bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TD 2681 - Heterogeneidade industrial regional: um comparativo entre as UFS da região Centro-Oeste e São Paulo
Authors: Pires Murilo José de Souza
Published: August 2021

As economias das Unidades da Federação (UFs) da região Centro-Oeste, desde os anos
1990, estão passando por uma modificação em seu estilo de desenvolvimento, visto
que os fatores externos se tornaram mais pulsantes vis-à-vis aos fatores internos como
determinantes nas transformações das estruturas produtivas deste espaço regional. Mais conectadas aos mercados internacionais, estas economias locais aceleraram o processo de modernização de suas estruturas produtivas, porém, sem romper com sua condição de subdesenvolvimento. É neste contexto que tece toda a trama desta investigação, quer dizer, verificar se há alguma redução no hiato existente entre a produtividade média do trabalho dos setores industriais por fatores de competitividade nas UFs que formam a região Centro-Oeste vis-à-vis ao estado de São Paulo, no período de 1996 a 2016. Para tanto, adota-se o método histórico-estrutural como meio para testar e validar a evidência empírica que o diferencial de produtividade média do trabalho dos setores industriais por fatores de competitividade centro-oestinos vis-à-vis ao estado de São Paulo vem se reduzindo no interstício de 1996 a 2016. Neste sentido, os setores industriais por fatores de competividade da região Centro-Oeste que apresentaram maior convergência em termos de produtividade do trabalho (PT) industrial vis-à-vis ao estado de São Paulo foram os baseados em recursos naturais, diferenciado, intensivo em escala e intensivo em trabalho. Com exceção do Distrito Federal, nenhuma UF do Centro-Oeste apresentou uma redução na lacuna entre o diferencial de PT industrial vis-à-vis ao estado de São Paulo naquilo que se refere ao setor baseado em ciências. Deste modo, é importante sublinhar que o grau de heterogeneidade entre os setores industriais que constituem as UFs do Centro-Oeste e o estado de São Paulo apresentou, no interstício de 1996 a 2016, um declínio, visto que os seus valores se aproximaram mais da média de cada UF, sinalizando, por conseguinte, que a difusão do progresso técnico seguiu pelo caminho de uma maior homogeneização inter-regional. Porém, é importante acentuar que isto não significou que UFs analisadas tenham superado a dualidade existente entre as empresas que modernizaram e aquelas que ainda se mantiveram agarradas aos grilhões das técnicas arcaicas e tradicionais. Isto reforça a dependência tecnologia deste espaço regional em relação ao padrão tecnológico estabelecido nos países centrais, uma vez que as UFs da região Centro-Oeste possuem pouca capacidade de geração endógena de ciência, tecnologia e inovação (CT&I). Este fato reforça a necessidade de formulação de estratégias estaduais em CT&I para reduzirem a dependência destes estados vis-à-vis
às inovações tecnológicas que são produzidas nos países centrais.
Current and Prospective Competence of AgroÃ¢â‚¬Âwaste and Biomass Feedstock in North Eastern India with Special Emphasis to Alternative Energy Source
Authors: Bora A. , Purkayastha J. , Gogoi H.K. , Singh L.
Published: August 2021

North East India is rich in natural resources including various plantÃ¢â‚¬Âbased biomasses. The plant biomass includes forests, energy crops, crop and agroprocessing residues, animal manures and algal biomass. Organic debris can be recycled and reused and have many possible uses depending upon size, quality, species and volume of the material. Biomass as an alternative energy source has received much importance in terms of future energy security. Biomass based energy technologies may be a viable option considering the availability of rich bioresources in North East India. The production of biodiesel from the seeds of oil bearing plants and microalgae is also one form of biomass utilization. Several species of microalgae are present in the wetlands of this region which however
have hitherto remained untapped. Many microalgal strains have been collected and research has been undertaken to screen the biodiesel potential of isolated and identified strains of microalgae native to this region. The abundant biomass of this region also offers suitable substrates for production of mushroom. Moreover, several varieties of edible mushrooms grow wild in this region, which are being domesticated and cultivated for largeÃ¢â‚¬Âscale production. Availability of large amount of crop and other plant residues offers ample scope for conversion of these biomasses into useful products such as vermicompost and other biofertilizers. The rationale behind this type of approach is to focus on judicious utilization of natural resources towards sustainable development of the country in general and the North East India in particular. This review highlight the potential biomass resources of Northeast Indian region, the challenges and opportunities arising from increasing demands for biomass as well the current technologies available for exploring these biomass resources towards sustainable utilization.
Isolation and characterization of bacterial diversity from soils supplemented with electrical transformer fluids
Authors: C Nwinyi Obinna , Adetutu Alade , Imaobong R Leoâ€ Akpan , Bolaji.O Oladele
Published: August 2021

