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Cardiovascular Calcification in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Contributors Interplay
Ashraf Abd El-Khalik Barakat,
Manar Abd El-Rouf Raafat Ameen,
Amna Ahmed Metwaly,
Fatma Mohammed Nasr,
Nevine Sherif Ali Khalil,
Iris Nessim
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
251-259
Received:
22 August 2014
Accepted:
8 September 2014
Published:
30 September 2014
Abstract: Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are common among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However the high prevalence of atherosclerosis and arterial calcification in CKD is far beyond the explanation by common cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of cardiovascular calcification and its relation to demographic data, hemodialysis data and laboratory biomarkers and to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. Fourty CKD patients on regular hemodialysis and twenty healthy volunteers were subjected to echocardiography, carotid ultrasound and laboratory studies including serum parathrmone (PTH), 25(OH) vitamin D, feutin and osteoprotegerin levels (OPG). The echocardiographic data showed a statistically significant increase in interventricular septum thickness (IVST), posterior wall thickness (PWT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients group compared to the controls. Thirty patients (75%) had valvular calcification. There was significant increase in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients group. Serum levels of Ph, PTH and Osteoprotegerin were significantly increased, however, serum levels of Ca, Vitamin D and Feutin were significantly decreased in patients group. Serum level of Ph, and Osteoprotogerin were significantly increased while Vitamin D and feutin were significantly decreased in patients with valvular calcification compared to patients without valvular calcifications. The level of Vitamin D and Fetuin were negatively correlated with creatinine, PTH and osteoprotogerin. While, the level of osteoprotogerin and PTH were positively correlated with creatinine and with each other, they were negatively correlated with HDL-c and eGFR. CIMT was positively correlated with LVMI, PWT, urea, creatinine, CRP, Ca and was negatively correlated with EF%, eGFR, HDL-c, vitamin D and Feutin. We concluded that hemodialysis patients with valvular calcifications were older in age, with a longer hemodialysis duration and showed higher Ph level, Ca x P product and OPG level and lower 25(OH)-vitamin D and fetuin A level. Also, they showed lower EF % and were on lower doses of alphacalcidol and higher doses of calcium compared to patients without valvular calcifications. So, our study points to the importance of administration of active vitamin D derivatives to decrease the risk of valvular calcification and atherosclerosis. Serum fetuin A and osteoprotegerin can be used as a simple, easily performed biomarkers mirroring valvular calcification in hemodialysis patients. Further studies should be done to assess trials for the addition of fetuin A in the treatment of CKD patients to prevent the occurrence of calcification.
Abstract: Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are common among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However the high prevalence of atherosclerosis and arterial calcification in CKD is far beyond the explanation by common cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of cardiovascular calcification and its relation to ...
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Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Levels on Growth and Development of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) at Bore District, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia
Wakene Tigre,
Walelign Worku,
Wassie Haile
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
260-266
Received:
8 September 2014
Accepted:
22 September 2014
Published:
30 September 2014
Abstract: Fertilizer requirement of crops vary from location to location owing to several factors. Thus there is a need to determine site specific fertilizer recommendation for specific crops. Accordingly, an experiment was conducted on the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer levels on yield and yield components of barley at south eastern Oromia, Bore, in 2009 cropping season. The barley variety Biftu was used as test crop. It is a newly released variety from Sinana Agricultural Research Center. The experiment contained factorial combination of five levels of N (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 Kg ha-1) and four levels of P (0, 23, 46 and 69 Kg ha-1) laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications. Application of N significantly prolonged number of days to heading and maturity and grain filling period. Number of fertile tillers, total biomass and straw yield were significantly increased by application of N. However, the effect of N on plant height and number of total tillers was not significant. On the other hand, P application significantly influenced all the parameters of growth and development. Contrary to N, increase in P significantly shortened number of days to heading and maturity and grain filling period. Number of fertile tillers was significantly increased by P application. The interaction effect of N and P was significant on days to heading and number of fertile tillers. Therefore, balanced amount of N and P is very essential for appropriate growth of barley.
Abstract: Fertilizer requirement of crops vary from location to location owing to several factors. Thus there is a need to determine site specific fertilizer recommendation for specific crops. Accordingly, an experiment was conducted on the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer levels on yield and yield components of barley at south eastern...
