-
Animal Model of Neurodegeneration and Stress Cause by Aluminum Toxicity
Ljiljana Martać,
Jelena Podgorac,
Slobodan Sekulić,
Ivan Čapo
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
28-31
Received:
15 November 2013
Published:
20 February 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Electrocortical group neuron activity describe changes in neurotransmision cause by different factors. Such changes could by qualitative described by spectral analysis of electrocortical activity as a variation of relative spectral power in different frequency ranges. We used fractal dimension to compare treated animals with control to quantitativily describe degree of pathophysiological state. The aim of this study was to qualitativily and quantitatively evaluate effect of the stress and the neurodegeneration in animal model of chronic intoxication by aluminum. This animal model is comparible with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson disease. By spectral and fractal analysis we described changes in electrocortical activity of aluminum intoxication compare to physiological control. We used adult animals, during 6 weeks intraperitonealy treated with aluminum. Stress was cause by experimental treatmant and immobilization. Neurodegeneration was observed histologicaly. Results shows that decrease in delta range of spectral power and fractal dimension might be used for evaluation of pathophysiological state of stress and neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Electrocortical group neuron activity describe changes in neurotransmision cause by different factors. Such changes could by qualitative described by spectral analysis of electrocortical activity as a variation of relative spectral power in different frequency ranges. We used fractal dimension to compare treated animals with control to quantitativi...
Show More
-
Survey of Lysogenic Phages in the 72 Strains of Escherichia coli Collection of Reference (ECOR) and Identification of a Phage Derived from the ECOR52 Strain
Yuka Shibata,
Chisato Ugumori,
Anna Takahashi,
Ayuka Sekoguchi,
Sumio Maeda
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
32-37
Received:
29 January 2014
Published:
28 February 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Escherichia coli collection of reference (ECOR) is a standard collection of 72 wild-type E. coli strains that represent natural E. coli populations found in various environments. Although these strains are widely used in experiments investigating the physiology and behavior of wild-type E. coli, their genetic features including accessory DNA have not been sufficiently studied. In this study, we surveyed for the presence of lysogenic phages in each ECOR strain under both inducing and non-inducing conditions. We found that 34 strains could produce plaque-forming phages; among them, 14 strains were newly discovered to harbor lysogenic phages capable of entering the lytic cycle. We isolated a new phage (designated as “MSU52-L1”) from the ECOR52 strain and identified it as a P22/lambda-like phage with homology to known phages, such as CUS-3, HK620, and HK140.
Abstract: Escherichia coli collection of reference (ECOR) is a standard collection of 72 wild-type E. coli strains that represent natural E. coli populations found in various environments. Although these strains are widely used in experiments investigating the physiology and behavior of wild-type E. coli, their genetic features including accessory DNA have n...
Show More
-
The Effects of Physiochemical Parameters on Planktonic Species Population of Keenjhar Lake, District Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan
Khalid H. Lashari,
S. Habib Naqvi,
Zameer A. Palh,
Zulfiqar A. Laghari,
Abdul Aziz Mastoi,
Gulshan Ara Sahato,
G. M. Mastoi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
38-44
Received:
19 November 2013
Published:
10 March 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The significance of Keenjhar Lake is due to irrigation, wild life sanctuary and supply of drinking water to the local population at vicinity. The objective of present studies was organized to explore the primary productivity and physicochemical properties of Keenjhar Lake. In present study 210 planktonic species were identified they belongs to 11 classes and 85 genera. Out of them 173 species were phytoplanktonic, 83 Cyanophyceae, 57 Chlorophyceae, 24 Bacillariophyceae, 5 Euglenophyceae, 2 species of Dinophyceae and 1 specie belonged to each Xanthophyceae and Chrysophyceae respectively. Whilst, a part of them 37 species were belonged to zooplankton comprising 15 species each of Cladocera and Rotifera, 4 species of Ostracoda and 3 species of Copepoda. The physicochemical properties such as (temperature, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and pH) were recorded from keenjhar lake district, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan, range between 33.1-18.5°C, 223-170 mg L-1, 9.6-6.9 mg L-1, 512-350 µS cm-1, 410-270 mg L-1, and 8.9-7.6 respectively on monthly basis. The physicochemical properties of Keenjhar Lake were suitable for growth of aquatic biota.
