Phylogenetic and molecular evolutionary analyses of Ty1-copia group retrotransposons in cultivated Egyptian cotton, Gossypium barbadense L.

The Ty1-copia group retrotransposons have been characterized in cultivated Egyptian cotton, G.barbadense L., using degenerate PCR primers for their reverse transcriptase (RT) domains. Comparative nucleotide and amino acid sequences analyses showed that G. barbadense Ty1-copia RT sequences are heterogeneous and this heterogeneity is resolved into 11 distinct families. The high ratio of synonymous to nonsynonymous changes indicates that there is a strong selection for the RT domain of these families. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two cultivated G. barbadense RT families are closely related to Ty1-copia group retrotransposons present in other plant species. In other words, these families mirror their own phylogenies rather than that of their host cultivars. On the other hand, the remaining G. barbadense RT families are closely related to their respective Gossypium species. These data show that Ty1-copia group retrotransposons tend to span species boundaries, suggestingthat they existed early in plant evolution, and were diverged into  heterogeneous sequences prior to modern plant species divergence

Biotechnology, genetic conservation and sustainable use of bioresources

The loss of Africa's forests and bioresources is occurring at an alarming rate, a consequence of increasing population pressure, agricultural land degradation, urbanization and neglect. There is a growing recognition worldwide that conservation and sustainable management of bioresources are pressing priorities in the world today. The choice of conservation methods and techniques depend on the objectives of the particular conservation effort, the breeding system and behaviour of the species in question as well as the available resources including funds, trained personnel, infrastructure and technologies. The use of biotechnological tools and “bioprospecting” will open new vistas in medicine, agriculture, silviculture, horticulture, environment and other important issues. This paper reviews some biotechnological tools that could be harnessed in promoting conservation and sustainable use of bioresources. Key words: Bioresources, genetic conservation, biotechnology. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (12), pp. 704-709, December 200

Impact of Charcoal Production on the Sustainable Development of Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of charcoal production on the sustainable development of Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the method of production of charcoal, identifies the basis for involvement in charcoal production; analyzes the socio-economic impact of charcoal on rural well-being and the perception of the inhabitants of the study area on the impact of charcoal production on the environment. One hundred and fifty copies of questionnaire were administered to obtain the opinions of the respondents on the impact of charcoal production on their welfare. Focus Group Discussions and interviews were conducted on the inhabitants and producers to explore their views on method of production and the effects on their health and environment respectively. Descriptive statistical techniques were employed to analyze the gathered data. The study revealed significant negative impact of charcoal production on the ecology of the study area. Legislation on afforestation and reforestation should be enforced on people both at the study area and the country at large. Development of energy-saving meters and solar cookers should be encouraged. Furthermore, the society should be enlightened through media, visual display and jingles on the impacts of environmental degradation on human health and biodiversity.Key words: Degradation, Climate Change, Ecosystem, Health and Environmen

Full Length Research Paper LTR-retrotransposons-based molecular markers in cultivated Egyptian cottons G. barbadense L.

Long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that are ubiquitous in plants and constitute a major portion of their nuclear genomes. LTR-retrotransposons possess unique properties that make them appropriate for investigating relationships between closely related species and populations. The aim of the current study was to employ Ty1-copia group retrotransposons as molecular markers in cultivated Egyptian cottons, G. barbadense L. Restriction site analysis of PCRamplified Ty1-copia RT domain promoted the construction of a restriction map for each Egyptian cultivar. These maps display distinctive patterns of restriction site variation. Furthermore, these patterns are capable of differentiating even between cultivars that appear to have diverged only in the past 50 years. These results demonstrate that retrotransposon-based molecular markers are particularly valuable tools for plant molecular phylogenetic and population genetic studie

