December 2008
Haemorrheologic profiles in apparently healthy pregnant women in Calabar, Nigeria
Rheological properties can be influenced by packed cell volume, plasma viscosity, red cell aggregation and red cell deformability. In order to assess haemorrheologic activity in pregnancy, 100 pregnant and 100 non-pregnant subjects (controls) of age range 18 - 40 years were studied to estimate packed cell volume (PCV), relative whole blood viscosity (RWBV), relative plasma...
December 2008
Antibiogram of clinical isolates from a hospital in Nigeria
Antibiogram of clinical isolates from four wards in a government hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria was investigated. Swab and air samples were obtained from patients, personnel, formites and air in orthopaedic, medical, surgical and paediatric wards. A total of 56 isolates were obtained of which Staphylococcus epidermidis (22) was the highest. This was followed...
December 2008
Composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare
GC-MS analysis of essential oil obtained from the seed of Foeniculum vulgare showed the presence of 31 components containing 95.2% of the total amount and the major component was trans-anethole (70.1%). The analysis of ethanolic and methanolic seed extracts showed the presence of nine components including linoleic acid (56%), palmitic acid (5.6%) and oleic acid...
December 2008
Preventive effect of ordinary and hyperimmune bovine colostrums on mice diabetes induced by alloxan
In the present study, the anti-diabetic effect of ordinary and hyperimmune bovine colostrum were evaluated in diabetic mice induced by alloxan. The results indicated that blood glucose levels were significantly decreased after administration of colostrum for 30 d, and the glucose tolerance was strengthened in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the hyperimmune colostrum was...
December 2008
New evidence of QTLs attributed to salinity tolerance in rice
An F2:3 population derived from the cross between Tarommahalli (indica) and Khazar (indica) was used to mapping salt tolerance in rice. The linkage map constructed by 74 simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers covered a total of about 1231.50 cM rice genome. Plant stand, chlorophyll content, root and shoot length, fresh weight of root and shoot, dry weight of root...
December 2008
Genetic diversity in the mtDNA control region and population structure in the Sardinella zunasi Bleeker
We investigated the genetic structure and phylogeographical patterns of Sardinella zunasi in Northwestern Pacific. The mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced for 77 individuals of S. zunasi from four localities over most of the species range. A total of 215 polymorphic sites (72 parsimony informative) and 69 haplotypes were found in the 77 individuals. Three distinct...
December 2008
Evaluation of seed production of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) clonal seed orchard with cone analysis method
This research was carried out to investigate seed production in a 13 years-old scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) clonal seed orchard, including 30 clones. Eight of cone and seed traits as number of fertile and infertile scales, cone volume, cone number, filled and empty seed number, seed efficiency and 1000 seed weight were studied. Significant differences existed between...
December 2008
Cloning and functional characterization of a class III chitinase gene from grapevine: Inhibition of fungal growth by recombinant VvChiF III
To characterize the structure and function of chitinase genes, a class III chitinase gene (VvChiF III) was isolated from Vitis vinifera cv. Flame seedless. The VvChiF III open reading frame comprised 894 nucleotides with no introns and encoded a protein of 297 amino acids. The amino acid sequence encoded by VvChiF III showed a high identity...
December 2008
Genetic variability of cultivated cowpea in Benin assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA
Characterization of genetic diversity among cultivated cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] varieties is important to optimize the use of available genetic resources by farmers, local communities, researchers and breeders. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in 70 cowpea accessions collected throughout Benin. Nine...
December 2008
Tandemly repeated sequence in 5’end of mtDNA control region of Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius
Extensive length variability was observed in 5’ end sequence of the mitochondrial DNA control region of the Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius). This length variability was due to the presence of varying numbers of a 56-bp tandemly repeated sequence and a 46-bp insertion/deletion (indel). The structure and organization of this segment is similar to that...
December 2008
Study of genetic diversity in Sudanese sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers
The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic diversity in Sesame indicum (L.). RAPD technique was carried out in a set of 10 sesame germplasm collected from different regions of Sudan. A total of 64 polymorphisms (6.4 polymorphic markers per primer) out of 75 reproducible products (7.5 fragments per primer) were...
December 2008
Genetic fingerprinting of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germplasm using ISSR markers and their relationships
Genetic diversity analysis of chickpea germplasm can provide practical Information for selection of parental material and thus, assist in forecasting breeding strategies. Released cultivars and breeding lines of total twelve chickpea genotypes were subjected to ISSR analysis for assessment of genetic diversity. A total of 10 ISSR primers were used in the present investigation....
