bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Klebsiella variicola improves the antioxidant ability of maize seedlings under saline-alkali stress
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Wang Yufeng , Yang Kejun 
Published: August 2021

Background
Saline-alkali soil is mainly distributed in the northern and coastal areas of China. The Songnen Plain, located in the northeast of China, is a region with a relatively high concentration of saline-alkali soil and is also one of the more at-risk areas in the country. Every year, the increasing spread of saline-alkali soil areas has a serious impact on the growth of agricultural crops. The maize crop is sensitive to saline-alkali stress, which seriously affects its growth and development. Our previous study determined that Klebsiella variicola performs a variety of biological functions, as well as improves the rhizosphere microenvironment and promotes the growth and development of maize seedlings in saline-alkali soil environments. The present study further analyzed the mechanism that enables K. variicola to alleviate saline-alkali stress at the level of the antioxidant system.

Methods
The accumulation of O2− was observed directly via histochemical staining. The activities of several antioxidant enzymes were determined using the nitro blue tetrazolium and the guaiacol methods. The contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants were determined using the dithionitrobenzoic acid method.

Results
The contents of the superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in leaves and roots of maize seedlings increased under saline-alkali stress conditions. The higher level of reactive oxygen species increased the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation. There were differences in the degree of oxidative damage and performance of the antioxidant defence system in maize seedlings under saline-alkali stress. Following the application of increasing concentrations of K. variicola, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased by 21.22%–215.46%, and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants increased as well, the ratios of ASA/DHA and GSH/GSSG in leaves increased by 4.97% and 1.87 times, respectively, and those in roots increased by 3.24% and 1.60 times, respectively. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species was reduced, and the content of H2O2 decreased by 26.07%–46.97%. The content of O2− decreased by 20.18%–37.01%, which alleviated the oxidative damage to maize seedlings caused by saline-alkali stress.

Conclusion
K. variicola reduced ROS-induced peroxidation to membrane lipids and effectively alleviated the damage caused by saline-alkali stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in maize seedlings, thus enhancing their saline-alkali tolerance. A bacterial concentration of 1×108 cfu/mL was optimal in each set of experiments.
Toxicological Impact of Leachates from Lemna Refuse Dump Site on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1882) Fingerlings Under Laboratory Condition
Authors: Udofia Udeme Uyom , Okoro Finian Tobias , Joseph Akaninyene Paul 
Published: August 2021

Aim: The study investigated the toxicological effects of Calabar municipal dumpsite leachate on the fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus.
Experimental Design: The study was set-up in a 6 × 2 Complete Randomized Block Design.
Methodology: During the studt 120 C. gariepinus fingerlings were used. Each group was made up of 10 fingerlings. The fingerlings were exposed to 0% (control group), 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of leachate in duplicate. Histopathology was also carried-out on the gills and liver of the fingerlings of each exposure group.
Results: The temperature, pH, conductivity, and BOD increased with increasing leachate concentration, while the DO decreased with concentration. 5.17 ± 0.66 cm and 1.09 ± 0.40 g mean length and weight respectively of fingerlings were determined. Mortality depended on concentration. The 96 hours LC50 value with 95% confidence limit of C. gariepinus fingerlings exposed to leachate was 22.5% ± 0.89, and was significant with a determination coefficient (r2) of 0.93 at P<0.05. Leachates altered the orientation of gills and liver of the fingerlings.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The low LC50 value of fingerlings exposed to different concentrations of leachate indicates a high toxicity of the leachate and altered the gills and liver of fingerlings. To this end, we recommended dumpsites are sited at a distance far from water bodies and areas inhabited by human, to mitigate the leeching of leachate into nearby aquatic systems. Law against indiscriminate discharge of waste into drainage channels and any aquatic system should be enforced by Government, to prevent mortality of biological organisms, extinction of species, contamination of organisms in nearby aquatic systems, changes in the physical properties, and health risk to humans that depends on resources from these aquatic systems for food.
Impact of Invasive Alien Species- Acacia nilotica on the Remnant Dry Deciduous Forest of Palu Valley, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Mustaid , Sutomo . , Purnomo Danang Wahyu , Iryadi Rajif 
Published: August 2021

