http://scialert.net Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences en-us Science Alert Fri, 24 May 2013 18:11:57 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:14:14 +0200 RssPublisher 0.2.0 beta http://scialert.net/images/logo.gif http://scialert.net 41 233 Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences Fungal/Mycotic Diseases of Poultry-diagnosis, Treatment and Control: A Review http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1626.1640 24 May, 2013 A Review of Literatures on the Adverse Effects of Thyroid Abnormalities and Liver Disorders: An Overview on Liver Dysfunction and Hypothyroidism http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1641.1652 24 May, 2013 Trends in Diagnosis and Control of Bovine Mastitis: A Review Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus agalactiae or environmental viz. S. dysgalactiae, S. uberis, Corynebacterium bovis and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Conventional diagnostic tests viz. California Mastitis Test (CMT); R-mastitest and Mast-O-test methods are applied under field conditions; whereas somatic cell count and Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count (BTSCC) are useful for early mastitis detection and detection of sub clinical or chronic mastitis respectively. In vitro culture based diagnosis require further study as they can detect only viable cells. The advent of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology along with its various versions like multiplex and real time PCR has improved the rapidity and sensitivity of diagnosis. Circulating micro RNA (miRNA) based diagnosis; immune assay and proteomics based detection along with biochips and biosensors prove to be asset to diagnosticians for advanced diagnosis of this economically important condition. Improvement of milking hygiene; implementation of post-milking teat disinfection; regular control of the milking equipments; implementation of milking order; Improvement of bedding material are the general measures to prevent new cases of mastitis. The use of antibiotics (intramammary infusions; bacteriocins) and herbs (Terminalia spp.) are important for prophylaxis and therapeutics. Vaccines viz. cell based; Recombinant (staphylococcal enterotoxin type C mutant) or chimeric (pauA); live (S. uberis 0140J stain based) and bacterial surface extract based; DNA-based and DNA-protein based have greatly aided in management of bovine mastitis. Quorum sensing and disease resistant breeding using novel biomarkers viz. toll like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4, interleukin (IL) 8; breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) and calcium channel voltage-dependent alpha 2/delta sub unit 1 (CACNA2D1) are also indispensable. This mini review gives an overview of all these different aspects that act as trend setters as far as the diagnosis and control of bovine mastitis is concerned to help the diagnosticians; epidemiologists and researchers not to remain ignorant about this grave condition.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1653.1661 24 May, 2013 Ecological Investigation of Three Geophytes in the Deltaic Mediterranean Coast of Egypt Asparagus stipularis, Cyperus capitatus and Stipagrostis lanata which grow naturally in the Nile Delta coast of Egypt. C. capitatus and S. lanata are growing in non-saline sandy soils and can tolerate drought stress while, A. stipularis is growing in saline and non-saline sandy and calcareous clay soils and can tolerate drought and salt stress. Multivariate analysis of the vegetation of 100 sampled stands supporting growth of the three geophytic species in the study area led to the recognition of four vegetation groups namely, (A) Alhagi graecorum, (B) Cyperus capitatus, (C) Lycium schweinfurthii var. schweinfurthii-Asparagus stipularis and (D) Juncus acutus subsp. acutus. Vegetationally, the vegetation groups associated with the three species can be distinguished into two community types. The first one is psammophytic community comprising vegetation groups A and B that may represent the non-saline sand formations (flats, hummocks and dunes). The second one is halophytic community including vegetation groups C and D that may represent the saline sand flats and salt marsh habitat types, respectively. Sodium adsorption ratio, electrical conductivity, sodium cation, chlorides, silt and sand fractions, pH value, moisture content, bicarbonates and available phosphorus were the most effective soil factors that controlling the abundance and distribution of the plant communities associated with the investigated geophytes. This study showed the ecological features of the selected geophytes in terms of their habitats, associated plant communities and the most edaphic factors controlling their richness and distribution in the study area.