Antibacterial Activity and Fatty Acid Composition of Sudanese Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L) Seed Oil

The castor bean plant (Ricinus communis L) has very popular seed oil that is consumed in different applications around the world. In the present study, the seed oil of Ricinus communis grown in Sudan was investigated in respect to its antibacterial activity and fatty acid composition. The antibacterial activity of the oil was tested against six bacteria strains using the disc diffusion method, while its fatty acid composition was analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The oil exhibited different degrees of antibacterial activity depending on the doses of the oil applied. The maximum zone of inhibition observed for each bacterium was as follows: Staphylococcus aureus (8.1 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (6.5 mm), Bacillus subtilis (6.2 mm), Escherichia coli (6.0 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.5 mm) and Salmonella typhi (5.2 mm). The unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content was 97.9% of the total fatty acid composition. Ricinoleic acid comprises over 85% while other fatty acids identified were linoleic (8.1%), oleic (4.3%), stearic (1.1%), palmitic (0.8%), and linolenic (0.4%). The findings from this study may add to the overall value of the industrial and medicinal potential of this plant.

Application of Cry1Ab/Ac Bt strip for screening of resistance for Maruca vitrata in cowpea

Maruca vitrata is a significant constraint to cowpea production in most cowpea growing areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Yield losses caused by M. vitrata in these regions are estimated in millions of tons annually and the prevalence of M. vitrata infestation is steadily increasing. Recombinant DNA technology have led to development of some cowpea lines with Maruca resistance as well as other important agronomic traits but it is time-consuming and difficult to screen for the resistant trait especially in the segregating populations using conventional screening techniques, which will lead to delay in the development of Maruca resistant cowpea varieties. The use of allele-based selection tool will make it easier to select plant traits and reduce the time needed to develop new Maruca resistant cowpea varieties. In this study, the efficacy of using Cry1Ab/Ac Bt strip for detecting Maruca resistant transgene in transgenic cowpea was systematically investigated for the first time through field derived progenies. The results show that the Cry1Ab/Ac Bt strip was effective for detecting the presence of the resistant gene in cowpea genome. Maruca resistant plants were successfully screened from the segregating cowpea plants and the genetics of the gene was monitored. The Cry1Ab/Ac Bt strip was found to be suitable for genetic analysis of the Maruca resistant transgene in cowpea. This study has demonstrated the precision of using Cry1Ab/Ac Bt strips as a screening tool of transgenic lines containing Cry1Ab gene, this has an importance in the hybridization programme where genotypes having cry gene can be distinguished at seedling stage at lesser time, with the potential of putting the breeding process on a fast track and increase the efficiency of breeding activities.Keywords: Bacillus thuriengiensis, Cry1Ab/Ac Bt strips, transgenic cowpea, Maruca vitrata.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(40), pp. 5869-587

Reactions of Improved Cowpea Genotypes to Some Major Diseases in a Sorghum-Based Cropping System in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

The study was carried out to investigate the susceptibilities of some improved cowpea genotypes to infection and damage due to bacterial blight, smut and cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus CABMV in a sorghum-based cropping system during 1999 and 2000 at Minjibir, Kano, Nigeria. Treatments consisted of six (6) genotypes made up of one (1) local Danila and five (5) improved (IT90K-277-2, IT95K-1090-3, IT95K-222-14, IT96D-666 and IT96D-759) and in a four (4) row arrangements (1S:1C, 2S:2C, 1S:2C, and 2S:4C, reflecting millet to cowpea rows). These were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of cowpea genotype on bacterial blight. In both seasons IT96D-666 recorded the highest for bacterial blight and smut damage. In 1999, Danila along with improved genotypes recorded lower ratings for blight, while in 2000 only Danila and IT95K-277-2 recorded the highest protection against bacterial blight. For smut with the exception of IT96D-666, the other (Danila, IT95K-277-2, IT95K-1091-3, IT95K-222-14 and IT96D-759) recorded statistically comparable lower damage ratings. In both seasons IT95K-277-2 recorded the least incidence and severity of leaf virus. Although the other genotypes had virtually similar and higher ratings in both or one of the two seasons, Danila and IT95K-1091-3 recorded consistently higher values. In the two seasons Danila produced significantly higher Total Dry Matter (TDM) and the other semi-determinate genotypes had comparable values. In both seasons IT95K-222-14 consistently out-yielded the other genotypes but it had statistically similar grain yield with IT95K-277-2 in 2000. Row arrangement had a significant effect on bacterial blight in 1999, whereas planting cowpea at 1S:1C recorded the least infection while the highest rating was obtained at 2S:4C row arrangement. Incidence and severity of leaf virus were not affected by row arrangement. In both seasons TDM and grain yields were significantly higher at 2S:4C while the least values were recorded at 1S:1C row arrangement was superior to the row arrangement. The genotype and row arrangement interaction indicated that planting of IT95K-222-14 at 2S:4C row arrangement produced the highest grain yield

