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DETECTION OF HIV 1 & 2 ANTIBODIES AMONG INTENDING BLOOD DONORS

Okonko IO¹, Adeniji FO², Okerentugba PO¹, Anugweje KC³

¹Medical Microbiology & Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, East-West Road, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria;

²Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria;

³Department of Health Services, Lulu Briggs Health Centre, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria;

mac2finney@yahoo.com, iheanyi.okonko@uniport.edu.ng

ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to detect the presence of HIV antibodies among intending blood donors. Determine® HIV-1/2 Test cards (manufactured by Inverness Medical, Japan), Global® HIV-1/2 Kit (manufactured by Global Diagnostics, USA) and HIV -1/2 Stat- Pak® Assay (manufactured by Chembio Diagnostic Systems, USA) were used in a stepwise order for the detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in the blood. Overall prevalence rate of HIV was 17.5%. Age group 18-39 years of age had the highest prevalence of HIV (18.4%) compared to age group 40 years and above (14.6%). HIV antibodies were more prevalent among females (19.4%)] than their male counterparts (17.2%). Two risk factors (age and gender) pertinent to transmission of HIV were studied. No one appeared to be significantly associated (P> 0.05) with HIV-1/2 antibodies prevalence among the samples screened. This study however further confirmed the presence of HIV antibodies among intending blood donors. This calls for the need for an extensive blood screening practice in our blood banks. General surveillance and public health education to stop the spread of the infection from blood donors is advocated.

[Okonko IO, Adeniji FO, Okerentugba PO, Anugweje KC. DETECTION OF HIV 1 & 2 ANTIBODIES AMONG INTENDING BLOOD DONORS. Nat Sci. 2012; 10(5):1-6]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 1

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.01

Keywords: Antibody, blood donors, HIV, seropositivity, risk factors

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Ethnobotany of Higher Plants in Spiti Cold Desert of Western Himalaya

K.N. Singh*¹, Brij Lal¹ and N.P. Todaria²

¹Biodiversity Division, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, CSIR, Palampur-176 061, Himachal Pradesh, India

²Forestry Department, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India

*knsingh.ecology@gmail.com

Abstract: The present article deals with the plants used in traditional phytotherapy amongst indigenous people of Bhotia community of Indian western Himalaya. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted during 2002–2009 in Spiti valley to collect information on traditional use of plant species as medicine from different localities. A total of 50 plant species belonging to 25 families; have been reported to be used for treating different ailments ranging from cough and cold to jaundice. Among the plant parts used as a remedy, leaves (31%) were recorded to be used to a large extent followed by flowers (17%), and whole plant (16%), respectively. The species reported are enumerated in tabular form with their family in alphabetical order followed by scientific name of plant and collection number. Local name of plant, part(s) used, locality, name of ailments treated, mode of preparation and prescription of medicine are given. Total 29 claims of herbal preparations utilized in traditional medicines have been identified as hitherto unknown or lesser known and are marked with asterisk (*). Information from selective relevant literature, are also provided for a comparative account on medicinal uses across communities and traditional systems of medicine in India.

[K.N. Singh, Brij Lal and N.P. Todaria. Ethnobotany of Higher Plants in Spiti Cold Desert of Western Himalaya. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):7-14]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 2

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.02

Keywords: Bhotia community; ethnobotany; indigenous phytotherapy; Spiti valley; traditional medicines; Western Himalaya

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Enhanced production of calcium citrate by a 2-deoxy-D-glucose resistant mutant strain of Aspergillus niger using two factorial design

 Sikander Ali^† and Ikram-ul-Haq

Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (IIB), GC University Lahore, Pakistan

E-mail: alisbiotech@yahoo.com

Abstract: Over hundred isolates of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger were examined for calcium citrate productivity under submerged culture conditions in 1-L Erlenmeyer flasks. The isolate IIB-46 was selected for improvement through ultraviolet (UV) light-induced mutagenesis. Among viable mutants, strain 19 exhibited the best citrate productivity, and it was subjected to ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) treatment. The mutant was cultured overnight and plated on 2-deoxy-D-glucose-PDA medium. A mutant strain EMS-6 gave the highest citrate production (86.48 g/l) which varied significantly (p≤0.05) from that of the wild type. The optimal citrate synthase activity (28 U/ml/min) was achieved at the optimal fermentation conditions with 26.5 g/l DCM. Maximum glucose consumption was found to be 130 g/l (over 90 % substrate conversion rate). Citrate productivity was increased over 28 % when the process parameters, incubation period (72 h), initial pH (6.5), glucose as carbon source (15 %), inoculum size (1.875×10⁶ CFU/ml) and corn steep liquor (CSL) as nitrogen source (0.5 %) were optimized using a 2-factorial Plackett-Burman design. The model terms were highly significant (HS) thus suggesting the potential commercial utility of the mutant (df=3~0.0218).