Aims: The study was carried out to assess the species composition, vegetation structure, regeneration and possible direction of vegetation development due to Acacia nilotica invasion.
Study Design: The study applied the vegetation analysis and remote sensing technique in the deciduous forest of the Palu Valley in Central Sulawesi.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Biromuli District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province of Indonesia in February 2019.
Methodology: Species composition, vegetation structure and regeneration were studied using the split plot method, while the specific population and distribution of A. nilotica were studied using drone photos in an area of 10.24 ha.
Results: Individuals >2cm in diameter are 24 species, 22 genera and 14 families. The main species are Tabernaemontana pandacaqui, A. nilotica and Jatropha gossypiifolia. The ground vegetation (diameter<2cm) contained 21 species, 21 genera and 17 families, dominated by Digitaria ciliaris and A. nilotica. The species diversity index is 2.3880 (moderate), while the species evenness index is 0.75 (unstable). Density of 1.069 individual’s per ha and total basal area 2.48 m2 per ha. The dominance of individuals with a diameter of 2.0-4.9 cm (62.9%), followed by diameter of 5.0-9.9 cm (32.4%), and diameter of 10 cm up (4.67%). The canopy layer consists of only one main layer at a height of 4-7m. Canopy analysis using drone photos showed that 27% of the total forest canopy area and 32.9% of the total individuals were controlled by A. nilotica.
Conclusion: The dry forest in Sigi is the remnant deciduous forest located specifically in the Palu Valley which is still in the process of development. The invasion of A. nilotica needs to be controlled in a sustainable way so that the rest of the forest does not turn into a stretch of A. nilotica.
Short-term Storage of Seeds and Cryopreservation of Embryonic Axes of Lepisanthes fruticosa
Authors: Suryanti B. , Shukri M. A. Mohd , Sinniah U. R. , Atisha S. Nur , Muhaimin A. K. Abdul 
Published: August 2021

Aims: This work highlights short-term storage of recalcitrant Lepisanthes fruticosa seeds and long-term conservation attempts of its embryonic axes (EAs) through cryopreservation.
Study design: This study adopted the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Ten samples were used for each experiment and replicated for 3 – 5 times.
Place and Duration of Study: Cryopreservation Laboratory, Agrobiodiversity and Environment Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Malaysia, in 2017 and 2018.
Methodology: Short-term storage was carried out using fresh seeds at 54% moisture content and stored at 8±1 °C and 25±2 °C for 7 weeks. Three variations to sterilization were attempted to optimize survival while keeping contamination low. Cryopreservation using two different methods were tested, namely vitrification and the encapsulation vitrification method. Vitrification technique involved the pre-culturing of EAs overnight in different sucrose pre-culture concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 M) prior to, loading, dehydration with vitrification solution (PVS2), rapid immersion into liquid nitrogen (-196°C), rapid warming, unloading and recovery. While, encapsulation vitrification involved encapsulation of the EAs using 3% sodium alginate followed by exposure to different duration (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 minutes) of vitrification solution (PVS2) prior to cryopreservation.
Results: L. fruticosa seeds can be safely stored for short-term up to 7 weeks of storage either at 8±1 °C or 25±2 °C with no loss in germination. This study also showed that EA was amenable to cryopreservation and 13.33 – 66.67% of viability was obtained when the EAs were cryopreserved using the vitrification technique. The best result was obtained with 66.67% viability, when the EAs were pre-cultured with 0.4M sucrose prior to exposure to PVS2 and liquid nitrogen. Cryopreservation of EAs using the encapsulation-vitrification method was unsuccessful.
Conclusion: Seeds of L. fruticosa can be stored for short-term (up to 7 weeks) using hydrated/non-dried seeds where they can be successfully stored at 8±1 °C and 25±2 °C for up to 7 weeks. For long-term (cryopreservation), EAs can be cryopreserved upon pre-culture with 0.4M sucrose prior to exposure to PVS2 and liquid nitrogen through vitrification technique.
Physiological Variations in Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex. Poir Due to a Nigerian Strain of Moroccan Watermelon Virus: Lagenaria breviflora Isolate
Authors: Mofunanya A. A. J. , Effa E. A. , Etim D. O. , Akomaye F. A. , Damian A. O. 
Published: August 2021

