Purpose: To promote understanding of the coral life cycle and destructive forces in order to modify destructive human behavior. Background: Coral ecosystems are important sources of food and coastal protection. Corals, just like other creatures, may be destroyed by environmental and biological stressors. Coral lifecycle and current destructive forces are complex subjects often depicted using scientific terminology that is difficult to understand by the lay public. Better understanding of these concepts through dynamic illustrations and interactive teaching could potentially prevent destructive behavior and help protect these threatened ecosystems. Methods: We provide a novel teaching tool to visually illustrate damage and modify behavior in multiple age groups. 1. We utilized simplified illustrations targeting children (K-1), middle school (6-8 grade) and high school students. Student comprehension is evaluated through teach-back technique. Using this feedback, illustrations are then modified to augment and clarify areas of confusion. 2. A hands-on interactive program was designed using thermochromic painted coral skeletons. Children at an after school program participate in an interactive, hands-on experience utilizing color-changing paint in addition to the age appropriate illustrations. Thermochromic paint changes color (red to white) when exposed to elevated temperatures. Coral skeletons are painted and then submerged in warm water. The color change dramatically illustrates the effect of warmer water on coral bleaching reinforcing teaching points. 3. Simplified illustrations, and thermochromic painted coral skeletons are then used in an education module presenting information to individuals in a high volume tourist resort area. Summary: Coral reef destruction is an ongoing concern. Many resources are being applied to study mechanisms of damage. However, education of the general public regarding mechanisms of damage, for example avoiding coral-toxic sunscreen use, is also important for real-time prevention of modifiable destructive human behaviors. Development and application of appropriate teaching tools for all age groups will help with coral preservation. The recent advances in autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) design, propulsion, software, and sensors have resulted in a proliferation of vehicles, including optionally manned conversions, for a multitude of missions. These technologies have created new opportunities to develop heterogeneous and collaborative unmanned systems based around smaller, lower-cost, unmanned surface, underwater and aerial vessels. We propose that diesel-electric powered ASVs with modular architectures can incorporate numerous interchangeable sensor payloads and allows one ASV unit to function as a multi-instrument platform to support other offshore operations. With over 30 days at 7 knots endurance capability and over the horizon communications, this technology represents a step change in offshore operations is a cost effective surrogate to the use of Regional Class Research/Survey vessels to deliver the equivalent capability.
Symbiotic microorganisms in corals have proven to be a rich source of structurally novel and biologically active secondary metabolites that have become interesting and significant resources for drug discovery. In recent years, during our ongoing study on bioactive natural products from the South China Sea, diverse bioactive secondary metabolites with variety structures have been isolated from coral-derived fungi, such as alkaloids, macrolides, anthraquinones, and peptides. For instance, a pair of new enantiomeric alkaloid dimers, (+)- and (−)-Pestaloxazine A, with unprecedented symmetric spiro-[oxazinanepiperazinedione] skeleton, consisting of 22 carbons and 12 heteroatoms, were isolated from a Pestalotiopsis sp. fungus derived from the soft coral Sarcophyton sp.. A series of prenylated indole alkaloids were isolated from Aspergillus sp. fungus derived from the gorgonian coral Dichotella gemmacea. Quinazoline alkaloids with heptacyclic skeleton formed via a bridging hemiaminal linkage was isolated from Scopulariopsis sp. fungus derived from gorgonian Carijoa sp. Prenylated dihydroquinolone derivatives were obtained from the fungus Aspergillus sp. cultured from gorgonian Muricella abnormalis. And a series of 14-membered resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) belonging to a family of benzannulated macrolides were obtained from a gorgonian-derived fungal strain Cochliobolus lunatus. The compounds exhibited diverse promising bioactivities, including antifouling activity against barnacle B amphitrite, antibacterial activity towards pathogenic bacteria, cytotoxicity against human tumour cell lines, and antiviral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and enterovirus 71 (EV 71). It could be concluded that the bioactive secondary metabolites produced by coral-derived symbiotic microorganisms should be a rich source for discovery of marine lead compounds. The marine environment has been proven to be a rich source of new bioactive natural products for drug discovery. Coral reefs are among the most productive ecosystems and are a source of a large group of structurally unique biosynthetic products. To date, more than 40,000 marine natural products (MNPs) have been identified from various marine organisms, such as sponges, cnidarians, tunicates, molluscs, echinoderms, bryozoans, red algae, brown algae, green algae, and microorganisms (Carroll et al. 2019; Deshmukh et al. 2017; Jimenez 2018; Leal et al. 2016; Newman and Cragg 2016b). The upward trend in the discovery of new MNPs sourced from marine microorganisms continues unabated and now represents 57% of the total new MNPs reported in 2017 (Carroll et al. 2019). Based upon the putative biogenetic origins, these MNPs can be classified as polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, peptides, phenols, and lipids. Also, a large proportion of MNPs display interesting pharmaceutical activities, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, analgesic, and antiasthmatic activities (According to the following websites: http://marinepharmacology.midwestern.edu; Jimenez 2018). Hence, MNPs are considered as an excellent and potentially valuable source for new chemical entities with novel structures and distinct mechanisms of action. To date, there have been 13 approved therapeutic agents that could be considered derivatives of MNPs (Altmann 2017; Jimenez 2018; Newman 2019; Pereira et al. 2019). Moreover, more than 30 MNP derivatives constitute the global marine pharmaceutical clinical pipeline in Phases III, II or I of drug development (According to the following websites: http://marinepharmacology.midwestern.edu; http://pharma.id.informa.com (accessed on August 6, 2019); Jimenez 2018; Newman 2019; Pereira et al. 2019). The significant potential for new drug development based on MNPs in all disease areas has been previously discussed (Newman and Cragg 2016a). Marine invertebrates have proven to be a primary source of bioactive MNPs, as many serve as chemical defense tools against predators, competitors and other ecological pressures. It has been demonstrated that the true origin of most MNPs appears to be the microorganisms living in concert with invertebrates. Most invertebrates are sessile, soft-bodied and move slowly, and are thus subject to potential parasite predation and detrimental microbial colonization. Therefore, they require a complex arsenal of Medicinal Chemistry and Rational Drugs July 25-26, 2018 | Vancouver, Canada ISSN: 0974-7508 secondary metabolites produced by their symbiotic microorganisms to facilitate a form of chemical defense (Jimenez 2018; Wang et al. 2008). This is likely the reason why MNPs from marine invertebrates and their symbiotic microorganisms are a rich sources of diverse and bioactive secondary metabolites (Martins et al. 2014; Mayer et al. 2010; Newman and Cragg 2016b). The chemical ecology underlying invertebrate–microorganism interactions provides a great opportunity for natural product chemists to mine for novel drug discovery. Therefore, the invertebrates and the abundant microorganisms in their ecosystems have attracted widespread attention for producing novel structural metabolites with potential bioactive applications (Blunt et al. 2018). In the recent decade, the China Sea, especially the South China Sea, has become a hot spot in searching for novel bioactive MNPs. The invertebrates including sponges, soft corals, gorgonians and tunicates are prolific in the coral reefs in the South China Sea, and the microorganisms associated with these invertebrates have been demonstrated as a distinctive source for new bioactive MNPs. In recent years, we have initiated a research program to find biological active MNPs based on marine chemical ecology (Figs. 1, 2) (Hou et al. 2015, 2019a; Wang et al. 2008). A total of 709 MNPs including 307 new compounds have been obtained from marine invertebrates and their symbiotic microorganisms collected from the South China Sea. In this review, we summarize the representative 287 MNPs (Table 1) obtained by our group, highlighting multiple structural types of compounds and demonstrating discovery, diversity, compound mining, and bioactive application. The goal is to provide further inspiration for the discovery of bioactive MNPs and subsequent drugs development.
