Showing papers in "International Journal of Biosciences in 2011"

An overview of lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are renowned for the potential of producing antimicrobial compound and other value added products. Undeniable to concern these probiotic has contributed to the importance of human life. Deserving an attention for its capabilities, this paper will discuss on the general description of lactic acid bacteria, genetics, metabolism and its application to the industries.

Production of Pectinase by Aspergillus niger Cultured in Solid State Media

Abstract: Solid state fermentation was carried out with 7 fungal strains, obtained from different sources. Among 7 isolates Aspergillus niger, IM-6 was found as effective pectinase producer. Maximum enzymatic activity (142.44U/gm) was observed after 7 days incubation at 40˚C temperature in 750 ml conical flask. In this study 1.69% (NH4)2SO4 was used as nitrogen source, although peptone as a nitrogen source showed better result but use of peptone was not cost effective. As a substrate, wheat bran and potato starch showed good result (85.54U/gm) in solid state culture. Addition of 9.68% pectin was found to increase the enzyme production as 116.57U/gm. Pectinase production was optimum in 60% moisture (98.34U/gm). Aeration showed positive effects on pectinase production (136.86U/gm) at 750 ml flask than 1000 ml flask. Thus the wild strain Aspergillus niger IM-6 has outstanding pectinase producing

In vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxicity screening of Terminalia arjuna ethanol extract.

Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of 50% ethanol extract of bark from Terminalia arjuna on selected four Gram positive and eight Gram negative bacterial strains. The bark extract of Terminalia arjuna showed potential antimicrobial activities against all of the selected strains of microorganisms and the greatest activity was observed against Shigella dysenteriae. For antimicrobial test, Disc diffusion technique was used and the zone of inhibition of microorganisms was measured in mm. In vitro cytotoxicity test was also studied by Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay and results illustrated significant (p<0.05) cytotoxicity against A. salina, that were expressed as LC50. Terminalia arjuna ethanol extract showed brine shrimp cytotoxicity with lethal concentration 50 (LC50) value of 50.11 μg/ml.

Abattoir wastes generation, management and the environment: a case of Minna, North Central Nigeria

Abstract: To develop an acceptable manure management and pollution prevention plan in poultry production, accurate accounting of waste generation and nutrient concentration of the waste need to be ascertained. In view of this, a field study was conducted in Minna, Nigeria to assess quantity of waste generated and the quality of the wastes in selected registered poultry farms in the town. This is with a view to knowing present waste generation status and managements strategies with respect to environmental protection and to recommend appropriate management methods if the present practice is not acceptable. Questionnaires focusing on farm information, birds' information and waste management were administered in the farms. Fresh poultry waste samples (manure) were collected from layer, broiler and cockerel sections of three of the selected farms at birds growth stage of 6 and 12 weeks respectively. The samples were analyzed for nitrates, phosphates and bacteriological parameters. Findings from the questionnaires showed that a total of 2,131,400 layers, 1,224,840 broilers and 848,570 cockerels which amount to a total of 4,204,810 birds are raised annually in confinement in the farms covering an area of 170 hectares of land. From calculation, the farms generate 100.97 metric tons of dead birds over a brooding cycle with about 26,565 metric ton of waste excluding slaughter house litter and hatchery wastes. Laboratory analysis results showed that the waste samples contain values as high as 206.75mg/g and 34.21mg/g of nitrates and phosphates respectively. Bacteriological values recorded are 25767.21cfu/100mg, 48214cfu/100mg and 17647.9mg/g for faecal coliform, total coliform and faecal streptococci respectively. Management of the waste is poor in the farms visited as indiscriminate dumping on land and burning are major waste management systems in these farms. Only a few adopt re-feed method, dead birds are buried without minding the shallow water table of the area. None of the farm visited adopt modern green disposal as waste management strategy. This waste generation and management method need to be changed to safe Minna environment from imminent hazards. It is therefore recommended that the poor management system of land application should be replaced with modern management strategy like green disposal, gasification, composting and re-feeding. These methods are more environmental friendly and can generate of resources from the waste.

Yield-density equations and their application for agronomic research: a review.