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1662.1674 24 May, 2013 Biodiversity Comparison between Paired Organic and Conventional Fields in Puducherry, India http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1675.1686 24 May, 2013 Cerebroprotective Effect of Isolated Harmine Alkaloids Extracts of Seeds of Peganum harmala L. on Sodium Nitrite-induced Hypoxia and Ethanol-induced Neurodegeneration in Young Mice Peganum harmala (TAPH) and its cerebroprotective effect on cognitive deficit mice. The tested doses of TAPH were screened for Sodium nitrite induced hypoxia and Ethanol induced neurodegeneration using behavioral models. The TAPH was found to be non-neurotoxic and Psychoactive by preventing the motor impairment and increasing the locomotion activity of animals in Rota rod and Actophotometer respectively. TAPH (5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg kg^-1 p.o.) significantly (p<0.001) protected the Sodium nitrite induced memory impairment by decreasing the time require to find the water bottle in special water bottle case model. In Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Passive Shock Avoidance paradigm (PSA) the TAPH shown improved acquisition and retention memory significantly (p<0.001) by decreasing the Transverse Latency Time (TLT) and increasing the Step Down Latency (SDL), respectively in dose dependent manner. The results were well supported by biochemical parameters, by inhibiting the Acetylcholinestrase (p<0.01) activity, increasing the GSH (p<0.001) level and decreasing the TBARS (p<0.001) level of whole brain. Moreover TAPH has shown the significant Monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) inhibition action (p<0.001), hence it reduces the metabolism of epinephrine, 5-HT and other monoamines and enhances the action of these neurotransmitters indirectly; this adrenergic system plays an important role in learning and memory. Further, TAPH (5 mg kg^-1) protect the DNA fragmentation of frontotemporal cortex of the brain from hypoxic effect induced by Sodium nitrite in Gel Electrophoresis studies. The results were comparable to their respective standards. Hence, harmine alkaloids are potential enough to utilize in the management of Neurodegenerative disorders of the type Alzheimer’s diseases.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1687.1697 24 May, 2013 In vitro Antifungal Activity of Three Geophytic Plant Extracts against Three Post-harvest Pathogenic Fungi In vitro antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of three promising wild geophytic plants against three post-harvest pathogenic fungi using radial growth technique was conducted. These extracts included the shoot system (S) and underground parts (R) of Asparagus stipularis, Cyperus capitatus and Stipagrostis lanata. The tested fungi were Alternaria solani, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer. The results exhibited that, all plant extracts had antifungal activity against the tested fungi. The antifungal activity greatly varied depending on plant parts and/or plant species. R. stolonifer was the most susceptible fungus to the tested plant extracts followed by A. niger and then A. solani. On the other hand, the most effective plant extracts against tested fungi were S. lanata (S) and A. stipularis (R). The most effective plant extracts against R. stolonifer were S. lanata (R) and C. capitatus (S). While, the extracts of A. stipularis (R) and S. lanata (S) were the most effective against A. niger. The extracts of C. capitatus (S) and S. lanata (S) exhibited the highest antifungal activity against A. solani. The results demonstrated that, the methanolic extracts of A. stipularis, C. capitatus and S. lanata had potential antifungal activity against A. solani, A. niger and R. stolonifer.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1698.1705 24 May, 2013 A Chronic Toxicity Study of the Ground Root Bark of Capparis erythrocarpus (Cappareceae) in Male Sprague-dawley Rats Capparis erythrocarpus (CE) on chronic administration at 18 and 180 mg kg^-1 body weight for 6 months was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of CE on certain serum biochemical, haematological, urine and histopathological determinations were used as indices of organ specific toxicity. Also the effects of CE on rat blood clotting time and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time were determined. Results indicate that CE had no effect on urine, haematological and serum biochemical indices at termination of treatment with the exception of serum ALT level which was significantly (p<0.05) attenuated in a dose-dependent fashion (21-35%). There were also no differences in blood clotting time and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time between CE-treated and control animals. Histopathological studies showed that CE did not adversely affect the morphology of the liver, kidney and heart tissues. However, lungs of CE-treated animals showed slight but insignificant inflammatory response in alveolar areas and Clara cell hyperplasia without the thickening of alveolar septa and bronchiolar epithelial wall. Organ weights were not adversely affected by CE treatment. There were significant (p<0.05) changes in weight of CE-treated animals with duration of treatment compared to control. These results suggest that there is no organ specific toxicity associated with chronic administration of CE in rats and its ability to reduce body weight may be useful for slimming in obese persons.