Abstract: The significance of Keenjhar Lake is due to irrigation, wild life sanctuary and supply of drinking water to the local population at vicinity. The objective of present studies was organized to explore the primary productivity and physicochemical properties of Keenjhar Lake. In present study 210 planktonic species were identified they belongs to 11 c...
Show More
-
Effect of Citrus Aurantifolia Juice on the Shelf-Life of Zobo Drink Produced Locally in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Stanley Chukwudozie Onuoha,
Kayode Fatokun
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
45-48
Received:
2 January 2014
Published:
20 March 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The bacterial quality of Zobo drinks produced locally and the effect of Citrus aurantifolia juice (lime juice) on the bacteria associated with the drinks were investigated. Zobo drinks were obtained from local market and analyzed bacteriologically according to standard methods. The total viable count was 2.77 x 104 cfuml-1 and the total coliforms was 2.55 x 104 cfuml-1. Bacteria isolated from zobo drink samples included Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp. The isolates in decreasing order of occurrence were Staphylococcus aureus (22%), Escherichia coli (19%), Enterobacter spp. (18%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (16%), Klebsiella spp. (13%) and Bacillus spp (11%). The total coliforms and total viable counts generally decreased in values following treatment of zobo drink samples with different concentration of lime juice. The total coliforms count for 0.5 concentration was 2.0 x 102 cfuml-1 while, 2.0 concentrations had zero cfuml-1. The total viable count decreased rapidly from 6.0 x 102 to 0.1 x102 as the juice concentration increased from 0 to 2.0 respectively. The study revealed that lime juice can be used to prolong the shelf-life of Zobo drinks.
Abstract: The bacterial quality of Zobo drinks produced locally and the effect of Citrus aurantifolia juice (lime juice) on the bacteria associated with the drinks were investigated. Zobo drinks were obtained from local market and analyzed bacteriologically according to standard methods. The total viable count was 2.77 x 104 cfuml-1 and the total coliforms w...
Show More
-
Direct Determination of ABO Blood Group Genotypes from Whole Blood Using PCR-Amplification of Specific Alleles Method
Kensaku Aki,
Kazuyoshi Kawazoe,
Azusa Izumi,
Tomoki Tada,
Kazuo Minakuchi,
Eiji Hosoi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
49-55
Received:
14 February 2014
Published:
30 March 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: ABO antigens are known to be oligosaccharide antigens, and are widely expressed on the membranes of red blood cells and tissue cells. Therefore, the determining ABO blood group antigens is important in both transfusion and organ transplantation, and is one of the markers used for personal identification in forensics. The ABO blood group is currently determined by the presence of A and B antigens on red blood cells using serological tests in clinical laboratories. The gene sequences of the ABO blood group in chromosome 9q34.1-q34.2 have also been determined. Accordingly, it has become possible to genetically analyze the ABO blood group using molecular biological techniques. We recently developed an ABO genotyping method based on PCR amplification of specific alleles (PASA) using DNA extracted from blood and saliva. However, the extraction and purification of DNA is necessary prior to PCR because blood and saliva contain various substances that inhibit PCR. Furthermore, the PCR amplification of specific alleles (PASA) method requires specificity and stability for allele-specific amplification. Therefore, it is very difficult to use whole blood directly. Here, we described the development and use of ABO genotyping from whole blood using a commercially available reagent kit, which can effectively neutralize inhibitory substances present in the blood. In this study, for all genes of the six major ABO genotypes and cisA2B3 genotype of the AB variant, only specific bands were clearly amplified, whereas non-specific bands were not amplified at all. In addition, this method was able to determine ABO genotyping using 5-fold diluted fresh whole blood, or 5-fold diluted whole blood that was freeze-stored in 100 µL aliquots at -20 oC by subdivided for a maximum of 30 days. This analysis method to determine ABO blood group genotyping is simple and useful, and is expected to be used widely throughout research and clinical laboratories and forensic fields.
Abstract: ABO antigens are known to be oligosaccharide antigens, and are widely expressed on the membranes of red blood cells and tissue cells. Therefore, the determining ABO blood group antigens is important in both transfusion and organ transplantation, and is one of the markers used for personal identification in forensics. The ABO blood group is currentl...
