Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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Micropropagation of Two Varieties of Vitis vinifera Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, Comparison of Physiological and Production Parameters
No full textGrapevine (Vitis vinifera) is considered one of the most important fruit crops in the world, and the Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir varieties have high commercial value. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro performance of both varieties from explant establishment to in vitro rooting, testing different hormone concentrations. It started from mother plants obtained in vitro, from which uninodal cuttings were taken for micropropagation. Disinfection consisted of washing with 70% alcohol and 20% sodium hypochlorite, with sterile water rinses. Explants were placed in a laminar flow chamber under aseptic conditions in a sterile growth medium. They were grown in a culture chamber with 16 hours of light: 8 hours of darkness and a temperature of 25°C. Establishment, growth, rooting and contamination data were recorded for eight weeks. The culture media used were Experiment 1: 50% Murashige and Skoog (MS) [1] medium; Experiment 2: MS at 50% plus indoleacetic acid (IAA) at 0.01%. The data were statistically analyzed; Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir had similar production standards, high vigor, good in vitro growth and direct rooting. Both varieties performed better on the auxin enriched medium
Microbial, Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Freshly Extracted Apple and Cucumber Juice Subjected to Preservatives and Storage Conditions
No full textFruit juices are commonly consumed for their refreshing attribute, nutritive values and health benefits. Fruit juice samples were treated with 0.5 g/ml garlic, 0.5 g/ml ginger, 0.25 g/ml mix of ginger and garlic and 0.05% (w/v) of sodium benzoate respectively where the ginger, garlic and sodium benzoate serve as natural and artificial preservatives. Their effects on the fruit juices were evaluated during 8 days of storage at 4°C and ambient temperature (28±2°C). Juice treated with sodium benzoate had the least microbial contamination while the untreated juice had the highest. The bacterial isolated from the samples were Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp. (Most occurring bacteria isolated), Micrococcus sp, and lactobacillus sp. The fungi isolated in the course of the study were Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. (The highest occurred fungi isolated). There was a marginal decrease in pH values across treatments in stored juices with juice stored at 4°C showing the least change in pH compared to that stored at ambient temperature. The results obtained show that the preservatives exhibited an antimicrobial effect on the microbial load. The Total titratable acidity of all samples increased with time at ambient temperature and decreased at refrigerated temperature. The ascorbic acid content of both juices samples at storage temperatures decreased after the storage period due to the high sensitivity of vitamin C to oxygen, light, heat, etc. In conclusion, the findings of this study generally indicate that combination of chemical and natural preservation together with refrigeration is suitable for the preservation of fruit juice for a long time. Chemical preservatives can be recommended to be replaced with natural preservatives such as ginger and garlic, since the process is inexpensive and easy. However, preservation of fruit juice at ambient temperature for a long time should be discouraged to reduce microbial contamination
Efficacy of Commonly Used Anthelmintics Against Naturally Occurring Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats
No full textEfficacy of four commonly used anthelmintics have been evaluated against naturally occurring gastrointestinal nematodes in goats following the method of faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in the present study. Fifty goats in the age group of 1 to 2 years old and of either sex, having infection with strongyle group of nematodes were selected in the sheep and goat farm under project ‘Biotech Kisan Hub”, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery sciences and the goats were equally divided into five groups; group I (infected control), group II (albendazole treated), group III (fenbendazole treated), group IV (ivermectin treated) and group V (levamisole treated). Faecal egg count (FEC) in terms of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were estimated in all the experimental goats (n = 50) on 0-day post treatment (0 DPT) and again on 10 DPT. Efficacy of albendazole, fenbendazole, ivermectin and levamisole were 78.15%, 80.24%, 86.38% and 95.46%, respectively. Comparatively less efficacy of albendazole and fenbendazole indicated the emergence of anthelmintic resistance and lower efficacy of ivermectin might be due selection of resistant worms. Efficacy of levamisole was comparatively higher and it can be used strategically to control GI helminth parasites of goats in that farm
Investigation of Seasonal Dynamism of Peroxidase from Strains of Aspergillus sp.