Curcumin and tannic acid which are naturally occurring dietary polyphenols, have exerted and found to be chemo-preventative against cancer in various animal models. This study was carried out on 220 (12-14 weeks old, 25-30 g each) female mice. Mice were classified into two main large experiments. Experiment 1: Non-tumor bearing mice (NTB) included 100 animals and divided into four groups, each one comprised 25 mice. Group 1: NTB- control saline treated. Group 2: NTB-treated with curcumin orally (350 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Group 3: NTB-treated with tannic acid orally (160 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Group 4: NTB-treated with curcumin and tannic acid orally at ratio (50%:50%) for 6 weeks. Experiment 2: Tumor bearing (TB) mice. The total 120 animals were divided into four groups, each one comprised of 30 mice. Group 1: TBM-control saline treated. Group 2: TBM-treated with curcumin orally (350 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Group 3: TBM-treated with tannic acid orally (160 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Group 4: TBM-treated with curcumin and tannic acid orally at ratio (50%:50%) for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected from all animal groups after 2, 4 and 6 weeks from treatment. Serum were separated and processed directly for glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, total protein determination. The obtained results revealed that, a highly significant decrease in serum glucose, total cholesterol, total protein concentration, meanwhile, a highly significant increase in serum triacylglycerol concentration was also observed. But a nonsignificant decrease in serum insulin levels were observed in tumor bearing mice when compared with control. The results of this study indicated that curcumin, tannic acid and their combination treatment have potential benefits in cancer treatment. This study evaluated the ameliorative potential of grape seed extract (GSE) against Ehrlich solid tumor (EST)–induced hepatic tissue alterations in mice. The control group was infused with physiological saline. The second group received GSE (50 mg/kg day by day orally) for 2 weeks. The third group was subcutaneously injected with 2.5 million of EST cells. The fourth group was injected with EST cells and treated with GSE extract simultaneously. The fifth group was injected with EST cells and kept for 2 weeks until the appearance of a solid tumor, then treated with GSE for 2 weeks. The phytochemical analysis of GSE revealed the presence of total phenols (17.442 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (6.687 mg CE/g) with antioxidant activity of 81.506 mg TE/g DPPH. The Ehrlich solid tumor significantly raised the activities of ALT, AST, and ALP; the level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in serum; and the protein expressions of hepatic proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and tumor suppressor protein (P53), as well as induced DNA damage and pathological alterations in liver tissue. However, it significantly reduced serum albumin and total protein levels. In contrast, the co- or post-treatment of EST-bearing mice with GSE reduced the activities of ALT, AST, and ALP; the level AFP in serum; and hepatic P53 and PCNA protein expressions. In addition, it reduced EST-induced hepatic DNA damage and pathological alterations, while it increased serum albumin and total protein levels. This study suggested that GSE is a potent hepatoprotective agent and both co- and post-treatment of EST-bearing mice with GSE almost had the same effects. Graphical abstract
The vast array of oceanic sources of bioactive molecules provides a new frontier in exploration and discovery. In blending a variety of ocean sciences, an innovative development of disciplines such as, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics as well as the study of a variety of oceanic derivatives of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are yielding promising marine natural products. These are yielding remarkable potential in human, veterinary medicine, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals measurably contributing to enhancing the quality of life and perhaps even leading to considerable extension of longevity of the human life span while at the same time, reducing morbidity and disability resulting from chronic degenerative diseases and illnesses burdening terrestrial life forms. Phenomenal adaptive mechanisms by a wide variety of oceanic organisms including their marine toxins, of considerable greater potency arising from the significant biodiversity of oceanic life forms in comparison to land-based sources of natural products; provide enormous potential for exploration of bioactive molecules for biopharmaceutical development. Ocean-derived agrichemicals have already shown proven potential in optimizing and measurably augmenting crop yields for farmers. Oceanic sponges may lead to further procurement of bioactive molecules which shall deliver new and effective chemotherapeutic agents, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatories in treating a multitude of various forms of cancer as well as antiangiogenic effect in preventing metastatic spread of existing forms of cancer and thereby contributing to improved prognosis and extending survival for existing cancer patients. Marine natural products such as Triterpene glycosides derived from Sea Cucumbers are proving to be effective precursor bioactive molecules for a multitude of biomedical benefits including antimicrobial and especially potent anti-viral potential. It is therefore evident that marine natural products, delivering Oceanic Bioactive Molecules are a logical, current and future source of a vast array of promising new products for biomedical application. This is leading to an exciting new pioneering Era of scientific innovation in the new and fascinating biomedical disciplines of Infectious disease, Regenerative Medicine, Pandemic & Bioterrorism contingency planning, as well as stem-cell therapies, Many new Bio-markers in early disease detection and prevention, bio-engineering and 3-D printing among several new and exciting other technologies. This shall lead to enhanced repair as well as regeneration of new body parts, entirely new organs, human tissue damaged by disease, trauma, environmental exposure or even natural aging, associated with cost-prohibitive chronic degenerative illnesses. This Symposium at the Third International Conference of Oceanography shall delve into several of such fascinating subjects and thereby share information critical in the time-sensitive emergence of these burgeoning new subspecialties of oceanic and marine biomedical sciences
Rhododendron formosanum, an endemic plant in subtropical region of Taiwan, possesses diversity of natural products such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenoids in leaves and other plant parts. Underneath the vegetation, there is almost lacking understory species which turns out to be an allelopathic phenomenon. We have already demonstrated the unique pattern of allelopathy which was due to the allelopathic substances released from the plant leaves. The responsible allelopathic substances are water soluble phenolic acids, namely, p-hydroxybenzoic, methyl-ferulate, syringic acid, vanillic acid, coumarin, and protocatechuic acid. On the other hand, cinnamtannin D1, a trimer of catechin, from the plant induces autophagy via the inhibition of Akt/mTOR activation of ERK1/2 non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Rice defined allelopathy as the effect of one plant on growth of another plant through release of chemical compounds into the environment. In 1996, the International Allelopathy Society recommended the following, more wide definition of allelopathy: “any process involving the secondary metabolites produced by plants, microorganisms, viruses, and fungi that influence the growth and development of agricultural and biological system (excluding animals), including positive and negative effects”. However, negative effects are observed more often than positive ones. Allelopathy plays a significant role in forest ecosystems for the following reasons: (1) trees release allelochemicals for long periods, and they may accumulate in soil to toxic levels, (2) one or only a few species dominate in the forest plantations, (3) allelochemicals affect the understory, and for some species they can affect