The hormone-emotion-behavioural gene-neuromessenger labyrinth: Pertinent questions
October 2009
The discovery of behavioural genes has raised the prospect that behaviour may be governed, in part, by the actions of mutant gene products on the brain. These are mostly enzymes or proteins involved in processes related to neurotransmission. In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of specific hormones on behaviour. Furthermore, the ability of intense emotions to stimulate or suppress the...
Determination of toxic metal concentrations in flame-treated meat products, ponmo
October 2009
Cowhides ‘ponmo’ prepared by various and unknown processing methods were purchased from several markets in Lagos and environs and the contents of lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc, mercury and arsenic were determined before and after boiling. Significantly high levels of these metals except cadmium and zinc were found in all the samples obtained after boiling. The highest levels of Pb (1.54 mg.kg-1),...
Studies on separation techniques of pomegranate seeds and their effect on quality of Anardana
October 2009
The dehydrated seeds of wild pomegranate fruits (Anardana) are used as acidulent in culinary preparations and in making various medicines. For easy separation of seeds, fruits were subjected to sand roasting, hot water dipping and soaking in cold water. Hot water dip for 2 min saved time required for separation of seeds from fruits (80% excluding treatment time and 74% including treatment time). Due to the...
Antidermatophytic activities of Ixora brachiata Roxb
October 2009
The in vitro antifungal activity of Ixora brachiata Roxb. leaf and root extracts were evaluated against three different genera of dermatophytes viz. Microsporum,Trichophyton and Epidermophyton by Dilution Agar Method. The crude extracts ofIxora brachiata root and leaf showed in-vitro antifungal properties and completely prevented the growth of tested...
Recent advances in the characterization of peptidyl transferase center: Zero-distance labeling of proteins at or near the catalytic site of human 80S or Escherichia coli 70S ribosomes by means of periodate-oxidized tRNA
September 2009
Periodate-oxidized tRNA (tRNAox), the 2’,3’-dialdehyde derivative of tRNA, was used as a zero-length active site-directed affinity labeling reagent, to covalently label proteins at the peptidyl transferase center (PTC), the catalytic site of the large ribosomal subunit. When human 80S or E. coli 70S ribosomes were reacted separately with tRNAox positioned at the P-site, in the...
Haematology, plasma enzymes and organ indices of Clarias gariepinus after intramuscular injection with aqueous leaves extracts of Lepidagathis alopecuroides
September 2009
Tank-raised Clarias gariepinus (mean total length, 30.05±4.05cm,SD; mean weights, 250.04±50.22gSD) were injected intra-muscularly with two millilitres per kilogram of each of five concentrations (2.00, 2.00, 6.00, 8.00 and 10.00ppm) of aqueous extracts of leaves of Lepidagathis alopecuroides above the lateral line. The fish in the control group were injected with same dose of...
Levels of cadmium in different brands of cigerettes sold in Abakaliki metropolis of Nigeria
September 2009
Cadmium (Cd) is recognized as category 1 carcinogen by the international agency for research on cancer based on its relationship to pulmonary tumors. Cigarette smoking is one major source of Cd in the environment. Levels of Cd in 19 different brands of cigarettes (both local and foreign made) sold in Abakaliki town were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) (205). The results showed...
Predicting a-amylase yield and malt quality of some sprouting cereals using 2nd order polynomial model
August 2009
Alpha amylase yield in sprouting Maize, Acha, Rice and Sorghum were studied for 180 h. The result was analyzed using 2nd order polynomial model. The result showed that the rate of α- amylase secretion with growth period is significantly high (p < 0.05) and the R2 for each ranged from 67 - 90%, while the R2 for sprouting vigour ranged within 99% for all the cereals studied. The...
Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide as potential cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus
August 2009
Hyperglycemia affects biochemical parameters and influences the progression of coronary heart disease and mortality rates in diabetic patients. L-arginine is the substrate used by NO synthase to produce the vasodilator NO. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an increase in serum levels of methylated L-arginines, such as ADMA, which is a recently identified potent cardiovascular...
