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Impact of Mass Bathing on water quality of Ganga River during Maha Kumbh-2010

Vijay Sharma* Sushil Bhadula and B. D. Joshi

*School of Yoga & Health,

Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar-249411, Uttarakhand, India.

Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences,

Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar-249404, Uttarakhand, India.

Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess the impact of mass bathing on water quality of Ganga River during Maha Kumbh-2010. Ganga water samples were collected from three selected bathing Ghats / Platforms of river Ganga and analyzed for some Physico-Chemical parameters. It was observed that all parameters were least affected at the Ghat / platform of Sapt Rishi Ashram, which is the least used for bathing by pilgrims and remains least disturbed zone among three sites, whereas almost all parameters were highly affected at Har- ki- Pauri, the site used most by the pilgrims and hence the highest disturbed zone.

[Vijay Sharma, Sushil Bhadula and B. D. Joshi. Impact of Mass Bathing on water quality of Ganga River during Maha Kumbh-2010. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):1-5]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 1

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.01

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Microbiological Quality 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:Yoghurt was produced from African yam bean and studied. Milk was extracted from whole and dehulled seed African yam bean seeds, pasteurized and fermented with yoghurmet (a commercial yoghurt culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus). Microbial qualities of the yam bean yoghurt samples were evaluated to determine the microbiological quality of the products. Microbial load decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in storage time. Bacterial species isolated from the yoghurt samples were Lactobacillus sp and Streptococcus sp. Spoilage by yeast were also noted at room temperature.

[Amakoromo ER, Innocent-Adiele HC, Njoku HO. Microbiological Quality of a Yoghurt-Like Product from African Yam Bean. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):6-9]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 2

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.02

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HIV and TB co-infection among patients on directly observed treatment of short course in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Okonko IO¹, Soleye FA², Adeniji FO³, Okerentugba PO¹

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

²Medical Laboratory Unit, Department of Health Services, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. ³Department 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.

mac2finney@yahoo.com; iheanyi.okonko@uniport.edu.ng; Tel.: +234 803 538 0891

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV and TB among patients on directly observed treatment of short-course (DOTS) in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Two hundred DOTS attendees (124 males and 76 females, age range: 16 to 75 years of age) at the Department of Health Services, UNAAB were randomly recruited for this study from January 1999 to July 2010. Samples of sputum and blood were collected and processed using standard laboratory procedures. All the patients’ sera were screened for antibodies to HIV-1/2 using two rapid ELISA kits. Sputum was examined for presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using Ziehl-Nelson’s staining method. The results showed that of the 200 patients enrolled in the DOTS, 30 (15.0%) patients were only acid-fast bacilli positive, 3 (1.5%) were only positive for anti-HIV antibodies and none (0.0%) was positive for both HIV antibody and TB. We observed that patients ≥ 40 years had higher infection rate for TB (21.5%) and HIV antibody (3.1%). Statistically, there was no significant difference in the distribution of HIV and TB infections with respect to age (P>0.05). Males and females appeared comparable in either infection rate (P = 0.05). Students had higher infection rate for TB (16.7%) and non-student had higher rate for HIV (1.6%); these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Those in the urban area had higher infection rate for TB (17.2%) while those in the rural area had higher infection rate for HIV (1.9%). Statistically, there was no significant difference between these values with respect to residential areas. The findings of this study have further confirmed that TB and HIV infections are common in Abeokuta, an urban area of Ogun State, Nigeria.