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1706.1713 24 May, 2013 Genetic Evaluation of Recombinant Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Grain Zinc Concentrations, Yield Related Traits and Identification of Associated SSR Markers http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1714.1721 24 May, 2013 Assessment of Changes in Community Level Physiological Profile and Molecular Diversity of Bacterial Communities in Different Stages of Jute Retting http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1722.1729 24 May, 2013 Assessment Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Flight Ability of the Peach Fruit Fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) Bactrocera zonata was conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation on flight ability of PFF, B. zonata. Pupae of PFF, B. zonata, were irradiated in an air atmosphere at 24, 48 and 72 h before adult emergence with three doses of Cobalt⁶⁰ (10, 30 and 50 Gray) and tested against 6, 12 and 20 cm tube heights. Flight Ability Percentage (FAP) of PFF was carried out for newly emerged flies and six-days-old of adult flies. FAP of newly emerged-and six- days-old of adult flies was inversely proportional to the tube heights, doses of gamma rays and with progress the age of flies. The FAP value was significantly higher at 6 cm tube height, followed by 12 cm then 20 cm tube heights for all tested levels of gamma rays, respectively.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1730.1736 24 May, 2013 Plant Latex: A Promising Antifungal Agent for Post Harvest Disease Control Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus, F. solani, P. digitatum and R. arrhizus were isolated from infected fruits and vegetables and tested against various solvent extracts of latex. Analysis of latex extracts with phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Antifungal assay revealed the potential inhibitory activity of petroleum ether extracts against the postharvest fungal isolates. Various degree of sensitivity was observed irrespective of plant species studied with A. terreus and P. digitatum as the most susceptible ones. F. solani and A. fumigatus were moderately sensitive to the latex extracts tested. Among the plants, latex of Thevetia peruviana (75.2%) and Artocarpus heterophyllus (64.8%) were having potential antifungal activity against the isolates followed by Manilkara zapota (51.1%). In conclusion, use of plant latex makes interest to control postharvest fungal diseases and is fitting well with the concept of safety for human health and environment.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1737.1743 24 May, 2013 Cytotoxic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Mentha longifolia and Ocimum basilicum Against Human Breast Cancer Mentha longifolia L. (ML) and Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) that grown in Madina province, western region, Saudi Arabia. OB exhibited the greater phenolic contents as mg gallic acid equivalent/g weight (mg GAE/g) for a value of 105±5.5 mg GAE/g. On the other hand, ML produced 29±3.12 mg GAE/g. The standard antioxidant vitamin E used in this experiment elicited a value of total phenolic contents equal 22±2.2 mg GAE/g. The percentage scavenging activity of against diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH^.) was 850 and 160% for OB and ML extracts, respectively. Vitamin E elicited% scavenging activity of against DPPH^. equal to 198%. Brine shrimp cytotoxic assay clearly indicated the cytotoxic effects of either ML or OB extract. The brine shrimp survival is inversely proportional to the concentration of either ML or OB extract used with LD₅₀ 191.23 and 235.50 ppm, respectively. Toxic effects on brine shrimps indicated the anticancer potential of ML or OB extract. The ML or OB extract was unable to produce pbluescript (pBS) plasmid DNA damage, while the plasmid DNA treated with EcoRI produced a single band as a result of DNA damage. Also, both ML and OB extract exhibited marked cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells at various concentrations (20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 μg mL^-1). The 160 and 320 μg mL^-1 showed more cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cells. Based on results achieved, we can concluded that, OB and ML extracts have the potency to act as