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Determination of the Optimal Culture Medium and Salts for Bioassays with Neotropical Halophilic Cladocerans
Vignatti Alicia M.,
Cabrera Gabriela C.,
Echaniz Santiago A.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
40-45
Received:
15 February 2014
Published:
10 March 2014
Abstract: The neotropical halophilic cladocerans Daphnia menucoensis and Moina eugeniae are common in shallow lakes of semi-arid central and northern Patagonia in Argentina. In the present study, we determined the tolerance of neonates of both species to salinity and different concentrations of Cl- and SO42-. However, the responses differed according to the demineralized water or groundwater employed to dissolve the salts. On the other hand, survival was lower when using analytical grade reagents instead of natural salts. As bioassays should be developed to determine the chronic physiological responses of both species, the objectives of this study were to compare three culture media and test the hypothesis that natural salts dissolved in aquifer water is the optimal combination for breeding. Acute bioassays were conducted with neonates of both species. To compare the media, NaCl solutions (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g.L-1) were prepared using demineralized water, aquifer water and EPA medium. For the second objective, solutions of equal concentrations were prepared with salts obtained from the natural environment, previously sterilized, and dissolved in phreatic water. Survival was higher in the aquifer water, whose chemical composition was relatively more representative of the lakes inhabited by both species. It was almost complete at 20 and 15 g.L-1 for D. menucoensis and M. eugeniae, respectively. Lower survival of D. menucoensis was found in EPA medium, although it was developed for breeding other species of Daphnia. In the second series of bioassays, survival was almost complete until 20 g.L-1 (D. menucoensis) and 25 g.L-1 (M. eugeniae). The combination natural salts/aquifer water was adequate to assess the tolerance of both cladocerans. However, the former was more important, since the results were consistent with previous studies when these salts were dissolved in demineralized water. In addition, survival was much higher than when we used salts of analytical grade.
Abstract: The neotropical halophilic cladocerans Daphnia menucoensis and Moina eugeniae are common in shallow lakes of semi-arid central and northern Patagonia in Argentina. In the present study, we determined the tolerance of neonates of both species to salinity and different concentrations of Cl- and SO42-. However, the responses differed according to the ...
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Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Urinary Tract Infection(UTI) among Pregnant Women in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Stanley Chukwudozie Onuoha,
Kayode Fatokun
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
46-52
Received:
2 January 2014
Published:
20 March 2014
Abstract: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) describe the microbial invasion and subsequent multiplication on a part or the entire urinary tract. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) has become the most common bacterial infections in humans, both at the community and hospital settings. The present study was a hospital-based surveillance conducted in four selected hospitals in Afikpo to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria from suspected urinary tract infections. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the urine of pregnant women with UTI attending the outpatient clinics between April-August 2013. A total of 200 clean midstream urine samples were collected and a general urine microscopic examination and culture were carried out, information on their age, gestational age, gravidity, parity, level of education and residence were also collected. Susceptibility testing panels of the following antibiotics: Gentamycin, tetracycline amikacin, ampicillin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, cotrimaxasole and cefaloxine were tested against the isolated organisms using disc diffusion method. The bacteriologic agents of UTI isolated from the patients showed that Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism (50.0%) and it is followed by Staphylococcus aureus (17.3%), Proteus mirabilis (5.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.7%) and Enterococcus faecalis (1.8%). The distribution of UTI among the ages of the antenatal patients showed that age group within the range of 27-32 years recorded the highest incidence of UTI, whereas those of them above 39 years showed the least incidence. Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Erythromycin were the most active antibiotics, while the isolates were highly resistant to cotrimoxasole, cefaloxine and nalidixic acid. Urinary tract infection is a major health problem among pregnant women. Urinalysis with culture and sensitivity test is the major diagnostic measure, while health education with regular antenatal and personal hygiene is recommended as precautionary measures to UTI.
Abstract: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) describe the microbial invasion and subsequent multiplication on a part or the entire urinary tract. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) has become the most common bacterial infections in humans, both at the community and hospital settings. The present study was a hospital-based surveillance conducted in four selected hosp...
