JBAS
Executive Editor- Profile
Saber A. Sakr, Ph.D.
Current Status
Head of Zoology Department
Faculty of Science
Menoufia University
Shebin El-kom, Egypt.
Saber A. Sakr is a Professor of cytology and histology. During his work at Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University and as researcher he published more than 90 articles in international journals with high impact factor and high citations in the field of toxicology and use of plant extracts as therapeutic agents. He supervised many M.Sc and Ph.D. thesis in Egypt and other countries. He works as Associate Editor in three international journals (International J. Immunological Studies, J. Appl. Pharmaceutical Science, J. Basic Appl Zoology, Elsevier). He attended many scientific conferences in European and other countries, and local conferences. He is the international expert and reviewer for many journals. He finished two scientific projects which solved 2 of the important problems. He is a member of 5 scientific societies. He obtained University discretionary award in basic Science, 2011 and Listed in Marquis Who's Who in the world, 27th edition, 2010.
Executive Editor- Profile
Yung-Fu Chang Ph.D
Current Status
Professor of Microbiology
College of Veterinary medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
USA.
Yung-Fu Chang is a professor of the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. He is working on the functional genomics of Clostridium difficile, molecular characterization of the virulence factors of Leptospira spp. and vaccine development and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases of animals. He has published more than 140 papers in referred journals (Molecular Microbiology, Journal of biologic chemistry, Chemistry, Journal of Bacteriology, Infection and Immunity, Journal of clinical Microbiology, Vaccine Journal, Journal of Proteomics Research, Clinical and Vaccine Journal, PLoS one, etc…). He completed his doctorate on Microbiology from Texas
A & M University, Texas in 1984. From 1984-1989, he worked as an assistant Research Scientist in Medical Biochemistry and Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Texas A &M University, where he cloned, sequenced and characterized the toxin genes of Mannheimiahaemolyticaand Actinobacilluspleuropneumoniae. From 1989 until present, he was Assistant professor, Associate professor, and then became a full professorin 2003 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. He has obtained several patents from his research. He is constantly invited to give seminars nationally and internationally. He has long participated as an editor/associate editor of several journals, reviewer of numerousmanuscripts and grants per year in his field.
Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences | Volume 8 Number 1
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Table of ContentsVolume 8 No. 1, 2012
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Agriculture Saleem Eijaz, M. Farhanullah Khan, Khalid Mahmood, Sohail Shaukat and Afaq Ahmed Siddiqui
Potential of Chromolaena odorata and Indigenous Bacterial Consortium for Oily Wastewater Treatment
Encouragement Germination of Potato Seed Cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Influence of Certain Animal Manures on Incidence of Stem Canker and Black Scurf Disease on Potato
Determination of Selected Physical Properties of Egusi Melon (Citrullus colocynthis lanatus) Seeds Biochemistry Najma Shaheen and Tabassum Mahboob Ikram Ilahi, Imran Khan, Mohammad Tariq and Izhar Ahmad Botany Rizwanul Haq, M. Farhanullah Khan and Ehteshamul Haq Muhammad Azam Khan, Mir Ajab Khan and Mazhar Hussain Chemistry Computer Sciences Environmental Science Effect of Chromium, Cadmium and Arsenic on Growth and Morphology of HeLa Cells Discovery of the Major Mechanism of Global Warming and Climate Change Paul C. Rivera and Tariq Masood Ali Khan Food Science Removal of Pesticide Residues from Okra Vegetable through Traditional Processing Geology Salma Rafi, S.H. Khursheed and Syed Iqbal Mohsin Risk Zone Mapping of Lead Pollution in Urban Groundwater Azhar Siddique, Nayyer A. Zaigham, Shiekh Mohiuddin, Majid Mumtaz, Sumayya Saied and Khalil A. Mallick Mathematics Arabian Seawater Temperature Fluctuations in the Twentieth Century M.A. Hussain, Shaheen Abbas and M.R.K. Ansari Medical Sciences Factors Affecting Levels of Health-Related Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students in Selangor, Malaysia Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Among HIV Seropositive Patients Determination of the Chronological Age of Skull Base Suture Closure Using Computed Tomography Microbiology Pharmacology Ruqaiya Hasan, Aisha Javaid and Saqiba Fatima Psychiatry Statistics Bushra Shamshad and Junaid Saghir Siddiqi Impact of FDI on Import Demand and Export Supply Functions of Pakistan: An Econometric Approach Veterinary Science Evaluation of Oregano and α-Tocopheryl Acetate on Laying Japanese Quail Diets Zoology Variations in Length and Weight of Oreochromis mossambicus in Malir River, Karachi, Pakistan Review Article Short Communication Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, Sajid Ali and Mustafa Kamal Evaluation of Different Date Palm Varieties and Pheromone Traps Against Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) in Sindh DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.06 Abstract: In a two-year study ten commercial date palm varieties were evaluated. The varieties showed varying response to Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv; some varieties suffered heavy infestation while others indicated tolerance against R. ferrugineus. The most tolerant varieties with less infestation percentage against R. ferrugineus were Muzawati (8%) followed by Pathri (12%), Thothar (15%), Khar and Shakri (16%) respectively. The varieties which suffered high infestation rate were Karbalain, Dhedhi, Fasli, Aseel and Eidan Shah. To control the R. ferrugineus infestation pheromone trapping system was used. Significantly more R. ferrugineus (18-21) adults were captured during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd week of July and 2nd week of June. The studies conducted will be helpful in survey and control of R. ferrugineus infestation in Khairpur District of Sindh province. Keywords: Date palm, infestation, pheromone, red palm weevil, varieties.