Aim: Physiological variations in Cucurbita moschata due to infection with a Nigerian strain of Moroccan watermelon virus (MWMV): Lagenaria breviflora isolate was studied.
Study Design: Randomized block design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: Botany Department, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria between March and May, 2015.
Methodology: Seeds of C. moschata were sown, on germination inoculated with the virus and analyzed for possible variations between healthy and inoculated plants.
Results: Results analysis revealed increase in all amino acids investigated. Highest significant (P=0.05) percentage variation in amino acids of inoculated and healthy were -40.0% for aspartic acid, -36.1% (histidine), -29.7% (proline), -28.8% (lysine), -23.3% (glysine), -16.6% (phenylalanine) and -12.6% (glutamic acid). Infection of C. moschata with a Nigerian Strain of MWMV: Lagenaria breviflora isolate caused significant decrease in leaf nitrogen and relative water content of inoculated plants compared to the healthy. Highest percentage decrease in leaf nitrogen was 40.7% at 2 weeks after inoculation (WAI) and lowest of 25.0% at 10 WAI. The virus caused decrease in relative water content of 29.6% at 6 WAI. Activity of oxidative stress enzymes: peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and enzymes of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (6PGdH) and 6-phosphogluconic acid dehydrogenase (G6PdH) were significantly (P=0.05) increased in infected C. moschata- MWMV plant. Enzymes activity was significantly higher in inoculated than in healthy plants at all stages of growth with decrease at later periods for both inoculated and healthy plants. Percentage increase in POD, PPO, G6PdH and 6PGdH activity due to infection at 8 WAI had values of -40.5%, -46.7%, -98.9% and -89.1% respectively.
Conclusion: The Nigerian strain of MWMV: Lagenaria breviflora isolate caused significant variations with increase and decrease in biochemical and physiological components of C. moschata affecting its growth and yield.
Haemoglobin Type, Haematology and Morphometric Characteristics of Muscovy Ducks Reared in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: N. Ebegbulem, Victoria , N. Ekwere, Ofonime 
Published: August 2021

This study determined the haemoglobin polymorphism, haematology and morphometric characteristics of Muscovy ducks. A total of 80 adult Muscovy ducks (40 per sex) respectively were used for the study which lasted 60 days. Blood samples of the ducks were collected and analysed for haemoglobin type and haematological traits while body weight (BWT) and body parts such as body girth (BG), wing length (WL), keel length (KL), shank length (SL), body length (BL), thigh length (TL) and Body circumference (BC) were taken and subjected to one –way ANOVA. Drakes exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher values in body girth, body length and thigh length than the ducks. Average values recorded were BWT (2040 g), BC (30.43cm), KL (25.75cm), BL (25.78cm) and TL (4.85cm). Haemoglobin types found among the ducks were Hb AA, AB and BB, males being predominantly of Hb BB and females of Hb AA. Gene frequencies of 0.5435 and 0.4565 were recorded for alleles A and B respectively among the ducks. Genotype frequencies were AA (39.14%), AB (30.43%) and BB (30.43%). Some average haematological values recorded were Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (29.86%), Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (7.34mm/hr), Haemoglobin Concentration (HBC) (11.93g/dl), Red Blood Cell Counts (RBC) (2.4 × 106/L) and White Blood Cell (WBC) (1.98 × 103/L). Results of body morphometry from this research could serve as an important basis for characterization, conservation and improvement of this duck breed in the study location. The establishment of the haemoglobin types of ducks in Calabar is a precursor to the determination of its relationship(s) with economic traits in the birds. Haematological values recorded in this study showed that the ducks were in normal condition of health and growth.
Effect of Tamarindus indica L. Leaf Extract and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck Peel Extract on Meloidogyne spp (Root Knot Nematodes) in Jos, Plateau State
Authors: Jacob Mekidani, Salu , Okoye Clifford, Tochukwu , Okwoli Agaba Abuche, 
Published: August 2021

