Effect of Sodium Azide on Quantitative and Qualitative Stem Traits in the M2 Generation of Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes.

The emerging oilseed crop Sesamum indicum, also known as the queen of oilseeds, is being grown globally for its oil content for medicinal and nutritional values. One of the key challenges of sesame cultivation is its low productivity. In the present study, sodium azide (NaN3) was used as a chemical mutagen. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of NaN3 on quantitative and qualitative stem traits in the M2 generation of Ethiopian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes. Seeds of fourteen sesame genotypes were used in this study and germinated and grown under greenhouse conditions. Different qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Traits such as plant height, ground distance to first distance, and internode length were significantly affected by NaN3 treatment. The highest plant height was recorded in the control on Humera 1 and Baha Necho genotypes, while the lowest was observed on Setit 2 and Hirhir treated with the chemical. The highest ground distance to the first branch was observed in Gumero, while the least ground distance was recorded in Setit 1 in the treated and control genotypes, respectively. The best internode length was recorded on Setit 2 and ADI in the control, while the lowest internode length was observed in Setit 1 genotype treated with sodium azide. Genotypes such as ACC44, ADI, Baha Necho, Borkena, Gonder 1, and Setit 1 treated with NaN3 have showed glabrous type of stem hairiness. All the fourteen genotypes (both treated and control) were clustered into four groups. In conclusion, we observed a highly significant variation among the genotypes due the effect of the chemical and genotypes themselves. Hence, this report would create more genetic diversity for further sesame genetic research improvements.

In Vitro Micropropagation of Aloe adigratana Reynolds Using Offshoot Cuttings.

This study aimed at developing a suitable and reproducible protocol for in vitro micropropagation of Aloe adigratana Reynolds using explants from offshoots with the help of the most commonly used plant growth regulators (PGRs). Explants were initiated in full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media enriched with 0.2 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 0.2 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Shooting experiment was conducted in full-strength MS media enriched with 0/0, 0.5/0.5, 1.0/0.5, 1.5/0.5, and 2.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA. Likewise, rooting experiment was carried out in half-strength MS media enriched with NAA at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L and indol-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L. Finally, acclimatization study was conducted in greenhouse, nursery, and open field. The shooting response of the plant was best in MS media enriched with 1.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA. This media formulation resulted in the shortest mean number of days to shooting (14.00 ± 2.30 days), the highest mean shoot number (4.00 ± 3.40), and the second highest mean shoot length (8.60 ± 2.10 cm). IBA enhanced rooting at higher concentrations (1.0 and 1.5 mg/L), but NAA did the same at lower concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 mg/L). All plantlets (n = 62) survived primary acclimatization. Secondary acclimatization in composted and matured soil media under nursery and open field (sun light) condition produced 88 to 93% survival rate. The death of plantlets in the secondary acclimatization is accounted to mechanical damage. This study demonstrated that the tested PGRs were useful in enhancing the in vitro micropropagation of the plant. Future studies need to focus on optimizing the protocol for large-scale, commercial micropropagation.

