Journal of Biosciences and Medicines 

About: Journal of Biosciences and Medicines is an academic journal published by Scientific Research Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Internal medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 2327-5081. Over the lifetime, 1048 publications have been published receiving 2872 citations. The journal is also known as: JBM.

Polymers in Drug Delivery

Abstract: Polymers are being used extensively in drug delivery due to their surface and bulk properties. They are being used in drug formulations and in drug delivery devices. These drug delivery devices may be in the form of implants for controlled drug delivery. Polymers used in colloidal drug carrier systems, consisting of small particles, show great advantage in drug delivery systems because of optimized drug loading and releasing property. Polymeric nano particulate systems are available in wide variety and have established chemistry. Non toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are available. Some nano particulate polymeric systems possess ability to cross blood brain barrier. They offer protection against chemical degradation. Smart polymers are responsive to atmospheric stimulus like change in temperature; pressure, pH etc. thus are extremely beneficial for targeted drug delivery. Some polymeric systems conjugated with antibodies/specific biomarkers help in detecting molecular targets specifically in cancers. Surface coating with thiolated PEG, Silica-PEG improves water solubility and photo stability. Surface modification of drug carriers e.g. attachment with PEG or dextran to the lipid bilayer increases their blood circulation time. Polymer drug conjugates such as Zoladex, Lupron Depot, On Caspar PEG intron are used in treatment of prostate cancer and lymphoblastic leukemia. Polymeric Drug Delivery systems are being utilized for controlled drug delivery assuring patient compliance.

Biodiversity of the Symbiotic Bacteria Associated with Toxic Marine Dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense

Abstract: Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins are potent neurotoxins mainly produced by dinoflagellates and being concentrated in bivalves through food web transfer Increasing number of findings of toxin-producing bacteria in the cells of dinoflagellate such as Alexandriumtamarense supports the hypothesis of the bacterial origin of PSP toxins Evidence that there are specific symbiosis bacterial taxa associated with the phytoplankton indicates the presence of specific selective mechanisms between them, and implies that the symbiosis bacteria have some vital function to the benefit of the dinoflagellates Studies on the role of toxin-producing symbiosis bacteria in the marine ecosystem are considered to be becoming more important Although toxigenic bacteria could be isolated from toxic dinoflagellates, it was not clearly proven whether the isolated bacterial strains based on culture-dependent manner and the corresponding intracellular bacteria were the same because of microbial unculturability This paper aims to demonstrate the biodiversity of the symbiotic bacteria associated with toxic dinoflagellate A tamarense using the culture-indepen- dent high-throughput pyrosequencing method, as well as the phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences of the symbiotic cultivable bacteria strains isolated from toxic Alexander tamarense

Biopesticides and Their Role in Sustainable Agricultural Production

Abstract: Biopesticides are derivatives of plants, microorganisms and insects. Substances from plants and animals have been used to manage diseases in crops, animals and humans. Reliance on nature to heal nature is a practise for many people around the world. Use of natural products was overtaken by synthetic chemicals due to their efficacy, reliability and quick knock down effect. However, synthetic pesticides have become a health hazards for humans and environment due to their toxicity and pollution. Biopesticides are potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Sources of biopesticides are readily available, easily biodegradable, exhibit various modes of action, are less expensive and have low toxicity to humans and non-target organisms. Neem, pyrethrum, cotton and tobacco are known sources of botanical pesticides and have already been commercialized. Other sources of botanical pesticides include garlic, euphorbia, citrus, pepper among others. Species of Trichoderma, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Beauveria have been commercialized as microbial pesticides. Biopesticides are however faced with challenges of formulation, registration, commercialization, acceptance and adoption. This paper describes several aspects of biopesticide development, including but not limited to, their sources, production, formulation, commercialization, efficacy and role in sustainable agriculture.

Response of Rice Varieties to Water Stress in Sokoto, Sudan Savannah, Nigeria

Abstract: Pot experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Biological Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria, during the 2013 dry season. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of water stress and variety on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) at Sokoto. The treatment consisted of water stress at three growth stages (Tillering, flowering, Grain filling) and unstress (control) and three rice varieties (FARO 44, NERICA 2 and FARO 15) laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) replicated three times. The result indicated that water stress significantly (P < 0.05) resulted to decreased in plant height, number of leaves per plant, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield. The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences among genotypes. Faro 44 differed significant from in plant height, number of leaves per plant, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield. FARO 44 differed significantly from NERICA 2 and FARO 15 at all the parameters under study. Water is very vital as far as rice production is concern should be applied at every stage of rice production. FARO 44 is recommended for the area for higher yield.

DNA Marker Technologies in Plants and Applications for Crop Improvements

Abstract: Over the past several decades, especially through traditional breeding programme, intensive attempts have been made for the improvement of a large number of cereal varieties which adjusted to diverse agro-ecologies. However, increasing biotic and abiotic stresses, increasing populations, and sharply reducing natural resources especially water for agricultural purposes, push the breeders for organizing and developing improved cereal varieties with higher yield potential. In combination with developments in agricultural technology, plant breeding has made remarkable progress in increasing crop yields for over a century. Molecular markers are widely employed in plant breeding. DNA markers are being used for the acceleration of plant selection through marker-assisted selection (MAS). Genes of agronomic and scientific importance can be isolated especially on the basis of their position on the genetic map by using molecular markers technologies. In this review, the current status of marker development technologies for crop improvements will be discussed. It will also provide an outlook into the future approaches and most widely used applications in plant breeding in crop plants on the basis of present development.