Biotechnology Commons^™

Cautionary Tale Of Using Tris(Alkyl)Phosphine Reducing Agents With Nad+-Dependent Enzymes, Sagar M. Patel, Thomas G. Smith, Martha Morton, Kyle M. Stiers, Javier Seravalli, Stephen J. Mayclin, Thomas E. Edwards, John J. Tanner, Donald F. Becker

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Protein biochemistry protocols typically include disulfide bond reducing agents to guard against unwanted thiol oxidation and protein aggregation. Commonly used disulfide bond reducing agents include dithiothreitol, β-mercaptoethanol, glutathione, and the tris(alkyl)phosphine compounds tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) and tris(3-hydroxypropyl)phosphine (THPP). While studying the catalytic activity of the NAD(P)H-dependent enzyme Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase, we unexpectedly observed a rapid non-enzymatic chemical reaction between NAD⁺ and the reducing agents TCEP and THPP. The product of the reaction exhibits a maximum ultraviolet absorbance peak at 334 nm and forms with an apparent association rate constant of 231–491 M⁻¹ s⁻¹. The reaction is …

A Catalyst Reusability Study In Palm Fatty Acid Distillate And Glycerol Esterification Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis And Reaction Kinetics Approach, Sudibyo Hanifrahmawan, Setyaningrum Febbie, Rochmadi, Fahrurrozi Mohammad

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

As a byproduct of the physical refinement of crude palm oil, palm fatty acid distillate or PFAD has a potential to be transformed into monoglycerides by means of irreversible esterification with glycerol over a cation exchange resin catalyst. Irreversibility of the esterification can be assured by continuous azeotropic removal of water by adding xylene as an entrainer. Because PFAD-glycerol esterification demands high temperatures for fast conversion and high selectivity of monoglycerides, it is necessary to test catalyst reusability performance. In this research, evaluation of catalyst reusability performance was based on five parameters: free fatty acid conversion, the rate of free …

Does The Presence Of Multiple Β-Lactamases In Gram-Negative Bacilli Impact The Results Of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests And Extended-Spectrum Β-Lactamase And Carbapenemase Confirmation Methods?, Fred C. Tenover, Caitlin M. Dela Cruz, Scott Dewell, Victoria M. Le, Isabella A. Tickler

Biology Faculty Publications

Objectives: Many multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) harbour multiple β-lactamases. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of multiple β-lactamase carriage on the accuracy of susceptibility tests and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase confirmation methods.

Methods: A total of 50 MDR-GNB, of which 29 carried multiple β-lactamases, underwent broth microdilution (BMD) and disk diffusion (DD) testing as well as confirmation tests for ESBLs and carbapenemases. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for β-lactamase gene identification.

Results: Categorical agreement of BMD and DD testing results ranged from 86.5 to 97.7% for 10 β-lactam agents. BMD and DD algorithms for ESBL …

The Influence Of Riparian Invasion By The Terrestrial Shrub Lonicera Maackii On Aquatic Macroinvertebrates In Temperate Forest Headwater Streams, Michelle N. Little, Kevin W. Custer, Eric B. Borth, Julia I. Chapman, Mitchell J. Kukla, Corey Kuminecz, Margaret E. Maloney, Michaela J. Woods, Ryan Mcewan

Biology Faculty Publications

The ecology of headwater streams is tightly linked to the riparian zone through organic matter subsidies which are highly susceptible to alteration due to biological invasion. Lonicera maackii is a non-native shrub that is a highly successful invader of headwater stream riparian zones in the American Midwest. We assessed effects on benthic macroinvertebrates across a gradient of invasion intensity from references sites with minimal invasion to a site that had a very heavy invasion. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled throughout the year and compositional differences were assessed using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling ordination, and by comparing the prevalence of sensitive (Ephemeroptera, Plectoptera, …