Assessing the Efficacy of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Controlling Bacterial Contamination in the In Vitro Micropropagation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) (Zingiberaceae) is a livelihood and commercial crop in Ethiopia. But, the availability of clean and healthy planting materials has become a problem due to wilt disease, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar 3 Race 4. This problem obliged growers to seek for tens of millions of vigorous and disease-free planting materials very quickly via in vitro micropropagation of shoot tip explants. For this purpose, protocols of sterilizing shoot tip explants and controlling bacterial contamination of one Ethiopian ginger cultivar called Deribo were tested. Hence, this article reports the finding of a study that aimed at testing the (a) effectiveness of three sterilization agents, namely, 0.25% w/v RBK (composed of ridomile, bayleton, and kocide at 1 : 1 : 1 ratio), 0.50% v/v NaOCl, and 70% v/v ethanol at three different treatment times in combination with 0.25% HgCl2; (b) efficacy of four broad-spectrum antibiotics and their combinations in controlling bacterial contaminants of ginger shoot tip explants and in vitro micropropagation media; and (c) effects of the antibiotics on the shooting performances of the explants of the cultivar. A 0.50% v/v NaOCl at exposure time of 20 min followed by 0.25% HgCl2 has resulted in 80% contamination-free and 70% live explants after three weeks of incubation. Likewise, cefotaxime at 50, 100, and 200 mg/L and cefotaxime plus streptomycin at 25, 50, and 100 mg/L yielded 87 to 93% contamination-free microshoots after three weeks of culturing. The number of explants killed by the antibiotics increased with increasing the concentration of the antibiotics. Cefotaxime at 50 mg/L and cefotaxime plus streptomycin at 25 mg/L yielded significantly highest mean microshoots per explant (7.10 ± 0.36 and 7.51 ± 0.27, respectively) and mean shoot length (4.2 ± 0.26 and 3.56 ± 0.17 cm, respectively). Some of the microshoots showed some yellowing. But, they turned green and grew normal after subcultured into fresh, antibiotics-free culture media. These findings are important foundations towards developing more optimized protocols of sterilizing explants and controlling bacterial contaminants for large-scale in vitro micropropagation of the Deribo ginger cultivar.

In Vitro Micropropagation of Industrially and Medicinally Useful Plant Aloe trichosantha Berger Using Offshoot Cuttings.

This study was aimed to develop in vitro micropropagation protocol of Aloe trichosantha Berger using offshoots as explants. MS media supplemented with plant growth regulators helped explants develop shoots within about 14 to 17 days. The mean number of days to shooting has decreased from 16.8 ± 0.8 with 0.5/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA supplement to 15.5 ± 0.5 with 2.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA. While the mean shoot number has increased with increasing the concentration of BAP supplements, the reverse was true with mean shoot lengths, whereas supplement of 2.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA has generated significantly more shoots (17 ± 3.8), and longer shoots were produced with the addition of 0.5/0.5 and 1.0/0.5 mg/L BAP/NAA. In regard to rooting, though higher concentrations of NAA have resulted in quick rooting, the rooting performance in terms of mean number and length of roots was better with low concentrations. All the plantlets subjected to greenhouse acclimatization in cocopeat have survived. Secondary acclimatization in composted and manured soil media has also resulted in 93 to 95% survival rate. Lighting conditions (nursery shade or direct sunlight) of secondary acclimatization did not lead to any difference in the survival rate of the plantlets.

Biofilm-Inhibitory Activity of Wild Mushroom Extracts against Pathogenic Bacteria.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the bacterial biofilm-inhibitory effect of mushroom extracts. Methods: Mushrooms were collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega forests and identified using morphological and molecular approaches. Auricularia auricula-judae, Microporus xanthopus, Termitomyces umkowaani, Trametes elegans, and Trametes versicolor were extracted by chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water. Extracts were tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923). Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.0. Results: Chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water extracts of A. auricula-judae (50 µg/mL) showed statistically significant antibiofilm activities against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus (p ≤ 0.05). M. xanthopus extracts (250 µg/mL) revealed significantly significant antibiofilm activities against each test bacterium (p ≤ 0.05). All extracts of T. umkowaani (250 µg/mL) exhibited statistically significant antibiofilm activities against S. aureus only (p ≤ 0.05). Chloroform extract of T. elegans (250 µg/mL) showed the best antibiofilm activity (69.75 ± 0.01%) against S. aureus. All T. versicolor extracts (250 µg/mL) indicated the best antibiofilm activities against S. aureus. Conclusions: Being the first study of its kind to be conducted in Kenya, it added a novel concept to the body of knowledge already known about medical biotechnology research. It offers a fresh understanding of the various varieties of mushrooms found in Kenya, their potential biological function in the production of drugs, particularly those that combat drug resistance, and perhaps even a peek at their bioactive elements. Wild mushrooms, a hidden gem, might help to reopen the pipeline of new antibiotics that have been on the decline. However, further research is required to determine the potential mechanism(s) of action of the extracts that are in charge of the apparent antibiofilm activity.

