March 2012
Differential expression of cysteine protease inhibitor (CPI) gene of Polygonum sibiricum Laxm. leaves, stems and rhizomes in response to NaHCO3
A cDNA clone which encodes a cysteine protease inhibitor gene, named PsCPI, has been identified in Polygonum sibiricum Laxm. by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method (RACE). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence reveals that the PsCPI gene cDNA clone consists of 437 bp, containing 38 bp in the 5' untranslated region, 336 bp in the open reading frame (ORF) encoding 111...
March 2012
Genetic identification of a dwarf mutant in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
The dwarf (compact) plant architecture is an important trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) breeding. A dwarf type mutant was selected from the cucumbers. The morphological and reproductive characteristics of the dwarf were compared with the vine plants. The dwarf type of cucumbers is characterized by its short internodes, underdeveloped tendril and small flower, while the dwarfs possessed more female...
March 2012
Influence of intracellular Na+, K+ and Cl- on the salt tolerance in suspension cell cultures of Medicago media
In the process of selection for salt tolerance, it is important to understand the physiological basis of ion management executed by the cells through the exclusion, accumulation or maintenance of ratios of specific ions. Intracellular accumulation of Na+, K+ and Cl- ions in the cells in vitro was studied as a factor in salt tolerance in suspension cultures of Medicago...
March 2012
Study on the chemical composition and extraction technology optimization of essential oil from Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc.
The chemical composition of hydro-distilled oil from the ground aerial parts of Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc. was analysed by gas chromatography/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/GC–MS). 18 compounds representing all the oils were identified. The main components were demonstrated to be α-phellandrene (28.84%),...
March 2012
Effects of sand burial on the survival and physiology of three psammophytes of Northern China
Corispermum macrocarpum, Setaria viridis and Agriophyllum squarrosum are dominant psammophytes with strong environmental adaptability in Horqin Sandy Land, a typical agro-pastoral ecotone with frequent and intense sand activity in Northern China. We studied the survival rates, activity of antioxidant enzyme(superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase), content...
March 2012
Effects of extraction period on yield of rice straw compost humic acids
Humic acids (HA) are widely used in agriculture because of their capability as chelator, organic matter, soil improver and growth promoter. However, their isolation differs in terms of origin or source because of wetting and solubilization factors. This study was conducted to determine extraction period for HA from composted rice straw. Standard procedures were used to extract HA from rice straw compost at...
March 2012
Effect of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate on seed germination of the resurrection plants Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae
Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae are rare resurrection plants, endemic and relict species from Balkan Peninsula. The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) were conducted to determine the seed germination response for these two species. An experiment was conducted with four replications and three treatments including: different concentrations of GA3 (0,...
March 2012
Biochemical properties of thiaminase from Anaphe venata Burtler.
Anaphe venata contain a high level activity of thiaminase enzyme. The enzyme was partially purified through Biogel P-200 gel filtration chromatography. The proximate analysis of A. venata showed a high protein content of 28.00%, crude fibre content of 6.37 and crude fat content of 14.26. The native molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 85,000 daltons. The overall results indicates...
March 2012
Effects of de-oiled palm kernel cake based fertilizers on sole maize and cassava crops
A study was conducted to determine the effect of de-oiled palm kernel cake based fertilizer formulations on the yield of sole maize and cassava crops. Two de-oiled palm kernel cake based fertilizer formulations A and B were compounded from different proportions of de-oiled palm kernel cake, urea, muriate of potash and single super phosphate. Two separate experiments were performed. Experiment one tested the...
March 2012
Seasonal alteration of sugar metabolism in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) plants during cold-acclimated and non-acclimated stages
Plants of strawberry cvs Aromas and Diamante were removed from the field in cold acclimated (CA, January) and non-acclimated (NA, July) stages. Crown parts of the plant were used for analysis. Apoplastic total soluble sugar (TSS), reducing sugars and sucrose contents did not change in both cultivars in both sampling stages. Symplastic TSS, reducing sugars and sucrose contents were higher in CA stage than that...
March 2012
Compounds interaction on biodegradation of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone mixtures in a composite biofilter
Compounds interaction on biodegradation of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) mixtures in a composite bead biofilter was investigated. The biodegradation rate of two compounds in the exponential growth phase and stationary phase for the single compound and two compounds mixing systems was determined. For the single compound system, the biodegradation rate of two compounds in the microbial growth...
