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Screening of Indigenous Bacterial Isolates from Dawadawa (African Locust Beans) in North Central Nigeria
Oyetola Moradeke Toyosi,
Agarry Olubunmi,
Oyetola Simeon
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
67-72
Received:
8 September 2017
Accepted:
23 September 2017
Published:
5 November 2017
Abstract: This study was undertaken to screen for Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from indigenous fermented seeds; dawadawa. Isolation of LAB was carried out on MRS Agar. Biochemical, morphological and physiological examinations according to the Bergeys manual were used to identify the bacterial isolates. Six bacterial strains were obtained and given the designations DN, DO, DJ, DT, DG and DH respectively. The obtained colonies were all capable of fermenting lactose, sucrose, trehalose, glucose, maltose and lactulose as the sole carbon source in the broth. Morphological examination revealed that the isolates obtained were non-spore forming gram positive colonies ranging from creamy to white, clear, cocci and rod shaped, smooth textured and flat elevation with transparent opacity. Their growth profile study revealed that all isolates appeared to be mesophilc with progressive growth patterns observed between 24-96 hours at the same parameters for incubation. Isolates DO and DJ were observed to exhibit the fastest growth as determined by measuring optical density of the cells in broth using spectrophotometer at 550nm. Conclusions from the observed experiment indicate that isolated LABs from dawadawa could be applied in other probiotics as starter cultures and be improved for other commercial uses.
Abstract: This study was undertaken to screen for Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from indigenous fermented seeds; dawadawa. Isolation of LAB was carried out on MRS Agar. Biochemical, morphological and physiological examinations according to the Bergeys manual were used to identify the bacterial isolates. Six bacterial strains were obtained and given the designat...
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Characterization of Environmental Samples around an Indigenous Refinery in Nigeria
Useh Mercy Uwem,
Useh Uwem Jonah,
Dauda Mary Sunday
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
73-79
Received:
8 September 2017
Accepted:
8 October 2017
Published:
11 November 2017
Abstract: Co-contamination by petrochemicals and heavy metals emanating from refinery operations was investigated from sludge, soil and water samples immediately around WRPC refinery, Delta State, Nigeria. Collection and assessment of environmental samples from 5 different points across the refinery and groundwater for which the pH, Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Turbidity, TDS, TSS, Total hardness, Alkalinity, DO, BOD, Clˉ, PO43ˉ and bacteriological analysis were measured. The total petroleum hydrocarbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations were 755.291 and 22.746 mg L-1 in the water samples, 8756.148 and 311.569 mg kg-1 for the soil samples, 65346.8 and 4190.598 mg kg-1 for the sludge samples via GC-MS analysis. The effects of the release of the industrial effluents caused the increase in pH, 5.2-5.3 across the studied samples. Conductivity measurements for the sludge, soil and water samples gave readings of 0.27, 0.25 and 0.48 µs cm-1 respectively. The presence and distribution of different heavy metals varied whereby the presence of cadmium (0.139 mg/l), cobalt (0.34 mg/l) and nickel (0.606 mg/l) in the water samples were above the WHO permissible limits. The highest concentrations of iron (108.77 mg/kg) and zinc (11.072 mg/kg) where observed in the soil samples while chromium (24.25 mg/kg), lead (3.902 mg/kg), mercury (0.21 mg/kg), arsenic (0.417 mg/kg), copper (2.015 mg/kg) and manganese (82.695 mg/kg) where highest in the sludge samples. Total bacterial enumeration revealed a count of 7.29 x 103 (cfu/g), 1.84 x 103 (cfu/g) and 1.32 x 103 (cfu/ml) in the soil, sludge and water samples respectively. The presence and concentrations of these mixed pollutants via the activities of the refinery resulted in change of known physicochemical properties which in turn affects the vegetative and microbial flora within the area.
Abstract: Co-contamination by petrochemicals and heavy metals emanating from refinery operations was investigated from sludge, soil and water samples immediately around WRPC refinery, Delta State, Nigeria. Collection and assessment of environmental samples from 5 different points across the refinery and groundwater for which the pH, Electrical Conductivity, ...
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Antimicrobial and Physicochemical Evaluation of Luffa acutangular Leaf Extracts
Alagbe Seyi Valerie,
Ibi Anna,
Toge Christal,
Amuzie Uzo Felicia,
Ftepti Benson Jelani,
Raji Bamanga
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
80-85
Received:
8 September 2017
Accepted:
8 October 2017
Published:
11 November 2017
Abstract: Leaves of Luffa acutangular are consumed in some parts of Nigeria as part of folk medicine for the treatment of diseases and as a vegetable food source. This study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituents from ethanol extracts, antimicrobial resistance, proximate and mineral analysis of its leaf extracts. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The elemental analysis of the dried leaf revealed the presence of Calcium (58.6 mg/g), Copper (0.6 mg/g), Magnesium (12.4 mg/g), Manganese (0.9 mg/g), Zinc (0.6 mg/g), Sodium (14.4 mg/g) and Potassium (143.6 mg/g) respectively. The samples were screened against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyrogens, Klebsciella pneumonia, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis for their anti-microbial activity using Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin and Fluconazole as control. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined. Proximate analysis revealed moisture content of 10.6%, ash 6.3%, crude protein 2.6%, crude fiber 4.0%, fat 5.1% and carbohydrate content of 71.4%. The study showed that the leaf extract of L. acutangular may be used to manage some common diseases caused by the tested organisms. The major antimicrobial activity is tailored to the phyto-constituents. This confirms the folkloric use of the plants in the management of various diseases.