Analysis of promoter region and regulatory elements of Rhizobium giardinii DNA-binding response regulator A3AY_RS01 genes.

BACKGROUND: Rhizobium giardinii has been demonstrated to colonize the roots of a variety of legume species, including common beans, and to increase nitrogen fixation. This suggests that Rhizobium giardinii might be a beneficial tool for sustainable agriculture by lowering dependency on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and enhancing soil fertility. Understanding the regulatory components in the R. giardinii A3AY_RS01 genes might also lead to the creation of innovative ways for increasing the effectiveness of nitrogen fixation in other agriculturally important bacteria. Therefore, this study was aimed to predict regulatory element of R. giardinii DNA-binding response regulator A3AY_RS01 genes. RESULTS: The locations for 19 % of the Transcriptional start site (TSSs) were within -300 bp relative to the start codon and ten candidate motifs were identified that are shared by at least 50 % of the R. giardinii A3AY_RS01 promoter input sequences from both strands. Motif 1 was revealed as the common promoter motif for all of R. giardinii A3AY_RS01 genes that serves as binding sites for TFs involved in the expression regulation of these genes. Hence, it was revealed that Motif 1 may serve as the binding site chiefly for Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) transcription factor family to regulate expression of A3AY_RS01 genes. High CpG density in the promoter than body regions were observed for most of the genes except for A3AY_RS0102950, A3AY_RS0120195 and A3AY_RS0131150 genes. Nonetheless, promoter areas were richer than body regions in both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: MV1 motif can serve as a binding site for the Fur transcription factor gene family in R. giardinii to regulate the expression of R. giardinii A3AY_RS01 genes. R. giardinii A3AY_RS01 genes are rich in CpG Islands, and play an important role in the regulation of the gene expression of nitrogen fixing in this bacterium.

Wild Mushrooms: A Hidden Treasure of Novel Bioactive Compounds.

Secondary metabolites are hidden gems in mushrooms. Understanding these secondary metabolites' biological and pharmacological effects can be aided by identifying them. The purpose of this work was to profile the mycochemical components of the extracts of Auricularia auricula judae, Microporus xanthopus, Termitomyces umkowaani, Trametes elegans, and Trametes versicolor to comprehend their biological and pharmacological capabilities. Mushroom samples were collected from Kenya's Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Reserved Forests and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water solvents were used to extract the mycochemical components. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water extracts of all the species examined. A total of 51 compounds were isolated from all extracts and classified as carboxylic acids, esters, phenols, fatty acids, alcohol, epoxides, aldehydes, fatty aldehydes, isoprenoid lipids, and steroids. Tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (18.90%), oleic acid (72.90%), phenol, 2, 6-bis (1, 1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-, and methylcarbamate (26.56%) were all found in high concentrations in A. auricular judae, M. xanthopus, T. umkowaani, T. elegans, and T. versicolor, respectively. Fatty acids make up the majority of the compounds isolated from the T. elegans chloroform extract and the T. umkowaani 70% ethanol extract, respectively. Particularly, these fatty acids play crucial roles in the anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, and antibiofilm formation activities. These bioactive elements indicate that the extracts of five wild mushrooms may be reliable sources of secondary metabolites for therapeutic development. Therefore, additional research is required to comprehend the usefulness of these chemicals in many functional areas and to improve the present understanding of macrofungi.

In vitro micropropagation of Aloe elegans Tod. using offshoot cuttings.