March 2012
Prevalence of parasites in soil samples in Tehran public places
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of all parasitic forms (eggs, larvae, cysts and oocyst) by using two flotation methods in soil of public places and children’s playgrounds in Tehran City, Capital of Iran. During 2008 to 2009, 150 soil samples were collected from various sites by simple random selection. To recover parasites, the soil samples were examined by sodium nitrate...
March 2012
Purification and characterization of a linoleate isomerase from Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058
Linoleate isomerase (EC 5.2.1.5) catalyzes the isomerization of linoleic acid to generate conjugated linoleic acid. Previously, we isolated a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 with great capacity for producing conjugated linoleic acid from fermented vegetables. This work aimed to purify the linoleate isomerase from L.plantarum ZS2058 and investigate its characteristics....
March 2012
Metallic elements profile of Hazel (Hard) Bolete (Leccinum griseum) mushroom and associated upper soil horizon
The aim of this study was to determine profile of 19 elements of caps and stipes of Hazel Bolete (Leccinum griseum) and soil substratum collected at the area of the Commune of Gołdap, within Gołdap County in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Poland compared to the Cd, Pb and Hg levels with current hygienic standards. The elements were determined using validated methods, that is, inductively coupled plasma...
March 2012
Screening of autochthonous Lactobacillus species from Algerian raw goats’ milk for the production of bacteriocin-like compounds against Staphylococcus aureus
Lactic acid bacteria play a key role in maintaining the balance of normal gastro-intestinal microflora. Food contamination by Staphylococcus aureus is a major problem for consumer’s health in Algeria, especially during the summer period. The use of bacterial interactions is a new way to limit the pathogenic germs growth. Detection of antimicrobial substances produced by lactic acid bacteria...
March 2012
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of oil from Clanis bilineata (Lepidoptera), an edible insect
Oil was extracted from the dry meat of Clanis bilineata (Lepidoptera) using supercritical carbon dioxide in a continuous flow extractor. The following optimum extraction conditions were investigated: temperature, 35°C; pressure, 25 MPa; supercritical CO2 flow rate, 20 L/min and time, 60 min. Under these extraction conditions, the oil extraction rate reached up to 97% (w/w). The level of...
March 2012
Partial fat and sugar replacement with soy milk, inulin and sucralose on quality of Thai Pandanus custard
Thai Pandanus custard samples replaced with coconut milk, and sugar with soy milk, inulin and sucralose, were compared with quality characteristics of the regular formulation (control). With increasing levels of coconut milk replacement, the product pH and redness increased, whereas there was no significant difference in water activity. As 1/3 or 2/3 coconut milk replacement with soy milk were...
March 2012
Effect of medium type and luteinizing hormone (LH) on in vitro maturation of Egyptian buffalo oocytes
This study was carried out to evaluate the maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro. In the first experiment, oocytes were cultured for 22 to 24 h in TCM-199, CR1aa and mSOF with or without luteinizing hormone (LH). Results show that all media with LH were better than media without LH; maturation rate was low in mSOF without LH and high in TCM–199 and CR1aa with LH. Moreover in...
March 2012
Cytotoxic compounds from the leaves of Combretum paniculatum Vent
Combretum paniculatum Vent. (Combretaceae) is a shrub that is widespread in tropical Africa. It is used locally in the treatment of carcinomous tumors. The cytotoxic activity of pheophorbide a and pheophorbide a-methyl ester isolated from the leaves ofC. paniculatum were investigated. In vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds were evaluated against HT-29, MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cell lines...
March 2012
Antimycobacterial activity of Usnea steineri and its major constituent (+)-usnic acid
The antimycobacterial activity of an extract of Usnea steineri and of its major constituent (+)-usnic acid was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (ATCC 27294), Mycobacterium kansasii (ATCC 12478) and Mycobacterium avium (ATCC 15769). The acetone extract (ACE) of U. steineri displayed promising minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values...
March 2012
Predictive value of serum gelsolin in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related chronic liver disease
Gelsolin, an actin-binding protein, which serves as a substrate of caspase in tissue injury has been proposed as a prognostic marker in acute liver injury, but its relationship with human hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatitis at various stages is still unclear. This study was conducted in order to investigate the predictive value of serum gelsolin in HBV-related chronic liver disease. The observation...
