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Mallotus Mollissimus and Solanum Erianthum Exhibit Antikinase, Antiphosphatase and Anti-Cancer Properties
Get PDFCancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and caused by dysregulated signal transduction from kinase and phosphatases. Inhibitors of kinase and phosphatase have demonstrated anticancer properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antikinase, antiphosphatase and cytotoxic properties of Mallotus mollissimus (M. mollissimus) and Solanum erianthum (S. erianthum). Toxic activities against PP1, MKK1 and MSG5 assays were demonstrated by S. erianthum methanol extract. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic extracts showed that chloroform fraction (CE) of M. mollissimus exhibited toxic activity against PP1. Meanwhile, CE of S. erianthum showed positive activity on PP1 assay. Column chromatography separation of the CE has revealed that fractions F1 and F2 of M. mollissimus are toxic against PP1. Meanwhile, F1 and F2 CE fractions of S. erianthum were positive against PP1 and F9 fraction showed toxic activity in PP1 assay. Chloroform extracts of both plants exhibit cytotoxicity activity against HeLa, CaOV3 and MCF7 cell lines. This study demonstrated the potential of M. mollissimus and S. erianthum extracts in antikinase, antiphosphatase and anti-cancer activities which warrant further purification and identification
The Effect of Grain Size on Radon Exhalation Rate in Soil Samples of Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan
Get PDFRadon concentration and its exhalation rate has been measured from twenty five soil samples collected from seven different locations of Dera Ismail Khan, in the north west of Pakistan. These samples were crushed after drying and passed through sieves with different sizes of pores to get three grain sizes, £0.595 mm, 0.595-2.00 mm and 2.00-4.00 mm of soil. CR-39 based NRPB (National Radiological Protection Board) radon dosimeters have been used to measure the radon concentration and exhalation rates. The maximum average value of radon exhalation rate has found to be: (3.57±0.38) Bq m-2 hr-1 in the samples having grain size 2.00-4.00 mm and the minimum as: (2.21±0.26) Bq m-2hr-1, in the samples with grain size £ 0.0595 mm. This indicates that the radon exhalation rate increases with the grain size. The maximum average value of radon exhalation rate has been found in samples collected from river side where soil texture is silty clay loam. The obtained values of radon exhalation rate for all the samples are well below the world average value of 57.60 Bq m-2 hr-1
Dosimetric Characteristics of Aqueous Solutions of Sandalfix Red Dye for Gamma Dosimetry
Get PDFGamma dosimetric behavior of the aqueous solutions of the Sandalfix Red (C.I. Reactive Red 195A) dye was studied. The sample solutions of two chemical natures i.e., Acidic and Alkaline; were irradiated by Co60 ?-source in the range 0-100kGy. The "Control samples" were kept un-irradiated and also chemically neutral. The dosimetry was done in three phases i.e., Low, Intermediate and High, ranging from 100-1000Gy, 1-10kGy and 10-100kGy respectively. The found values of the "λmax" and the molar extinction coefficient "ε" of the dye were 565nm and 0.19×104 dm3 mol-1cm-1 respectively. The absorbance (A) of the aqueous solutions was studied at the absorption band maxima (λmax). It was hence found that the aqueous solutions of the Sandalfix Red C4BLN dye were able to be used as passive dosimeters in the range 10-100 kGy i.e., the sample solutions have shown radioactive exponential behavior of response in the "Intermediate and High dosimetry". However, a linear response was shown by the sample solutions in the "Low dosimetry"
Effect of Heavy Metal Pollution on Leaf Litter Decomposition of Two Species of Mangroves, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata
Get PDFDecomposition of litter is influenced by physicochemical characteristics of the habitat which is affected by pollution. In this study the effect of heavy metals on leaf litter decomposition of two mangrove species, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata is investigated. An experiment was conducted in which litter bags were half-buried in mangrove soil in earthen pots in a greenhouse in which close to natural conditions were maintained and they were treated with 0, 5 and 10 ppm Ni and Pb as a solution of sea water for 16 weeks. Periodic observations were taken on the dry weight remaining and the four factor ANOVA was performed. All four factors (species, heavy metals, concentrations, time) were found to be significant (P at the most 0.05) while some of the interactions were also significant. Half-life and rate of decomposition, k were calculated on the basis of 12 periodic weight loss observations. The litter decomposition followed an exponential decay curve in all cases. The highest rate of decomposition (0.0155 gDWd-1) and the shortest half life (7.44 days) were found for the control of Avicennia marina. In general, decomposition rate of A. marina was more rapid compared to that of R. mucronata. Whereas, the decomposition in treatments with heavy metals were found to be slower than in the controls, the minimum of which (0.0105 gDWd-1) and the longest half life (18.17 days) were found in Rhizophora mucronata leaves treated with 10 ppm Pb. Lead appears to be more inhibitory to the process of litter decomposition compared to nickel. The two mangrove species responded differentially to the heavy metal concentrations. The influence of heavy metals in the decomposition process is discussed