the undergrowth, and in some cases can even cause problems in natural regeneration, and (4) introduced highly productive exotic trees may increase accumulation of allelochemicals in soil due to the inability of the local microflora to degrade them. Allelochemicals are the products of secondary metabolism and have no nutritional value. According to the different structures and properties, allelochemicals can be classified into the 10 categories: (1) water-soluble organic acids, straight-chain alcohols, aliphatic aldehydes, and ketones; (2) simple unsaturated lactones; (3) long-chain fatty acids and polyacetylenes; (4) quinines (benzoquinone, anthraquinone, and complex quinines); (5) phenolics; (6) cinnamic acid and its derivatives; (7) coumarins; (8) flavonoids; (9) tannins; and (10) steroids and terpenoids (sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, and triterpenoids). Plant secondary metabolites include about 200,000 compounds, among which the most diverse are terpenoids (30,000), alkaloids (21,000), and phenolic compounds (8000). In allelochemical trees, the most common are the terpenoids and phenolics. Reigosa described five ways by which allelochemicals can be released into the environment from trees: stem flow, root exudation, leachates from aerial parts during rain, dew, and fog, volatiles from leaves or other plant parts, and litter decomposition. It is interesting to note that the greatest Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in his poem Anchar (1828) described all abovementioned ways of extracting poison from the Antiaris toxicaria tree except for litter decomposition. Studies have shown that various nutrients deficiency, as well as water stress, UV radiation, physical damage by herbivores or interspecific competition can enhance the production of allelochemicals and the sensitivity to allelochemicals. For effective action, allelochemicals must reach a certain concentration. Their release is influenced by such environmental factors as temperature, duration and intensity of rainfall, type of soil and soil humidity. Degradation by soil microorganisms also plays an important role in the accumulation of allelochemicals. Most allelochemicals are rapidly biodegraded in the soil, especially phenolics. The term ‘‘phytotoxicity’’ was introduced to distinguish allelopathy (as interactions occurring in natural environment) from studies of plant extracts or allelochemicals (purified or synthetized) under controlled conditions. The most common method for assessing phytotoxicity is the Petri dish bioassay of extracts (leachates) on seed germination and seedling growth. Such studies are usually carried out on model plants, for example, Lactuca sativa, because of their rapid germination and genetic homogeneity. It allows comparing the results among different studies. Evaluation of plants in the soil, in the greenhouse, is rare and even less often in field conditions. Evaluation in natural conditions is especially important for the reason that allelochemicals mainly act through the soil. For a short period of time, a contact exposure through leachates during rain or dew may be possible. In some species, it may be Natural Product: An Indian Journal 5th International Conference on Biodiversity March 10-12, 2016 | Madrid, Spain ISSN: 0974-7508 conducted directly through volatile compounds. It was proved that some volatiles (e.g., terpenoids in the eucalypt species) can be dissolved and absorbed by soil. This is especially important for woody plants which grow and accumulate allelochemicals in soil for a long period of time. Various biological, chemical, and environmental factors can influence the allelochemical effectiveness for a particular species, such as: (1) specific plant toxins affect only particular species; (2) time or plant density required to reach toxic concentrations; (3) seasonal variation in toxicity; (4) synergistic effects of several allelochemicals; and (5) adsorption, leaching, and degradation in soils. Coder and Warnell described more than a hundred tree species with allelopathic activity. The strongest allelopathic effects were found in representatives of the genera Acacia, Ailanthus, Eucalyptus, Juglans, Leucaena and some conifer species. Most examples of allelopathy in trees are associated with exotic species that are rapidly becoming dominant in new ecosystems, such as Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle), which is considered as one of the worst invasive plant species in Europe and also listed as an invasive plant in North America and many other countries. At the global level, the invasion of alien organisms is considered the second largest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction. Nowadays, allelopathy is considered to be the most important factor influencing invasion and spread of exotic plants. The ‘‘novel weapons hypothesis’’ suggests that an introduced species may have strong allelopathic effects on neighbouring plant species in a novel environment, because native vegetation has not evolved resistance to unique allelochemicals produced by the invader. Rabotnov hypothesized earlier that allelopathy is more significant between plants that have not co-evolved together for a long time. This hypothesis is especially important in forestry, because allelopathy could be one of the important factors influencing the successful introduction of tree species in new regions. Some trees that belong to the widespread plantation species are also invasive, such as eucalypts. As a result, due to the large areas occupied by these trees and because of their dominance, the significance of allelopathy of woody plants can reach the level of ecosystems
The aim of the presentation is to evaluate the scale of changes in water storage in peat deposit in the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (643 km2) off the western Carpathians (European mountain range), influenced by human activity since the middle ages till 2015. The basin is covered by fluvioglacial fans rich in groundwater and stores large amounts of water in vast peatbogs, especially raised bogs. The peatbogs occur at the altitude from 592 to 770 m a.s.l. (metres above sea level) since the middle ages the peatbogs in this basin have been degraded by human impact, mainly due to peat exploitation and drainage by dense network of ditches. After 1990 shrinkage of the limit of peatbog domes slowed down or even stopped and draining ditches are not cleaned which causes increasing irrigation of post-peat areas. Contemporary limit of individual peatbogs and their elements (i.e. reduced domes, post-peat areas, isolated peat patches) in the basin was determined based on data from aerial laser scanning LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and additionally from peatbogs mapping. Former limit of peatbogs was assessed on the basis of historical maps (18th-20th centuries) and mapping of remnants of peat deposit. Using drilling methods, the thickness of peat deposit was measured within each peatbog in the period from August to October (relatively dry deposit). In order to determine the amount of water in peat, four raised bogs and four fens, assumed as representative for the area studied, were sampled in 2008-2015 from May to October (every two months). Using Kopecky`s cells (0.25 dm3), 540 peat samples were taken at the profile depth every 50 cm, which were the bases to calculate capillary capacity of peat in volume version Pwv [%]. Water resources in peatbogs both current and those probable existing before the beginning of the intensive human impact in the basin were estimated based on the appropriate volume of peat deposits and values of capillary water volume of peat Pwv [%]. Finally, maximal amount of water which may be stored in domes (now in residual domes and post-peat areas) and fens was estimated. In the past probable total amount of water which might have been permanently stored in fens in the basin was estimated to 32 million m3, and in the raised bog domes 139 million m3 (together 171 million m3). Total amount of water which is currently stored in fens in the basin is estimated to 15.1 million m3, in raised bog domes to 45.2 million m3, and in post-peat areas to 2.1 million m3 (total volume of water is 62.4 million m3). In relation to the whole area of the basin, the index of water retention of peatbogs reaches 10 cm and at the end of the middle ages this index was probably 27 cm. The fastest rate of water loss in peats occurred 50-150 years ago.