powerful antioxidants and protect against DNA damage and have cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1744.1750 24 May, 2013 Comparative Study of Antifungal Activities of Six Selected Essential Oils against Fungal Isolates from Cheese Wagashi in Benin Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum gratissimum, Pimenta racemosa, Syzygium aromaticum and Zingiber officinale, tested in culture medium and in traditional cheese wagashi system against moulds belonging to Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Scopulariopsis genera in perspective to select the most actives as substitutes of chemical preservatives for wagashi preservation. Results obtained from this work indicated that Syzygium aromaticum, Pimenta racemosa, Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus essentials oils were the most actives extracts at in vitro assay in decreasing order with strong fungistatic activity against the isolates tested; the pronounced activity was provided by S. aromaticum essential oil. The effectiveness of these actives oils on the less sensitive moulds common to these oils showed that, among these extracts that of Syzygium aromaticum in particular exerted high sporale reduction against all the strains tested. In sum, Syzygium aromaticum essential oil possessed the highest antifungal activity both in culture medium and in wagashi system. Essential oils of C. citratus, O. gratissimum, P. racemosa and above all that of S. aromaticum, among the six extracts investigated, were the most promising oils as wagashi additives in substitution of synthetic chemicals ones to extend shelf life time of this by-product of milk for its valorization. Further studies are needed to be performed on the safety of oils for human, the shelf life time of this cheese and its acceptability when treated with essential oils to reduce and control pathogen contamination or native microflora.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1751.1757 24 May, 2013 Conservation Challenge: Human-herbivore Conflict in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia Loxodonta africana), Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Desert warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus), Wild pig (Sus scrofa), Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) and Anubis baboon (Papio anubis) were identified as the most problematic animals in the area. However, buffalo, monkey and warthog were considered as the notorious pest. Crop damage and threats to human safety were the major problems encountered resulting in conflict between human and wildlife. Most respondents had a negative attitude towards the problem-posing animals. This will lead to a change in public attitude from one that supports wildlife conservation to sees wild herbivores as a threat and a potential negative consequence for wildlife conservation. Active measures have to be implemented to solve the problems and safeguard the future of the wildlife management in the park.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1758.1764 24 May, 2013 Temperature and Saline Stress on Seedlings of Swietenia macrophylla: A Comparative Study Swietenia macrophylla seedlings were enumerated by measuring height, collar diameter and leaf number development of the replicates growing at an environment-controlled plant growth chamber. One experimented with merely elevated temperature while other tries to find results of combined effect of elevated temperature (30, 32 and 34°C) and saline (0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 g L^-1 NaCl) to said species seedlings. Seedling replicates showed diverse response to elevated temperature and saline irrigation at height, collar diameter and leaf number development. Results depict that elevated temperature alone might be positive for S. macrophylla seedlings, rather most favourable for its growth in height, however, collar diameter and leaf number may remain unaffected. Saline treatment along with higher temperature stresses may lead seedlings toward stunted or very low growth. As saline intensity increases, species growth tends to decrease proportionally. Elevated temperature aided with higher salinity may direct further under development of S. macrophylla seedlings which is distressing to plantation establishment of this species in sites which are vulnerable to salinity intrusion due to climate change. However, S. macrophylla may be a promising plantation species in drier part of the globe in near future.