African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12496

Table of Content: 12 October 2011; 10(62)

October 2011

Tomato yellow leaf virus (TYLCV): The structure, ecotypes and the resistance germplasm resources in tomato

Tomato yellow leaf virus (TYLCV) transmitted by the whitefly are a group of geminiviruses, which can cause large economic loses. The genome of TYLCV contains six partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) bidirectionally arranged into two transcriptional units that are separated by an intergenic region (IR). The TYLCV can be classified into three main groups, the Mediterranean/Middle East/African region group,...

Author(s): Huoying Chen, Rongrong Fu and Xiang Li

October 2011

The polymorphisms of κ-casein gene and their associations with milk production traits and expression analysis in Chinese Holstein cattle

The polymorphisms of exon 4 and 5 of κ-casein (CSN3) gene and their associations with milk production traits and expression pattern in Chinese Holstein cattle were investigated. Nine mutational sites, of which seven were novel mutational sites, were identified and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), created restriction site-PCR (CRS-RFLP)...

Author(s): Zhihua Ju, Jinming Huang, Qiuling Li, Hongmei Wang, Jifeng Zhong and Changfa Wang

October 2011

Correlation between a single nucleotide polymorphism (G/T at nt –88) in the Mx1 gene promoter and the response to interferon therapy for hepatitis C virus in Egyptian patients

Interferon used in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients stimulates the expression of a number of host genes encoding enzymes with antiviral activities, including myxovirus resistance gene-1 (Mx1). Mx1 gene was found to have a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -88 in the promotor region that affect the expression of Mx 1 protein and was suggested to be associated with the...

Author(s): Mervat S. Mohamed, Salwa F. Sabet, Mohamed M. Moustafa and Mohamed S. Salama

October 2011

The search for mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) A3243G mutation among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the Nigerian population

The study aimed to compare the incidence of the pathogenic point mutation A3243G in the gene tRNALeu(UUR) indicating sub-type 2 diabetes mellitus conducted within the Nigerian population with that reported in other populations. 112patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus according to the World Health Organization criteria were selected based on family history and re-evaluated for...

Author(s): James Ameh, Imade Godwin, Ikenna Obi, Fabian Puepet, Bunza Aminuand Tsamiya Suleiman

October 2011

Comparison of traditional physico-chemical methods and molecular marker assays for characterization of Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study was aim to review the efficiency of molecular markers and traditional physico-chemical methods for the identification of basmati rice. The study involved 44 promising varieties of Indica rices collected from geographically distant places and adapted to irrigated and aerobic agro-ecosystems. Quality data for physical characteristics and organoleptic evaluation observed in AICRP...

Author(s): Devi Singh, Anuj Kumar, Navneet. Kumar, Vipin Kumar, Sachin Kumar, Amal Bhardwaj, Preeti Sirohi and S. Chand

October 2011

The effects of quercetin and kaempferol on multidrug resistance and the expression of related genes in human erythroleukemic K562/A cells

Leukemia chemotherapy is believed to be impeded by multidrug resistance (MDR). Some compounds of flavonoid molecules were previously shown to inhibit drug transporter Pgp or induce apoptosis to sensitize MDR tumors. In this study, we attempted to investigate the possibility and mechanism of quercetin and kaempferol, flavonoid molecules, in reversing MDR. K562/A cells were cultured in...

Author(s): Han Yanqiu, Cao Linjuan, Wu Jin, Hao Hongjun, Shi Yongjin, Xu Guobin and Ren Hanyun

October 2011

Cloning and molecular characterization of TaAGO1, a member of argonaute gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Argonaute (AGO) proteins play important roles in RNA silencing processes through formation of complexes with the mature microRNAs. In this study, a wheat AGO gene referred to TaAGO1, which shares high similarities to AtAGO1 in Arabidopsis and OsAGO1 in rice, was characterized. As a cDNA full length of 3747 bp,TaAGO1 encodes a 1099-aa polypeptide with a molecular weight of 122 kD and an...

