the capabilities of these bacteria to metabolize, produce, and modify toxins autonomously, it has yet to be confirmed that these toxin-producing bacteria are capable of autonomous toxin synthesis. Saxitoxin, a paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin, is produced by a unique biosynthetic pathway, where the genetic basis for the saxitoxin production was first reported in the saxitoxin-producing cyanobacteria strain Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii T3 (NCBI accession no. DQ787200). The genes responsible for saxitoxin biosynthesis in dinoflagellates, have yet to be fully elucidated. The identification of cyanobacteria saxitoxin biosynthesis genes (sxt) may eventually lead to the identification of homologous genes within the dinoflagellates. Previous studies on the diversity of the bacterial communities associated with the same toxic P. bahamense harmful alga has been carried out by using both the culture-dependent 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis and culture-independent 16S metagenomic sequence analysis. This study extends the knowledge pertaining to the genomic aspect of an associated bacterium isolated from P. bahamense alga by adopting a whole genome sequencing approach. Here, we report the genome sequencing, de novo assembly, and annotation data of a bacterium, Ruegeria sp. PBVC088, associated with harmful alga P. bahamense, which can be referenced by researchers to identify the genes and pathways related to toxin biosynthesis from a much larger data set. The genome of Ruegeria sp. PBVC088 was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform with 250 bp paired-end reads. The number of reads generated from the MiSeq sequencer was 1,135,484, with an estimated coverage of 100X. The estimated genome size for the marine bacterium was computed to be 5.78 Mb. Annotation of the genome predicted 5,689 gene sequences, which were assigned putative functions based on homology to existing protein sequences in public databases. In addition, annotation of genes related to saxitoxin biosynthesis pathway was also performed. Raw fastq reads and the final version of the genome assembly have been deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (BioProject: PRJNA324753, WGS: LZNT00000000, SRA: SRR3646181). The genome data provided here are expected to better understand the genetic processes involved in saxitoxin biosynthesis in marine bacteria associated with dinoflagellates.

Dataset of 16S ribosomal DNA sequences of bacteria isolated from marine red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii.

The data provided in the article contains bacterial community profiles present on the surface of red algae (Kappaphycus alvarezii) isolated directly after collection and after 30 days of cultivation in a closed circulation system. The explants of Kappaphycus alvarezii were cultivated in a laboratory setting under controlled growth conditions for 30 days in order to determine bacteria that could adapt to controlled culture conditions. Amplification and sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA amplicon were performed on bacterial isolates associated with the seedlings. The 16S rDNA gene sequences were analyzed, trimmed, and assembled into contigs using DNA Baser Sequence Assembler (V5) software. Taxonomic identification for the assembled sequences was achieved using the online BLAST (blastn) algorithm, and the construction of a phylogenetic tree was performed using the MEGA7 software. The data reveals a distinct set of microbial variations between day one and day 30. The phylogenetic tree depicts four major clusters, Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, Alteromonas, and Bacterioplanes resident on the surface of the K. alvarezii. Comparison between these two bacterial groups provides evidence of the persistent marine bacteria that adapt to the long-term culture in closed circulation systems. Raw data files are available at the GenBank, NCBI database under the accession number of MZ570560 to MZ570580.

Current Understanding on the Genetic Basis of Key Metabolic Disorders: A Review.

Advances in data acquisition via high resolution genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic platforms have driven the discovery of the underlying factors associated with metabolic disorders (MD) and led to interventions that target the underlying genetic causes as well as lifestyle changes and dietary regulation. The review focuses on fourteen of the most widely studied inherited MD, which are familial hypercholesterolemia, Gaucher disease, Hunter syndrome, Krabbe disease, Maple syrup urine disease, Metachromatic leukodystrophy, Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke-like episodes (MELAS), Niemann-Pick disease, Phenylketonuria (PKU), Porphyria, Tay-Sachs disease, Wilson's disease, Familial hypertriglyceridemia (F-HTG) and Galactosemia based on genome wide association studies, epigenetic factors, transcript regulation, post-translational genetic modifications and biomarker discovery through metabolomic studies. We will delve into the current approaches being undertaken to analyze metadata using bioinformatic approaches and the emerging interventions using genome editing platforms as applied to animal models.

A Concise Review of Dendrocalamus asper and Related Bamboos: Germplasm Conservation, Propagation and Molecular Biology.

Bamboos represent an emerging forest resource of economic significance and provide an avenue for sustainable development of forest resources. The development of the commercial bamboo industry is founded upon efficient molecular and technical approaches for the selection and rapid multiplication of elite germplasm for its subsequent propagation via commercial agro-forestry business enterprises. This review will delve into the micropropagation of Dendrocalamus asper, one of the most widely cultivated commercial varieties of bamboo, and will encompass the selection of germplasm, establishment of explants in vitro and micropropagation techniques. The currently available information pertaining to molecular biology, DNA barcoding and breeding, has been included, and potential areas for future research in the area of genetic engineering and gene regulation have been highlighted. This information will be of relevance to both commercial breeders and molecular biologists who have an interest in establishing bamboo as a crop of the future.