December 2008
Expression of complete rhoptry protein 2 (ROP2) gene of Toxoplasma gondii in eukaryotic cell
Toxoplasma gondii is the intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for animal and human toxoplasmosis. In immunodeficient patients, chronic infection with T. gondii can reactivate and produce encephalitis, which is often lethal. ROP2 (rhoptry protein of T. gondii) is one of the most important interferer in organelle and PVM blending. ROP2 protein is...
December 2008
Association of ribosomal anti-P antibodies with different parameters of lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune multisystem disorder with protean manifestations and variable behavior. The main objectives of this study are to verify the association of ribosomal anti-P antibodies with neuropsychiatric lupus manifestations and to find out the relationship of ribosomal anti-P antibodies with other autoimmune parameters of lupus. Ribosomal anti-P...
December 2008
The effects of citrus rootstocks on Valencia Late and Rhode Red Valencia oranges for some plant nutrient elements
In citrus production, the rootstocks utilization is beneficial for solving the problems caused by soil, climates, pests and diseases as well as achieving higher productivity and quality, earlier and later fruit productions. Therefore, citrus producer almost exclusively utilizes rootstocks. The major rootstock of Turkish citrus production is sour orange while trifoliate, Troyer and Carrizo citranges are...
December 2008
Juglone effects on seedling growth in intact and coatless seeds of muskmelon
Elongation, fresh and dry weights of muskmelon seedlings (Cucumis melo cv. Kış kavunu) were enhanced by juglone in intact seeds. In the case of coatless seeds, root elongation decreased but fresh and dry weight of the seedlings were increased by juglone. While protein content was slightly increased by juglone in cotyledons of intact seeds, it did not change...
December 2008
Irrigation and nitrogen level affect lettuce yield in greenhouse condition
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different irrigation and nitrogen levels on lettuce yield characteristics in greenhouse condition from December 2006 to March 2007. Irrigation levels of 100% of total class A pan (S1), 80% of total class A pan (S2), 60% of total class A pan (S3) and nitrogen levels of 0 kg ha-1 (N1), 100 kg ha-1 (N2), 200 kg...
December 2008
Effects of different planting dates on improving yield of Fritillaria imperialis L. and Fritillaria persica L. bulbs damaged by small narcissus fly (Eumerus strigatus Fallen)
Fritillaria imperialis and F. persica were planted during April 2003 and May 2004 growing seasons on the basis of split block design with three replications to investigate the effects of planting dates on various plant parameters and extent of recovery by planting 25% damaged bulbs. The results showed significant effects of planting dates on plant height, number...
December 2008
Gene transformation potential of commercial canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars using cotyledon and hypocotyl explants
Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of oil crops cultivated in many areas of Iran. Its molecular breeding and production of varieties with new characteristics using genetic engineering needs the establishment of efficient transformation methods in commercial varieties. In this research transformation potential of 8 commercial cultivars; Licord, SLM046, RGS003, Zarfam,...
December 2008
Nitrogen rate and plant population effects on yield and yield components in soybean
This research was carried out to determine the effect of plant population and nitrogen rates on yield and yield components in soybean under Bursa, MustafakemalpaÅŸa ecological conditions. Trials were conducted during 2000 and 2001 at the experimental fields of the MustafakemalpaÅŸa Vocational High School, University of Uludag. Soybean cultivar A-3935 was tested at four...
December 2008
Fungi associated with base rot disease of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Fungi associated with base rot disease of Aloe vera (syn. Aloe barbadensis) were investigated in Niger Delta Area of Nigeria. Fungi and their percentage frequency wereAspergillus verocosa 28.03%, Fusarium oxysporium 24.24%, Plectosphaerella cucumerina 16.67%, Mammeria ehinobotryoides 15.91% and Torula herbarium15.15%. None...
December 2008
Effects of limited irrigation on root yield and quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
This field study was conducted in order to investigate the yield and quality of sugar beet cv zargan in relation to different irrigation regimes during 2005 at Ardabil conditions. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replicates. In this experiment irrigation regimes were I1 = Irrigation at 13.3 F.C (30% F.C), I2b= Irrigation at 15.5 F.C...
December 2008
The effect of inoculation with plant growth rhizobacteria (PGPR) on root formation of mint (Mentha piperita L.) cuttings
This study was conducted both in field and greenhouse conditions at Atatürk University, College of Agriculture, Erzurum, Turkey, during 2004 and 2006. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of some bacteria isolates on root formation, root length and dry matter content of roots of mint (Mentha piperita L.). Mint and Agrebacterium rubi (strain A16),...
December 2008
Influence of plant growth regulators on axillary shoot multiplication and iron source on growth of Scrophularia takesimensis Nakai - a rare endemic medicinal plant
An efficient protocol for the in vitro propagation of Scrophularia takesimensis, a rare endemic medicinal plant, is described. Shoot multiplication was induced by culturing nodal explants on MS medium containing 3% (w/v) sucrose, 0.8% (w/v) agar, and different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators. The greatest percentage of shoot induction...