Author(s): Liu Tian-long, Li Jin-cai, Gu Jun-tao, Lu Wen-jing, Guo Cheng-jin, Li Rui-juan and Xiao Kai

October 2011

Effects of ammonium nitrate, cesium chloride and tetraethylammonium on high-affinity potassium uptake in habanero pepper plantlets (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Potassium (K+) is an essential nutrient and the most abundant cation in plant cells. Plants have a wide variety of transport systems for K+ acquisition that catalyze K+uptake across a wide spectrum of external K+ concentrations and mediate K+movement within the plant, as well as its release into the environment. The KUP/HAK/KT transporter family plays a key role in K+ homeostasis...

Author(s): José Ramón Pacheco-Arjona#, Nancy Ruiz-Lau#, Fátima Medina-Lara, Yereni Minero-García, Ileana Echevarría-Machado, César De los Santos-Brionesand Manuel Martínez-Estévez

October 2011

Bacterial community structure in the Cerasus sachalinensis Kom. rhizosphere based on the polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) method

The bacterial community structures of the Cerasus sachalinensis Kom. rhizosphere in wild and cultivated soil were studied and the community changes in different growth stages were analyzed by the PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) method. The results showed that the bacterial community diversity in the cultivated C. sachalinensis rhizosphere was always higher than the...

Author(s): Deguo Lü, Zhixia Li, Sijun Qin, Huaiyu Ma, and Guocheng Liu

October 2011

Seasonal availability and physical and chemical characteristics of four major browse plants used for stall-feeding of livestock in Eastern Nigeria

Four major browse species were studied with respect to their time of availability throughout the year and some aspects of their physical and chemical characteristics. Elaeis guineensis and Ficus elasticoides were available at all times of the year for stock feeding. For the physical milling characteristics studied, the browse species compared well with those of the legume species included in the...

Author(s): Asiegbu, J. E., Onyeonagu, C. C. and Anugwa, F. O. I.

October 2011

Co adaptation of LiCl tolerant Solanum tuberosum L. callus cultures to NaCl stress

In this research, co-adaptation of the Calli of Solanum tuberosum, raised from petioles, to the presence of lithium (LiCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl) was studied. The cultures were adapted with LiCl in the absence of an osmotic stress and the response of adapted and unadapted calli to salinity was investigated. Undifferentiated callus growth was induced in S. tuberosum by the addition of 2 mg/l 2,4...

Author(s): Azhar H. Shah, Safdar H. Shah, Habib Ahmad, Ayesha Baig, Zahoor A. Swati, Umm-e-Aiman, Israr ud Din, Qudsia Khalid and Abrar Hussain Shah

October 2011

Photosystem 2 photochemistry and pigment composition of Dicranopteris dichotoma Bernh under different irradiances

The distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) in the lamina and chloroplast of fernDicranopteris dichotoma Bernh from a light rare earth elements mine (LRM) and a non-mining (NM) area in Longnan county of Jiangxi province, China, were investigated by means of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The photosynthetic characteristics and pigment composition in immature and mature leaves of D....

Author(s): Wang Li-Feng, Ji Hong-Bing and Tian Wei-Min  

October 2011

Seed yield and agronomic parameters of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes grown in the Black Sea region of Turkey

Nine cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes (two released cultivars and seven lines) were evaluated for grain yield and agronomic parameters at two locations within the Middle Black Sea region of Turkey for two years (2005 to 2006). Genotypes were evaluated for plant height, first pod height from ground, branches number per plant, main branch diameter, pod length, seed number per pod, thousand seed...

Author(s): Ugur Basaran, Ilknur Ayan, Zeki Acar, Hanife Mut and Ozlem Onal Asci

October 2011

Soaking and drying of cassava roots reduced cyanogenic potential of three cassava varieties at Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia

Detoxification of three cassava varieties (NR-44/72, NW-45/72 and NW-44/72) by traditional methods of processing to produce cassava flour was investigated at thecollege of agriculture, Jimma University during February to May, 2007. The total hydrogen cyanide (HCN) quantitative determination in cassava flour was carried out using a simple enzymatic picrate paper method. Results show that varieties, soaking time and their...

