April 2009
Spermatozoa morphology and characteristics of male wistar rats administered with ethanolic extract of Lagenaria Breviflora Roberts
This study was aimed at determining the effects of the ethanolic extract of the whole fruit of Lagenaria breviflora Robert on male fertility by evaluating some andrological parameters of the Wistar rat such as morphology of spermatozoa, sperm count, motility, liveability and volume of the semen. Histopathology of the testis was carried out. 20 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5...
April 2009
Evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of unripe banana (Musa sapientum L.), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus S.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on pathogens
The investigation on the potency of unripe banana (Musa sapientum L.), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus S.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) was carried out against pathogens. The formulations were in the powder form as used locally. The antimicrobial activity of these plants was...
April 2009
Trino IB ameliorates the oxidative stress of cryptorchidism in the rat
The study examined the effect of Trino IB, a mixture of oleuropein and α-lipoic acid, on the plasma concentration of g-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm count and apoptotic degeneration of testicular germ cells in experimentally induced cryptorchidism in adult male rats. Oral administration of Trino IB (0.5 ml/kg body weight) for 56 days to rats caused significant...
April 2009
Development of RAPD based markers for wheat rust resistance gene cluster (Lr37-Sr38-Yr17) derived from Triticum ventricosum L.
Rust diseases are the major cause of low yield of wheat in Pakistan. Wheat breeders all over the world as well as in Pakistan are deriving rust resistance genes from alien species like Triticum ventricosum and introducing them in common wheat (Triticum aestivum). One such example is the introgression of rust resistance gene cluster Lr37-Sr38-Yr17 derived from T....
April 2009
Genetic diversity and historical demography of Chinese shrimp Feneropenaeus chinensis in Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea based on mitochondrial DNA analysis
Genetic structure and demographic history of shrimp Feneropenaeus chinensiswere examined using sequence data from portions of the mitochondrial cytochromec oxidase I (COI) gene. Samples of 91 individuals were collected from 5 localities over most of the species’ range in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. Variability was detected at a total of 20 nucleotide sites, defining 20 haplotypes of COI...
April 2009
The geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase gene from Ginkgo biloba: cloning, characterization and functional identification
Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGDPS, EC: 2.5.1.29) catalyzes the biosynthesis of 20-carbon geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGDP), which is a key precursor for ginkgolides biosynthesis. In order to investigate the role of GGDP synthase in ginkgolides biosynthesis, we cloned, characterized and functionally expressed the GGDP synthase gene from Ginkgo biloba. The genomic DNA fragment of the GGDPS...
April 2009
Molecular cloning and sequencing of penicillin G acylase from Shigella boydii
In this study, 290 non-Escherichia coli Enterobacteriasea that were isolated from environmental and clinical specimen, were sent to the laboratory for examination with routine microbiological tests for identification of isolates. After identification, non-E. coli isolates were inspected by PCR for existence of penicillin G acylase (PGA) gene. Then, a PGA positive strain (Shigella boydii) from...
April 2009
Effect of various amino acids on shoot regeneration of sugarcane (Sacchrum officinarum L.)
An efficient regeneration protocol from sugarcane callus has been developed through inclusion of amino acids in regeneration medium. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) SP-241 callus was induced from meristematic explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with B5 vitamins containing 13.6 µM 2-4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.05% (w/v) casein hydrolysate, 10% (v/v) coconut water...
April 2009
Mycotoxin production by fungi isolated from stored grains
A study was conducted to determine the fungi associated with maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa) and millet (Pennisetum typhoiodes) in storage. Mycotoxin production by isolated fungi was subsequently evaluated using the thin layer chromatography technique. Eight different fungi were isolated altogether namelyAspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium...
April 2009
Palynological studies on five species of Asteraceae
Palynological studies on five species of the family Asteraceae namely Guternbergia nigritiana, Emilia praetemissa, Vernonia guineensis, Lagera pterodonta andChromolena odorata was carried out. Results obtained from this investigation showed that the pollen shape is spheroidal in G. nigritiana, E. praetermissa and C.odorata while it is elliptic...
April 2009
Genetic diversity of Pogonatherum paniceum (Lam.) Hack. in Southwest China revealed by AFLP markers
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity of Pogonatherum paniceum (Lam.) Hack. from Sichuan Province, Yunnan Province, Chongqing City and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous Region in China. 10 primer combinations were carried out on 180 different individuals sampled from 22 wild populations. Out of the 485 discernable DNA fragments...
April 2009
Effect of diverse ecological conditions on biomass production of Themeda triandra (Kangaroo grass) at various growth stages
Due to heavy grazing of rangelands intolerable pressures on land, vegetation and its inhabitants has been observed. The main source of income in arid, semi arid and rain-fed areas of Pakistan is livestock rearing. The efficiency of rangelands has been adversely affected due to exploitation and centuries of overgrazing. Kangaroo grass native to Australia is known as the best grass to grow on different...