Written by Khadijah Alavi and Ann Wan Seng, this book contains the complete background of cases of abuse and neglect of children in Malaysia. This is due to cases of abuse and neglect of children increased dramatically and it became one of the very worrying social problems. The book includes studies that have been made regarding cases of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual and neglect of children whose interaction model of child abuse used as a frame of the study. Also included in this book is a causal factor of abuse such as socioeconomic status, marital relations were cracked, cultural norms and behavioral factors other than the abuser’s own personality. Abuse and neglect of children increased dramatically these days and it’s one of the very worrying social problems of society and government. The incidence of abuse and neglect of children in Malaysia need to be studied and researched. The basic objective of this study was to examine four categories of abuse was physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect of children and to identify factors that lead to abuse. The uniqueness of this study is that it is conducted in the pediatric ward of the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur for one year, namely January to December 1994. Children under 13 years are admitted to the pediatric ward as sample. The length of time the victim lived in the ward is two days or more depending on the seriousness of the case. This study is quite different from previous studies because it uses anthropological approach. Model interaction of child abuse used as a frame of the study. This is because it is an approach that encompasses all factors as a whole to study the problem of abuse and neglect of children. External and internal factors such as socioeconomic status of the family system, marital rift parents, actors personality, social networks, cultural norms and behavioral factors are also considered victims in analyzing cases of abuse and neglect of children. Personality actors and the lack of interaction in the family system were found to be the underlying factors that lead to child abuse. However, no one single factor is the main cause in cases of abuse and neglect of children. All the factors mentioned above are interconnected so that they form a social problem that is complicated and complex to be diagnosed, whether this incident was an accident, illness or injury inflicted. What is even more distressing abuse of children has reached a critical level where people have lost a sense of humanity and concern in providing education to children who are still toddle in life. Children born in a state of pure and the one who shaping the children into good or evil is the guardian. Children are like a piece of white cloth and are the responsibility of parents to make sure it is not contaminated. It is the responsibility of all to protect them from negative elements that were attacking contemporary society. Found to be 2 to 15 cases of abuse are reported every week in Malaysia. These figures show how serious the problem of child abuse in Malaysia. Since 1990 the number of cases reported to the authorities increased between 10-15 percent per annum. During 1985 to 1992 a total of 935 cases of child abuse have been referred to the police and this number continues to rise until it reaches into the thousands. It should be noted this number does not include cases that have not been reported or referred to the authorities. It is estimated that this number will continue to increase over time. Over a period of eight years, namely 1985 to 1992, a total of 47 children who are abused have died after suffering severe injuries and had to endure throughout his life. Statistics released by the Social Welfare Department showed an increase of 27 per cent of cases in the whole country except for Sabah and Sarawak. In 1992, a total of 852 cases were reported and this number continues to increase to 1084 cases in 1993. In the past five years, from 1989 to 1993 a total of 3693 cases were reported. The figures show this is far more than a decade ago where in 1981 the number of cases reported in Peninsular Malaysia only amounted to 93 cases. This figure is then increased to 970 cases 10 years later. It shows over the last decade the number of cases increased by 877 cases. The number of cases of child abuse is higher in the Federal Territory and Selangor due to the density of population which largely comes from rural areas. Pressure and high cost of living in the Klang Valley area causing many social problems such as living conditions uncomfortable, placement and traffic congestion, crime and so on.
