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New York Science Journal
Volume 3 -
Number 10 (Cumulated No. 20); October 1, 2010, ISSN 1554-0200
Cover (online), Cover
(print), Introduction,
Contents, Call for
Papers, All papers in one file
Welcome to send your
manuscript(s) to: newyorksci@gmail.com.
CONTENTS
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Titles / Authors
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1
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Serum anti-inflammatory interleukin
profiles in Nigerian pregnant women infected with Plasmodium
falciparum malaria
1Nmorsi, O.P.G., 1Isaac, C., 2Ukwandu,
N.C.D., 1Ohaneme, B.A. and 3Eifediyi,
R.A.
1. Tropical Diseases Research Unit, Department
of Zoology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
2. Department of Medical
Microbiology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
3. Department of Gynaecology
and Obstetrics, Ambrose
Alli
University, Ekpoma,
Nigeria
Corresponding
Author: Prof. O.P.G. Nmorsi, nmorsi@yahoo.com
Abstract: We investigated some anti-inflammatory
interleukin profiles in peripheral and placental blood of 96
pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum
malaria in Ekpoma, Nigeria. In
peripheral blood, interleukin-4 (IL-4) was elevated in mild
(10.6 pg/ml) than in moderate (3.7 pg/ml) infection while in
placental blood, elevated levels were observed in moderate
(11.7 pg/ml) than mild (1.6pg/ml) infection. The depressed
levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5) seen in mild than moderate
infection in peripheral (331.0 pg/ml versus 419.6 pg/ml) and
placental (314.2 pg/ml versus 571.2 pg/ml) blood was
statistically significant (χ2 =10.46 and χ2
= 74.58; p <0.05). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) was elevated in
mild infection (225 pg/ml) than in moderate infection (56
pg/ml) in peripheral blood and this difference was significant
(χ2 = 101.64; p <0.05) while in placental
blood, the elevated levels
observed in moderate infection (226 pg/ml) was statistically
higher than mild (158.3 pg/ml) infection (χ2
=11.88; p < 0.05). The volunteers with moderate infection
had low haemoglobin level of 7.5g/dl
and a mean low birth weight of 2.43kg. [New York Science Journal
2010;3(10):1-4]. (ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.01
Key Words: Anti-inflammatory Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, Pregnant women, Plasmodium falciparum, Nigeria
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2
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Improvement
growth and immune status using a potential probiotic
bacteria Micrococcus species among Culured
Oreochromis niloticus
H.A.M.oSman1, TAGHREED B.IBRAHIM1,
W.SOLIMAN1, OMIMA ABOUD2
1. Hydrobilogy department National Research
Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
2. Fish diseases
department, Animal Health Research institute, Dokki, Egypt
makkapigeon@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: Probiotic bacteria Micrococcus species
isolated from the gonads of apparently healthy Oreochromis niloticus
was harmless to O. niloticus
and had antagonistic effect against the pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila
invitro. The inhibition zone to A.
hydrohpila was 47 mm in diameter
due to M. species. The effect of supplemental
dietary probiotic bacteria
(pseudomonas sp.107 cells/g food) on some heamatological parameter, growth performance
and survival rate of O. niloticus.
