Nature and Science
ISSN: 1545-0740
Volume 8 - Number 4 (Cumulated No. 37), April 1, 2010
Cover (online), Cover (print), Introduction, Contents, Call for Papers, All in one file
All comments are
welcome: editor@sciencepub.net
Welcome to send your manuscript(s) to: editor@sciencepub.net.
CONTENTS
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1
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Plant growth pattern, tiller dynamics
and dry matter accumulation of wetland rice (Oryza sativa L.) as
influenced by application of different manures
Mirza
Hasanuzzaman1*, K. U. Ahamed2, K. Nahar2
and N. Akhter2
1Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,
Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
2Department of Agricultural Botany, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,
Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
mhzsauag@yahoo.com,
kuahamed@yahoo.com,
knahar84@gmail.com
Abstract: To
observe the comparative performance of different organic
manures with inorganic fertilizers on the growth rate, tillering and dry matter accumulation of
rice an experiment was conducted in the Research Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,
Dhaka, Bangladesh during June to November, 2008. The 10 treatments
comprised viz. T1 (Control), T2 (Green
manure @ 15 t ha-1), T3 (Green manure @
15 t ha-1 + N40P6K36S10
i.e.50% NPK), T4 (Poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1),
T5 (Poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 + N40P6K36S10
i.e. 50% NPK), T6 (Cowdung
@ 12 t ha-1), T7 (Cowdung
@ 12 t ha-1 + N40P6K36S10
i.e. 50% NPK), T8 (Vermicompost
@ 8 t ha-1), T9 (Vermiconpost
@ 8 t ha-1 + N40P6K36S10
i.e. 50% NPK) and T10 (N80P12K72S10
i.e.100% NPK). Plant height, number of tillers hill-1,
total dry weight of plants, crop growth rate and relative
growth rate were significantly influenced by different
treatments. Except plant height and total tiller per hill all
the parameters were found to be the highest with the treatment
T5 (Poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 + N40P6K36S10
i.e. 50% NPK). The dry matter production showed a significant
relationship with grain yield of rice. [Nature and Science 2010;8(4):1-10]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.01
Key words: Rice,
Organic manures, CGR, RGR, Dry matter partitioning, Yield
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Comparative Study of Seasonal
Variation in Physico - Chemical
Characteristics in Drinking Water Quality of Kanpur, India With
Reference To 200 MLD Filteration
Plant and Ground Water
Priyanka Trivedi1,*
, Amita Bajpai2 , Sukarma
Thareja1,
1. Department of
Chemistry, Christ Church College, CSJM Kanpur University, UP,
India
2. CWA Kanpur Jalsansthan Benajhawar
Kanpur. 1E-mail: priyankas03@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: In the present work various physico chemical parameters i.e. Turbidity,
temperature, pH, total
hardness , Iron, Chlorides, Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Sulphate, Nitrate, Fluoride, Chromium,
total alkalinity are analyzed for various seasons; Summer, Monsoon, Autumn,Winter, Spring for the period (April-December-2008 and (January- March-2009) in the
surface water, ground
water and filtration plant treated water of Kanpur city. Significant
variation of physico - chemical
parameters of surface water were observed; various physico-chemical parameters for the water
samples were within highest desirable limit (HDL) prescribed by WHO for
drinking purposes for all seasons except for pH in summer,
Total alkalinity and Fe contents in spring, autumn and winter;
Total dissolved solids in winter, Turbidity in all seasons. The
observations
imply that Ganga
water in monsoon is better than winter seasons, where as
the ground water was
found better in winter compared to that of summer season. The
results suggest that the quality of surface water improved after
treatment in filtration
plant as compared to ground water. [Nature and
Science. 2010:8(4):11-17] (ISSN: 1545-0740)
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.02
Keywords: Physico-chemical
Parameters, Ganga water,Canal Ganga
Water, Treated water, Ground water.
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Response of vermi-compost
on Growth and Yield of Pea (pisum sativum
L.) cv. Arkel
Hakim Singh Chauhan*, Sunil Chandra Joshi1 and
D.K. Rana2
GBPUAT Hill
Campus Ranichauri- 249199 (Uttrakhand) India
1 Division of Seed Science and
Technology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New
Delhi-110012 India
2Department of Horticulture, HNB Garhwal University Srinagar- 246174 (Uttrakhand) India. hakim_ag2007@rediffmail.com
Abstract: The present investigation
“Response of vermi-compost on
growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum
L.) cv. Arkel’’ comprised of seven
treatments consisting of three level of vermi-compost,
three level of vermi-compost with
NPK, and one level of FYM + NPK. During the experimentation, growth
character and yield characters were recorded. The germination
of pea cv. Arkel, Seeds became faster
with T4 (vermi-compost-10 t/ha+NPK)
treatment but there after the germination occurred at slower
rate and days taken for completion of germination increased
progressively. The T4 (vermi-compost-10 t/ha + NPK)
treatment exhibited the maximum nodule formation and yield. A
comparative study of the present findings led to the conclusion
that sowing of pea with the application of vermi-compost
@ 10 t/ha and NPK @ 25:60:50 kg/ha was found most effective to
best growth of pea crop under Srinagar valley condition of Garhwal region of Uttrakhand
state. [Nature and Science 2010;8(4):18-21].ISSN:1545-
0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.03
Keywords: Pisum
sativum, vermi-compost, FYM, NPK
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In vitro antioxidative
acitivity of Azadirachta indica
and Melia azedarach
Leaves by DPPH
scavenging assay
Gayatri
Nahak1 and Rajani Kanta Sahu1
1Department of
Botany, B.J.B. Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar751014, Orissa,
India
gayatri_bioteq@yahoo.co.in; sahurajani@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Medicinal plants are a major source of
raw material for the traditional system like Ayurveda, Siddha
& Unani. Even the modern system
of medicine has more than 25 percent of drugs in use, which are
either plant based or plant derived. Although several tree posses
various medicinal properties, it has been ignored by indigenous
& modern system of medicine. Among them Azadirachta indica
& Melia azedarach
belonging to family Meliaceae play a
vital role in day to day usage of different indigenous
communities due to its sacred and medicinal value. Recently
there has been an upsurge of interest in the therapeutic
potential of medicinal plants as antioxidants. In the course of
finding potential antioxidant from plant source, two medicinal
tree species belonging to family Meliaceae
has been selected. Leaves were dried and extracted with
different solvent systems namely water, ethanol & methanol.
Antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay of six
extracts from two genus of the family Meliaceae
is reported & a comparison of the free radical scavenging
ability of the extracts is emphasized. The result of the
present study showed that the extract of Melia azedarach.,
which contains highest amount of phenolic
compounds exhibited the greatest anti-oxidant activity in
comparison to Azadirachta indica. The high
scavenging property of may be due to hydroxyl groups existing
in the phenolic compounds chemical
structure that can provide the necessary components as a
radical scavenger. [Nature and Science 2010; 8(4):22-28].
(ISSN: 1545-0740].
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.04
Key words: Antioxidant activity, Azadirachta indica,
Melia azedarach.
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Effect of Chromium on Mucor
species and
optimization of growth conditions
Bijay
Kumar Sethi1, Satyajit
Kanungo1,*, Jyoti Ranjan Rout1, Prativa kumari
Nanda2, Santi Lata Sahoo1
1 Microbiology Laboratory, P.G Department of
Botany, Utkal University, Vani Vihar,
Bhubaneswar, Pin-751004, Orissa, India.
2 Saila Bala
Women’s College, Cuttack, Orissa, India. satya_9bt@yahoo.com, santi_bot_uu@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Czapek Dox broth medium is
frequently used for the culture of fungal species like Mucor. The influences of
incubation period, pH, Cr (VI) concentration, temperature on
the concentration of biomass were also evaluated. At pH 5.5,
the fungi Mucor species
yields maximum biomass and the fungus can be able to degrade
chromium to a particular concentration but at higher
concentration growth reduces. From a practical viewpoint, this
abundant and inexpensive fungal biomass has potential
application in the conversion of toxic Cr (VI) into less toxic
or nontoxic Cr (III). Maximum biomass weight was observed which
is about 0.33±0.01mg/20ml at a constant temperature of 350C
with an incubation period of 8 days. The protein content of the
fungus was estimated and it was found that maximum yield of
protein was recorded in the presence of 0.005 mM of chromium. [Nature and Science 2010;8(4):29-32]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.05
Key words: Biomass; Mucor species; Czapek
Dox medium; incubation period.
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Biochemical
and neurological effects of obesity on primary school girls
Hanaa H. Ahmed1;
Abla G. Khalifa2; Emad F. Eskander1; Alaa H. Sayed1 and Ismail
M. Abdel-Nabi3
1 Hormones Dept., National Research
Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
2 Child Health Dept., National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
3 Zoology Dept., Fac. Of Science, Suez Canal University,
Ismailia, Egypt. alaasc@yahoo.com
Abstract: The number of obese children worldwide
has increased noticeably. As with adults, obesity in childhood
is strongly related to hypertension, dyslipidemia,
type II diabetes, and insulin resistance. Also, obese children
are at increased risk of becoming obese adults. Therefore,
obese children tend to develop serious medical and psychosocial
complications, and have a greater risk of adult morbidity and
mortality. The principal goal of this study was to investigate
the effects of obesity on the levels of some biomarkers and
their relation to the cognitive function in elementary school
obese girls. The current study was conducted on 45 obese girls
(mean age 10.53 ± 1.29 years; mean BMI 28.43 ± 4.62 kg/m2)
and 45 normal age-matched girls (mean age 10.36 ± 1.53 years;
mean BMI 19.07 ± 3.47 kg/m2). Estimation of serum adrenomedullin (AM) and substance P (SP),
and plasma noradrenaline (NA) and
acetylcholine (ACh) were carried out.
Cognitive function tests (auditory vigilance, digit span,
coding and visual memory) were done for all subjects. The levels of serum AM and SP
as well as plasma NA were significantly increased (P<0.01)
in the obese group as compared with the control group. Total
wrong response to auditory vigilance test (TW) showed a
significant increase (P<0.05) in the obese group as compared
with the control group. Digit span and visual memory
classification showed a significant decrease (P<0.01) while
coding showed a significant increase (P<0.05). Our study
showed that obesity, to some extent, has an adverse effect on
cognitive function in primary school girls. The lack of effect of
obesity on some cognitive tests may be due to different factors
which may include increased levels of SP which has
memory-promoting and reinforcing effects and higher levels of
NA and the normal level of ACh, which
also have important roles in memory processing. [Nature and
Science 2010;8(4):33-43]. (ISSN:
1545-0740)]
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.06
Key words: obesity- adrenomedullin -substance P - noradrenaline - acetylcholine –
cognition – girls
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NEAREST NEIGHBOUR PATTERN OF SPATIAL VARIATION
IN EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS.
Dauda,
T.O.