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Comparative Evaluation of the Root Powder of Lonchocarpus Cyanescens for the Control of Sitophilus Zeamais (Motschulsky) in Maize and Wheat
Chidi Emmanuel Akunne,
Victory Ada Ezu,
Tochukwu Chinedu Mogbo,
Benjamin Uzonna Ononye,
Uche Ngenegbo
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
53-56
Received:
6 February 2014
Published:
20 March 2014
Abstract: The root powder of Lonchocarpus cyanescens was evaluated under ambient laboratory conditions for its insecticidal properties against adult Sitophilus zeamais on maize and wheat grains. The root powders of L. cyanescens were applied separately on maize and wheat grains in the concentrations of 0g (Control), 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, and 30g respectively. Daily mortality count of adult S. zeamais was recorded for 3weeks and numbers of dead S. zeamais obtained from each concentration and the control were compared. The data were statistically analysed and results reported. In both grains, all concentrations of Lonchocarpus cyanescens recorded higher mortality than the control. The root powder application at 30g concentration gave the highest mortality of S. zeamais while lowest mortality of S. zeamais was recorded in maize and wheat grains treated with 10g concentration during the exposure period. Statistically, grains treated with root powders were significantly (P<0.05) different from the control in adult mortality. The root powder of L. cyanescens could be used as protectants in the storage of maize and wheat grains.
Abstract: The root powder of Lonchocarpus cyanescens was evaluated under ambient laboratory conditions for its insecticidal properties against adult Sitophilus zeamais on maize and wheat grains. The root powders of L. cyanescens were applied separately on maize and wheat grains in the concentrations of 0g (Control), 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, and 30g respectively. ...
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Comparative Studies on Specific Growth Rate and Feed Conversion Efficiencies of Schizothorax Niger and Schizothorax Esocinus
Aijaz Ahmad Bhat,
Ulfat Jan,
G. Mustafa Shah
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
57-62
Received:
11 February 2014
Published:
20 March 2014
Abstract: Schizothoracinae being a native fish species of Kashmir and its population is being declining day by day. Hence an attempt has been made to culture the fish on artificial diet and observe the effect of artificial diet on the growth and feed conversion efficiency. For this work three water bodies have been taken Beerwa spring, Akad river tributary and kokernag fish hatchery, in which two species of Schizothoracinae viz, Schizothorax esocinus and Schizothorax Niger were reared. The diet provided was made of different ingredients. The SGR results observed at three sites in case of S. Niger at control were 1.1 gms/day, 2gms/day and 1.93 gms/day and in culture were 2.3 gms/day, 2.63 gms/day and 1.93 gms/day respectively. S. esocinus under control at three sites has shown 0.93 gms/day, 1.66 gms/day and 0.93 gms/day and during the culture has shown3.86 gms/day, 3.63 gms/day,and 3.36 gms/day respectively. Feed conversion efficiency observed under controlled conditions in S.Niger at three sites were 0.27 gms/day, 0.5gms/day, and 0.48 gms / day and under culture were 0.57 gms/day, 0.65 gms / day, 3.03 gms / day respectively. Whereas FCR observed at three sites under controlled conditions in S. esocinus were 0.23 gms/day, 0.41 gms/day,0.23 gms/day and under culture were 0.96 gms/day,0.90 gms/day and 0.84 gms/day respectively.
Abstract: Schizothoracinae being a native fish species of Kashmir and its population is being declining day by day. Hence an attempt has been made to culture the fish on artificial diet and observe the effect of artificial diet on the growth and feed conversion efficiency. For this work three water bodies have been taken Beerwa spring, Akad river tributary a...