OBJECTIVE: Aloe elegans Tod. is an ecologically, environmentally, medicinally, and commercially useful aloe species in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Unfortunately, it is highly threatened due to industrial and urban expansion and traditional mining and agricultural activities. As a consequence, it is included in the IUCN List of Threatened Species since 2013. The plant is getting thinly populated in many parts of the Tigrai floristic region since it is being exploited for traditional and commercial purposes. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop a reproducible, large-scale micropropagation protocol using offshoot cuttings in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media enriched with plant growth regulators (PGRs). RESULTS: Sterilized explants cultured in full-strength MS media enriched with 0.25 mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP) and 0.10 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) resulted in 100% healthy and live (i.e., initiated) explants after four weeks of initiation study. Unsupplemented initiation media (control) yielded only 14.3% initiated explants. The initiated explants were tested for their shooting response to produce microshoots by incubating in different concentrations and combinations of BAP and NAA for four weeks. Fewer days to shooting (13.0 ± 1.0 days), higher mean shoot number (5.0 ± 1.0), and higher mean shoot length (9.20 ± 2.35 cm) were observed with 1.0/0.50, 1.0/0.25, and 1.0 /0.50 mg/L BAP/NAA combinations, respectively. The rooting responses of the microshoots toward producing plantlets were also tested by incubating them in half-strength MS media enriched with different concentrations of NAA and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for four weeks. Fewer mean days to rooting (12.0 ± 1.0 days), higher mean root number (8.0 ± 4.0), and higher mean root length (7.53 ± 3.03 cm) were observed in MS media enriched with 0.75, 0.75, and 1.25 mg/L IBA, respectively. The responses of A. elegans plantlets to primary (in greenhouse) and secondary (in nursery shade and direct sunlight) acclimatization in coco peat, composted soil, and manured soil media were high - with survival percentages of 87.5-97.8% in three to four weeks.

Freshman STEM students' misconceptions in a basic limit theorem of limx→0(sinx/x).

This study examined learning difficulties among three consecutive cohorts of freshmen engineering and technology students (n = 251; 17 females) in solving problems in the basic limit theorem. The students were enrolled in a four-credit hour calculus course delivered in 16 weeks. Then, they completed a 1-h six-item test after they covered the topics of the basic limit theorem. Answer papers were scored using an explicit guide. Interviews were also conducted after the test with 15 randomly selected students without and with cognitive supports (cues) in topics related to the test. The study demonstrated that the students have difficulties understanding the surface structure of the problems, identifying the mathematical heuristics to solve the problems, and solving the problems by properly employing procedures, rules, and conventions. Examination of students' test results showed that for every student earning a correct answer via valid problem-processing pathways, there were about two students earning two correct answers via invalid pathways. Interview results showed the students were incapable of fixing their limitations without cognitive support and cues. They needed an average of 7.7-9.3 question-response dialogues to fix their limitations. Such learning difficulties were due to lack and misapplication of solid prior knowledge. Identifying and compiling lessons that cause learning difficulties due to misapplication of prior knowledge can help to adopt better instructional approaches. Cognitive supports and cues can be used as research tools to extract the reasons and sources of students' learning difficulties and devise innovative instructional methods for better learning.

Wild Mushrooms: Potential Natural Sources of Antioxidant and Anti-Quorum Sensing Bioactive Compounds for Medical Applications.

Objective: This study was aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and in vitro cytotoxic activities of five wild mushroom extracts. Methods: Wild mushrooms of Auricularia auricula-judae, Termitomyces umkowaani, Trametes elegans, Trametes versicolor, and Microporus xanthopus were collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Forests, in Kenya. Specimens were identified and extracted using chloroform (CHL), 70% ethanol (Eth), and hot water (HW) solvents. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Vero cell lines, respectively, while anti-quorum sensing activities were tested against Chromobacterium violaceum. All data were compared using relevant descriptive and inferential statistics at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 35 wild mushrooms were collected, identified, and classified into 14 genera. Among screened mycochemicals, fatty acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins were detected at higher concentrations. The highest free radical scavenging activities of A. auricula-judae, T. umkowaani, T. elegans, and T. versicolor were observed in 70% Eth extract with the percentage values of 76.40 ± 0.12%, 68.40 ± 0.01%, 62.40 ± 0.07%, and 66.40 ± 0.04%, respectively, whereas the HW extract of Microporus xanthopus showed free radical scavenging activity at 65.90 ± 0.02%. None of the extracts, at the tested concentrations (up to 1000 µg/mL), had shown cytotoxic activity against the Vero cell line. The HW extract of T. umkowaani and the 70% Eth extract of T. versicolor showed a statistically significant difference in the inhibitory activity of violacein production against C. violaceum at the concentration of 200 µg/mL. Conclusions: The antioxidant activity of wild mushrooms can help to tackle the diseases caused by free radicals. The anti-quorum sensing potential of wild mushrooms could also provide future alternatives to conventional drug therapies cost-effectively. Further detailed chemistry of the bioactive compounds and their possible mechanisms of action responsible for the observed antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities are needed.