Efficacy of Different Organophosphate Pesticides against Jassid Feeding on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Saleem Eijaz, M. Farhanullah Khan, Khalid Mahmood, Sohail Shaukat and Afaq Ahmed Siddiqui DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.19 Abstract Field studies were conducted for the determination of efficacy of different organophosphate pesticides viz Profenofos, Dimethoate , Acephate and Malathion against jassid (Amrasca devastans) feeding on okra crop. Seeds of okra crop were planted in randomized block design with 3 replicates. The pretreatment observations were recorded at 24 hour before spray, while, the post-treatment observations were taken after 1, 2, 3,4,5,6 and 7 days of treatment. The crop was sprayed four times repeatedly with 7 day interval during the experimental period. The results revealed that all of the tested pesticides reduced the population of Amrasca devastans except Profenofos. Though the Profenofos was unable to reduce the pest population but it was able to somewhat control the further proliferation of pest. In contrary Dimethoate was found as the most effective against the jassid with significant reduction in pest population against the control and other treatments.The results obtained from the research concluded that the organophosphate pesticides including Dimethoate, Acephate, and Malathion were found effective for controlling the jassid population feeding on okra but the low dose of pesticides including Profenfos were found ineffective. Keywords: Organophosphate, Pesticides, Bioefficacy, Pests, Okra. Lipid Profile and Liver Histochemistry in Animal Models Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Gabriel Olaiya Omotoso, Bernard U Enaibe, Oluwole Busayo Akinola, R Eniola Kadir, Adelaja A Akinlolu, Adeoye Oyetunji Oyewopo, Solomon Toluwase Olawuyi, Joseph Oluwatope Adebayo, Olanrewaju Samuel Apalowo and Adeyemi Victor Sofoluwe DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.04
Abstract: Cigarette smoke is known to be an important predisposing factor to many diseased conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exposure to smoke from burnt cotton wool and cigarette on plasma lipids, liver biochemistry and histology, in adult Wistar rats. The animals were divided into three groups of Control A: exposed to fresh atmospheric air; Group B: exposed to cotton wool smoke; and, Group C, exposed to cigarette smoke; and the experiment lasted for 35 days. The animals exposed to cigarette smoke and cotton wool smoke showed higher values of low density lipoprotein (LDL), and lower values of high density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to the control. The observation of the micro architecture and enzymes of the liver tissue revealed reduction in the number and size of liver cells, numerous fibrous tissues, elevated liver transaminases and reduction in endogenous anti-oxidants, with evidence of fatty degeneration, in animals exposed to cigarette smoke compared to those exposed to cotton wool smoke and fresh atmospheric air. Cigarette smoke caused accumulation of lipids in the liver cells, with evidence of on-going necrosis and fibrosis, which indicated the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Keywords: Cigarette smoke, enzymes, histology, lipids, liver. Effects of Nifedipine on Cation Transport and Na - K-ATPase Activity in Erythrocytes and Electrolyte Homeostasis in Rats Najma Shaheen and Tabassum Mahboob DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.11
Abstract: Calcium channel antagonists have been reported to reduce blood pressure in those individuals at risk of cardiac and cerebrovascular events. There is no specific study available regarding the role of electrolyte alterations in blood pressure lowering effects of nifedipine. The present study was designed to investigate the role of electrolyte homeostasis, changes in ouabain-sensitive Na+ K+ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity, and net sodium efflux and potassium influx across blood cell membranes. Rats were divided into two experimental groups . Nifedipine (20mg/ kg body weight ) was administered by gastric tube to the test group . Control group received same volume of deionize water .The intra-erythrocyte sodium, serum sodium, potassium, calcium and sodium, calcium content of heart and kidney tissues were decreased significantly. Whereas, intra-erythrocyte potassium was slightly decreased or remained normal in nifedipine treated rats as compared to normal healthy rats. The Na - K - ATPase activity, serum magnesium, potassium and magnesium content in heart and kidney tissues were increased significantly. Results confirmed that nifedipine represses ion channels, transporters and calcium-binding proteins in tissues. Erythrocyte studies indicate that nifedipine blocks the entrance of calcium into the cells but also stimulate Na - K - ATPase activity, resulting in reduction of intracellular sodium concentration, thus suggesting direct nifedipine-induced blood pressure reduction. Keywords: Nifedipine, electrolyte homeostasis, Na-K-ATPase, cation transport. Larvicidal Activities of Different Parts of Melia azedarach Linn. against Culex quinquefasciatus Say. (Diptera: Culicidae) Ikram Ilahi, Imran Khan, Mohammad Tariq and Izhar Ahmad DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.27
Keywords: Aqueous extracts, Culex quinquefasciatus, Mortality, LC50. Effects of Lead Acetate on Light Protein of Drosophila melanoigaster Rizwanul Haq, M. Farhanullah Khan and Ehteshamul Haq DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.09
Abstract Lead is supposed to be an important poisonous waste, which could contaminate the environment, therefore, insects could be influenced easily by the lead. Drosophila melanogaster, was studied at 48 hours post treatment, under the effects of lead acetate, in different concentrations of 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg. It was observed that, under the effects of lead abnormalities, and deformity were developed in the larvae of flies. Thus these flies could present a useful module for the quick transmission of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a specific physiological and morphological effect on these flies. Keywords: Effects, Lead acetate, Proteins D. melanogaster
Medicinal Plants Used in Folk Recipes by the Inhabitants of Himalayan Region Poonch Valley Azad Kashmir (Pakistan) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.21 Abstract: Plants with medicinal properties were held in the highest esteem in indigenous medicine systems all over the world. All indigenous remedies, whether traditional or modern, have originated directly or indirectly from folklore, rituals and folk medicinal knowledge. The objective of this study was to collect the information about how the local people used the plants of their area to cure a wide variety of ailments in human and livestock. Extensive surveys were carried out during the field work; interviews were conducted with the local inhabitants, the herbalists ‘Hakims’ (local physicians). About fifty informants were interviewed on random basis. The ethnobotanical data obtained was checked and compared with the existing literature and was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. In total 68 species of plants belonging to 44 families were recorded as used medicinally for preparations of folk recipes of 68 ailments. During the field study, it was found that the indigenous knowledge related to medicinal uses comes from women age between 30-50 years, whereas the folk medicinal use comes from men. This survey indicated that 72% source of indigenous knowledge related to the medicinal use of plants comes from people between age of 50 years, while 28% of it comes from people between age 30 and 50 years. The survey also indicated that men especially old one’s are more informative of folk knowledge of medicinal plants than women in the area. It was also indicated that about 60% of the homemade drugs were used by people above the age of 50 years, 30% by children below age of 15 years especially infants. While remaining 10% of the traditional medicines of plant origin were utilized by people between ages of 15-50 years. Keywords: Medicinal plants, ethnobotany, traditional medicines, folk knowledge, and folk recipes. Low Cost Water Disinfectant System Using Solar Energy Anees Fatima, Omm-e-Hany, Moazzam Ali Khan, Atif Shahzad and Sara Umair Siddiqui DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.01