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The Effects of Temperature on the Feeding Performance of Invasive Fishes
Tyler J. Sloan,
Ralph G. Turingan
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
63-71
Received:
29 September 2013
Published:
30 March 2014
Abstract: It has been hypothesized that the effects of the coupling of climate-change and invasive-species phenomena exceed the impact of each separately on ecosystem dynamics and stability. However, very few studies address the interaction between these two most alarming concerns of science and society. Using two Florida invasive fishes, Pteroisvolitansand Cichlasoma urophthalmus, this study attempts to address this synergy by providing empirical evidence that (1) demonstrates how the performance of invasive species responds to environmental-temperature change, and (2) enhances our understanding of the implications of species invasion in the light of the global-climate-change phenomenon. Kinematic analyses revealed the following results:(1) At a given temperature (20°C, 25°C, and 30°C) prey-capture kinematics differed between species;(2) Each species maintained similar excursion and timing kinematics throughout the range of water temperatures;(3) The temperature-independence of the average kinematic values is reinforced by the consistent kinematic profile throughout the temperature range. We propose that more research is needed to corroborate the plausible avenues where the interplay between climate-change and invasive-species phenomena may be demonstrated, including: (1) the temperature-induced effects on physiological and mechanical processes; (2) the likelihood that these physiological effects extend to whole-organism performance; and (3) the resilience of invasive species and their resistance of whole-organism performance to temperature change.
Abstract: It has been hypothesized that the effects of the coupling of climate-change and invasive-species phenomena exceed the impact of each separately on ecosystem dynamics and stability. However, very few studies address the interaction between these two most alarming concerns of science and society. Using two Florida invasive fishes, Pteroisvolitansand ...
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Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Screening of Propolis Extracts
Jamali Fatima,
Baserisalehi Majid,
Bahador Nima
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
72-75
Received:
12 March 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
Abstract: Propolis is a resinous mixture that collects by honey bees from the plants. However, the physical character of propolis generally has been used by honey bees to protect their hive, but several beneficial properties of this compound could be considered for human being. In the present study, two propolis samples (P1&P2) were collected and subjected for extraction using different solvents. Then, their antimicrobial effects were evaluated against Salmonella typhi PTCC 1609, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1047, Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112, Escherichia coli PTCC 1338, Bacillus cereus PTCC 1015, Aspergillus niger PLM 1140 and Candida albicans ATCC 1405 using Well Diffusion Agar. In addition, the bioactive compounds and functional groups of the extracts were determined by paper chromatography and Spray methods. The results obtained indicated that ethanol and methanol extracts of the propolis showed relatively more antimicrobial effect and both extracts exhibited similar responses against the antagonistic microorganisms. Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi , Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive whereas, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were resistant to the extracts. E.coli was sensitive to methanol and resistant to ethanol extracts. Our finding concerning to the chemical analysis of the propolis exhibited the presence of flavonoid, tannin, steroid, alcohol and alkaloid in extracts. Overall, propolis has antimicrobial effect with different spectrum and therefore, it might consider a potent candidate for treatment of several clinical scenarios.
Abstract: Propolis is a resinous mixture that collects by honey bees from the plants. However, the physical character of propolis generally has been used by honey bees to protect their hive, but several beneficial properties of this compound could be considered for human being. In the present study, two propolis samples (P1&P2) were collected and subjected f...
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Prevalence of ESBL, AmpC and Carbapenemase among Gram Negative Bacilli Isolated from Clinical Specimens
Vijaya Doddaiah,
Dhanalakshmi Anjaneya
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
76-81
Received:
12 March 2014
Accepted:
9 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat worldwide. The predominant mechanisms for resistance to the β-lactam antibiotics in gram negative bacilli is the production of β-lactamases. Aim: To determine the prevalence of ESBL, AmpC and carbapenemase production among GNB isolated from various clinical samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 378 GNB isolated were identified and processed for the detection of ESBL, AmpC and Carbapemase production using various methods. Results: Out 378 GNB 197 (52.12%) showed the presence of one or more β-lactamases and 181 (47.88%) were negative. 33.86%, 14.24% and 18.25% showed the presence of ESBL, AmpC and Carbapenemase among the 378 GNB studied. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of ESBL, AmpC and Carbepenemase producing GNB in a rural tertiary care teaching hospital
Abstract: Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat worldwide. The predominant mechanisms for resistance to the β-lactam antibiotics in gram negative bacilli is the production of β-lactamases. Aim: To determine the prevalence of ESBL, AmpC and carbapenemase production among GNB isolated from various clinical samples. Materials and Methods: A t...