Abstract: Leaves of Luffa acutangular are consumed in some parts of Nigeria as part of folk medicine for the treatment of diseases and as a vegetable food source. This study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituents from ethanol extracts, antimicrobial resistance, proximate and mineral analysis of its leaf extracts. The phytochemical investig...
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Constitutive Expression of VvAATP Increases Starch Content in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Feibing Wang,
Bin Weng,
Qi Wang,
Yuxiu Ye,
Jing Zhang,
Gaolei Ren,
Bowen Wang,
Qing Zhou,
Xinhong Chen
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
94-101
Received:
5 September 2017
Accepted:
18 October 2017
Published:
22 November 2017
Abstract: A plastidic ATP/ADP transporter (AATP) plays a crucial role in importing ATP from the cytosol into plastids, leading to the increase the ATP supply to facilitate anabolic synthesis in heterotrophic plastids of dicotyledonous plants. The regulatory role of the grapevine VvAATP gene in increasing starch accumulation has not been investigated. In this study, the VvAATP gene was successfully isolated from grapevine and transformed into Arabidopsis. Constitutive expression of VvAATP significantly increased starch accumulation in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that constitutive expression of VvAATP up-regulated the expression of the genes related to starch biosynthesis pathway, including phosphoglucomutase, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), soluble starch synthase (SSS) and starch branching enzyme (SBE) genes, in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Meanwhile, enzymatic analyses indicated that the major enzymes (AGPase, GBSS, SSS and SBE) involved in the starch biosynthesis exhibited higher activities in the transgenic plants compared to the wild-type (WT). These results indicate that VvAATP may improve starch content of Arabidopsis by up-regulating the expression of the related genes and increasing the activities of the major enzymes invovled in starch biosynthesis. All these findings suggest that the VvAATP gene may be applied for increasing starch accumulation of plants in the future.
Abstract: A plastidic ATP/ADP transporter (AATP) plays a crucial role in importing ATP from the cytosol into plastids, leading to the increase the ATP supply to facilitate anabolic synthesis in heterotrophic plastids of dicotyledonous plants. The regulatory role of the grapevine VvAATP gene in increasing starch accumulation has not been investigated. In this...
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Effects of Liming on Physicochemical Properties and Nutrient Availability of Acidic Soils in Welmera Woreda, Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Kebede Dinkecha,
Dereje Tsegaye
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
102-109
Received:
9 September 2017
Accepted:
8 October 2017
Published:
4 December 2017
Abstract: Soil acidity is one of chemical soil degradation problems which affect productivity of the soil in Ethiopian highlands. The purpose of this research was to identify the status of soil acidity and determine the amount of lime requirement for neutralization to increase plant nutrient availability in Welmera woreda, Oromia region. More specifically the study pointed out statistically, the nutrient availability before and after liming acidic soil using paired t-test. The results indicated that the soil of study area was strongly acidic (pH(H2O) < 5.3) and exchangeable acidity was from 2.86±0.01 - 3.55±0.07 cmol/Kg. The soil showed low concentration of plant nutrients (AP, TN, K, Ca, Mg) and high in micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) contents. After 90 days liming in greenhouse incubation of the soil samples, the results showed effective neutralization of the soil, which indicated it was properly limed and the effects of soil acidity on nutrient availability was clearly observed. The concentration of all anions (AP, TN, and OC), cations (Na+, K+, Ca+2 and Mg+2) and micronutrients were found to be significantly different except TN and OC, between the soil samples for before and after liming. After limed acidic soils, anion and cations are improved their availability for plant while micronutrients are decreased from toxicity to normal condition.
Abstract: Soil acidity is one of chemical soil degradation problems which affect productivity of the soil in Ethiopian highlands. The purpose of this research was to identify the status of soil acidity and determine the amount of lime requirement for neutralization to increase plant nutrient availability in Welmera woreda, Oromia region. More specifically th...