Repetitive enrichment of soils samples from an agricultural land and newly marked dumpsite on electrical transformer fluid yielded six bacterial species that have the capacity to utilize electrical transformer fluids (askarel) as carbon and energy source. Bacterial species namely: Micrococcus, Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas spp, Norcadia and Corynebacterium were identified using morphological and biochemical characteristics. The abilities of these bacterial species to utilize the electrical transformer fluids as carbon source in minimal salt medium (MSM); sub cultured in concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20μL of electrical transformer fluids were investigated for twentyÃ¢â‚¬Âone days period. Physiological changes in terms of biomass increase were monitored by measuring the pH and optical density of the culture medium. From the results obtained, there was observed a general decrease in the pH and  increase in Optical density (O.D). The mean pH and O.D. readings ranged between (4.34Ã¢â‚¬Â6.13 and 0.073Ã¢â‚¬Â0.386) respectively. The decreased pH could justify for the acidic metabolites produced in the course of utilization of askarel as growth substrates. This study suggested that, the tropical ecosystems can provide exotic bacterial species that are capable of degrading or mineralizing polychlorinated biphenyls and their derivatives from dumpsites and agricultural soils.
Antinutrient and micronutrient contents in leaves of Telfairia occidentalis Hook.f.: The effects of cooking and sun drying
Authors: O. Ogbadoyi Emmanuel O. , Musa Amanabo , Oladiran Johnson A. , Ezenwa Matthew I.S. , Akanya Funmilayo H.
Published: August 2021

Levels of some antinutrients, namely, cyanide, nitrate, and oxalate and some micronutrients including vitamin C, βÃ¢â‚¬Âcarotene (provitamin A) and some mineral elements (Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca Na and K) were determined in fresh and processed samples of Telfairia occidentalis Hook.f. as a step towards establishing processing techniques that would reduce or eliminate unacceptable levels of antinutrients and the associated health problems. The processing methods used were cooking (5 and 10 min boiling) and sun drying. There was significant (p< 0.05) reduction in the levels of these phytotoxins. The cyanide levels in the variously processed samples were: fresh sample (170.83mg/kg), 5 min decoction (36.98mg/kg), 10 min decoction (44.87mg/kg), leaves boiled for 5 min (49.88mg/kg), and leaves boiled for 10 minutes (34.68mg/kg), and sundried leaves (94.74mg/kg). Vitamin C content was significantly (p< 0.05) reduced, the levels being 192.28mg/100g, 1.51mg/100g, 2.16mg/100g, 53.70mg/100g, 35.60mg/100g and 13.15mg/100g in fresh sample, 5 min decoction, 10 min decoction, leaves boiled for 5 min, leaves boiled for 10 min, and sundried sample respectively. βÃ¢â‚¬Âcarotene content was elevated in the cooked vegetable, while its content decreased in sundried samples. However, cooking beyond 5 min led to significant (p < 0.05) reduction in βÃ¢â‚¬Â carotene levels in the vegetable. Sun drying had no significant effect on Fe, Cu, Mg, Na and K in the vegetable. Cooking however, led to decreases in the levels of these minerals. It is concluded that moderate cooking and sun drying reduced the levels of the studied antinutrients in T. occidentalis without adversely compromising the micronutrient contents.
Antibiotics in Aquaculture: An Overview
Authors: Vignesh R. , Karthikeyan B. S. , Periyasamy N. , Devanathan K.
Published: August 2021

The presence of antibiotic compounds in terrestrial and aquatic environment is of higher interest world wide due to the emergence as dangerous pollutants of the environment and to the human health. Fish and shrimp aquaculture is recognized as an important livelihood, which has good economic returns. Thus vast arrays of antibiotics are applied to the aquaculture in a belief that it will enhance the production and also in a hope that it will improve the socio economic profile in developing countries. But the bane of antibiotics to the marine and other aquatic ecosystems is not considered to a larger extent. The accessibility of the great number of antibiotics, already standard for human use, makes them a precious source for treatment of other, than infectious, diseases in humans and animals. This review paper highlights the usage of antibiotics and their impacts in aquaculture environment.
Immunomodulating effects of aqueous and methanol extracts of Jatropha curcas L. on haematological indices in Schistosoma haematobium Ã¢â‚¬â€œ infected mice
Authors: Labe Y , Inabo H I , Yakubu S E
Published: August 2021

The haematological indices of S. haematobium – infected Swiss Albino micewere monitored to evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of aqueous(AJc) and methanol (MJc) extracts of Jatropha curcas (L.) at preÃ¢â‚¬Âinfectionpost Ã¢â‚¬Âinfection and postÃ¢â‚¬Âtreatment. There was a nonÃ¢â‚¬Âsignificant decrease(p>0.05) in the weight of mice in all the groups. However, there was significantincrease ( p < 0.05) in the total white blood cell counts, neutrophils andlymphocytes for group I (AJc) and group II (MJc) in S. haematobium Ã¢â‚¬Â infectedmice. There was no relationship between the level of eosinophils in thetreated mice. No significant change in the haematological indices was observedin the group which was administered the standard drug Ã¢â‚¬Â Praziquantel(PZQ). The immunomodualting effects of aqueous and methanol extracts ofJatropha curcas  Schistosoma haematobiumÃ¢â‚¬Â  Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬Â infected mice.when compared to PZQ are promising in immunosuppressed
The Immunoglobulin profiling of Schistosoma mansoni infected patients from Central India
Authors: Singh Desh D , Dwivedi L K , Amdekar Sarika , Singh Vinod
Published: August 2021