were divided to two groups, with three
replicates each. Fish were fed frequently on a diet (5% of body
weight) three times daily for 60 days. The obtained results
showed that the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate
and protein efficiency ratio of O. niloticus
increased significantly in the treated fish, when compared to
the untreated group. Also, feed conversion ratio was lower in
the treated group than the control one. Erythrocytic
counts and hemoglobin content total serum protein, A/G ratio
and phagocytic activity in fish fed
on diets containing M. species were higher than that of
the control group. After feeding sixty days O. niloticus was challenged I/P by A. hydrophila 0.3×107
cells/ml. The survival rate was 75% with M. species
while, it was 20% in the control group. Thus, the
isolated M. sp. was harmless to O. niloticus and had probiotic effect in vitro and in vivo. [New York
Science Journal 2010;3(10):5-11].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.02
Key words: Oreochromis niloticus-
Micrococcus species- Aeromonas
hydrophila- feed conversion
ratio- Erythrocyte counts- hemoglobin content- phagocytic activity probiotic
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3
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Comparative Analysis Of The Productivity
Of Sustainable Cassava Farming Under External And Internal
Input Use In Imo State
Nigeria
Nwaiwu Innocent1, Odii Marshall1, Ohajianya Donatus1, Eze Chiedozie1, Oguoma Nicholas1, Ibekwe Christopher1, Henri-Ukoha Adanna1, Kadiri Fausat1, Amaechi Clifford.2, Oguh Joy2
1. Department of Agricultural
Economics, Federal University of Technology P.M.B.1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
2. Imo
State Polytechnic Umuagwo,
Nigeria.
niuche2004@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: This sturdy analyzed the
productivity of cassava farmers under external and internal
input use. Primary data were collected from 200
smallholder cassava farmers selected using a multi-stage
sampling technique. Questionnaires were administered to the farmers
using cost-route approach. Data were collected on the
farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and values of
input used and output produced. Data were analyzed using
partial productivity approach and comparison made with
Z-statistics. The results showed among others that there
was no significant difference between the partial productivity
per hectare of the average farmer that used external input and
one that used internal input. Their average income per
hectare were found to be significantly different from each
other and stood at N93,750 and N106,443
for external and internal input users respectively. It is
recommended therefore that internal inputs use should be
encouraged and external inputs used as complementary inputs
where inevitable. [New
York Science Journal 2010;3(10):12-16]. (ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.03
Key words: External
input, Internal input, Sustainability, Analysis, and Comparison
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4
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Quality
assessment of selected cereal – soybean mixtures in
“ogi” production
Bolaji Oluwatosin Akanbi
1, Olubunmi O Agarry 1, Samuel Alimi Garba1,2
1Department
of Biological Sciences, Microbiology
Unit, University of Abuja, P.M.B 117, Abuja, Nigeria.
2 Department of Microbiology, Federal University
of Technology, P.M.B 65 Minna, Nigeria.
tosinakanbi2@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract:
To develop a protein rich weaning food in a country with
high poverty rate, the effects of adding soybeans as a starting
material for “ogi”
production were evaluated. Simple spontaneous fermentation was
carried out similar to traditional fermentation and proximate
analysis and bioavailabity test using
broiler chicks were performed to determine nutrient content and
inactivation of protein inhibitors present in soybeans
respectively. The Fermented soybean-cereal mixtures resulted in
higher microbial densities, protein content and lactic acid
than fermented cereals without soybeans (P <0.05). Chicks
fed diets from the fermented mixtures showed better
weight gain and food efficiency than those fed on fermented
cereals without soybeans (P<0.05). Incorporation of soybeans
in cereals did not result in any significant differences in
microbial types. The inclusion of soybeans in as a starting
material in the production of “ogi”
improves the nutritional value
and further research is needed to elucidate the contributions
of the microbiota involved with
respect to protein inhibitors inactivation and phytase degradation. [New York Science Journal
2010;3(10):17-26]. (ISSN: 1554-0200)
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.04
Key words: ogi, protein
inhibitors, soybean, bioavailability,poverty,
lactic acid
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Rare and Threatened species of
medicinal value under Prosopis
juliflora (Swartz) DC. in
District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu ( India)
Lal Singh1, Prafulla Soni2, H.B. Vasistha3,
S.K. Kamboj4
1,2,3,4 Forest Ecology and Environment Division
P.O. New Forest, Forest Research
Institute Dehradun, Uttarakhand (India)-248006
Email: sonip1405@gmail.com;
lalsingh82@gmail.com;
Abstract: A survey in District Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu (India) shows that
the industrial area harbors diverse species of various rare and
threatened medicinal plants of tropical region. 40 species of
medicinal and other ethno botanical uses have been recorded Out
of 40 species 6 are listed as rare and threatened as per the
IUCN categorization. This area therefore represents a very
conducive habitat for their in-situ conservation.
