Vol 5 Issue 2 April 2017-June 2017

Abstract: There is little or no information on the use of legal additives in the production of cassava bread, a baked product made with cassava flour and most often in combination with wheat flour. In this study, calcium propionate (anti moulding agent) and ascorbic acid (a food antioxidant) were assessed as food additives in cassava bread samples made with cassava flour from two cassava varieties (TME419 and TMS30572) with 60%, 80% and 90% wheat flour inclusion. The molds associated with the spoilage of bread were studied. Results showed that 0.6% calcium propionate inclusion in the bread samples could make the bread to have safe level of molds even at four days post processing storage at ambient temperature (26-29ºC). The studies on colony count in breads at different storage intervals showed that treatment containing 0.6% calcium propionate 0.3% ascorbic acid proved to be most effective against control of count. Most molds isolated belonged to the genera Rhizopus, Aspergillus, and Pencillium. After analyzing the samples, Rhizopus was found to be the most occurring fungi in bread.

The fresh bread samples with the additives were also generally acceptable by the consumers (sensory panelists) in an organoleptic evaluation with the ratings of the samples having 80-90% wheat flour inclusion not being significantly different (P=0.05) with that of 100% wheaten bread.

Keywords: Cassava flour, cassava bread, food additives, calcium propionate, ascorbic acid, mould.

Title: A Study on Possible Use of Calcium Propionate and Ascorbic Acid in the Production of Cassava Bread

Author: J .U Amajor, U. Chijioke, U. J. Ukpabi, S.C. Osodeke, C. Aniedu, E. Oti

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: There are increasing interests in utilizing natural coagulants in water purification due to the drawbacks associated with the use of chemical coagulant. This study evaluated three different natural seed materials (Moringa oleifera, Papaya, and Pumpkin) and alum for their coagulation efficacy in turbid water. A series of jar test was performed to determine optimal dose of individual coagulant and effect of settling time on the turbidity reduction. Two natural coagulants (moringa and papaya seeds) performed very well showing turbidity reduction up to 92-94 % compared to alum (92 %) when coagulating a canal water that has initial turbidity at 390 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The performance of pumpkin seed was relatively poor (< 79 % turbidity reduction). The optimal dose of all seed materials was found to be at 1 g L-1 while alum has the optimal dose at 40 mg L-1. Our results suggested that moringa and papaya seeds could be effective natural coagulant for surface water and they would require further filtration step to separate seed material residues as well as nutrients and bacteria associated with them.

Keywords: Alum, coagulant, jar test, seed material, settling, turbidity.

Title: Evaluating Moringa Oleifera, Papaya, and Pumpkin Seed as a Natural Coagulant

Author: Jihoon Kang, José Treviño

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Plasma prostaglandins (PG) level was measured in 45 patients suffering from eight (8) different types of cancer (leukemia, ovarian, prostate, breast, colon, cervical, uterine, ovarian) attending Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti and Federal Medical Center Ido Ekiti, Nigeria. Forty five (45) healthy subjects served as the control subjects. The Plasma prostaglandins level was estimated by ELISA method as described by Vanweemen and Schuurs (1971). Elevated levels of PGE2 (ng/ml) was recorded in most of the cancer patients with highest level in breast cancer patients when compared with the control subjects and among the various cancer types. Plasma PGE1 (ng/ml) level was found to reduce significantly (p<0.05) in most of the cancer patients with leukemia having the lowest value. However, results obtained from this study may provide clues for future studies of other fractions of prostaglandins in the search for reliable prognostic indicators for cancer.

Keywords: Prostaglandins, cancer, plasma, beast, leukemia.