Abstract: Plant population density (density) trials are time consuming, repetitive and cost intensive. The literatures indicate that density trials are more effectively and efficiently described when meaningful yield-density equations such as reciprocal linear and/or parabolic equations are applied to quantify data. Several of these types of equations and their derivatives such as competitive indices have been proposed. It is generally agreed that where response to density deviated from linearity, equations based on linear reciprocal of yield per plant and density can satisfactorily describe an asymptotic response. In certain cases when the harvest index is substantially affected by density and/or due to unfavourable growth conditions, equations that assumed parabolic responses may be more valid. The review by Willey and Heath (1969) on the quantitative response of yield to density appears to have remained a useful resource up to date. However, more recently, several investigations based on reciprocal quantitative relationships between yields and density and how this may be influenced by other agronomic practices were carried out. Yet, most of these substantial knowledge and progress on yield-density investigations appear to be scattered in published or unpublished works as no attempt has been made to collate them together. This paper reviews more recent progress on yield-density equations research and their application, and highlights needs for the applications of some of these equations for agronomic research with more emphasis given to intercropping.

Genetic variability study for yield and associated quantitative characters in mutant genotypes of Dianthus caryophyllus L.

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the nine Dianthus genotypes, including normal and mutagen treated, to assess the magnitude of variability and to pick up the heritable component of variation present in the quantitative traits. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P< 0.05 or 0.01) differences for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. The phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied, this shows the influence of the environmental effect on the characters. Highest GCV and PCV were noticed for total branches per plant and lowest for total no. of flowers per plant along with plant height (cm) at 50% flowering phase and flower diameter (cm) only in PCV. Broad sense heritability ranged from 33.33 (Days to seed germination) to 95.30 (Plant height at 50% flowering phase) per cent. Total leaves and branches showed high, plant height, days to branching and seeds per inflorescence showed moderate and flower per plant showed low genetic gain. Thus, these traits may serve as an effective selection parameter during breeding programme for crop improvement.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of fruit bodies of Phellinus mushroom extract

Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanol and aqueous extract of fruit bodies from Phellinus on selected five bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans and five fungal strains Penicillium sps., Aspergillus fumigatous, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Mucor indicus. For antimicrobial test, well diffusion technique was used and the zone of inhibition of microorganisms was measured in mm. The fruit body of Phellinus showed potential antimicrobial activities against the selected strains and maximum inhibition zone 42mm was recorded from 200mg of aqueous extract of Phellinus fruit body against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and minimum (5mm) by the above pathogen at 50 mg of methanol extract. The methanolic extract showed the maximum antifungal activity 35mm inhibition zone was recorded from 200mg of extract against Aspergillus flavus and minimum 3mm by

Bacteriological quality of beef-contact surfaces, air microflora and wastewaters from major abattoirs located in Benin City, Southern Nigeria

Abstract: The bacteriological quality of beef produced from most abattoir located in southern Nigeria has always been questionable. This work therefore investigated the bacteriological quality of abattoir facilities from both government and private owned abattoirs located in southern Nigeria. The results of our findings revealed that the total heterotrophic counts and total coliform counts exceeded the recommended standard for sanitary practices. Total heterotrophic counts from air flora ranged from 14.50 x 106 to 42.50 x 106 cfu. Beef-contact surface ranged from 26.50 x 106 to 592.50 x 106 cfu while total colony counts obtained from wastewaters from both government and private abattoirs ranged from 140.00 x 10 6 to 1206.75 x 10 6 cfu/ml. The total coliform counts also ranged from 14.25 x 10 3 to 33.75 x 10 3 for air flora and 76.00 x 103 to 195.00 x 103cfu/ml for wastewaters. Eight bacterial isolates were consistently isolated during this study, and they included; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus sp., Citrobacter sp., Alcaligenes paradoxus, Klebsiella sp. and Enterococcus faecalis with varying percentage of frequency across the sampling points. The presence of indicator organisms as well as possible pathogens in this study is of special concern and stakeholders should be encouraged to review the processes involved in the establishment as well as operation of abattoir in southern Nigeria.

Review of some methods of calculating intercrop efficiencies with particular reference to the estimates of intercrop benefits in wheat/faba bean system.