Show More
-
Genotyping of Erythrocyte Binding Antigen 175 KD (eba-175) Alleles of Plasmodium Falciparum-Malaria Using Nested-PCR in South-East of Iran
Ebrahimzadeh Adel,
Jamshidi Ali
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
56-59
Received:
12 March 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The Erythrocyte Binding Antigen-175 (EBA-175) on Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum) merozoites mediates sialic acid dependent binding to glycophorin a on host erythrocytes and, therefore, plays a crucial role in cell invasion. Dimorphic allele segments have been found in its encoding gene with in FCR-3 strains (F-segment) and CAMP strains (C-segment). This study was designed to determine the distribution of EBA-175 alleles of P.falciparum in the South-East of Iran. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction method used with specific primers, which improves the two fragments of the EBA-175 gene. Ninety-four microscopically positive blood samples were collected from the infected P.falciparum malaria patients from four different districts. The 88 out of 94 confirmed P.falciparum samples were successfully scored for EBA-175. The allelic genotyping exhibited CAMP strains (714 bp) and FCR-3 strains (795 bp) in 31(32.97%) and 49(52.12%) cases, respectively and 8 cases (8.51%) showed mixed allelic CAMP/FCR-3 infections. The two fragments of dimorphic EBA-175 gene were observed and the FCR-3 allele was more prevalent in South-East of Iran. This distributional pattern should be considered in designing to control P. falciparum malaria in the region.
Abstract: The Erythrocyte Binding Antigen-175 (EBA-175) on Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum) merozoites mediates sialic acid dependent binding to glycophorin a on host erythrocytes and, therefore, plays a crucial role in cell invasion. Dimorphic allele segments have been found in its encoding gene with in FCR-3 strains (F-segment) and CAMP strains (C-segm...
Show More
-
Comparative of the Antihyperglycemic Activity of Sclerocarya Birrea, Khaya Senegalensis, Heliotropium Indicum and Ocimum Gratissimum to Rats Wistar
Monteomo Gnate François,
Tehoua L.,
Ouattara H.,
Yapi A.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
60-63
Received:
20 February 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.17
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The barks of thunk of Sclerocarya birrea (ANARCADIACEA) and Khaya senegalensis (ANARCADIACEA) associated with the leaves of Heliotropium indicum (BORRAGINACEA) and Ocimum gratissimum (CESALPINIACEA) usually constitutes a traditional remedy use in Côte d’Ivoire for the treatment of diabetes. This remedy is use according administration a small dose to 35mg/kg. For that reason, each healing plant above was studied to estimate their real effect on the glycaemia of hyperglycemic rats the rats were submitted at oral load of glucose (4g/kg) after received only dose of plant extract. The result showed that, rats whose administrated the aqueous extract of Scleroracaryo birrea, Khaya senegalensis and the aqueous extract of Khaya senegalensis had significant antihypergliycemic effects respectively 30% and 20% (p<0,05 ; n= 8) after 2 hours. These reductions of blood glucose reached 40% and 26% at the 4 hour. The aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum didn’t show a significant effect on the glucose blood of the rats, the decrease was 4,5% (p<0,05; n= 8). Concerning the aqueous extract of Heliotropium indicum, we noticed no antihyperglycemic effect on the blood of the rats tested. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins and tannins to Sclerocarya birrea. Khaya senegalensis contained alkaloids and coumarins and polyphenols to Heliotropium indicum. The aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum contained flavonoid and tannins. Conclusion: The antihyperglycemic effect of the traditional preparation could be due of antidiabetic activities of Sclerocarya birrea and Khaya senegalensis. However, the aqueous of Heliotroppium indicum and Ocimum gratissimum hadn’t antidiabetic effect so, its can be considered as additives in this traditional preparation. Others detailed investigations are in progress to isolate active ingredient and to determine their mechanism.
Abstract: The barks of thunk of Sclerocarya birrea (ANARCADIACEA) and Khaya senegalensis (ANARCADIACEA) associated with the leaves of Heliotropium indicum (BORRAGINACEA) and Ocimum gratissimum (CESALPINIACEA) usually constitutes a traditional remedy use in Côte d’Ivoire for the treatment of diabetes. This remedy is use according administration a small dose t...