Infectious Bronchitis Virus (Gammacoronavirus) in Poultry Farming: Vaccination, Immune Response and Measures for Mitigation.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) poses significant financial and biosecurity challenges to the commercial poultry farming industry. IBV is the causative agent of multi-systemic infection in the respiratory, reproductive and renal systems, which is similar to the symptoms of various viral and bacterial diseases reported in chickens. The avian immune system manifests the ability to respond to subsequent exposure with an antigen by stimulating mucosal, humoral and cell-mediated immunity. However, the immune response against IBV presents a dilemma due to the similarities between the different serotypes that infect poultry. Currently, the live attenuated and killed vaccines are applied for the control of IBV infection; however, the continual emergence of IB variants with rapidly evolving genetic variants increases the risk of outbreaks in intensive poultry farms. This review aims to focus on IBV challenge-infection, route and delivery of vaccines and vaccine-induced immune responses to IBV. Various commercial vaccines currently have been developed against IBV protection for accurate evaluation depending on the local situation. This review also highlights and updates the limitations in controlling IBV infection in poultry with issues pertaining to antiviral therapy and good biosecurity practices, which may aid in establishing good biorisk management protocols for its control and which will, in turn, result in a reduction in economic losses attributed to IBV infection.

Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) in Response to Light of Different Wavelengths and Carbon Dioxide Enrichment.

Rhodophyta (red algae) comprises over 6000 species, however, there have only been a few comparative transcriptomic studies due to their under-representation in genomic databases. Kappaphycus alvarezii, a Gigartinales algae, is a valuable source of carrageenan and is extensively cultivated in many countries. The majority of seaweed farming in Southeast Asia is done in intertidal zones under varying light (i.e., spectra and irradiance) and carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions, which affects the rate of photosynthesis. This study conducted transcriptome profiling to investigate the photosynthetic mechanisms in K. alvarezii exposed to different wavelengths of light (i.e., blue, green, and red light, in comparison to white light) and CO2 availability. We analyzed the responses of photosynthetic protein complexes to light and observed that light of different wavelengths regulates a similar set of photosynthetic apparatuses. Under CO2 enrichment, genes encoding C3 and C4 enzymes were found to be actively transcribed, suggesting the likely shift in the carbon metabolism pathway or the involvement of these genes in adaptive physiological processes. This study contributes to the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in red algae and has implications for the culture and commercial production of these economically valuable macroalgae.

A mini-review on the impact of COVID 19 on vital organs.

COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-2019) is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus, known as the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This is a highly contagious disease that has already affected more than 220 countries globally, infecting more than 212 million people and resulting in the death of over 4.4 million people. This review aims to highlight the pertinent documentary evidence upon the adverse effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on several vital human organs. SARS-CoV-2 primarily targets the lung tissue by causing diffuse alveolar damage and may result in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). SARS-CoV-2 infects the cell via cell surface receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Besides lungs, SARS-CoV-2 critically damage tissues in other vital human organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. The effect on the heart includes muscle dysfunction (acute or protracted heart failure), myocarditis, and cell necrosis. Within hepatic tissue, it alters serum aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. It contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI). Localized infection of the brain can lead to loss or attenuation of olfaction, muscular pain, headaches, encephalopathy, dizziness, dysgeusia, psychomotor disorders, and stroke; while the gastrointestinal symptoms include the disruption of the normal intestinal mucosa, leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain. This review encompassed a topical streak of systemic malfunctions caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As the pandemic is still in progress, more studies will enrich our understanding and analysis of this disease.

Draft genome sequence data of two Salmonella bacteria from serogroup C type.

Salmonella is a gram-negative rod-shape bacterium from the family of Enterobacteriaceae that can cause a wide range of human disease such as enteric fever, gastroenteritis and bacteremia. Here we sequenced two genomes of Salmonella bacteria isolated from the Gallus gallus domesticus host. Genomic DNA of the two Salmonella isolates were extracted and subjected to whole genome sequencing using Illumina platform. The draft genome size of the two Salmonella isolates was determined to be 4,902,295 bp (S18) and 4,847,310 bp (S20) respectively. The percentage of GC content for both draft genomes is the same which is 52.1%. Both the whole genome shotgun project (S18 and S20) has been deposited in National Center for Biotechnology Information Sequence Read Archive under the accession number of SRR7503041 (S18) and SRR7503040 (S20). The sequenced genome (S18 and S20) were aligned with the reference genome and three other Salmonella genomes from serogroup B, D and E. The data obtained show the presence of unique DNA sequences in S18 and S20 genomes. This unique DNA sequences are from the fimbrial gene group.