No full textPeroxidases A and B production were carried out from Aspergillus tamari and fumigates respectively isolated from petroleum hydrocarbon spilled soil. Physicochemical properties of the respective soil showed pH of 4.45 and 6.5 for soils from point 1 and II respectively and higher conductivity of 613 and 1013 (Ω-1 Cm-1), respectively when compared with the control sample. Dissolved mineral of Cl-, SO4, K, Ca, Mg in the respective soil samples from the petroleum spilled sites was significantly high when compared with the control experiment except for soil sample I which showed a relative low phosphate concentration of 1,23 in the presence of the control experiment, respectively. TOC and TOM contents were 87.91, 119.04; 108.13 and 146.42 mg/g for soil sample I, and III, respectively. In all the tested parameters, the experimented soils were significantly high than the control soil sample. Molecular tests (18S rDNA.) were used to identify the pure isolates of Aspergillia. Studies on the effect of the incubation period on the production of peroxidase from strains of ofAspergillus tamarrii sp. and Aspergillusshowed that the highest peroxidase (A and B) activity representing peroxidase from dry and wet conditions were obtained on the day 6th and 5th of the fermentation time figure peroxidase A activity peaked at pH 5 while that of peroxidase B peaked at pH 6.0; proteins with highest peroxidase activity was peak precipitated at 60% and 80% saturation of the salt for peroxidase A and B, respectively. The gel chromatogram showed single almost superimposed peaks of enzyme activity for peroxidase A and B respectively. Peroxidase A and B activity peaked at pH 4.5 and 5.0. Optimum temperature for the enzyme activity was at 50 and 60°C respectively. Km and V max of 3.45mM and 280 μmole/min; 2.44mM and 305μmole/min were extrapolated from the reciprocal curve of Lineweaver-burke at various concentrations of 2,6 DMP for peroxidase A. Fe, Ca, Co and Mn selected as their notable impact in the active site of peroxidase guided the selected were assayed in the presence of the enzymes, respectively. The stability curve obtained for the peroxidases was single biphasic which represents the first order; Peroxidase B maintained greater stability than A at its optimum pH and pH 7. The enzymes maintained greater than 50% of their activity after 30 min of incubation as activity progressively decreased up to 40% after 60 min of incubation. Thermal stability of peroxidase A and B at their respective optimum temperatures (50 and 60°C) and at 70°C showed a biphasic stability curve of peroxidase A but single phase in peroxidase B. Peroxidase B maintained greater stability than A at its optimum temperature and at 70°C. The enzymes maintained greater than 50% of their activity after 60 min of incubation. Stability curve of peroxidase A and B at 70°C showed a maximum activity of the enzymes after 30 min of incubation. However, Peroxidase B maintained greater stability than A after 60 min of incubation. Peroxidase B maintained 57.89% of its activity after 60 min while peroxidase A from fig 19 showed a residual activity of 41.2%
Nutritional Properties, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Seed and Peel Extracts of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) on Some Selected Clinical Organisms
No full textThe need for new antimicrobial agent is linked with the emergence of strains that are restraint to most antibiotics and plants are safer alternative source of antimicrobials. This study aimed at determining the nutritional properties, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of seed and peel Citrus paradisi. The test organisms were obtained from a tertiary hospital were analyzed using conventional microbiological methods. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. paradisi was obtained using the rotary evaporator. Antimicrobial activity was determined using agar well diffusion method. Proximate composition of seed and peel of C. paradisi were moisture, protein, ash, fibre, lipid and carbohydrates. Qualitative phytochemical constituents revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponin, tannin and flavonoids, and Quantitative phytochemical constituents revealed 19.41 mgGallic acid equivalent/g and 8.07 mgGallic acid equivalent/g of total phenols of ethanolic and aqueous peel extracts respectively. The ethanolic extract of seed had phenolic content of 3.73 mgGAE/g. The ethanolic peel and aqueous seed extracts showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity of 35.32% and 25.32% respectively. The ethanolic seed extract of C. paradisi exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the bacterial test isolates at different concentrations. At 500mg/ml and 250mg/ml, P. aeruginosa showed the mean zone of inhibition of 18mm respectively. The largest mean zones of inhibition for S. aureus and E.coli were seen at 500mg/ml and 250mg/ml with 20mm and 27mm