Institute of
Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi
Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor
Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria. taofik_biomet@fastmail.net
Abstract: Evaluations of the nearest neighbour analysis in the study of spatial
variation in experimental plot have been attempted for kenaf using a split plot experiment
distributed in a complete randomized design. The experiment was
carried out between June and September 2006 at Ilora and Ikenne
outstation of the Institute of Agricultural Research and
Training, Ibadan to evaluate nearest neighbourhood
in experimental plots. The results of the cluster analyses of
the stem girth at Ilora showed that
80% of the pairing plots were isotropic in nature while all
other plot pairs are anisotropic in nature because their euclidean distances are not equal. For stem
girth at Ikenne, isotropic property
was exhibited between only x
4,1 vs
x 3,1 and x 5,3 vs x
2,3 (0.032). All other plots pairs are anisotropic
in nature. For plant height at both Ilora
and Ikenne, none of the pairing plots
exhibited isotropic property but anisotropic property. Also,
the nearest neighbour indices are
0.00197 (for stem girth at Ilora),
0.00734 (for stem girth at Ikenne),
0.1831 (for plant height at Ilora)
and 0.2456 (for plant height at Ikenne). From the study, the variogram is found to be related to the
variance covariance using the model,  (where  =
variogram, C(0)
is the variance at the plot xi and C(h) is the
covariance at both plot xi and xj
). Finally, low but positive nearest neighbour
index obtained in this work implied that the neighbourhood pattern falls between cluster
and randomness thereby reflecting patchiness of neighbourhood pattern. [Nature and
Science 2010;8(4):44-53]. (ISSN:
1545-0740)]
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.07
Keywords: Nearest neighbour, Euclidean distance, Clusters,
initial soil nutrient deposition ((ISND).
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QUANTITATIVE SPECIFICATION OF
POTENTIALLY TOXIC METALS IN EXPIRED CANNED TOMATOES FOUND IN
VILLAGE MARKETS
1 Itodo U.
Adams and 2
Itodo U. Happiness
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Kebbi State University of Science and
Technology, Aliero, Nigeria.
2Department of Chemistry, Benue State
University, Makurdi. itodoson2002@yahoo.com
Abstract: Varieties of
expired canned tomatoes were pre-treated using standard
digestion methods and were analysed for heavy metals. Cr, Pb, Cd, Fe, Ni,
Co, Zn, Mg, Cu, AI and Mn were
determined using Atomic absorption spectroscopy and photometry
techniques. Mg, Mn, Co and Pb presented higher concentration values
ranging from 32.18± 9.25;
4.35 ±1.60; 2.62 ±1.76 and 2.82 ±0.53 µgg-1
respectively. Unlike the Cd contents,
Cr and Pb concentration were above
the threshold limit values (TLV) of 2.0µgg-1. The
levels of metals for some of the canned foods exceed that of
their corresponding uncanned products
reported in literatures. Physicochemical variables of the
brands were also estimated as 76.4 ±3.85 and 3.20± 1.09 % for
moisture and ash contents respectively. The arrays of health implications of
heavy metals computed in this work will at a glance access the
roles of excessive and prolonged intake of such foods. [Nature
and Science. 2010;8(4):54-59]. (ISSN:
1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.08
Key
words: canned tomato, toxic metals, AAS,
Photometry.
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THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF
GINGER ON THE QUALITY OF SMOKED DRIED CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)
Idris, Garba Libata*, Omojowo, Funso
Samuel.;* Omojasola Patricia Folake**, Adetunji
Charles Oluwaseun***, and Ngwu Emmanuel onyebuchi*
*NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FRESHWATER FISHERIES RESEARCH,
(NIFFR) P.M.B. 6006, NEW-BUSSA, NIGER STATE. NIGERIA.
** DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN,
ILORIN, NIGERIA.
***NIGERIAN STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILORIN,
KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.
idrisgarbalibata@yahoo.com; jowosam@yahoo.com;
folakejasola@yahoo.co.uk, charliguitar@yahoo.com and ngwuemma@yahoo.com
Abstract: Fresh live catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
obtained from Private pond in NIFFR, New-Bussa.
The samples were divided into five groups. Four groups were
dressed and dipped in a solution of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of
Ginger respectively for thirty (30) minutes and smoked dried.
The fifth group acts as control. They were examined
microbiologically, chemically and organoleptically.
The Ginger reduced the free fatty acid (FFA) values, trimethylamine (TMA) values, and the fungi
load of the processed fish. Ten percent of ginger had the best
result in terms of reduction in fungi load, FFA and TMA values
and followed by 7.5 and 5%. However, from the organoleptic results of overall
acceptability, taste, colour and
texture of the products, 5% ginger concentration had the best
acceptance and significantly different (P<0.05) when
compared to the non treated control after 8 weeks of storage.
[Nature and Science. 2010; 8(4):59-63] (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.09
Key words: Catfish, Ginger, smoked, storage and
Fungi load.