[Okonko IO, Soleye FA, Adeniji FO, Okerentugba PO. HIV and TB co-infection among patients on directly observed treatment of short course in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):10-14]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 3

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.03

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Evaluation of the efficiency of Non alcoholic-Hand Gel Sanitizers products as an antibacterial

Salha H.M. Al-Zahrani

Microbiology Department, King Abdul Aziz University, Faculty of Science, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding Author : shaalzahrani@kau.edu.sa

Abstract: Companies producing hygiene products have offered a solution–sanitary, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antibiotic, wipes, and soaps to kill anything that dares to creep into our wholesome lives. These salves will cure us of the demons that dare to grow near us. Antimicrobial hand gel sanitizers provide a greater bacterial reduction than others. However, the link between greater bacterial reduction and a reduction of disease has not been definitively demonstrated. Confounding factors, such as compliance, composition, and frequent use, may all influence the outcomes of studies. Therefore, this research addresses the challenge of improving hand hygiene through using non alcoholic hand gel sanitizers.The antibacterial efficacy of these products was to be evaluated and compared through studying the response of organisms to cleaning regimens in healthcare settings using different responses of various hand gel sanitizers that are sold in Saudi market in Jeddah.

[Salha H.M. Al-Zahrani. Evaluation of the efficiency of Non alcoholic-Hand Gel Sanitizers products as an antibacterial. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):15-20]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 4

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.04

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Dental Caries and Oral lesions among HIV/AIDS Patients in Enugu and Calabar towns in Nigeria.

¹Amadi, E.S, ²Ngwu, B.A.F, ²Nwakpu, K.O, ³Ojong N.A, ³Anyaele U.P, ⁴Aballa, A.N and ⁵Ononiwu, C.E.

1. Department of Microbiology, School of Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria

2. Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

3. Department of Dental Therapy, Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.

4. Department of Applied Science, 5. Department of Dental Technology, Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, Enugu, State, Nigeria.

amadies2001@yahoo.com

Abstract: To ascertain the prevalence of dental caries and oral lesions among HIV infected patients in Enugu and Calabar towns in Nigeria, the oral cavities of one hundred and sixty (160) HIV positive and negative patients were examined. Oral ulcers (73.8%) and Oral Candidiasis (67.5%) were the most prevalent Oral manifestation among the HIV positive patients studied, while Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (5%) and Hairy leucoplakia (17.5%) were the least. Other oral manifestations observed among the HIV positive patients include: Angular Chelitis (25%), Peridontitis (33.8%), Oral Kaposi sarcoma (18.8%) and Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (21.3%). It was however, observed that dental caries occurred more among HIV negative patient (33.8%) than the HIV positive patients (22.5%). Whereas Oral manifestations occurred generally low among the HIV Negative patients, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Hairy leucoplakia were completely absent among the HIV Negative patients studied. With the exception of dental caries and Angular Chelitis, Oral manifestations occurred more among males than females. It was also noted that Oral manifestations among HIV positive patients reduced with increase in the level of education of the patients. This study indicate high level of Oral manifestations among HIV positive patients in Enugu and Calabar towns in Nigeria, and thus advocate for the incorporation of oral examination as part of the general physical exam for HIV positive patients in Nigeria.

[Amadi, E.S, Ngwu, B.A.F, Nwakpu, K.O, Ojong N.A, Anyaele U.P, Aballa, A.N and Ononiwu, C.E. Dental Caries and Oral lesions among HIV/AIDS Patients in Enugu and Calabar towns in Nigeria. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):21-25]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 5

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.05

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New Additions of Coccinellid Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to the already reported Species from Uttarakhand, India.

Joshi P. C., Khamashon L., Kaushal B. R.¹ and Kishore Kumar²

Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar, India.

¹Department of Zoology, D.S.B. Campus Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.

²G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Env. and Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu, 175126, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India

Corresponding Authors email Addresses: khamashon@gmail.com; prakash127@yahoo.com

Abstract: A survey on Coccinellid beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were determined in fruit orchards and oak forest of Nainital district, Uttarakhand. This study yielded 23 coccinellid species, belonging to 16 genera; 5 tribes and 5 sub families. Of these recorded species, eight species Viz., Chilocorus infernalis (Mulsant), Oenopia kirbyii (Mulsant), Adalia tetraspilota (Hope), Micraspis univittata (Hope), Harmonia eucharis (Mulsant), Solanophila spp., Scymnus saciformis (Mots.) Telsiminia bangalorensis (Kapur) were recorded for the first time from Uttarakhand.