March 2012
Effect of kunnu-zaki on clinical bacteria isolates
Ten clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria were exposed in agar-cup diffusion sensitivity test to Kunun-zaki, a non-alcoholic fermented beverage, taken from eighteen samples. The undiluted samples of the beverage appreciably inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested including, remarkably, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibro cholerae, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria...
March 2012
Lysis of mastitis pathogens isolated from dairy cow milk samples by purified recombinant lysostaphin
To avoid the use of broad spectrum antibiotics which can induce antibiotic resistance, we developed a recombinant lysostaphin with high purity against mastitis pathogens isolated from dairy cow milk. The gene encoding for mature lysostaphin peptide was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression systems, pET28a, to produce recombinant lysostaphin. This recombinant lysostaphin was purified by a His60...
March 2012
Genetic, pathogenic and toxigenic variability by F. proliferatum isolated from maize kernels
Genetic (mating population and vegetative compatibility), pathogenic and toxigenic variability of F. proliferatum isolated from maize kernels originating from different localities in Serbia were studied. Investigated isolates of F. proliferatum were fertile and most of them (8/13) belonged to the mating type MATD-2. Based on the complementary test isolates, F....
March 2012
Experimental analysis on the effect of addition of Rhizoma gastrodiae on mycelia and exopolysaccharide productions by submerged culture of Grifola frondosa
The effect of addition of Rhizoma gastrodiae on mycelia and exopolysaccharide production by submerged culture of Grifola frondosa was investigated. About 7% (v/v) of R. gastrodiae extract was added to the basal medium used for its biomass and exopolysaccharide productions. The biomass and exopolysaccharide productions reached a maximum of 2.0630±0.0520 g/L and...
March 2012
Effect of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on in vitro root induction in dendrobium orchid (Dendrobium sabin H.)
Root induction pre-developed in vitro plantlets of orchid was carried out using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3 mM) on basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Among the concentrations of IBA, the number of roots per plantlet with 1 mM IBA was found to be the highest (2.25 roots per plantlet) followed by 2.0 mM IBA (1.61 roots per plantlet)...
March 2012
Analysis of selected metallic impurities in soft drinks marketed in Lagos, Nigeria
Twenty brands of soft drinks commonly consumed in Lagos, Nigeria were analyzed for lead, cadmium, nickel, silver, chromium and zinc using standard biochemical procedures. The aim was to determine whether the concentrations of toxic metals in commonly consumed soft drinks are below or above the upper limit for each of the metals as set by World Health Organization (WHO). Results showed that cadmium was present...
March 2012
The mechanical properties of broiler chicken bones affected by different dietary zinc levels
The authors evaluated the effect of diet with different Zn levels on mechanical properties of bones in 120 broilers of Ross 308 hybrid, from 2 to 42 days of age, which were randomly divided into 2 groups, with 60 chickens each. The first group (Zn50) was fed commercial basal diet with no Zn additives (zinc content- 50 mg/kg feed). The second group (Zn100) was fed basal diet + 50 mg of Zn/kg feed. In this...
March 2012
The analysis of variability of pH level and somatic cell count (SCC) in the colostrum and milk of złotnicka white sows
The aim of the research was to analyze the pH level and somatic cell count (SCC) in sows’ colostrum and milk depending on the reproductive cycle, litter size and consecutive pair of teats. The animal specimens were 30 sows of the ZÅ‚otnicka White breed. ZÅ‚otnicka pigs were subjected to the National Genetic Resources Conservation Programme. The experiment was made on the farm where pigs of native...
March 2012
Enzyme immunoassay measurements of ecdysteroids in the last larval stage of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae): Hormonal profile and correlation with cuticle secretion
The molting hormone (ecdysteroids) in whole body extracts of 4th-instar larvae ofCulex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae) was measured by an enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) using two specific antibodies, the rat monoclonal EC 19 antibody showing a high affinity for 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the rabbit polyclonal B antibody six times more sensitive to ecdysone (E) than to 20E. EIA measurements revealed...
March 2012
Comparison of two culture media for breaking seed dormancy and germination improvement in four species of Linum L.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different treatments in breaking dormancy and to increase germination percentage and days to germination in two media of water with agar and Murashige and Skoog (MS) growth medium in four species of Linum L. namely, L. mucronatum, L. nervosum, L. album and L. austriacum. Stages of breaking dormancy were incorporated...
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