April 2009
Genetic diversity in grain quality and nutrition of aromatic rices
The study was conducted at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur in 2005 to assess the genetic divergence of aromatic rices for grain quality and nutrition aspects. Forty genotypes composed of 32 local aromatic, five exotic aromatic and three non-aromatic rice varieties were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done. Enormous variations were observed in majority of characters viz....
April 2009
Efficiency of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for the enhancement of rice growth
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by a wide variety of mechanisms. The use of PGPR is steadily increasing in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replacechemical fertilizers, pesticides, and supplements. Here, we have isolated and characterized the PGPR from the rhizosphere soil of rice field for the...
April 2009
The microbiological effects of hospital wastes on the environment
The effect of twenty four (24) hospital wastes samples taken from different hospitals waste dumpsites on its surrounding soil was examined. The counts of microorganisms in hospital dumpsite soil include the following; aerobic heterotrophic counts from 4.2 x 105 to 1.6 x 1010, anaerobic heterotrophic counts from 1.0 x 105 to 1.6 x 109 while fungi counts from 0 to 6.9 x 106. The counts in...
April 2009
Screening of antibacterial activity in marine green and brown macroalgae from the coast of Morocco
Antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts from 32 macroalgae (13 Chlorophyta and 19 Phaeophyta) from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast of Morocco were evaluated for the production of antibacterial compounds against Escherichia coliATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Klebsiella pnomeuniae ATCC 700603 and E....
April 2009
Genetic diversity and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility profile of Salmonella species isolated from domestic water and wastewater sources in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
We assessed the genetic diversity of forty Salmonella isolates obtained from selected domestic water and waste water sources in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa using DNA fingerprinting and antibiotic susceptibility profile as test indices. Restriction digests and SDS/PAGE as well as the DNA dendograms of the isolates revealed that most of these strains show a high percentage of genetic...
April 2009
In vitro evaluation of peroxyl radical scavenging capacity of water extract/fractions of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del
The present study was planned to confirm the peroxyl radical scavenging capacity of water extract/fractions of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del. in lipid peroxidation assay and results were compared with standard antioxidant (butylated hydroxytoluene). The bark powder of the plant was extracted with different solvents of increasing and decreasing polarity by maceration extraction method and then...
April 2009
Screening for lipase-producing Enterobacter agglomerans for biodiesel catalyzation
This paper reports a comprehensive study of screening rapeseed soil sample inVictoria blue solution solid medium, with olive oil as sole carbon source. The lipaseof Enterobacter agglomerans which has the highest activity was identified. Underthe optimum conditions determined, the enzyme activity of this strain reached 39.09 U/mL. The optimal conditions were found to be:...
April 2009
The proposed mechanism of bactericidal action of eugenol, α-terpineol and g-terpinene against Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli
The mechanism of antimicrobial activity of essential oils components; α- terpineol,g-terpinene and eugenol was studied to evaluate their effect on the bacterial membrane against four strains of bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcuspyogenes, Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli. The study was done to observe changes in membrane composition by...
April 2009
Biochemical and textural properties of frozen stored (-22ËšC) gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fillets
Skinned, vacuum packed post-rigor gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fillets werestored frozen at -22°C for up to 340 days. Sampling was carried out on fresh fillets at days 34, 91, 183, 266 and 340 of frozen storage. Tests related to muscle integrity (activity of α-glucosidase and the protein content of centrifugal tissue fluids), myofibrillar protein denaturation (Ca2+- and...
April 2009
Some thermo-physical properties of yam cuts of two geometries
The effects of variation of temperature (-18 to 33°C) and geometries (slab and cylinder) on some thermo-physical properties of white yam were investigated. The measured parameters were density, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity at constant moisture level of 72.7% ± 0.69 (wet basis) using transient heat transfer method. Both the density and specific heat of the sample...
April 2008
Total phenol, tocopherol and antibacterial quality of honey Apis mellifera sold in Owo community, Ondo State, Nigeria
The total phenol, the tocopherol and the antibacterial activity of different honey Apis mellifera sold in Owo Community, Ondo State, Nigeria were evaluated. The total phenol, expressed as garlic acid equivalents ranged from 2.85 mg/100 g ‘Oja Oba’ to 0.75 mg/100 g ‘Hausa’ honey, while the tocopherol ranged from 17.60/100 g ’Oja Oba’ to 2.77/100 g...
April 2009
LDH and G-6PDH activities in the ovaries of adult female Wistar rats following the administration of aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaves (which have been documented for its antifertility effect on experimental animals) on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the ovaries of adult female wistar rats. Twenty four adult female wistar rats weighing 200 ± 10 g were divided...