Author(s): Amsalu Nebiyu and Essubalew Getachew

October 2011

Dynamic changes of stomatal characteristics during the flower, fruit and leaf developments of Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb

The presence of stomata in flower and fruit is common but there is limited information about stomata distribution during their development. The aim of this study was to verify the stomatal characteristics in the petal surfaces, exocarps and leaf epidermis during their developments. The median region of exocarps, adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals and leaf midribs during the development ofZephyranthes...

Author(s): Zhaoyu Jiang#, Juntong Yu#, Sanmei Ma and Yongfei Wang

October 2011

Colchicine and amiprophos-methyl (APM) in polyploidy induction in banana plant

The objective was to assess the colchicine and amiprophos-methyl (APM) concentration and exposure period in the chromosome duplication of breed banana plants diploids.  Banana stem tips were used from the following genotypes: breed diploids (1304-04 [Malaccensis x Madang (Musa acuminata spp. banksii)] and 8694-15 [0337-02 (Calcutta x Galeo) x SH32-63]).  Colchicine was used at concentrations of 0 (control...

Author(s): Filipe Almendagna Rodrigues, Joyce Dória Rodrigues Soares, Roseneide Rocha dos Santos, Moacir Pasqual and Sebastião de Oliveira e Silva

October 2011

Evaluation of drought tolerance in different growth stages of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines using tolerance indices

In order to find the best drought tolerant inbred lines, experiment was performed at the Agricultural College of Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Iran during 2010. Experiment treatments were compared in a split-plot design by a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Main factors included non-stress, drought stress in 6 to 7 leaves (vegetative) stage, drought stress in pollination stage...

Author(s): Zahra Khodarahmpour and Jahad Hamidi

October 2011

Estimation of inorganic constituents in the seeds of blue and white flowering capitulum of Silybum marianum

Silybum Marianum commonly known as milk thistle contains flavonolignans, collectively known as silymarin. The main components of silymarin are silybine, isosilybine, silychristin and silydinine. This study was aimed to estimate inorganic constituents in blue and white capitulum’s seeds from different areas of KPK. Concentration of Na was found to be high (6 mg/kg) in white capitulum seeds from Karak area,...

Author(s): Farhat Ali Khan, Muneeb Ur Rehman Khattak and Muhammad Zahoor

October 2011

Assessment of Aspergillus niger biofilm growth kinetics in minibioreactors by carbon dioxide evolution

Aspergillus niger ATCC 10864 was grown on bubble minicolumns aerated with pure oxygen either as biofilm or free-mycelium submerged systems. Growth kinetics was followed by estimating biomass from released carbon dioxide using a titration method and mathematical models. Submerged cultures showed increased endogenous respiration rates (0.0298 vs. 0.0004 g biomass/g biomass.h) possiblyrelated to stress condition...

Author(s): Gretty K. Villena and Marcel Gutiérrez-Correa

October 2011

Speciation of heavy metals in paddy soils from selected areas in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia

This study was carried out with the intention of evaluating heavy metal contamination in cultivated paddy areas. The speciation of heavy metals in paddy soils was determined in order to gain insight regarding their origin and distribution in soils. Five sampling sites were randomly selected from Kedah (Yan, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu district) and Penang (Bumbung Lima district), where the soils constituted marine alluvial...

Author(s): Habibah Jamil, Lee Pei Theng, Khairiah Jusoh, Ahmad Mahir Razali, Fouzi B. Ali and Ismail B. S.

October 2011

Comparative effects of autotrophic and heterotrophic growth on some vitamins, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, amino acids and protein profile of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck

Chemical composition of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck including content of some vitamins (A, E and C), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, amino acids and protein profile was assessed under autotrophic and heterotrophic growth conditions as an indication of its nutritional value. Vitamin content (A, E and C) of heterotrophic cells increased by about 29, 52...