Formulating the best Helbat: A Tigraian semi-liquid fasting condiment.

Helbat (hl'bət), a fasting semi-liquid condiment, is a popular indigenous traditional fermented product in Tigrai (a.k.a. Tigray), Ethiopia. It is formulated using Vicia faba flour prepared from mildly roasted dry beans. Despite its dietary, nutritional, religious, and cultural significance, the condiment is yet not exposed to scientific study. Hence, this research was carried out to: (a) ascertain the best faba bean variety for preparing high quality Helbat, (b) develop the formulation and preparation protocol of high quality Helbat, (c) determine the effects of fermentation and storage temperature and time on the physicochemical characteristics, proximate and mineral compositions, microbiological properties, and sensory qualities of Helbat, and (d) determine the shelf life of Helbat as the function of storage time and temperature. To this end, three faba bean varieties used in preparing Helbat as well as fermenting and stored Helbat products were studied using standard physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation procedures. Quantitative data were processed using inferential statistical methods and mean (±SD) values were compared at a priori set p-value of ≤0.05. The study showed that: (a) the best faba bean variety for making high quality Helbat was Megulat; (b) the best Helbat formulation constituted 400 wt units of bean flour, 7 wt units of garlic, 6 wt units of ginger, 5 wt units fenugreek, 5 wt units of corrorima, 8 wt units of red pepper, and 3 wt units of black mustard; (c) the best Helbat formulation was nutritionally rich to supplement fasting consumers with proteins, fats, and minerals; (d) the Helbat formulation remained safe for up to eight weeks while maintaining its attractive sensory qualities when stored at 11-15 °C, and (e) increasing the fermentation and storage times led to changes in its physicochemical properties (i.e., temperature, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solute) and depletion of many nutritionally vital components such as fats, proteins, and minerals. Thus, unless production and storage conditions are somehow modified, Helbat needs to be consumed fresh after three to seven days of fermentation. But further research may be required to make this recommendation conclusively. Exploring into its antioxidant properties and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may highlight its qualities further.

Aloe monticola Reynolds: A refugee of the mountains - contributing towards its conservation through in vitro propagation.

In vitro micropropagation study of Aloe monticola Reynolds was conducted using offshoots in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media enriched with plant growth regulators (PGRs). Initiation experiment, carried out by culturing sterilized explants in full-strength MS media enriched with 0.0-1.0 mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP) alone and in combination with 0.10 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), resulted in 89 - 100 % healthy and live (i.e., initiated) explants in 9-29 days. Regeneration study, conducted by culturing initiated explants in full-strength MS media supplemented with 0.0-3.0 mg/L BAP alone and in combination with 0.50 mg/L IBA, showed that treatments enriched with 1.0-3.0 mg/L BAP in combination with 0.50 mg/L IBA yielded better shooting responses than the rest of the treatments. The rooting responses of the shoots were also tested by culturing in half-strength MS media enriched with 0.0-4.0 mg/L NAA alone and in combination with 0.25 mg/L IBA. Better rooting responses were observed in treatments supplemented with 1.0-4.0 mg/L NAA in combination with 0.25 mg/L IBA with two exceptions. The responses of A. monticola plantlets to primary and secondary acclimatization in greenhouse, nursery shade, and direct sunlight in coco peat, composted soil, and manured soil were excellent - with survival percentages of 90-98 %. The findings of this empirical research are important for developing refined protocol of in vitro micropropagation of this ecologically important but endangered plant.