April 2009
Hepatoprotective effect of Picrorrhiza kurroa on antioxidant defense system in antitubercular drugs-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
The hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Picrorrhiza kurroa rhizomes and roots (PK) on liver mitochondrial antioxidant defense system in isoniazid and rifampicin-induced hepatitis in rats was investigated. In liver mitochondria of antitubercular drugs administered rats, a significant elevation in the level of lipid peroxidation with concomitant decline in the level of reduced...
April 2009
Swimming ability and physiological response to swimming fatigue in kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus
The swimming endurance of kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus (11.04 ± 2.43 g) at five swimming speeds (23.0, 26.7, 31.0, 34.6 and 38.6 cm s-1) was determined in a circulating flume at 25.7 ± 0.7°C. The plasma glucose and total protein, hepatopancreas and pleopods muscle glycogen concentrations were determined before swimming and immediately after swimming to evaluate...
April 2009
Effect of stocking density on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus 1757) growth and survival in bamboo – net cages trial
The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying stocking densities on the growth, survival, and yield of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus 1757) at the freshwater reservoir (average depth, 1.7 m) of the University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria, for a period of 3 months. Tilapia juvenile with a mean weight of 29 ± 4.81 g were randomly (Complete Randomized Design)...
April 2009
Effect of stocking density on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus 1757) growth and survival in bamboo – net cages trial
The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of varying stocking densities on the growth, survival, and yield of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus 1757) at the freshwater reservoir (average depth, 1.7 m) of the University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria, for a period of 3 months. Tilapia juvenile with a mean weight of 29 ± 4.81 g were randomly (Complete Randomized Design)...
April 2009
Identification of salt-stress induced differentially expressed genes in barley leaves using the annealing-control-primer-based GeneFishing technique
In the present study, we have used an annealing-control-primer (ACP)-based differentially display RT-PCR method to identify salt-stress-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in barley leaves. Using 120 ACPs, a total of 11 up-regulated genes were identified and sequenced. Temporal expression patterns of some up-regulated DEGs in response to salt stress were further analyzed by Northern blot analysis....
April 2009
Removal of chromium ion from leather industrial wastes by activated pure rice hulls
The removal of Cr ions from industrial wastage by adsorption on rice hulls was investigated based on activated pure rice hulls dosage, stay time, metal concentration and solution temperature. The optimum values of activated pure rice hulls dosage and stay time were determined to be 0.5 gm/50 ml solution and 60 min, respectively, for the adsorption of Cr ions. The constant for the Freundlich, D-R and Langmuir...
April 2009
Immobilization of alliinase and its application: Flow-injection enzymatic analysis for alliin
Alliinase was immobilized on chitosan microspheres by means of glutaraldehyde, and a flow-injection enzymatic analytical system was developed for determination ofalliin based on the immobilized alliinase and an ammonia gas electrode. The factors affecting the activity of the immobilized enzyme, such as glutaraldehyde concentration, cross-linking time and the amount of alliinase, were investigated....
April 2009
Effects of challenge dose on faecal shedding of Salmonella enteritidis in experimental infected chickens
Experimental infection of chickens with Salmonella enteritidis is often achieved by oral inoculation of live bacteria to caged chickens. Less information is available on influence of amount of Salmonella a chicken is exposed to during infection on the proportion that is eventually eliminated in faeces. This study evaluated the effects of challenge dose of S. enteritidis on...
April 2009
Study on the genetic diversity of native chickens in northwest Ethiopia using microsatellite markers
In this study, indigenous chicken populations representing seven different areas of northwest Ethiopia were studied using microsatellite markers to determine genetic diversity and variation. Three local lines of South African chicken and two commercial chicken strains were included for comparison. The Ethiopian chicken population Gassay/Farta had the highest number of alleles per locus (10) for microsatellite...
April 2009
Relationship between scrotal circumference, in situ testicular measurements and sperm reserves in the West African dwarf bucks
Fifteen WAD bucks aged 10 - 12 months and weighing between 14.0 and 16.5 kg were used to determine the relationship between scrotal circumference (SC), in situtesticular measurements and sperm reserves. The in situ testicular measurements were testis length (TL) and testis width (TW) and these were compared with ex situmeasurements (in excised testes). The results showed no significant...
April 2009
Comparative utilization of biodegraded and undegraded rice husk in Clarias gariepinus diet
Possible improvement in the nutritional composition of rice husk (RH) was attempted through Solid State Fermentation with the use of the fungus,Trichoderma viridii. A comparative utilization of the fermented RH (FRH), raw RH and a control diet was studied using parameters like performance and nutrient utilization alongside some economic indicators to arrive at conclusion that isonitrogenous diets were...
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