Maintaining such types of habitats may be very valuable in
protecting and conserving these rare and endangered species of
the tropical region of the country. The present paper describes
in detail the rare and threatened flora inventoried in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. [New York Science Journal 2010;3(10):27-36]. (ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.05
Keywords: Prosopis
juliflora, medicinal, diversity, rare,
threatened
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Pollution of Ibadan soil by industrial
effluents
Adebisi, Segun
Akanmu1 and Fayemiwo, Kehinde Adenike1*
1Department of Geological and Chemical Sciences, College
of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun
State University, PMB 4494, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
*Address correspondence to Engr. Fayemiwo, Kehinde
Adenike
Department of Geological and Chemical
Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University, PMB 4494, Osogbo, Osun
State, Nigeria. Phone: +234-8067726800. kfayemiwo@yahoo.ca
Abstract: Industrial pollution has been and
continues to be a major factor causing the degradation of the
environment around us, affecting the land we live on, the water
we use and the air we breathe. Many industrial activities are
responsible for discharging waste into the environment, and
these waste containing many poisonous substances that will
contaminate the soil. Soil contamination by effluents
from nine (9) food processing industries in Ibadan city was the subject
of this research. Effluents, receiving water, soil and plants
around the industries were sampled and analyzed for levels of
pollutants using standard analytical methods. The results shown
significant pollutants enrichment of soil by the effluents from
the studied industries. Industrial pollution is clearly
one of the biggest contributions to our polluted land, at least
here in the west; there is need for a stricter regulation of
industrial effluents to control soil contamination, in order to
reduce the risk to public health. [New York Science Journal
2010;3(10):37-41]. (ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.06
Key words: Food Processing, Ibadan, pollution, industries
effluent
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Polyculture Of
Heteroclarias / Tilapia
Under Different Feeding Regimes
Solomon,
J.R and Ezigbo, M. N.
Department
of Biological Sciences, University
of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Johnsol2004@yahoo.com.
Tel: +2348033140666
ABSTRACT:
Triplicate Treatments of Heteroclarias
and Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus) fingerlings in a
semi-intensive polyculture system,
were fed for twelve weeks on Pigeon pea meal, Bambara groundnut meal and coppen floating feed. They were fed at 3%
body weight and were used as the control treatment. Growth performance
and Physiochemical Parameters were measured weekly. Results
showed that the treatment fed with coppen
had the best growth performance; mean weight gain (2.23g) and
(1.13g) for Heteroclarias and
Tilapia, while the treatments fed with substitutes, showed
appreciable growth performance with Pigeon pea meal having
a final mean weight gain of (1.16g) and (0.74g) and Bambara nut coming last with (0.92)g and
(0.97g) respectively. There was significant difference
(P>0.05) between the feed types on the growth of the
fish. [New York
Science Journal 2010;3(10):42-57].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.07
Key Words: Bambara groundnut, coppen feed, Heteroclarias
and Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus)
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Biochemical
Significance of Proinflammatory
Cytokines in Psoriasis vulgaris among Egyptian Patients
Halla M.
Ragab*, Nabila Abd El Maksoud*
and Mohamed M. Farid Roaiah**
*Department of Biochemistry,
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Division, National
Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
** Dermatology & Andrology and S. T. D.S, Kasr El Aini
Hospital, Cairo
university.
hmragab@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Background: Psoriasis has been characterized by hyperproliferation accompanied by acanthosis and aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes. Several growth factors and cytokines, are assumed to be important.
Recent studies indicate that various cytokines including tumor necrosis factor - α ( TNF - α ), IL - 2R and IL - 6 play an
essential role in the induction and maintenance of psoriatic
lesion. Objectives: To
analyse relevant inflammatory mediators in the serum of
patients with active psoriasis ( Psoriasis
vulgaris ) of
mild-to-moderate and severe psoriasis compared to
healthy controls. Patients / Methods: Forty psoriasis
patients were recruited from the
dermatology outpatient clinic of Cairo University
Hospital.