Schistosoma mansoni  Ã¢â‚¬Âschistosomicimmune response in them. Also, an attempt was made to correlate the observedIg level with the brutality of infection. Consequently, total 138(46.9%) out of 294 volunteers were reported to have ova of Schistosomamansoni in their urine samples. Among which, 84 (28.6%) volunteers with<50 ova in per 10 ml of urine showed light infection while remaining 54(18.4%) volunteers with >50 ova in per 10 ml of urine showed heavy infection.This difference was found statistically significant (X  2= 6.52, p > 0.05).The mean immunoglobulin status observed in their serum sample were; IgE(2141.6 ± 143.7 mg/dL), IgG (13.6 ± 3.53 mg/dL), IgA (3.72 ± 0.149 mg/dL),IgM (2.82 ± 0.48 mg/dL) and IgD (0.12 ± 0.04 mg/dL). The relationship betweenintensity of infection and serum level of IgM & IgE were positivelycorrelated (r =0.27 and r =0.65, respectively) while IgG, IgA and IgD wereshowing negative correlation with the strength of infection (r = Ã¢â‚¬Â0.65, r = Ã¢â‚¬Â0.39 and r = Ã¢â‚¬Â0.18, respectively). Therefore, IgG and IgA can be considered asmarkers of light infection and IgM and IgE for heavy infection respectively.Since, the levels of IgG, IgA and IgD were found very low in infected volunteersthan control subjects hence, are suggested to play insignificant protectiverole in schistosomic infection., a trematode is a significant parasite of human beingscausing intestinal schistosomiasis. In the present investigation, 294 volunteersfrom central India were screened for schistosomic infection, and theserum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were calculated as an anti
Repellent activity of SirinolÂ® (Garlic emulsion) on adults of Rhizopertha dominica (F.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) with two laboratory methods
Authors: Jahromi Mojtaba Ghane , Pourmirza Ali Asgar , Safaralizadeh Mohammad Hasan
Published: August 2021

The natural products of plants come as an alternative ecologically more compatiblein substitution to the synthetic insecticides. This study had the objectiveto evaluate the action of 85% Sirinol ® EC (5% of alicin extracted fromgarlic bean, 75% of fuel oils, 20% of surfactant and retentive) on Rhizoperthadominica (F.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) in the adult phase in stored wheat,through the assessment of repellent effect on exposed individuals to wheatgrains treated. Therfore, adults of  R. dominica and S. oryzae through the useof two methods â€Petriâ€dishes and olfactometer Y shape tubeâ€ were exposedto 0.5, 1, 5 and 10% concentration of Sirinol ® and Percentage Repellency(PR) was determined. In each of two methods, the maximum PR of Sirinol ®was at concentration of 10%, with the recorded values 71.58% and 50.26%for adults of R. dominica and, 75.79 % and 62.96% for S. oryzae in Petridishesand Y â€ shape olfactometer tube methods, respectively. It was shownthat S. oryzae were more sensitive to Sirinol® than R. dominica. The interactionbetween concentration and time (concentration × time) was not significantfor adults of two species.
Acute exercise improves serum adiponectin not leptin in sedentary adult obese men
Authors: Mojtaba Eizadi , Mahdi Kohandel , Mehdi Kasbparast JR , Amir Sarshin
Published: August 2021

Leptin and adiponectin, adipose tissue secreted cytokines, play key role inobesity and cardiovascular disease. Although the physiopathological mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown. Venous blood samples were obtained before and after an acute bout of moderate cycling test in eighty nonâ€trained adult obese men (BMI: 33.54 ± 3.43 kg/m2) that participated in this study by accidentally. Blood samples were used for measuring serum leptin and adiponectin. No significant differences were found in serum leptin by cycling exercise with compared to baseline (P ≥ 0.05). But, serum adiponectin levels were significantly increased in response to acute exercise when compared with baseline levels (P < 0.05). Based on these data, we can say, although inflammation cytokines such as leptin does not affect by acute exercise for short time, but it seems that this exercise can increase antiâ€inflamatory cytokines as adiponectin in obese subjects. The findings of this study indicate the fact that in response to shortâ€term exercise, changes in serum adiponectin levels are independent of the leptin response.
Algerian Argan: Biodiversity, ecological services, and landscapes: A review
Authors: Zineb Hamani  , Nafissa Sahel  , Abdelkader Guenaia
Published: August 2021

The Argan is a multipurpose tree, endemic of South-west of Morocco and Algeria. It populates the Sahara and gives it a very particular physiognomy which is that of the sparse forest. The argan forest is a patchwork of species occupying distinct environmental niches across the Hamada of the South-west region of Algeria. It covers a region characterized by the aridity of the climate and extreme xericity with geological and pedological diversity that are the source of the broad range of magnificent landscapes (Hamada, wet-lands, escarpments, wadis, Regs, mountains). The association of plants with landscapes, reveals an environmental heterogeneity influencing the richness in species and allowing a dynamic and development of a diversified floristic cover mainly xerophilic and thermophilic. The originality of its flora is as-cribed to the presence of Saharo-sindian elements, Mediterranean and en-demic. This particular diversity is due to its biological characterization, sys-tematic and phytogeographic. Unfortunately, this ecosystem and its poten-tial for biological resources are today highly threatened and face degradation from disturbances and uncontrolled exploitation of the plant environment by anthropogenic activities, that requires the development of a preservation strategy. Our work emphasizes the importance of this genetic heritage and its original ecosystem, where the preservation must be secured through the establishment of a strict protection system of species throughout their natu-ral range.
Fermented milk modulates immune systemic response and intestinal epithelial structure in Balb/c mice sensitized to bovine whey proteins
Authors: Benaissa Yamina  , Addou Samia  , Dib Wafaa  , Abbas Hafsia  , Berouis Mama  , Saidi Djamel  , Kheroua Omar
Published: August 2021