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Diagnostic Role Of Resistin In Nonalchoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Engy Yousry
Elsayed, Amal
Shawky Mohamed, Hala
Abd Elal* and Eman
Hamed**
Internal Medicine, Clinical Pathology* and Pathology**
Departments
Faculty Of Medicine, Ain Shams
University, cairo, Egypt.
ashorengy@yahoo.com, amalshawky-mb@hotmail.com, hala_abdelal@yahoo.com,
imihewedi99@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Introduction:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of
liver-related morbidity and mortality. Insulin
resistance is believed to be a key factor in the development
of fatty liver. Moreover, insulin resistance states
characterized by elevated expression and production
of several cytokines; of particular adiponectin,
leptin, resistin. Leptin
and adiponectin have been implicated
in the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD but direct
evidence of the role of resistin in NAFLD is lacking. The aim of this study
was to determine the circulating resistin level in patients
affected by NAFLD and to correlate resistin
level with insulin
sensitivity, liver function and histologic
feature. Subjects and
methods: This study included 100 subjects divided in to:
Forty patients with NAFLD, forty obese person with BMI >30 with normal
transaminases and normal liver
ultrasound and twenty controls with BMI <20, for all
subjects serum resistin was measured,
Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was calculated and
liver profile was assessed. Liver biopsy was done in NAFLD
patients. Results:
Serum resistin was higher in patients
with NAFLD (16.2 ± 4) compared to obese and control groups (6.8
± 4.1 and 3.4 ± 1.1) respectively (p <0.01), serum resistin was higher in advanced cases of
NAFLD compared to mild cases (19.2±3.6 vs. 13.5±2.7)
respectively (P < 0.01). Moreover serum resistin was positively correlated to BMI,
HOMA , highly sensitive
CRP, AST and ALT. Conclusion
and recommendation: Resistin
has a role in pathogenesis of NAFLD, resistin
level is a predictive of histology in NAFLD, so the use of serum resistin
assay as a simple
diagnostic biomarker for NAFLD is recommended. [Nature and
Science 2010;8(4):64-68]. (ISSN:
1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.10
Key word: NAFLD,
NASH, Obesity and Resistin.
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Assessing Environmental
Flow Modeling For Water Resources Management: A Case of Sg. (River) Pelus, Malaysia
Mohd Ekhwan Toriman
School of
Social Development and Environmental Study, FSSK. 43600. Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia, Bangi Selangor Malaysia. ikhwan@ukm.my
Abstract: In Detailed Environmental
Impact Assessment (DEIA), modeling of environmental flows is
one of the main studies that need to be delivered in the final
DEIA report. The model is important to the project proponent to
engage suitable designs that can be suited to environmental
needs, particularly on future water resources management. In
this respect, Environmental Flow Assessment (EFA) is used to
estimate the quantity and timing of flows to sustain the
ecosystem values. The proposed of hydropower projects in Sg Pelus, Perak
was studied aimed to evaluate existing river flow
characteristics and to model EFA due to river diversion of Sg Pelus. Daily
river flow (m3/s) recorded at Sg
Pelus (Station No. 6035) and Sg. Yum (Station No. 6044) gauging stations
were used to design the flow duration curve. The low flow then
calculated using the 7Q10 equation to estimate the lowest 7-day average flow that
occurred on average once every 10 years. The results indicate
that the average daily flows for both stations (6035 and 6044)
are 5.080 m3/s and 11.391 m3/s,
respectively. The flow duration curve shows that 50 percent of
4 m3/s of discharge will be exceeded/ equaled in Station
6044 while 8.2 m3/s of discharge will be exceeded or
equaled in Station 6035. The requirement environmental flows
for both parameters are 0.613 and 0.426
m3/s for Environmental Flow Assessment, respectively. The results obtained in
this model are important to managing the river at least in
Class II after river diversion project. [Nature and Science
2010;8(4):69-76]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.11
Keywords: Environmental Flow Assessment; Detailed
Environmental Impact Assessment; Low flow; Flow duration curve.
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Mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of some plant
extracts in Drosophilla melanogaster
Ahmed,
E.S.1 ;Twaty,N.H2; Fakiha K.G2. and Bibars M.A.1
1-Department
of Cell Biology
National Research Center
Egypt.
2-Department of Biology,Faculty
of Science, King
Abdelaziz
University,Jeddah
Abstract. This study was designed to
investigate the mutagenic potential of the anticancer drug vincristine and some plant extracts (fennel
and parsley) on Drosophilla
melanogaster using two test
systems: the sex linked recessive lethal (SLRL) and the
estimation of the activity of cholinesterase enzyme (ChE) in F1 and F2 bar eye females and F2
wild type males. A wild type strain Oregon-R (or-R) male flies
of D.melanogaster
were treated on a medium containing a concentration of only one
of the three agents, followed by
a combined treatment in an alternative way of fennel extract or
parsley extract followed by vincristin,
then vincristin followed by fennel
extract or parsley extract and finally the three agents
together. The results
obtained, showed non significant increase in the percentage of
the S.L.R.L in all stages of spermatogenesis in all treatments.
Meanwhile, vincristine as a single
treatment or combined with fennel or parsley extracts showed genotoxic
effects in the three categories of the two generations of
S.L.R.L: F1 females heterozygous F2 bar eye females and F2 wild
type males on the genetic background of ChE
in all treatments. [Nature and Science 2010;8(4):77-82].
(ISSN: 1545-0740].
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.12
Keywords: Drosophilla
melanogaster - cholinesterase
enzyme – vincristin –
fennel – parsley.