Title: PROSTAGLANDINS LEVEL IN PLASMA OF CANCER PATIENTS

Author: O.C Ojo

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: This study focused on evaluating the allelophatic attributes of Siam (Chromolaena odorata) and Mimosa (Mimosa pudica) herbs as possible bio herbicides for weed control in cowpea production. It was a deliberate effort aimed at deploying local on-farm natural resources into the crop production system of resource – poor Nigerian farmers instead of relying on the rather expensive agrochemical-based pest management. It was a potted experiment under screen house condition; where soil samples were bulked, thoroughly mixed, shade-dried and sieved through a 2-mm screen after which a composite sample was taken from the bulk soil for determination of some physico-chemical characteristics. There was separate layout for each of the weed herbs evaluated along with the Force-Uron herbicide formulation and a control (no application of herbicides and the weed herbs) to obtain seven (7) treatments. Cowpea seeds (Ife Brown variety) obtained from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor plantation, Ibadan were sown into pre-moistened potted soil. Data were collected on weed pressure (Number and dry weed weight and cowpea growth parameter; height cm/plant, number leaf plant, weight of fresh and dry root and shoot. For the dry matter weight determination, samples of root and shoot were oven dried at 800C till constant weights are obtained.  Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) employing the method outlined by Steel and Torrie (1980). Treatment means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance. At 2WAP the most highly recommended treatment is 30kgMm/ha because at this rate there was the lowest number of weeds. At 4WAP the most highly recommended treatment is also 30kgMm/ha because at this rate of application the weeds were most effectively controlled. At 6WAP, 40kgMm/ha is recommended because of its weed control efficacy. At 8WAP treatment 40kgMm/ha is recommended because of its weed control efficacy at this period. For mimosa leaf meal at 2WAP the most highly recommended treatment is 50kgSm/ha because at this rate there was the lowest number of weeds. At 4WAP the most highly recommended treatment is 30kgSm/ha. At 6WAP however the most highly recommended treatment is 50kgSm/ha because at this rate the lowest number of weeds was recorded. Also at 8WAP the most highly recommended treatment is 50kgSm/ha.

Keywords: Weed Control, Efficacy, Controlled Environment, Bio-herbicides, Properties.

Title: Biological and Chemical Options for Weed Control in Vigna Unguiculata (C.V. Ife Brown) Cultivated Under Controlled Environment

Author: Akinboye, O. E., Daramola, D. S., Oyekale, K. O., Nwangburuka, C. C., Adeyeye J. A.

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Minocycline is a semisynthetic second-generation tetracycline, an antibiotic that capable to penetrating the blood brain barrier and believed to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. This study want to investigates the effects of minocycline on the nociceptive response and Fos protein expression in the spinal dorsal horn of the REM sleep deprived rat after a formalin injection. REM sleep deprivation was elicited using the modified inverted flowerpot method. Minocycline (30 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally once a day during the 72 hours of REM sleep deprivation and 30 minutes before formalin test. Fifty microliter of formalin (2.5%) was subcutaneously injected into the plantar surface of the left hind paw of the rat. The nociceptive responses were recorded for one hour. Two hours after the formalin injection, the rats were sacrificed and expression of the Fos positive cell was examined. The nociceptive responses were found not statistically significant in all phases between all groups. However, enhancement in the number of the Fos positive cell was significantly higher in the REMsd group compared to other groups but reduced after minocycline treatment. Pre-emptive administration of minocycline reduces Fos protein expression in REM sleep deprived rat’s spinal cord but not the nociceptive response after inflammatory pain.

Keywords: Fos protein expression, Formalin test, Minocycline, Nociceptive response, REM sleep deprivation, spinal cord dorsal horn.

Title: Systemic Administration of Minocycline Reduces Fos Protein Expression in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Deprived Rat’s Spinal Cord But Not Nociceptive Response After Formalin-Induced Inflammatory Pain

Author: Idris Long, Noorul Hamizah Mat, Syarina Nurrulfatin Ab Rahman

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Alchornea laxiflora belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and it is mainly cultivated for its ethno-medicinal uses.  It is used for the treatment of malaria, inflammation and infectious diseases in Nigeria. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of the methanol extract of the leaf (ML), extracted with 95% methanol using soxhlet extractor at 65oC, on antioxidant enzymes, triacylglycererol (TAG) and cholesterol levels in male Wistar rats. The animals (30) weighing between 120g-150g were divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water, p.o. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 received 0.5, 1.0, 10.0 and 50.0mg/kg body weight dose of the ML respectively (p.o) for fourteen consecutive days. Results showed that the rats fed with the higher concentrations of ML had significant increase (p<0.05) in glutathione content (GSH), SOD and catalase activities relative to control. Also, there were no significance changes in the TAG and the cholesterol level in all the concentrations of ML extracts examined. These results suggest that Alchornea laxiflora ML extracts possess varied degree of potent antioxidant activity and may serve as important sources of antioxidants in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Alchornea laxiflora, antioxidant, cholesterol, triacylglycerol.