Phytochemical Constituents of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) Fruit Pulp from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) is a large tree species growing in semiarid and arid lowlands of Ethiopia and other places. The plant is valued by natives for its contributions as a cash crop and livelihood tree. Previous studies using samples from different countries have documented their phytochemical profiles and nutritional and health benefits. This study explored the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of fruit pulp extracts of baobab collected from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia. To this end, qualitative phytochemical screening tests, quantitative phytochemical analyses, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out using aqueous extract. Analyses of antioxidant activities were also conducted with aqueous- and methanol-extracts using of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging activity assays. The qualitative screening tests showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analyses of these phytochemicals at 25, 50, and 100 g/mL aqueous extract resulted in 0.0252 to 0.1000% yields. Yields of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins were higher at 50 g/mL extract, while that of tannins and terpenoids were higher at 100 g/mL. GC-MS analysis resulted in 15 predominant compounds including (1,2bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene (13.17%), 2-methyl-7-phenylindole (11.75%), 2-ethylacridine (10.11%), and benz[b]-1,4-oxazepine-4(5H)-thione,2,3-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl (10.11%). Aqueous and methanol extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities. In all the assays and concentrations, the antioxidant activities of both extracts were lower than that of the ascorbic acid standard. At equal extract concentrations (e.g., 100 and 250 µg/mL), methanol extract had higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extract. The findings can encourage future initiatives towards large-scale research for compiling a complete phytochemical profile of the fruit pulp of the Ethiopian baobab.

Aloe adigratana Reynolds: Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Content, Essential Oil Analysis, and In Vitro Antifungal Activity Studies of Its Leaf Peels and Gel.

Background: Aloe species are among the most significant plants with several applications. Many of the species, however, are underexplored, owing to their scarcity and limited geographical distribution. A. adigratana Reynolds, which is common in Ethiopia, is one of the little-studied and endangered Aloe species. Objective: This preliminary study focuses on the phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, essential oil content, and antifungal activities of A. adigratana leaf peels. Antifungal activities were also tested on the gels of the plant for comparison. Methods: Standard procedures were used for phytochemical and proximate composition studies. Essential oil analysis was performed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instrument. Using the well-diffusion method, investigations on antifungal activity were performed on three clinically isolated specimens of dandruff-causing fungus; namely, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia globosa. Results: The leaf peels of A. adigratana contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. The mean moisture, ash, and crude fat levels were 85.69, 92.20, and 8.00%, respectively, whereas the mean total protein and mean total carbohydrate values were 2.59 and 3.04%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry investigation confirmed the presence of fifteen essential oils. The most prevalent essential oil component was discovered to be phytol (33.78%), followed by decane (11.29%). In a dose-dependent way, the leaf latex and gel extracts prevented the growth of three dandruff-causing Malassezia fungal species (M. furfur, M. restricta, and M. globosa). Both the latex and gel demonstrated the maximum activity on M. globosa, the most prevalent fungus in the research area, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.24 and 0.48 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations of 0.48 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: In general, the proximate and essential oil compositions of A. adigratana leaves were comparable to those of other Aloe species widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, implying that A. adigratana could be a potential future plant for such industries.

Treatment of seeds with sodium azide for quantitative and qualitative capsule traits at M2 generation of Fourteen Ethiopian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes.