Influence of Rootstocks (Gisela 5, Gisela 6, MaxMa, SL 64) on Performance of ‘0900 Ziraat’ Sweet Cherry
Get PDF This study was carried out in order to determine the effect of rootstocks (Gisela 5, Gisela 6, MaxMa 14 and SL 64) on performance of sweet cherry cultivar ‘0 900 Ziraat’ during 2010-2013 years. The trail in randomized block design was established as to factorial design. Each graft combination included 20 trees. The trees was trained as Spanish Bush training system. At the end of study, effect of rootstocks on vegetative growth was found significant. It has been determined that the trees grafted on SL 64 and MaxMa 14 rootstocks were more vigorous than the those grafted on Gisela 5 and Gisela 6. The rootstocks formed significant differences at the precocity. While the first blooming on the trees grafted on Gisela 5 and Gisela 6 rootstocks occurred at the second year after planting, the first blooming on the trees on MaxMa 14 and SL 64 rootstocks occurred at fourth year after planting. It has been determined that occur significant differences on yield per tree and yield efficiency among rootstocks. In terms of yield per tree and yield efficiency, While the lowest value was in SL 64 rootstock, the highest value was recorded in Gisela 5, and it has been determined that the differences between three rootstocks (Gisela 5, Gisela 6 and MaxMa 14) were not significant. While fruits weight varied according to the rootstock used in study, the trees grafted on Gisela 5 had the smallest fruit. Accompanied with differences between MaxMa 14 and SL 64 rootstocks were not significant, the biggest fruits were produced on trees grafted on SL 64 rootstock. As a result of the statistical analysis, it has determined that the rootstocks that used in trial did not create significant differences on soluble solids content (SSC) value. One of the most significant diagnosis was 6 % mortality rate that occurred on trees grafted Gisela 5 and Gisela 6 rootstocks
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Wrightia arborea
Get PDFWrightia arborea (Br.) (Family-Apocynaceae), locally known as Sathkurchi, is a small deciduous tree with small branches and densely velvety leaves. This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and anti tumor activities of leaves of W. arborea.
Antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging- and reducing power- assay method which was concentration dependent that was 25-200 µg/ml. The extract showed scavenging activity with IC50 value of 15.23 ± 4.10 µg/ml for DPPH and also showed reducing activity in dose dependent manner. In addition, total phenol and flavonoid content were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and were found to be 112.54 ± 9.74 mg/g plant extract (in GAE) and 247.14 ± 15.45 mg/g plant extract (in quercetin equivalent), respectively. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by phosphomolybdenum method and was found to be 117.27 ± 12.36 mg/g plant extract (in ascorbic acid equivalents). The anti tumor effect of the methanol extractwas determined with doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg b.wt against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice with respect to the determination of tumor volume, tumor weight, % of cell growth inhibition, % increase in life span (%ILS), and hematological parameter (WBC, RBC and hemoglobin).
The methanol extract of W. arborea decreased the tumor weight significantly compared to control group at all the mentioned doses and the highest was observed at the dose of 20 mg/kg b. wt. (1.28 ± 0.15 g). The % of cell growth inhibition increased in dose dependent manner like 36.43 ± 7.45, 58.76 ± 9.43 and 98.43 ± 12.45 at the doses of 5, 10, 20 mg/kg b.wt. respectively. The %ILS was also enhanced in all the doses where 20 mg/kg b.wt showed maximum effect (105.5 ± 3.57). Heamoglobin (Hb) content was significantly increased 8.12 ± 2.6, 10.23 ± 1.62 and 12.12 ± 2.09 g/dL at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg b.wt. respectively, compared to EAC control mice (4.95 ± 1.80 g). There was a significant (p< 0.05, p< 0.01, p<0.001) decrease in RBC count and increase in WBC counts in extract treated animals when compared to EAC control animals.
This is the first report of biological activities of leaves of W. arborea and it showed significant antioxidant as well as antitumor activity
Mineral Content in Dehydrated Mango Powder
Get PDFThe study was carried out to explore mineral content in dehydrated mango powder made from immature green stage fruits. For the purpose, two type of slices from peeled and unpeeled fruits of four commercial grown varieties viz. Desi, Sindhri, Langra and Chaunsa were prepared. These slices were categorized into three groups A, B and C. In group A, slices were kept in controlled conditions in electric cabinet chamber (dehydrator) at 65oC temperature, while in group B, slices were dried by open sun drying method using muslin cloth over the cots at (43 ± 5 oC) and in group C, slices were kept in wooden glass dehydrator at (48 ± 4 oC).