Show More
-
Lipid-Modulating Effects of Aqueous Extract of Rubus Occidentalis in Hepatocarcinoma HepG2 Cells
Young-Sook Moon,
Ju-Hee Han,
Tae-Bum Lee,
Ji-Wung Kwon,
Cheol-Hee Choi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
64-69
Received:
22 January 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.18
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Little knowledge exists on the lipid-modulating effect of Rubus occidentalis (RO). The present study investigated the molecular mechanisms of lipid-modulating effects of aqueous extract of RO (ROW) in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. ROW decreased apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100)/apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) ratio. ROW increased the expression of LDL-receptor (LDL-R). ROW decreased the gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) as well as fatty acid synthase in a concentration-dependent manner. ROW not only down-regulated gene expression of SREBP-2 and HMG-CoA synthase mRNA expression, but also inhibited HMG-CoA reductase activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 240.6 μg/ml). These results indicate that ROW decreases the level of bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol levels by lowering the gene expression of transcription factors, SREBP-1c and SREBP-2, and by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of their downstream enzymes such as fatty acid synthase and HMG-CoA synthase and reductase.
Abstract: Little knowledge exists on the lipid-modulating effect of Rubus occidentalis (RO). The present study investigated the molecular mechanisms of lipid-modulating effects of aqueous extract of RO (ROW) in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. ROW decreased apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100)/apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) ratio. ROW increased the expression of LDL-recep...
Show More
-
Amino Acid Composition in the Muscles of Male and Female Commercially Important Crustaceans from Egyptian and Saudi Arabia Coasts
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
70-78
Received:
1 March 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.19
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Seafood products have attracted considerable attention as important sources of nutrients in the human diet. Apart from their delicacy, crustaceans species such as shrimps and crabs consist of protein and amino acids. The present study was conducted to evaluate flesh of both sexes of mantis shrimp, shrimp and crab species with the emphasis on protein and amino acids composition. The results showed that significant differences in protein and amino acid contents were found between sex of each species and among studied crustacean species. Furthermore, the highest protein percentage was recorded in edible muscles of males mantis shrimp (Erugosquilla. Massavensis) followed by crab species (Portunus pelagicus) and shrimp species (Peaneus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus monoceros and Peaneus indicus). Sixteen amino acids have been determined in edible portions of studied crustaceans, among these, nine essential amino acids were histidine, arginine, methionine, leucine isoleucine, lysine, threonine, valine and phenylalanine and seven non- essential amino acids were alanine, glycine, proline, tyrosine, serine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The quantities of amino acids vary considerably within and between species as well as between sexes. The edible muscles of studied crustaceans are enriched in amino acids that in turn open the door to carry out further studies on the mode of action, characterization of the active components and the antioxidant properties of marine crustaceans which may be used in the future as a specific health foods (functional supplements).
Abstract: Seafood products have attracted considerable attention as important sources of nutrients in the human diet. Apart from their delicacy, crustaceans species such as shrimps and crabs consist of protein and amino acids. The present study was conducted to evaluate flesh of both sexes of mantis shrimp, shrimp and crab species with the emphasis on protei...
Show More
-
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Growth Hormone cDNA Sequence from the Acipenser Persicus
E. Nasr,
H. G. Hovhannisyan,
M. Pourkazemi,
L. Azizzadeh
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, March 2014
Pages:
79-83
Received:
6 March 2014
Accepted:
11 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20140202.20
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of variation between Acipenseridea family and also, study amount of phylogenetic variation between Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) with other Acipenseridea regarding to the Growth Hormon (GH) gene. In this study, pre growth hormone gene of Persian sturgeon was identified for first time and applied to gene bank (JN604534.1, 2011). The total RNA was extracted from pituitary gland of Persian Sturgeon, cDNA was synthesized. The full-length cDNA sequence of Persian sturgeon contains a 645 nucleotide open reading frame, which encodes a peptide of 214 amino acids. The position of the signal peptide cleavage site was predicted to be at position 72. After cleaving of a signal peptide of 24 amino acid resi¬dues and a mature peptide of 190 aa formed. Multiple sequence alignments and Phylogenic tree were performed by using the MEGA5 program. By sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of amino acid residues indicated that GH widely conserved in other species were identified. The GH nucleic acid and amino acid residue sequences of Persian sturgeon had a highest similarity to these of other Acipenseridea as well as mammalian, followed by those of Anguiliformes
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of variation between Acipenseridea family and also, study amount of phylogenetic variation between Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) with other Acipenseridea regarding to the Growth Hormon (GH) gene. In this study, pre growth hormone gene of Persian sturgeon was identified for first time and a...
Show More