Aim: The Aim of this study is to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Tamarindus indica and peel extract Citrus sinensis on Root Knot Nematodes, in vitro.
Study Design: The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design.
Place of Study: This study was carried out in the biology laboratory of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Methods: Extraction of phytochemicals from Tamarindus indica leaf and Citrus sinensis peels was carried out using an aqueous solvent. Tamarindus indica leaves and Citrus sinensis peels were collected within the province of Jos, and were dried at constant room temperature to a constant weight after which pulverized, sieved and soaked in water for 24 hours. The extraction was done using the cold maceration method. Eighty (80) second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne spp. were exposed to the extracts at different concentrations (100, 80, 60, 40, and 20mg/ml) for 6, 12, 18, 24. 30, 32 and 48 hours and, each treatment was replicated 5 times. The average number of dead nematodes per concentration were determined and recorded as mean ± SEM with statistical value at P < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Results of phytochemical analysis showed that Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Steroids, Phenols, and Cardioglycosides were present in T. indica leaf extracts while C. sinensis peels contains Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenols, and Resins. These phytochemicals present are suspected to be responsible for the nematicidal activities of the plants. Nematode mortality in the two treatment groups (T. indica and C. sinensis extracts) was highest at 100mg/ml concentration (48 hours of exposure); It was followed by 80mg/ml in decreasing order while the least mortality rate was recorded at 20mg/ml. Hence, as the concentration of the extracts were increased with increase in time, high nematode mortality was observed. Percentage mortality of treated nematodes was statistically significant (P < 0.05) for all concentrations of the extracts at the different time intervals when compared to the control. Statistical analysis showed that T. indica had significantly higher effect on Root-Knot nematodes mortality than C. sinensis at varying concentrations and time of exposure.
Benefits of Results: Synthetic pesticides are the principal means used to control nematodes, but the natural products may provide a safe alternative. Hence, the active compounds (phytochemicals) in T. indica L. and C. sinensis L. can be harnessed to be used as biopesticides.
Conclusion: The study suggests that extracts of T. indica and C. sinensis can be utilized in the control of root knot nematodes and may have the potential for the production of biopesticides that can be used for the control of nematodes as it displayed nematicidal activities.
Ayurvedic Management of Shwitra: A Case Study
Authors: Rajpoot Suneel Kumar , Toshikhane Hemant , Daga Harish 
Published: August 2021

Shwitra is a chronic illness. The lesions of shwitra being dry and also noninfectious thus differs from the kushtha in general. It is whitish discoloration of skin starting from child to old, rich to poor, irrespective of sex, religion, status, age. vitiligo can be co-related with Shwitra disease in Ayurveda due to the alike signs and symptoms which are; non exudative white, red or coppery-red colored patches, roughness, dryness, itching, burning sensation of the patches, loss and discoloration of the hair. Shwitra is caused by vitiation all the three doshas. Pracchanna karma is one of among the shastrakrita raktamokshana in which multiple small incisions are made to irrigate the impure blood. It is usually adopted as a sthanika chikitsa. In this study, Balyadi lepa is used externally for the management of shwitra, the result of which has been found encouraging.
Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Levels and its Related Health Hazards in Two Staple Foods Grown in Mining Communities of Ebonyi State
Authors: Joseph Uraku, Anayo , Ikechukwu Chukwu, , Helen Uraku, Oluchi , Nzubechukwu Edwin, , Chukwu Ezeali , Virginia Ogoh, Nneka , Emmanuel Ozioma, Prince , Joseph Okoye, Chinedu 
Published: August 2021