Abstract: Intercropping (growing two or more crops together simultaneously) is increasing being adopted worldwide, probably because there have been suggestions that the system is beneficial in terms of land use efficiency compared to sole cropping. There are several indices for estimating intercrop performance compared to the component sole crops, but as reviewed in this paper, the land equivalent ratio (LER) is the most widely adopted. Yet the LER is constrained because it is not able to account for the relative duration each component in the intercrop spent in the field may have had on intercropping performance. Area time equivalency ratio (ATER) appears to have solved this problem well. However, neither ATER nor LER can account for the physiological or physical basis for the intercropping performance. The crop performance ratio (CPR) is more appropriate in this regard, even though CPR ‘adjusted for time’, (CPRT) is more efficient where the component crops differ in growth duration. In addition, particularly for intercrops with commercial value, there may be a need to compute a monetary advantage (MA) for intercropping. This paper concludes that in addition to the LER, for certain intercrops such as wheat/faba bean system that has not been widely adopted, there may be a need to use other indices such as ATER, CPR, CPRT and MA as may be applicable in order to understand more fully the nature of intercrop benefits that may exist. Indeed such type of information may help to attract potential growers.

Screening of PHA (poly hydroxyalkanoate) producing bacteria from diverse sources

Abstract: Synthetic plastics are non-degradable and cause waste disposal problems leading to environmental pollution. Bioplastics (polyhydroxyalkanoates) are considered good substitutes for petroleum derived synthetic plastics because of their similar physical and chemical properties. Main advantage of bioplastics is that they are of biological origin and can get degraded completely to CO2 and water under natural environment by the enzymatic activities of microorganisms. Poly-β-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are polyesters of various hydroxyalkanoates, synthesized by numerous bacteria as an intracellular carbon and energy storage compound under limited nutrient conditions and with excess carbon. Poly- β- hydroxy butyrate (PHB) is the best known polyhydroxyalkanoate. Considering the industrial interest of PHA, this work has been undertaken for the screening of PHA producing bacteria from diverse sources. In the present study, an attempt was made to isolate efficient PHB producing bacteria from diverse environmental samples. Different industrial wastes and soil samples were screened for bacteria possessing the ability to accumulate poly hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules. About 23 bacterial isolates were found to be promising PHA accumulating bacteria. Screening for PHA producers was performed by using E 2 medium. Accumulation of PHB granules in the organisms was analyzed by Sudan black method.

A fraction of fresh water algae of Kalpani stream and adjoining area of district Mardan, Pakistan.

Abstract: Present study deals with morpho-taxonomic description of 73 fresh water algae belonging to 34 genera, 25 families, 17 orders and 09 classes in Kalpani stream and adjoining area of district Mardan. Among these, 48 species (65.75%) belong to 17 genera, 12 families, 08 orders and 05 class of Phylum Chlorophyta and 09 species (12.33%) belong to 09 genera, 04 families, 02 orders and 01 class of Phylum Cyanophyta. In addition to it, 08 species (10.96%) belong to 05 genera, 05 families, 04 orders and 01 class of Phylum Bacillariophyta and 05 species (6.85%) belong to 03 genera, 02 families, 02 orders and 01 class of Phylum Ochrophyta. Furthermore, 03 species (4.11%) belong to 03 genera, 02 families, 01 orders and 01 class of Phylum Cyanobacteria. Fresh water algae are producer of aquatic ecosystem as they are source of food. Further studies are required to make extensive collection and identification of fresh water algae and other algae from various parts of district Mardan.

Solid state fermentation of Jatropha curcas kernel cake with cocktail of fungi.

Abstract: The efficacy of four different fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Trichoderma harzanium and Trichoderma longibrachiatum) in different combinations on the biodegradation of Jatropha curcas kernel cake was evaluated in a completely randomized design model. The inoculated substrates were incubated for 10 days at ambient temperature. The treatments include A (Control without fungi inoculation), B (50% Trichoderma harzanium + 50% penicillium specie), C (33% Trichoderma harzanium + 33% Trichoderma longibrachiatum + 33% Aspergillus niger) while Treatment D (50% Trichoderma harzanium + 50% Aspergillus niger). The results revealed highest protein content in treatment A followed closely by treatments B, C and D in that order. Contrarily, the ether extract content was significantly higher in Treatment C and poorest in treatment A. The ash content was 7.00% (A), 5.30 % (B), 7.7% (C) and 7.10% (D). The highest anti-nutrient contents were recorded for the Control treatment (A). The cyanide content was lowest in Treatment D while treatment C had the lowest saponin content. The incubation of the substrate

In vitro plant regeneration from male flowers of banana.