Impact of genetic transformation on morphological expression of transgenic cowpea

Two genetically engineered cowpea lines(TCL-709 and TCL-711) were evaluated under field conditions along with the original parental genotype (IT86D-1010) at confined field trial site Samaru Nigeria for expression of morpholgical traits. The present study was designed and conducted in order to understand whether genetic transformation of cowpea with Cry1Ab gene had led to unwanted changes on the morphological features of transgenic cowpea lines, by making comparative assessment between the transgenic lines and untransformed original parental genotype. The result showed that comparison made between transgenic cowpea line TCL-709 and original parental type showed non-significant differences in all the parameters compared. Similarly, comparison made between cowpea transgenic line TCL-711 and IT86D-1010 had significant differences for days to first flowering, days to first pod maturity and plant height while vegetative traits such as number of primary branches, yield attributes like total number of pods per plant at maturity were not significantly different from the original parent. The most important character in a crop-improvement programme is yield, the result indicated that the genotypes (TCL-709, TCL-711 and IT86D-1010) had non-significant differences among themselves regarding total number of pods per plant. It is therefore concluded that the introduction of Cry1Ab gene has not led to harmful changes on the gross morphological characteristics of cowpea plants, besides conferring insect resistance to Maruca pest.Keywords; Cry1Ab-Transgene, Genetic Transformation, Transgenic-Cowpe

Valorization of Napier grass via intermediate pyrolysis: Optimization using response surface methodology and pyrolysis products characterization

This study presents first optimization report on pyrolysis oil derived from Napier grass. Effects of temperature, heating rate and nitrogen flow rate on the intermediate pyrolysis of Napier grass biomass in a vertical fixed-bed tubular reactor were investigated collectively. Response surface methodology with central composite design was used for modelling the process and optimization of the process variables. Individual second order polynomial model was found to be adequate in predicting bio-oil, bio-char and non-condensable gas yield. The optimum bio-oil yield of 50.57 wt% was recorded at 600 �C, 50 �C/min and 5 L/min nitrogen flow. The bio-oil obtained throughout this study was two-phase liquid, organic and aqueous phase. The bio-oil, bio-char and non-condensable gas were characterized using standard analytical techniques. The results revealed that the organic phase consists of hydrocarbons and various benzene derivatives, which can be further processed into fuels and valuable chemicals. The aqueous phase was predominantly water, acids, ketones, aldehydes and some phenolics and other water-soluble organics. The non-condensable gas was made up high hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio suitable for liquid fuel synthesis via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. The bio-char was a porous carbonaceous material with high energy content, which can be applied as a solid fuel, adsorbent or source of biofertilizer. This study demonstrated that Napier grass biomass is a viable feedstock for production of high-value bioenergy precursors

Sizing of wind powered axial flux permanent magnet alternator using analytical approach

The demand for a more sustainable energy supply worldwide is constantly growing hence, leading to the exploration of various renewable energy sources in energy generation systems especially in the demand for power in homes, industrial sectors and other utilities. Hydro power, wave power, solar energy, biomass and wind power are only a few that are being harnessed in various capacities. With new advances in wind energy technologies and energy conversion systems, a perfect fit is found in the utilization of wind in developing direct drive energy conversion systems. In this work, a wind-powered, single-phase, permanent magnet alternator utilizing an axial flux distribution system is developed. Using analytical calculations, the design parameters of the alternator’s main dimensions were obtained in a similar procedure for conventional electrical machines. To prove the feasibility of the concept, a prototype was built and tested. The alternator was built using Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), a permanent magnet, with high concentration of flux around its periphery. The stator is slot-less and carries a concentrated air-cored type of winding. The procedures leading to either the selections and/or calculations for the machine parameters were carried out from first principle and fundamental assumptions in electrical machines design were made accordingly. Tests were conducted to determine its voltage output and were found optimal giving the abound limitations as stated. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i4.2

Determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of extended spectrum beta lactamase (esbl) producing and the non-esbl producing strains of Escherichia coli