Effect of honey consumption on intestinal motility in male albino rats

Summary: This study investigated the effects of honey on intestinal  motility and transit using twenty (20) male albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 210-220g. The rats were randomly grouped into control and  honey-fed (test) groups of ten (10) rats each. The control group was fed on normal rat chow ( Pfizer Company, Nigeria ) and water while the test  group was fed on rat feed, water and honey ( 1 ml of honey to every 10 ml initial drinking water daily) for twenty two (22) weeks after which the rats  were starved over night before the experiment and sacrificed by stunning. Laparatomy was immediately performed, proximal and distal portions of the intestine identified, cut and put in aerated tyrode solution. Cut sections of the ileum (2-3cm) were mounted on organ bath instrument for motility experiment with varying concentrations of acetylcholine and carbachol. Contractions were recorded as well as the intestinal transit in each group and lengths of intestine with total mean values calculated. Results  obtained showed that honey significantly decreased (p<0.01 ) intestinal transit in the test group (21.15±0.75 ) compared with the control group ( 35.96±1.15); decreased intestinal motility in the test group compared with the control and caused significant percentage reduction of intestinal motility with varied concentrations of acetylcholine and carbachol in the test group ( Ach-75.00±0.75%; Carbachol-79.00±0.28%) compared with the control group (Ach-62.00±0.39%; Carbachol-51.00±0.39%). In conclusion,  unprocessed Nigerian honey decreased intestinal transit, caused intestinal smooth muscle inhibition and motility and reduced sensitivity of   gastrointestinal tract to cholinergic agents.Keywords: Honey, Intestinal motility, Intestinal transit, Diarrhoea  treatment

Gabapentin and pregabalin: do the benefits outweigh the harms?

Gabapentin and pregabalin prescribing in Scotland has increased substantially over recent years. Evidence suggests that prescribers may be advocating the use of these medicines off-label to avoid prescribing opioid analgesics. The evidence to support gabapentin and pregabalin use in non-neuropathic pain disorders indicates they are less effective than several other licensed non-opioid analgesics. Notably, patients may not benefit from gabapentin and pregabalin but remain at risk of adverse drug reactions. Furthermore, greater availability has resulted in increased diversion of gabapentin and pregabalin; creating problems within the opioid misuse population and prison service. As a consequence, both gabapentin and pregabalin may soon be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Prescribers should be aware of the very limited clinical evidence for use of gabapentin and pregabalin outside their licensed indications, as well as their capacity to do harm

Assessment of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities of postmenopausal women in Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria

Ina bid to investigate the influence of menopausal on coronary heart disease, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes were analysed on a prospective cohort of 100 women attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua,  Edo state-Nigeria. They were divided into two groups; postmenopausal women (n = 50) which serve as the test group and the premenopausal women (n = 50) which serves as the control group. The control group were aged 25-40 with a mean age of 34 years, while the postmenopausal women were aged 45 years and above with a mean age of 58 years. Information on menopausal status and other risk factors were obtained while venous blood samples were collected for the analysis of enzyme activities herein studied using standard laboratory procedures. Results which are presented as mean ± standard deviation showed significantly higher (P<0.05) CK and LDH activities in  postmenopausal women (82.88 ± 23.63; 174.28 ± 76.63 respectively)compared to those of premenopausal women (48.40±50.76; 126.44 ± 50.76 respectively). These findings therefore confirmed increase incidence of coronary heart diseases associated with menopause.keywords: Menopause, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, artherosclerosi

Burden of visceral leishmaniasis in villages of eastern gedaref state, Sudan: an exhaustive cross-sectional survey.

Since December 2009, Médecins Sans Frontières has diagnosed and treated patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Tabarak Allah Hospital, eastern Gedaref State, one of the main endemic foci of VL in Sudan. A survey was conducted to estimate the VL incidence in villages around Tabarak Allah

Parents’ experiences of health visiting for children with Down syndrome

© MA Healthcare Limited.Children with Down syndrome have an increased likelihoodof experiencing serious health conditions. Health visitors canhave an important role in monitoring and promoting healthand development for young children with Down syndrome.This study aimed to explore parents’ experiences of healthvisiting services for children with Down syndrome. Twentyfour parents of children with Down syndrome aged 0–5 yearscompleted a brief questionnaire about the number and natureof visits from health visitors in the previous 12 months andtheir support needs. Some parents commented that otherprofessionals met the needs of their child, whereas others saidthat they would like more advice and support from healthvisitors. A further exploration of broader health serviceprovision, including health visiting, for young children withDown syndrome is needed.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio