July 2011
Baculovirus expression vector system: An efficient tool for the production of heterologous recombinant proteins
Today, the recombinant proteins become a major foundation of different industrial sectors. Products of these industries enhance the fields of medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, nutrition, petrochemicals, paper, textiles and many others. Since the mid 1980s, recombinant DNA technology has enabled the development of a wide diversity of vectors for expression of the desired recombinant protein in numerous...
July 2011
Cloning and heterologous expression of a gene encoding lycopene-epsilon-cyclase, a precursor of lutein in tea (Camellia sinensis var assamica)
This report describes the cloning and expression of a gene lycopene epsilon cyclase, (LCYE) from Camellia sinensis var assamica which is a precursor of the carotenoid lutein in tea. The 1982 bp cDNA sequence with 1599 bp open reading frame of LCYE was identified from an SSH library constructed for quality trait in tea. 5’ and 3’ RACE (rapid-amplification of...
July 2011
Genetic diversity and relationships among cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) landraces in China revealed by AFLP markers
Genetic diversity and relationships among Chinese traditional cabbage landraces have not yet been well investigated. To explore the diversity, 83 landraces originating in Northern China, Southern China, Eastern Europe, Western Europe as well as other countries were evaluated by using AFLP markers. Results indicated that cabbage landraces exhibited a relatively low level of diversity. Among the 575markers,...
July 2011
Effect of para-chlorophenoxyacetic acid on acid invertase gene expression and sucrose metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit
Tomato cv. Liaoyuanduoli (Solanum lycopersicum) plants were cultivated in a greenhouse to allow sampling of the second fruit in the first cluster and comparison with tomato fruit that developed following para-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (PCPA) treatment. Sugar content, activities of sugar related enzymes and the effects of PCPA treatment on gene expression of soluble acid invertase (AI) during tomato fruit...
July 2011
Seed germination and in vitro regeneration of the African medicinal and pesticidal plant, Bobgunnia madagascariensis
Propagation of the medicinal and pesticidal tree, Bobgunnia madagascarensis is difficult due to poor and erratic germination of its seeds and slow growth of its seedlings. This study involved two separate experiments. The first evaluated the effect of pre-sowing treatments and growing medium on ex vitro seed germination and early seedling development. The second experiment involved in...
July 2011
The study of triploid progenies crossed between different ploidy grapes
The cross between different ploidy grape was one of the effective ways to obtain new seedless cultivars, in this study, through testing the changes of the ovule weight and observing its anatomical structure, the period and mode of ovule abortion in crosses between diploid and tetraploid grape cultivars were studied, reciprocal cross was also conducted between them, the results indicated that the proper...
July 2011
Antioxidative and proline potentials as a protective mechanism in soybean plants under salinity stress
Stress can define as all negative factors affecting plant growth. One of the most important problems among stress factors is salt stress. Antioxidant responses are tested in Soybean (Glycine max. L.) cv., “A3935” grown under 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl in order to investigate the plants protective mechanisms against salt induced oxidative stress. The NaCl...
July 2011
Isolation, characterization and identification of potential actinobacteria with antifungal activities towards chilli anthracnose
Actinobacteria from the genus of Streptomycetes have been regarded as the most potent producers of bioactive compounds in the world. In this study, a total of 132 isolates of actinobacteria were isolated from rhizospheres of various plant species planted at MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park, Malaysia. These isolates were screened for the ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi, Colletotrichum...
July 2011
Propagation of the African medicinal and pesticidal plant, Securidaca longepedunculata
Propagation methods do not exist for Securidaca longepedunculata. In this study,ex vitro and in vitro experiments were conducted to identify simple propagation methods for this species. Ex vitro germination rates did not exceed 43%, whereasin vitro procedures achieved 67 to 90% germination rates. In vitro germinated seedlings produced at least two re-sprouts and...
July 2011
Uptake, accumulation and some biochemical responses in Raphanus sativus L. to zinc stress
The responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) to increasing concentrations of ZnCl2 (1, 5 and 10 mM) in Hoagland nutrient medium were studied. Under the conditions of these increasing zinc concentrations, the highest zinc accumulation was obtained in the roots of the plants treated with 10 mM applications. The zinc concentration in the vegetative parts, was highest in the root and was lowest in the...