Immunohistochemistry is a process where antigens are detected in cells by application of antigen antibody interactions in biological fluids with the help of radiolabelled antibodies. It is useful in the detection of tumour and stage of cancer. IHC is also useful in drug development by detecting the up or down regulation of disease targets. Introduction: Total 174 cases of Breast CNB were received from 2 different sources, one from National Screening Centre, Abu Dhabi (168) and one from Sharjah Kuwaiti Hospital (6). The cases were mixed either palpable or non-palpable (screen detected) from patients age ranging from 32 to 73 years. 56 patients were the nationals of United Arab Emirates and the rest were from about 20 different nationalities. The types of the procedures of biopsy taking were variable like core needle or vacuum assisted either U/S guided or stereotactic mammogram guided. Method: Total 174 cases received during this period were analyzed. H & E stain on 3 levels was done in all the cases. Immunohistochemistry for breast progressive markers ER, PR & Her2neu was done on all malignant cases. Immunohistochemistry markers E-cadherin, CKAE1AE3, Collagen IV, SMA, SMM-HC, P63, CD10, HMWCK, and Ki67 were run as per the requirement based on H & E findings and availability in the department. CD31, S100, CD34, Desmin, bcl2, CD99 and CD45 were also used on rare occasions. Result: Definite benign diagnosis was given in 43 cases without use of IHC. 37 definite malignant diagnoses were given without using myoepithelial markers. Myoepithelial markers were used in 81 cases, 58 out of them were concluded as benign and 23 as malignant. Schwannoma and vascular neoplasms were ruled out in few cellular fibroepithelial lesions by use of CD31, S100, CD34 and Desmin. Cases of radial scar, complex sclerosing lesion and some sclerosing adenosis were mimicking invasive carcinoma on H&E examination. Here myoepithelial markers helped to reach the final diagnosis. In other instances, CKAE1AE3 and CD45 were useful to rule out lobular invasive component where lymphocytes were causing confusion. Myoepithelial/basal markers and ER also helped in papillary lesions. HMWCK helped in differentiating usual ductal hyperplasia from atypical ductal hyperplasia. ER and ki67 were useful in columnar cell lesion. Conclusion: In few cases of Breast CNB definite diagnosis is not possible without IHC. Diagnostic problems in lesions like radial scar, complex sclerosing lesion, columnar cell lesions/flat epithelial atypia, a typical ductal hyperplasia and papillary lesion, myoepithelial markers, ER and HMWCK are useful to reach the final diagnosis. Use of breast progressive markers on carcinoma diagnosed on CNB is of tremendous importance for very small lesions and for possible mixed tumours. Also they are almost compulsory where the CNB and followed excision/mastectomy are performed and diagnosed at two different centres
From ancient time traditional medicinal plants based herbal formula has made countless contribution to the well-being of the human population. Currently, more and more evidence showing the efficacy and potential of medicinal plants through the multidisciplinary modern approaches for the discovery of natural products anticancer agent. The multidisciplinary modern scientific approaches will help to reveal and uncover the “mystery” of traditional medicinal plants properties to the modern science world. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the anticancer effects and mechanism of Calophyllum inophyllum L. (Calophyllaceae) fruit extract against MCF-7 cells via multidisciplinary modern scientific approaches. C. inophyllum fruit extract was found to have markedly cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50 for 24 hours of 23.59 μg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that C. inophyllum fruit extract mediated cell cycle at G0/G1 and G2/M phases and MCF-7 cells entered the early phase of apoptosis. Herbal medicine has become a very safe, non-toxic, and easily available source of cancer-treating compounds. Herbs are believed to neutralize the effects of diseases in a body because of various characteristics they possess [4]. For instance, among the many anticancer medicinal plants, Phaleria macrocarpa (local name: Mahkota dewa) and Fagonia indica (local name: Dhamasa) have been used traditionally for the anticancer properties of their active ingredients. Metabolites extracted from the plant material are used to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Gallic acid as the active component was purified from the fruit extract of P. macrocarpa and has demonstrated a role in the induction of apoptosis in lung cancer, leukemia, and colon adenocarcinoma cell liness. It is a polyhydroxy phenolic compound and a natural antioxidant that can be obtained from a variety of natural products i.e., grapes, strawberries, bananas, green tea, and vegetables. It also plays a critical role in preventing malignancy transformation and the development of cancer [10]. Similarly, other compounds such as vinca alkaloids, podophyllotoxin, and camptothecin obtained from various plants are used for the treatment of cancer.The expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 was decreased whereas, the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome C and p53 were increased after treatment. C. inophyllum fruit extract led to apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via the mitochondrial pathway in a dose dependent manner. This is evidenced by the elevation of intracellular ROS, the loss of mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm) and activation of caspase-3. Meanwhile, dose-dependent genomic DNA fragmentation was observed after C. inophyllum fruits extract treatment by comet assay. These studies show that C. inophyllum fruits extract-induced apoptosis are primarily p53 dependent and mediated through the activation of caspase-3. C. inophyllum fruit extract could be an excellent source of the chemopreventive agent in the treatment of breast cancer and has potential to be explored as a green anticancer agent. Consequently, scientist hopes that more evidence-based multidisciplinary modern scientific approaches to studying traditional medicinal plants will be provided to lifting the mysterious veil.
Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a major mastitis pathogen that has been reported to be refractory to antibiotic treatment. Certain fatty acids have been shown to inhibit the growth of mastitis pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vitro experiments were conducted to determine the effects of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on growth of M. bovis. Five strains of M. bovis of bovine origin were selected for the study. Two strains were reference strains (ATCC 25025 and 25523) and the other strains were isolated from diseased cattle. Isolates were cultured and suspended in saline to achieve an optical density of 0.2 at 520 nm, a suspension of approximately 1 × 107 to 2 × 108 CFU/ml. Subsequently, M. bovis suspensions were incubated in culture media containing PGF2α (dinoprost tromethamine) at final concentrations of 0 [control), 2, 4, and 8 mg/ml, for 8 h at 37°C. A sample from each treatment group was obtained and cultured on agar plates for 10 d and bacterial growth assessed as CFU/ml. The entire experiment was repeated four times using duplicate tubes per PGF2α concentrations for each strain. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and the model included the effect of treatment, strain, and their interaction. Treatment affected (P<0.01) M. bovis growth, and mean CFU/ml decreased with concentrations of PGF2α at 4 and 8 mg/ml but not 2 mg/ml (43.6, 42.1, 24.3, 7.8 [±1.1] for 0, 2, 4, 8 mg/ml, respectively). However, an effect of treatment by strain interaction on mean CFU/ml was detected (P<0.05), indicating that the effect of PGF2α on bacterial growth was not consistent across strains. Overall, the 2 mg/ml PGF2α decreased CFU/ml in only one strain compared with control, whereas 4 and 8 mg/ml PGF2α decreased CFU/ml in all strains compared with control. These in vitro results provide evidence, for the first time, that the fatty acid PGF2α, in the form of dinoprost tromethamine, has inhibitory effects on growth of M. bovis, and this bacteriostatic effect appears to be strain and dose dependent.
This paper examines violence and underlying contexts and social processes that occurred among drug users/ dealers before, during and after major disasters: Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. A Stages paradigm is used to study violence during this time. Daily lives, conduct norms and behavior patterns associated with violence are illustrated. At each stage of the hurricanes, people drew heavily upon what they previously learned about behaving in stressful situations. Study Background: Data for this paper comes from a National Institutes of Health research titled “Stages of Drug Market Disruption and Reformulation in Disaster Cities.” Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in September 2008 provided an opportunity to document the impacts of multiple instances of violence stemming from the illicit drug market in Houston, New Orleans, and Galveston. Methods: From 2006-2013 a large scale ethnographic study was conducted in three major cities: New Orleans, Louisiana, Houston and Galveston, Texas. Staff completed in-depth interviews with 132 focal respondents of drug users and sellers. There were 57 focus groups with 243 focus group participants; 350 drug using/selling respondents completed a survey protocol (CAPI), organized around their experiences during the hurricanes. These provided extensive, information for analysis which was performed using Filemaker Pro. Results: Accounts given by respondents before, during, and after the hurricanes gave a picture of types of violence that took place with people frantically displaying and modeling behaviors that they had acquired through their interaction patterns over time. Chaos and pandemonium, last minute decisions to leave while the water was rising and attempts to purchase or sell drugs all took place together. This presented people with a frenzied and disordered situation. Violence was prominent in drug use and sales due mainly to pressures to leave and deciding where to go or where to stay.