Abstract: Solar disinfection unit is unsophisticated, efficient and reasonably priced water treatment process appropriate for use in developing countries. Water was filtered through cloth, net and coconut husk to remove any suspended particles in water which would directly increase the efficiency of solar disinfection. The filtered water is then transferred in solar disinfection unit. Water with Escherichia coli as indicator organism was filled in the solar disinfection unit comprising of four polyethylene terepthalate (PET) plastic bottles joined together with PVC pipes. These bottles were kept in direct sunlight for 12-48 hours. Weather conditions and solar radiation were obtained using different programs. Solar radiations and elevated temperature destroyed the indicator organism efficiently. Health peril of chemical released in water was well thought-out and was determined to be safe with respect to human consumption. The efficiency of solar disinfection was augmented by use of semi-conductor titanium dioxide (TiO2) which reduced the time for exposure up to 90%. The temperature increase and dissolved oxygen decrease in the disinfection process which was overcome by retaining this water in traditional earthenware water storage vessels (mutka). Allowing accessibility to better life through improved quality of water. Keywords: Solar disinfection system, E. coli, drinking water. Effect of Chromium, Cadmium and Arsenic on Growth and Morphology of HeLa Cells DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.17 Abstract: Rapid industrialization and anthropogenic activities are main causes of environmental pollution and level of heavy metals is on the increase in biosphere. These heavy metals have deleterious effects on human health and cause many abnormalities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of arsenic, chromium and cadmium on the growth and morphology of HeLa cell. The total protein profile of control as well as treated cells was checked by SDS-PAGE. Chromium was used to induce the expression of metallothionein protein and expression of protein was detected by SDS-PAGE. There was reduction in proliferation of cells in chromium, cadmium and arsenic containing medium. Cell necrosis was observed with the increase in the concentration of chromium and at 0.10 μg/mL concentration of chromium complete cell lysis was observed. There was change in morphology of cells with increase in concentration of cadmium and at 1.0 µg/ml cells became round. Arsenic also proved to be deleterious for the growth of HeLa cells and there was change in morphology of cells at 1.0 µg/ml but it was not as toxic as chromium and cadmium. There was no difference in protein profile of control and chromium treated cells except lower in concentration of protein due to less number of cells. Metallothionein were not observed in treated cells by SDS-PAGE. Heavy metal have very deleterious effects on human cells and with increase in metal concentration there was change in morphology of cells and also great reduction in proliferation. Keywords: HeLa cells, Heavy Metals. Apoptosis, Metallothionein. Discovery of the Major Mechanism of Global Warming and Climate Change Paul C. Rivera and Tariq Masood Ali Khan DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.13 Abstract: Statistical analysis of the number of destructive earthquakes versus global temperature and greenhouse gases revealed very significant correlations. The motion of the North Pole, deduced from the geomagnetic polar shift data, is highly correlated with major earthquakes. This is an indication that the frequent occurrence of major earthquakes had increased earth’s obliquity and induced global warming and possibly emission of greenhouse gases. It was shown by a simple model developed here that seismic-induced oceanic force could enhance the obliquity leading to increased solar radiative flux on earth. The increase of the absorbed solar radiation due to polar tilt was also confirmed by SOLRAD model which computed a net gain of solar radiative forcing due to enhanced obliquity. SOLRAD also revealed a poleward gain of solar radiative flux which could have facilitated the observed polar amplification of global warming. Multiple regression analysis also showed that polar shift and solar irradiance played a major role in the temperature rise and CO2 increase in recent years. The analysis showed that obliquity change due to North Pole shift and total solar irradiance accounted for 63.5% and 36.4% respectively, while CO2 changes accounted for 0.1% of the observed global warming. Preliminary simulations conducted with EdGCM climate model also showed that enhanced obliquity increases the absorbed solar radiative flux, surface air and ocean temperatures, and decreases ocean ice cover. This study confirmed in several ways that earthquake-perturbed obliquity change, and not greenhouse effect, is the major mechanism governing the present global warming and climate change problem. Keywords: Major earthquakes, polar shift, obliquity change, global warming, climate change, SOLRAD model, EdGCM. Effect of Household Processing on the Removal of Pesticide Residues in Okra Vegetable DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.22 Abstract: The study has been designed to determine the extent of pesticide residues removal from okra through household processing. For this, okra crop was grown on university farm and application of pesticides were carried out at recommended dosage. After 24 hours, the okra was harvested, labeled and brought to the laboratory of Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam for their analyses and further processing such as washing, detergent washing, sun-drying and cooking, etc. being practiced at various households. Pesticide residues were extracted from okra by solvent partitioning and cleaned by C18 cartridges/activated charcoal by using acetonitrile for elution and then cleaned up residues were analyzed through HPLC-UV. The analysis of data revealed that imidacloprid is highly effective against pests at low dosages and its residues in processed as well as unprocessed okra samples were within MRLs (0.5ppm). Imidacloprid residues 0.31 ppm in unwashed okra was reduced to 0.082 ppm by detergent washing (73% removal). Emamectin benzoate residues were high in unwashed okra (0.51 ppm as against MRLs of 0.2ppm), however, its residues were reduced to MRLs by detergent washing and subsequent processing by frying, thermal dehydration or sun-drying of detergent washed okra. Keywords: House hold processing, Okra, Pesticides, HPLC. Removal of Pesticide Residues from Okra Vegetable through Traditional Processing DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.23 Abstract: Demand for vegetables in Pakistan is constantly increasing to feed growing population. Pakistan is the second largest producer of okra and in Sindh okra is produced throughout the year. Okra crop is attacked by variety of insect pests and commercial okra production relies heavily on the pesticides belonging to organochlorine, organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid and neo-nicotinoid groups for pest control. Moreover, growers do not observe safety interval for okra harvest. Hence the okra sold in Pakistani markets is highly contaminated with pesticide residues. Aim of this research study was to determine the extent of pesticide residue decontamination in okra vegetable through traditional processing. Okra crop was sprayed with bifenthrin, profenofos and endosulfan, and different processing were applied on okra such as washing, detergent washing, sun-drying and cooking, etc. Bifenthrin, profenofos and endosulfan pesticide residues were extracted from okra by solvent partitioning and cleaned up through Florisil column using organic solvents for elusion as described by EPA and FDA procedures. Cleaned up residues were analyzed through GC-μECD. The results revealed that endosulfan levels were reduced to MRL by detergent washing (from 2.01 ppm in unwashed samples to 1.03ppm). Profenofos residues (3.21ppm) were reduced to MRL (2.0ppm) by detergent washing and by combination of plain water washing and frying. Bifenthrin MRL is very low (0.04ppm) and only combination of detergent washing and frying reduced residues from 0.311 ppm to 0.042 ppm. Keywords: Okra, Pesticides, Traditional processing. Microfaunal Assemblage of the Sui Main Limestone from Sui Gas Field, Pakistan Salma Rafi, S.H. Khursheed and Syed Iqbal Mohsin DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.12
Abstract: Reservoir that has produced gas for the last fifty (50) years and continues to produce 600 MMCF per day. The characteristic microfossil assemblages within the SML have been studied from fifty two thin sections of the reservoir rock from four Sui wells for understanding the reservoir architecture and quality. There are two distinctive fossil assemblages within SML Formation. The major lower part (>300m) is a carbonate facies of massive fossiliferous limestone dominated by Nummulites along with Alveolina, Discocyclina and Miliolids. The upper part (20m) consists of argillaceous fossiliferous limestone interbedded with calcareous shale layers, making a transition to the overlying Ghazij shales. Assilina is the characteristic fossil with its associated assemblage. Keywords: Sui main limestone, eocene (Ypresian), reservoir, sui gas field, microfauna, foramiifera, paleoenvironment. Risk Zone Mapping of Lead Pollution in Urban Groundwater Azhar Siddique, Nayyer A. Zaigham, Shiekh Mohiuddin, Majid Mumtaz, Sumayya Saied and Khalil A. Mallick DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.15
Abstract: Groundwater samples (n = 230) were collected from various parts of the Karachi City (Pakistan), Karachi is an urban coastal City situated at the southern most part of the Pakistan along the Arabian Sea. The groundwater samples were subjected to electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (EAAS) for the analysis of Pb. Variable Pb levels were observed in groundwater samples from different parts of the city. The relative higher concentrations of Pb were found in the industrial area of the Lyari River vicinity and along the coastal belt. GIS risk zone model based on disjunctive kriging were generated and areas associated with higher risk for Pb contamination were classified on the map. The outcomes of the study stressed that GIS spatial analysis could be a useful tool for the assessment and forecasting of health risk in complex urban environmental setup. Keywords: Lead, heavy metals, risk mapping, GIS, groundwater, urban pollution, Karachi, Pakistan, health hazarads.