respectively. The ethanolic peel extract of C. paradisi exhibited antimicrobial activity at 500mg/ml against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, with the largest zones of inhibition of 25mm and 20mm respectively. At 250mg/ml, E. coli, had the largest mean zone of inhibition of 25mm. No antimicrobial activity was observed for both ethanolic peel and seed extracts of C. paradisi against Aspergillus spp. The aqueous extract of the seed of Citrus paradisi at the different concentrations showed no antimicrobial activity against both the bacterial and fungal isolates. The aqueous extract of the peel had antimicrobial effect on P. aeruginosa at 125mg/ml with mean zone of inhibition of 15mm. At 500mg/ml S. aureus and E. coli exhibited zones of inhibtion of 15mm and 20mm respectively. No zone of inhibition was observed with Aspergillus spp. This investigation indicates the peel of C. paradisi has medicinal activity and holds the potential as therapeutic agent for treating microbial infections
Screening of Neuropharmacological Activities of Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson Leaves
No full textPurpose: Although the global prevalence of psychological disorders is increasing continually, the efficacies of therapeutic strategies are still very limited. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and substances possessing antioxidant activity can alleviate the mentioned conditions. Therefore, we hypothesized that Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson leaves, a medicinal plant claimed for nerve tonic, also possess neuropharmacological activities which provide an advantage for psychiatric disorders.
Methods: The present study was carried out to perform neuropharmacological screening methods on sedatives and hypnotics (Phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleep latency and sleep time and Motor coordination activity), anxiolytics (elevated plus maze and open field test), anti-depressants (forced swim test and L-dopa induced hyperactive aggressive behaviour in mice) and anticonvulsants activities (PTZ and MES induced convulsions) in Swiss Albino mice and Sprague Dawley rats.
Results: The methanolic extract of a higher dose of Phenobarbitone sodium in Naringi crenulata induced sleep latency and sleep time significant results. The extracts of Naringi crenulata showed a significant dose-dependent increase in muscle relaxation in motor coordination activity. In the experiment of PTZ-induced convulsions, the latency of seizures was prolonged by the extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Even in MES-induced convulsion, the results were extremely significant for the 400mg/kg of MENC. The depressant effect was observed to be significant to the extracts of the herb in the Open Field test and also for the Elevated Plus Maze apparatus. In the Forced Swim Test, MENC (400 mg/kg) significantly lengthened the time spent immobile (p <0.01), indicating a CNS depressive impact. Lastly in L-dopa-induced hyperactive aggressive behaviour in mice, results suggest that NC has antidepressant efficacy due to its influence on the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems.
Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson leaves showed significant neuroprotective activity. So, the extracts of Naringi crenulata can be used for the treatment of a wide variety of neurological ailments in humans
Response of Soil Replenishment on Coppicing Ability and Economic Values of Moringa oleifera Lam Seedlings
No full textThe study aimed at the response of soil replenishment on the coppicing ability of Moringa oleifera plant and economic values of Moringa oleifera seedlings. This study was carried out in the forest nursery of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State. Purposive random sampling technique was used and one hundred and forty (140) structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents and retrieved. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in seven treatments with five replicates and total of thirty-five samples were laid. The data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistics (percentage and frequency) and inferential statistics (Analysis of Variance). Moringa oleifera performed well under all the treatments but it performed exceptionally under the control (T7) with shoot height (17.46±0.70 cm), stem diameter (1.46±0.05 cm), number of leave (120.9±13.35) and number of branches (12.55±0.92). Furthermore, the results showed that food and medicinal use had highest percentage of 32.86% and 20.71% respectively; percentage responses to ailments of leave and stem diameter were 40% and 25% respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that the findings of this research be disseminated to growers as it could improve the vegetative growth of their Moringa crops, medicinal uses, and sustainability
Production and Characterization of Biodegradable Zn-Mn-Mg Alloy