Abstract: The present study was undertaken with a view to establish a protocol on in vitro regeneration of plants by using young male flowers of banana ( Musa sp cv Sabri) as explant Appropriate developmental stage of immature male flowers for inoculation, medium composition for induction of calli, regeneration of plants, rooting of in vitro regenerated shoots, acclimatization of in vitro regenerated plantlets and ex vitro establishments of plantlets were worked out Young male flowers obtained by striping away the bracts in between 24 to 26 were found suitable as explants for induction of callus The isolated male flowers were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of three auxins viz 2, 4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), NAA (Napthaleneacetic acid) and IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) for induction of callus Only two of the total twenty International Journal of Biosciences (IJB ) ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print) Vol 1, No 1, p 1-11, 2011 http://wwwinnspubnet

Preliminary floristic range of Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati Pakistan

Abstract: In this cram we present a version of plant species in the Tehsil Takht-e-nasratti by way of further information on life cycle, light frequency, habit, flowering period and habitat The Flora is interesting because of the existence of together hills and plains in the area The hills in the majority part of the area seem to be barren but many are rich in grasses, Rhazia stricta etc The most significant Agriculture crop is the wheat which is not so abundant, and mostly rain dependent Aloe barbadensis is very common in grave yard The weed like Cirsium arvense, Asphodelus tenuifolius, Medicago liciniata and Silene conoidea are very common in wheat crop Among the Xerophyts, Zizyphus spp Calotropis procera, Acacia spp etc, are common in the area Through this study, the 161 plant species were initiated in the area where 25 monocotyledonous and 136 dicotyledonous species belonging to 52 families were identified and listed from diverse places in the area Along with these presented 23 trees, 23 shrubs, 103 herb, 9 grasses and 3 parasite species Among 52 families, Poaceae was the dominant with 17 species then Asteraceae and Papilionaceae both by 13 species The region is extremely prosperous in biodiversity Many fruits, especially Zizyphus species, Peganum hermala, Withania coagulans, Monotheca buxifolia, Fagonia cretica and Acacia nilotica are exhausted annually due to non-availability of marketplace The market accessibility has fine outcome on plants and on natives

Effect of sex and systems of production on the hematological and serum biochemical characters of helmeted guinea fowls (Numida meleagris pallas) in South Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract: A study was conducted to establish the blood characteristics of helmeted guinea fowl as well as to evaluate the sex and system of management effect on their hematology and serum biochemistry. Sex had a significant effect on the hematological components. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), with males being significantly (P 0.05) was recorded on Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Count (MCHC), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Esinophils and Basophils. Systems of production had a significant effect (P 0.05) was recorded on other biochemical characters. System of production had a significant effect on SGPT only, with birds kept in extensive system having a significantly higher (P 0.05) system of production was recorded in the rest. These findings has revealed the activities of male and female guinea fowls as it affects hematology and serum biochemistry as well as the effects of intensive or extensive systems of production on their blood parameters.

Response of mungbean (Vigna radiata L., Wilczek) to gibberellic acid (GA3) rates and varying irrigation frequencies

Abstract: An attempt was made to investigate the response of mungbean local cultivar to irrigation frequencies and for improving its drought resistance capability by the application of 0, 100 and 200mg/l GA3. Results showed that irrigating mungbean plants every 8 days drastically reduced plant height (46.8%), internodes length (32.1%), number leaves per plant (64.3%), leaf area per plant 9158.5%), leaf area index (179.3%), inflorescence number per plant (119%) pod length (22.6%), pod number per plant (117%), seed number per pod (23.8), biomass yield (74.6%), yield (91.3%) and seed yield per plant (83.7%). However, this treatment highly increased number first fruiting node (180.1%) and weight of 1000 seeds (11.5%). Treatments can be ordered due to their importance as below: 2days > 4days > 6days > 8days. Yield was linearly responded to irrigation frequencies and it can be estimated by the following equation: Y = 131.252 – 5.233 X, where (r 2 =13). Mash plants treated by (200 mg.l -1 GA3) substantially increased plant height (11.7%). However, treated plants highly reduced yield (12.5%) and harvest index (8.2%). However, other detected traits revealed non unequivocal differences with that of untreated plants. Yield showed linear response to GA3 rates and it could be estimated from the below formula: Y = 114.698 – 0.064 X, where (r 2 =2.4). 200 mg.l -1 GA3 treated plants irrigated every 2 days appeared the most potent dual interaction treatment. Since it exhibited the highest values in terms of plant height (52.33 cm), internodes length (6.19), inflorescence number per plant (13), pod length 5.83 cm), pod number per plant (29), seed