Milk and dairy products have an important role in human nutrition, especially in the first years of life, once these products are sources of high quality protein, carbohydrates, fat and mineral salts necessary for growth. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the integrity and intrinsic quality of milk and dairy products for human consumption. Raw milk represents an ideal growth medium for several microorganisms that have been identified as food borne pathogens or as causative agents of bovine mastitis, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. In dairy cattle, the inflammation of the mammary gland in response to bacterial attachment and growth is an important cause of milk contamination. Contaminated milking equipment and the hands of the milkers are also common sources of transmission of pathogenic bacteria in the dairy farm environment, leading to potential health risks. Thus, under an epidemiological point of view, it is essential to use analytical methodologies to identify not only the pathogenic microorganisms in dairy farms, but also the respective sources of contamination in the milking environment. In dairy and other food industries, the determination of pathogenic micro-organisms has been performed routinely by molecular techniques, mainly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in addition to automated PCR systems such as BAXTM [1]. These methods are very useful for the identification of bacterial species, but they do not differentiate the lineages of bacteria from the same species, which is required in the case of epidemiological investigations. DNA-based methods are generally recommended for typing of pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, since they make possible to evaluate genetic relationships of strains from different sources, thus serving as guidance for the bacterial control in the environment. Although DNA sequencing is the most accurate method to evaluate genetic relationships between microorganisms, this technique is limited to specialized laboratories; therefore its application in the routine analysis in the food industry is still expensive and not practical. As an alternative to sequencing methods, several molecular techniques have been used to differentiate lineages of pathogens, especially the ribo typing and the Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE is considered the most effective technique for typing because of its simplicity, relative low cost, time efficiency and high discriminatory power, depending on the restriction enzymes employed. In recent years, the application of molecular techniques in dairy farms has markedly increased, thus providing several data on the incidence of pathogen isolates found in milkers, equipment, individual cow’s milk and bulk tank milk that were epidemiologically related. Those reports indicated that S. aureus and other pathogenic bacteria may not only be transmitted between cows in the same farm, but also disseminated among farms and different, unrelated regions. In a study conducted in Brazil, PFGE was used as a tool for identifying the diversity of S. aureus strains among different sites inside the dairy farms, and how they contribute for contamination of the bulk milk [2]. PFGE identification of clusters and pulsotypes at different periods of sampling shows the persistence of strains in the environment. Therefore, the use of molecular identification of pathogens in the milking environment could be useful for addressing specific control strategies, including regular monitoring of the sanitizing procedures in the milking environment of dairy farms. In conclusion, although PFGE would be useful to screen for pathogenic bacteria in milk and in the milking environment, further studies are needed to determine if the cost-benefit relationship of such technique would be appropriate for dairy operations worldwide. In addition, future research should focuses on the development of other molecular techniques that could be applicable for rapid, robust analysis of microorganisms in the environment of dairy farms, an area that currently seems to be a priority in the broad domain of the dairy science research.
Border regions continually intrigue the public, given the perceived potential for threatening newcomers, entry or passage of resources including human capital from one country to another, and the opportunity to explore another way of life. For these reasons, among others, border regions have been of interest to anthropologists. Given its coast-to-coast placement in North America the United States provides access via sea routes to peoples from all areas of the world. Land routes provide access along the northern and southern borders. The most publicized is the “southwestern” border region between the United States and Mexico. Issues of concern vary among the four states (west to east: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas) that form the border zone with northern states of Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas). For this editorial I describe events in the U.S. states, Arizona and California, where people have experienced distinctive hardships and challenges worth the attention of anthropologists. For the border region in southern Arizona, the main concerns have focused in one form or another on the southern boundary of Arizona that serves as a “corridor” for people who enter the United States without documentation. The extensive desert has resulted in numerous deaths, which have been investigated and documented [1]. Personal belongings of men and women who make the trek, which are left behind in the desert, have become the objects of analytic interest [2] and interpretation [3]. To honor individuals who cross the border and provide background material for the farm labor that these men and women often perform in the United States, Seth Holmes made the trek across the desert into the state of Arizona with a small group of Triqui men and women from southern Mexico. In the first chapter to his monograph he showcases his experience, describing the hardships of a multi-day trek and being taken into custody by the border patrol [4]. He includes photographs; fortunately his camera was not confiscated. Groups have been formed within the state of Arizona to protest militarization by the Border Patrol and Homeland Security, and the increased police presence in certain areas of the state that affect a number of peoples and communities. Mostly the issues focus on indigenous rights and sovereignty, and the rights of migrant peoples to pursue reliable livelihoods, including men and women of alternative sexualities. Native Americans living on ancestral lands experience restricted access to sacred sites; opportunities for family visitation on both sides of “the border” are limited [5]; and the potential extension of an asphalt freeway that would interfere with sacred lands and wildlife areas (recently researched by a graduate student for dissertation fieldwork). Migrants are often socio-economically excluded when they arrive in the United States. Environmental issues are added to the situation with reports of wildlife restricted from “movement-and” therefore food and safety-by the presence of a border wall. Public demonstrations have been one means of calling attention to the issues and difficulties faced by people experiencing a militarized border zone across southern Arizona. Various groups have formed around common interests and social relationships, augmented by joining together into solidarity mega-groups. Several protest events have been held [6], organized by indigenous leaders for nations situated on the border, migrant advocacy groups, and individuals of both communities who are living lives of alternative sexualities, among others. Demonstrations are held for strategic purposes in key places, for example, by occupying buildings of border patrol headquarters, building a blockade of tires tarred with broken glass across an interstate highway, blocking vehicle traffic by marchers in a commercial area of the capital city a short distance from a large shopping mall, or banging drums outside a clandestine holding center that houses migrants detained while crossing the desert. When immigrant youth were killed along the border, the mega-groups marched as a sign of solidarity. Apart from the physical act of civil disobedience by people mobilized over common concerns, blogs and handbills and new stories are circulated to gain greater support from the general public. For the border region in southern California, one issue of concern is that of increased incidence and prevalence of HIV. The most sustained effort on this issue has been generated through universities in California working in collaboration with community organizations located on both sides of the border. The dimension of significance has been the diffusion of HIV from one risk group to several susceptible groups [7]. Diffusion takes place when public health efforts have been ineffective or non-existent, and socio-economic conditions experience dramatic change within a short period of time. For the urbanized areas of San Diego (United States) and Tijuana (Mexico), these conditions were exacerbated by irregular policing that targeted certain individuals [7], deportation that left people stranded “across the border” rather than returned to home communities [8] which led to their undocumented return to the states [9], changes in drug trafficking routes [10], temporary homelessness [7], risk-taking exacerbated by alcohol [11], confiscation of syringes by police and the reluctance of some pharmacies to provide “free needles” [7], concurrent sexual relationships often exacerbated by the loss of income and/or accommodations [12,13], among other factors. Anthropologists have been a part of these efforts in both states, as professionals and students. When not directly involved, their concepts, theories and disciplinary axiom have been emphasized of involvement with people and communities on their behalf.