A Class of Flows for Couple Stress Fluids DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.02
Abstract: Exact solutions are derived for a class of two dimensional couple stress flows. This class consists of flows for which the vorticity distribution is characterized by the Eq. (12). The solutions are obtained by introducing the functions Y, H and the canonical transformation. The effects of the parameters K, m, U, A, B, D, E, L, and M on velocity components u and v are discussed and streamlines for the various values of the parameters are also presented. Keywords: Couple stress fluids; Exact solutions; Effect of parameters on fluid flow. Arabian Seawater Temperature Fluctuations in the Twentieth Century M.A. Hussain, Shaheen Abbas and M.R.K. Ansari DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.24 Abstract: It is well known that in the twentieth century anthropogenic activities have changed the climatic natural variability to some extent, which resulted in statistically significant increase in the global average temperature. Global warming has increased both atmospheric and sea-surface temperatures around the world. To study the seawater temperature fluctuations in the Arabian sea, this communication performs linear trend analysis of Arabian seawater monthly average temperature data (1871-2009) obtained from Hadley British Climate Centre, UK. The warming trends (positive for every month) of average seawater temperature data show that the ocean has gained heat from the atmosphere over the last 150 years. The trend analysis also shows that the ocean rate of heat absorption in the first half of the twentieth century is higher as compared to the second half. It is clear from the trend values that the winter warming rate is higher than the summer warming rate. It has also been shown that the Karachi urban monthly maximum temperature trends are, more or less, similar to the twentieth century Arabian monthly average seawater temperature fluctuation trends. Its decadal trend values are, more or less, ten times higher than the sea surface temperature trend values. Keywords: Global Average Temperature (GAT), Average Seawater Temperature Data (AVTD), Arabian Monthly Average Seawater Temperature (AMAST). Semen Parameters and Hormone Profile of Men Investigated for Infertility at Midland Fertility Centre, Ilorin, Nigeria A.A.G. Jimoh , T.S. Olawuyi, G.O. Omotoso, A.O.Oyewopo and J.K. Dare DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.03
Abstract: This study aimed at comparing the semen parameters and pattern of endocrine abnormalities in patients investigated for male infertility in our fertility centre. Hormonal assays and semen analysis were carried out, from February 2008 to April 2010. Three hundred and sixteen (316) men were evaluated out of which forty-five (45) underwent hormonal assessment, because of the abnormalities in their sperm count. Sixteen (35.6%; 16 out of 45) of the subjects were azoospermic; twenty-three (23 out of 45; 51.1%) were oligospermic with sperm count less than 20 million sperm cell/ ml; and six (n=6; 13.3%) of the subjects were normospermic, with sperm count greater than 20 million sperm cell/ ml. The mean values of the hormonal assays for azoospermia were: 21.84±1.94 (luteinizing hormone), 14.14±4.4 (follicle-stimulating hormone), 23.95±17.43 (testosterone), and 15.03±2.91 for prolactin. Hormonal assays for patients having oligospermia were as follow: luteinizing hormone (LH) 12.56±3.90, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) 5.96±1.17, testosterone 10.13±2.40 and prolactin 13.42±2.43, while normospermic patients had the following hormone levels: LH: 7.72±3.90, FSH: 2.93±.74, testosterone: 17.00±3.36 and, prolactin: 12.45±2.16. We conclude that infertile men with low sperm count may not always present with abnormal hormone profiles; and, male factor, in this environment, contributes a high percentage to infertility. Keywords: Azoospermia, Hormone profile, Normospermia, Oligospermia. Histopathological Pattern of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Endometrial Biopsies DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.25 Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the histopathological interpretation of endometrial curetting in relation to the very important and common problem of abnormal uterine bleeding. 1000 endometrial samples received at Ehsanullah Laboratories from January 2003 to December 2010 for the complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding were included in the study; these samples were received from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Civil Hospital Karachi along with pertinent clinical information. Out of 1000 endometrial samples presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding, major bulk 570 (57%) of cases revealed no organic pathology and a smaller group of cases 430 (43%) showed definitive endometrial pathology. Maximum numbers of cases were in perimenopausal age group (45-60 year). In majority of patients with no organic pathology, normal physiological phases of proliferation, secretory, menstrual and atrophic in old age were most commonly recorded. The most commonly seen organic lesions in this series were endometrial hyperplasia accounting for 130 cases (30%), chronic endometritis in 57 cases (13%) and endometrial polyps in 53 cases (12%). Histopathological evaluation of endometrial samples is helpful in determining the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, especially indicated in over 35year age group to rule out malignancy and preneoplasia. Keywords: Abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial curetting, histopathology. Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity of Quercus persica DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.18 Abstract: Quercus persica is one of the four species oak that growing in the zagrossian region in Iran. This plant contains different components of therapeutic value. In this investigation, antibacterial and wound healing effects of methanolic extract of fruits of Quercus persica has been studied. Milled oak fruit that their hull was separated, was extracted with methanol in Soxhleťs apparatus .The effect of extract in three concentration (25,50,75mg/ml) were tested using agar diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis RTCC 1898 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and in form topical administration on excision wound in rats.Results showed that all of concentrations were effective on inhibition of bacteria, but this effect with 50 and 75 mg/ml concentration of extract was significant for bacteria. Also in comparison with tested antibiotics, the effect of 75 mg/ml concentration of extract was similar or higher than them. Also in the extract-treated wounds indicated that epithelialize faster, and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased in comparison to control wounds. This results suggest that Quercus persica possesses compounds with antibacterial and wound healing properties. Keywords: Qurcus persica, Antibacterial, Extract, Wound healing. Anti-hyperlipidemic Activity of Carissa carandas (Auct.) Leaves Extract in Egg Yolk Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats S. Sumbul and S. I. Ahmed DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.07
Abstract: The Purpose of this study was to examine the lipid lowering activity of aqueous: ethanol (1:1) extract of Carissa carandas in Egg yolk induced hyperlipidemic rats. A highly significant increase in the weight of group C (High cholesterol diet) rats was observed when compared with control group N (P<0.01). The extract caused a significant reduction in body weight, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL and LDL in hyperlipidemic rats. Histopathological changes induced by high cholesterol diet were also significantly reduced by the extract. The activity of ethanol and water extract of C. carandas was comparable to that of atorvastatin. Keywords: Carissa carandas, hyperlipidemia, egg yolk, atorvastatin. The Effects of Short-Term Administration of Weight Reducing Herbal Drug (Mehzileen) on Serum Enzymes in Common Rabbits Ruqaiya Hasan, Aisha Javaid and Saqiba Fatima DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.10
