The T(-13910) variant located in the enhancer element of the lactase (LCT) gene correlates perfectly with lactase persistence (LP) in Eurasian populations whereas the variant is almost nonexistent among Sub-Saharan African populations, showing high prevalence of LP. Here, we report identification of two new mutations among Saudis, also known for the high prevalence of LP. We confirmed the absence of the European T(-13910) and established two new mutations found as a compound allele: T/G(-13915) within the -13910 enhancer region and a synonymous SNP in the exon 17 of the MCM6 gene T/C(-3712), -3712 bp from the LCT gene. The compound allele is driven to a high prevalence among Middle East population(s). Our functional analyses in vitro showed that both SNPs of the compound allele, located 10 kb apart, are required for the enhancer effect, most probably mediated through the binding of the hepatic nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF1 alpha). High selection coefficient (s) approximately 0.04 for LP phenotype was found for both T(-13910) and the compound allele. The European T(-13910) and the earlier identified East African G(-13907) LP allele share the same ancestral background and most likely the same history, probably related to the same cattle domestication event. In contrast, the compound Arab allele shows a different, highly divergent ancestral haplotype, suggesting that these two major global LP alleles have arisen independently, the latter perhaps in response to camel milk consumption. These results support the convergent evolution of the LP in diverse populations, most probably reflecting different histories of adaptation to milk culture.

In legumes, many endogenous and environmental factors affect root nodule formation through several key genes, and the regulation details of the nodulation signaling pathway are yet to be fully understood. This study investigated the potential roles of terpenoids and terpene biosynthesis genes on root nodule formation in Glycine max. We characterized six terpenoid synthesis genes from Salvia officinalis by overexpressing SoTPS6, SoNEOD, SoLINS, SoSABS, SoGPS, and SoCINS in soybean hairy roots and evaluating root growth and nodulation, and the expression of strigolactone (SL) biosynthesis and early nodulation genes. Interestingly, overexpression of some of the terpenoid and terpene genes increased nodule numbers, nodule and root fresh weight, and root length, while others inhibited these phenotypes. These results suggest the potential effects of terpenoids and terpene synthesis genes on soybean root growth and nodulation. This study provides novel insights into epistatic interactions between terpenoids, root development, and nodulation in soybean root biology and open new avenues for soybean research.

This study supports the concept of negative regulation of TLRs that are either ligand-bound (e.g. in chronic hyperplastic candidosis), or not stimulated (in healthy tissue). It also augments the opinion that C. albicans, through its hyphae rather than blastospore, may utilize TLRs, i.e. TLR2, to evade the immune system of the host. Leukoplakia seems to be more immunologically alert, which reduces the chances of worsening the already-diseased tissue.

Recently, methods to analyze aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and dairy products have been developed for both screening purposes (i.e., rapid, economical, and simple methods) and for confirmation by accurate, reproducible, and sensitive quantification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different rapid kits and techniques available on the market by using different analytical methods: thin layer chromatography (TLC), immunoaffinity column, AFM1 immunochromatographic strip, and ELISA; some samples were also submitted to HPLC for comparison of results. One hundred thirty-eight samples were collected from rural subsistence and commercial dairy farms in selected areas of Egypt and South Africa and analyzed for the presence of AFM1. The results obtained by AFM1 immunochromatographic strip indicated the lowest frequency of occurrence, with a detection incidence of 20.45% in Egyptian samples and 16% in South African samples. Aflatoxin M1 was detected by ELISA in 65 (73.9%) Egyptian milk samples, with a range of 8.52 to 78.06 ng/L, and in 34 (68%) South African milk samples, with a range of 5 to 120 ng/L. A higher incidence of AFM1 in Egyptian milk samples was shown by TLC (81.8%) compared with ELISA (73.9%). Samples analyzed by ELISA in South African milk samples demonstrated satisfactory correlation when compared with HPLC coupled with Coring cell (an electrochemical cell for the derivatization of AFM1). Among the positive samples, 18 of the Egyptian samples (20.45%) positive by ELISA had levels of AFM1 above the European Union (EU) regulatory limit (50 ng/L), whereas 65 samples (73.9%) were above the Egyptian regulatory limit (0 ng/L). Six of the South African samples (12%) tested by ELISA were above the South African (50 ng/L) and EU regulatory limits. The mean concentration of AFM1 was 25.79 ng/L in Egyptian samples and 17.06 ng/L by ELISA and 39 ng/L by HPLC in South African samples. These contamination levels would not represent a serious public health hazard according to EU legislation.