Optimum Arrangement of Ponds in a Given Area

Several factors that affect the arrangement of ponds in a given area are presented and the weaknesses of the current pond orientation highlighted. The concept of orthogonality in pond layout is also introduced. It is illustrated that non-orthogonal pond arrangement could result in optimal land use. Efficiency, cost of inter-pond pipe connections and maintenance of orthogonal and non-orthogonal systems were discussed. Land area and cost of inter-pond connections could further be reduced if pond shapes other than rectangular shapes are used

Comparative studies on Khaya. A. Juss (Meliaceae) in Nigeria

Comparative phytochemical, microscopical and chemomicroscopical studies were carried out on the genus Khaya with the aim of obtaining useful characters for the identification and delimitation of species boundaries. Tannins and saponins were present in all the species while phenols were detected in all except K. grandifoliola. Protein and anthraquinones were present in the bark of all the species. Carbohydrate is present in all the species except in the bark of K. ivoriensis. Flavonoids and phlobatannins were absent in all the taxa. Microscopical examination of the powdered bark revealed different types and shapes of lignified sclereids, abundant distribution of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, druses, lignified cork-cells, fibres, medullary rays and parenchyma cells which may contain starch grain

Pharmacognostic Investigation of Leaves of Mitracarpus vilosus (S.W.) D.C

Pharmacognostic investigation on fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of leaf of Mitracarpus vilosus (S.W) D.C was carried out to determine its macromorphological, micromorphological and chemomicromorphological profiles. Qualitative and quantitative studies indicated presence ofamphicribal vascular bundle arrangement, characteristic asperites, cone-shaped clothing trichomes, simple leaf arrangement lanceolate shape, entire margin, cuneate base, parallel venation and opposite/decussate arrangement. Other features include presence of calcium oxalate crystals, lignin and oil globules with palisade ratio of 4 – 7 and stomatal number of 13.5. The relative similarities between the members of the Spermacoceae tribe, to which the plant belongs, coupled with lack of information towards monograph preparation on the plant necessitated this investigation. These findings will be useful towards establishing pharmacognostic standards on identification, purity, quality and classification of the plant which is gaining relevance in plant drug research

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is often incurable so new therapeutic approaches are needed. Tyrosine kinases inhibitors (such as imanitib, sunitinib or sorafenib) are under evaluation for the treatment of ATC. Other vascular disrupting agents, such as combretastatin A4 phosphate, and antiangiogenic agents, such as aplidin, PTK787/ZK222584 and human VEGF monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, cetuximab), have been evaluated. Small-molecule adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitors directed intracellularly at EGFRs tyrosine kinase, such as erlotinib or gefitinib, are also studied. Furthermore, new molecules have been shown to be active against ATC, such as CLM94 and CLM3. However, more research is needed to finally identify therapies able to control and to cure this disease

A Review and Analysis of Man-Nature Relationship in Mulla Sadra's Philosophy

In Mulla Sadra's philosophical system, human being enjoys a specific stance. He is the only contingent being with existential degrees corresponding and conforming to existential degrees and worlds. Mulla Sadra's environmental philosophy can be regarded as based on the principles and rules founding the system, including fundamentality and gradation of existence, particularly the principles of substantial motion and union of the knower and the known, as well as the stages of creation of soul and its relation with body. Such a philosophy can help us to provide ways to explain the relationship between man and nature, according to which environmental crises occurred to the nature can be managed. In the philosophical system of transcendent theosophy, nature is the manifestation and disclosure of a being continually influencing it in its creation and duration, endowed with knowledge, apprehension and consciousness according to its share in the being, and represents the hidden interior and exterior aspects of reality of existence. Therefore, man's interaction with nature as a living thing is totally different from that which is defined in environmental philosophy based on West's philosophy, which believes in an existential unity between man and nature. The present paper seeks to explain and analyze the meaning of man and nature in Mulla Sadra's philosophy and elaborate on their interrelation

The Effects of Mother-Plant Irrigation Schedule on the Quality Of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) Seed

A study was carried out to examine the quality of seeds of two tomato cultivars (‘Ibadan Local’ and ‘Ife 1’) produced under irrigation intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 days at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Fruits were harvested when fully ripe and the seed/juice mixture (pulp) was removed immediately and left to ferment for four days after which the seeds were washed under running tap water and dried at room temperature. Seeds of the two cultivars were spread in open plastic Petri dishes and stored in a growth chamber at 30oC and about 70% relative humidity to accelerate ageing for 16 weeks. Seed samples were drawn and tested for germination, seedling emergence, seedling height and number of leaves per seedling, at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of storage. Results showed that seeds of “Ibadan Local” were significantly heavier than those of “Ife 1” but the trait was not significantly affected by irrigation interval. Seed viability declined as storage period increased irrespective of irrigation treatment in both cultivars. There was no consistent superiority of one irrigation interval over the other in respect of seed longevity over time. A general increase in seedling height and number of leaves per seedling was recorded as storage period progressed before a decline sets in at different ages. Generally, performance was best with seeds produced under 4 and 6 days irrigation intervals in both cultivars. Keywords: Mother-plant, irrigation schedule, seed quality, tomatoJ. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. June, 2012, Vol. 16 (2) 185 - 18