Drug resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in sinusitis patients.

Abstract: In this study on Sinusitis patients, we obtained 45 strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic pattern of Staphyloccus aureus showed that resistance to Quinolones was 21% and 33% towards ciprofloxacin and oflaxacin respectively. Resistance to cephalosporins was 50% to cefuroxime, 41% and 50% to cefaperazone and cefotaxime respectively. Least resistance was noticed against aminoglycosides viz. Amikacin 47% and Gentamicin 21%. Resistance to Ampicillin and amoxicillin was 60% and 64% respectively. Oxacillin resistance was seen in 26% of the strains. Of the 45 isolates, 6 were found to be resistant for oxacillin . All these six isolates were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and they possessed the mecA gene. Correlation existed between the presence of mecA gene and oxacillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and these strains can be considered as MRSA and the patients can be advised for vancomycin therapy. Oxacillin resistance determination by phenotypic methods takes 24 hours to infer whereas PCR for mecA gene took only 6 hours. So the PCR techniques for the detection of mecA gene can be considered as gold standard (Rapid, Quick and accurate diagnosis) method for the detection of MRSA in spite of the cost involved.

Monospecific bloom of noxious raphidophyte Chattonella marina in the coastal water of south west coast of India.

Abstract: A massive monospecific bloom of toxic marine raphidophyte Chattonella marina was observed off Kochi along the southwest coast of India during late September 2009 with very high cell density (1.59 x 10 7 cells L -1 ) and wide spatial distribution. The tear drop shaped cells were 38-65 µm long, 25-30 µm wide and having large number of chloroplasts. Almost 90% of the phytoplankton population was composed of C. marina in the bloom area. Other phytoplankters were few in number represented by Skeletonema costatum, Rhizosolenia spp., Chaetoceros spp., Psuedo-nitzschia spp. etc. and among these Skeletonema costatum was dominant with cell density 2.3 x 10 4 cells L -1 . The concentration of photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll a was 8.3 µg L -1 in the bloom area. Toxicity test using the alcohol extracts of the Chattonella bloom samples showed characteristic neurotoxic symptoms in fishes leading to mortality.

Evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of Leucas aspera and Spilanthes paniculata

Abstract: Plants are rich source of antibacterial agents, which could be exploited in human disease management. The main aim of this study was to find out the antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extract of Leucas aspera and the ethanol fraction of chloroform, methanol and ethanol extract of Spilanthes paniculata were studied. The fraction and extracts of S. paniculata showed potential antimicrobial activities against 14 strains of microorganisms whereas L. aspera did not show any antimicrobial response. For antimicrobial test, Disc diffusion technique was used against five Gram positive and eight Gram negative bacteria and one fungi. The zone of inhibition of microorganisms was measured in mm. In vitro cytotoxicity test was also studied with both of the plants by Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay and results illustrated significant (p<0.05) cytotoxicity against A. salina, that were expressed as LC50.

Allelopathic potential of Rhazya stricta Decne on germination of Pennisetum typhoides

Abstract: Rhazya stricta Decne. an evergreen poisonous shrub of the Apocynaceae family locally known as Ganderi, is a wild plant widely distributed in the hilly area of District Karak Pakistan and comparable habitats throughout the world. This study was designed to investigate the a1lelopathic potential of R. stricta (stem and leaves) on Pennisetum typhoides. Results showed that 10g aqueous extracts of leaves and 48 hours treatment present inhibitory effect on germination percentage, radical length and seminal root number and the effect was found significantly higher than that recorded in the stem and control treatment. The inhibitory effects were increased proportionally with the extract concentration and treatment duration. These findings indicate that P. typhoides sown in fields which had leaf and stem litter of R. stricta will be adversely affected regarding germination, growth and ultimately resulting in lower yields of P. typhoides.