In epidemiological studies, cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most prevalent allergy for infants or young children.This study was conducted to compare the effect of Soummam and Saifi fermented milks on mice sensiti-zed to whey protein (β –Lactoglobulin and α –Lactalbumin). During 28 days, the animals from the first and second lot received via an oral way the fer-mented milks. In a second period of time, mice from the first, second lots were sensitized via intraperitoneal way using β-Lg, mice from third and fourth lot were sensitized by α–Lactalbumin. The antigenecity was deter-mined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Symptom scores were determined after in vivo challenge with β-Lg or α-Lac. Intestinal da-mage was evaluated by histological analysis. Analysis of the data revealed that the titers of anti-α-lactalbumin and anti-β-lactoglbulin IgG increased significantly in the positive control groups given Soummam and Saifi fer-mented milk (p <0.001). Moreover, in fermented milk-treated mice, signifi-cant clinical symptoms were observed. Analysis of histological sections re-vealed that fermented milk doesn’t reduce the microscopic lesions induced by β-Lg or α-Lac sensitzation. This study indicated that the administration of Soummam fermented milk can modulate effectively the immune response and protect the intestinal epithelium integrity.
Impact of heavy metal compounds on oxygen consumption of freshwater mussel Lamellidens consobrinus (Lea)
Authors: Bhamre P. R. , Desai A. E.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the toxic effects of heavy metal compoundsÂ like Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and Zinc sulphate (ZnSo4) on respiratoryÂ metabolism of the freshwater mussel Lamellidens consobrinus.The effectÂ was observed for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h exposure. On exposure of musselsÂ to toxic concentrations the respiratory metabolic rate was found profoundlyÂ decreased after two hours of intoxication in Cadmium chloride (0.0863 Â±Â 0.0032 mg/gm/l/h) and Zinc sulphate (0.1517 Â± .0018 mg/gm/l/h). The oxygenÂ consumption was continuously decreased up to 96 h in CdCl2 (0.0303 Â±Â 0.0019 mg/gm/l/h) and ZnSo4 (0.0746. Â± 0.0019 mg/gm/l/h).The decrease inÂ metabolic rate was more prominent in cadmium chloride than zinc sulphate.Â This impact may be due to inhibition of enzymatic pathways and osmoregulatoryÂ response which depends on the time of exposure to heavy metal compoundsÂ used for experimental work.
Improving soil fertility for maize (Zea mays L.) production using inorganic and organic fertilizer: A case of N: P: K 15: 15: 15 and biomass of Agroforestry trees
Authors: Agyeman K. , Afuakwa J. J. , Danquah E. Owusu , Asubonteng K. O.
Published: August 2021

With increased pressure on cropping land, traditional soil fertility regeneration has become less effective. Farmers with no alternatives would therefore be compelled to cultivate on marginal lands, highly risking crop failure and food security. Soil fertility can be improved by employing Agroforestry principles of incorporating organic inputs into the soil. This study investigated the effects of leaf mulch of Gliricidia sepium, Senna siamea and Leucaena leucocephala and their combination with inorganic fertilizer on maize (Zea mays L) growth and yield. The study was conducted in a randomized completely block design at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resource farm, KNUSTGhana. Fresh leaf biomass at 5 t haÂ]1 weight was incorporated into the soil and compared with the addition of inorganic fertilizer at 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha Â]1 levels. Soil laboratory analysis showed that the mineral content of the leaf biomass varied with L. leucocephala having the highest N content and S. siamea having the lowest N content. The addition of the different levels of the inorganic fertilizer to the leaf biomass significantly influenced the yield of maize. Combining leaf biomass of S. siamea, G. sepium and L. leucocephala with inorganic fertilizer significantly increased maize yield and can be recommended for improving maize and other crop production.
Lime and organic manure effect on acidÂ]clay soil, Okra growth and yield parameters
Authors: Ewulo B. S.
Published: August 2021

Two potted experiments were conducted at the screenÂ]house of the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure to investigate the effects of lime and different levels of organicmanure amendment on acidÂ]clay soil, Okra growth and yield parameters.The first experiment consisted of six treatments and a control; choppedTithonia diversifolia leaves were applied on limed soil (100g lime kgÂ]1 Soil) at0g, 6.75g, 13.5g, 20.25g, 27.0g and 33.75g kgÂ]1 Soil. The second experimentalso consisted of six treatments and a control; poultry manure was appliedon limed soil (100g lime kgÂ]1 Soil) at 0g, 6.75g, 13.5g, 20.25g, 27.0g and33.75g kgÂ]1 Soil. They were arranged in Complete Randomized Design. Soilsamples were collected at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th, week after planting and subjected to chemical analysis. Okra growth and yield data were collected and statistical analyses carried out using the SPSS Package and means compared with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The result of the study showed that soil pH, OC, OM, N, P, K, Ca, Na, Mg and CEC increased with lime application and with increases in rate of Tithonia leaves or poultry manure application. There were no significant differences in most of the soil parameters considered in Tithonia and poultry manure applied at 27.0g and 33.75 g kg Â]1 soil. Growth parameters showed no significant differences for the two experiments except with regards to number of leaves in Tithonia application. Application of 33.75g Tithonia kgÂ]1 gave the highest Okra pod weight for Tithonia treated soil while the application of 27g poultry manure kgÂ]1 gave highest Okra weight for poultry manure treated soil.
Electrochemical, Mineral and Microbiological studies of soil samples collected from three different altitudinal climatic zones in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Perumal K. , Moorthy T. Sambanda , Ponsugumari P. , Malleswari R. B. , Karthik B. , Krishna K. V. , Ananthi S. , Kumar J. Arun
Published: August 2021