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Evaluation of Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Fermented Raw
and Fermented Napoleona
Imperialis Seed and Their Feeding
Values on Finisher Broilers
Martin Chukwudi Uchegbu,
Cynthia Okere, Ifeanyi
Princewill Ogbuewu*,
Ifeanyi Charles Okoli,
Chibuzor Hope Nwaodu,
Chike Timothy Ezeokeke,
George Akalefu Anyanwu
Department of
Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of
Technology, P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo
State, Nigeria. Princiano2001@yahoo.com
Abstract: The high cost of feed in poultry
enterprise is well established. This is blamed on limited
availability of conventional feedstuff which is also in
competition with man’s dietary needs. This has
necessitated the search for alternative protein sources such as
Napoleona imperialis
seed. Ripe N. imperialis seeds (NISs)
were harvested in and around the Federal University of
Technology, Owerri with the pods
opened, the seeds extracted, and sun dried for 7 days. A
portion of the sundried NIS was milled using hammer mill to
produce the raw N. imperialis seed meal (NISM) while, the
remaining portion was soaked in water for 4 days and sundried
before milling to produce soaked NISM. Samples of raw and
soaked NISMs were taken to the
laboratory to determine its proximate and phytochemical
compositions. Phytate, tannins, HCN,
alkaloids, saponins and metabolisable energy value of the raw NISs were significantly (p<0.05)
affected by the treatment. Birds on control diet performed
significantly (p<0.05) better than those on 10% soaked NISM
diet in terms of average daily feed intake and feed conversion
ratio but similar (p>0.05) to those on 5% raw and 5% soaked NISMs. The average daily weight gain of
birds on 5% raw and 10% soaked NISMs
was significantly (p<0.05) lower than the control group. It
is concluded that soaking for 4 days in water do not reduce the
anti-nutritional content of N.
imperialis seeds to a tolerable level
for broilers. [Nature and Science
2010;8(4):83-88]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.13
Keywords: novel seeds, proximate composition, phytochemistry, performance, broilers.
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Plasmid Associated Anthracene
Degradation by Pseudomonas
sp. Isolated from Filling Station Site
Gulshan
Kumar1, Rajesh Singla2, Rakesh Kumar1*
Biotechnology
Department; 2. Microbiology Department, Dolphin PG College of
Life Sciences, Chunni-Kalan-140307, Fatehgarh
Sahib, Punjab, INDIA. rakesh_panchal1@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Bacterial strains were isolated from
oil contaminated soil of 5 different filling stations of Himachal
Pradesh, India and screened for their anthracene
degradation ability. Enriched media was used to isolate the anthracene degrading bacteria with 0.5%
peptone and 0.1% w/v anthracene in
Basal Salt Mineral medium and during successive enrichment the peptone
concentration was decreased to 0.25 g, 0.1 g and to 0.0 g.
After one month of enrichment 5 strains were found to be potent
anthracene degrader out of total 76
strains screened. These 5 strains were further subcultured for 10 days and on the basis of
percent anthracene degradation strain
E was found to degrade 74.8% anthracene
supplemented in BSM medium at 0.1% as sole source of carbon and
energy and identified as Pseudomonas
sp. As evident by antibiotic sensitivity test, Pseudomonas sp. showed
resistance against Cefadroxil and Ampicillin among tested 7 antibiotics. Acridine orange induced plasmid curing of
isolate lead to complete loss of plasmid and anthracene degradation activity. The study
suggests that the plasmid could have a role in anthracene degradation activity. [Nature
and Science 2010;8(4):89-94]. (ISSN:
1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.14
Key words: anthracene,
Pseudomomas
sp., plasmid curing, acridine orange,
marker antibiotic
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Anthelmintic comparative study of Solanum lycocarpum
St. Hill extracts in mice naturally infected with aspiculuris
tetraptera.
Borba, H .R. 1
,Freire, R. B.
1, Albuquerque, A. C. 3, Cardoso, M.E.O. 3
, Braga, I.G. 3, Almeida, S. T. P. 3,
Ferreira, M. J. C. 3, Fernandes, G. L. T 3,
Camacho, A. C. L. F. 3, Lima, R. C. 3,
Almeida, A. C. C. 3, Mattos, D. M. M. 3,
Duarte, R. M.3, Nascimento, S. F. 3,
Framil R. A.3,
Diré, G. F. 1,2,3,4
1Universidade
Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento
de Biologia Animal, Laboratório de Atividade Anti-helmķntica de
Plantas. Br 465; Km 7-Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 23890.000,
Brazil. Fax: +552126821763/ +552126821763.
2Centro Universitįrio da Zona Oeste- UEZO, Avenida Manuel
Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203. Campo Grande, RJ 23070-200,
Brazil. Telefone/Fax: 2415-8392; e-mail: gdire@hotmail.com
3Universidade Estįcio de Sį. Centro de Ciźncias da Saśde.
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
4Instituto Federal de Educaēćo, Ciźncia e Tecnologia do
Rio de Janeiro, Maracanć, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Gratitude: We
thanks to Thiago de Azevedo Amorim,
technician of herbarium of the Botanical Department of Rural
Federal University from Rio de Janeiro, by the identification
of the studied species. borba@ufrrj.br
Abstract: This study intends to add new data on
the helminthes parasites of laboratory mice. It has been
investigated the antihelmintic
activity of Solanum
lycocarpum (Solanaceae)
extracts against Aspiculuris tetraptera in mice
naturally infected. The extracts were applied for oral saw (intragastric), into the volume of 0.04mL/g
, with the employing of a
dead and bend probe during three consecutive days. The
fecal material, collected 24 hours after each application, performing a total of four
fecal collection, have been softened previously, transferred
about to sieve of network of 125 micrometers and tested under
microscope stereoscope, with the objective of behave the
identification and counting from the worms eliminated of the
second to the fifth day of the experimental. Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparisons Test was
applied to compare the results. This
approach intends to add new data on the helminthes parasites of
laboratory mice. According to the analysis of the results
it was observed that there were differences (p<0.001) in the
%of elimination between 20%TM and 20% 20%UR (from 2.24 ± 3.33
to 2.92 ± 3.33), 20%TM and Nit (from 2.24 ± 3.33 to 64.0 ±
2.89), 20%TM and Meb (from 2.24 ±
3.33 to 100.0 ± 3.16 ), 20%UR and Nit (from 2.92 ± 3.16 to 64.0
± 2.89) and (p<0.01)
20%UR and C (from 2.92 ± 3.16 to 1.56 ± 3.16). It was published that medicinal plants
which were reported as useful in the treatment of diabetes the S. lycocarpum was the
sixth most frequently mentioned. According to the results
obtained in the present study, we can speculate that the
anthelmintic effect of Solanum
lycocarpum was noticed due to the concentration of steroidal
alkaloid oligoglycosides and
short-chain fatty acids. [Nature and Science 2010;8(4):95-100]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.15
Key words: Solanum lycocarpum
; helminthes, mice; Aspiculuris tetraptera l;antihelmintic; medicinal plants
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A Review on the Future of Ecotourism
in the Valley of Flowers National Park: A Case Study of Garhwal Himalaya, India
GBG Shashi. K Tiwari1, GBG Pananjay K. Tiwari2 and S.C
Tiwari3
1Department of Tourism, Amity
University, Noida, India.