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Ex-Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaves of Bauhinia acuminata
Md. Reyad-Ul-Ferdous,
Sayma Akhter,
Md. Zahirul Islam Khan,
Md. Eshak Khan,
Md. Atiqul Islam,
Md. Sharif Ullah
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
267-270
Received:
14 September 2014
Accepted:
20 September 2014
Published:
20 October 2014
Abstract: In present study, the methanol extracts and all fractions of leaves of Bauhinia acuminata were subjected to various biological screening such as membrane stabilizing activity and antimicrobial screening. This investigation suggested that, leaves of Bauhinia acuminata were highly effective in the membrane stabilizing activity as the extractives prevented the lysis of erythrocyte by hypotonic solution and heat induced. In hypotonic solution induced condition the highest membrane stabilizing activity was exhibited by the Pet ether soluble fraction (PESF-418.26%) followed by carbon tetra chlororide soluble fraction (CTCSF-418.26%). Significant amount of membrane stabilizing activity were also present in methanol soluble fraction (MESF-13.46%) and aqueous soluble fraction (AQSF-167.30%). On the other hand, heat induced condition the maximum membrane stabilizing activity was exhibited by the carbon tetra chlororide soluble fraction (CTCSF-853.3%) followed by Methanol soluble fraction (MESF-423.88%). Significant amount of membrane stabilizing activity were also present in Pet ether soluble fraction (PESF-81.77%) and aqueous soluble fraction (AQSF-40.46%). In this study, the antimicrobial activity, among all extractives of leaves of Bauhinia acuminate was found to be negligible.
Abstract: In present study, the methanol extracts and all fractions of leaves of Bauhinia acuminata were subjected to various biological screening such as membrane stabilizing activity and antimicrobial screening. This investigation suggested that, leaves of Bauhinia acuminata were highly effective in the membrane stabilizing activity as the extractives prev...
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Toxicity, Anti-Lipid Peroxidation, Invitro and Invivo Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Annona Muricata Ethanol Stem Bark Extract
Sanni Olakunle,
Obidoa Onyechi,
Omale James
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
271-277
Received:
6 October 2014
Accepted:
15 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: The presence of natural antioxidant capacity in plants has been well documented world over. There is an increasing demand for natural antioxidant to replace synthetic additives in the food and pharmacologicals. The objective of this study is to evaluate the invivo antioxidant potential of ethanol extract of Annona muricata against CCl4- induced toxicity in rats as well as its invitro antioxidant effect and lipid peroxidation. The extract was prepared by cold maceration using absolute ethanol. The invitro antioxidant properties of the extract was determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl) radical and invivo antioxidant enzymes were assayed to evaluate the biological activities of the extract. The polyphenol content of the extract was determined and it contained alkaloids, tannin, flavonoids, phenol in appreciable amount. In the invivo studies, the animals were grouped into three (3) groups of 15 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received 1ml/kg b.w of olive oil orally for 28 days. Group 2 rats were orally administered 1ml/kg CCl4 mixed with olive oil (1:10) daily for 28 days while group 3 rats were administered 1ml/kg CCl4 and 200 mg/kg b.w of Annona muricata stem extract. Three of the rats from each group were sacrificed on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 28. The plant extract showed remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress as revealed from serum enzyme markers. CCl4 induced a significant rise (p<0.001) in aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and MDA (malondialdehyde) level in the serum with a reduction in catalase activity. Treatment of rats with the plant extract (200mg/kg b.w) significantly altered both serum enzymes activities and oxidant levels to near normal against CCl4 – treated rats. The invivo and invitro rapid radical scavenging studies were positive for the stem bark extract. This study suggests that the possible mechanism of the exhibited biological activities of the extract may be due to free radical scavenging owing to the presence of polyphenols in the extract. The plant extract possesses, antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation effect and is hepatoprotective. These may be the rationale for its folkloric uses and pharmacological effects.
Abstract: The presence of natural antioxidant capacity in plants has been well documented world over. There is an increasing demand for natural antioxidant to replace synthetic additives in the food and pharmacologicals. The objective of this study is to evaluate the invivo antioxidant potential of ethanol extract of Annona muricata against CCl4- induced tox...