[Joshi P. C., Khamashon L., Kaushal B. R. and Kishore Kumar. New Additions of Coccinellid Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to the already reported Species from Uttarakhand, India. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):26-30]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 6

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.06

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Oxidative stress-Antioxidant status in Egyptian Lymphoma patients

El-Shahat A. Toson¹; Hossam Darwish ²; Hatem A. El-mezayen ³; Ghada T. El Zanaty ⁴ and Camelia A. Abdel Malak¹

¹Chemistry Department, Mansoura University (Damietta), Egypt

²Medical Oncology department, Damietta Cancer institute, Egypt

³Chemistry Department, Helwan University, Egypt

⁴Clinical pathology department, Damietta Cancer institute, Egypt

hatem_mezayen@yahoo.com

Abstract: There are two major types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) tends to affect younger patients and be relatively curable, whereas non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) tends to affect older patients and carry a worse long-term prognosis as a group. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize free radicals by accepting or donating an electron to eliminate the unpaired condition. One of these antioxidant molecules was reduced glutathione (GSH) that can reduce free radicals by hydrogen donation. Also, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of the most important natural antioxidant enzymes manufactured in the body provide an important defense against free radicals, that converts two superoxide radicals into one hydrogen peroxide and one oxygen. Malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipid peroxidation (LPO), arising from the free radical degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, can cause cross-linking in lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Our study aimed to detection of GSH, SOD and MDA as prognostic biomarkers associated with lymphoma patients in a population from Damietta, Egypt. This hospital-based case-control study was conducted during (2007-2010); 50 lymphoma cases and 14 controls were enrolled. Information was collected and blood samples were obtained and parameters were determined by standard techniques. Associations between variables of interest and non-Hodgkin, Hodgkin Lymphoma(NHL, HL) were assessed using conditional logistic regression. We found that at initial diagnosis of NHL patients, GSH was negative for all patients (100%) and remain negative after treatment applied with cut-off value (2.09 X10 m Mol/L cells). Also, SOD was negative for all patients (97.1%) before treatment applied except one case ( 2.9%) was positive. It still negative (100%) after treatment applied with cut-off value (33.95%). On the other hand, MDA was positive for patients (94.3%) and negative for patients (5.71%). Then, it was positive for patients (73.7%) and negative for patients (26.3%) after treatment applied with cut-off value (0.53 X10 Mole / mL packed cells). On the other side, at initial diagnosis of HL, GSH was negative for all patients (100%) and remain negative after treatment applied with cut-off value (2.09 X10 m Mole/L cells). Also, SOD was negative for patients (93.3%) before treatment applied except one case ( 6.7%) It still negative (100%) after treatment applied with cut-off value (33.95%). On the other hand, MDA was positive for patients (100%). Then, it became positive for patients (83.3%) and negative for patients (16.7%) after treatment applied with cut-off value (0.53 X 10 Mole / mL packed cells). These findings suggest that MDA level was elevated in NHL and HL patients, before and after treatment on comparison to that of controls. But SOD, GSH levels were decreased before and after treatment at all.

[El-Shahat A. Toson, Hossam Darwish, Hatem A. El-mezayen, Ghada T. El Zanaty and Camelia A. Abdel Malak. Oxidative stress-Antioxidant status in Egyptian Lymphoma patients. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):31-37]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 7

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.07

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Evaluation of urine as a potential alternative sample for the diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus

(HPV) related cervical lesions: A pilot study

Rania Ahmed Hassan¹, Shereen Bendary El Sayed¹, Mouchira Fayek Helmy¹, Zeinab Abdel Kader Shehab El Din², Mahmoud Ali El-Shourbagy³