2Department of Natural Resource
Management, Debre Markos
University, Debre Markos,
Ethiopia
3Department of Botany, Ecology and
Environment Laboratory, HNB Garhwal
University, India
pananjay_gbg@rediffmail.com; tiwariji_gbg@rediffmail.com; prof_sctiwari@rediffmail.com
Abstract: This paper reports the future of
Ecotourism in the Valley of Flowers national park in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand,
India. The valley has an unusually rich flora of over 600
species with many rarities.
Animals found are nationally rare or endangered. 13
species of mammals are recorded for the Park and its vicinity
although only 9 species have been sighted directly. Other
factors that are contributing to ecotourism are beautiful
landscapes, peaks, lakes and tarns etc. But now-a-days the
problem of Solid waste is increasing at an alarming rate
because of the heavy influx of tourists and improper management
practices. This paper reviews the various ecotourism resources
of the area and their future prospects. [Nature and Science. 2010;8(4):101-106].
(ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.16
Keywords: Fauna Flora, Glaciers, Tarns
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Diabetogenic Effect of Pregnancy in Sprague-Dawley (SPD) Rats: Potential use as
Experimental Model of Human Gestational Diabetes
Idowu Adewunmi Taiwo1*, Olusoji Olurotimi
Adewumi1, Albert Kolawole
Odunlade2, Liasu Adebayo
Ogunkanmi1, Peter Godwin Chikwenye
Odeigah1
1Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of
Science, University of Lagos, Lagos 101017. Nigeria.
2Department of Biological Science, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos. Nigeria
tai_dex@yahoo.com
sojiadewumi@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The effect of
pregnancy on the pattern of oral glucose tolerance was
investigated using Sprague-Dawley
(SPD) rats. Adult virgin, timed-pregnant and non-pregnant rats
were subjected to brief ether anaesthesia
after 18-hour overnight fasting period to allow for oro-gastric administration of glucose
load at 3.0g/kg body weight (b. wt.) as 30% solution.
Glucose concentration determined from the tail blood shows that
the starting glucose concentration of the pregnant rats was 6.9+0.4
mmol/l, a significantly higher
(P<0.05) value than 5.8 mmol/l,
the starting blood glucose concentration of the non-pregnant
animals (Controls). The peak blood glucose level attained
at the 60th minute was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the
pregnant rats (13.5+0.3 mmol/l)
as compared to that of the non-pregnant rats (8.5+0.3 mmol/l). After 120minutes, the blood
glucose level of the non-pregnant rats dropped to a near starting
level while the corresponding value in the pregnant rats
remained comparatively higher (P<0.05). Assessment of the
rate of appearance and disappearance of glucose in the blood
and the determination of glucose response and glucose tolerance
indexes (GRI and GTI) respectively showed that pregnancy caused
poor glucose utilization in the rats. The results of this
short-term study suggest that pregnancy is largely diabetogenic in Sprague-Dawley
(SPD) rats. The diabetogenic effect
of pregnancy did not necessitate administration of any other diabetogenic agent such as streptozotocin or fructose. Thus, pregnancy
induced diabetes in this strain of rats may have potential value
as model of gestational diabetes in human. [Nature and Science
2010; 8(4):107-111]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.17
Keywords: Gestational diabetes; glucose response index;
glucose tolerance index; insulin resistance
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Studies on
growth, nutritional and microbiological status of citrus
seedlings infested with root-rot disease
1Elham Z. Abd El-Motty; 2 Selim, El-Metwally;
2 Youssef, Rifaat
Abou and 3 Sahab,
Ahmed Farahat.1 Pomology Dept.,
National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
2 Soils and
Water Use Dept., National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.