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The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Allium Sativum (Garlic) on Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility in Normal and Sickle Cell
Salami Hamza Adegoke,
Gadaka Madu Adamu,
John Adeolu Ige,
Babagana Fatima,
Odirachukwu Rita
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
278-281
Received:
28 September 2014
Accepted:
15 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Allium sativa (garlic) is a bulbous herb used as food item, spice and medicine in different parts of the world. The effect of garlic (Allium Sativa) on the osmotic fragility of red blood cells in normal and sickle cell patients was assessed in vitro. The study comprised four sets of fourteen centrifuge tubes each containing 5ml of graduated concentrations of normal saline. To the first set of tubes, 20μl of blood from normal subjects was added using a micropipette, while to the second, 0.75mg of garlic and 20μl of blood from normal subjects were added. To the third set of tubes, 20μl of blood from sickle cell patient was added, and to the fourth 20μl of blood from sickle cell patient and 0.75mg of garlic were added. Percentage hemolysis was determined by spectrophotometry. It was observed that the degree of hemolysis was greater (P<0.05) in the sickle cell compared to the normal blood. This observation was also recorded in the samples treated with garlic. It is concluded that the degree of hemolysis in sickle cell is higher (P<0.05) than normal cell. Treatment with garlic increased fragility in both normal and sickle cell blood however this effect was more pronounced in sickle cell blood. It is recommended that the consumption of garlic in patients with sickle cell anemia should be continuously monitored and carefully regulated.
Abstract: Allium sativa (garlic) is a bulbous herb used as food item, spice and medicine in different parts of the world. The effect of garlic (Allium Sativa) on the osmotic fragility of red blood cells in normal and sickle cell patients was assessed in vitro. The study comprised four sets of fourteen centrifuge tubes each containing 5ml of graduated concent...
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Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Phosphate- and Potassium- Solubilizing Bacteria from Weathered Materials of Granite Rock Mountain, That Son, an Giang Province, Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Don,
Cao Ngoc Diep
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
282-291
Received:
9 October 2014
Accepted:
18 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Two hundred and thirty-seven bacterial isolates from 118 sample soils/weathered granite rock of That Son Mountain, An Giang province, Vietnam were isolated on Aleksandrov medium. Their colonies were round or irregular, white to yellow and their shape was rod, motile. Thirty four of two hundred and thirty-seven bacterial isolates were capable of dissolving both phosphate and potassium and seven strains had high phosphate and potassium dissolution capacity (>15 mg l-1 P2O5 and >10 mg l-1 K2O). These thirty four strains were identified by using PCR technique with specific primers fd1 and rP and DNA sequencing. The results of DNAsequencing were compared with GenBank database of NCBI by BLAST N software. The sequences from selected phosphate and potassium isolates (34 isolates) showed high degrees of similarity to those of the GenBank references (between 99% and 100%). Among these sequenced isolates, 8 isolates belong to Bacilli (23.53%) and 26 isolates belong to Proteobacteria (76.47%) including 21 alpha-proteobacteria (61.76%) and 5 gamma-proteobacteria (14.71%). Based on Pi value (nucleotide diversity), Proteobacteria group had the highest Theta values and Theta values (per sequence) from S of SNP for DNA polymorphism were calculated for each group and AlphaProteobacteria group had the highest values in comparistion with two groups. These results showed that 3 strains including CA09 (Agrobacterium tumefaciens), CA29 (Rhizobium tropici) and K16B (Azotobacter tropicalis) proposed as potential microbial inoculants or biofertilizers for sustainable crop production in sandy acid soil in Vietnam because of their benefits and biosafety.
Abstract: Two hundred and thirty-seven bacterial isolates from 118 sample soils/weathered granite rock of That Son Mountain, An Giang province, Vietnam were isolated on Aleksandrov medium. Their colonies were round or irregular, white to yellow and their shape was rod, motile. Thirty four of two hundred and thirty-seven bacterial isolates were capable of dis...
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A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents in Different Parts of Helicteres isora L.
