Partial purification and some properties of &#945–glucosidase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum

The use of hydrolase enzyme plays an important role in the industrial production of á-D-glucose from carbohydrate sources. This study investigated partial purification and characterization of á-glucosidase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum with a view to enhancing its potentials in biotechnological processes. Strains of Trichoderma longibrachiatum were cultured on rice bran medium at 30°C for 96 hour for the production of á–glucosidase. The enzyme was partially purified by eluting the ammonium sulphate (70%) saturation precipitated sample on Sephadex G-75 and Sephadex G-25. Enzyme assay was carried out using p-nitrophenyl-á-D-glucopyranoside (PNP- á-G) as the substrate and protein concentration was determined. Kinetic parameters, molecular weight, pH effect, temperature and thermostability were also determined. The activity of enzyme in the presence of arylglucosides and different cations were monitored. The partially purified protein migrated as a single band in 10% SDS-Polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis. The enzyme presented a relative molecular weight of about 58KDa as estimated by PAGE. The extracellular á–glucosidase showed typical á–glucosidase activity, hydrolyzing p-nitrophenyl-á-D-glucopyranoside and exhibited optimum catalytic activity (4.89ìmol/ml/min) at 40°C and pH 4.5. The enzyme was stable at 40°C for 150 minutes. Carboxymethylcellulose was also hydrolyzed by this enzyme. The Km and Vmax with p-nitrophenyl- á -D-glucopyranoside were 33.33mM and 20.00 ìmol/min/mg protein respectively. This study therefore revealed the presence of á–glucosidase in Trichoderma longibrachiatum which could serve as alternative species for the production of á–glucosidase enzyme. KEYWORDS: Enzyme purification, characterization, á-glucosidase, Trichoderma longibrachiatu

Diagnostic value of procalcitonin in neonatal sepsis

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality in developing countries. Accurate and quick diagnosis are difficult because clinical presentation are non-specific, bacterial cultures are time-consuming and other laboratory tests lack sensitivity and specificity. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed as an early marker of infections in neonates.Objectives: This study investigated the value of PCT in the diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis.Methods: Neonates undergoing sepsis evaluation at the Special Baby Care Unit, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria between January and April 2013 were included. Blood samples were obtained for white cell count, blood cultures, serum CRP and PCT analysis. Neonates were categorised into Proven Sepsis, Suspected Sepsis and Clinical Sepsis groups on the basis of laboratory findings and risk factors. A control group with no clinical and biological data of infection was also included. Predictive values and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PCT were evaluated.Result: Of the 85 neonates, 19 (22.4%) had positive blood culture. PCT level was significantly higher in neonates in all sepsis groups in comparison with those in the control group (P< 0.05). At a cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml, the negative predictive value (NPV) of PCT was 80% and the positive predictive value (PPV) 39%. There were no significant statistical difference between the AUC values of PCT in Early onset and Late onset sepsis, as well between AUC in Preterm and term cases. A higher percentage of neonates who died (96%) had elevated PCT levels compared to those who survived (46%).Conclusion: These findings support the usefulness of the PCT in diagnosis of Neonatal sepsis.Keywords: Neonatal Sepsis, Diagnosis, Procalcitonin, Receiver Operating Characteristic Curv

Morphometric Study of the Skull of the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temmnick)

This study was designed to investigate some morphometric characteristics of the skull of the Greater cane rat (GCR) involving 30 morphometric parameters. A total of 10 adult GCR were used for this study comprising of both sexes (5 males and 5 females). Student t-test was used to analyze the values obtained and to determine differences between the sexes. Morphological features were found in the zygomatic bone which occurred as a large and thick bone on both ends. From 30 parameters analyzed, 12 were statistically significant (p≤ 0.05) between both sexes, confirming the presence of sexual dimorphism in the skull of this rodent. This study provided baseline research data on the typology of the skull of the GCR.KEYWORDS: Greater cane rat, morphometry, skull, sexual dimorphism, craniometry