3 Plant Pathology Dept., National Research
Centre, Giza, Egypt. ahmedsahab2002@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract: This research aims to evaluate the
suppressive effects of compost fortified with Trichoderma harzianum
and Top.Zn formulations on citrus
root-rot and plant growth. Pathogenicity
test proved that isolate no.1 of Fusarium
solani and Macrophomina
phaseolina were the most frequently
causing infection of all orange plants with 87.5 and 93.75%
disease severity respectively. Soil infested with F. solani or M. phaseolinea
decreased plant growth and N, P and K contents in the orange
leaf tissues compared to the control. Meanwhile, application of
Top.Zn compound alone raised up N, P
and K contents (%) in leaves of orange and mandarin survived in
soil infested with F. solani and M. phaseolina. Use of compost with T. harzianum and Top.Zn
simultaneously with a pathogen inoculation caused a significant
increase in plant growth, chlorophyll a and b, macronutrients
(N, P and K) content, micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) contents orange and mandarin
seedlings. The total fungal and bacterial counts in the orange
and mandarin rhizosphere were
increased progressively as the plant grew up reaching their
maximum at the last count which was taken after 90 days
(seedlings were 1-year old). In soil infested with F. solani and M. phaseolina,
treatment with compost fortified with T. harzianum
increased the total fungal count 3.34 and 28.98 times,
respectively in orange and 2.60 and 21.99 times, respectively
in mandarin compared with non-treated control. In soil
infested with F. solani and M. phaseolina, the treatment with compost
fortified with T. harzianum in
combination with Top.Zn decreased the
average number of total bacterial counts in the rhizosphere of orange 85.04 and 78.92%
respectively and 59.32 and 92.74 % respectively in the rhizosphere of mandarin. [Nature and
Science. 2010;8(4):112-121]. (ISSN:
1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.18
Key words: Citrus
root rot, rhizosphere, compost, Trichoderma harzianum,
Top.Zn formulation.
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Scanning Electron Microcopy Studies on Mango
Malformation
Wafaa Haggag M 1 *,
Hazza M, 3, Sehab A1, Abd El-Wahab M 1
1-Department of Plant
Pathology National Research Center, Dokki,
Cairo, Egypt.
2-Science Faculty, Botany Department, Banha University, Egypt. Wafaa_haggag@yahoo.com
Abstract: Mango malformation disease (MMD) is
an economically important disease of Mangifera
indica globally. Fusarium subglutinans
has been associated with mango floral and vegetative
malformation although confusion still remains regarding the
etiology of the disease. In order to determine the Fusarium subglutinans penetration
site, artificial inoculation of mango seedlings variety
Alfonso were conducted. When soil was infested
with F. subglutinans, the
malformation was detected in the buds, three months post
inoculation. Symptoms of
the disease include loss of the apical dominance and swelling
of vegetative buds, proliferation of leaves and flowers, phyllody and hypertrophy of panicle axes. Using scanning electron microscope
(SEM), symptoms of vegetative and floral malformation
appeared where mycelium of Fusarium
subglutinans
were present in the tissue at high concentrations compared to that of the untreated controls. Studies also revealed the presence of, pin-sized to large
holes, disorganised cells and fungal mycelial infection at the base of the
malformed buds during bud-inception stages. Moreover, Fusarium isolate
colonized seedling root systems and became systemic, spreading
to above-ground plant tissues include apical and lateral buds.
Fusarium subglutinans
proved to be the dominant fungus. [Nature
and Science. 2010;8(4):122-127].
(ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.19
Key
words: Egypt, F. subglutinans, Mango
Malformation, Mangifera indica.
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Epidemiology and the Association of the Fusarium Species with the Mango Malformation Disease in Egypt
Wafaa Haggag M 1 *, Hazza M, 3,
Sehab A1, Abd El-Wahab M 1
1-Department of Plant
Pathology National Research Center, Dokki,
Cairo, Egypt.
2-Science Faculty, Botany
Department, Banha University, Egypt. Wafaa_haggag@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Mango malformation disease (MMD) is an economically
important disease of Mangifera
indica globally. This disease is
caused by a complex of fungal pathogens, of which
various Fusarium
spp. dominate. This study was
conducted to assess the epidemiology and its pathogenesis of mango malformation disease in Egypt. In
three main Governorates of mango
production, El Giza, Esamalīa and El-Bohera, disease incidence reached up to 80%. Maximum
infection of traditional cultivars was observed in Hindi Sennara,
Alfonso, Timour and Zebda. Exotic Tomy , Keet and Kent cultivars appeared to be
moderate infection . Nine additional taxa have
been isolated, i.e., F. subglutinans, F. oxysporum,
F. sterilihyphosum, F. proliferatum, F. culmorum,
F. nygamai, F. pseudonygamai,
F. nelsonii and F. verticilioides from Egypt. Fusarium subglutinans proved to have the
high frequency in all mango cultivars in tested area, while, F.
oxysporum, F. sterilihyphosum,
F. proliferatum frequently were less. To date, Koch’s postulates
have been applied with Fusarium for their pathogenic
potential on mango cultivars seedlings under greenhouse
conditions. Apparently, not all isolates of this Fusarium species are equally
virulent on mango seedlings. Fusarium subglutinans
proved to be the dominant fungus in all varieties. At the
same time, F. oxysporum , F. sterilihyphosum,
F. proliferatum, displayed also
moderate virulence. Moreover, isolates colonized seedling root
systems and became systemic, spreading to above-ground plant
tissues include apical and lateral buds. Fusarium subglutinans
proved to be the dominant fungus. Complex Strains
of F. subglutinans,
F. oxysporum, F. sterilihyphosum and F. proliferatum induced typical malformation symptoms on mango seedlings and
trees in Egypt [Nature and
Science. 2010;8(4):128-135]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.20
Key words: Egypt, F. subglutinans,
F.oxysporum , Fusarium sterilihyphosum and F. proliferatu, Mango Malformation, Mangifera indica.