1-Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt

2-Department of Pathology , Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

3- Department of Gynecology &Obstetrics Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Sherin_bendary@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background: Despite the high prevalence of both human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cervical cancer ,the ability to test for HPV infection of the uterine cervix is limited by a lack of an easy sample collection method that does not require gynecological examination. This study was done to evaluate urine sample as an alternative easily obtained, non-invasive sample for the diagnosis of HPV cervical lesions. Patients & Methods: This study was carried out on 40 female patients who were divided into two groups: Group I: comprised 30 female patients with HPV related cervical lesions (flat condyloma) (histologically diagnosed in bunch biopsy). Their ages ranged from 21 to50 years (mean=35.8±12.4). Group II: comprised 10 female patients complaining of symptoms or have a colposcopic picture similar to that of flat condyloma but were negative for HPV changes by histological examination. Their ages ranged from 23 to 46years (mean=32.7±8.2).For the 40 subjects of the study, detection of HPV-DNA in urine samples was done using nested real time PCR. Results: HPV-DNA was detected in urine of 66.7% of HPVpathologically positive cases (group I) and 30% of HPVpathologically negative cases (group II). detection of HPV DNA in urine samples significantly correlated to the diagnosis by pathological examination (p=0.042). Also HPV-DNA was detected in urine of 75% of age group 20-40 years in group I, and in urine of 100% of the same age group in group II. This rate is higher than theother age groups. However no statistical significance was found. Conclusion: Urine being easy non-invasive sample, acceptable by most of people, may allow rapid screening and diagnosis of HPV infection. It can also be valuable in follow up of women with cervical dysplasia.Urine as an easy non-invasive sample ,acceptable by most of people, will allow the diagnosis of HPV infection.without need for pelvic examination and invasive samples either for Pap testing or biopsy taking. Also urine testing for HPV-DNA may be used for epidemiologic purposes especially in population where it may be difficult to obtain genital specimens for religious or cultural reasons or in children or young adolescents especially before vaccination.It can also be valuable in follow up of women with cervical dysplasia.

[Rania Ahmed Hassan, Shereen Bendary El Sayed, Mouchira Fayek Helmy, Zeinab Abdel Kader Shehab El Din, Mahmoud Ali El-Shourbagy. Evaluation of urine as a potential alternative sample for the diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical lesions: A pilot study. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):38-44]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 8

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.08

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Evaluation Of Genetic Diversity In Mulberry Varieties Using Molecular Markers

Budiguppe Kapanigowda Chikkaswamy 1 , Rabin Chandra Paramanik 2, Anamika Debnath 3 and Shankara Moksha Sadana4

^1,2,3Department of Life Science,OM Bioscience Research Centre,Bangalore,-560038, Karnataka, India.

4Department of Bioscience, CMR Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore - 560 043, Karnataka, India

Corresponding author email – drchikkaswamy@rediffmail.com,

Abstract: Genetic relationships between twenty Mulberry varieties were assayed with Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers, which distinguish individuals, as well reflect the inherent variation and inter-relationships among the varieties. Sixteen decamer RAPD primers and 8 ISSR primers were used in the present study. Over 70 reproducible bands were generated by RAPD primers, out of which, 61 polymorphic bands were identified, conferring 81.3% polymorphism. Similarly 43 polymorphic bands were produced by ISSR primers, out of which, 42 polymorphic bands were identified conferring 97.6% polymorphism. All the primers produced typical banding in each of the cultivars, suggesting the applicability of this test in cultivar identification. Most of the individuals of the test exhibited to have unique molecular genotype. Population genetics structure analysis of these varieties further revealed high genetic differentiation coefficients (GST), the heterozygosity among population (Ht) showed with low gene flow (Nm) when 5^th cluster was paired with other genotypes. On the basis of these parameters and the results of clusters analysis, it is concluded that three genotypes can be considered as a separate group of mulberry, whereas the other four clusters may be grouped separately. A dendrogram was constructed using Wards Euclidean distances and UPGMA method. Based on the number of bands, the genotypes were grouped to form 5 clusters.