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Isolation and Identification of Rhizospheric Bacteria in Acrisols of Maize (Zea Mays L.) in the Eastern of South Vietnam
Dang Thi Ngoc Thanh,
Cao Ngoc Diep
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
82-89
Received:
12 March 2014
Accepted:
9 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: Rhizobacterial diversity and population dynamics in the Acrisol rhizosphere of maize grown in the eastern of South Vietnam was studied. Soil rhizosphere samples were taken in three provinces of this region. Physical and chemical characteristics of soil samples and total nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria counts were determined by drop plate count method together with 16S rRNA gene fragments amplified from DNA using eubacterial universal primers (8F and 1492R). A total of 149 isolates were isolated on two media (Burk’s N-free and NBRIP) and all of them have ability of nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization together with IAA biosynthesis. Population of rhizobacteria correlated with soil pH and organic matter content in soil closely (P<0.05). The sequences from selected rhizobacteria (24 isolates) showed high degrees of similarity to those of the GenBank references strains (between 97% and 99%). From 24 isolates,13 belonged to Beta-Proteobacteria, while 11 were Firimicutes and Actinobacteria. Based on Pi value (nucleotide diversity), rhizobacteria (PGPR) group in Tay Ninh province had higher than rhizobacteria (PGPR) group in Baria-Vungtau province with the highest Theta value (per site). From these results showed that three strains (Burkholderia vietnamiensis VDN6a, VDB6a and VDN7c) revealed promising candidates with multiple beneficial characteristics and they have the potential for application as inoculants adapted to poor soils and local crops because they are not only famous strains but also are safety strains for agricultural sustainable
Abstract: Rhizobacterial diversity and population dynamics in the Acrisol rhizosphere of maize grown in the eastern of South Vietnam was studied. Soil rhizosphere samples were taken in three provinces of this region. Physical and chemical characteristics of soil samples and total nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria counts were determined by d...
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Extensive Practice Improves Adaptation to Predictable Perturbations in a Sequential Coincidente Timing Task
Herbert Ugrinowitsch,
Rodolfo Novellino Benda,
Umberto Cesar Corrêa,
Go Tani
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
90-95
Received:
14 March 2014
Accepted:
9 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
Abstract: The levels of learning in motor tasks have been investigated by means of extensive practice (i.e., practice that is continued beyond the achievement of performance stabilization), which shows better performance than practice until performance stabilization when facing situations that require adaptation. However, the better performance of extensive practice has been tested with unpredictable perturbation, in which changes are necessary after the movement onset, but not with predictable perturbation, which allows planning a new organization of the action before the movement onset. The present study investigated adaptation to predictable perturbation, comparing no performance stabilization at all, practice until performance stabilization and practice beyond performance stabilization, i.e., extensive practice, in a coincident timing task. This task required the performance of a sequence of movements in accordance with a visual stimulus. Forty-five self-reported right-handed volunteers participated in this study, and they were randomly divided into three groups during the first phase of the study: Pre-Stabilization (PG), Stabilization (SG) and Extensive Practice (EG), which were operationally defined as 10 trials, three trials in a row with absolute error (AE) < 30 msec and six blocks of three trials in a row with AE < 30 msec, respectively. In the second phase, the velocity of the visual stimulus changed, causing a perceptual perturbation. The results showed that adaptation is easier after performance stabilization and that the variability observed after performance stabilization could be a source of adaptability. In general, these results indicate that the process of motor learning continues beyond performance stabilization
Abstract: The levels of learning in motor tasks have been investigated by means of extensive practice (i.e., practice that is continued beyond the achievement of performance stabilization), which shows better performance than practice until performance stabilization when facing situations that require adaptation. However, the better performance of extensive ...