Seventy five surface (10 â€15 cm) soil samples from three different altitudinal climatic zones viz., Kodaikanal (temp 9â€13°C, altitudinal height 2133 m, black soil), Valparai (temp 15â€22°C, altitudinal height 1700 m, clay loam soil) and Sethumadai (temp 27â€33°C, altitudinal height 100 m, red sandy soil) of Tamil Nadu were collected and analyzed for their pH, Electron Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC%), Humus, macro and micronutrients. Soil enzyme activities such as protease, alkaline phosphatase, cellulase, invertase, soil microbial enumeration such as total bacterial count, fungi, rhizobium and actinomycetes were also determined by following standard procedures. The soil was acidic and high content of OC (2.12%), humus (396 mg Kgâ€1), N (474.1±30 mg Kgâ€1), P (52.92±6 mg Kgâ€1), K (163.7±20 mg Kgâ€1), Ca (545.2±25 mg Kgâ€1), S (25.35±13 mg Kgâ€1), B (0.95±2 mg Kgâ€1), Cu (2.38±0.9 mg Kgâ€1), Fe (32.54±14 mg Kgâ€1), Mn (9.44±7 mg Kgâ€1) and Zn (3.58±1 mg Kgâ€1) were recorded in soil samples collected from Kodaikanal. Most of the soil samples collected from Kodaikanal recorded maximum macro and micronutrients except Na (79.81±10 mg Kgâ€1) and Mg (124.81±20 mg Kgâ€1) when compared with Valparai and Sethumadai. Soil enzyme activity and microbial count were also high in soil samples collected from Kodaikanal followed by Valparai and Sethumadai, whereas actinomycetes (4±1 CFU x 10â€6 gâ€1) count was high in Sethumadai of lower altitude. The study revealed that the activity of soil microbial population was high at higher altitude due to the presence of high content OC (2.82%) and quick decomposition of organic matter. The quality of soil was subjected to circular paper chromatographic analysis and it revealed difference in colour, pattern and the number of spikes were the indicators of soil fertility.
Comparative hepatoprotective effect of Î²â€carotene and Livâ€52 against paracetamol induced liver toxicity in male and female rats
Authors: Naik Meghna M. , Chudasama Piyush , Sodagar Nilofar R. , Patel Sahil , Patel Jagdish S. , Patel Darshan H. Patel H. , Mistry Kinnary
Published: August 2021

Serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and bilirubin level are known biomarkers in assessinghepatic functional integrity. A remarkable rise in the activities of these enzymesnormally signifies hepatotoxicity of chemical agent(s) in the biological system. Any kind of damage to liver significantly increases the activity of these marker enzymes. In this study, the comparative hepatoprotective effect of βâ€carotene and commercially available multiherbal formulation Livâ€52 against paracetamol (2.2 g/kg B.W)â€induced toxicity was assessed in male and female rats. βâ€carotene dosage (10mg/kg and 20 mg/kg B.W) and Livâ€52 (5ml/kg and 10ml/kg B.W) were separately administered orally to the test rats. One way ANOVA was performed to check the significant changes in the activities of serum enzymes, bilirubin and protein level between rats of βâ€carotene groups and Livâ€52 groups (Separate analysis was done for male rats and female rats). The level of all marker enzymes significantly differed in all the groups of rats showing the comparative hepatoprotective effect of βâ€ carotene and Livâ€52. The result of this study demonstrated that the hepatoprotective activity of βâ€carotene and Livâ€52 against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity is significantly differing in both male and female rats. Hence, the work suggests that the effect of βâ€carotene and Livâ€52 against hepatotoxicity may be dose and sex dependent.
Ohmic Heating: A Novel Thermal Processing Technique For Foods
Authors: Prabha P. Hema , Vaishnavi U. Kavya , Mythili R. , Kamu M. Lakshmi , Kanagalakshmi R. , Sivashankari S.
Published: August 2021

Ohmic heating is an emerging technology with large number of actual and future applications. It is an advanced thermal processing method wherein the food material, which serves as an electrical resistor, is heated by passing electricity through it. Like thermal processing, ohmic heating inactivates microorganisms by heat. It can be used for heating liquid foods containing large particulates, heat sensitive liquids and proteinaceous foods. The shelf life of ohmically processed foods is comparable to that of canned and sterile, aseptically processed products. Being an ecoâ€friendly method it is more effective than conventional thermal processing methods.
The extent of plant cover and percentage dry matter of guinea grass (Panicum maximum jacq) pasture as influenced by cutting height and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Onyeonagu C. C. , Ugwuanyi B. N.
Published: August 2021