Patients body mass index ( BMI ),
waist circumference and psoriasis area and severity index (
PASI ) were recorded. Fasting serum samples were obtained on
enrolment. All the patients did not receive any treatment
(locally or systemically), for at least four weeks before
enrolment. Age, sex and ( BMI )
matched with forty healthy controls were also recruited. Serum
TNF - α, IL - 2R and IL - 6 levels were estimated using an
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay ( ELISA ) technique. The patients group were
subdivided to two groups according to the diseases severity, PASI, into, mild-to-moderate psoriasis
group and severe psoriasis group. Results: Serum TNF -
α, IL - 2R and IL - 6 were all statistically significant
elevated in the patients group compared to healthy controls ( p < 0.05 ). Also they were all
statistically significant increased in severe psoriasis
compared to mild-to-moderate psoriasis ( p
<0.05 ). Conclusions: These data support the view
that serum TNF - α, IL - 2R and IL - 6 are involved in the
pathogenesis of psoriasis, possibly by induction
and maintenance of psoriatic lesion. We recommend a use of an
array of these cytokines as a useful follow-up marker for
monitoring of psoriatic patients and optimizing therapeutic
strategies. Also we suggest the study of antisense therapy
using the antibody of these cytokines in psoriatic patients. [New York
Science Journal 2010;3(10):58-66].
(ISSN: 1545-1003).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.08
Keywords:
Psoriasis vulgaris,
Cytokines, TNF - α, IL - 2R and IL - 6
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Contribution
of mesophilic starter and adjunct
lactobacilli to proteolysis and sensory properties of semi hard
cheese
El-Sayed El-Tanboly,
Mahmoud El-Hofi, N. S. Abd-Rabou
and Wahed El-Desoki1
Dairy Science
Department, National Research Center,
Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
1Dairy Science Department, Al-Azhar univ., Agriculture Faculty, Assuet Branch
tanboly1951@yahoo.com
Abstract: Cheese products enriched with probiotic bacteria are one of optimized
functional foods. The objective of the present study was to
influence of modified mesophilic
starter and probiotic Lactobacillus,
as adjunct culture, on product quality, in particular the proteolytic pattern of the cheeses. The
composition and the pH value were almost identical between cheese. The rate of proteolysis of cheese
with probiotic bacteria was slightly
higher than that in control cheese, probably as a consequence
of their different proteolytic
activity. Levels of water soluble nitrogen (WSN/TN), non
protein nitrogen (NPN/TN) and levels of phosphotungstic
acid soluble nitrogen (PTA/TN) increased significantly with
ripening period. Organoleptic
evaluation showed that probiotic
cheese had higher sensory evaluation than control cheese,
without probiotic strain. The population
of Lactobacillus survived to numbers > 107 cfu/g, which is necessary for positive
effects on health. These results showed that the
contribution of mesophilic starter
and probiotic strain as adjunct
culture can be successfully used in production of semi hard
cheese. [New York
Science Journal 2010;3(10):67-73].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.09
Keywords: Physically
heat shock mesophilic starter; probiotic
bacteria; semi hard cheese;cheese proteolysis
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Phytochemical Analysis and Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity of Cassia Occidentalis L. (whole plant)
1*Egharevba, Henry Omoregie;
2Odigwe Anselem C.; 3Abdullahi,
Makailu Sabo; 4Okwute,
Simon Koma; 1Okogun,
Joseph Ibumeh
1Department of Medicinal Plant Research
and Traditional Medicine
National Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research &Development (NIPRD), Idu
Industrial Layout, Idu, P.M.B. 21 Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.
2Department of Chemistry, Federal
University of Technology, Minna,
Nigeria
3National Research Institute for Chemical
Technology, Zaria, Nigeria.