Amita Jain,
Rashmi Ranade,
Prem Pritam,
Neelu Joshi,
Sirisha Lakshmi Vavilala,
Ankita Jain
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
292-302
Received:
16 September 2014
Accepted:
20 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Helicteres isora L., commonly known as Indian Screw Tree is a highly valued medicinal plant in South-East Asia. The various phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids and other antioxidants that impart the medicinal properties in this plant, vary in their composition and concentration in different plant parts. In the present research, the total phenolic content, total flavonoids content and free radical scavenging activity (FRAP and DPPH assay) in fresh and dry sample extracts of leaf, bark, fruit and root of H. isora L., prepared in four different solvents (distilled water, ethanol, methanol and acetone) were studied, and their results compared using Pearson’s Correlation. The plant extracts were also subjected to RP-HPLC for detection and quantitation of naturally occurring phenolic compounds using six phenolic standards (Gallic acid, Vanillin, Catechol, Ferrulic acid, p-coumaric acid and Caffeic acid). The highest total phenolic content (7.22 mg/g GAE) and FRAP value (64.98 mg/g TE) were observed in aqueous dry root extract. The acetone extract of fresh leaf (57.08 mg/g of RE) was found richest in total flavonoids, while the methanolic extract of fresh fruit uniquely exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by the low IC50 value (34.37 mg/ml) in DPPH assay. The RP-HPLC analysis revealed that Catechol and Gallic acid were most abundantly found phenolic compounds in extracts of H. isora L. The total phenolic content showed strong positive correlation with free radical scavenging activity (FRAP and DPPH assays) in both fresh and dry plant parts, suggesting that phenols are the main compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity. The root of H. isora L. was found rich in phenolics and antioxidant capacity indicating its strong potential for medicinal use, followed by fruit, leaf and bark.
Abstract: Helicteres isora L., commonly known as Indian Screw Tree is a highly valued medicinal plant in South-East Asia. The various phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids and other antioxidants that impart the medicinal properties in this plant, vary in their composition and concentration in different plant parts. In the present research, the total phenol...
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Effects of Topical and Dietary Use of Shea Butter on Animals
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
303-307
Received:
14 October 2014
Accepted:
24 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of Africa Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is used in cosmetic formulations and as a substitute for Cocoa butter in chocolate industries. It is edible and used cooking fat in Africa. The saponifiable fraction of Shea butter is composed primarily of stearic and oleic acids with lesser amounts of palmitic, linoleic and arachidic acids while the unsaponifiable fraction of Shea butter is composed of bioactive substances that are responsible for Shea butter’s medicinal properties. Shea butter is a solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature. It is therefore useful for skin care as it has sun screening properties and acts as an emollient and skin moisturizer. Topical use of Shea butter has also demonstrated anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Dietary intake of Shea butter has hypocholesterolemic effect and reduces serum and organ protein concentrations.
Abstract: Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of Africa Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is used in cosmetic formulations and as a substitute for Cocoa butter in chocolate industries. It is edible and used cooking fat in Africa. The saponifiable fraction of Shea butter is composed primarily of stearic and oleic acids with lesser amounts of palmi...
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Effect of Sesamum indicum L. Seed oil Supplementation on Hepatic and Renal Mineral Concentrations of Hypercholesterolemic Rats
Ajayi Olubunmi Bolanle,
Malachi Oluwaseyi Israel
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
308-311
Received:
16 October 2014
Accepted:
27 October 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Twenty four male rats weighing between 120-130g were randomly assigned into four groups. Group A was fed normal diet; Group B, C and D were fed hypercholesterolemic diet (i.e. 20% fat + 1% cholesterol) for two weeks to establish hypercholesterolemia. Thereafter, Group B were maintained on hyper diet, while C and D were fed 5% and 10% Sesamum indicum seed oil supplemented diet for four weeks. The liver and kidney were removed, dried and powdered. The concentrations of iron, zinc, cobalt, manganese, calcium, potassium, magnesium, potassium and sodium were analyzed in both liver and kidney samples with the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Hypercholesterolemia reduced both the hepatic and renal concentrations of sodium, potassium, Phosphorus, magnesium and calcium but reduced the hepatic and not the renal concentrations of manganese and zinc. Supplementation with 5% but not 10% Sesamum indicum seed oil reversed the effects and restored the reduced ions concentrations. The hepatic and renal concentrations of Iron and Cobalt ions were not affected by hypercholesterolemia nor by supplementation with Sesamum indicum seed oil.
Abstract: Twenty four male rats weighing between 120-130g were randomly assigned into four groups. Group A was fed normal diet; Group B, C and D were fed hypercholesterolemic diet (i.e. 20% fat + 1% cholesterol) for two weeks to establish hypercholesterolemia. Thereafter, Group B were maintained on hyper diet, while C and D were fed 5% and 10% Sesamum indicu...