A 3 x 3 factorial experiment laid out in a randomized complete block design was conducted at Nsukka, Nigeria to determine the effects of cutting height and N fertilizer application on the extent of plant cover and percentage dry matter of Panicum maximum pasture in 2008 and 2009. Treatments comprised three cutting heights of 5, 10 and 15 cm and three levels of nitrogen of 0, 200 and 400 kg N haâ€1 resulting in nine treatment combinations replicated three times. The extent of grass cover in 2008 and 2009 was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 62 % and 46 %, respectively, when cutting height increased from 5 to 15 cm. Bare ground area was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by 33 % in 2008, when stubble height increased from 5 to 15 cm but was not significantly affected by cutting height in 2009. The extent of weed cover was not significantly influenced by cutting height in both years. Grass cover was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 36 % in 2008 when nitrogen fertilizer was increased from 0 to 200 kg N haâ€1. Nitrogen application did not significantly affect the weed cover and bare ground area in both years. The dry matter content of grass was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by 11 % and 17 % in 2008 and 2009, respectively, when fertilizer N was increased from 0 to 400 kg N haâ€1.
Fluoride Induced Effect on Spleen of Rat: Light & Transmission Electron Microscopic Studies
Authors: Kumar Arbind , Kumari Sapna
Published: August 2021

Fluoride, a strong electronegative anion has a disruptive effect on various tissues in the body. The rats (Rattus norvegicus) were fed with Sodium fluoride (NaF) at 25mg/kgâ€bw and 50mg/kgâ€bw daily for 60 days. The abdominal cavity was opened after cervical dislocation of rats and spleen was dissected out. The organs were cut into pieces and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Animals treated with fluoride showed the degenerative changes in the morphology of spleen. The photomicrographs showed that the capsule and trabeculae were broken at many places, many large spaces occured in between the concentric array of cells in follicles of white pulp and the cells of PALS infiltered in the red pulp area. The electron micrographs revealed the abnormal shaped nucleus with swollen and enlarged mitochondria and degenerated cristae in the cytosol. The above results suggests that the spleen treated with fluoride might loss or reduce the ability of contraction and adversely affect the immuogenicity by not synthesizing the ATP required during the clonal expression of Bâ€cells.
Isolation and Characterization of Protease from Bacillus spp and Serratia spp
Authors: Atmakuri Sri Latha , Iyer Priya R
Published: August 2021

Proteases are the largest group of enzymes that have a wide variety of industrialapplications in detergent, leather industry, pharmaceutical industry and bioremediation processes. In the current study, processed water from Pallavaramleather industry (Chennai & Tamilnadu) was used for isolation of organisms producing protease. Bacillus spp and Serratia spp were isolated on 0.5% casein minimal media. The presence of protease was confirmed by paper chromatography and estimated by ninhydrin method. The protease activity of Bacillus species was high at the temperature of 60oC, pH 9 and the concentration was found to be 280mg/100ml, whereas the activity of protease for Serratia species was high at the temperature of 40oC, pH 5 and at concentration of 240mg/100ml. The highest concentration at which the activity of protease was maximum was 2 % for both the organisms. The protease enzyme used for the blood stain removal and degradation of outer gelatin layer of Xâ€ray films was good however chicken feather degradation was less.
Detection of Panâ€amino glycosideâ€resistant Gram negative Bacteria using a Molecular Method
Authors: Gowda Lakshmana , John James , M. Marie Mohammed Ali , Gopalkrishnan Sangeetha , S Pradeep C , R Bindu Rani S
Published: August 2021

The 16S rRNA methylases confer and cause panâ€aminoglycoside resistance (PAR). In the present prospective study, aminoglycosideâ€resistant isolates were subjected to the disc diffusion and agar dilution methods to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to rule out highâ€level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR). One hundred and two isolates had an MIC ≥ 512 μg/ mL. These 102 isolates were investigated for the presence of 16S rRNA methylase genes including armA, rmtA, rmtB, and rmtC by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among isolates belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, armA, rmtB, and rmtC were present in 28, 56, and 4 isolates, respectively. Meanwhile, armA, rmtA, rmtB, and rmtC were present in 6, 1, 4, and 2 nonâ€fermenting Gramâ€negative bacilli (NFGNB) isolates, respectively. All Enterobacteriaceae isolates were extended spectrum betaâ€lactamase (ESBL) positive. The present results demonstrate the wide dissemination of PAR among NFGNB compared to Enterobacteriaceae. These results are very similar to those in other countries, in which 16s rRNA methylases are common in Enterobacteriaceae. The rapid spread of multiâ€drugâ€resistant isolates producing both ESBL and 16s rRNA methylases raises clinical concerns and may become a major therapeutic threat in the future.
Influence of in vitro invasion of arbuscular mycorrhizae on general characteristics and phytochemical concentration of plants: A review
Authors: Sainthiya Varsha , Singh Vinod , Asokan Aparna
Published: August 2021

This review is an attempt to study the use of VAM in the release of phytochemicals from medicinally important plants. To popularize the efficacy of the natural resources as Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AMF) – a nutrient source of soil which manages the soil fertility naturally as well as its contribution in the reduction of additional fertilizers which are used for further betterment of plant crops and soil, this article covers almost a full range of the properties of AM with its science and mechanisms in general as well as the changes in the concentration and properties of the phytochemicals from medicinal plants.
Fluoride partitioning in rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) upon irrigation with fluorideâ€contaminated water and its risk assessment
Authors: Jha S. K. , Damodaran T. , Verma C. L. , Mishra V. K. , Sharma D. k. , Sah V. , Rai R. B. , Dhama K.
Published: August 2021