4Department of Chemistry, University of Abuja, Nigeria
*Corresponding author
Phone number: +234 8036453033; E-mail:
omoregieegharevba@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: Cassia
occidentalis L.
whole plant was extracted successively with hexane, ethylacetate and methanol. Another crude
extract of aqueous methanol was also carried out. The extracts
were tested in vitro for activity against standard
strains microbes and clinical isolates. The zones of
inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum
bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal
concentration (MFC) were determined. The in vitro antimicrobial
screening revealed that the extract exhibited varying activity
against different microbes with zones of inhibition ranging
from 14-34mm, MIC ranging from 1.25 - 10mg/ml, and MBC/MFC of
2.5-20mg/ml for the sensitive organisms at the tested
concentrations. The highest activity was an MIC of 1.25 mg/ml
and MBC of 2.5mg/ml. The
activities observed could be due to the presence of some of the
secondary metabolites like, alkaloids, anthraquinones,
sterols, glycosides, saponins, terpenes and flavonoids
detected in the plant. [New York
Science Journal 2010;3(10):74-81].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.10
Key words: Cassia occidentalis, phytochemicals, antimicrobial activity,
MIC, MBC, MFC
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Open Source Bioinformatics Workbench Options
for Life Science Researchers
Tarun Kant
Biotechnology
Laboratory, FGTB Division
Arid
Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur 342005, India
Email:
tarunkant@icfre.org
Abstract:
It is unimaginable to think of a life science researcher
who does not use a modern day computer as an aid to his
research. In fact, modern day research cannot go on without
computers playing some role in their research endeavours. The
degree of this role may vary from use of embedded microchips in
various intelligent equipments in use to complex data analysis.
Today’s researcher is surely computer savvy. With high
throughput cutting-edge technology, a biologist is generating
sea of data which needs high speed computing power to process
and analyze it and bring out a logical interpretation.
Bioinformatics tools are available today for all areas of life
sciences. Most of the tools available are open source and
freely available. And all these tools are now available under
the umbrella of open source Linux OS platform. This
review throws light on the available Linux distributions that
can be used effectively as bioinformatics workbenches. [New York
Science Journal 2010;3(10):82-87].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.11
Keywords: Linux; bioinformatics, FOSS, sequence alignment,
phylogeny
Abbreviations:
GNU - GNU’s
Not Unix; GPL - GNU General Public License; OS -
Operating System; OSS/FS - Open Source Software/Free
Software; FOSS - Free and Open Source Software; TCO
- Total Cost of Ownership
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Molecular Genetic Approach by using
the RAPD-PCR Technique for Detection of Genetic Variability in
Non- Human Isolates of Fasciola
Nashwa I. Ramadan1, Lobna M. Saber2, Maha M. Abd El
Latif3, Nabila A. Abdalla4, and Halla M. Ragab4
1Department of Parasitology,
Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams
University, 2Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar
University, 3Department of research and
applications of supplementary medicine, 4Department
of Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
hmragab@yahoo.com
Abstract: Background: Understanding genetic
structure and status of genetic variation of the Fasciola gigantica
and F. hepatica isolates
from different hosts, has important implications for
epidemiology and effective control of fasciolosis.
The aim of the present work was to study the molecular
characterization of Fasciola
gigantica and F. hepatica
isolates collected from cows and sheep, using the random
amplified polymorphic DNA fragments-polymerase chain reaction (RAPDs-PCR) technique. Methods: F.