[Sikander Ali and Ikram-ul-Haq. Enhanced production of calcium citrate by a 2-deoxy-D-glucose resistant mutant strain of Aspergillus niger using two factorial design. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):15-22]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 3

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.03

Keywords: Aspergillus niger; Calcium citrate fermentation; Mutagenesis; 2-Factorial design; 2-deoxy-D-glucose

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New Records, Ethno-pharmacological Applications & Indigenous Uses of Gloriosa superba L. (Glory lily) Practices by Tribes of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Ashok Kumar Khandel^1*, Sujata Ganguly¹, Amarjeet Bajaj¹, Shagufta Khan²

1. Department of Botany, Govt. Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Nr. Old Vidhansabha Bhopal- 462008 (M.P.), India.

2. Grow Tips Biotech, 35/A, Hazrat Nizamuddin Colony, Bhopal-462010, (M.P.), India.

*Email: khandel.ak @gmail.com

Abstract: Gloriosa superba Linn. (Glory lily), is a medicinal plant belongs to the family liliaceae. It is one of the important species which are used for several ethno-medicinal purposes by tribes of PBR. The present paper deals with the new records of Gloriosa superba L. species in five villages of Hoshangabad Districts of PBR. An ethno-medicinal study was conducted to document the indigenous medicinal knowledge (ethno-medicinal/ethno-pharmacological) of Gloriosa superba L use by tribal communities & traditional healers in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve from December 2010 to November 2011. PBR is the most luxuriant forest and rich in medicinal plant resources. The forest area is dominated by a number of tribes such as Koorku, Bharia, Gond and Mawasi who depends solely on their surrounding forests for most of their requirements from food to medicines. In view of the ongoing cultural and economic changes brought in by the process of globalization, the immediate need was felt to document in details the under explored ethno-medicinal practices of Gloriosa superba L. by tribes of PBR. Data were collected from 230 randomly selected traditional healers/informants using semi-structured interviews and observations. This paper reports tribals indigenous knowledge of Gloriosa superba to cure around 55 ailments/diseases were identified & documented. Healers indigenous knowledge was positively correlated with their reported age but not with their educational level. High degree of consensus (ICF) was observed among traditional healers for Gloriosa Tubers (ICF 0.62; FL 81.82%) followed by leaves (ICF 0.55; FL 75%), Whole plant (ICF 0.52; FL 68%), Seeds (ICF 0.38; FL 42%), Fruits (ICF 0.31; FL 38%), Flowers (ICF 0.28; FL 33%) & Stem (ICF 0.9; FL 15%) in treating various ailments. The survey was conducted in the forest and different villages of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve such as Dokrikheda, Badianhoni, Chhotianhoni, Panarpani, Badkachhar, Matkuli, Pagara, Bariam, Amkhedi, Neemghan, Singanama, Tekapar, Chaka, Pisua, Monhgaun, Kadari, Binoura, Kherghat, Parraspani, Rorighat, Kajari, Bori, Choorna, Tamia, Rathed and Chimtipur in various seasons. Our results showed that Gloriosa superba used by healers/tribals are under serious threat due to several factors, which indicates the need for urgent attention towards his conservation and sustainable utilization. .
[Ashok Kumar Khandel, Sujata Ganguly, Amarjeet Bajaj, Shagufta Khan. New Records, Ethno-pharmacological Applications & Indigenous Uses of Gloriosa superba L. (Glory lily) Practices by Tribes of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):23-48]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 4.