December 2008
Effect of multiple subcultures on Musa shoots derived from cassava starch-gelled multiplication medium during micropropagation
Shoot tip explants excised from in vitro plantlets of two Musa genotypes (TM3X 15108-6 and TMBX 612-74) were seeded singly into test tubes containing twenty milliliters each of Musa multiplication medium gelled differently in 60 and 70 gL-l cassava starch as well as 5 gL-l agar and placed on shelves under 14 h photo period (30-40...
December 2008
The removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions using sour sop seeds as biosorbent
Heavy metals discharged into the environment from various industries constitute one of the major causes of water and soil pollution. Conventional methods for the removal of heavy metals from waste waters are often cost prohibitive. These constraints have caused the search for alternative technologies for metal sequestering to cost-effective environmentally acceptable levels....
December 2008
Microbial population changes in tropical agricultural soil experimentally contaminated with crude petroleum
Impacts of crude petroleum pollution on the soil environment and microbial population dynamics as well as recovery rates of an abandoned farmland was monitored for seven months spanning the two major seasons in Nigeria with a view to establishing process conditions necessary for development of effective strategies for bioremediation. The physico-chemistry of the control and...
December 2008
Optimization of the industrial production of bacterial alpha amylase in Egypt. IV. Fermentor production and characterization of the enzyme of two strains of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Production of alpha amylase using amplified variants of Bacillus subtilis (strain SCH) and of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain 267CH) was conducted in a bioreactor with multiprotein-mineral media. The time course of fermentation in a bioreactor revealed that the highest yield (about 8 x 104 U/ml within 60 h) by strain SCH was obtained by applying:...
December 2008
Optimization of the industrial production of bacterial a-amylase in Egypt. V. Analysis of kinetic data for enzyme production by two strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
A kinetic study was conducted for a-amylase production process in shake flasks by the wild type strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain 267) and in the fermentor by the amplified variant of the same organism (strain 267CH). a-Amylase was produced concurrently with growth up to about 72 h, after which it continued without increase in biomass and, in the...
December 2008
Response surface modeling for g-aminobutyric acid production by Monascus pilosus GM100 under solid-state fermentation
The physicochemical analysis of sun dried mesocarp of fruits of Terminalia catappa andHyphaene thebaica was investigated. It is aimed at sourcing alternative local raw materials that contain required nutritional composition for production of livestock feed. This study revealed that the mesocarp of the fruits of T. catappa and H....
December 2008
Cultivation of three types of indigenous wild edible mushrooms: Coprinus cinereus, Pleurotus flabellatus and Volvariella volvocea on composted sisal decortications residue in Tanzania
The periods for spawn running, pinhead and fruit body formation, number of flushes, yield and biological efficiency of the three Tanzanian wild edible mushrooms, Coprinus cinereus, Pleurotus flabellatus and Volvariella volvocea, grown on composted sisal decortications residue were studied. Results revealed that the organic ingredients in sisal decortications residue composted well within 21 days of composting, resulting...
December 2008
Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial efficacy of extracts from Khaya senegalensis against human pathogenic bacteria
Khaya senegalensis has medicinal properties for the effective management of several ailments including diarrhea. To establish the pharmacological rationale for its traditional use, the powdered root, stem-bark and leaves were extracted with water and ethanol. All fractions were subjected to phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and...
December 2008
Selection and characterisation of high ethanol tolerant Saccharomyces yeasts from orchard soil
Six yeast strains with different levels of ethanol tolerance were isolated from orchard soil. Out of the six isolates, isolate Orc 6 showed the highest ethanol tolerance (20%) while isolates Orc 2 and Orc 11 had 15% ethanol tolerance. High level ethanol tolerant Saccharomyces yeast, Orc 6, was investigated for its potential application in ethanologenic fermentations. Data...
December 2008
The potential of Terminalia catappa (Almond) and Hyphaene thebaica (Dum palm) fruits as raw materials for livestock feed
The physicochemical analysis of sun dried mesocarp of fruits of Terminalia catappaand Hyphaene thebaica was investigated. It is aimed at sourcing alternative local raw materials that contain required nutritional composition for production of livestock feed. This study revealed that the mesocarp of the fruits of T. catappa and H. thebaicacontain...
December 2008
Hypoglycemic indices of Vernonia amygdalina on postprandial blood glucose concentration of healthy humans
This clinical study was aimed at investigating the effect of Vernonia amygdalina on postprandial blood glucose concentration of healthy human subjects. Proximate analysis indicated that this vegetable contained fiber, which is a non-soluble polysaccharide (NSP). The effect of the vegetable was compared with that of another indigenous vegetable also identified to be...