Fluoride (F) contamination has become a global environmental problem affecting more than 25 countries and the cure of the associated disease “fluorosis” is not yet known. Now it has been realized that a sizable amount of F intake also takes place through the ingestion of food. Therefore, F partitioning in rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its exposure in human was evaluated under pot culture experiment using Fâ€contaminated irrigation water. In both rice and wheat, F accumulation in the tissue parts of plant followed the order: grain < straw < root. The grain of rice and wheat contained F between 11.51 and 22.55 mg kgâ€1 and 11.56 and 15.43 mg kgâ€1, respectively in the treatment range of 0 â€ 8 mg F lâ€1. The cumulative EDI calculated at the maximum F concentration in rice and wheat grains for children, sedentary men and women was found to be higher than the limits stipulated by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), USA. In conclusion, the fluoride poses potential health risks to humans due to the consumption of F contaminated rice and wheat, children being more susceptible/affected than the sedentary adult ones. Therefore, a constant surveillance and monitoring program is highly warranted for determining the human health risk by considering F exposure due to various sources viz., ingestion, drinking water, water used in cooking and other dietary sources.
Bio-ethanol production from Elephant grass using co-cultures of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
Authors: Agbodike T. C. , Ado S. A. , Abdullahi I. O.
Published: August 2021

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was evaluated for its ethanol production potential using co-cultures of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Proximate and lignocellulose analysis carried out on the plant sample showed that it had crude fibre, lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose contents of 31.5%, 26.78%, 18.76% and 34.16% respectively. A. niger strain (AN-15) used for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of the plant sample was isolated from soil and selected upon subsequent screening because it gave highest yield of cellulase enzyme (0.1792 IU/ml/min). S. cerevisiae strain (PW-4) used for the SSF was isolated from palm wine and selected upon subsequent screening after showing ability to assimilate more sugars compared to other isolates. Fermentation of plant sample was carried out at different substrate concentrations ranging from 2-10% and highest ethanol yield (1.68g/100ml) was observed at 6% substrate concentration though lesser than that observed for glucose at same concentration (8.38g/100ml). Optimization of culture parameters for ethanol production showed maximum ethanol yield at pH 5, 35oC and agitation rate of 300 rpm.
Recurrent outbreaks of infectious bursal disease (IBD) in a layer farm caused by very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV) in India: Pathology and molecular analysis
Authors: Barathidasan R. , Singh S. D. , Kumar M. Asok , Desingu P. A. , Palanivelu M. , Singh M. , Dhama K.
Published: August 2021

The present study was carried out to investigate and characterize the nature of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) involved in the recurrent outbreaks in an experimental layer farm in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India using direct tissue reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by nucleotide sequencing of VP2 gene. A total of three acute IBD outbreaks with the interval of 4-6 months were recorded in the batch of 3-5 weeks-old layer chicks in the year 2012-2013. Tissues collected from necropsied birds were found RT-PCR positive for IBDV VP2 gene. Genetic analysis of the sequenced VP2 gene revealed the IBDV belonged to very virulent (vv) subtype and had amino acids at positions 222A, 256I, 294I, and 299S typical for vvIBDV strains isolated worldwide. It had only one unique amino acid change in the antigenic peak A (210-225 aa) at position 212DàN (AspàAsn), which is not observed in any of the vvIBDVs isolated in India and abroad. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the isolates were more closely related to vvIBDV strains rA and rB (U.S.A.), Gx and HLJ-7 (China), OKYM (Japan), and shared >95% nucleotide homology with them. The VP2 gene shared 96.7% amino acid homology with IBDI+ vaccine strain used in India, comparatively higher among other vaccines strains, suggesting that IBD intermediate plus (IBDI+) vaccine might provide optimum cross protection, also for other vvIBDV strains. The vvIBDV strains remain a threat to poultry industry worldwide, and require regular monitoring and genetic analysis in order to keep track of the appearance and evolution of antigenically different IBDV strains or subtypes.
Tollâ€like receptors: The innate immune receptors with ingenious antiâ€ viral paradigm
Authors: Malik Yashpal S. , Sharma Kuldeep , Jeena Lalit Mohan , Kumar Naveen , Sircar Subhankar , Rajak Kaushal Kumar , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: August 2021

The appreciative progress in our understanding of the host defence mechanisms through innate and adaptive immune systems has led us to improve therapeutic protocols through the inflection of immune factors. Amidstplethora of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), the Tollâ€like receptors (TLRs) have received substantial consideration as potential regulator and controller of the immune response through their pathogenâ€associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The finding that endogenous ligands, microbial constituents, synthetic components are recognized by TLRs, raised interest in these receptors as potential targets for the development of new therapies for multiple diseases. The TLRs are among the rare targets which are now a days becoming commercially available for treatment of viral diseases and the success has been achieved with imiquimod (TLR7) for human papilloma/ warts treatment. Numerous other therapeutics targeting the TLRs are under preâ€clinical and clinical trials. The novel advances in TLR research shall expound their functions and prospective therapeutic applications. This review updates the usages of these innate immunomodulators in combating various viral frailtes describing in brief the antiâ€viral regimens and their potential applications for safeguarding health of humans as well as animals.
Impact of economic development on the dynamics of phytoplankton and physic-chemical quality of Dakhla Bay (South of Morocco)
Authors: Saad Zahra , Orbi Abdellatif , Abouabdellah Rachid , Saad Aicha , Oudra Brahim
Published: August 2021