[Budiguppe Kapanigowda Chikkaswamy, Rabin Chandra Paramanik, Anamika Debnath and Shankara Moksha Sadana. Evaluation Of Genetic Diversity In Mulberry Varieties Using Molecular Markers. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):45-60]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 9

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.09

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Couples Adjustment to Failed Assisted Reproductive Technology after Counseling

Safaa A. Hashim¹, Saher M. Soliman¹, Suzan E. Mansour ²

¹Department of Maternal & Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, Egypt

²Department of Maternal & Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, El Mansoura University, Egypt

saharmossasoliman@yahoo.com

Abstract: This is an intervention study aimed to studying the effect of counselling on couples adjustment to failed assisted reproductive technology .It was conducted at IVF centre of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital after obtaining faculty ethical committee approval. The sample was consisted of (110 couple: failed cases 59 and success cases 51). Tools used for data collection consisted of Couples' Structured Interviewing Questionnaire, Coping Strategy Stress Scale, Ways of Coping (WOC) Questionnaire, follow up card and PLISSIT Model for counselling program. Results revealed that couples included in the study ranged between 20-45 years, with a mean age of 30.36± 3.112 years for wives and 35.64±3.852 years for husbands. 67.3% of female were the cause of infertility, and 94.5% of couples had a previous trials of ART. Women have more (personal, social and marital) stressful experiences than men. While they both frequently use a combination of strategies to cope, study showed different coping behaviours to deal with their infertility (meaning-based coping & passive avoidance coping strategy), Husbands scores were significantly lower than before counselling with regard to passive avoidance strategy with t= 2.29, and wives scores were significantly higher than before with regard to meaning-based strategy with t= 4.28. The study concluded that counselling effective on couples' adjustment to failed assisted reproductive technology. The study recommended establishment of educational programs to enlighten infertile couples about treatment options and answer their questions and different coping strategies with failed assisted reproductive technology trials.

[Safaa A. Hashim, Saher M. Soliman, Suzan E. Mansour. Couples Adjustment to Failed Assisted Reproductive Technology after Counseling. Nat Sci 2012;10(6):61-74]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 10

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.10

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Quantitative study on reading attitude: A Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Result

Zeinab Mihandoost,

Azad University of Ilam, xozns2006@yahoo.com, Ph: 09183407785

Abstract: This study employed meta-analysis procedures to summarize thirty six experimental and quasi-experimental studies and ten descriptive studies from 1990 to 2011 which covered 7080 participants. Twenty six experimental and quasi-experimental studies employed twenty two intervention programs on reading attitude in elementary, secondary and high schools. Sample size and number of treatment between experimental and control groups from twenty six independent studies were analyzed by meta-analysis software. Furthermore, sample size; mean and standard deviation were analyzed by meta-analysis software for ten descriptive studies. Odds ratio between control and treatment groups from 26 independent studies, investigating the effect of intervention program on the outcomes for students with reading attitude. Average total sample size ranged between 27 and 251 for experimental studies and 58-4018 for ten descriptive studies. The overall intervention programs show a significant improvement on reading attitude.

[Zeinab Mihandoost, Azad University of Ilam. Quantitative study on reading attitude: A Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Result. Nat Sci 2012;10(6):75-82]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 11

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.11

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Modified General Theory of Relativity

--The neutrino travel speed bigger than ‘c’, but slower than real light velocity

Xuan Xie

Department of Chemistry, Xiamen University; address: Xiada-Xicun 11－1405, Xiamen, P.R.C; telephone: 011+0086-05922518553. e-mail: xiexuan1999@Yahoo.com.cn

Abstract : Recently Nature announces: neutrino travelled faster than light. Out of which arise astonishment and disbelieve drastically. We believe that the data of the experiment is reasonable, and so is trusty. But the conclusion is the result of mistake. Because: (1) the neutrino speed is: ‘c+6km/s’; (2) by Schwarzschild solution, the light speed is c(1-2GM/rc^2), and so at the surface of the earth is ‘c-42km/s’;(3) here We show, the light speed is ‘c*sqrt(1+2GM/rc^2)’, and so at the surface of the earth is ‘c+21km/s’.There for, the neutrino speed ‘c+6km/s’ is faster than the ‘c’, and so really it is the ‘super c speed’. But at the same gravitation potential well, the real light speed ‘c+21km/s’ is also faster than the neutrino speed ‘c+6km/s’ ,and so the neutrino speed isn’t the ‘super velocity of light’. This result of this experiment testified authoritatively that: (1) General theory of relativity is the result of three disfigurements! (2)Our theory of time-space & gravitation is tally with the facts. (3) Neutrinos have rest mass, and so its velocity must slower than light speed.

