Beekeeping Production System, Challenges, and Opportunities in Selected Districts of South Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Tehulederie, Kalu, and Dessie Zuria districts of South Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, to assess the current beekeeping production system with available opportunities and challenges facing the beekeeping subsector. The districts were purposively selected based on potential and accessibility and then stratified into lowland, midland, and highland. In total, 135 beekeepers, of which 126 were males and 9 were females, were interviewed using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. The result revealed that beekeeping is actively practiced by the community regardless of age and sex. Three beekeeping production systems, that is, traditional, transitional, and movable frame hive, have been identified, accounting for 80%, 4%, and 16%, respectively. More than 80% of total bee colonies are managed being placed in the backyard. Besides, the study indicated that about 79% of the beekeepers keep bees primarily for income generation and home consumption. According to this study, the average bee colony holding size is 5.13 per a beekeeper. Also, this study identified that the swarm catching method is the major source of bee colony accounting for more than 45% to start beekeeping and 76% to increase existing colony number. Bee colony decline, absconding and swarming, honeybee pests and predators, and lack of training and extension were identified as major beekeeping challenges in the study areas. This study identified the beekeeping production system, opportunities, and challenges of the study areas and has significantly contributed to our knowledge and identified lack of extension and training as intervention areas. Therefore, practical beekeeping training and extension should get primary emphasis to combat the existing challenges.

Dual-Functional Nano-Functionalized Titanium Scaffolds to Inhibit Bacterial Growth and Enhance Osteointegration

Implantable biomaterials play a key role for the success of orthopedic surgery procedures. However, infections remain one of the most damaging post-operative complications that lead to the implant failure. Recently, several approaches have been proposed to avoid or manage implant-associated infections. Among these, an appropriate surface functionalization to confer intrinsic antibacterial properties preserving the osteo-integration ability represents an appealing strategy for the development of innovative implant materials. Titanium and its alloys are the most used materials for manufacturing of both articular and bone skull prostheses as well as dental implants. However, to date there is still a significant clinical need to improve their bioactivity, osseointegration and antibacterial activity. In this study, titanium biomimetic scaffolds are prepared by nano-functionalization with TiO2 (Ti_TiO2) and γFe2O3 (Ti_γFe2O3). Both cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity have been evaluated. Data show that both nano-functionalized scaffolds exhibit a good antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus, reducing colony number to 99.4% (Ti_TiO2) and 99.9% (Ti_γFe2O3), respectively. In addition, an increase of both human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) cell proliferation (up to 4.3-fold for Ti_TiO2 and 3.7-fold for Ti_gFe2O3) and differentiation has been observed. These data suggest that these nano-functionalized titanium substrates represent promising prototypes for new antimicrobial and osteoconductive biomaterials to be used in the orthopedic field to reconstruct significant bone defect.

Puerarin Restrains the Malignant Progression of Ovarian Cancer Cells via Regulating P53 and PTEN expressions

Objective: Puerarin has been proven to treat diverse cancers, but its function on ovarian cancer (OC) is still blurry and needs further research.Methods: After OC cells were treated with 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 μg/mL pue, cell vitality, colony number, apoptosis, the positive expression of P53, migration, and invasion were examined by cell function experiments, TUNEL staining, and immunofluorescence. P53, P21, PTEN, FGF1, GLI2, and ERK1/2-NF-κB pathway-related marker expressions were examined by western blot. Results: Pue weakened the OC cell vitality, colony number, and the positive expression of P53 but enhanced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Next, we discovered that pue enhanced the P53, P21, PTEN, and GLI2 levels but restrained the FGF1 level. Pue also alleviated the OC cell migration and invasion activity. We also confirmed that pue weakened the ERK1/2-NF-κB pathway-related marker expressions.Conclusion: Puerarin restrained the OC progression via modulating P53 and PTEN expressions.

FASN Knockdown Inhibited Anoikis Resistance of Gastric Cancer Cells via P-ERK1/2/Bcl-xL Pathway

Anoikis resistance (AR) is a crucial step in tumor metastasis. The overexpression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) is not only related to the AR of osteosarcoma cells, but also evidenced on gastric cancer (GC). This study investigated the role of FASN in the AR of GC cells. Plates coated with poly-HEMA were used for the culture of cells with AR. Small interfering RNA targeting FASN (siFASN) was transfected into MNK-45 and AGS cells. The number and apoptosis of cells were assessed by a hemacytometer and Annexin-V-FITC/PI assay, respectively. Aggregated cells and colony numbers were manually counted under a microscope. The migration and invasion rates were measured via wound healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. The levels of FASN, phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2, ERK1/2 and Bcl-xL were detected through western blot or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the cell numbers of MNK-45 and AGS were increased while that of GES-1 cell was decreased during the culture in suspension. A higher apoptosis rate and a smaller number of aggregated cells were observed in GES-1 cells in comparison with MNK-45 and AGS cells. A larger colony number, greater migration and invasion rates, and higher mRNA and protein expressions of FASN were presented in the AR group compared with the control group. Cells transfected with siFASN possessed lower migration and invasion rates, reduced expressions of FASN mRNA and protein, p-ERK1/2 and Bcl-xL, and induced a significantly declined ratio of p-ERK1/2 to ERK1/2. These findings suggest that down-regulation of FASN suppresses the AR of GC cells, which may be related to the inhibition of p-ERK1/2/Bcl-xL pathway.