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1765.1770 24 May, 2013 In vivo and in vitro Evaluation of Sterols from Gymnema sylvestrte R. Br Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. is an important medicinal plant known for its antidiabetic potential. In the present study, phytosterols from G. sylvestre was identified and quantified in vivo and in vitro. Maximum callus induction was observed in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L^-1 of 2, 4-D. The protein content was significantly high both in aerial plant parts and callus tissue. Phytosterols were identified using chromatographic and spectral studies. β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol were identified both in vivo and in vitro. Lanosterol was identified only in callus culture. Phytosterols have reported for the first time in callus culture of G. sylvestre.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1771.1775 24 May, 2013 Prevalence and Etiology of Subclinical Mastitis among Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalus) in Namakkal, India Staphylococcus sp. 25(46.30%) was the most common pathogens isolated from SCM followed by Streptococcus sp. 11(20.37%) and E. coli 06 (11.11%) of the 54 bacterial isolates. Monobacterial and mixed bacterial infections were observed in 47 (87.04%) and 7 (12.96%) cases respectively.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1776.1780 24 May, 2013 Growth and Production Performance of Monosex Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed with Homemade Feed in Earthen Mini Ponds 1) were supplied with prepared feed and the other three ponds (T₂) with commercially available fish feed. Fish were fed at the rate of 10% of their body weight for the first thirty days then gradually reduced to 6% for the next ten days, 2% for the next ten days and 3% for remaining days. The temperature were ranged from 31.5-33.0°C, DO from 5.5-15 mg L^-1 in T₁ and 6.5-14 mg L^-1 in T₂, pH from 7.1-8.0 in T₁ and 7.1-7.7 in T₂, alkalinity from 105-160 mg L^-1 in T₁ and 100-145 mg L^-1 in T₂, nitrate was 0.06 mg L^-1 in both treatments and ammonia from 0.02 and 0.04 mg L^-1 in T₁ and T₂, respectively. The results of the present study showed that the best weight gain was observed as 123.48 g in T₁ than T₂ (111.82 g). The Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was recorded 3.09 and 2.97 and the Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) was 1.51 and 1.40 in T₁ and T₂, respectively. There was significant (p<0.05) variation among the survival rate (%) of fishes which were 75.55 and 90.37% in T₁ and T₂, respectively. The fish productions were 19076 and 16312.11 kg ha^-1 in T₁ and T₂. The highest net profit (Taka/ha/70 days) of Tk. 15, 83,213 was obtained with T_1. So, the prepared feed showed better performance with monosex tilapia in compared with commercial fish feed with local fish meal.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1781.1785 24 May, 2013 Morphological Re-description of Cochlochila bullita (Stål) (Heteroptera: Tingidae), a Potential Pest of Orthosiphon aristatus Blume Miq. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) in Malaysia Cochlochila bullita Stål (Heteroptera: Tingidae) was found heavily infested Orthosiphon aristatus Blume Miq., an important medicinal plant in Malaysia. A morphological re-description of C. bullita was done in order to facilitate the identification of this oligophagous insect pest. Five variables, body length and width, antenna length, tibia length and head width were measured from 15 samples from each stage. Among these variables, body length and width were used to construct the ratio for species identification; while body lengths with the other three variables were used to distinguish the nymphs from each developmental stage. The measurements of four traits except the antenna length showed significant differences between the development stages. And thus suggest the body width, tibia length and head width were suitable parameters used to distinguish the nymphal stages. However, the result on the growth factor showed only the sizes of the head followed a more constant growth rate with growth ratios (1.21-1.39) lie between the Dyar’s ratio. Body length and width ratio for the adult female and male was 1.51±0.00 and 1.59±0.01, respectively. These data are pertinent for identifying developmental stages and to distinguish the species of the lace bug.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1786.1790 24 May, 2013 Pathogens of Medical Importance Isolated from Phaenicia (Lucilia) sericata (Diptera:Calliphoridae) in Benin City, Nigeria Phaenicia sericata were collected, from three different locations, using sweep net. Sterile vials were used in transferring collected specimens from the sweepnet to the laboratory for further analyses of the microbial content on their external body surfaces. Several bacteria were isolated from their external body surface. A prevalence within the neighborhood of 50% of all bacteria isolated, were Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus species. Escherichia coli was an ubiquitous species across the three locations studied. Corynebacteria dipththeria, Klebsiella sp. and Corynebacteria sp. were the least abundant bacteria ‘isolates’ of relative abundance of 2.94% each. Aspergillus and Fusarium species were among the isolated fungal species. This study re-emphasizes the need for maintainance of high sanitary standards around human dwellings. The health implications of the isolated bacteria and fungi were discussed.