This study aimed at investigating the effects of sodium azide (NaN3) on quantitative and qualitative capsule traits in M2 generation of 14 Ethiopian sesame genotypes collected from Humera Agricultural Research Center (HuARC), Tigrai. Both the treatment and control seeds were sown in well-prepared beds in greenhouse to develop M2 plants. Data on quantitative and qualitative traits were collected and analyzed using GenStat 16 software. Results showed significant differences among the M2 seeds treated with 0.75% NaN3. The highest mean number of capsules per plant was recorded in ACC44 and Baha Necho genotypes, while the lowest was recorded in Gumero, Setit 2, Hirhir, ADI, Bounji and Aberghele. The highest mean number of seeds per capsule was recorded in Humera 1, Baha Necho, Zeri Tesfay, and Gondar 1 genotypes and the lowest was recorded in Setit 1, Setit 2 and ADI. The highest mean capsule length was observed in Zeri Tesfay while the lowest was recorded in Aberghele. The qualitative data reported that Hirhir, Setit 1 and Setit 2 were changed from completely shattering to partially shattering, Gumero and Bounji were changed from completely shattering to non-shattering, and Zeri Tesfay was changed from partially shattering to non-shattering. The 14 genotypes were clustered into four distinct groups including cluster I containing six genotypes, cluster II and III containing two genotypes each and cluster IV containing four genotypes. The mutants developed from Zeri Tesafy, ACC44 and Baha Necho genotypes are considered as potential candidate mutants for further utilization in sesame improvement.

Prevalence, Diversity and UV-Light Inducibility Potential of Prophages in Bacillus subtilis and Their Possible Roles in Host Properties.

Bacillus subtilis is an important bacterial species due to its various industrial, medicinal, and agricultural applications. Prophages are known to play vital roles in host properties. Nevertheless, studies on the prophages and temperate phages of B. subtilis are relatively limited. In the present study, an in silico analysis was carried out in sequenced B. subtilis strains to investigate their prevalence, diversity, insertion sites, and potential roles. In addition, the potential for UV induction and prevalence was investigated. The in silico prophage analysis of 164 genomes of B. subtilis strains revealed that 75.00% of them contained intact prophages that exist as integrated and/or plasmid forms. Comparative genomics revealed the rich diversity of the prophages distributed in 13 main clusters and four distinct singletons. The analysis of the putative prophage proteins indicated the involvement of prophages in encoding the proteins linked to the immunity, bacteriocin production, sporulation, arsenate, and arsenite resistance of the host, enhancing its adaptability to diverse environments. An induction study in 91 B. subtilis collections demonstrated that UV-light treatment was instrumental in producing infective phages in 18.68% of them, showing a wide range of host specificity. The high prevalence and inducibility potential of the prophages observed in this study implies that prophages may play vital roles in the B. subtilis host.

Generating better leaf traits in M2 lines of fourteen Ethiopian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes through the treatment of their seeds with sodium azide.

The present study explored the effect of sodium azide (NaN3) on quantitative and qualitative leaf traits of M2 lines on 14 Ethiopian sesame genotypes collected from Humera Agricultural Research Center, Tigrai, Ethiopia. Qualitative data on leaf color, leaf hairiness, leaf arrangement, leaf shape, basal leaf profile, basal leaf margin, and leaf angle to main stem as well as quantitative data on length of basal leaf, length of top leaf, width of basal leaf, width of top leaf, length of marginal leaf, and width of marginal leaf were recorded and analyzed using analysis of variance, clustering analysis, Mahalanobis distance, and principal component analysis. Generally, treatment of seeds with NaN3 has brought many distinct and statistically significant phenotypic changes on both quantitative and qualitative leaf traits of the M2 lines. The changes in the NaN3 treated and locally adapted genotypes of Gumero and Zeri Tesfay are promising; producing the highest mean length of basal leaf (p ≤ 0.01). NaN3 treated seeds of Baha Necho, Gumero, and Hirhir developed the highest mean width of basal leaf. Locally adapted genotypes have responded positively to NaN3 treatment, generating better leaf traits as compared to the research improved ones. This study was the first of its kind in exploring the effects of NaN3 seed treatment on leaf traits of sesame genotypes. The findings of this study will, therefore, serve as a steppingstone to look into the effects of the changes in sesame yield and initiate future genetic and molecular studies on the responsive genotypes.