A detailed monitoring of physic-chemical parameters and a complete inven-torization of phytoplankton species was conducted from May 2011 to May 2012 in Dakhla bay in south of Morocco. This study comes to bridge the gap of environmental data which has started since 2000 by Moroccan national institute of fisheries research (INRH) in this area. The results showed a differ-ence in the distribution of physic-chemical parameters (especially nutrient and dissolved oxygen). In addition, inventory of phytoplankton species has allowed identifying three different groups: diatoms (Rhizosolenia spp, Lepto-cylindrus spp, Thalassionema spp, Pseudo- nizschia spp.,...) represented 92% of the total phytoplankton flora, dinoflagellates (Scrippsiella sp, Prorocen-trum sp, Gymnodinium sp.,...) with 7%, while Silicoflagellates (Dictyocha sp) contributed with 1%. Seasonal fluctuation of these groups was governed, in first order, by the importance of upwelling in the region during the summer (intense phytoplankton activity). Yet this activity was much stronger in the PK25 site for tourism activity that suggested a remarkable anthropogenic input. An occurrence of Scrippsiella species (45% Hoja Iliamera growing area) and Prorocentrum sp (41% Duna Blanca aquaculture area), recognized as species of colored waters, was permanent at the study sites. Alexandrium sp represented 1% of the total dinoflagellates in Duna Blanca (<1% in the other sites), whereas Dinophysis sp (<1%) was observed in Lassarga (the entrance bay) and PK25 only. The latter two species are potentially the cause of PSP toxins's production (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) and DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) source of contamination of bivalves in the Bay during 2004 and 2006.
Inâ€virobial examination of wheat microflora on selected growth media in Kano state, Nigeria
Authors: L Okunye Olufemi , S Ayedun Joshua , Festus Odewale
Published: August 2021

The current study was carried out to investigate the inâ€vitrobial examination of microflora of wheat obtained from different locations in Kano state, Nigeria. Five samples of wheat were cultivated on six different selective culture media. The growth of Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp and Hydrocrella rhombospora was recorded in varied proportion. The variation in growth and the species of fungi recorded in this study serves as indices of selecô€†Ÿvity and inhibitory or growth factors present in the culture media appropriated.
Special Issue on â€˜Immunopotentiating ability of medicinal plants against the chronic diseasesâ€™
Authors: Dwivedi Lavkush
Published: August 2021

Chronic illness such as cardiovascular diseases, AIDS, diabetes, and cancer are the leading causes of death and disability in India. They contribute around 53% of all deaths, and projected to increase in the next 25 years. Though, allopathic treatment therapies are in operation but due to higher cost and limited availability, they are short reached to the poor especially in rural areas. Increasing drug resistance and often side effects have additionally questioned to their reliability. Hence, the alterna-tive therapies with better efficacy and free of above limitations have emerged as immediate need to be developed to keep mankind hale and hearty. Immunopotentiating approaches advo-cating to the repair and restoration of the immune system to normal state are looked as better alter-natives to satisfy the current need via researches on medicinal plants. Fortunately, India with the presence of 8000 species has been great repository of medicinal plants and richest genetic resource of them in the world.
Hijack and exploitation of host SOCS proteins: An immunosuppressive deception of the viruses
Authors: Shrivastava Mansi , Alam Sarfaraz , Dwivedi L. K.
Published: August 2021

The suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) are a cytoplasmic protein family that completes a negative feedback loop to attenuate signal transduction from cytokines through the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. They work as a natural precaution to pre-vent excessive immune responses that could cause collateral damage to body tissues. But viruses use SOCS proteins to suppress the proportionate immune response also so that a vulnerable environment can be developed in host body to let them grow freely. In several cases, an increased expression of SOCS proteins has been reported in virus infected individuals, which is believed to be induced by the viruses to inhibit the anti-proliferative and antiviral activity of cytokines (Interferon) of host body. Viruses including HIV hijack the expression of SOCS proteins and manipulate them in a way where they support the onset of antigens in host body by suppressing the cell sig-nalling of immune response. Detailed mechanism of the same and an alter-native way to stop viral infection by restoring the normal SOCS expression is discussed in the present review.
Study of Antinflammatory properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria in experi-mentally induced musculoskeletal symptoms in Wistar Rat
Authors: Ahirwal Anjali , Bagde Swati , Khare Mayuri , Singh Vinod
Published: August 2021

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a manifestation of body from multiple causes of weakened immune system, a developed internal allergic response to un-known allergens, hormonal factors, stress and other unknown factors. The present study was undertaken to determine the Anti-arthritic and Anti-inflammatory property of Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics against Col-lagen induced arthritis (CIA) in wistar rat. CIA (100μl) was induced intrader-mally at several sites on the back. A dose of L. acidophilus 2 x 108 CFU/ml was administered orally after induction of arthritis i.e. on 7th day. Dexame-thasone was given as standard drug in the dose of 0.3-3.0 mg/kg body weight. Paw thickness was measured and scored regularly. After sacrifice, blood was withdrawn for haematological, biochemical and serological analy-sis. Histopathology of liver, kidney and ovary was also performed. Oral ad-ministration of Lactobacillus significantly decreased the serum ceruloplasmin level. Beneficial effects such as increased adhesive property shown by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), increased haemoglobin content and RBC and decreased WBC counts were observed. High level of C’ Reactive Protein was observed in arthritic control rats. However, L. acidophilus treatment significantly de-creased CRP level. Standard Drug also reduced the CRP level. Similarly Rheu-matoid factor was also decreased in LAB and standard drug group as com-pared to the control. In conclusion LAB has potent anti-arthritic property against and shown reduced level of RF and CRP in collagen induced arthritis in wistar rats.