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Biochemical evaluation of the effect of Rhazya stricta
aqueous leaves extract in liver and kidney functions
in Rats
Nabih A. Baeshen ¹; Sahira A. Lari ²; Huda A. Aldoghaither ¹ and Ayman I. Elkady 1,3
¹Department of Biological sciences,
Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz
University, Jeddah
²Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of
Science, King Abdulaziz University,
Jeddah
3permenant address: Zoology Department,
Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Nabih_Baeshen@hotmail.com
Abstract: Rhazya stricta
(R. stricta) is an
important medicinal species used in indigenous medicinal herbal
drugs to cure various diseases in South Asia and Middle East
Countries. Over 100 alkaloids have been isolated, from R. stricta leaves, stems, roots and
legumes and mixtures of aerial parts. The aim of this study was
evaluatation of the beneficial effects of
oral administration of extracts of the R. stricta leaves on serum lipid profile concentrations, the
activity of liver enzymes and the kidney functions, using doses
comparable to those applied by humans in the folkloric
medicine. To
achieve this goal, fifty five male Wistar
rats were divided into four groups as follows: group 1
(control, n= 10) received a daily single oral dose of 0.5 ml of
distilled water, groups 2, 3 and 4 (each of 15), each animal
received a daily single oral dose of 0.5 ml of distilled water
containing 0.1 gm/ml (group 2), 0.125 gm/ml (group 3) and 0.150
gm/ml (group 4) of the Rhazya
leaf aqueous extract, for 18 weeks. Blood samples were
collected, after an overnight fast, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 18 weeks
post-treatment. The aqueous extract of the R. stricta leaves significantly decreased
concentrations of TGs, LDL-c,
cholesterol, uric acid and creatinin,
but increased concentration of HDL-c. It triggered all these
activities without affecting liver enzyme activities or kidney
functions. These findings may have a positive impact on the
cardiovascular patients and may provide a new therapeutic
strategy to reduce hypertriglyceridemia.
[Nature and Science. 2010;8(4):136-142]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.21
Key words: Rhazya
stricta; lipid profile; liver
enzymes; aqueous extracts; uric acid
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Some biochemical Studies
on Friesian Suffering from Subclinical Mastitis
Mona S. Zaki1 and Nabila
El-Battrawy2 & Susan, O. Mostafa3,
Olfat M. Fawzi3 Iziz Awad3
1
Department of Hydrobiology - National Research Center.
2
Department of Hydrobiology - animal Institute of Reproduction, El-Haram, Cairo, Egypt.
3
Department of Biochemistry National Research Center. dr_mona_zaki@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract: The present
study was conducted to investigate the effect of subclinical mastitis
on clinicopathological changes in Mastitic friesian.
A total of 400 individual milk samples from clinically normal
udder quarters of 100 diary friesians
were examined microbiologically as well as by using California
mastitis test (C.M.T.) for detection of subclinical mastitis
and designing rapid diagnostic tests for other infection. Blood
samples were analysed for hemogram, cortisol,
alanine aminotransferase,
asparate aminotransferase,
total protein, inorganic phosphorous and calcium. Also L.DH in milk
was detected. The results indicated that there is a significant
elevation of cortisol, Sgot, p.cv, L.DH
activity in milk while a notable decrease in total protein,
serum calcium and Hemogram. was observed. However; Serum phosphorous
level did not exhibit obvious changes. [Nature and Science.
2010;8(4):143-146]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.22
Key words: Microbiology of mastitis, Pathology
of mastitis, Enzymes in mastitis, changes in blood
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Bioaccumulation
and histopathological alterations of
the heavy metals in Oreochromis
niloticus fish
H.A. Kaoud* and A.R. El-Dahshan
Department
of Veterinary Hygiene and Environmental Pollution, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
ka-oud@link.net
Abstract: Copper, lead, cadmium and
mercury concentrations were recorded in water and tissues of Oreochromis niloticus
from Egyptian fish farms in 2007-2009. Histopathological
alterations in fish tissues were also studied. Bioconcentration factors of copper, lead,
mercury and cadmium in liver and muscle tissue were (3.93 &
3.87), (8.10 & 7.60), (0.79 & 50.0) & (38.25 &
30.25), respectively. Mercury was the most bioaccumulated
and biomagnified metal in the muscles, while Cu was the least.
The concentration of cadmium, lead and copper were
highest in liver and lowest in kidney tissue, while mercury (Hg)
concentrations were highest in muscles, lowest in kidney tissue.
Several histopathological changes
were noted in muscles, liver, gills, kidney and intestine
tissue attributable to heavy metals exposure. [Nature and
Science. 2010;8(4):147-156]. (ISSN:
1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.23
Key words: Bioconcentration, copper, lead, cadmium, mercury, Tilapia,
Pollution, histopathology
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Bioaccumulation of cadmium in the
freshwater prawn Macrobrachium
rosenbergii
H.A. Kaoud* and A. Rezk
Department
of Veterinary Hygiene and Environmental
Pollution, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. ka-oud@link.net
Abstract: The effects of Cd on
mortality, resistance and bioaccumulation in giant freshwater
prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Egypt were studied. Survival of prawns exposed to cadmium doses
over 60 µg /l–1
were significantly lower than
of those exposed to lower doses. After 96 hours prawns exposed
to >40 µg /l–1of
cadmium had a greater
reduction in total haemocyte count
and phagocytic activity than those
exposed to lower concentrations. Bioaccumulation of Cd in the gills, hepatopancreas
and muscleswas variable. Cadmium
accumulated in gills and hepatopancreas,
but muscles had a moderately significant Cd
level increase. Macrobrachium
rosenbergii manifested histopathological alterations in gills, hepatopancreas and muscles when exposed to
different concentrations of cadmium. [Nature and Science 2010;
8(4):157-168]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).
doi:10.7537/marsnsj080410.24 Keywords: toxicity,
survival, haemocyte count
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This issue online peer-review
was from February 16, 2010.
For back issues of the Nature and
Science, click here.
Emails: editor@sciencepub.net; naturesciencej@gmail.com
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