Title: Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Alchornea laxiflora on Antioxidant Enzymes, Triacylglycerol and Cholesterol Levels in Male Wistar Rats

Author: Esosa Uhunmwangho, Osebhahiemen Ojemekele, Aanuoluwa Salemcity

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: The present study was carried out to observe the fish biodiversity in Chandagari beel under Mithapukur upazilla, Rangpur, Bangladesh. It was continued during the period from May to August 2016. A definite structured questionnaire had used to collect the important data from sixty randomly selected temporary fishermen from the study areas. The present study had indicated the presence of 47 species of fish from the Chandagari beel. Among the recorded 47 species; fifteen species were abundant (31.91%), sixteen species common (34.04%), ten species less common (21.28%) and six species were rare (12.77%) respectively. Catfishes (19.15%) were the most dominant group followed by Carps (17.02%), Barbs (1064%), Perches (12.77%), Snakeheads (8.51%), Eels (6.38%), Minnows (2.13%), Clupeids (4.26%) and Miscellaneous (19.15%) respectively. In the study area species are classified into four types such as endanger (12.77%), vulnerable (6.38%), near threat (6.38%) and least concern (74.47%). This study will be very helpful to indicate areas of high fish biodiversity and to make fish sanctuary to reduce the loss of fish biodiversity in the Chandagari beel.

Keywords: Fish Biodiversity, Chandagari beel, Reduction of biodiversity loss.

Title: FISH BIODIVERSITY IN CHANDAGARI BEEL UNDER MITHAPUKUR UPAZILLA, RANGPUR, BANGLADESH

Author: Halim, M.A, Salam, M.A, Nabi, M.M, Nahar, S., Mohammad, M.N

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: A total of 400 various clinical samples which included HVS, urine, stool and oral swabs were collected from patients in the four geographical locations of Ondo State, Akure, Ondo, Ikare and Okitipupa. Candida species were isolate from 63 out of the 400 samples after culturing. Of these total numbers of positive isolates, C. albicans, C. Krusei, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis accounted for 73.2%, 12.3%, and 4.6% respectively. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship (P<0.5) between the candida infection and the debilitated state of individuals. There was no significant relationship (P>0.5) between the gender and the age. The incidence of the Candida albicans are often present in the absence of vaginitis, therefore isolation in healthy individuals does not necessarily imply infection.

Keywords: Clinical isolates, Candida species, Geographical location, Ondo State.

Title: The Distribution of Candida Species from Clinical Specimens in Different Areas of Ondo State

Author: Akinseye Janet Funmilayo, Ayuba Sunday Buru, I. B. Njubigbo

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of acute high-temperature stress on physiological and biochemical responses of Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis). For this purpose, we select similar size of fish with a mean weight of 250 ± 66 g and randomly were assigned into 6 tanks (300 liter/tank) with three replicates at a stocking density of 9 fish per tank, fed with a commercial diet. Fish were reared at 28 °C for 10-weeks, then first sample was collected after 24 hr thereafter a subsample of 36 fish from the two groups were exposed gradually every 3h to 38 °C for 24 hr and samples of blood collected at each step. The results showed that the effect of acute high-temperatures lead to stress the fish thereby affected the physiological and biochemical responses. Increased temperature leads to decrease the levels of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride while alanine aminotransferase, alkalin phosphatase and glucose activities were increased significantly (P<0.05) under acute high-temperature stress. The overall results of the present studies indicate that Bighead carp are highly susceptible to changes in environmental temperature and rapid intervention is required in response to temperature disruptions during aquaculture. This study expected to help aquaculturists monitor tolerable temperature and time range of exposure to stress. Aquaculturists will have to be on guard regulating toxic elements in fish culture emanating from feed additives, pollutants and hormones.