Conceptual Shield Design For Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Facility Using Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended Simulator With Kartini Research Reactor As Neutron Source, Tsurayya Afifah Hana, Iman Azzam Zukhrofani, Sari R. Yosi Aprian, Fauzi Arief, Wijaya Gede Sutresna

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The research aims to measure the radiation dose rate over the radiation shielding which is made of paraffin and aluminium and to determine the best shield material for the safety of radiation workers. The examination used MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle) simulator to model the BNCT neutron source and the shield. The shield should reduce radiation to less than the dose limit of 10.42 µSv/h, which is assumed to be the most conservative limit when the duration of workers is 1920 h. The first design resulted in a radiation dose rate which was still greater than the limit. Therefore, optimization was …

Discoveries In Aerosol Science: Characterization Of Nanoparticles Emitted From Metallic Coils In Electronic Cigarettes, Kaushal Prasad

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Electronic (e-) cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, are battery-operated devices that are growing in popularity worldwide. Although e-cigarettes are known to be safer than traditional cigarettes, their potential health risks have not been extensively reviewed yet. In this study, aerosol nanoparticles generated from e-cigarette heaters were characterized. Kanthal A1 (iron + chromium + aluminum) coils, without nicotine solution or a wick, were installed in an e-cigarette atomizer. The operating conditions were varied coil resistances (0.1–1.0 Ω), a set applied power (10 W), and a stable duty cycle (50%: 5 s on, 5 s off ). The size …

Next Generation Aryl Hydantoins As Antischistosomal Agents, Derek A. Leas

Theses & Dissertations

Schistosomiasis, also known as “snail fever,” is both an acute and chronic disease spread by trematode flukes from the tropical parasitic worm genus Schistosoma. The flukes are spread via diseased freshwater snails, which release the parasites into the water column where they find a new human host. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 million people were treated for schistosomiasis in 2017. The primary treatment used to combat schistosomiasis is the drug praziquantel (PZQ), but due to high drug pressure and widespread administration, its effectiveness has eroded because of rising drug resistance. Furthermore, PZQ is active against adult but …

Respons Dua Mutan Tomat Terhadap Cekaman Kekeringan, Ayu Ratna Ningrum, Anne Nuraini, Erni Suminar, Syariful Mubarok

Jurnal Kultivasi

Kondisi cekaman kekeringan pada tanaman tomat dapat menyebabkan pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman tomat menurun. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut adalah dengan perakitan varietas tanaman baru yang tahan terhadap cekaman kekeringan. Beberapa hasil mutasi gen IAA pada tomat mutan Micro-Tom mampu menghasilkan tanaman yang toleran terhadap kondisi stress secara abiotik, yaitu pada galur iaa9-3 dan iaa9-5. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui respons pertumbuhan vegetatif pada iaa9-3 dan iaa9-5 dalam kondisi cekaman kekeringan dengan metode in vitro. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Laboratorium Kultur Jaringan dan Teknologi Benih Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Padjadjaran pada bulan September sampai Desember 2019. Rancangan …

Functional Characterization Of Petiolule-Like Pulvinus (Plp) Gene In Abscission Zone Development In Medicago Truncatula And Its Application To Genetic Improvement Of Alfalfa, Juan Du, Shaoyun Lu, Maofeng Chai, Chuanen Zhou, Liang Sun, Yuhong Tang, Jin Nakashima, Jaydeep Kolape, Zhaozhu Wen, Marjan Behzadirad, Tianxiu Zhong, Juan Sun, Yunwei Zhang, Zeng-Yu Wang

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops throughout the world. Maximizing leaf retention during the haymaking process is critical for achieving superior hay quality and maintaining biomass yield. Leaf abscission process affects leaf retention. Previous studies have largely focused on the molecular mechanisms of floral organ, pedicel and seed abscission but scarcely touched on leaf and petiole abscission. This study focuses on leaf and petiole abscission in the model legume Medicago truncatula and its closely related commercial species alfalfa. By analysing the petiolule-like pulvinus (plp) mutant in M. truncatula at phenotypic level …