gigantica and F. hepatica of
bovine and ovine origin were collected from the biliary tracts and gall bladders of
condemned bovine and ovine livers from Cairo Governmental
slaughter house.. By using (RAPDs-PCR) technique, optimal
standardization of conditions of amplification and thermocyclation was made, using genetic
markers. The methodology used compared the genetic pattern
between the two species (inter-species) and inside each species
(intra-species) between cow and sheep and the amplification
fragments were between 135 and 741 base pairs of marker. Results:
The results showed genetic variations (polymorphisms) of Fasciola gigantica
and F. hepatica with amplification fragment based on a 500
– 400 base pair (bp). Inside
each species, there were genetic variations in bovine and ovine
strains and the amplification fragments were between 600 and
400 base pairs (bp). Conclusion:
This assay is useful for both individual diagnosis and
epidemiological surveys in endemic regions. [New York Science Journal
2010;3(10):88-96]. (ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.12
Keywords:
Fasciola hepatica; Fasciola gigantica
and (RAPDs-PCR) technique
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Evaluation
of Maize-Soyabean Intercrop as
Influenced by Sowing Date of Soyabean
in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Futuless,Kaki Ngodi
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of
Agriculture Adamawa State
University P.M.B 25 Mubi,Nigeria.
futulesskaki@yahoo.com
Abstract: The study was conducted at Mubi, Adamawa
State Nigeria
with the objective of evaluating the influence of soyabean sowing date on maize-soyabean intercrop during the 2008 and 2009
cropping seasons. The crops were grown on sandy loam soil in
alternate rows typical of the husbandry practices of the area.Results indicate that, variation in soyabean
sowing dates influenced the growth and yield of soyabean more than that of maize with early
sown soyabean producing more yield
than later sown one.Results revealed
that, the number of branches per plant, number of pods per
plant,1000 grain weight, grain weight per plant and grain yield
( kg|ha) of soyabean
were significantly (p=0.05) higher with SD1 in both years
compared to other treatments. It was observed also, that
the optimum sowing date for both
maize and soyabean that produced the
best yield and yield determining characters was SD1
for the 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons. [New York Science Journal
2010;3(10):97-102]. (ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.13
Key Words:
Maize-soyabean intercrop, Optimum,
Grain yield, Sowing date
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Variation in heavy metal contents on roadside soils
along a major express way in
South east Nigeria
1 Mbah C N, 2M A N
Anikwe
1Department of Soil and Environmental Management.
Ebonyi State
University, P.M.B,053, Abakaliki
– Nigeria.
2Department of Agronomy and Ecological Management.
Enugu State
University of Science
and Technology, Enugu – Nigeria
cnmbah10@yahoo.com
Abstract: Pollution of
natural environment due to release of heavy metals from various
sources is a widespread problem through out the world. The
study investigated heavy metal concentration on roadside along
a major expressway in south eastern Nigeria. Fifteen air
dried surface soil samples were collected from 50cm – 1m ( point A)
and fifteen from 100m (point B) away from the roadside
along a road with a
distance of 170 km. Heavy metals were found in both points with
highest concentration at 50cm – 1m (point A). Mean values
5205.11(Fe), 247.97(Cu), 74.11(Zn) 100.19(Pb)
and 18.8(Cd) mgkg-1 were
recorded at 50cm – 1m while means values at 100m away
from the roadside for Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb
and Cd were 4890, 217.86, 64.08,
87.13 and 3.05 mgkg-1, respectively. Variability of
heavy metals ranged between 7 – 56% and 14 – 70% at
50cm – 1m and 100m, away from the road, respectively. At
50cm – 1m and 100m, Pb and Cd showed high variability with highest
variability (70%) observed in Pb at
100m away from roadside. Results from the study showed that the
studied soil contains higher levels of heavy metals nearer the
roadside and constitute health risk to human and animal health
when plants – based food stuff grown along the area is
consumed. [New York
Science Journal. 2010;3(10):103-107].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.14
Keywords: Automobile
waste; Heavy metal; Expressway; Pollutio;
Toxicity
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Gross And Microscopic Changes In The
Gonads Of Male And Female Domestic Pigeon (Columbia Livia)
Kigir E. S.1, Sivachelvan M. N. 1, Kwari H. D.1, Sonfada M. N.2, Yahaya A.1, Thilza
I. B.3 and Wiam I. 1
1.