Toxicological studies of Ceiba pentandra linn
July 2009
The toxicity profile of aqueous methanol extract of Ceiba pentandra leaves was investigated in mice. Two parameters were determined; acute toxicity and chronic toxicity. For acute toxicity test, the LD50 was found to be over 5000 mg/kg. For chronic toxicity test, the mice were injected with graded doses (250 - 500 mg/kg) of the leaves extract daily for 21 days and the effects on body...
Influence of road transportation during hot summer conditions on oxidative status biomarkers in Iranian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
July 2009
Transportation causes stress in livestock that may alter numerous physiological variables with a negative impact on production and health. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of road transport on oxidative stress biomarkers in camels. Ten Iranian dromedary camels were selected and subjected to a journey of approximately 300 km in a truck by road in August 2008. Blood samples were...
Comparative methaemoglobin concentrations of three erythrocyte genotypes (HbAA, HbAS and HbSS) of male participants administered with five antimalarial drugs
June 2009
In the present in-vivo study, the capacities of five antimalarial drugs (Fansidar, Halfan, Quinine, Coartem and Chloroquine phosphate) to alter/distort methaemoglobin concentrations of three human erythrocyte genotypes (HbAA, HbAS and HbSS) was investigated. Spectrophotometric method was used to ascertain this erythrocyte parameter. The male participants enrolled for this study were grouped...
Purification of a mannose/glucose-specific lectin with antifungal activity from pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum)
June 2009
A lectin was isolated and purified from the pepper seeds Capsicum annuum. The purification procedure involved anionic exchange chromatography on DEAE – Cellulose and QAE – Sephadex columns followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G–100. The heamagglutinating activity of the lectin towards human erythrocytes was sensitive to inhibition by D-mannose and D-glucose; and enhancement by...
The Hsp40-Hsp70 chaperone machinery of Plasmodium falciparum
May 2009
Plasmodium falciparum is the protozoan parasite responsible for the most virulent form of malaria. The majority of the asexual stages of its life cycle occur in the human erythrocyte. Since the infected erythrocytes undergo dramatic structural and functional changes upon parasite infection, malaria research has been focusing on investigating the proteins potentially involved in host cell...
The use of circular dichroism spectroscopy to study protein folding, form and function
May 2009
Circular Dichroism (CD) is a spectroscopic technique widely used for the evaluation of the conformation and stability of proteins in several environmental conditions like temperature, ionic strength, and presence of solutes or small molecules. Circular Dichroism spectroscopy is non-destructive, relatively easy to operate, requires small amount of sample and few data collection. Additionally, data analyses are fast....
A novel antifungal phenolic compound from Parrotia persica
May 2009
Aqueous and methanol extracts of Parrotia persica leaves were assayed for antifungal activity against phytopathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and human pathogenic Candida albicans by poisoned food technique. Both the aqueous and methanol extracts demonstrated significant antifungal activity. Further fractionation of methanol extract guided by antifungal activity resulted in the...
Effects of cinnamon on blood glucose and lipids levels in diabetic patients (Type1)
May 2009
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation of cinnamon on blood glucose and lipids levels among type1 diabetics. The samples consisted of 60 subjects with type1 diabetes and the doses of cinnamon were equally administered orally in the form of capsules with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The doses were given for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken on the starting day of the...
Salivary amino acids quantification using RP-HPLC during normal menstrual cycle
May 2009
The present study was carried out to detect amino acids profile in women saliva in order to establish the qualitative and quantitative differences that might have potential value in detection of ovulation by noninvasive methods. For the collection of sample, the stages of menstrual cycle were decided by the physical and morphological examination of salivary fern pattern. The saliva from various reproductive...
Effects of ivermectin and albendazole on some liver and kidney function indices in rats
May 2009
Evaluation of repeated administration of ivermectin and albendazole separately and in combination on some hepatic and renal function indices were examined in albino rats (Rattus novergicus). The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups: those administered distilled water (control), those administered 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight of ivermectin (Iver), those administered 15 mg/kg body weight...
Effect of 3-hydroxymethyl xylitol on hepatic and renal functional markers and protein levels in streptozotocin-diabetic rats
May 2009
Oral administration of 3-hydroxymethyl xylitol at 40 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and significant increase in plasma insulin levels. In addition, the diabetic rats had decreased levels of plasma total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio as compared to control rats. After treatment with 3-hydroxymethyl xylitol and...