Abstract: In the present study the weight reducing herbal drug, Mehzileen administered orally to common rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus in a daily dose of 20 mg/ Kg body weight for 27 days. Blood samples drawn on day 0, 3, 7, 10 and 27 respectively were used to measure serum enzymes Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) and Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT).Both the enzymes showed reduction in the early period of drug administration then started to elevate from day 10 of treatment. However AST remained significantly lower (p< 0.05) in test animals, while ALT continued to rise with slightly lower levels than initial concentrations at the end of experiment. These alterations in the AST and ALT levels suggest that major ingredients of the herbal drug used, probably interfere the metabolic activities of liver parenchyma and hepatocytes respectively. Keywords: Herbal drugs, obesity, liver enzymes, weight reduction.
Clinical Profile of Child and Adolescent (≤16 years) Psychotic Disorders at a Tertiary Care Centre In India Rajesh Sagar, Raman Deep Pattanayak and Manju Mehta DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.08
Abstract: Background: Over past two decades, there is an increasing recognition that the psychotic disorders can begin in children at a very young age. Only a few prior studies from India have explored the clinical profile of non-affective psychotic disorders at a younger age. Aims: The study aims to describe the clinical profile of child and adolescent (≤16 years) psychotic disorders. Methods: The study was conducted as a three-year descriptive, retrospective review. All the patients aged ≤16 years, with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition Text Revision (DSM-IV TR) criteria who presented to the weekly child and adolescent psychiatry clinic at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi were included. Relevant information was retrieved on a semi-structured datasheet. Results: The clinic prevalence for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders was found to be 2.47% (40/1618), of which five patient records were either unavailable or inadequate for inclusion. The mean age was 13.97(±1.46) years with an equal representation of males and females. A very early-onset (≤12 years) was present in 48.3% of the sample. Median duration of psychotic illness was 12 months (0.1-48 months) and majority (94.3%) had a continuous course. Family history was positive for psychiatric illness in 22.9%, while an identifiable psychosocial stressor was temporally related in 17.1% of sample. A comorbid psychiatric disorder was present in 14.5%, commonest being subnormal intellectual functioning. Auditory hallucinations appeared to be a common (51.5%) symptom, however these were evident primarily from patient’s behavior rather than self-report in over half of them. Visual hallucinations with ghost or animal theme were present in 17.1% and delusions were manifested by 40% of sample. Disorganized speech and catatonia were less frequent. Nearly 17.1% of sample left school after onset of psychosis and all patients showed some disruption in social, inter-personal and academic functioning. Conclusion: The present study adds to the limited literature on clinical presentation and phenomenology of early-onset psychotic disorders in Indian population. Keywords: Profile, early-onset, psychotic disorders, India. Exploration of Groups Through Latent Structural Model DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.14
Abstract: In this paper Latent Class Analysis is applied on two different data sets. One of which is of elections of Karachi University Teacher Society (KUTS) in year 1993-1994. Members of two (Rightist and Mix) groups were competing for the post of President, Vice president, Secretary and Treasurer. The second data is about the study of parenting style on rearing children along with the factors self esteem and thoughts of suicide. From both the data set we will be able to come across the groups prevailing in our society and be able to assign conditional probability to individual, to which group they belong. Keywords: Latent variable, Likelihood ratio statistic, EM algorithm, Information criterions (AIC and BIC). Impact of FDI on Import Demand and Export Supply Functions of Pakistan: An Econometric Approach Uzma Tabassum, Munazah Nazeer and Afaq Ahmed Siddiqui DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.16
Abstract: FDI tends to increase the host country’s imports, because Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) often have a high tendency to import intermediate inputs, capital goods and services that are not readily available in the recipient countries as well as it also affect exports from the export supply side. We investigated the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and imports demand as well as between foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports supply of Pakistan for the time span of 37 years range from 1973 to 2009. Our analysis emphasized on the existence of long run equilibrium relationship between FDI and imports demand & exports supply of Pakistan using econometric techniques (Co-integration Analysis and Error correction mechanism). The co-integration analysis of import demand showed stable long run equilibrium relation-ship between real import and FDI results of export expressed that FDI has positive relation with real exports in the long run, but the coefficient is statistically insignificant. It suggested that the inflow of FDI has largely been directed toward import-substitution industries or production for the domestic market while little has gone toward export-oriented industries. That is long run policies will be fruitful to be implemented. While the short term dynamics as analyzed by the error correction mechanism (ECM) revealed that the short term discrepancies were significant enough to not to converge toward equilibrium and will require a longer time to adjust back in both model. Unilateral causality was detected between real imports (RIM) and FDI which was established both by theoretical as well as empirical evidence and no causality found between real exports (REX) and foreign direct investment (FDI). Keywords: Foreign direct investment, Import demand function, Export supply Function, co-integration, Time series. Current Status and Distribution of Reptiles of Sindh DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.05
Abstract: In Sindh province, total 103 species of reptiles comprising of 42 Lizards, 45 Snakes, 14 Turtles, 1 species each of Tortoise, Crocodile and Gavial has been recorded. 