Metformin Inhibits BMP9-Induced Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Lung Fibroblasts via AMPK Signaling

Adenosine monophosphosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its activator metformin were found to be involved in the regulation of fibroblast activation and pulmonary fibrosis. However, the regulatory mechanism has been undetermined. Recently, AMPK has been reported to exert its effect through inhibiting bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. In this study, HFL-1 cells were treated with metformin or specific AMPKα1 mutants, including constitutively activated mutant (AMPK-CA) and dominant negative mutant (AMPK-DN), combined with BMP9, and then the absorbance of these cells was measured by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. The colony number of HFL-1 cells stimulated by metformin with or without BMP9 was examined by colony formation assay. The protein expressions of differentiated markers (α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I and collagen III) and the key molecules of BMP9 signaling, including activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 1 and phosphorylated small mother against decapentaplegic (p-Smad)1/5, were also evaluated by western blot. Data revealed that BMP9 induced the proliferation and differentiation of HFL-1 cells which was suppressed by metformin or AMPK-CA. Meanwhile, the effect of metformin on BMP9-induced activation was counteracted by AMPK-DN. In addition, we found that the expressions of ALK1 and p-Smad1/5 induced by BMP9 were attenuated by metformin and AMPK-CA, whereas the inhibitory responses of metformin to the increased ALK1 and p-Smad1/5 were reduced by AMPK-DN. Accordingly, these results suggested that metformin mitigated BMP9-induced proliferation and differentiation of HFL-1 cells, which was achieved partly through the activation of AMPK and inhibition of ALK1/Smad1/5 signaling.

Rural youth employment through transitional beekeeping: In Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Beekeeping is an interesting off farm practice for low-resource people that provide employment opportunities to rural youth in developing countries like Ethiopia. The study aimed to improve jobless youth income through beekeeping, create access to profitable honey market and contribute to climate change mitigation. Both purposive and random sampling procedure was used to select sample beekeeper and study area. It is case study data on 105 rural youths sampled from two districts and two kebele administrations representing traditional beekeeping farming in Jima Zone of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics used to analyze quantitative data collected whereas on spot analysis also used to analyze qualitative data such as text data from interview transcripts. The results show that introduced transitional chefeka hive contributed significantly to the youths’ employment that relief them from dependency and low self-esteem in the community. On average hive productivity was increased from 6kg to 17.4 kg per hive and revenue generated encouraged the groups increase colony number in double fold and earn about US 6828.69 from honey and beeswax in one year. Moreover, accumulated revenue inclined them to start other income source activity besides beekeeping enterprise. Moreover, youth were found to be significantly more aware and responsible to mitigate recurrent climate change. Therefore, development interventions had better give emphasis to capacitate bee extension support system.

Bioactive Lipid O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate Promotes Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes via ALK3/BMPR Signaling

Adult human cardiomyocytes have an extremely limited proliferative capacity, which poses a great barrier to regenerative medicine and research. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been proposed as an alternative source to generate large numbers of clinical grade cardiomyocytes (CMs) that can have potential therapeutic applications to treat cardiac diseases. Previous studies have shown that bioactive lipids are involved in diverse cellular responses including cardiogenesis. In this study, we explored the novel function of the chemically synthesized bioactive lipid O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (cP1P) as an inducer of cardiac differentiation. Here, we identified cP1P as a novel factor that significantly enhances the differentiation potential of hESCs into cardiomyocytes. Treatment with cP1P augments the beating colony number and contracting area of CMs. Furthermore, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of cP1P regulating SMAD1/5/8 signaling via the ALK3/BMP receptor cascade during cardiac differentiation. Our result provides a new insight for cP1P usage to improve the quality of CM differentiation for regenerative therapies.

