Evaluation of antifungal and antibacterial activities of monoesters of succinic anhydride

Monoester of succinic acid (1-29), synthesised and characterised at our laboratory, were investigated with reference to their antifungal and antibacterial activities. The results concluded that though almost all the compounds were bioactive but the degree of activity was dependent over the substituent attached to benzyl group and order of their bioactivity was iodo > chloro > methoxy > nitro substituted monoesters against the considered microbes. KEY WORDS: Succinic anhydride, Aryl alcohols, Monoesters of succinic acid, Antifungal and antibacterial activity Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2014, 28(1), 131-136.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v28i1.1

Determination of Trace Metals Abnormalities in Patients with Vivax Malaria

Background: In the present study, blood serum level of metals were determined in malarial pa­tients and compared with those in the normal subjects without complication using Atomic Absorp­tion Spectrometer.Methods: For the determination of these metals twelve intravenous blood samples each from re­ferred malarial patients and a group of normal subjects were collected and immediately centri­fuged to obtain the supernatant liquid, serum of both the groups for analysis.Results: The blood serum levels of copper in malarial patients determined to be 2.6917 ppm, which is higher as compared to that found 2.045 in normal subjects. Whereas the blood serum levels of iron, magnesium, and zinc found 2.0708 ppm, 12.2467 ppm and 4.9017 ppm respec­tively in malarial patients, who are lower than those, are determined in the blood serum of normal sub­jects. Blood serum levels of iron, magnesium, and zinc in normal subjects found 3.950 ppm, 19.4892 ppm, and 5.242 ppm respectively.Conclusion: In this study the metal content of copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in vary in malar­ial patients as compared those in the normal subjects. It may suggest that the decreased lev­els of iron, magnesium, and zinc can be maintained by giving as supplement of these metals in therapy

Cell-bound phosphatase activity in cotton (gossypium hirsutum L.) roots

A study was made of phosphorus nutrition in cotton cultivars derived from Pakistan with particular reference to phosphatase activity. Cultivars used were Qalandri, Rehmani, Reshami and TH-3/83; Qalandri was used for most of the phosphatase characteristic studies, since this cultivar exhibited the highest germination percentage and seedling establishment. Investigations of soil parameters from cotton growing region of Pakistan were also carried out. Soil pH was above 8.0 in all sites studied. Soil organic component levels were very variable between sites and within sites at different depths. Soil potassium was found to be at levels regarded as being sufficient for sustaining plant growth at all sites. However, levels of combined nitrogen and inorganic phosphate were in the range of values which could be regarded as being limiting to plant growth. The importance of phosphatase in the mobilization of organic phosphorus was therefore apparent. Phosphomonoesterase (PMEase) activity, assayed using two substrates p- nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) and 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (4-MUP), was investigated and was found associated with roots of hydroponically-grown seedlings. Staining studies indicated that the enzymes were present in the cell wall. Phosphodiesterase activity was also detected in roots, using bis-pNPP as the substrate. PMEase activity was found to have its greatest activity at pH values between 4.0 and 6.0 for all cultivars. In cv Qalandri the optimum pH for PMEase activity was 5 .5 and the optimum temperature was 55 C when assays were incubated over a 1h period using pNPP or 4-MUP as the substrate. Levels of activity were higher using pNPP than with 4-MUP, but an absolute direct comparison could not be made since the concentrations of the individual substrates used were different. Plants grown in phosphate-limitation conditions showed enhanced PMEase activity. Enhancement of PMEase activity was associated with the levels of phosphate in the plant growth nutrient solution rather than with those in the plant itself This activity was highest in 19-day old seedlings, under the conditions of growth employed here. A comparison between cultivars showed some differences in the level of PMEase activity and in the specific pH optimum for enzyme activity. Limitation of combined nitrogen to seedling also resulted m enhanced PMEase even when plants were under phosphate-sufficient conditions. A similar effect of potassium-limitation was also found and this was associated with reduced uptake of phosphate into the seedlings. No effect of magnesium-limitation on PMEase activity was found. A comparison was also made with other plants; cotton. Primula farinosa, rice, wheat and algae. All had associated phosphatase activity, with cotton showing significantly higher root acid phosphatase activity than the other higher plant species. Acidic phosphatase activity was found in the alga Drapamaldia whilst Stigeoclonium had alkaline phosphatase

Electropolymerisation of aniline on AZ91 magnesium alloy: the effect of coating electrolyte corrosiveness

In this study, polyaniline was coated on AZ91 magnesium alloy using an electropolymerisation technique, and the effect of corrosiveness of the coating electrolytes on the polymerisation and the coating performance were evaluated. Two electrolytes, i.e., aniline + sodium salicylate (PASS) and aniline + potassium hydroxide (PAPH), with different corrosiveness, were used for polyaniline coating on AZ91 magnesium alloy. Potentiodynamic polarisation results suggested that salicylic acid (C7H5NaO3) was more corrosive for the alloy than potassium hydroxide (KOH), which can be attributed to the difference in the pH of the electrolytes. The PASS electrolyte coating formed on the alloy was relatively thick (similar to 9 mu m) and exhibited scattered pore-like morphology, whereas the PAPH electrolyte coating was thin (similar to 3 mu m) and uniform. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the PASS electrolyte coating corresponds to polyaniline, whereas the PAPH electrolyte coating showed weak polyaniline bands. The corrosion protection performance of the coatings was evaluated in chloride-containing solution. The potentiodynamic polarisation results suggested that the corrosion rate of the alloy decreased significantly with the PASS electrolyte coating, whereas the PAPH electrolyte coating was detrimental. The degree of protection (DP) provided by the PASS electrolyte coating was -83%. Post-corrosion analysis revealed higher corrosion attack in the PAPH electrolyte-coated alloy in comparison with the PASS electrolyte coated alloy. Thus, it can be concluded that the corrosiveness of the PASS coating electrolyte did not adversely affect the formation/performance of polyaniline on AZ91 magnesium alloy

A phylogenetic study of the Lecanora rupicola group (Lecanoraceae, Ascomycota)

A molecular phylogeny of the Lecanora rupicola group is presented, based on ITS sequence analyses. The study includes saxicolous and corticolous members of the Lecanora rupicola group as well as other Lecanora species with pruinose apothecia. A phylogenetic hypothesis for species in Lecanora s. lat. and various other genera in Lecanoraceae, based on an alignment-free distance estimation technique, shows that the Lecanora rupicola group forms a monophyletic clade within Lecanoraceae. Affinities to the core group of Lecanora are not well supported, likewise the monophyly of Lecanora s. str. with other species groups in Lecanora, such as the lobate taxa (and Rhizoplaca) is not supported. A more detailed analysis involving Lecanora species with pruinose apothecial discs was carried out with model-based Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (B/MCMC) tree sampling. The results suggest the monophyly of the Lecanora species that are characterized by the presence of chromones. Corticolous as well as saxicolous species are included. Lepraria flavescens is closely related to the Lecanora swartzii subgroup, and the new name Lecanora rouxii nom. nov. is introduced for that species. Other Lecanora species with pruinose discs are riot closely related to the Lecanora rupicola group

Genetic Variation of Flowering Trait in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Drought Stress at Vegetative and Reproductive Stages

A study was conducted under water stress in vegetative and reproductive growth stages at two locations (Shambat and Medani) in Sudan during the season (2003/2004). Genotypic and phenotypic variability, genetic advance and heritability in a broad sense were estimated in a split-plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications. Fifteen genotypes of maize were used for the study.  Phenotypic correlation coefficient between grain yield and 25%, 50% and 95% of flowering trait anthesis and silking were evaluated. All flowering stages were found significant differences among the genotypes, except days to 95% anthesis. Significant differences among water treatments were observed for days to 25% silking at Medani. High heritability, genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic advance were exhibited by days to 25% silking. Grain yield was significantly and negatively associated with days to (50% and 95%) silking. Based on the results drought stress at vegetative and reproductive stages of maize results in a drastic reduction in grain yield, and flowering character would be the important selection, creation for maize improvement under drought stress. Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), Genetic variability, heritability, correlation, flowering, drought