13 key areas for the reptiles have been identified in Sindh along with three important sites viz. Karachi coast, Deh Akro Wildlife Sanctuary and Nara Wetland Complex. Some reptiles are under threat due to large scale exploitation for skin, medicinal use and as food item. Marine Turtles are threatened mainly due to habitat degradation. The common species include Indian Fringe-toad Lizard, Indian Sand Swimmer, Indian Garden Lizard, Sindh Sand Gecko, Desert Monitor and Saw-scaled Viper. Eight species are threatened and 16 species are of special conservation interest and need to be conserved. Keywords: Sindh, status, reptiles, threatened species. Variations in Length and Weight of Oreochromis mossambicus in Malir River, Karachi, Pakistan Farida Bano, Syeda Nazneen Rizvi and Sumera Farooq DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.26 Abstract: Aquatic pollution results in physical, chemical and biological deterioration of water bodies causing destruction of fish and other biota. Fishes are now considered as the best indicators of pollution. The present study was conducted to see the extent of pollution in Malir River by studying the growth of Oreochromis mossambicus, the common fish of this river. During the study, analysis of length and weight has been done primarily to describe their relationship and to measure the variations in growth of an individual or population. The data showed that the growth was higher at spot 3 (Drigh road) and lower at spot 4 (Quyumabad). It appeared that the good water condition at Spot 3 was supporting the higher fish growth at this spot whereas the polluted water at Spot 4 results in the poor growth of the fish. Keyword: Oreochromis mossambicus, Length, Weight, Malir River. The Impact of Doctor–Pharma Relationships on Prescribing Practice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.20 Abstract: Pharmaceutical industry is one of the major manufacturing industries in Pakistan going hand in hand with medical profession providing value-added healthcare medicines to the ailing humanity. The industry is, however, facing a number of challenges, which are creating hurdles in the way of its professional advancement, especially in the application of a model based on ethics. Ethics has been a major focus of debate in today’s world because of the declining trend of ethical values and social responsibility in healthcare profession. The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (IFPMA) defines the code of ethics as: “Ethics should be a part of any business, particularly a business which is dealing with human life” [1-2]. This highlights an important aspect of relationship between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry and its consequences for the prescribing pattern of physicians.We have conducted a research which is confined to doctors, chemists and companies. The survey on doctors has revealed that most of the doctors have agreed that the patient-doctor counseling is the most important aspect of ethical medical practice, followed by quality care and patients’ affordability to purchase medicines and rationale use of medications. Most of the physicians believe that unethical behavior starts from the doorsteps of drug-manufacturing companies and is followed by non-qualified persons or quacks and some doctors as well. A number of doctors are of the opinion that factors such as entertainment activities with families, frequent offers of lunch and dinners and product samples influence the prescribing behavior of medications. The survey on drugs companies shows that a major portion of the promotional budget is spent on advertisement and promotion of products and customers’ obligation, which force the doctors to prescribe their products. During the survey when we asked chemists about the trend of prescription of medicines, they pointed out that majority of the patients came to them without any doctor’s prescription. This indicates the domination of drugs companies which are spending the huge money on the promotion of their products and compelling the people to purchase medicines without any prescription. Besides this, a high margin of profit is offered to the doctors as well as the chemists by the drugs companies in an attempt to woo them to replace cheap medicines with the expensive ones they sell in the market. Keywords: Medical ethics, prescription, profession, obligations, quacks, affordability, ethics, counseling, rationale, medications. The Base “G” in TB86 Primer Frequently Used in the Amplification of katG Isoniazid Resistance Gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an Insertion Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, Sajid Ali and Mustafa Kamal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.28 Abstract: Tuberculosis is a re-emerging disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and isoniazid is the major drug used in chemotherapy to treat this infection. The mutations detected in katG gene are usually responsible for resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In our work, we have found that the primer TB86, usually used to amplify the katG gene, has an insertion when compared to katG gene of H37Rv. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primer TB86 of katG, reference strain H37Rv. Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum Among Commercial Layers in Faisalabad, Pakistan DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.29 Abstract: Mycoplamosis is one of the most important health hazards being faced by the poultry industry of Pakistan. This study was designed to rule out the prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in layer flocks of District Faisalabad of Pakistan during a period of one year from January to December, 2010. A total of 640 sera samples were collected from 81 commercial layer flocks with complaint of respiratory distress. On the basis of serum plate agglutination test, 40 flocks were found positive for MG indicating a share of 49.01% among the respiratory diseases. Among 40 positive flocks for MG the highest prevalence (54.84 %) was found in pullets, followed by 46.34 %, and 44.44% in adult and old laying flocks, respectively. Similarly, seroprevalence was also higher (49.01%) in pullets as compared to old layers (28.71%). The disease was more prevalent in winter season (45.13 %) in comparison with the summer season (36.30 %). With respect to flocking density, the higher prevalence rate (48.11%) was recorded in flocks having high bird density as compared to those with lower one (27.27 %). Keywords: Seroprevalence, Mycoplasmosis, Layers, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Association Rule Mining through Matrix Manipulation using Transaction Patternbase DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.30 Abstract: In data mining studies, mining of frequent patterns in transaction databases has been a popular area of research. Many approaches are being used to solve the problem of discovering association rules among items in large databases. We also consider the same problem. We present a new approach for solving this problem that is fundamentally different from the known techniques. In this study, we propose a transactional patternbase where transactions with same pattern are added as their frequency is increased. Thus subsequent scanning requires only scanning this compact dataset which increases efficiency of the respective methods. We have implemented this technique by using two-dimensional matrix instead of using FP-Growth method, as used by most of the algorithms. Empirical evaluation shows that this technique outperforms the database approach, implemented with FP-Growth, in many situations and performs exceptionally well when the repetition of transaction patterns is higher. We have implemented it using Visual Basic which has substantially reduced coding and computational cost. Success of this method will open new directions. Keywords: Association Rules, Frequent Patterns, Patternbase, Transaction Base, Matrix, Algorithm. Potential of Chromolaena odorata and Indigenous Bacterial Consortium for Oily Wastewater Treatment DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.31 Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using Chromolaena odorata as absorbent and to ascertain as to whether indigenous bacteria has the potential to degrade hydrocarbon from oily wastewater and thereby reducing its toxicity and other negative impacts to the environment particularly on aquatic life. The potential of Chromolaena odorata and indigenous bacteria to remove oil from wastewater was evaluated by measuring total suspended solid (TSS) concentration. The result shows that, about 55% of oil substances were absorbed or removed after 4 hours of Chromolaena odorata application with the optimum dosage of 4mg/L. Growth percentage of bacterial consortium and single pure strain on medium containing oily wastewater was studied. It was found that bacterial consortium, the mixture of Bacillus cereus (KA) and Acinetobacter (TB) shows higher growth among other bacterial consortium and single pure cultures and this consortium was used for further analysis. In addition, the results have shown that, bacterial consortium (KA+TB) exhibited high efficiency to remove TSS at the optimum dosage of 1 mg/L. Absorption and biodegradation rate was increased after being treated with Chromolaena odorata and bacterial consortium mixture. The mixture of Chromolaena odorata powder and bacterial consortium in 4:1 ratio was obtained to significantly removed TSS by 75% in 24 hours. Keywords: Bacterial consortium, Chromolaena odorata, Bacillus cereus (KA), Acinetobacter (TB), TSS, oily wastewater. Factors Affecting Levels of Health-Related Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students in Selangor, Malaysia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.32 Abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure health-related fitness of children based on different implementation levels of the physical education program. Another was to determine the effect of anthropometric and social factors on students’ health-related fitness. A total of 918 students’ age 13, 14, and 16 years old were selected from three different implementation levels program. The total score of the checklist questions was used as criteria in classifying implementation levels in Selangor schools. Heights and weights were measured, from which the BMI was calculated. Data concerning students’ family income were collected from school files. Data on student involvement in a variety of PA during and outside of school hours were gathered from information given by students (SKAF questionnaire). Tanner, self-reported assessment was used to estimate students’ stage of maturation. Length was considered as indicator of adolescent growth. While, students’ health-fitness was measured by a battery of health fitness tests. Effectiveness of these factors on students’ health-related fitness was determined by comparing the pre-post-health-fitness tests scores of students. Results indicated that children in the high-implementation-level have better-health fitness performance on both pre-test and post-test measurements than children in the low-implementation level. However, health- fitness performances that reflect significant differences were different among age groups. The older age groups generally performed better on overall fitness tests than did the younger age groups. Several covariates had strong relationships with pre and post-test fitness scores for different age groups such as; height, weight, BMI, maturity status, time spent in PA, race, and family income. Variations of health-related fitness performance between students involved in this study are most likely contributing to the different implementation levels. Thus, a well-programmed and supervised PE program can develop the health status of students at all levels of education. Keywords: Implementation level of a physical education program, Quality Physical education program, Quality physical education teacher, Adolescent health-related physical fitness. |
| The Effects of Zataria Multiflora Hydroalcoholic Extract on Some Liver Enzymes, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, Albumin and Total Protein in Rat Ameneh Khoshvaghti, Saeed Nazifi, Seena Derakhshaniyan and Bijan Akbarpour DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.33 Abstract: Zataria multiflora is a valuable medicinal plant grown extensively in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The chemical compositions of their extracts have been extensively characterized in Iran and Pakistan. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Zataria multiflora on some liver enzymes, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, albumin and total protein in rat. Sixty adult male Wistar rats weighing about 200 to 220 g were divided into six groups of ten. The control group (group 1) did not receive any drug. The sham group (group 2) received 2 cc of distilled water. The other four experimental groups (groups 3 to 6) including very low (100 mg/kg BW), low (200 mg/kg BW), medium (300 mg/kg BW) and maximum dose (400 mg/kg BW) received Zataria multiflora hydroalcoholic extract intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. After 28 days all animals in the different groups were weighed and blood samples were collected from heart vein. Serum biochemical parameters were measured using validated standard methods. The results of this study showed Zattaria multiflora hydroalcoholic extract analyses various lipids in lipid tissues and transfer to blood for elimination from body. Keywords: Zataria multiflora hydroalcoholic extract, Liver enzymes, Lipids, Proteins, Rat. Encouragement Germination of Potato Seed Cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.34 Abstract: A greenhouse experiment were conducted to study encouragement germination capacity of some potato tuber cultivars. The mean aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of some plant growth regulators treatments i.e. IAA and GA3, soaking time i.e. at (10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes on some germination and vegetative parameters of some potato cultivars i.e. Cara, Draga and Spunta. The results showed that Cara cultivar recorded highest germination index followed by Cv. Spunta without significant differences between them. Draga cultivar recorded tallest plant, highest fresh weight and dry weight in gm/plant followed by Cv. Cara for plant height only and followed by Cv. Spunta for fresh and dry weight without significant differences between them. Highest germination index percentage, tallest plants and highest fresh and plant dry weight were obtained from soaking tubers in GA3 at 10 ppm plus IAA at 6 ppm. While, soaking tubers in GA3 at concentration of 10 ppm produced highest mean of germination time. Results clearly indicated that soaking tubers for 30 minutes produced highest fresh weight followed by soaking for 20 minutes without significant differences between them. The interaction among cultivars and growth regulator treatments recorded significant differences on mean germination time, fresh weight and dry weight. Within this context, it is important to recognize the role of some growth regulators, soaking times and their interactions on encouragement germination capacity of some potato tuber cultivars. Keywords: Potato cultivars, IAA, GA3, germination index and vegetative parameters
Influence of Certain Animal Manures on Incidence of Stem Canker and Black Scurf Disease on Potato DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.35 Abstract: Rhizoctonia solani (Kuhn) is the causal pathogen of stem canker and black scurf disease on potato. Under open greenhouse conditions two isolates of R. solani (AG-3) were used to infect Nicola potato cultivar and caused typical symptoms of stem canker and black scurf disease with different disease severities ranged from strong to weak. In vitro Addition of chickens, pigeons and cows manure extracts to the media at different concentrations 0-50% (vol/vol) reduced the growth of the tested isolates of the pathogen. The highest reduction of mycelial growth of the pathogen isolates was obtained when pigeons manure extract was added to the growing media at a concentration of 50 % (vol/vol) followed by another concentrations. Under open greenhouse conditions during two growing seasons 2010 and 2011 addition of manures to the soil at 0.5 and 1% weight of the soil before sowing significantly decreased incidence of stem canker and black scurf disease. Generally, cow manure showed the highest effect on controlling the disease followed by pigeons and chickens. On the other hand, concentration 1 % of all manures was more effective on the reducing of disease incidence than the concentration 0.5 %. On the other hand, cow manure was more effective in increasing the eyes germination followed by pigeons and chicken manure and decreased the dead of sprouts, stem canker and black scurf. Treatment with all the kinds of tested manures increased eyes germination of tubers and reduced sclerotia formation on the surface of tubers and hence disease incidence. Keywords: Rhizoctonia solani, Potato, Stem canker, Black scurf, animal manures.