Lipid composition of microsomal fraction of female rat liver at different stages of growth
May 2009
It has been reported that lipids are the only macromolecules which display consistency in their pattern of biosynthesis for all living system. In this study, lipid biosynthesis in the liver microsomes of female Sprague-Dawley rats as they aged (3, 7, 12 , 16 and 20 weeks) was studied. The microsomes were isolated by homogenization and centrifugation. The aliquot of the microsomes and soluble enzymes fraction...
Glutathione S-transferase activity of erythrocyte genotypes HbAA, HbAS and HbSS in male volunteers administered with fansidar and quinine
May 2009
In vivo investigations were carried out to ascertain the comparative levels of erythrocyte GST activity between non-malarious and malarious male subjects of HbAA, HbAS and HbSS erythrocyte genotypes, administered with fansidar and quinine. The incubation of human erythrocytes with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) resulted in almost quantitative conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to form...
Hepatoprotective potential of crocin and curcumin against iron overload-induced biochemical alterations in rat
May 2009
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of crocin and curcumin on certain biochemical alterations associated with iron overload-induced liver injury in rats. 5 groups of rats were used, a normal control group received daily i.p. injections of saline and 4 groups received daily i.p. injections of ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) for 8 successive...
Modulation of di- (2- ethylhexyl) phthalate induced hepatic toxicity by Apium graveolens L. seeds extract in rats
May 2009
In the present study, the hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Apiumgraveolens L. (celery) seeds was tested against Di-(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Oral administration of DEHP (1000 mg/kg b.wt/day) for 6 weeks in rats caused a significant increase in the levels of serum marker enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum...
Direct ex vivo effects of herbal extracts on serum bilirubin in neonatal blood samples
May 2009
Herbal drug therapy is a common practice adopted in traditional and alternative medicine and has been used in the treatment of neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia from ancient times. This is done with the help of different herbal extracts and using different treatment methods. The knowledge of new possibilities and the fact that herbal drugs have been used in some communities for a long time, clarifies...
Toxic effects of aqueous stem bark extract of Cassia sieberiana on some biochemical parameters in rats
May 2009
The aqueous extract of Cassia sieberiana stem bark was administered to groups of 4 albino rats (160 ± 10 g) at 0, 20, 60 or 180 mg/kg body weight daily by gavages for six weeks. A 7% decrease in mean body weight gain was observed in the group treated with the highest concentration of the extract (180 mg/kg). Groups treated with the extract showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum...
Mechanisms of arsenic toxicity and carcinogenesis
May 2009
Industrialization has excessively modified the discharge and distribution of arsenic in the environment through natural and anthropogenic activities. Gastrointestinal tract, Lung and Dermal absorptions account for various adverse effects associated with arsenic toxicity. The knowledge of arsenic biotransformation holds the trivalent species (DMA3+ and MMA3+) accountable for most arsenic toxicity with...
Effects of sodium ion and water hyacinth extract in the production of Curvularia pallescens in culture media
May 2009
An investigation was conducted on the pH, nutritional and cost benefit of the use of different substrates for the production of Curvularia pallescens Boedijn. The growth of the organism was examined at pH range between 5.5 and 8.6 and on different growth media, potato carrot agar (PCA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), sabouraud agar (SA), tap water agar (TWA), water hyacinth agar (WHA) and Czapek-Dox...
Anti anaemic properties of Scoparia dulcis in Trypanosoma brucei infected rabbits
May 2009
A major feature of infection with trypanosomes is the development of anaemia. In this study, the effect of Scoparia dulcis (Atiotiousha in Akoko-Edo) onTrypanosoma brucei induced anaemia was investigated in fifteen rabbits divided into three groups of n = 5 over a period of twenty eight days. Changes in Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Red blood cell count (RBC), Mean...
Purification and characterization of a laccase from the basidiomycete Funalia trogii (Berk.) isolated in Tanzania
May 2009
A lignolytic basidiomycete fungus, Funalia trogii (Berk.), was isolated from decayed wood in coastal Tanzania and cultivated in submerged culture. Initially screened crude enzyme filtrate showed complete rhemazol brilliant blue - R (RBBR) decolorization 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonate and guaiacol oxidation after 7 days of incubation. The fungal...