Longitudinal Clonal Lineage Dynamics And Functional Characterization Of Pancreatic Cancer Chemo-Resistance And Metastasization, Chieh-Yuan Li

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

In recent years, technological advancements, such as next-generation sequencing and single-cell interrogation techniques, have enriched our understanding in tumor heterogeneity. By dissecting tumors and characterizing clonal lineages, we are better understanding the intricacies of tumor evolution. Tumors are represented by the presence of and dynamic interactions amongst clonal lineages. Each lineage and each cell contributes to tumor dynamics through intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms, and the variable responses of clones to perturbations in the environment, especially therapeutics, underlie disease progression and relapse. Thus, there exists a pressing need to understand the molecular mechanisms that determine the functional heterogeneity of tumor sub-clones …

Non-Invasive Tests For The Detection Of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Mohan Sivanesan Vijaya

Student Works (2020-2029)

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy that arises in the epithelium of the nasopharynx. Diagnosis is often delayed due to inaccessibility of primary tumour site which leads to inaccurate biopsy. The pathogenesis of NPC is linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and studies have shown the employability of plasma EBV DNA for the detection and monitoring of NPC. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small non-coding RNA that are dysregulated in various cancers and have been extensively studied as biomarker due to their stability in various biospecimens. The aim of this project is to evaluate the load of EBV DNA …

Differentiation Propensity, Safety, And Therapeutic Potential Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Of Dental Origin, Musa Sabri

Student Works (2020-2029)

Introduction: A new area in medical research has emerged with the discovery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their ability to differentiate into other cell types. Specifically, these cells are found in various tissues and have been utilized in the field of regenerative medicine to support tissue repair as well as in cell replacement. Lately, MSCs of dental origin have been the main players used for regenerative purposes although subtle differences based on their tissue source separate them. Objectives: This study aims to determine the differential propensity, safety, and potential therapeutic applications of dental-derived MSCs. This involves examining various aspects …

Modeling, Fabrication And Characterization Of Coated Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds Produced By 3d-Printing For Tissue Engineering Application, Touri Maria

Student Works (2020-2029)

A fully interconnected 3-dimensional scaffold with pre-determined dimensions and porosity can be attained by design-dependent rapid prototyping techniques which possess precise control over the internal and external architecture of the scaffolds thus they can overcome the problems associated with the process-dependent classical approaches. Interruption of vascular flow with fracture or surgical osteotomy results in a transient hypoxic gradient within the wound and subsequent tissue necrosis. Tissue engineering scaffolds with oxygen generating elements have shown to be able to increase the level of oxygen and cell survivability. In this study, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds with the composition of 60% hydroxyapatite …

Marine Biofouling Communities Of Manila South Harbor, Philippines, Nacorda Hildie M.E., Austero Nero M., Pagdilao Cesar R., Tan Koh Siang, Azanza Rhodora V.

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

An immersion experiment was conducted in the Manila South Harbor to document the development of sessile biofouling communities. Test panels were submerged below the sea surface in April 2012 for short- (one and three months) and long-term (one year) exposures in seawater, then foauling types and occurrences were scored based on digital images of panel surfaces. The short-term immersed panels were found with significant cover of soft fouling (undet.), slime, and the invasive Balanus (=Amphibalanus) amphitrite. These also filled the long-term immersed panels, although some fell off due to mortality from crude oil smothering. Perna viridis, native but also invasive, …

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy For Cancer: Future Prospects In Indonesia, Poedjomartono Bagaswoto, Afkari Hanif, Meiyanto Edy, Bangun Alan, Sardjono Yohanes