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.04

Key words: Gloriosa superba, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR), Tribals, Traditional Knowledge, Ethno-medicinal, Traditional Medicinal Practitioner (TMP), Traditional healer, Local tribe

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Biodegradation Of Rattan Wood And Maize Stovers By Pleurotus ostreatus

Adenipekun^1*,C.O and Okunlade,O.A.²

¹Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

²Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

oyinpek@yahoo.com, yemioklad@yahoo.com

Abstract: Studies were carried out on the degradation of rattan wood and maize stovers using Pleurotus ostreatus in cultures incubated for 0-90days.The proximate composition, percentages of nitrogen, carbon and potassium, pH, loss of organic matter, loss of water, fibre content, organic matter digestibility, metabolisable energy and in-vitro gas digestibility were determined using the substrates degraded by P.ostreatus. In degraded rattan wood, crude protein increased significantly from 1.52% to 3.99% and on maize stovers 2.74% to 7.45%. Crude fibre decreased significantly from 46.05% to 20.13% for rattan wood and maize stovers from 33.25% to 15.66% after 90 days of incubation. In both substrates ether extract, ash and dry matter contents also decreased but moisture contents increased from 0-90days.Percentage of nitrogen, carbon and potassium increased with increase in incubation period. The pH decreased, the least value being 3.78. Loss of organic matter in the substrates decreased significantly as the period of incubation increased. There was also significant decrease in loss of water as the incubation period increased, the lowest being 37.25 in rattan wood. The fibre content and enzyme production decreased but the organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy increased with increasing incubation period .Gas production for in-vitro gas digestibility increased at three hour intervals with highest volume being 28.00ml at 24hours for maize stovers.

[Adenipekun CO,Okunlade, O.A. Biodegradation of Rattan Wood and Maize Stovers by Pleurotus ostreatus. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):49-57]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 5

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.05

Key words: Biodegradation, Rattan wood, Maize Stovers, Pleurotus ostreatus

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Shelf-Life Study of a Yoghurt-Like Product from African Yam Bean

Amakoromo ER, Innocent-Adiele HC, Njoku HO

Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; worldclassasset@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: The utilization of African yam bean for the production of yoghurt was studied. African yam bean milk was extracted from whole and dehulled seed, pasteurized and fermented with yoghurmet (a commercial yoghurt culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus). Proximate composition and sensory properties of the yam bean yoghurt samples were evaluated to determine the shelf-stability of the products during refrigeration and room temperature storage.. The moisture, protein, fibre, fat, ash, carbohydrate and total solids of yam bean yoghurt from whole and dehulled seed differed significantly (p<0.05). The sensory properties of yam bean yoghurt samples were compared with soybean yoghurt. The sensory properties showed that sample stored at refrigeration temperature maintained good quality up to 21 days storage while samples stored at room temperature were of poor quality by the 4^th day. The implication of these results is discussed.

[Amakoromo ER, Innocent-Adiele HC, Njoku HO. Shelf-Life Study of a Yoghurt-Like Product from African Yam Bean. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):58-63]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 6

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.06

Keywords: African yam bean milk, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, shelf-stability, sensory properties

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Radiological Safety Assessment And Physico-Chemical Characterization Of Soil Mixed With Mine Tailings Used As Building Materials From Oke-Kusa Mining Sites In Ijero, Nigeria.

1FAWEYA E.B and 2ONIYA E.O.

1. Radiation and Health Physics Division, Dept of physics, Ekiti-State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
2. Dept of Physics and Electronics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.
febdeprof@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT: Soil samples potentially contaminated by mining by-products at Oke-kusa mines in Ijero, Nigeria were analyzed for naturally occurring radionuclides using gamma spectrometry. Also the physico-chemical determinations of parameters were based on standard methods of measurements. The highest average radioactivity levels obtained were 961 (Mica site), 37 (Kaolin site), 14 (columbite-tantalite site) for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively. The average outdoor and indoor effective dose rates were far less than1 mSv y-1 recommended limit for the member of the public. The PH of columbite-tantalite and Kaolin are acidic while that of the remaining samples are slightly alkaline. Soils pollution assessment was carried out using enrichment factor and the geoaccumulation index. The results of geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor reveal that soils of Oke-Kusa mines are uncontaminated with Mn, Fe, and Cu and Zn and these metals are depleted.
[FAWEYA E.B and ONIYA E.O. Radiological Safety Assessment And Physico-Chemical Characterization Of Soil Mixed With Mine Tailings Used As Building Materials From Oke-Kusa Mining Sites In Ijero, Nigeria. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):64-71]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 7

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.07

Key words: gamma, radionuclides, soils, mines, geoaccumulation index, Enrichment factor Nigeria.

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Characterization of Four Egyptian Crude Oils

I. A. Mohammad ¹, R. I. Abdallah ², A. Y. El-Naggar ^2,3, M. M. Mashaly ¹, A. A. Salem ²

¹ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University (Damietta Branch), Egypt.

² Egyptian petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. aynaggar361@yahoo.com

³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Kingdom Saudi Arabia.

Islam_kasim@yahoo.com

Abstract: Four Egyptian crude oils (Marine Shoukeir-22, Marine West Ashrafi, Arta-4 and Hana-3) of different API gravities ranging from 38.55 to 16.20 were fractionated into saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes (SARA) through liquid column chromatography. Nickel (Ni) and Vanadium (V) contents were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The physicochemical properties were studied for: (і) the four crude oils before fractionation and (іі) the technical fractions (gasoline, kerosene, gas oil, lubricating oil and vacuum residue over 370 ^oC) of Shoukeir-22 and Hana-3. It was clear that the resins and asphaltenes increase for heavy crude oils (Arta-4 and Hana-3). All crude oils have high contents of the technical fractions except that the content of the vacuum residue was little in Shoukeir-22 crude oil. The gasoline fraction of Shoukeir-22 and Hana-3 can be used as a charge stoke for the production of aviation or motor gasoline. The kerosene fraction of Shoukeir-22 is shown to be more suitable as a fuel for motor jets and for illumination.

[I. A. Mohammad, R. I. Abdallah, A. Y. El-Naggar, M. M. Mashaly, A. A. Salem. Characterization of Four Egyptian Crude Oils. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):72-79]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 8

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.08

Keywords: Egyptian crude oils, Shoukeir-22, West Ashrafi, Arta-4 and Hana-3, physicochemical properties, hydrocarbons, Ni, V, and technical fractions.

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Relationship between Organization Work Climate & Staff Nurses Organizational Commitment.

Shereen Ragab Dorgham

Nursing Services Administration Dept, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

d_org_ham7@hotmail.com 

Abstract: Commitment is a very important issue in fast growth economies with little or no un- employment. It is important in showing how the organization has to work hard in order to keep their staff or employees committed to the organization . Staff or employees are the assets and the assistants to the organization. The organizational climate or organizational culture is reflected in an organization’s objectives which aim to develop its staff or employees by providing them good working environment and condition, assisting and support them in having job satisfaction, and thus these all will enhance commitment among the staff towards the organization. There are many studies results: organizational climate is positive affects to the commitment relationship towards organization. The better organizational climate is, the more organizational commitment. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between organizational work climate & the nursing staff organizational commitment at Tanta Main University Hospital. Ninety respondents participated in the study (65 staff nurses & 25 Head nurses). The data of the study was collected using two separate instruments modified by the researcher, first one assessed organization work climate and the second assessed subjects’ organizational commitment. This study proved the positive relationship between organization work climate and organizational commitment among the studied subjects. It revealed the correlation between six dimensions of organization climate and organizational commitment among studied subjects. The study recommended that; organization managements should provide necessary facilities, conducive organizational climate and take actions that cater for the welfare of the workers to improve organizational commitment.

[Shereen Ragab Dorgham. Relationship between Organization Work Climate & Staff Nurses Organizational Commitment. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):80-91]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 9

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.09

Keywords: economy; employment; organization; climate; welfare; commitment.

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Effects of SF and Ilmenite on the Chemical, Mechanical and Radiation Behavior of Matrices Used as Solidification of Wastes"

A. El- Dakroury and Mona S. Gasser

Atomic Energy Authority, Hot Laboratories and Center, 13759 Cairo Egypt

aishaw95@yahoo.com 

Abstract: Radioactive waste, arising from civilian nuclear activities as well as from defence-related nuclear-weapon activities, possesses a formidable problem for handling and protecting the environment to be safe is the present and in the future generations. Cement-based waste forms are among the most commonly used waste disposal and site remediation options. However, concrete knowledge of the processes controlling long-term performance of the waste forms is lacking. The aim of this work is to obtain solidified waste form products in compliance with the interim disposal regulations of radioactive waste. Concrete is commonly used as a biological shield against nuclear radiation. Concrete is an inorganic material consisting of cement, water, and aggregates. The quality of any concrete depends on the quality of the paste and aggregate and the bond between them. Different concrete mixes were designed of different concentrations of ilemenite(10% to 60% volume )as fine and coarse aggregate mixed with silica fume (from 5% to 15%) and water-to-cement ratio of 40% . We have studied effects of different concentrations on compressive strength, bulk density, the effect of dose gamma ray to investigate on resistance of concrete to radiation, and the leaching of radioactive wastes (Cs-137). Test results revealed the compressive strength and shielding of the concrete to increase with the growth of coarse ilemenit increase; while, the leaching of waste appears decrease as silica fume use as mineral admixture .