July 2011
Some analytical quality characteristics for evaluating the utilization and consumption of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers
Potato tubers were widely evaluated as a source of carbohydrates, protein, minerals and vitamins for the human diet. In view of the importance of consumer’s preferred potato types in use and consumption, the purpose of this research was to determine the physical and chemical quality of potato tubers and identify the best forms of use and consumption. The experiment was designed in randomized block...
July 2011
Introducing a sustainable soil fertility system for chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
In order to introduce a sustainable soil fertility system for chickpea, field experiments were carried out in 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. Experiments were arranged in split-split plot arrangements with three replications. Main plots consisted of (G1): establishing a mixed vegetation of vetch and barley, (G2): without green manure. Also, five strategies for obtaining the base fertilizer requirement...
July 2011
Effect of precursors on flavonoid production by Hydrocotyle bonariensis callus tissues
Callus tissue of Hydrocotyle bonariensis was initiated from the leaf of H. bonariensis treated with 2 mg/l of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1 mg/l kinetin. The culture was kept at 25°C, under light (cool white fluorescent tubes, 1200 lux). To optimize the precursors to increase the production of flavonoid, different precursors were used. The data showed that 4 mg/l proline...
July 2011
Effect of chlorine dioxide on the control of postharvest diseases and quality of litchi fruit
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is an important subtropical fruit crop with high market value. However, rapid pericarp browning and decay of litchi fruits caused by infection of microorganisms during storage can result in up to 50% of postharvest loss prior to consumption. New methods are urgently needed for effectively overcoming these problems. In this study, we tested the efficacy of chlorine dioxide...
July 2011
Biologically-based strategies to reduce postharvest losses of tomato
The preharvest employment of Bacillus subtilis was highly effective in an augmentation of fruit set and improves general apperance of tomato at harvest. Cooling technology supported the poential of B. subtilis, in particularly prevention of postharvest losses of tomato fruits within marketing context. Furthermore, the resultant inhibition of color development and improvement of...
July 2011
Determination of physiological responses on hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) plant exposed to different salt concentrations
Plant growth is restricted by many environmental factors. Soil salinity is considered as an important agricultural problem for dry and semi-dry fields in many regions around the world. It is known that salinity is an important stress factor restricting water and nutrient intake of plants. In this study, the physiological responses of hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) exposed to different salt...
July 2011
Predictive approach for simultaneous biosorption of hexavalent chromium and pentachlorophenol degradation by Bacillus cereus RMLAU1
Chromium and pentachlorophenol are the major environmental pollutants emanating from tannery effluent. Indigenous Bacillus cereus isolate was employed for biosorption and PCP degradation studies under varied environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, contact time, presence of other heavy metals, initial biosorbent and Cr6+ concentrations. Best results for Cr6+ biosorption (%...
July 2011
Farmers preferences and use of local fodder flora in Tank District, Pakistan
Regional fodder trees, shrubs and herbs play an important role in the forage production and receive increased research attention. Fruitful information from farmers and herdsmen about the species they use is lacking in the area. The objective of the study was to find out herdsmen and farmers preference of local fodder species, their criteria for assessing fodder species and the best fodder in the area....
July 2011
Role of live autochthonous fungi in removing toxic metals from tannery and textile effluents
Decontamination potential of two autochthonous fungi, Aspergillus niger andFusarium oxysporum, was checked in tannery and textile effluents. The fungi grew well in both industrial effluents, A. niger showing a greater biomass than F. oxysporum in both effluents. A. niger showed less growth with increasing concentration of effluents while F....
July 2011
Purification and biochemical characterization of a Ca2+-independent, thermostable and acidophilic α-amylase from Bacillus sp. RM16
Bacillus sp. RM16 was isolated from a hot spring in Karachi and screened for the production of α-amylase. The enzyme was obtained after 72 h cultivation of strain in Luria broth containing 1% starch (w/v). Enzyme Amy RM16 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a series of sequential steps including precipitation with ammonium sulfate at 70% saturation, Q-Sepharose, Phenyl Sepharose and...
July 2011
A deep gold mine metagenome as a source of novel esterases
New sources of enzymes for biotechnological applications are continually being sought for. While diverse microbial ecosysyems have been demonstrated in the deep subsurfaces, deep mines provide easy access to these specialist communities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess a deep mine biofilm as a source of novel esterase enzymes. Biofilm was collected from the Beatrix Mine in South Africa, at a...