Combined soft and skeletal tissue modelling of normal and dysmorphic midface postnatal development

BACKGROUND: Midface hypoplasia as exemplified by Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) can impair appearance and function. Reconstruction involves multiple invasive surgeries with variable long-term outcomes. This study aims to describe normal and dysmorphic midface postnatal development through combined modelling of skeletal and soft tissues and to develop a surgical evaluation tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Midface skeletal and soft tissue surfaces were extracted from computed tomography scans of 52 control and 14 TCS children, then analysed using dense surface modelling. The model was used to describe midface growth, morphology, and asymmetry, then evaluate postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Parameters responsible for the greatest variation in midface size and shape showed differences between TCS and controls with close alignment between skeletal and soft tissue models. TCS children exhibited midface dysmorphology and hypoplasia when compared with controls. Asymmetry was also significantly higher in TCS midfaces. Combined modelling was used to evaluate the impact of surgery in one TCS individual who showed normalisation immediately after surgery but reversion towards TCS dysmorphology after 1 year. CONCLUSION: This is the first quantitative analysis of postnatal midface development using combined modelling of skeletal and soft tissues. We also provide an approach for evaluation of surgical outcomes, laying the foundations for future development of a preoperative planning tool

Study of Correlation Between Heavy Metal Concentration, Street Dust and Level of Traffic in Major Roads of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

This study was aimed at evaluating heavy metal contents in street dust of five major roads within the trunk of Kano metropolis. The dust were collected from heavy traffic roads of the city which include Zaria road (ZR), Maiduguri road (MR), Katsina road (KR), Hadejia road (HR) and Bayero University Kano road (BR). Triplicates samples were collected and the number of vehicles that pass through each road was recorded for one hour. The metal concentration of the dust was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Strong positive correlation exist between the amount of dust collected and the number of vehicles that passed in all the roads except for Hadejia road with r2 = 0.32 which is less positive. The metal contents in dust of the five streets were higher than the WHO reference value. The positive correlation between the number of vehicles and metal type was significant (P<0.05) for Zn, Fe, and Mg in ZR, Pb and Fe in HR; Fe and Mn in BR, while between street dust and metal type was significant (p<0.05) for Zn and Fe in ZR; Fe and Cu in KR; Ca in HR and Fe in BR. The high positive correlation observed in this study may mean that the metals in the street dust originate from common anthropogenic sources. Higher than reference values of the heavy metals in street dust, indicate hazard associated with residing or conducting business along the major street in the city. The finding is in support of government effort in protecting its citizenries by prohibiting road site business

Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the methanolic extract of Bombax buonopozense leaves in rats and mice

Methanolic extract of Bombax buonopozense was evaluated for possible anti-nociceptive, antiinflammatory and anti-pyretic activities in mice and rats. Acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test in mice and formalin test in rats were used to investigate the antinociceptive effect of the extract. Studies were carried out on yeast-induced pyrexia and egg albumin-induced anti-inflammatory activity in rats. The extract produced a significant decrease in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice and inhibition of late phase of the formalin pain test in rats. The methanolic extract of B. buonopozense leaf also produced a potent antipyretic effect and significant inhibition of egg  albumin-induced antiinflammatory activity in rats. The result suggests that B. buonopozense contains biologically active substances with potential values for the treatment of fever, painful and inflammatory conditions.Keywords: Bombax buonopozense; analgesic, inflammation, pyrexia

Histopathological and Biochemical evaluations of the antidotal efficacy of Nigella sativa oil on organophosphate induced hepato-toxicity

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the effects of continuous exposure of dichlorvos (DDVP) on hepatic function and hepatic histomorphology, with the possible antidotal efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO).Methods: Twenty four Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, with each group comprising of six rats. The groups were labelled as Sunflower oil (SFO), DDVP, DDVP+NSO and NSO. After 14 days of treatments, blood samples were collected, centrifuged and levels of ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and GGT (γ-glutamyl-transferase) concentrations were estimated in the serum. The livers were removed and prepared for histopathological examinations and evaluation.Results: The findings of the study shows significant increase in the serum concentration of ALT, ALP, AST and GGT with a marked distortion in the hepatic architecture in rats administered with DDVP. However, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) was observed to ameliorate the levels of impairment in the assessed hepatic function parameters and relatively restoration in the hepatic architecture in DDVP+NSO treated animals when compared to the control and group administered with DDVPonly.Conclusion: The study concludes that impaired liver functions and histomorphological tissue distortions observed in the experimental rats following DDVP exposure were ameliorated following theadministration of NSO.Keywords: Nigella sativa, dichlorvos, antidotal effect, hepatotoxicity, liver function tes