[A. El- Dakroury and Mona S. Gasser. Effects of SF and Ilmenite on the Chemical, Mechanical and Radiation Behavior of Matrices Used as Solidification of Wastes. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):92-99]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 10

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.10

Keywords: Heavy weight high strength Concrete, Ilemenite, aggregates ,radiation shielding , silica fume , gamma dose , concrete radiation shielding

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Protoplast fusion enhances antagonistic activity in Trichoderma sp.

A. I. Fahmi^1,4, A. D. Al-Talhi² and M. M. Hassan^3,4

¹Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, KSA

²Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, KSA

³Scientific Research Center, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Unit, Taif University, KSA

⁴Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Minufiya University, Egypt

Khyate_99@yahoo.com

Abstract: Genus Trichoderma is one of the most important filamentous fungi used as a biocontrol agent. Because of the absence of sexual reproduction in this fungus, other methods of genetic improvement have been developed such as proptoplast fusion to enhance its bicontrol potential. Therefore the objectives of this study were; 1) protoplast fusion and regeneration of two fungicide tolerant mutants of Trichoderma. harzianum, 2) using ISSR for fingerprinting of intraspecific protoplast fusants and 3) assessment of antagonistic ability of Trichoderma fusants against three soil born diseases. Protoplast was isolated from two fungicide tolerant mutants PTz-V and PTz-F of T. harzianum,. The frequency of fusion tolerant to both pesticides was about 0.32 % and seven fusants were selected for further studies. In fusant stability experiments, only five of these fusants were the result of nuclear fusion of parental cells. Molecular characterization of two stable fusants using ISSR indicated the presence of novel fragments which may be due to recombination events between parents. In dual culture biocontrol experiments, five selected fusants showed growth inhibition against three pathogens namely; Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum andPythium ultimum. However, Fus 7 indicated the best ability of inhibition the growth of the three pathogens. In greenhouse experiments Fus 7 demonstrated a great ability to reduce tomato damping off of the three pathogens in the presence of the two fungicides understudy. It was concluded that, the protoplast fusion is a powerful tool to enhance the biocontrol ability of Trichoderma sp. against diseases.

[A. I. Fahmi, A. D. Al-Talhi and M. M. Hassan. Protoplast fusion enhances antagonistic activity in Trichoderma sp. Nat Sci. 2012; 10(5):100-106]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 11

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.11

Key words: Protoplast fusion, PCR-ISSR technique, Trichoderma and antagonistic ability

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Production of Cellulase and Pectinase from Orange Peels by Fungi

Adebare Johnson Adeleke, Sunday Ayodele Odunfa, Afolake Olanbiwonninu, Mojisola Christiana Owoseni

Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

lekejohnson2222@yahoo.ca

Abstract: The aim of the work was to evaluate the potentials of fungi to produce pectinase and cellulase using orange peels as substrate. Fungi were isolated and identified from soil and decomposing orange peels. Fungal isolates were screened in modified Czapek-Dox media with carboxymethylcellulose and citrus pectin as the only carbon source for endoglucanase and polygalacturonase production respectively. Out of a total thirteen isolates, three highest producers of the enzymes were selected and identified as Penicillium atrovenetum, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus oryzae. The three isolates were further used to ferment orange peels in a solid state fermentation. The effects of incubation time, pH, temperature and nitrogen sources on the level of production of the enzymes were investigated. The three isolates produced polygalacturonase optimally on the 5th day while endoglucanase was produced optimally on the 7^th day. Highest production of polygalacturonase and endoglucanase by Penicillium atrovenetum was observed at pH 5, 40^oC and at 0.2% ammonium persulfate. Maximum production of polygalacturonase and endoglucanase by Aspergillus flavus was observed at pH 5.5, 40^oC and 0.25% ammonium persulfate while Aspergillus oryzae produced the two enzymes maximally at pH 5.5, 35^oC and 0.2% ammonium persulfate.