Department
of Veterinary Anatomy, University
of Maiduguri, Nigeria
2.
Department of Veterinary
Anatomy, Usman
Danfodio
University, Sokoto,
Nigeria
3.
Department of Veterinary
Medicine, University
of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
thilzathilzathilza@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: The study was undertaken to observe
the gross features of the male and female pigeon as well as the
behavioral patterns and histological features of their gonads
with the aim of establishing their sexual characteristics as a
mode of identifying their sex. Seven pairs of pigeon age at 1,
2, 4, 11, 12, 13 and 14 weeks were purchased from local
breeders and reared under controlled conditions before they
were used in this study. A pair of bird was sacrificed at a
time after body weights were recorded. The gonads were then
dissected out and weighed wherever possible before being
subjected to histological studies using routine Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) staining
technique. Grossly, the colour
pattern and feather did not show any obvious difference between
the male and female. A pair consists of male and female. A male
weighed more (120g at one week and 360g at week fourteen) than
the female (90g at week one and 250g at week fourteen). On
dissection, male presents two testes
while the female present only one ovary on the left side. By 4th
week the male began to show more aggressive behavior than the
female on “beak tests” recorded for the first time
in the present study. Histologically,
the male pigeon showed well developed testes from 11 weeks
onward with the seminiferous tubule,
straight tubule and interstitial cells of leydigs
in it. The ovaries in the females could be recognized with
follicles in them by 4 weeks of age. The follicles became very
prominent and large by 11 weeks and the Graafian
follicles could be recognized by 13 weeks of age. It was
concluded from the above observation that within a set of
pairs, the large one could be safely considered as the male and
it will be more aggressive than its female counterpart. Histologically, the birds seem to show
sexual maturity by 11-12 weeks with females ovulating by 13
weeks. It is therefore safer to buy pigeons in pairs of the
same age from a renowned breeder than in the market for
breeding purpose. [New York Science Journal.
2010;3(10):108-111]. (ISSN:
1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.15
Key words: Pigeon, Testis,
Ovary, Seminiferous tubule, Graafian follicles
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Efficient
Micropropagtion Protocol for Portulaca grandiflora.
Hook. Using Shoot Tip Explants
Ashok K Jain1 and Mudasir Bashir2
1Professor, School
of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji University Gwalior -474011,
Madhya
Pradesh, India
E- mail: asokjain2003@yahoo.co.in;
2Research Scholar, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, School of Studies in Botany
Jiwaji
University
Gwalior-474011, Madhya
Pradesh, India
E-mail: mudasirbot@gmail.com
Abstract: A rapid clonal
multiplication protocol comprising direct multiple shoot
induction from shoot apex of Portulaca
grandiflora Hook was developed. Shoot apex from healthy grown plants
were used as explants for culturing. Explants were cultured on
standard Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with
different concentrations of benzyl amino purine
(BAP) or kinetin (KIN) for primary shoot proliferation. The
best shoot proliferation (27.3 per explants with 98% induction)
was observed in MS medium containing 2.5mgl‑1
BAP. For rooting of microshoots, half
strength MS medium supplemented with 0.75mgl-1 Napthalene acetic acid (NAA) showed best
results with 9.2 roots per shoot at an average root length of
6.0 cm with average rooting response of 95%. After
acclimatization and transplantation, 100% of the In- vitro
derived plants were found healthy in ex vivo conditions.
[New York
Science Journal. 2010;3(10):112-116].
(ISSN: 1554-0200).
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.16
Key word:
Acclimatization, Portulaca grandiflora Hook., In-vitro,
Shoot proliferation
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The manuscripts in this
issue were presented as online first for peer-review, starting
from September 8, 2010.
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welcome: newyorksci@sciencepub.net.
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Website: http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork
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doi:
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.01
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.02
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.03
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.04
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.05
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.06
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.07
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.08
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.09
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.10
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.11
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.12
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.13
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.14
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.15
doi:10.7537/marsnys031010.16 |
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