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Assessment of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on Immune Biomarkers After Oral Administration of Herbomineral Formulation in Sprague Dawley Male Rats
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Aileen Carol Lee,
Aksana Hancharuk,
Carola Marina Sand,
Debra Jane Schnitzer,
Rudina Thanasi,
Eileen Mary Meagher,
Faith Ann Pyka,
Gary Richard Gerber,
Johanna Catharina Stromsnas,
Judith Marian Shapiro,
Laura Nelson Streicher,
Lorraine Marie Hachfeld,
Matthew Charles Hornung,
Patricia M. Rowe,
Sally Jean Henderson,
Sheila Maureen Benson,
Shirley Theresa Holmlund,
Stephen P. Salters,
Mayank Gangwar,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
110-119
Received:
22 October 2017
Accepted:
3 November 2017
Published:
11 December 2017
Abstract: Herbomineral formulations have increased in recognition and popularity due to their high safety and better therapeutic benefits than other conventional methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment on a new proprietary herbomineral formulation in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The test formulation contained essential ingredients like the herbal root extract ashwagandha and minerals (zinc, magnesium, and selenium). The test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely from eighteen renowned Biofield Energy Healers. The immunomodulatory effect of the Biofield Energy Treated and untreated test formulations was studied in SD rats to determine any alteration in humoral immune response (IgG and IgM), cellular immune response, hematology, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, and the testosterone. The Biofield Energy Treated test formulation group (G3) showed significantly increased levels of IgM and IgG by 46.15% and 14.92%, respectively compared with the disease control group (G2). The cellular immune response (i.e. the ratio of CD4+ and CD8+) was decreased by 76.47% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation compared with the G2 group. The hematology parameters such as TLC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were significantly increased by 18.01%, 1.34%, 12.34%, and 0.67%, respectively in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation group compared with the G2 group. The lipid profile parameters viz. total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL were significantly decreased in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation group (G3) by 8.73%, 10.96%, 6.26%, 8.60%, and 11.01%, respectively compared with the G2 group. Among the tested hepatic parameters, results showed decreased levels of SGOT (5.27%), SGPT (17.70%), ALP (0.26%), total protein (5.8%), albumin (5.47%), globulin (9.27%), and albumin/globulin ratio (1.34%) in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation group compared with the G2 group. However, the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation group animals exhibited an increased level of testosterone by 39.8% compared with the G2 group. The overall results demonstrated that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation showed a better immune response compared with the untreated test formulation. These experimental data suggest that the Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment based herbomineral formulation can be used for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, stress management and anti-aging by improving overall health.
Abstract: Herbomineral formulations have increased in recognition and popularity due to their high safety and better therapeutic benefits than other conventional methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment on a new proprietary herbomineral formulation in m...
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Differential Regulation of Immune Biomarkers by the Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment Based Herbomineral Formulation in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Mahendra Kumar Trivedi,
Alice Branton,
Dahryn Trivedi,
Gopal Nayak,
Ariadne Esmene Afaganis,
Barbara Marie Bader,
Brian A. Weekes,
Daphne Luisa Dumas,
Denise Marie Fiedler,
Dennille Mellesia Smith,
Desi Pano,
Donna Felice Galla,
Donna Maria Alija,
Elaine Barbara Mullins,
Elaine M. Scorza,
Ellia O'Donnell,
Fabio Massimo Paciucci,
Frances Goodman Warlick,
Haddon Norman Salt,
Inthirani Arul,
Jacqueline Y. Andrews,
James Jay McLeran,
James Stephen Burnett,
Jean Caroline White,
Mayank Gangwar,
Snehasis Jana
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
120-130
Received:
30 October 2017
Accepted:
11 November 2017
Published:
11 December 2017
Abstract: A new proprietary herbomineral formulation was formulated, consisting of essential ingredients viz. herbal root extract of ashwagandha and minerals (zinc, magnesium, and selenium). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of The Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment (Biofield Energy Healing Treatment) based herbomineral formulation in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats for immune biomarkers modulation. The test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely from twenty renowned Biofield Energy Healers. The immunomodulatory potential was studied in male SD rats using various immune biomarkers such as IgG and IgM, CD4+ and CD8+, hematology, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, sex hormone, and antioxidant profile. The humoral immune response showed an increase IgG level by 6.10% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G4) group compared with the disease control (G2) group. Cellular immune response i.e. CD4+ and CD8+ counts were significantly improved by 51.64% and 52.09%, respectively in G4 compared with the G2 group. The lymphocytes level were increased by 38.87%, while TLC, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes count were decreased by 7.38%, 19.35%, 21.14%, and 3.43%, respectively in G4 compared with the G2 group. Lipid analysis showed that triglycerides and VLDL levels were decreased by 6.02% and 5.97%, respectively while HDL level was significantly increased by 28.44% in G4 compared with the G2 group. Hepatic biomarkers viz. SGOT, CK-MB, total protein, total bilirubin, and globulin by 6.27%, 14.97%, 2.85%, 16.66%, and 5.90%, respectively in G4 compared with the G2 group. However, the testosterone level was significantly increased in G4 and untreated test formulation (G5) groups by 135.74% and 28.09%, respectively compared with the G2 group. Additionally, the antioxidant assay showed that the lipid peroxidation (LPO) level was decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels were increased by 59.72% and 20.07%, respectively in the G4 compared with the G2 group. Overall, the study results suggested that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation showed an improved cellular and humoral immune responses along with improved hematological and biochemical animal profile compared with the untreated test formulation. Consequently, it can be established that The Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing has the significant capacity for immunomodulatory effect, which may also be useful in organ transplants, anti-aging, and stress management by improving overall health and quality of life.
Abstract: A new proprietary herbomineral formulation was formulated, consisting of essential ingredients viz. herbal root extract of ashwagandha and minerals (zinc, magnesium, and selenium). The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of The Trivedi Effect®- Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment (Biofield Energy Healing Treatment) based herbomineral f...
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