The objectives of this study were to compare physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of rice powder added Camembert cheeses (RPACC) with those of non-supplemented control Camembert cheese (NSCCC) during 4 weeks ripening period. The viable lactobacillus bacteria (LAB) counts after 4 weeks ripening in NSCCC, 1%, 3% and 5% RPAC cheeses were: 1.0 × 108 ± 0.12, 1.3 × 108 ± 0.26, 1.02 × 108 ± 0.15 and 1.02 × 108 ± 0.17 CFU/ml, respectively, indicating that 1% RPACC cheese had the highest viable LAB counts among all RPACC and NSCCC. The level of water soluble nitrogen was also the highest (115.69 μg/g) in 1% RPACC among all cheese groups at 4 weeks aging. Organic acids in all treatment groups decreased as ripening period advanced. Protein degradation occurred most significantly in low molecular weight peptides at 2 weeks ripening in NSCCC and all RPACC cheeses. Compared to three treatment groups (NSCCC, 3 and 5% RPACC), the 1% RPACC contained the lowest unpleasant flavor components among all tested groups, which include goaty, soapy, waxy, musty, rancid, and sour flavors. In textural characteristics, there were substantial drops in hardness (g), gumminess (g) and chewiness (g) at 2 weeks ripening, while hardness and gumminess of NSCCC values were highest throughout the experiment. The 1% RPACC showed the lowest hardness among all treatment groups. At 3-4 weeks ripening, NSCCC showed the lowest cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness among all treatment groups. With respect to sensory properties, the NSCCC showed higher sensory scores than 1% RPACC and some traits of 3 and 5% RPACC. This suggests that the NSCCC had higher characteristic sensory values of Camembert compared to 1% RPACC, attributable to the dilution effect of the rice powder addition to the RPACC cheeses. The milder Camembert cheese flavor in 1% RPACC may be sought by certain ethnic groups, who are not familiar with the Camembert cheese flavor.
Background: Fiore Sardo PDO is one of the oldest Mediterranean hard cheeses, exclusively produced in Sardinia (Italy) from raw whole ewe’s milk. Some manufacturers, improperly, submit raw milk to heat-treatment. Aim of this study was to evaluate the proteomic profile of Fiore Sardo PDO and to investigate possible differences between cheese made from raw milk and from heat-treated milk. Materials and methods: Starting from the same ovine bulk milk, eight cheese wheels of Fiore Sardo PDO were produced, four from raw milk and four from heat-treated milk. The subsequent production steps were the same for both types of cheese as was sampling at different ripening times. Samples were analyzed by Urea-PAGE electrophoresis. Afterwards, blind analysis of 32 cheese samples, produced by 17 different cheesemakers was performed to evaluate the method’s analytical performance. Results: Urea-PAGE analysis showed the presence of a protein band only in cheese made from raw milk, regardless of cheese ripening time. Protein identification analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry identified two different proteins in the band, alpha-S1 and alpha-S2 casein. Blind analyses conducted to verify the analytical performance of the method showed that it could be a useful tool for the protection of this typical agri-food product. Conclusion: We developed a simple, robust, and economic method for discriminating between Fiore Sardo PDO cheese made from raw milk with up to 24 months of maturation and Sardinian sheep milk cheese made from heattreated milk.
The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical index to measure the resilient capability of drought-prone desert communities in Tharparkar, Pakistan. The paper analyses the constructs and definitions of the term resilience, describes the concept and practical applications of the integrated programming approach, present key findings of the integrated vulnerability and capacity assessment at the community level and provides a unique method for measuring disaster resilient communities following the process and output indicators. Ten process and eight outcome standards with 50 and 94 resilience indicators respectively were applied to measure the resilience capability of the community. The overall resilience index of the community was 51%. The overall process value of the community was 56% whereas the outcome value was 45%. This method of resilience measurement can be used for comparing the resilience status of the communities, progress monitoring and impact evaluation of any disaster risk reduction and resilience building interventions. The research findings provide a unique method for measuring community resilience capability in any hazard prone areas. The overall resilience index is site and context specific and should not be loosely used. However, the overall method and the mathematical index can be widely applicable. The tool can be used for baseline survey, progress monitoring and final evaluation of a disaster risk reduction interventions at the community level and final evaluation. The tool is simple, participatory, less time and cost consuming and requires less sophisticated data for the calculation. A wide application of the tool in various hazards and different social-economic and cultural contexts is recommended.
Compositions of milk of mammalian species are affected by a variety of factors. Yield and composition of milk varies with species, diet, breed, season, locality, individual animals within breed, stage of lactation, parity, environmental conditions, feeding and management conditions, etc. [1-5]. The basic composition of goat milk is similar to that of cow milk.
