Biosorption of zinc (II) by Rhizopus arrhizus: equilibrium and kinetic modelling

The adsorption of zinc (II) ions on Rhizopus arrhizus, a filamentous fungus, was investigated in a batch reactor. Batch adsorption studies were carried out by varying biomass loading. A contact time of 120 min was required to reach equilibrium. Specific zinc (II) uptake decreased with increase in biomass loading and these results were analyzed in light of the Lagergren equation and the process followed a second order rate kinetics. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich- Peterson and BET adsorption isotherms. The characteristic parameters for each isotherm were determined. All the isotherms provided the best correlation for zinc (II) onto the R. arrhizus.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (6), pp. 506-508, 200

Characterization of pseudobasophilia on Sysmex-XT 1800i automated hematology analyser

Background: Pseudobasophilia is a common automation related phenomenon which requires manual peripheral smear study in an era of complete automation. This study has attempted to evaluate the reasons for pseudobasophilia and in-turn suggest measures to eliminate the errors.Methods: A sample size of 207 cases showing pseudobasophilia on automation were studied by manual peripheral examination to categorize the possible cause for its occurrence. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. Results on continuous measurements are presented on Mean SD and results on categorical measurements are presented in Number (%). Significance is assessed at 5% level of significance. Student t test has been used to find the significance of study parameters on continuous scale within each group.Results: Atypical/ reactive lymphocytes were present in 86.5% cases contributing to pseudobasophilia phenomenon on automation, which also showed falsely increased absolute basophil count with more percentage of lymphocytes showing reactive changes. Temperature and storage effects did not contribute to their occurrence in this study. Another finding was an associated pseudomonocytosis with pseudobasophilia on automation which was statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusions: Pseudobasophilia, and pseudomonocytosis are automation related phenomenon. Atypical/ reactive lymphocytes, which are cytoplasmic strip resistant, contribute to their occurrence. Hence, newer modalities like multicolour flow cytometry coupled with antibody tagging, multiangle polarised scatter separation and volume conductivity scatter may reduce the chances of pseudobasophilia, thereby reducing the overall turnaround time

Development And Evaluation Of Colon Targeted Drug Delivery For Mesalamine

The main objective of this study was to formulate mesalamine loaded alginate microspheres for local treatment of ulcerative colitis and optimized batch were then filled in capsules coated with Eudragit S 100. The microspheres were prepared by ionic gelation method. Box Behnken design using design expert software was employed in formulating and optimizing the microspheres. Microspheres were evaluated for particle size, shape and entrapment efficiency. The optimized batch was then filled in capsule coated with Eudragit S100.This encapsulated system released alginate microspheres at colon region in a sustained manner. The drug release of microspheres showed a longer residence time in the colon due to better mucoadhesion properties of sodium ALG. Therefore mesalamine-loaded alginate microspheres enteric coated in capsules can be potential delivery system for local treatment of ulcerative coliti

Role of Keystone Species in Aquatic Ecosystem

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organism s in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community

Effects of green tea and chamomile tea on plaque pH, salivary pH, Streptococcus mutans count

Aim: Green tea is healthy beverage and is a part of our day to day life. Similarly, chamomile tea is known for its aspirin like properties. Beneficial effects of these tea includes protection against dental caries, periodontal disease and tooth loss and found that can a decrease in streptococcus mutans count as well as increase in pH. Hence the present study was to compare the pH of saliva and plaque, before and after the intake of green tea and to evaluate the role of green tea and chamomile tea on growth of s.mutans in culture using saliva. Material and Methods: Salivary samples were collected from 30 healthy individuals aged 20-30 years with certain criteria. The pH of saliva was determined by collecting samples before, immediately after and 15 min, 30 min after drinking tea using pH meter. Similarly the microbial colonies were also counted. The Data obtained were analyzed using Wilcoxon’s, Friedman's and Mann Whitney test. Results: There was statistically no significant difference between salivary streptococcus mutans count before and after (p 0.001) intake of green tea and chamomile tea. Conclusion: The result of the present study has proved that consumption of green tea and chamomile tea inhibit salivary Streptococcus mutans count and cause reduction of pH in saliva. So, it is advisable to encourage the regular consumption of this widely available, tasty and inexpensive beverage as an interesting alternative to other drinks

Parasitoid complex of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different pulses

The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius is an important herbivore of major pulses and vegetable legumes in India and the chemical pesticides are major contributors for its management. In order to have an idea on other alternative management tools, the present studies were carried out on the availability of parasitoids and its genetic variation. Totally, four larval parasitoids viz., Bassus sp., Trathala flavoorbitalis Cameron, Phanerotoma hendecasisella Cameron and an undetermined Braconid wasp were recorded on M. vitrata larva. The occurrence of P. hendecasisella was reported for the first time from Tamil Nadu, India. The Bassus sp. was found to be dominant with the parasitism of 3.0 to 12.7% in different pulses and total parasitism of four parasitoids was maximum in pigeonpea (16.1 %). Total parasitism had a positive relationship with number of webbings on cowpea. The larval parasitoids Bassus sp. and braconid wasp (undetermined) yielded specific fragments (~800 bp) with mitochondrial COI primer. Presence of Wolbachia was confirmed in all four larval parasitoids with the amplicons size between 600 and 650 bp. Present study clearly indicated the close proximity of Bassus sp. on M. vitrata than other parasitoids studied. Hence, it gives way for further insights on suitability, mass culturing and development for sustainable management of this insect pest

Role of plasma adiponectin /C-reactive protein ratio in obesity and type 2 diabetes among African Americans.

Background: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for hypertension and T2D. Objective(s): We examined relations between fasting plasma adiponectin (ADIP), C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and markers of T2D in African Americans (AA). Methods: Fasting plasma ADIP, CRP, Insulin (IN), HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, body fat percent (%BF), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure measures were determined in AA women (W: n=77) and men (M: n=34). Participants were classified into: 1) Normal fasting glucose (FG) and Normal %BF; 2) Normal FG and High %BF; and 3) High FG. Results: Compared to men, women had significantly higher mean ADIP (W: 31.4\ub12.9 vs. M: 18.0\ub14.4 ng/L), CRP (W: 3.2\ub10.3 vs. M: 2.0\ub10.5 mg/L), %BF (W: 41.2\ub10.9 vs. M: 27.2\ub11.3), and BMI (W: 32.3\ub10.7 vs. M: 29.2\ub11.1 kg/m2). Women with normal FG and %BF had significantly higher ADIP (64.0\ub16.0) and lower CRP (1.3\ub10.6) concentrations than normal FG/ high %BF (ADIP: 37.0\ub15.0 and CRP: 3.1 \ub10.5) and high FG (ADIP: 15.1\ub14.1 and CRP: 4.0 \ub1 0.5) groups. Women with high ADIP to CRP ratio had favorable metabolic and anthropometric profiles. Conclusion: Low ADIP and high CRP are associated with excessive %BF and FG in AA women. ADIP/CRP, may be useful for detecting metabolic dysregulation