Background: The extended spectrum beta lactamases producing bacteria are bacteria of great concern among Gram negative bacilli. Escherichia coli stand out as major carrier of this enzyme. The appropriate control of this resistance pattern depends on using the antimicrobial regimen of best choice. Therefore the value of the susceptibility profile of organism harboring this enzyme cannot be overemphasized.Objectives: To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) producing and the non-ESBL producing strains of Escherichia coli from clinical isolates of Escherichia coli in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.Methodology: Confirmed variants of Escherichia coli were screened and confirmed for ESBL possession. Subsequently, modified Kirby Bauer method was utilized to test for antibiotic susceptibility using the commercially available Oxoid single disc for some major antibiotics.Results: A total of 172 strains of Escherichia coli were identified during the study period. Out of this number; 131 were identified as ESBL positive while a total of 41 were ESBL negative. The highest sensitivity for both the ESBL positive and ESBL negative strains of Escherichia coli was observed with Imipenem followed closely by Gentamicin.Conclusion: The study reveals narrow choice of antibiotics for the ESBL positive isolates of Escherichia coli although Imipenem antibiotic still retains its sensitivity.Keywords: Cephalosporins, Resistance, Maiduguri, Nigeri

A virtual reality martial arts-based intervention reduces pain, drug craving, and stress in patients with opioid use disorder

Background: Some individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) report high levels of pain, anxiety, stress and drug craving that may occasion relapse, reduce adherence to treatment, and reduce quality of life. This pilot study evaluated whether a novel martial arts-based intervention can lower self-reported and physiological markers of pain, anxiety, stress and opioid craving in individuals with OUD undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods: 15 MMT patients (11 females) completed a 12-week ‘Heroes Circle’ intervention that involved twice-weekly 30-min sessions centering around martial arts-based breathing and meditative techniques using therapist-assisted virtual reality (VR). Patients self-reported on five measures (pain, drug craving, anxiety, depression, anger) using a 0-10 scale before (pre) and after (post) each session. Salivary markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and stress (cortisol) were collected before and after several sessions (baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12). Results: There were significant pre-post session reductions in rated pain, drug craving, anxiety and depression, and saliva cortisol (ps\u3c0.05). For opioid craving, there was also an effect of week such that craving decreased from weeks 1-6, increased from 7-9, and decreased again from 10-12 (ps\u3c0.05); there was also a session x week interaction such that the pre-post reduction in craving reached significance in weeks 1-3 only. There were no significant main effects or interactions for anger or CRP (ps\u3e0.05). Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest VR-based, martial-arts meditative intervention is a promising approach for reducing pain, anxiety, stress and craving levels among individuals with OUD. Further controlled studies are warranted

A novel martial arts-based virtuality reality intervention modulates pain and the pain neuromatrix in patients with opioid use disorder

Background: Standard-of-care for opioid use disorder (OUD) includes medication and counseling. However, there is an unmet need for complementary approaches to treat OUD patients coping with pain; furthermore, few studies have probed neurobiological features of pain or its management during OUD treatment. This preliminary study examines neurobiological and behavioral effects of a martial arts-based intervention in patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods: Fifteen (11 female) MMT patients completed a virtual reality, therapist-guided martial arts intervention that included breathing and relaxation exercises; sessions were scheduled twice weekly. Assessments included functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of pain neuromatrix activation and connectivity (pre- and post-intervention), saliva cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12; and self-reported pain and affective symptoms before and after each intervention session. Results: After each intervention session (relative to pre-session), ratings of pain, opioid craving, anxiety and depression (but not anger) decreased. Saliva cortisol (but not CRP) levels decreased from pre- to post-session. From pre- to post-intervention fMRI assessments, pain task-related left postcentral gyrus (PCG) activation decreased. Higher baseline cortisol levels were associated with greater post-intervention pain task-related insular activation. At baseline, PCG showed positive connectivity with other regions of the pain neuromatrix, but this pattern changed post-intervention. Conclusions: These preliminary findings demonstrate feasibility, therapeutic promise, and brain basis of a martial arts-based intervention for OUD patients undergoing MMT

Climate change and anthropogenic intervention impact on the hydrologic anomalies in a semi-arid area : lower Zab river basin, Iraq

Climate change impact, drought phenomena and anthropogenic stress are of increasing apprehension for water resource managers and strategists, particularly in arid regions. The current study proposes a generic methodology to evaluate the potential impact of such changes at a basin scale. The Lower Zab River Basin located in the north of Iraq has been selected for illustration purposes. The method has been developed through evaluating changes during normal hydrological years to separate the effects of climate change and estimate the hydrologic abnormalities utilising Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration. The meteorological parameters were perturbed by applying adequate delta perturbation climatic scenarios. Thereafter, a calibrated rainfall-runoff model was used for streamflow simulations. Findings proved that climate change has a more extensive impact on the hydrological characteristics of the streamflow than anthropogenic intervention (i.e. the construction of a large dam in the catchment). The isolated baseflow is more sensitive to the precipitation variations than to the variations of the potential evapotranspiration. The current hydrological anomalies are expected to continue. This comprehensive basin study demonstrates how climate change impact, anthropogenic intervention as well as hydro-climatic drought and hydrological anomalies can be evaluated with a new methodology