Evaluation of Oregano and α-Tocopheryl Acetate on Laying Japanese Quail Diets DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.36 Abstract: In this experiment 108 Coturnix japonica quail, 149 days old, were randomly allocated into four equal groups with three subgroups of 9 birds each (6 females and 3 males). A commercial laying diet was fed to the control group. The remaining three groups were fed the same diet supplemented with ground oregano at 10 g/kg or 20 g/kg or additional 300 mg α-tocopheryl acetate /kg. The birds were offered feed and water ad libitum for a period of 29 days, while being kept under commercial conditions. During the whole experiment, egg production, feed consumption and mortality were recorded daily. Also, at the end of the experiment the egg weight, the weight percentages of egg yolk, albumen and shell, the egg yolk colour (using the L*a*b* colour space) were determined. Moreover, blood serum total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. The results showed that the α-tocopheryl acetate addition did not affect any of the examined parameters. In contrast, oregano at 10 g/kg increased the a* yolk colour parameter (redness) compared to control, but did not affect the other examined parameters. Keywords: Vitamin E, Coturnix japonica, antioxidants, egg laying, performance, egg quality, yolk color. Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Among HIV Seropositive Patients DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.37 Abstract: Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) share the routes of transmission as a consequences infection with Hepatitis B Virus are expected to occur in HIV infected patients. The co-infection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have become a major health care catastrophe as it complicates the clinical course, management and therapy for HIV infection. Hence it is important to identify them as early as possible. Aim: The prevalence of HBV co-infection with HIV varies widely across different studies within India and outsides. This study is planned to evaluate the prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection by HBsAg screening in HIV seropositive patients in our region. Material and Method: A total of 140 HIV seropositive patients were screened for the presence of Hepatitis B virus on the basis of the presence of HBsAg. Result: In patients infected with HIV the prevalence of HBsAg was 7.1% (10/140) wherease in control group it was 1% (5/500). Discussion: Our study documents fairly high rate of Hepatitis B co-infection among HIV seropositive patients suggesting that it should be mandatory to screen every HIV seropositive patient and their sexual partners for co infection with HBV and vice versa for early detection and a simultaneous treatment of hepatitis B co-infection beside HIV infection management to reduce the morbidity, delay mortality and improve quality of life in HIV-AIDS patients. Keywords: HIV, HBsAg, HBV, Co-infection, Prevalence Determination of the Chronological Age of Skull Base Suture Closure Using Computed Tomography http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.38 Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the postnatal chronological age of central and posterior skull base suture closure using computed tomography. The central and posterior skull base suture of pediatric brain CT’s obtained from 75 girls and 125 boys of varying ages (newborn to 18 years) were evaluated for this purpose. Premature infants of less than 38 weeks gestation, cases of congenital skull base malformations, and cranial anomalies were excluded. All brain CT studies were performed using 3 mm axial slice thickness at the skull base level. The central and posterior skull base sutures, synchondroses and ossification centers were all assessed for normal appearance and age of closure. The age of initial and completed fusion for the 12 main sutures in the occipital and sphenoid bones, were determined. Data obtained during the study provides CT scans standard for normal age of closure of the central and posterior skull base sutures that may assist in the future evaluation of skull base fractures, dysplasia and deformities. Keywords: Skull Base, Suture, Closure, Computed Tomography (CT) Isolation and Characterisation of l,l’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diol, A New Biaryl Natural Product from Sesbania grandiflora Root http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.39 Abstract: This study aimed to isolate and characterise purified compound from the root of Sesbania grandiflora. The root of Sesbania grandiflora provided a new natural compound: l,l’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diol (1) together with two known isoflavanoids (2-3). Complete 1H- and 13C-NMR data of compounds isolated were reported. The structures were determined through various spectroscopic methods notably 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR and HRESIMS. Keywords: Sesbania grandiflora, l,l’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diol, biaryl natural product Determination of Selected Physical Properties of Egusi Melon (Citrullus colocynthis lanatus) Seeds http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2012.08.01.40 Abstract: Physical properties of seeds are determined for the purpose of developing a processing system. The aim of this research is to determine those properties that will guide the design of seed dehulling machine. In most West African countries, Egusi is grown as a food and cash crop. However, one of the most important problems is its manual dehulling, which is strenuous and time consuming. At moisture level 7.11 % dry basis, average length, thickness and width of Egusi melon seed were 13.199, 1.853 and 7.924 mm respectively. In moisture range of 7.11 to 38.70 % dry basis, studies revealed that 1000 seed mass increased from 0.0949 to 0.1299 kg and surface area from 25.394 to 27.827 mm2. Sphericity and Porosity of seed decreased from 0.215 to 0.196 and 0.541 to 0.444 respectively, while angle of repose increased from 23.66 to 33.63o. Bulk density rose from 414.006 to 456.339 kg/m3 while true density decreased from 901.515 to 821.668 kg/m3. Coefficient of friction on plywood (0.3388 – 0.3598), metal (0.2767 – 0.3198), aluminium (0.2736 – 0.3172) and PVC (0.2999 – 0.3782) were recorded. Keywords: Dimensions, porosity, density, sphericity, Porosity, coefficient of friction. |
Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences | Volume 8 Number 2
Editor in Chief- Profile
Rafeeq Alam Khan B. Pharm, M. Pharm., PhD
Current Status
Meritorious Professor
Department of Pharmacology
Faculty of Pharmacy
University of Karachi
Pakistan
Prof. RafeeqAlam Khan has been associated with the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, since 1988 and has vast twenty eight years of professional, teaching, research and administrative experience. His areas of interests are biochemical pharmacology and toxicology.
Prof. Khan is the life member of Pakistan Pharmacological Society and has been the member of New York Academy of Science. His untiring efforts have resulted in the creation of a team of Pharmacologist not only serving the parent Department, but also enjoying leading positions in various academic institutions throughout Pakistan. 49 students have been awarded research degrees PhD, M. Phil and M. Pharm. under his guidance. He is the editor in chief of two research journals indexed and regularly published. Journal of basic and applied sciences been published since 2005 and journal of pharmacy and nutrition sciences published since June 2011.
Prof. Khan was awarded selection grade as Meritorious Professor in 2014 on the basis of his academic performance.His ultimate desire is to motivate younger generation to achieve academic excellence in higher education for national uprightness through individual and institutional growth.
His bibliography was published in 21 century edition of who is who in the world 2001 and was awarded Gold Medal by Second International Conference of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1997. Dr. Khan was also awarded Honorary D.Sc. (H.C) by Open International University, Colombo, Sri Lanka in1996. . Read More..