December 2008
Effect of soy protein isolate on quality of light pork sausages containing konjac flour
The effect of soy protein isolate (SPI) on quality characteristics of light pork sausages (10% fat) containing konjac flour was investigated. Three formulations which replaced for pork meat with SPI ranging 1 to 2% levels were studied for their physical and sensory properties. Incorporation of 2% SPI level significantly increased (p < 0.05) moisture content and cooking...
December 2008
Effect of moisture content and storage conditions on the storability of garri
Yellow and white garri samples obtained from different markets in Ilorin were stored under the same conditions using polyethylene bags, jute bags and plastic containers. The moisture contents of the yellow and white samples were 17.8 and 17.2%, respectively. Results showed that moisture content in storage increased with time in the two samples. Mouldiness was also observed in...
December 2008
Purification and characterization of β-glucosidase from Reticulitermes flaviceps and its inhibition by valienamine and validamine
β-Glucosidase plays a very important role in the carbohydrate metabolism and it is the key enzyme that releases glucose for use as an energy and carbon source for termite. The β-glucosidase from the salivary glands of Reticulitermes flaviceps was purified in this study. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 93.6 kDa based on its...
December 2008
Alkaline protease from senesced leaves of invasive weed Lantana camara
Protease from senesced leaves of the weed Lantana camara was purified in a 2-step procedure involving ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-250 gel permeation chromatography. The Sephadex-G-250 fraction of senesced leaves of Lantana camara showed 28.31 fold with a yield of 6.19%. The enzyme was shown to have a low molecular weight of 43 kda by SDS-PAGE. It was strongly...
December 2008
Free radical scavenging activity of Pterogyne nitens Tul. (Fabaceae)
As part of our ongoing research on antioxidant agents from Brazilian flora, twenty extracts and fractions obtained from Pterogyne nitens Tulasne (Fabaceae) were screened for free radical scavenging activity by using ABTS [2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylenebenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate) radicals colorimetric assay...
December 2008
Determination of antimicrobial activity and production of some metabolites by Pseudomonas aeruginosa B1 and B2 in sugar beet molasses
In the present study, exopolysaccharide (EPS), pyocyanin, rhamnolipid productions, total cell proteins and antimicrobial activities were investigated in two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(B1 and B2). Exopolysaccharide, pyocyanin and rhamnolipid production of strains were determined in nutrient broth medium (NB) as control and different sugar beet molasses...
December 2008
Comparison of bonding strengths of the sapwoods and heartwoods of tree species used in wooden shipboard building
The aim of this study is to determine how tree species, their sapwood-to-heartwood ratios, adhesive type, and environmental conditions affect the bonding strength of the wood material. The bonding strengths formed by joining the sapwood and heartwood of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), oak (Quercus petrea L.) and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with polyurethane,...
December 2008
The structural analysis of small and medium size furniture enterprises in Turkey based on production, capacity use and working environment
A sector based questionnaire study related to analyzing the structures of small and medium size furniture enterprises in Turkish furniture industry was carried out. The questions asked to this enterprises in this questionnaire were related to “production, capacity use, and working environment”. The current situation and the problems of those enterprises were...
December 2008
Toxicity, growth regulatory and repellent activities of medicinal plant extracts on Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidea)
Housefly, Musca domestica, is a major vector for many medical and veterinary pathogenic organisms. The development of naturally occurring insecticides, represent one of the most promising approaches for their ecochemical control. Petroleum-ether extracts of Griffonia simplicifolia and Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides were assessed for their toxicity, growth regulatory and repellency to the housefly. Percent...
December 2008
PCR-DGGE fingerprints of microbial successional changes during fermentation of cereal-legume weaning foods
Phenotypic identification and monitoring of the dynamics of naturally occurring microbial community responsible for the spontaneous fermentation of different cereal-legume weaning blends was carried out. Enumeration using culture-dependent method showed that cell counts increased within the first 24 h with the highest total viable count of 1.2 x 1012 cfu g-1 in...
December 2008
Rate of biodegradation of crude oil by microorganisms isolated from oil sludge environment
The rate of biodegradation of crude oil by micro-organisms isolated from crude oil sludge environment in Eket, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria was studied. Mineral salt medium supplemented with crude oil was used and three most abundant species isolated from a crude oil sludged soil - Micrococcus varians, Bacillus subtilis andPseudomonas aeruginosa were selected for the degradation test. The...
December 2008
The effect of tillage systems and mulching on soil microclimate, growth and yield of yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) in Midwestern Nigeria
Yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) is one of the major varieties of yam produced in Midwestern Nigeria mainly by traditional farmers. Most of these traditional farmers employ zero tillage system and mulching after planting. But, is this the best practice for optimising yield? This paper examines the effect of tillage systems and mulching on soil microclimatic conditions, growth and yield of yellow yam. To...
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