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1791.1795 24 May, 2013 Alpha Amylase Enzyme Inhibitory and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Lawsonia inermis Lawsonia inermis have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect in experimental animals. The in vitro porcine alpha amylase inhibitory effect was investigated of this plant methanolic extracts and consequently hypoglycemic effect by quantitatively determining the maltose from the maltose standard curve while the anti-inflammatory effect by acetic acid induced writhing test in mice. Acarbose (10 μg mL^-1) and Diclofenac sodium (20 mg kg^-1) were used as reference hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory drugs, respectively, for this study. The methanolic leaves extract of the plant significantly inhibited (60.97% compared to untreated) enzymatic activity of the amylase at 10 μg mL^-1 dose (p<0.05) also reduced the chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli significantly at all doses (p<0.01). Carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and tannins were found to have in phytochemical screening of the extract which are thought to bring these effects. For the conclusive purpose, it is suggesting from the result that the pharmacological properties of this Lawsonia inermis can elicit hypoglycemic effect by inhibiting α-amylase enzyme and can reduce neurogenic pain stimulus. It gives the notion that how this group of patient would be therapeutically benefitted by decreasing both these effects by the same agent which is easy available.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1796.1800 24 May, 2013 Chemical Composition and In Vitro Gas Production of Silage from Guinea Grass, Cassava Peel and Cashew Apple Waste at Different Periods of Ensilage http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1801.1805 24 May, 2013 Nutrients Intake, Performance and Nitrogen Balance of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Graded Levels of Toasted Enterolobium cyclocarpum Seeds as Supplement to Panicum maximum Enterolobium cyclocarpum seeds as supplementary feed for ruminant animals during the dry season when grasses are either not available or of low quality. Matured fruits of E. cyclocarpum were collected, toasted, peeled and then used for the trial. Thirty two West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep aged between 12±2 months with an average body weight of 10±2 kg were used in assessing the nutritive value of graded levels of toasted Enterolobium cyclocarpum seed in a concentrate diets as supplement to Panicum maximum basal diet. The percent compositions of the experimental diets were toasted E. cyclocarpum seeds at various levels of inclusion (0, 10, 20 and 30%) for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4. respectively. The diets (1-4) were consecutively fed to each animal at 50 g kg^-1 b.wt. for 12 weeks in a completely randomized design. Parameters taken were weekly body weights, daily feed intake, nutrient utilization and nitrogen balance status for each animal. Diet 2 had the highest significant (p<0.05) nutrients intake being 871.88, 137.13, 147.59, 33.26 and 69.86 g day^-1 for DM, CP, CF, EE and ASH respectively. The Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) coefficients decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increased inclusion levels of toasted E. cyclocarpum seeds supplementation. Sheep fed diet 4 had the lowest feed conversion ratio (8.61) and the highest daily average gain of 58.93 g. However the animals fed Diet 2 had the highest nitrogen retension and converted their feed to flesh.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1806.1810 24 May, 2013 Sub-acute Effects of Ethanol Extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius Root on Some Physiologically Important Electrolytes in Serum of Normal Wistar Albino Rats Sarcocephalus latifolius (Synonym, Nauclea latifolia) is a shrub commonly seen in the South East of Nigeria. It is widely applied as herbal remedy in the treatment of various illnesses. The effect of ethanol extract of the root of the plant on some serum electrolytes was studied. A total of thirty Wistar albino rats were used to determine serum concentrations of K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl¯ and HCO₃¯. The animals were divided into six groups of five rats each. Five groups labeled A, B, C, D and E, were administered orally with graded doses of root extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius at concentration of 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 mg kg^-1 body weight, respectively. The sixth group (Group F) was used