Toe-tourniquet syndrome: A rare potentially devastating entity

Toe-tourniquet syndrome is a rare and commonly misdiagnosed condition caused by a hair or a fiber wrapped around digits (fingers and toes). A four months baby girl who was crying and presented with redness and swelling at her 2nd and 3rd toes of right foot. Child had red and swollen 2nd and 3rd toes of right foot with hair end protruding through wounds. Constricting hairs were cut and removed. Toetourniquet syndrome is a rare entity which is caused by hair wrapped around a toe or a digit. Diagnosis is mostly clinical. In order to prevent this condition to happen, education of parents and clinicians is a cornerstone

Vernalization requirement studies with Pacific Northwest wheats

Vernalization plays a fundamental role in the adaptation of winter cereals to their growing environment by controlling their growth habit, thereby allowing them to escape cold injury. Because of the climatic conditions of the region, dry summers and wet winters, growers sometimes cannot plant all of their winter wheat in fall and raise questions about late planting of winter varieties. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the vernalization requirement of winter wheat varieties currently grown in the Pacific Northwest. A greenhouse procedure was also developed to be used in determining the vernalization requirement of new wheat varieties. Twenty varieties, representing a wide range of vernalization response, were tested in the field during the 1991 through 1993 cropping seasons. Varieties were sown from early October through late March at differing time intervals. Accumulated growing degree days from planting were calculated by averaging daily temperature CERES wheat model formulas were used to calculate vernalization days. Heading, plant height, number of heads/m row and yield parameters were measured. Relative vernalization index was created for grouping the varieties according to their vernalization response. Results of the field studies indicated that Dusty, Eltan, Flora, Hill 81, Kmor and Yamhill have a strong vernalization requirement. They showed rapid deterioration in all parameters as a result of reduction in vernalization days due to late sowing. Weak vernalization requirement varieties -Hoff, Oveson, Treasure and Whitman were less affected by reduction in vernalization days. Other varieties were intermediate in response. Similar variety response were observed during green house experiments where the same varieties were chilled for 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days at 6 - 7 °C constant temperature. Hoff, Hyak, Oveson, Treasure and Whitman headed after only 7 days of cold treatment. The varieties Eltan, Flora, Hill 81, Kmor, Rodhe and Yamhill showed marked response to vernalization. Heading of those varieties only occurred after four or five weeks of cold treatment. This study suggests that (1) varieties vary widely in vernalization response (2) varieties can be grouped in strong, medium and weak vernalization response classes (3) strong vernalization requirement varieties can be planted until late February, but yield would be low, less than 50 % (4) weak vernalization requirement varieties can be planted until late March, but yield would be low, less than 50 % (5) a green house procedure can be used for the assessment of the vernalization requirement of new wheat varieties

Phenotypic Variations of Drought Tolerance Parameters in Maize (Zea mays L.) under Water Stress at Vegetative and Reproductive Stages

Two field experiments were conducted at Shambat and Medani in Sudan under water stress in vegetative and reproductive growth stages during the season (2003/2004). The objective of the study was to assess phenotypic variability and phenotypic correlation between drought tolerance parameters in maize genotypes. A split-plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment. Fifteen genotypes of maize were examined through the study. The effect due to genotypes x location was highly significant for all drought tolerance parameters studied. Highly significant and favorable correlation for Yw with SSI2, SSI3, GMP2, GMP3, STI2 and STI3, while highly significant and negative with Yd2/Yw and Yd3/Yw. Based on the result's drought stress at vegetative and reproductive stages of maize results in a drastic reduction in grain yield, and the strong positive correlation of Yw with SSI, GMP and STI, indicates that selection for high values of these parameters improves yield under stress and non-stress environments. Drought tolerance parameters can be used for improving grain yield and facilitate further efforts in maize breeding programs. Keywords: Correlation, drought, genetic variability, heritability, Maize (Zea mays L.).