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Insulin Resistance Study in Diabetes Mellitus Type II and Its Correlation with Obesity
Saima Usman,
Saghir Ahmad Jafri
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
96-102
Received:
5 March 2014
Accepted:
10 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: Background: The earliest detectable abnormality in diabetes mellitus type II (DM II) is the impairment of body’s ability to respond to insulin, necessitating extra insulin secretion in an attempt to stimulate the desensitized cells. Obesity is considered as the single most important, reversible, causative environmental factor for insulin resistance (IR) aggravating the metabolic disturbance in DM II. Objectives: We aimed the study to evaluate the association of IR with DM II (its major outcome) and obesity (its main causative factor) in Pakistani diaspora. We measured IR in insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), DM II and obesity by using parameters namely fasting insulin level (FIL), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and quick insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and evaluated their credibility. Materials and Methods: The study included 156 subjects (76 males and 80 females), out of which 101 were diabetics (with 59 on insulin, and 42 on oral hypoglycemics) with different duration of time in years, and 55 were non-diabetics. The data was analyzed after further subdividing the diabetics and non-diabetics into those having body mass index (BMI)<25, and those with BMI≥25. 101 had BMI≥25 (overweight/obese) [57 with BMI=25-29.9 (overweight), and 44 with BMI≥30 (obese)] and 55 had BMI= 18- 24.9 (normal weight). The individuals were then classified as those having insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) and those not having it. On the basis of NCEP criteria the associations between DM II, IRS, and obesity were evaluated. The credibility of three IR measuring parameters, namely, fasting insulin level (FIL), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and quick insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was then assessed. Results: It was found that IRS prevailed up to 85% in diabetics and 76% in subjects with BMI≥25 out of which 84% IRS cases existed among obese (with BMI≥30). Similarly, 82% IRS cases were found diabetic and 72.4% with BMI≥25. FIL and HOMA showed significantly raised insulin and QUICKI showed significantly lower in IRS cases. But unlike FIL and HOMA, QUICKI did not show any significance when different subgroups of IRS cases were inter-compared. FIL and HOMA were also significantly raised in overweight/ obese individuals. QUICKI however showed significant but weak correlations with BMI. HOMA and QUICKI were significant in diabetics but FIL did not show significant difference. Conclusion: The results revealed strong correlation of obesity, IRS and DM II. HOMA was found better and sensitive index for evaluating IR in diabetes, IRS and obesity, than FIL alone or with QUICKI
Abstract: Background: The earliest detectable abnormality in diabetes mellitus type II (DM II) is the impairment of body’s ability to respond to insulin, necessitating extra insulin secretion in an attempt to stimulate the desensitized cells. Obesity is considered as the single most important, reversible, causative environmental factor for insulin resistance...
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Fatty acids Compositions in Male’s Gonads of the Red Sea Fish Rhabdosargus sarba During the Spawning Season
Suhaila A. Qari,
Samia G. Moharram,
Safaa A. Alowaidi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
103-107
Received:
26 March 2014
Accepted:
15 April 2014
Published:
30 April 2014
Abstract: A total of 27 fatty acids (FAs) were identified in testis throughout the spawning season of male R. sarba. In male gonad saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the main fatty acid group in total lipid in testis (34%) followed by PUFA (29.1%) and MUFA (11.6%). In all maturation stages SFA were the main fatty acid group in testis (30.4-35.4%). Of individual fatty acid, the major constituents of SFA were Palmitic acid C16:0 (18. 5%) and Stearic acid C18:0 (8.5%) in nearly ripe and ripe stages respectively. Oleic acid C18:1 (8.8%) was found to be the main MUFA in ripe stage and Linoleic acid C18:2 (10.8%) was the main PUFA in nearly ripe stage. During spawning and maturation stages there were a significant differences in total SFA and MUFA (P<0.05).
Abstract: A total of 27 fatty acids (FAs) were identified in testis throughout the spawning season of male R. sarba. In male gonad saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the main fatty acid group in total lipid in testis (34%) followed by PUFA (29.1%) and MUFA (11.6%). In all maturation stages SFA were the main fatty acid group in testis (30.4-35.4%). Of individu...
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Psychiatric Disorders Seen in Correlation with Epileptic Seizures
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2014
Pages:
108-116
Received:
9 January 2014
Accepted:
5 May 2014
Published:
10 May 2014
Abstract: Psychiatric morbidity in cases of epilepsy are frequently seen in our clinical practice. Epileptic seizures and subsequent sequelae leave behind triggers for development of psychiatric disorders. Among the commonly seen psychiatric disorders are depression, psychosis, personality disorders and various other phenomenology’s which is cited in this article.
Abstract: Psychiatric morbidity in cases of epilepsy are frequently seen in our clinical practice. Epileptic seizures and subsequent sequelae leave behind triggers for development of psychiatric disorders. Among the commonly seen psychiatric disorders are depression, psychosis, personality disorders and various other phenomenology’s which is cited in this ar...
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