Keywords: Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), biochemical parameters, stress response, temperature.

Title: Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Bighead Carp (Aristichthys Nobilis) Due To the Effects of Acute High-Temperature Stress

Author: Emmanuel Rufino Aboka, Zhu Jian, Sun Shengming, Zhang Wuxiao, Yu Han, Su Yan Li, Yu Jiahui, Zhu Jiabin

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide additional knowledge to the community about how to manufacture taro flour and introduce the benefits of taro flour as a processed food ingredient. Materials and tools used are taro, salt, knife, pan, water, cutting machine (slicer) and grinding machine (disk mill). The method used is literature study to enrich information in writing and discussion. The results obtained in this literature study activity that soaking tuber taro with salt about 10% after peeling can reduce the itching on taro and flour taro can be used as processed food ingredients such as cake cake so that it can increase people's income.

Keywords: processing, flour, taro, cake, community.

Title: Processing Taro Tubers (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott) Become Flour as Efforts to Increase Community Revenues in Mentawai Region

Author: I Ketut Budaraga

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Vegetable oil spills are becoming frequent and are potentially more challenging than petroleum hydrocarbon spills. Yeast lipases occupy a place of prominence among biocatalysts and have potential for rent remediation of vegetable oil spills. There is a need for extensive characterization of lipase for the treatment of vegetable oil-polluted sites. This work was carried out to preliminarily characterise the lipase of Cadida parapsilosis.

Candida parapsilosis was screened for lipase production using standard methods. Temperature, pH, ion concentration (NaNO3 and MgSO4), enzyme concentration, nitrogen concentration, substrate concentration, time course and agitation speed were optimised for the lipase activity as well as growth.

Crude enzyme of Candida parapsilosis had the highest lipase activity and growth of 0.4 U/mL and 1.477 mg/mL respectively but when production was optimised higher activity 0.5 U/mL was seen in the use of glucose as substrate, use of ions like (NH4)2SO4 and Nacl and at agitation speed of 120rpm. Different enzyme and substrate concentration which had optimum enzyme activities for Candida parapsilosis (0.5 U/mL), were 0.5 mL and 1.0 % respectively. Ion concentration (NaNO3 and MgSO4) had optimum growth (1.761mg/mL) at 0.05 %.

The enzyme has good potential for the hydrolysis of vegetable oils, which is an important factor in environmental cleanup of vegetable oil spill site.

Keywords: Lipase production, vegetable oil spill, characterisation.

Title: Characterisation of a Yeast Lipase (Candida parapsilosis) from Vegetable Oil Polluted Soil

Author: Popoola, B.M, Onilude, A.A

International Journal of Life Sciences Research     

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: The latest Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa caused over ten thousand deaths. Due to its high fatality rate, patients have only about ten to fifty percent survival rate. According to World Health Organization (WHO), there is no approved drug for Ebola virus disease yet. Thus the need to find the curing drug for Ebola virus disease still persists. Natural products are invaluable in term of drug development. Thus in this study, natural products from ZINC database were used for virtual screening against Ebola virus glycoprotein responsible for the virus infectivity. Result analysis shows that a natural product could potentially inhibit Ebola virus glycoprotein inhibitor.

Keywords: Ebola virus, natural products, glycoprotein.