Challenges of 20th century Ethiopian Science education.

State-led secular education was introduced to Ethiopia by the second half of 1900s. Some studies have looked into the development the secular education system. But the historical development of science education system was not explored. This review looked into the initiatives, achievements, and challenges in introducing and advancing science education in the 20th century. For this purpose, research reports, books, official government documents, and other relevant literature, and instructional materials released before mid 2000 were explored. Accounts of several researchers and official documents demonstrated that the various initiatives by the four subsequent regimes of Ethiopia to build relevant and quality science education system did not come up with expected results. By the dawn of the 21st century, the country was struggling to build relevant and quality science education system. Hence, this article is prepared and presented to demonstrate the critical historical challenges in putting relevant and quality science education system in place and assist policy-makers and practitioners in formulating better policy directions and developing workable science education programs and projects.

Preliminary Antimicrobial Profile of Solanum incanum L.: A Common Medicinal Plant.

Medicinal plants and plant remedies have been in use in Ethiopia for centuries. Studies on ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, and ethnoveterinary estimate that nearly 80% of Ethiopians use some type of medicinal plants and plant remedies. Medicinal plants are regarded as the most important and sometimes the only source of therapeutics in the country. Some 800 plant species are used as sources of medicine to treat about 300 physical and mental disorders. However, because these plant species are not adequately studied, there is a big limitation in their documentation, profiling, and management. Moreover, there is a continuous loss of knowledge about medicinal plants because the communities and people are adopting new lifestyles. Hence, this article reports the finding of a study aimed at providing the gross phytochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activities of ethanol and aqueous extracts of fruit, leaf, and stem of Solanum incanum L. against two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi) and two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria for developing gross antimicrobial profile of the plant. Phytochemical screening of fruit, leaf, and stem extracts of S. incanum has shown that it is the source of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and steroids. According to agar disc-diffusion tests, 100 mg/mL extracts of the plant produced bacterial growth inhibition zones of 0.00 to 16.06 mm. Ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts produced inhibition zones ranging from 11.34 to 16.06 mm against all bacterial species. The greatest inhibition zone of 16.06 mm was recorded in E. coli subjected to ethanol leaf extract. The same extract resulted in a growth inhibition zone of 16.04 mm in S. aureus. The greatest growth inhibition zones in B. subtilis (13.34 mm) and S. typhi (11.56 mm) were observed with ethanol leaf and fruit extracts, respectively. Aqueous leaf extracts produced growth inhibition zones ranging from 10.45 mm (for S. typhi) to 14.02 mm (for E. coli). Ethanol leaf extracts resulted in the lowest Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of 1.56 mg/mL in E. coli and S. aureus. Therefore, fruits, leaves, and stems of S. incanum can be regarded as good sources of some bioactive compounds. The findings are important for taking measures for conservation and sustainable use of the plant as well as for further elucidation of its phytochemistry and antimicrobial efficacy of its constituents.

Isolation and Characterization of Probiotic LAB from Kimchi and Spontaneously Fermented Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Batter: Their Effects on Phenolic Content of Teff during Fermentation.

Microbial fermentation is proven to induce molecular transformations and produce bioactive compounds thereby enhancing sensory and nutritional quality of flour-based fermented foods. In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from Korean kimchi and Ethiopian fermented teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) flour batter. Isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and characterized for various probiotic properties. Few trains were selected for further teff flour batter fermentation and evaluating their effects on phenolic contents and compositions. Out of 200 bacterial isolates, 44 of them showed considerable acid and bile tolerance and 22 were tested positive for protease activity. A large number of the isolates showed antimicrobial activities against Salmonella gallinarium indicator strains. Majority of these probiotic strains belonged to Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis species. All the strains used for fermentation of teff were able to significantly increase total phenolic contents (TPC). An increase in TPC of up to 7-fold was observed in some strains.