Homology modeling and structure prediction of thioredoxin (TRX) protein in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract: Wheat is an important dietary cereal often associated with beneficial health effects. A study was carried out to investigate the in silico analysis of homology modeling and 3D structure prediction of Thioredoxin (TRX) protein in Triticum aestivum. Primary structure prediction and physicochemical characterization were performed by computing theoretical isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight, total number of positive and negative residues, extinction coefficient, instability index, aliphatic index and grand average hydropathy (GRAVY). In this study homology modeling, a high quality of protein 3D structure has been predicted for the hypothetical amino acid sequence. Thioredoxin of Triticum aestivum was compared to the 1XFL solution structure of Thioredoxin h1 from Arabidopsis thaliana predicted structure through ROSETTA. However, the quality of the homology model performed through SWISS-MODEL depended on the quality of the sequence alignment by BLAST and template structure. Comparative assessment of secondary structure modeled using GOR IV, HNN and SOPMA revealed greater percentage of residues as alpha helix and random coils against the beta sheets. Structure comparison by VAST for the ROSETTA modeled structure indicated no hits for the entire sequence unlike that of SWISS modeled 20

Screening of antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of Polygonum hydropiper L. stem extracts.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of ethanol extract of Polygonum hydropiper stem Disc diffusion method measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was used to demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal activities Stem extract showed significant antibacterial activities against three gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus) and four gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Shigella sonnei) bacteria resulting 16 to 64 g/ml MIC values against these bacteria Further, the antifungal activities of stem extract were not highly remarked but still to be considered as inhibitory to tested fungi LC50 of the extract against brine shrimp nauplii was 3546g/ml and indicates the cytotoxic potentiality of Polygonum hydropiper stem Results obtained in this study suggest that Polygonum hydropiper stem can also be used as a source of antimicrobial and cytotoxic substances for possible for plant protections

Observational study of new treatment proposal for severe intrauterine adhesion

Abstract: To present the experience with intrauterine adhesiolysis under observational study of new treatment proposal for severe intrauterine adhesion to prevent the formation of adhesion and it is comparison with the review articles. Sixty patients for whom operative hysteroscopy were indicated referred to the hysteroscopic unit of University-affiliated Xiang ya 3rd hospital, Hunan, china. The adhesions were divided hysteroscopically by using scissors or electrode needle under direct vision. A second look hysteroscopy was performed after one month. Total five operative procedures were performed in 59 cases; one patient did not continue her treatment. One was mild adhesion, two were moderate adhesions and 56 were normal cavity after final treatment. The staging mean score of intrauterine adhesion was evaluated, patients showed a significant decrease in severity of adhesion at 1.69% (stage I mild adhesions),

Heavy metal analysis and effect of the crude extract of the leaves of Brysocarpus coccineus and Ficus exasperata on some pathogenic organisms

Abstract: The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Brysocarpus coccineus and Ficus exasperata were tested for antimicrobial activity on Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Salmonella typhii, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans using disc diffusion method. All the organisms tested against the water and ethanolic extracts of B. coccineus were susceptible to the plant extract except for Pseudomonas aeroginosa which was resistant to the plant at various concentrations of 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 150mg/ml. The mean zones of inhibition of P. aeroginosa by water extract of B. coccineus range from 2.0mm at 50mg/ml to 5.5mm at 150mg/ml . The water and ethanol extracts of the leaves of Ficus exasperata inhibited the growth of all the tested organisms except Candida albicans which was resistant to the aqueous extract of the plant at 50,100 and 150mg/ml . The water extract of the two medicinal plants exhibited less inhibitory effect on the tested organisms than its ethanolic extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannin, alkanoid, steroid, terpenoid and cardiac glycoside in both medicinal plants without traces of phlobatanin. Saponin is present in B. coccineus but not detected in Ficus exasperata. The result of analysis for heavy metals confirmed the presence of Mn, Pb, Cr and Zn in both plants within the recommended maximum range of 5.0, 0.3, 2.3 and 9.94mg/kg respectively. The result of this finding suggests the possibility of using the plants for medicinal purposes since they possess antibacterial properties.