Pengaruh Paparan Gas Ozon terhadap Jumlah Koloni Jamur Candida albicans

Candida albicans is one of the pathogenic fungal species which causes oral infections. One of the methods to minimize the risk of fungal infection is by application of asepsis procedure through gargling with antiseptics. Ozone has high oxidative properties, therefore, it is considered as an antiseptic agent. Plasma Study Center of Diponegoro University has developed an ozone generator machine which opens up an opportunity to identify ozone properties as an antiseptic in controlling the number of fungal colonies, especially Candida albicans. This study was aimed to identify the effects of ozone exposure on the number of fungal colonies of Candida albicans. This was a laboratory experimental study with one-group pretest-posttest design. A total of 32 samples of Candida albicans suspensions were divided into two groups (16 each). Group 1 was not treated with ozonation, while group 2 were ozonated. Then, the two groups were cultured in SDA media using the spread plate method and were incubated for 48 hours. The data were obtained by calculating the number of fungal colonies growing in SDA media. The Wilcoxon test obtained a p-value <0.05, meaning that there were differences in the colony number of Candida albicans before and after ozonation. In conclusion, ozone exposure has a significant effect on the number of fungal colonies of Candida albicans. Further studies are needed adding variables or parameters. Keywords: ozone; fungal colony; Candida albicans Abstrak: Candida albicans merupakan salah satu spesies jamur patogen yang menyebabkan infeksi oral. Salah satu metode untuk meminimalkan risiko infeksi jamur ialah melalui penerapan prosedur asepsis dengan berkumur menggunakan antiseptik. Ozon memiliki kemampuan oksidasi tinggi sehingga dipertimbangkan untuk menjadi bahan antiseptik. Pusat Penelitian Plasma Universitas Diponegoro telah mengembangkan mesin generator ozon yang membuka peluang untuk mengetahui kemampuan ozon sebagai antiseptik dalam mengendalikan jumlah koloni jamur terutama Candida albicans. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya pengaruh paparan gas ozon terhadap jumlah koloni jamur (Candida albicans). Jenis penelitian ialah eksperimental laboratorik dengan one group pretest-posttest design. Sebanyak 32 sampel suspensi jamur Candida albicans dibagi menjadi dua kelompok (masing-masing 16 sampel). Kelompok 1 tidak dilakukan ozonasi dan kelompok 2 dilakukan ozonasi kemudian kedua kelompok dikultur dalam media SDA dengan metode spread plate dan diinkubasi 48 jam. Data diperoleh dengan menghitung jumlah koloni jamur yang tumbuh pada media SDA. Hasil uji statistik Wilcoxon mendapatkan nilai p<0,05 yang berarti terdapat perbedaan jumlah koloni jamur (Candida albicans) sebelum dan setelah pemberian gas ozon. Simpuolan penelitian ini ialah paparan gas ozon berpengaruh secara bermakna terhadap jumlah koloni jamur (Candida albicans). Penelitian lanjutan diperlukan dengan penambahan variabel atau parameter.Kata kunci: gas ozon; koloni jamur; Candida albicans

Anti-Tumor Activity of Metformin in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Positive Breast Cancer Cells

Breast Cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death in women. One BC subtype is very aggressive with amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein. Although specific HER2+ targeting agents are available, most of HER2+ BC patients develop resistant to these agents. Recent studies show that metformin, is able to become anti-tumor in various cancer cells. This research aims to evaluate anti-tumor activities of metformin to HER2+ BC cells in both sensitive and resistant to trastuzumab. A series of assays were performed to evaluate metformin anti-tumor activities in HCC-1954 and SKBR-3 HER2+ BC cells. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell death, and inhibitory concentration (IC50), while scratch assay was performed to assess inhibition of cell migration and clonogenic assay to assess cell proliferation. p<0.05 was considered to be significant. Metformin could suppress the number of HER2+ BC cells. Viability assay showed suppression of viable cells after metformin incubation of 60 and 600 µM compared to control, 30 and 90%, respectively. Surprisingly, IC50 of metformin was smaller in HER2+ BC HCC-1954 cells that resistant to trastuzumab compare to the sensitive one (SKBR-3). Both were below 1 µM, with R2 more than 0.95. Additionally, clonogenic assay showed less colony number and colony area with at least p < 0.05 in colony number and p < 0.01 in the area. In addition, metformin inhibited cell migration of HER2+ BC cells. Metformin shows a potency as anti-tumor by inducing cell death, inhibiting cell proliferation and cell migration of HER2+ BC cells.

THE EFFECT OF IRONWOOD STEM BARK EXTRACT (Eusideroxylon zwageri) ON THE GROWTH OF Streptococcus mutans ON ACRYLIC RESIN DENTURE PLATE

ABSTRACTBackground: Streptococcus mutans is plaque-forming initiator bacteria. Plaque on the surface base of denture can cause color changing, bad breath, inflammation, and infection called denture stomatitis. Denture hygiene must be maintained by denture soaking in 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. However, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconatethat used incessantly can cause side effects such as the changing of denture color and the fading of denture base pigmentation. The ironwood stem bark extract can be an alternative for denture cleanser material. Objectives: To analyze the effect of ironwood stem bark extract on the growth of Streptococcus mutans on heat cured type acrylic resin denture plate. Methods: True experimental laboratories research was used with post test only control group design using 9 treatment groups which are 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% concentration of ironwood stem bark extract, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and aquadest. The treatment was performed with 3 times repetition resulting in 27 total samples. Antibacterial activity was measured by calculating the bacteria colony number. Results: The 5% and 10% concentration of ironwood stem bark extract were effective in reducing Streptococcus mutans with30.3 CFU/ml and 10.3 CFU/ml average colony number. The ironwood stem bark extracts with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% concentration are effective and equivalent to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate against Streptococcus mutans with 0 CFU/ml average value. Conclusion: The 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% concentration of ironwood stem bark extract is equally effective as 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconatein killing Streptococcus mutans,exhibiting potential to be an alternative for denture cleanser material.Keyword: 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate, ironwood stem bark extract, acrylic resin denture plate heat cured type, Streptococcus mutans.