This paper reviews experiences with cross-breeding for milk production in India. Data were compiled from different studies evaluating the performance of different grades of cross-bred animals as well as local breeds. Relative performance of indigenous breeds compared with different grades of cross-breeds was calculated. Traits considered were milk yield per lactation, age at first calving, services per conception, lifetime milk yield and total number of lactations completed. Exotic inheritance of around 50% is the most ideal for growth, reproduction and milk production, and the yield in higher crosses falls short of theoretical expectations. The grading up, therefore, to a total replacement of genes will not lead to higher production in cattle. The crosses of temperate with improved indigenous breeds (Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Gir, Tharparkar) attained the same level of performance under uniform feeding and are superior to crosses from other native cattle. Holstein crosses were superior to other temperate breed crosses for growth and production while Jersey crosses have better reproductive efficiency. Decline in milk yield from F1 to F2 generations on account of inter se mating among F1 crossbreds is small. The Friesian crossbreds excelled in milk yield, but were slightly older at first calving and had slightly longer calving intervals than Jersey crosses. A serious decline in performance from F1 to F2 was observed in both crosses: F2 were about eight months older at first calving and produced about 30% less milk. They had also much longer calving intervals. The combination of ART with advanced molecular genetics plus the availability of simple recording schemes provide great opportunities for developing and multiplying synthetic breeds at a much faster rate than in previously conducted breeding programmes. Although cross-breeding faces a number of challenges such as better infrastructure, higher demand for health care, there are many advantages of using it. These are higher production per animal, higher income for the families and provision of high-value food. It is therefore likely to continue to be an important livestock improvement tool in the tropics in the future, where farmers can provide sufficient management for maintaining animals with higher input requirements and access to the milk market can be secured.
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is rapidly growing in recent times and has changed the way in which licensing costs, sharing and distributions of software programs are managed globally.To a large extent, FOSS offers the cheapest and most effective solutions for technology transfer in software programs towards researchers and students worldwide.FOSS offers software free of charge online, including source code and all the information needed to allow easy adaptability to specific user needs.The research examines the benefits of transforming proprietary, public domain and free modelling codes and software for better river management and development.In order to achieve this goal, a conceptual framework called Hydrological Software Forum (HSF) is developed.The role of the HSF to ensure effective sharing and knowledge transfer among students and researchers has also been identified.It is hope that the adoption of HSF can help bring a new revolution to the development and use of modelling codes and software for river applications.
ÐÂÂLs editorial article introduces and describes camel milk as a postmodern dairy food in supporting healthy and functional human life in the stressful new times. Camel milk has on average 11.7% total solids, 3.0% protein, 3.6% fat, 0.8% ash, 4.4% lactose, and a pH of 6.5. ÐÂÂe levels of Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, niacin and vitamin-C are greater and that of thiamin, rLboflavLn, folacin, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, vitamin-A, lysine and tryptophan are relatively lower compared to cow milk. Milk fat has a molar% of 26.7 palmitic acid, 25.5 oleic acid, 11.4 myristic acid, and 11.0 palmitoleic acid. Camel milk is more similar to goat milk and contains less short-chain FA than cow, sheep and buU?U´alo milk. In vitro protein digestibility and protein eU¹cLenc ratio values were 81.4% and 2.69, respectively, based on 90.0% and 2.50 for ANRCCasein [1]. Camel milk contains substantially less vitamins-A (010 vs. 0.27 mg/L) and B2 (0.57 vs. 1.56 mg/L), similar vitamin-E content (0.56 vs. 0.60 mg/L), and about 3 times greater vitamin-C (37.4 vs. 11.0 mg/L) than cow milk, respectively. Camel is known as the gold goal pseudo-ruminant of the 21st century in arid regions and dry lands. In Kazakhstan, 37% of the total milk is produced by camel, with sheep, yak and cows producing 30%, 23% and 10%, respectively. Camel milk production varies from 3.5 up to 40 L per day under intensive management. Lactation lasts between 9-18 months, with peak yield occurring during the first 2-3 months postpartum [2]. In another study, the range of major contents of camel milk were: fat 2.9-5.5%, protein 2.5-4.5%, lactose 2.9-5.8%, ash 0.35-0.95%, water 86.3-88.5% and SNF 8.9-14.3%, with a mean specLfic gravity of 1.03. Camel milk is receiving more appreciation as a global product in optimizing human health. ÐÂÂe FAO predicts the camel dairy products will appear on European supermarket shelves. However, logistic challenges in manufacturing and processing must be overcome. Despite the increasing demands from Sahara to Mongolia, the annual 5.4 million tones camel dairy products are greatly inadequate. Sector and local investments must escalate to meet demands and create profitable markets both in the Middle East and the Western world. ÐÂÂere are about 300 million potential customers in the Middle East and millions more in Africa, Europe and the Americas for camel dairy products. Although somewhat saltier than cow milk, camel milk represents a cost-eU?U´ectLve husbandry under toughest conditions [3-5]. In many regions of Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan and India, camel milk has traditionally been prescribed as a food treatment for multiple diseases recovery. Oral camel milk administration has proved protective against cadmium induced toxicity in rats. Camel milk is also known for its rich iron, unsaturated fatty acids and B-vitamins. In several regions of Iran, Pakistan and India, camel milk has long been used therapeutically against dropsy, Jaundice, spleen and liver complexities, tuberculosis, asthma, anemia, and piles. Camel milk is healthier when it is drunk as a cool drink. ÐÂÂe milk also apparently has slimming properties. ÐÂÂe belief by the Bedouin of the Sinai Peninsula exists that any internal disease can be cured by drinking camel milk through driving from the body all the bacteria [6-8]. Such milk properties must additionally be attributed to what camel eats. Milk from camel consuming straw might not exhibit the favorable health eU?U´ects. By the rule of thumb considerations, generally camel milk nutritional value would be considered the lowest following milk from ewe, goat and cow. However, 4–5 kg of camel milk and milk products are suU¹cLent to meet energy, lipids, proteins and calcium requirements of a man. Following immediate use, the leN?-over camel milk is curdled and soured. ÐÂÂe casein prepared from this milk product is called ‘industrial casein’. It is not very firm for human intake, and is rather used for glue and gums making. ÐÂÂe industrial casein from cow milk is however rich in proteins. ÐÂÂe whey proteins of camel milk are richer in nitrogen compared to cow milk. ÐÂÂe high proteins and amino acid proportions of camel milk casein make camel milk an appropriate food supplement for humans. ÐÂÂe unfavorable odor and taste, however, could aU?U´ect its popularity. ÐÂÂus, it is recommended to purify the camel industrial casein to maintain its competitive status in the human health markets. Camel milk lacks s-lactoglobulin and is rich in immunoglobulins, thus being compatible with human milk. More research is needed to further characterize biophysical and biochemical properties of camel milk as a SciTech functional replacement for cow milk and other dairy and animal products. Persistent education must be an obligation for such health implications to be adequately understood by global science and public communities