[Adebare Johnson Adeleke, Sunday Ayodele Odunfa, Afolake Olanbiwonninu, Mojisola Christiana Owoseni. Production of Cellulase and Pectinase from Orange Peels by Fungi. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):107-112]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 12

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.12

Keywords: endoglucanase; polygalacturonase; fungi; orange peels

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Effects of seasons and biotic factors on Zooplankton abundance in Jebel Aulia Reservoir, Sudan

John Leju CELESTINO LADU^{1, 2}; Yatta S. LUKAW³, Denis D. KENYI⁴_, Xiwu LU¹

1. School of Energy and Environment, Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P. R. China

2. College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies. Dept. of Environmental Studies, University of Juba, South Sudan

3. College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Basic Sciences, University of Juba, South Sudan

4. College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Department of Fisheries, University of Juba, South Sudan. John.leju6@gmail.com

Abstract: Effects of seasons and biotic factors on zooplankton abundance were investigated in Jebel Aulia reservoir from January 2003 to December 2003. Selected physical-chemical variables (water temperature, rainfall, sechi depth, water discharge, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate and phosphate) were measured at the time of zooplankton collection in dry and wet seasons respectively. Association of physicochemical variables with the zooplankton in the two seasons was statistically analyzed by Stepwise Linear Regression Test and all descriptive statistics done using SPSS version 9.5 for windows. Graphs were drawn using Microsoft Excel 2007. The correlation between the Crustaceans and Rotifers was deduced from a regression plot graph. Only water pH (both seasons), nitrate and dissolved oxygen concentrations were positively correlated with the zooplankton abundances in the dry season (R>0.50, P<0.05 and P<0.01). Crustacean abundance was positively correlated with the Rotifers (R = 0.820). The mean zooplankton abundance was high (75.33±29.75 cells L-1) in the wet season and low (40.67±14.58cells L-1) in the dry season. Crustacean made up 86.47% and 84.07%; Rotifers 13.52% and 15.93 of the zooplankton community composition in the dry and wet seasons respectively. Zooplankton community dominated by the Crustacean Cyclops which accounted for 38.93% and 33.85% in the dry and wet seasons respectively. The study confirmed that the abundance of the zooplankton in the study area was controlled by the physicochemical variables which varied greatly with seasons; highest zooplankton productivity occurred in the wet season.

[John Leju CELESTINO LADU; Yatta S. LUKAW, Denis D. KENYI_, Xiwu LU. Effects of seasons and biotic factors on Zooplankton abundance in Jebel Aulia Reservoir, Sudan. Nat Sci. 2012;10(5):113-119]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 13

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.13

Keywords: Zooplankton; physicochemical variables; Crustaceans; Rotifers; biotic factors

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Protoplast fusion enhances antagonistic activity in Trichoderma sp .

A. I. Fahmi^1,4, A. D. Al-Talhi² and M. M. Hassan^3,4

¹Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, KSA

²Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taif University, KSA

³Scientific Research Center, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Unit, Taif University, KSA

⁴Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Minufiya University, Egypt

Khyate_99@yahoo.com

Abstract: Genus Trichoderma is one of the most important filamentous fungi used as a biocontrol agent. Because of the absence of sexual reproduction in this fungus, other methods of genetic improvement have been developed such as proptoplast fusion to enhance its bicontrol potential. Therefore the objectives of this study were; 1) protoplast fusion and regeneration of two fungicide tolerant mutants of Trichoderma viride. and T. harzianum 2) using ISSR for fingerprinting of inter-specific protoplast fusants and 3) assessment of antagonistic ability of Trichoderma fusants against three soil born diseases. Protoplast was isolated from two fungicide tolerant mutants PTv-V and PTz-F of Trichoderma,. The frequency of fusion tolerant to both pesticides was about 0.3 % and eight fusants were selected for further studies. In fusant stability experiments, only five of these fusants were the result of nuclear fusion of parental cells. Molecular characterization of two stable fusants using ISSR indicated the presence of novel fragments which may be due to recombination events between parents. In dual culture biocontrol experiments, five selected fusants showed growth inhibition against three pathogens namely; Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Pythium ultimum.. However, Fus 7 indicated the best ability of inhibition the growth of the three pathogens. In greenhouse experiments Fus 7 demonstrated a great ability to reduce tomato damping off of the three pathogens in the presence of the two fungicides understudy. It was concluded that, the protoplast fusion is a powerful tool to enhance the biocontrol ability of Trichoderma sp. against diseases.

[A. I. Fahmi, A. D. Al-Talhi and M. M. Hassan. Protoplast fusion enhances antagonistic activity in Trichoderma sp. Nat Sci 2012;10(5): 120-126]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 14

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100512.14

Key words: Protoplast fusion, PCR-ISSR technique, Trichoderma and antagonistic ability

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