Title: Virtual Screening for Natural Products with Potential Inhibitory Effect on Ebola Virus Glycoprotein

Author: Rungsang Nakrumpai

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Identification of suitable land for Maize crop in Okara District by using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques was the primary goal of this study. Maize crop grow in all provinces of Pakistan especially in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwah (KPK). This crop gets importance as a commercial/industrial crop because a large number of products such as; starch, protein, oil, fiber, and sugar are produced from its grains. Beside its tremendous demand/requirement in Pakistan, this crop has to face a lot of threats to grow which include; soil erosion, land degradation, water shortage, environmental / meteorological problems, and soil fertility. Moreover, due to rapid increase in urbanization, availability of fertile land is decreasing and a land for certain crops must be determined in order to achieve higher productivity. This research focused to find suitable sites for Maize crop in Okara district of Punjab province – covered an area of 4,378 km2. The main goals of this research to establish a spatial model for land evaluation by applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and then merged it with GIS techniques. The parameters used for land suitability analysis were soil pH, EC, soil texture, organic matter and ground water quality. On the basis of these parameters suitability maps were generated. Land suitability analyses performed by using the AHP method through assigning different weights to all parameters. Different Hierarchies placed under test through hit and trial method but preferred the hierarchy which précised and near to the real environment referred by SSOP. In this model all required parameters work together and according to their suitability ratios, highly, moderately, marginally and not suitable areas were identified for this specific crop. From this study highly suitable area was accurately identified through AHP model under certain limitations. A strong correlation was found between the ground sampled results by SSOP and suitable site which was identified through GIS. The result of this study shows that approximately 74% area of the Okara District was identified through AHP, is highly correlated with Punjab Soil Survey Report (2005). This study evaluates that it is an easy approach to get suitable land which improve Maize crop production by using AHP method. It is highly useful for decision makers including farmers, resolve land degradation problems and full fill the requirements of food for population which increase drastically.

Keywords: Land Suitability Assessment, Agriculture, Soil, GIS.

Title: LAND SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR MAIZE CROP IN OKARA DISTRICT USING GIS TECHNIQUES

Author: Amira Baber Sheikh, Shahid Parvez, Muhammad Ikram, Humaira Baber

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: PRC is a part of the male reproductive system that helps make and store seminal fluid. In adult men, a typical prostate is about 3 centimetres long and weighs about 20 grams. It is located in the pelvis, below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. Most of the nRTKs are localised in the cytoplasm. TNK1/Kos1 is a 72-KDa NRPTK located on the human chromosome 17p13.1. TNK1/Kos1 is a member of the Ack family. The main function of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase (nRTKs) is to participate signal transduction in activated T-cells and B-cells in the immune system. To investigate the role of TNK1 in PC-3 cells, TNK1 deficient cells were used in the study. The results showed that TNK1 deficiency, migration and invasion were enhanced in the absence of functional TNK1. Immunoblotting results revealed decreased Akt phosphorylation level and increased Erk phosphorylation level. These results suggest that TNK1 might contribute to the maligancy of tumor cells, therefore, TNK1 might be a potential prognosis factor for metastatic prostate cancer.

Keywords: PRC / TNK1 / Migration / Invasion / PC-3 cells.

Title: TNK1 Deficiency Promoted Cell Migration, Invasion Assay and Effects on MAPK and PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathways

Author: ALAULDDIN HAZIM MOHAMMED

International Journal of Life Sciences Research    

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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Abstract: Beta-carotene is a terpenoid pigment that is highly valuable due to its nutritional benefit as a precursor of vitamin A and its antioxidant properties. Carotenoids forms one of the most important classes of plant pigments and play a crucial role in defining the quality parameters of fruit and vegetables. Fatty acids, the main components of edible oil, are usually converted to fatty acid methyl esters. β-carotene and fatty acids were extracted and identified from Sesamum indicum. UV-visible spectra analysis by observing the Plasmon peak. Paper chromatography and thin layer chromatography was carried out to confirm the presence of bioactive compounds. HPLC, Saponification test and iodine test was performed to identify the presence of fatty acid and the degree of unsaturation respectively. The present study concludes that the presence of beta carotene and fatty acids in the Sesamum indicum.

Keywords: β-carotene, fatty acid, Sesamum indicum, Saponification, Iodine test, HPLC.

Title: Extraction and Identification of β-carotene and Fatty Acid from Sesamum indicum

Author: S.Seethalakshmi, V.Sivapriya

International Journal of Life Sciences Research

ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)

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