Herbicidal activity of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass)

This study investigates potential herbicidal effects of Pennisetum purpureum extracts on two selected weed bioassay species. Ethyl acetate extract of P. purpureum was able to suppress germination of bioassay species by 41%. Although, it had no phytotoxic activity on the root or shoot growth of bioassay species, it had caused leaf discs of bioassay species to turn dark brown. Chromatographic separation of ethyl acetate extract yielded nine fractions. The highest suppressive ability was exhibited by fraction five where the shoot and root growth of bioassay species was inhibited markedly, while the colour of leaf discs changed from green to dark brown. The germination of the bioassay species is particularly sensitive to the fraction five, exhibiting approximately 20% reduction in germination, relative to the control. These results imply that P. purpureum contains phytotoxic compounds that can be developed as natural herbicide.Key words: Pennisetum purpureum extracts, allelochemicals, phytotoxic, bioassay

Synthesis, Characterization and DNA Cleavage of Copper(II) Complex with D,L-Dithiothreitol

Purpose: To study deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) shearing capability of copper(II) complex of dithiothreitol (DTT) and to fevaluate its potential application in cancer therapy.Methods: A parrot green complex was synthesized by grinding copper acetate monohydrate and DTT in 1:2 molar ratio in a mortar until no fumes of acetic acid were observed. The complex was characterized using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infra-red (ATR-FTIR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Further information was also collected through Karl Fischer titration, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and (magnetic moment. Cleavage of DNA was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The gel was then stained, analyzed and photographed under ultraviolet (UV) light.Results: ATR-FTIR confirmed the formation of copper(II) complex with DTT by binding through thiol group based on the disappearance of the thiol (-SH) stretching peak at 2545 cm-1. The crystalline structure was elucidated by a sharp intense peak at 38.520 in XRD spectrum while the octahedral geometry of complex was inferred from a magnetic moment of 1.72 B.M. The results for water content obtained by Karl Fischer titration and TGA revealed that water molecules are not part of the coordination sphere of the complex. Cleavage study of DNA showed that the complex completely sheared the circular DNA compared to pure DTT.Conclusion: Solvent free synthesis of Copper(II)-DTT complex has been successfully achieved, and an anhydrous complex with octahedral geometry obtained. The complex has a greater potential to shear DNA molecule than pure DTT.Keywords: DNA shearing, Copper(II) complex, Dithiothreitol, Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infra-red, Karl Fischer titration, Magnetic momen

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoarticles from extract of Eucalyptus citriodora

The primary motivation for the study to develop simple eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Eucalyptus citriodora as reducing and capping agent. The green synthesis process was quite fast and silver nanoparticles were formed within 0.5 h. The synthesis of the particles was observed by UV-visible spectroscopy by noting increase in absorbance. Characterization of the particles was carried out by X-ray diffraction, FTIR and electron microscopy. The developed nanoparticles demonstrated that E. citriodora is good source of reducing agents. UV-visible absorption spectra of the reaction medium containing silver nanoparticles showed maximum absorbance at 460 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 atom in silver nanoparticles. The XRD pattern revealed the crystalline structure of silver nanoparticles. The SEM analysis showed the size and shape of the nanoparticles. The method being green, fast, easy and cost effective can be recommended for large scale production of AgNPs for their use in food, medicine and materials

The influential of physico-chemical parameters on the distributions of oligochateas (Limnodrilus sp.) at the polluted downstream of the tropical Langat River, Peninsular Malaysia

The influential physico-chemical parameters on the spatial and temporal distribution of oligochateas (Limnodrilus sp.) at the polluted downstream of Langat River were studied in comparison to the unpolluted upstream for 10-months sampling from March 1998 to February 1999. Based on the correlation analysis (CA) and multiple stepwise regression analysis (SRA), the distribution, abundance and density of Limnodrilus sp. were almost consistent during the ten time samplings from April 1998 to February 1999. Based on CA, the density and distribution of Limnodrilus sp. correlated negatively with the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) while positively correlated with conductivity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), NO3, NH3, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved concentrations of Cu and Zn. Based on SRA, most of the above parameters are selected as influential factors in affecting the distribution and presence of Limnodrilus sp. on the tropical river. This indicated that the Limnodrilus sp. is a pollutant resistant worm since they can survive in the poor water quality ecosystem. These results based on CA and SRA signified the resistance and tolerance of Limnodrilus sp. survived at the polluted ecosystem of the tropical river. Hence, Limnodrilus sp. is a good bioindicator of polluted rivers in the tropical ecoregion. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(3) 2006: 135-14

Pendidikan Islam Transdisipliner dan Sumber Daya Manusia di Madrasah Negeri Batu Bara

that it negates the refinement between general knowledge and the science of religion and all the sciences that are developed are realized to be interconnected between one another. The method used is the method of analysis discourse and content. The way a number of literature is analyzed and analyzed and well researched based on direction and purpose of the transdisciplinary concept. Apparently, in the context of education The Islamic transdisciplinary curriculum that must be developed must be holistic, namely could cover various problem existing and attached on man and development as a whole human resource and self-development. Man as a mysterious creature is not if only approached with/by one scientific discipline, it must be understood in a manner cross discipline science . Ability which expected achieved in Transdisciplinary Islamic education is the ability to see the world as a value system, each of which has different duties and functions different but permanent each other related. System connections this on Put it in frame faith and morals glorious

Efficiency of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for the enhancement of rice growth