July 2011
Antidiabetic activities of leaves and root extracts of Justicia adhatoda Linn against alloxan induced diabetes in rats
Justicia adhatoda Linn is a medicinal shrub and its leaves and roots have being used against diabetes in North East of Pakistan years ago. The effects of leaves and roots of J. adhatoda was studied in alloxan induced diabetic animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leaves and root extracts of the plant on blood glucose and other parameters associated with diabetes. Oral...
July 2011
An alkaliphilic cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from a new Bacillus agaradhaerens WN-I strain isolated from an Egyptian soda lake: Purification and properties
Alkaliphilic bacteria were isolated from soil and water samples obtained from Egyptian soda lakes in the Wadi Natrun area. Screening for cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase- producing alkaliphilic bacteria resulted in the isolation of 15 positive strains. Strain WN-I was selected as the best producer of CGTase. 16S rDNA sequence analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization identified the isolate asBacillus agaradhaerens....
July 2011
Synthesis and characterization of folate-poly(ethylene glycol) chitosan graft-polyethylenimine as a non-viral carrier for tumor-targeted gene delivery
The use of chitosan and chitosan derivatives for gene delivery is limited due to the low transfection efficiency and difficulty in transfecting into a variety of cell types, including some cancer cells overexpressing folate receptor (FRs). In order to solve this problem, folate (FA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was conjugated to chitosan-graft-polyethylenimine (CHI-g-PEI) to enhance water-solubility and...
July 2011
Passive- and active-cigarette smoking: Effects on the levels of antioxidant vitamins, immunoglobulin classes and acute phase reactants
The levels of plasma immunoglobulin classes (IgG, A and M) and acute phase proteins (α 2-macroglobulin (A2MG), C-reactive protein (CRP)) were determined using single radial immunodiffusion method. Also, determined in the plasma of the subjects were antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C and E) using spectrophotometric method. The participants were 30 subjects who had never smoked and not...
July 2011
Effects of nitrogen and phosphine mixtures on stored-product insects’ mortality
A study to determine the effect of nitrogen mixed with phosphine on controlling stored-grain insects was conducted in the storehouse. Adults of Sitophilus oryzae(L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Rhizopertha dominica (F.), Callosobrochus maculatus (F.) and 3th larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) were exposed the mixture of nitrogen and phosphine. After...
July 2011
Physicochemical properties of silkworm larvae protein isolate and gastrointestinal hydrolysate bioactivities
The objectives of this study were to investigate the amino acid composition and thermal properties of silkworm larvae protein isolate (SLPI) and to evaluate the in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of its hydrolysate prepared with gastrointestinal enzymes. The results showed that, SLPI was a high quality protein source with a well-balanced...
July 2011
Retracted: Sodium metabisulphite induced polymerization of sickle cell haemoglobin incubated in extracts of three medicinal plants (Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava and Terminalia catappa)
See Notice of Retraction
July 2011
Comparison of ν-support vector regression and logistic equation for descriptive modeling of Lactobacillus plantarum growth
Due to the complexity and high non-linearity of bioprocess, most simple mathematical models fail to describe the exact behavior of biochemistry systems. As a novel type of learning method, support vector regression (SVR) owns the powerful capability to characterize problems via small sample, non-linearity, high dimension and local minima. In this paper, we developed a ν-SVR model with genetic algorithms...
July 2011
Influence of dietary mannanoligosaccharides on histological parameters of the jejunal mucosa and growth performance of broiler chickens
The trial involved 480 Hubbard Classic broiler chicks which were from either mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) fed breeder flock (Bio-Mos, Alltech Inc. USA at level of 1 kg/t) or control fed breeder flock (without MOS). Three groups with four replicates per treatment were formed: control fed breeders/control fed broilers (C/C); MOS fed breeders/control fed broilers (BM/C) and MOS fed breeders/MOS fed broilers...
July 2011
Effect of dietary oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil on growth performance, cecal microflora and serum antioxidant activity of broiler chickens
A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil (OEO) on broiler performance, cecal microflora and serum antioxidant activity. One hundred and eighty (180) 1-day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups. Group I was kept as normal control and received basal diet. Birds of groups II, III and IV were...
July 2011
Expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in normal and cystic follicles in sows
3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) performs essential roles in the regulation of follicular development and the level at which it is expressed may reflect the steroidogenic capacity of follicles and their physiological status. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of 3β-HSD protein and mRNA in normalfollicles categorized by size into small (2 to 4 mm), medium (5 to...
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