No full textIn this study, biodegradable Zn-Mn-Mg alloy specimens were fabricated for temporary implant applications. Zn alloy specimens were produced by powder metallurgy methods. Chemical and mechanical properties of the specimens were studied. Zn is an alternative to the magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) as a biodegradable metal. Zn can have suitable biodegradation rate than the Mg or iron (Fe). Recent studies confirm that the Zn is nontoxic and can provide proper osseointegration. In general, Zn alloys have low melting temperature, machinability, and low oxygen reactivity. Electrochemical corrosion performance of the Zn-Mn-Mg alloys was tested in simulated body fluid. Biodegradation rate of the Zn-Mn-Mg alloys was investigated by using weight loss and metal ion release study. Zn ion release amounts were lower than the upper limit for the humans. Effect of the Mn and Mg contents on the Zn alloy was studied. Electrochemical corrosion tests of the Zn-Mn-Mg alloys showed that the corrosion rate increased from 0.30 to 0.66 mm/year by increasing Mg content of the alloy from 1.0 to 10.0 %. Zn ion release amounts were about 177-211 ppm which were much lower than the upper toxic limit for the humans of about 40 mg/day
Seroprevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus IgG among Pregnant Females Visiting Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Taiz City, Yemen
No full textThe human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common herpesvirus that affects nearly everyone. HCMV is a large an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the betaerpesvirinae subfamily. HCMV can be transmitted horizontally through the secretion of body or body fluids from person to person, or vertically from mother to child during primary infection. In this study, two hundred samples were collected from pregnant females that were visited three of obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Taiz city. Their ages ranged between (16-45) years. Samples were examined by using anti HCMV IgG ELISA kit. Anti-HCMV IgG positivity was found in 196 of the 200 (98%) of pregnant females tested, while only four of pregnant females were negative for anti-HCMV IgG antibodies. The highest rate of anti-HCMV IgG seropositivity was found among 31-35 and 41-45 age groups. 100% of third trimester pregnant females were seropositive to anti-HCMV IgG, while abortion was reported in 98.18% of seropositive pregnant females. Highest seroprevalence was among unemployed and non-educated females. Both females at urban and rural area are at risk of HCMV infection. The current study found a very high seroprevalence of anti-HCMV IgG antibody among Yemeni pregnant women in Taiz city. The good sanitation, proper diagnosis, education, and the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies may all aid in the control of HCMV-related congenital infection
Characterization of Isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin Collected from Three States of Southwest Nigeria
No full textBeauveria bassiaana is a soil borne fungus with variations in molecular composition across varying locations. Ten isolates of B. bassiaana isolated from soil samples collected from forest sites in three States of Southwest Nigeria were characterized using morphological and molecular tools. The morphological characteristics considered were radial growth, colour of colonies, texture, shape of the spores and filaments and the relationship of the spores to the filaments.Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 0.05% level of significance. DNA was extracted from the isolates and results from the OTU clustering were sequenced using ITS1 and IT4 primers. Results showed slight variation in colour of the colonies, varying from whitish cream to white, having smooth, powdery textures with colonies becoming more identical as plates extended with no significant differences in texture and elevation of the colonies. The radial growth of the isolates was fast, with complete plate cover of the 9 cm Petri dish plates within 7 days for all the isolates. Images of the conidia as viewed under the microscope at x10 and x100 magnifications were observed to possess conidiophores that have whorl and dense clusters of symphodial, short and globose conidiogenous cells with apical zigzag appearance and one celled spherical conidia that prevents any variation in colonies. Isolate sequences showed a 100% homology to B. bassiana having molecular character variations with isolates 6, 4, 9, 3, 2 having percentage similarity of 99.86 with B. bassiana with accession no BbN06B02, isolate 5 had a percentage similarity of 90.62 with B. bassianawith accession number MW633220.198-48 and isolates 7 and 8 had a percentage similarity of 99.18 with B. bassiana with accession number AY805547.1:180-346 as represented in the dendrogramic tree. These observed variations could be utilized in biological insect pest management