The statistical analysis reveals highly significant differences for all main factors including varieties, dehydration methods, type of mango powder and their interactions. Chaunsa had the highest mean calcium (389.54 mg kg-1), potassium (912.07 mg kg-1) and magnesium (90.92 mg kg-1). However, only sodium was observed more in variety Langra (467.59 mg kg-1). On the basis of dehydration methods, mean calcium (407.06 mg kg-1) and magnesium (90.11 mg kg-1) content were observed more in wooden glass drying method as compared to rest of the drying methods. The sodium (511.83 mg kg-1) and potassium (811.35 mg kg-1)content were recorded the highest in open sun drying method. The powder made from fruits without peel was observed more in all mineral content including sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium
Application of a Structured Water Generator for Crop Irrigation: Structured Water, Drought Tolerance, and Alteration of Plant Defense Mechanisms to Abiotic Stressors
No full textA greenhouse study was conducted to enhance drought tolerance in velvet bean plants (Mucuns pruriens) using structured irrigation water. The study combined magnetized seed treatments with watering plants with structured water treatments. A closed-loop, water system was custom-built to generate the structured irrigation water. The custom water generator utilized two energy fields (magnetic and ultra-violet radiation) to generate the structured water. The objectives of the study were to: 1) determine the effects of a magnetized seed treatment on velvet bean plants, 2) determine the effects of magnetized water treatments on velvet bean plants, 3) determine the effects of water treated with a hydroxylated water generator on velvet bean plants, 4) determine the effects of three soil moisture levels on velvet bean plants. The plant responses included: 1) foliage gas exchange rates 2) soil moisture, 3) cumulative water volume for each plant, 4) plant water use efficiency, and 5) oven-dry foliage biomass. The foliage gas exchange responses showed that the magnetized seed and structured water treatments disassociated the relationships between photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and internal carbon dioxide rates from soil moisture and leaf temperature. The optimal, combined magnetized seed and structured water treatments increased water savings from 32 to 52% over the unstructured water treatments, under the low soil moisture level. The maximum plant water use efficiency was 2.81, which occurred with a structured water treatment under the high soil moisture level. There was a 6.8 % decrease in oven-dry foliage biomass for the optimal magnetized seed and structured water treatment when compared with the control treatment. However, the tradeoff in reduced biomass was compensated with a 41% savings in water usage, 25% reduction in Pn, 34% reduction in stomatal conductance, and a 7% reduction in internal carbon dioxide under the low soil moisture level for the optimal magnetized seed and structured water treatment. The combined seed and water treatments fundamentally alter drought adaptation plant responses to water stress conditions which resulted in a significant reduction in irrigation water usage. The interactions between magnetized seed treatments and structured water treatments on plant stress physiology need to be further investigated to confirm these water conservation findings. Structured water generators should be evaluated for physicochemical water properties and stability of water in soil and plant matrices
Kniphofia foliosa Hochst, (Asphodelaceae): Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties
Get PDFThis review gives the first comprehensive appraisal of Kniphofia foliosa Hochst, from the plant family Asphodelaceae: its botany, ethnomedicinal (with particular emphasis on the African communities), phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential. Particular emphasis is given to the biological and chemical properties. Peer review and literature search were done by conducting a logical and inclusive review. Indigenous cultures have used the plant among different ethnic groups in tropical Africa for medicinal and other purposes. The chemical compounds that have been isolated from K. foliosa include monomeric anthraquinones such as chrysophanol, islandicin, laccaic acid, aloe-emodin, and aloe-emodin acetate, which contain antileukaemic properties; dimeric anthraquinones such as asphodelin, knipholone, and chryslandicin; phenyl anthraquinones and anthrones, including knipholone anthrone, isoknipholone anthrone, knipholone, phenylanthrone knipholone anthrone and anthraquinone isoknipholone; oxanthrones such as isofoliosone and foliosone; and rare dimeric phenylanthraqunones joziknipholones A and B. The pharmacological studies on K. foliosa exhibited antimalarial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-HIV-1, and anti-leukotriene activities. From the above, it can be deduced that K. foliosa contains chemical constituents of pharmacological importance, contributing significantly to the development of new medicines
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Cefoperazone for Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Associated Factors in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Vietnam
Get PDFPurpose: This study aimed to (i) identify the pathogenic bacterial profile and Cefoperazone (CPZ) sensitivity; (ii) assess the therapeutic effectiveness of CPZ and (iii) determine factors associating with the treatment success.
Patients and methods: The retrospective study was conducted in Kien Giang hospital, Vietnam. Sample size was 210 medical records of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients admitted to the hospital from January to December 2018. The Chi square and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine factors associating with the treatment success such as age, gender, comorbidities, levels of CAP severity respiratory rate, PaO2, and laboratory findings of blood tests. Statistical significance was at level α = 0.05.
Results: The main pathogenic bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (29.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (26.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%), and were highly susceptible to CPZ. Mean duration of obtaining clinical stability was 3.01 days. The obtainment of clinical stability through CPZ monotherapy on the third, fifth and seventh day of treatment process accounted for 78.9%, 87.6% and 100% of total cases, respectively. CPZ achieved a highly successful rate in the monotherapy (79.07%) if the treatment was guided by antibiotic sensitivity testing results. The association between the treatment success and factors such as age, respiratory rate, and severity category of CAP were statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Minimizing CPZ resistance, and CPZ overuse during CAP therapy is necessary. The factors associating with the success of therapy are useful in predicting the prognosis of CAP patients, planning the sequential therapy, and determining hospital discharge