Effects of curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin on diabetes induced endothelial dysfunction
May 2009
Diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction has been well recognized for its underlining causes of oxidative stress. Therefore, several studies have worked on testing active antioxidant agents such as vitamin C and E against diabetes induced oxidative stress to preserve endothelial cells. In the present study, we assessed the effects of plant-derived antioxidant, curcumin and its analog, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC)...
Enhancing antioxidant availability in grains of wheat plants grown under seawater-stress in response to microalgae extracts treatments
April 2009
This study investigated the antioxidant capacity and the levels of enhanced total carotenoids (TCAR), tocopherols (TOC) and phenolic (TPC) and protein (PC) contents in whole grains of wheat plants irrigated 10 and 20% (v/v) seawater (SW) in response to water extracts of microalgae Spirulina maxima (SME) and Chlorella ellipsoida (CEE) and exogenous plant growth enhancers of ascorbic acid...
Effect of traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress induced immunoglobulin changes at Antarctica
April 2009
This study was conducted to establish the effect of a traditionally designed nutraceutical on stress related changes in selected immunoglobulin levels in the body. The nutraceutical was prepared from different potent herbs described in Ayurveda using standard operative procedures and were tested for heavy metal and microbial load. Initially, 21 subjects were selected in addition to 7 volunteers for control...
Fatty acid composition and properties of skin and digestive fat content oils from Rhynchophorus palmarum L. larva
April 2009
Skin and digestive fat content (DFC) oils from Rhynchophorus palmarum L. larva (Curculionidae) were extracted and their physicochemical properties were characterized. Water content (0.41 %) of skin oil was higher than the amount of DFC (0.04 %). While, the lipid fraction of the skin (35.16%) was slightly lower than the DFC (49.05%). The fatty acid compositions of the both oils were determined....
Cholesterol concentration in different parts of bovine meat sold in Nsukka, Nigeria: Implications for cardiovascular disease risk
April 2009
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality globally. Reducing dietary fat and cholesterol intake is central to the reduction in the risk of CVD. In Nigeria and other developing countries, meat is a good source of protein and other nutrients, and its consumption is increasing. This study investigates the cholesterol concentration of ten parts of bovine meat – rib muscle, fore-limb...
Regenerative action of Cochlospermum tinctorium aqueous root extract on experimentally induced hepatic damage in rats
April 2009
The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous root extract of Cochlospermum tinctoriumon carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) – induced hepatic damage in rats was reported. The present study examined the curative action of the plant extract on experimentally induced hepatic damage in rats. Wistar rats were divided into normal control, induction control, extract and prednisolone treated groups. Hepatotoxicity was...
Antisickling property of Carica papaya leaf extract
April 2009
Sickle cell disease (SCD) results from a mutation in the hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, where a glutamic acid at position 6 is replaced by a valine. Many phytomedicines have been identified as potential antisickling agents, stemming from reported usage as ethnomedicines by the local folk. This research examined methanolic leaf extracts of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) for possible in...
Effect of experimental Schistosomiasis mansoni infection on serum levels of iron, zinc and copper in the olive baboon (Papio anubis)
April 2009
Schistosoma mansoniasis is a disease of grave concern due to its high morbidity and mortality in parts of the world. This study aimed at providing insight into the pathogenesis of S. mansoniasis as an aid in the development of effective control methods. Iron, zinc and copper concentrations were spectrophotometrically measured in sequential serum specimens obtained from baboons throughout the...
Epidemiological and biochemical studies of human lymphatic filariasis and associated parasitoses in Oguta, South-Eastern, Nigeria
April 2009
Possible organ infections associated with human filariasis, helminthiasis and malaria in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria were investigated. Blood, urine and stool samples were collected in appropriate containers from 200 male and female respondents aged 31 – 85 years. Parasitological studies were carried out on blood samples for malaria and/or microfilariae parasites...
Effect of administration of acetylsalicylic acid on phosphatase enzymes in liver of metabisulphite treated rats
April 2009
Membrane stabilization is an established attribute of most anti-inflammatory drugs. In this work the membrane stabilization capability of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was investigated in the liver of metabisulphite insulted experimental rats. Previous reports have shown that sodium metabisulphite administered to rats resulted in labilization of plasma membrane of some rat tissues while acetylsalicylic acid, an...