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a form of cancer therapy based on the interaction of low-energy thermal neutrons and boron-10 (10-B) to produce alpha radiation from He-4 and Li-7 with a high linear energy transfer. A beam of neutrons irradiates a boron drug injected into the tumor, resulting in the boron-injected cancer cells receiving a lethal dose of radiation with the surrounding, healthy cells being minimally affected. Two boron drugs have been used clinically in BNCT, boron sodium captate (BSH) and borophenylalanine (BPA), while a third, pentagamaboronon-0 (PGB-0), is currently under development in the Faculty of Pharmacy of Universitas …

Characteristics Of Paraffin Shielding Of Kartini Reactor, Yogyakarta, Khanifah Lana, Widodo Susilo, Widarto, Putra Ngurah Made Dharma, Satrio Argo

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) Yogyakarta uses two kinds of paraffin for shielding radiation of Kartini reactor. For developing BNCT research, the radiation attenuation capability of paraffin has been analyzed to find out the coefficient attenuation, density, and composition of both kinds of paraffin. The components of the paraffin were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy characterization. Paraffin P1 has a density of 0.689 gr/mL and paraffin P2 is 0.578 gr/mL. Paraffin samples P1 and P2 were the sample content of functional group CH, CH2, and OH when …

Dose Analysis Of Bnct Treatment Method For Rhabdomyosarcoma In The Head And Neck Regions Based On Phits Code, Syamputra Dhani Nur Indra, Sardjono Yohannes, Mahmudah Rida Siti Nur’Aini

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The objectives of this research were to ?nd (1) the optimum boron dose for treating rhab- domyosarcoma in the head and neck regions and (2) the effective irradiation time to treat rhab- domyosarcoma in the head and neck regions. This research used the particle and heavy ions transport code system (PHITS) to simulate the neutron source and BNCT doses. The neutron source used was Kartini Reactor. The simulation was carried out by creating the geometry of cancer tissue in the head and neck regions. Boron concentration variance was 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 µg/g tissue. The output of PHITS …

Dose Analysis Of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (Bnct) Treatment For Lung Cancer Based On Particle And Heavy Ion Transport Code System (Phits), Harish Ahmad Faisal, Warsono, Sardjono Yohannes

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of boron concentration on total dose rate for lung cancer treatment, and to determine the effect of boron concentration on the length of irradiation time for lung cancer treatment. This study was computer simulation-based using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) by defining the geometry and components of lung cancer and the surrounding organism as the object being studied and the source of radiation used. The type of phantom used was the ORNL of an adult Asian male. The neutron source used was Kartini Reactor. The independent …

The Invasive Caribbean Mytilopsis Sallei (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae): A Short Review, Tan Koh Siang, Tay Teresa

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The mussel-like bivalve species from the Caribbean, Mytilopsis sallei, is now well established in the vicinities of several ports in South and Southeast Asia. Although it may not be as notorious as its relative the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, this brackish-water bivalve has the ability to colonise and displace native species in intertidal and subtidal habitats. It is also another testament to how well a tropical species can travel beyond its natural biogeographical boundaries. Here we briefly review its taxonomy, morphology, growth and reproduction, habitat and distribution, as well as its impact on natural habitats after invasion, based on published …

Survey Of Marine Phytoplankton In Ship’S Ballast Tanks At Laem Chabang International Port, Thailand, Kajonwattanakul Sumana, Numnual Waranya, Sirichaiseth Thanyapas, Wannarangsri Tanet

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Marine phytoplankton was investigated in ballast water of ships from 2010 to 2012 with a collection of 30 marine vessels that docked at Laem Chabang International Port in Chonburi Province, Thailand. The results showed that the dominant group of phytoplankton was diatoms. The amount of phytoplankton in the ballast tanks averaged less than 10 cells/ mL, which is less than Regulation D-2 of the Ballast Water Management Convention which requires that marine organisms between the sizes of 10 ? X <50 µm should be less than 10 cells/mL and size ? 50 µm should be less than 10 cell/m3 in ballast water. Alien species of phytoplankton was not recorded in this survey.