AN EVALUATION OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF HYPTIS SUAVEOLENS IN RATS

The effects of prolonged administration of graded doses of Hyptis suaveolens (Linn.) Piot Labiatae leaf extract on the changes in the body weight, haematological, toxicological and histological indices in rats were evaluated. There was an initial increase in weight which later significantly (p0.05) in white blood cell (WBC) count were observed. No fatality was recorded in acute toxicity tests in which the animals were given 100mg/Kg to1600mg/Kg body weight of the aqueous extract, although the rats given higher doses (800mg to 1600mg/Kg body weight ) exhibited some behavioral changes such as aggressive scratching of the body and head, drowsiness and sleep depressed pulse, loss of vigor, and apparent loss of weight. Quantitative phytochemical constituents present in the extract were found to include saponin, tannin and flavonoids. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed fatty changes and congestion of the central vein as the major indicator of hepatic damage. Key Words: Hyptis suaveolens; Labiatae; rats; toxicity Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol.7 2003: 49-5

EFFECT OF AMARANTHUS SPINOSUS LEAF EXTRACT ON HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM CHEMISTRY OF RATS

The aqueous extract of Amaranthus spinosus leaf produced no significant (

Anatomical Studies on the Spinal Cord of the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck) I: Gross Morphometry

No Abstract

Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Allium Sativum on Tissue lead Level in Female Rattus Navigicus

The effects of Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and Allium sativum (garlic) on the lead levels in bone, brain, muscle, liver and kidney tissues of female rats (Rattus navigicus) were investigated. Group I was Control, rats in Groups II – IV were injected intraperitoneally with 100µmol/kg body weight of lead acetate for 7 days. In addition, groups III and IV rats were fed with Allium sativum (200 g/kg diet) and ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days respectively. Results showed the bone to produce a significant (

Trace elements and Vitamin E status in Nigerian patients with prostate cancer

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men. Objectives: To investigate the trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu and Cd) and vitamin E status of some Nigerian prostate cancer (PCa) patients relative to their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. Methods: Prostate cancer patients were assigned into groups 1, 2 and 3 with PSA of 5-10 ng/ml, 11-20 ng/ml and > 20 ng/ ml, respectively. Results: The results showed that the levels of whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum Se and Zn were significantly lower (p< 0.05) in the PCa patients. Specifically, levels of SOD, Se and Zn decreased by 67%, 30% and 35%; 70%, 52% and 41%; 81%, 58% and 47%, in subjects with PSA of 5-10 ng/ml, 11-20 ng/ml and > 20 ng/ml, respectively. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in levels of Cu and Cd. Serum Cu/ Zn ratio were significantly higher in PCa patients. The Cu/Zn ratios were 1: 1.2: 1.3 for subjects in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Vitamin E levels in PCa patients were significantly lower and followed the order; normal > PSA (5-10) > PSA (11-20) > PSA (> 20). Conclusions: Deficiency of vitamin E, Zn and Se may be risk factors for development of PCa

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the quality, antioxidant and cholesterol content of eggs

This study was carried out to determine the effects of varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) as a supplement in the diets of laying hens. A total of one hundred and twenty 17 week-old Isa Brown pullets were allotted to five dietary treatments containing MOLM at levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0g/kg of the diets. Data were collected on external and internal egg qualities, total cholesterol, lipid profile and lutein content of eggs. The result showed that yolk colour, high density lipoprotein and lutein content increased in the eggs of layers fed MOML supplemented diets. The egg cholesterol and low density lipoprotein reduced with MOML supplementation in the diets of the layers. From the study, it can be concluded and recommended that MOML can be included in layers’ diets, to increase the antioxidant contents and reduce cholesterol in eggs.Keywords: eggs, Moringa oleifera, antioxidant, lipid

Bacteria and digestive enzymes in the alimentary tract of the giant African land snails, Archarchatina marginata and Achatina achatina

A study was carried out to investigate the bacteria flora in the gut of the Giant African Land Snails (GALS), Archarchatina marginata and Achatina achatina. Microflora cultures from snail gut contents were prepared to isolate and identify microorganisms within the snail digestive tract. Enzyme assays were carried out on a few of the microorganisms to determine the presence and level of enzymatic activities. Results showed that a wide range of bacteria inhabit the alimentary tract of GALS. Bacteria isolates from the stomach (Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae) and mouth regions (Aeroccus viridians and Azobacter chroococcum) in the two species of GALS effectively digested starch, cellulose and casein. However, Bacillus species from the stomach region in A. achatina exhibited the highest enzymatic activities for cellulase (10.00 μmol/min/ml at 18 h), protease (23.97 μmol/min/ml at 18 h) and amylase (9.56 μmol/min/ml at 24 h) during incubation. Consequently, results from the present study confirmed that amylolytic, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria within the digestive tract of the two species of GALS do aid in the snail's digestive processes.Keywords: Microorganisms, snail gut, enzyme activity and Giant African Land Snail