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Alcoholism: A Social Deadly Disease of the Society
Johnson Adetunji Olanipekun
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
312-318
Received:
16 June 2014
Accepted:
19 September 2014
Published:
30 October 2014
Abstract: Alcoholism as a lightning has become a major deadly social disease of the society. Many lives and properties have been lost and many have been permanently deformed as a result of heavy consumption of alcoholic drinks. This paper therefore, examined the concept, patterns, types of and psycho-social reasons for alcoholism. The paper also investigated the dimensional problems or consequences associated with alcoholism as a deadly disease. It discussed the treatment of alcohol drinking problems and the role of health educators as regards alcoholism. Towards its reduction in the society, it is therefore, recommended that mass education on alcoholism should be encouraged, health education should be made a compulsory subject for all students in all educational institutions, and there should be a formation of Alcoholics Anonymous group for the peers or young in the society.
Abstract: Alcoholism as a lightning has become a major deadly social disease of the society. Many lives and properties have been lost and many have been permanently deformed as a result of heavy consumption of alcoholic drinks. This paper therefore, examined the concept, patterns, types of and psycho-social reasons for alcoholism. The paper also investigated...
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The Study of Plant Density and Planting Methods on Some Growth Characteristics, Seed and Oil Yield of Medicinal Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo Var. Styriaca, Cv. ‘Kaki)
Mahnaz Bahlgerdi,
Hossein Aroiee,
Majid Azizi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
319-324
Received:
24 October 2014
Accepted:
4 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: The effect of plant densities (2.5, 3, 3.5 plant/m2) and two methods of planting (transplanting and direct seeding) were investigated on some growth characteristics, seed and oil yield of medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca, cv. ‘Kaki). The experiment was carried out in a factorial trial based on complete randomized block design, with three replicates during spring and summer 2013. When the weather condition became suitable and seedlings were at true four leaves stage, both seeds and seedlings were planted at the same time in the farm. The results showed 2.5 plant/m2 density had significant effect on plant lenght, leaf number, node number and sub branch number. Planting method also affected significantly on plant growth, so that the highest node number was achieved by using transplanting method. Plant density and planting method had significant effect on the oil content, so that the highest oil content was achieved by transplanting method with 2.5 plant/m2 density. Also the most seed and oil yield obtained from transplanting method. Thus transplanting method had higher yields and its may be as a more reliable production method.
Abstract: The effect of plant densities (2.5, 3, 3.5 plant/m2) and two methods of planting (transplanting and direct seeding) were investigated on some growth characteristics, seed and oil yield of medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca, cv. ‘Kaki). The experiment was carried out in a factorial trial based on complete randomized block design, with t...
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Phenotypic Variations of Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua L.)
Ibrahim Konate,
Annick Koulibaly,
Mathurin Koffi,
Amina Sorouri,
El Bekkay Berraho,
Abdelkarim Filali-Maltouf
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, October 2014
Pages:
325-332
Received:
25 October 2014
Accepted:
10 November 2014
Published:
20 November 2014
Abstract: We aimed to characterize 83 endophytic bacteria isolated from roots (73 isolates coded IRC) and epicotyls (11 isolates coded IEC) of young Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seedlings. These seedlings were obtained from seeds collected in several regions in Morocco. 30 IRC and 4 IEC were selected on the basis of PCR-Pep for the further analyses. All the strains exhibited a wide tolerance to NaCl and 30 % tolerated well concentration up to 11 % NaCl. Strains showed also a wide tolerance to the variable pH. 60 % of strains grew well at pH4. Most of the strains were resistant to different antibiotics but were sensitive to kanamycin and tetracycline. The strains showed a resistance to heavy metals except mercury chloride that was toxic at a low concentration 50 µg.ml-1. According to their phenotypical features, the associative bacteria were very similar to eight symbiotic bacteria previously identified by Missbah in 1996 and used in this work.
Abstract: We aimed to characterize 83 endophytic bacteria isolated from roots (73 isolates coded IRC) and epicotyls (11 isolates coded IEC) of young Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seedlings. These seedlings were obtained from seeds collected in several regions in Morocco. 30 IRC and 4 IEC were selected on the basis of PCR-Pep for the further analyses. All the ...
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