as the control and its animals were simply sustained on normal diet and water. Administration of the extract lasted for twenty-one days after which the animals were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl¯ and HCO₃¯ were determined from each sample and the mean concentration was calculated for each dose and the control. Potassium, calcium and chloride determination were done by colorimetric methods while determination of bicarbonate concentration was done by simple titration. Na⁺ was separately assayed, by flame photometer, from a set of 18 rats of six animals in each of three groups. For K⁺, non dose dependent increases were observed which was non-significant (p>0.05), for A, D and E but significant (p<0.05) for B and C. Ca²⁺ showed a dose dependent and significant (p<0.05) decreases, except for A (p>0.05). Decreases (p< 0.05) for C, D, E and (p>0.05) for A and B were observed for Cl¯. Serum bicarbonate appeared almost completely unaffected by the extract, showing no significant changes. Na⁺ levels were depressed for the two test groups, A and B compared with the control (group C), with test group B showing a significant decrease (p<0.05). From the analysis, it could be concluded that Sarcocephalus latifolius has the capacity to influence various electrolytes to physiologically important degrees. Significant reductions in sodium and calcium levels indicate the usefulness of the plant in treatment of hypertension and pain/fever, respectively. However, significant reductions in chloride may negatively affect the normal balance of fluid in the body. Therefore, more scientific research is needed to establish the best approach to optimizing the numerous medicinal potentials of the plant.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1811.1814 24 May, 2013 Eurycoma longifolia in Radix™ for the Treatment of Ethanol-induced Gastric Lesion in Rats Eurycoma longifolia. Twenty-four rats of the Sprague-Dawley species were randomly divided into four groups. Three groups were given 0.5 mL 100% ethanol orally. Another group was used as a control and was given only distilled water orally (control). After 6 h all the rats were fed with normal diet. One group that was administered with ethanol was only given distilled water orally (no treatment). Another two groups that were administered with ethanol were treated with oral Radix™ 0.128 mg g^-1 b.wt. (Radix) and oral ranitidine 21.4 mg kg^-1 b.wt. (Ranitidine), respectively. After one week, all the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed. The stomach was isolated and examined for the presence and severity of gastric lesions. Measurements for malondialdehyde content and gastric acid concentration were also done. It is found that the ulcer index was lower in the Radix and ranitidine group compared to the no treatment group whereas in the control group there was no lesion. There was no difference in ulcer index between the Radix and ranitidine group. The gastric MDA content was significantly higher in all the groups that were induced with ethanol compared to the control group but no difference between all the ethanol-induced groups. There was no difference in the gastric acid concentration in all groups. Hence it is concluded that Eurycoma longifolia in Radix™ is as effective as ranitidine in the treatment of ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1815.1818 24 May, 2013 Effect of Oral Administration of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Vitex doniana on Serum Electrolyte Levels in Rats Vitex doniana has been in use for many decades in the treatment of many illnesses, little is known about its effect on serum electrolytes balance in mammals. This study sought to determined the effects of its aqueous leaves extract on serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate ions) using standard laboratory methods, following 4 weeks oral administration to 30 albino rats at varied doses (100, 150 200 mg kg^-1) with 10 albino rats as control group. The values of serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate ions for the control group were 170±.00, 5.3±0.16, 130±2.00, 30±2.00 mMol L^-1, respectively. However, significant increase (p<0.05) in serum chloride and bicarbonate ions was found at 100, 150 and 200 mg kg^-1 and potassium ion at 150 and 200 mg kg^-1, where as sodium ion at only 150 mg kg^-1. It can be inferred that Vitex doniana leaves extract at dose of 150-200 mg kg^-1 could be toxic. Therefore, like any other drug, it should be taken at a therapeutic dose to be determined, since it has been found to increase electrolytes level and may help in replenishing loses.]]> http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1819.1822 24 May, 2013 Standardization of DNA Extraction from Methanol Acetic Acid Fixed Cytogenetic Cells of Cattle and Buffalo http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjbs.2013.1823.1825 24 May, 2013