Optimization of β-galactosidase production by response surface methodology.

Abstract: â-galactosidase production is carried out using lactose or lactose rich substrates like whey. Tamarind seed powder has not been reported as a substrate for production of this enzyme before. In this study, statistical optimization of medium components for production of â-galactosidase, using tamarind seed powder, by Aspergillus terreus was attempted. Screening for the effects of eleven medium components on enzyme activity was carried out by Plackett-Burman design which showed that NH4(SO4)2, lactose and MgSO4 has significant (p<0.001) positive influence and pH, yeast extract, maltose and NaNO3 has significant negative influence. Optimal levels of positively influencing parameters were determined by ridge analysis and was found to be 2.97, 2.88 and 2.67 g/L of NH4(SO4)2, lactose and MgSO4 respectively. In the optimized medium, enzyme activity increased 2.8 folds in comparison with basal medium. Improved activity, being achieved by the use of a cheaper substrate, could reduce the cost of production of the enzyme.

Assessment of water quality status of borehole in calabar south local government area, Cross River State.

Abstract: In Nigeria, the inability of the government to provide potable and sufficient water to her increasing population has led to the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes by private individuals in order to meet the increasing water needs of the people. Sadly, water from these boreholes is pumped and sold to the people for drinking and household activities without any form of treatment. The study examines the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters of boreholes in Calabar South, Cross River. Four functional boreholes in the area were used. Result showed that the borehole water samples were acidic with a mean pH value of 5.56; the values of total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity was zero; indicating the absence of organic and inorganic solids. The conductivity of the borehole water samples varied with values ranging from 190 to 494µs/cm. Total hardness of the water samples ranged from 16.00 to 32.00mg/l below WHO 500 mg/l desirable limit. Bacteriological index showed that the four sampled boreholes had no coliform (total coliform) contamination; hence, water from these boreholes was suitable for consumption. In order to maintain the current quality status of borehole water in the area, regular monitoring by the authorities concerned as well as proper treatment of the water before making it available to the public were suggested.

Effect of potassium and ammonium nitrate media on in vitro growth response of potato (Solanum tuberosun L.)

Abstract: Different amount of KNO3 and NH4NO3 in MS media were tested the morphogenic responses of shoot length, shoot fresh weight and multiplication rate of five potato cultivars. The growth response significantly varied with or without nitrate. The effect of NT1, NT2 and NT3 culture media on shoot growth was non-significant but their effect on shoot fresh weight was significant. Multiplication rate (a major attributing trait was not much affected either in low or high levels of nitrate media. High nitrate media yielded higher shoot fresh weight but not significantly improved shoot length and multiplication rate.

Effect of aqueous extracts of Chrozophora obliqua (Del.) Juss. on germination and seedling growth of Zea mays

Abstract: The allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts of Chrozophora obliqua (Del) Juss on the germination and seedling growth of Zea mays have been determined It was noted that 10g aqueous extracts of leaves and 48hr treatment present significant inhibitory effect on germination, radical length and number of seminal roots and the effect was found significantly higher than that recorded in the stem and control treatment The inhibitory effects were increased proportionally with increasing extract concentration and soaking duration The only exception was observed in the 5g concentration of leaves that decreased the plumule length These findings indicate that Z mays sown in fields which had leaf and stem litter of C obliqua will be adversely affected regarding germination, growth and ultimately resulting in lower yield

Antimicrobial interaction of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis against some pathogenic bacteria

Abstract: A research was conducted to determine the interaction of antimicrobial compound produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis at various parameters against Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed static effect of antimicrobial compound against the bacteria. Salmonella exhibited the highest inhibition zone of 20.00±1.23mm at selected Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis at initial substrate pH and temperature, but at different time of culturing period. Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest inhibition zone of 20.00±2.13mm at initial substrate pH 7.0, with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis incubation temperature of 37⁰C at 168 hours. From the above findings, the optimum condition of antimicrobial compound production was 37⁰C of incubation temperature with pH 7 of initial substrate.