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth by a wide variety of mechanisms. The use of PGPR is steadily increasing in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and supplements. Here, we have isolated and characterized the PGPR from the rhizosphere soil of rice field for the enhancement of growth of rice. Rhizosphere soils were collected from different areas of Mymensingh inBangladesh. Ten isolates of bacteria, designated as PGB1, PGB2, PGB3, PGB4, PGB5, PGT1, PGT2, PGT3, PGG1 and PGG2, were successfully isolated and characterized. Subsequently, to investigate the effects of PGPR isolates on the growth of rice, a pot culture experiment was conducted. Prior to seeds grown in plastic pots, seeds were treated with PGPR isolates and seedlings were harvested after 21days of inoculation. Isolates PGB4, PGT1, PGT2, PGT3, PGG1 and PGG2 induced the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), whereas only PGT3 isolate was able to solubilize phosphorus. Most of isolatesresulted in a significant increase in plant height, root length, and dry matter production of shoot and root of rice seedlings. Furthermore, PGPR isolates remarkably increased seed germination of rice.Among the ten isolates, PGB4 and PGG2 were found almost equally better in all aspects such as dry matter production, plant height and root length of rice, and IAA production. Isolate PGT3 was alsofound to be promising in IAA production having an additional property of phosphate solubilization. The present study, therefore, suggests that the use of PGPR isolates PGB4, PGG2 and PGT3 as inoculantbiofertilizers might be beneficial for rice cultivation as they enhanced growth of rice, and induced IAA production and phosphorus solubilization

Randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of audible timed reminders for simulated serial pain score documentation in an Emergency Department

Pain is one of commonest presentations at Emergency Department (ED). Previous studies showed inadequate pain control in ED. However, few have addressed specific, practical methods of improving the timeliness and frequency of pain control in emergency setting. This study was a randomized controlled trial in a simulated environment of an actual functioning ED using a timer device to remind care personnel to assess pain and provide analgesia at set intervals versus a “standard therapy” group without visual/audio aids. The mean documentation performance scores between timer and control groups were 94.45% + 5.85 vs 72.22% + 17.57 (p<0.05) respectively. The use of timer device did not appear to have any effect on the timeliness of recording the first pain score observation following analgesia, 1.74 min + 0.41 (timer) vs 1.78 min + 0.82 (control) (p=0.89). The documentation performance score showed 50% of the timer device group recorded only one omission compared to 90% of control group recorded more than one omission. The range of observations time for the control group is widespread (min: 4 minutes, max: 36 minutes) compared to the intervention group (min: 11 minutes, max: 22 minutes). The median time intervals for pain score documentations per subject in both groups were 15 minutes, however, the IQR in timer group was 1 compared to 7 in control group. In conclusion, the addition of timer device had the advantage to improve documentation performance score and subsequently the serial pain score documentation in ED

Definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva and technical issues: a case report

This case report describes a complex radical 3D-Conformal Radiotherapy treatment planning, dosimetric issues and outcome of definitive treatment of un-resectable carcinoma of the vulvar in a 42-year old lady. The patient presented with large fungating mass of the vulva which was biopsy confirmed as Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Further staging investigation revealed locally advanced disease (T4), with bilateral inguinal lymph nodes involvement. There is no systemic metastasis or intra-pelvic nodes. The patient was seen by Gynae-Oncology team and the disease was deemed un-resectable without significant morbidity. She was treated to a total dose of 64.8Gy in 36 fractions over 7 weeks with concurrent weekly Cisplatinum in 2 phases. 3D-Conformal radiotherapy technique using the modified segmental boost technique (MSBT, large PA and small AP photon fields with inguinal electron matching) was used. TLD chips were used for in-vivo dose verification in phase 1 and 2 of the treatment. At completion of planned radiotherapy, patient had a complete clinical response, grade 2-3 skin toxicity, grade 2 rectal toxicity, and grade 2 dysuria Vulval Squamous Cell Carcinomas are very radiosensitive tumours and the skills of the treating Radiation Oncologist, Dosimetrists, Physicist, Radiation Therapist and also nurses is of foremost importance is ensuring good clinical outcomes

Surface Enhancement in Ti-6al-4v Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting on Bone-Like Apatite Formation

Medical grade Tie-6Al-4V implants fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) are recognized as a commercial biomaterial used for bone repairs and fracture fixation. However, there have been cases of failed bone remodeling and implant infections caused by deficient osteointegration. To improve osteogenesis, the Ti implants are treated by acid etching. This study focused on the effect of surface treatment by using different percent ages of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCL), and hydrofluoric acid (HF) on the SLM Ti-6Al-4V. The microstructure and surface topography before and after treatment were evaluated. Then, the presence of a thicker anatase layer that was detectable on the surface was also observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The apatite-forming capabilities which indicated a sample bioactivity were assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for periods of 3 days and 7 days. The apatite formed on the surface of sample and XRD scanning revealed the deposition of Ca/P, suggesting successful bone-like apatite. The study discovered that these surface improvements were appropriate for the SLM Ti-6Al-4V prior to clinical applications and were likely to yield higher levels of osseointegration

Elemental hydrochemistry assessment on its variation and quality status in Langat River, Western Peninsular Malaysia.

This paper discusses the hydrochemistry variation and its quality status in Langat River, based on the chemistry of major ions, metal concentrations and suitability for drinking purposes. Water samples were collected from 30 different stations to assess their hydrochemical characteristics. The physico-chemical parameters selected were temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, dissolved oxygen , pH, redox potential, HCO3, Cl, SO4, NO3, Ca, Na, K, Mg, 27Al, 138Ba, 9Be, 111Cd, 59Co, 63Cu, 52Cr, 57Fe, 55Mn, 60Ni, 208Pb, 80Se and 66Zn to investigate the variation of the constituents in the river water. Most of the parameters comply with the Drinking Water Quality Standard of the World Health Organization and the Malaysian National Standard for Drinking Water Quality by the Malaysia Ministry of Health except for EC, TDS, Cl, HCO3, SO4, Na, Mg, Al, Fe and Se. The results show that the Langat River is unsuitable for drinking purposes directly without treatment