Background: This study assessed the levels of some heavy metals in two staple foods grown within mining sites at Ishiagu and Enyigba communities of Ebonyi State. The control site was Umuezeokoha community. The present study is significantly important in respect to hazardous effect of heavy metal accumulation in staple food as there was no or scarcity of data available in Nigeria on this aspect.
Materials and Methods: The two commonly cultivated food crops namely Manihot esculentus (cassava) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) were grown within <20m, 100m before mining sites. The crops were collected from the three farms at the peak of the harvesting period, processed and were analyzed for heavy metals using AAS technique.
Results: The results revealed that heavy metals; Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Mn in Manihot esculentus tubers in all the farms within Ishiagu and Enyigba mining sites were comparable to each other and control site but Cr levels in control site was higher than others and that of WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Only As from A2 in Ishiagu had the highest value and exceeded WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Fe from B1, B2 in Enyigba and that of control had the highest values when compared to others but Fe in all samples investigated exceeded WHO/FAO maximum. Also, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Mn in Telfairia occidentalis leaves in all the farms within mining sites were comparable to control site except As levels from A2 in Ishiagu and from control site which was higher compare to others including WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Cr only from A2 in Ishiagu, B2 and B3 in Enyigba was highest even with WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit. Fe too from all the farms in Enyigba and control had highest values even with WHO/FAO maximum permissible limit.
Conclusion: The results showed that the investigated food crops from two mining communities and the control site were not safe for consumption.
Evaluation of Metformin Hydrochloride Floating Drug Delivery System: In vitro Study and In vivo Prediction
Authors: Pawar Rajesh , Jagdale Swati 
Published: August 2021

Aim: This research work was aimed to evaluate Metformin hydrochloride (MH) floating dosage form by In vitro evaluation/In vivo prediction and to evaluate it’s predictability through it’s application during the R&D using Insilico technique in WINONLIN Software. MH was examined as a model drug, which is a biguanide and is an hypoglycemic agent administered orally. The study was aimed to determine the the systemic concentrations of MH using In-vivo prediction.
Study Design: Fabrication and assessment of Metformin hydrochloride floating drug delivery system: In Vitro evaluation /In Vivo prediction. Biorelevant media was selected for dissolution profile of 12 units of dosage form. Software assisted program used for data feeding and results output.
Methodology: The absorption window for MH is the upper portion of the small gut in which the GI absorption is complete after 6 h. Hence gastroretentive formulation was developed and validity of dissolution study was extended by In vivo pharmacokinetic prediction using WinNonlin Software. A mechanistic oral absorption model was built in Phoenix WinNonlin® software.
In the presented work, significant yet crucial, gastrointestinal (GI) variables are considered for biopredictive dissolution testing to account for a valuable input for physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) platform programs. While simulations are performed and mechanistic insights are gained from such simulations from the WinNonlin program.
Results: These floating tablets were observed for In vitro release and studied for In vivo pharmacokinetic prediction. From the obtained values, a meaningful In vivo prediction was done. interestingly from the results attained floating tablets showed sustained drug release and extended drug absorbed in 24h. Fascinatingly, from the data it was proved that drug formulation resides for desired time. The absorption of MH from the developed CR tablet was 1.4 fold higher than its marketed tablet and it had higher AUC0–t values than the marketed product which indicates superior bioavailability of test product compared to marketed tablet with similar dose in Invivo pharmacokinetic prediction. The mean value of biological half-life (t1/2) and Tmax of MH from test formulation is two times more, Test product has shown higher MRT, showing that the drug is maintained longer in the body in comparison to marketed product indicates controlled absorption.
Conclusion: Here we concluded that, a comparative prediction pharmacokinetic evaluation of the fabricated controlled release tablets and the marketed formulation indicates that the fabricated controlled release tablets are well absorbed and the degree of absorption is greater than that of the marketed ER formulation with larger gastric residence time.