Purification of human serum paraoxonase: A simple and rapid method
April 2009
Paraoxonase/arylesterases (EC.3.1.8.2) is an enzyme found tightly associated with high density lipoprotein particle in serum. Because of its unique enzyme activity, antioxidant property and its role as an anti atherosclerotic molecule, various methods are used for its purification from human serum. Methods involved in its purification are elaborate and complicated. Also the yield and final activity are highly...
Efficacy of defatted soy flour supplement in Gulabjamun
April 2009
Study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of defatted soy flour mix levels inGulabjamun (sweet dessert comprised of fried milk balls dipped in sugar syrup)and its impact on the quality parameters. Soy flour was fortified in three levels (3.33, 6.66 and 9.99%) w/w to prepare different compositions of Gulabjamuns by replacing wheat-flour in control recipe. 10 g spherical...
Effects of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Landolphia owariensis on the serum lipid profile of rats
April 2009
The lipid profile of normal adult male rats administered both ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Landolphia owariensis (P. Beauv) were determined. The animals were distributed into two sets of four groups with five animals in each group. Each set had one group, which served as control while the other three groups in the two sets were administered different concentrations of the ethanolic and...
Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanins on 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced hematotoxicity in rabbits
April 2009
In this study, the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced biochemical and hematological changes in rabbits were examined under the administrative protocol of anthocyanin extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin...
Kinetics studies of protease in fermenting locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) and melon seed (Citrullus vulgaris)
April 2009
Melon seed (Citrullus vulgaris) and locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) were separately subjected to a natural solid – substrate fermentation for 5 days. The peak of protease (P.I) production from the fermenting melon seeds was 48 h while that of the protease (P.II) from fermenting locust bean was 96 h. Both P.I and P.II demonstrated maximum activity at 40°C. The peak of activity for P.I was observed...
Peripheral blood and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) in chronic periodontitis
April 2009
Evidence for a potential link between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease (CHD) has accumulated in recent years. C-reactive protein is potential marker of cardiovascular risk and associated with periodontal disease. CRP levels were analyzed in 26 periodontitis patients and 23 healthy controls along with hemoglobin, red blood cell count (RBC), leukocyte cell count (total and differential WBC),...
D-3-hydroxybutyrate oxidation in mitochondria by D-3-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in Tetrahymena pyriformis
March 2009
Tetrahymena pyriformis a ciliated protozoan, is considered a good indicator of water pollution. However its energy supply is poorly understood. This work was focused on the metabolism of hydroxybutyrate through the study of the membrane bound mitochondrial NAD+-dependent D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydro-genase (EC. 1.1.1.30) (BDH), a ketone body catalysing enzyme involvedin the interconversion of...
Selected heavy metals and electrolyte levels in blood of workers and residents of industrial communities
March 2009
The study focused on the determination of the levels of lead, cadmium, sodium and potassium in the blood of selected industrial workers (n = 36), residents of the neighboring communities (n = 36) as well as the residents of the communities further away from any industrial setting (which controls) (n = 12). The subjects were recruited from the granite served as the, ceramic and cement industries at Ewekoro,...
Utilization of enzymes in the production of liquid sugar from dates
March 2009
Date palm fruits Phoenix dactylifera cultivated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were used for the production of high quality date syrup. This syrup is suitable for the manufacture of different food products. Date syrup was prepared from Reziz date (Soft variety) at different ratios of water/date (2:1, 2.5:1 and 3:1). Pectinase and cellulase were used to obtain the maximum date syrup extraction....
Toxicological effects of chlorpyrifos and methidathion in young chickens
March 2009
The objective of this work is assessment of the toxicological effects of the organophosphorus compounds (methidathion and chlorpyrifos) and the usefulness of some parameters as bioindicators. Haematology and serum biochemistry were assayed in 15 cockrels at random age of 4 - 6 weeks. The birds were randomly assigned to 3 oral (by mouth) pulse-dose treatments of 0, 3.5 mg/kg chlorpyrifos, and 7.5 mg/kg...
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