[Xuan Xie. Modified General Theory of Relativity. Nat Sci 2012;10(6):83-90]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 12

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.12

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Prevalence of Treponema Pallidum in Serum of Pregnant Women in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Ogiogwa JI¹, Akingbade OA¹, Aboderin BW¹, Okerentugba PO², Innocent-Adiele HC², Onoh CC³, Nwanze JC³, Okonko IO²

¹Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

²Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, East-West Road, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria;

³Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria

mac2finney@yahoo.com; iheanyi.okonko@uniport.edu.ng; Tel: +234-80-3538-0891

Abstract: Syphilis is a multifaceted disease with serious implications for the pregnant women and the unborn foetus. Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis has been a public health challenge for centuries. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are widespread in the developing countries, and constitute a major public health problem in Sub- Saharan Africa. Information regarding the prevalence of syphilis in Pregnant Nigerian women is scanty from the South-west zone of Nigeria. One thousand two hundred and fifty six pregnant women, who attended the antenatal clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria from January 2011 to December, 2011 were screened for syphilis using Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) reactive technique. Seropositive samples were confirmed using immunochromatographic test strips which are specific for Treponema pallidum. The results showed that 4(0.32%) of the 1,256 pregnant women were positive for antibody to Treponema pallidum. The serodynamic of Treponema pallidum in relation to age showed an increase in infection rate of 4.0%, 0.26% and 0.17% among pregnant women in age groups of 36-40, 26-30 and 31-35 years respectively, while 16-20, 21-25, 41-45 and 46-50 years age groups had a zero percent prevalence of the organism. This study has further provided information on the prevalence of Treponema pallidum among pregnant women in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

[Ogiogwa JI, Akingbade OA, Aboderin BW, Okerentugba PO, Innocent-Adiele HC, Onoh CC, Nwanze JC, Okonko IO. Prevalence of Treponema Pallidum in Serum of Pregnant Women in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2012;10(6):91-94]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 13

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.13

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Enaminones in heterocyclic synthesis: part 5: isoniazid-enaminone a new organic synthon and tuberculostatic candidate.

Faida H. Ali Bamanie¹, A. S. Shehata², M. A. Moustafa^{1, 3}, M. M. Mashaly^*2

¹Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, KSA.

²Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at (New) Damietta, Mansoura University, Egypt.

³Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

mashaly54321@mans.edu.eg

Abstract: condensation of nicotinic, isonicotinic acid hydrazides 1a,b with 1,3-cyclohexanedione 2, in water, using acetic acid as catalyst, afforded enaminone derivatives 3a,b.

[Faida H. Ali Bamanie, A. S. Shehata, M. A. Moustafa, M. M. Mashaly. Enaminones in heterocyclic synthesis: part 5: isoniazid-enaminone a new organic synthon and tuberculostatic candidate. Nat Sci 2012;10(6):95-98]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 14

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.14

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Integration of Interval TOPSIS and Fuzzy AHP for Technology Selection

Mansour Momeni ¹, Mohammad Reza Fathi ², Abdol Hossein Jafarzadeh ² and Amirhesam Behrooz ³

¹ Associated Professor, Department of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² M.S. Candidates of Industrial Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

³ M.S. Candidate of Executive Management of Business Administration, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

E-mail: reza.fathi@ut.ac.ir

Abstract: Selecting the right technology is always a difficult task for decision-makers. Technologies have varied strengths and weaknesses which require careful assessment by the purchasers. The purpose of this paper is applying a new integrated method to technology selection. Proposed approach is based on fuzzy AHP and Interval TOPSIS methods. FAHP method is used in determining the weights of the criteria by decision makers and then rankings of technologies are determined by Interval TOPSIS method. A numerical example demonstrates the application of the proposed method.

[Mansour Momeni, Mohammad Reza Fathi, Abdol Hossein Jafarzadeh, Amirhesam Behrooz. Integration of Interval TOPSIS and Fuzzy AHP for Technology Selection. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):99-107]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 15

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.15

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Physicochemical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Loquat Fruit and Its Processing

Wafaa M. Abozeid and Nadir A.S.

Food Science and Technology Dept., National Res. Centre, Cairo, Egypt.

wafaaabozeid@yahoo.com

Abstract: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Linda L) is a fruit with high market value in Egypt with little details about its quality characteristics. The physicochemical characteristics of loquat fruit indicated that it contained higher total soluble solids 11.0 Brix, lower Ascorbic acid and can be considered as a good source of β-carotene. Brix lower ascorbic acid, loquat can be considered as a good source of B-carotene. Loquat fruit gave 86.32%, moisture, 5.53 mg/100g ascorbic acid and is a good source of mineral like phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Processed products jam; jelly and juice were prepared and assessed for their nutritive quality and acceptability.Results indicated That total soluble solids of jelly, jam and juice were 15, 76 and 13 Brix, respectively and that loquat juice contained more amount of ascorbic acid (4.28 mg\100g) and B –carotene (9.75 µg\100g) compared to jelly and jam. Sensory evaluation of processed products showed good acceptability. Loquat jam had higher for color and flavor while loquat juice taste and consistency recorded highest total score.

[Wafaa M. Abozeid and Nadir A.S. Physicochemical and Organoleptic Characteristics of Loquat Fruit and Its Processing. Nat Sci 2012; 10(6):108-113]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 16

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.16

Key words: Loquat, Physiochemical, Organoleptic, Jam, Jelly, Juice

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Antifungal activity of some Naturally Occurring Compounds against Economically Important Phytopathogic Fungi

El-Shiekh, Y.W. A.¹; Nour El-Din, A. Hanan² Mohamed, A. A. Shaymaa¹ and Karam EL-Din, A. Zahraa³

¹Pesticides Formulation Department, Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center

²Microbial Molecular Biology Department, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center

³Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Ain Shams University

yasserwahied@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate the antifungal activities of naturally occurring compounds namely; thymol, eugenol, methyl cinnamate, linalool and 1,8-cineol against some economically important phytopathogic fungi in the Egyptian environment. The LC₂₅ and LC₅₀’s of the tested compounds against R. solani, S. rolfsii, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum and A. solani were determined according to the relationship drawn between the logarithm of concentration and the percent of growth inhibition (ldp lines), and the toxicity indexes and relative potencies were calculated. Thymol was the most effective compound followed by eugenol, methyl cinnamate and linalool against R. solani, F. oxysporum and B. cinerea whereas the thymol followed by methyl cinnamate, eugenol and linalool were the most effective compounds against S. rolfsii and A. solani descendingly. The LC₅₀’s of thymol against S. rolfsii, R. solani, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum and A. solani were 107.39, 59.28, 46.60, 81.89 and 156.41 µg/ml, respectively where the LC₅₀’s of eugenol were 254.47, 95.58, 270.47, 214.74 and 414.13 µg/ml and the LC₅₀’s of methyl cinnamate were 216.3, 102.78, 288.55, 290.66 and 192.37 µg/ml, respectively. The 1,8-cineol compound didn’t show any fungicidal activity.

[Karam EL-Din, A. Zahraa; El-Shiekh, Y.W. A.; Nour El-Din, A. Hanan and Mohamed, A. A. Shaymaa. Antifungal activity of some Naturally Occurring Compounds against Economically Important Phytopathogic Fungi. Nat Sci 2012;10(6):114-123]. (ISSN: 1545-0740). http://www.sciencepub.net. 17

doi:10.7537/marsnsj100612.17

Key words: antifungal activity, thymol, eugenol, methyl cinnamate, linalool, 1,8-cineol, R. solani, A. solani, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum and S. roflsii

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