Author(s): Hanan M. Khairy, Elham M. Ali and Samha M. Dowidar

October 2011

Bench scale production of xanthan from date extract by Xanthomonas campestris in submerged fermentation using central composite design

In this research, xanthan production from date extract was done by using bacteriumXanthomonas campestris PTCC1473 in submerged fermentation (SmF). The impact of different initial concentrations of carbon (date extract) and nitrogen (NH4NO3) sources on cell growth and xanthan production was evaluated. Inoculum (72 h) from the YMB medium was added to the substrate with defined chemical components (nitrogen,...

Author(s): Kianoush Khosravi-Darani Fatemeh Seyed Reyhani, Bahram NaserNejad and Ghazaleh Baghi Nejad Farhadi

October 2011

The effect of carbon sources on the expression level of thermostable L2 lipase in Pichia pastoris

Thermostable lipases are enzymes that are particularly pleasing for industrial purposes such as in the production of detergents, animal skin-based industry and food processing endeavours. Thermostable L2 lipase gene fished out from Bacillussp. L2 was cloned into Pichia pastoris strain GS115 under constitutive expression system of pGAPZαA. Study performed on various carbon sources...

Author(s): N. H. Shahidan, R. N. Z. A. Rahman, T. C. Leow, M. Rosfarizan, M. Basri, and A. B. Salleh,

October 2011

Fatty acids composition of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris can be modulated by varying carbon dioxide concentration in outdoor culture

Varying culture methods of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) has been associated with different nutrient composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the fatty acid contents and other nutrients of CV subjected to various culturing conditions. We found that CV cultured under 24 h light and 10% CO2 showed the best growth rates and contained higher lipid, protein and moisture contents...

Author(s): Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof, Junaida@Maimunah Hassan Basari, Nor Ashikeen Mukti, Razali Sabuddin, A. Razak Muda, Suhaina Sulaiman, Suzana Makpol and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah

October 2011

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in some fruits and vegetables from Burkina Faso

Levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC), proanthocyanidins (PAs) and antioxidant activities among sixteen fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in Burkina Faso were determined. Levels of TPC ranged from 0.21 to 3.33 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of fresh matter. The highest contents in TPC were found in hot chili pepper, okra, lemon, spinach, onion, while the highest contents in PAs were found in spinach...

Author(s): Romaric G. Bayili, Fatoumata Abdoul-Latif, Oumou H. Kone, Mamounata Diao, Imael H. N. Bassole and Mamoudou H. Dicko

October 2011

Biosorption of Foron turquoise SBLN using mixed biomass of white rot fungi from synthetic effluents

In the present study, biosorption of Foron turquoise SBLN using mixed biomass of white rot fungi was investigated in batch mode. The effect of process parameters such as pH of solution, medium temperature, biosorbent concentration, dye initial concentration, contact time etc. was investigated for enhanced removal of the dye. Maximum dye removal was observed at pH 2, biosorbent dose, 0.1 g/100 ml and...

Author(s): Sana Sadaf and Haq Nawaz Bhatti

October 2011

Curculionoidea (Coleoptera) from southern Turkey

A checklist of Curculionoidea is given from southern Turkey (Adana, Osmaniye and Hatay provinces). The known localities and ecological notes on each of them werereported based on literature records and on recently collected material. Lixus farinifer Reitter is newly recorded from Turkey, and 35 species (2 Rhynchitidae, 5 Apionidae and 28 Curculionidae) was indicated for the first...

Author(s): Sakine Serap Avgın and Enzo Colonnelli

October 2011

Effects of sublethal doses of chlorfluazuron on the ovarian biochemical constituents of Spodoptera litura

This paper describes the effects of sublethal doses (LD10: 1.00 ng larva-1; LD30: 3.75 ng larva-1) of chlorfluazuron on the amounts of ovarian constituents duringvarious stages of development in common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (F.).Chlorfluazuron was applied topically to newly ecdysed fifth instars under laboratory conditions. In newly emerged adults, the amount of ovarian protein in...

Author(s): F. Perveen

October 2011

Effect of various nutrient combinations on growth and body composition of rohu (Labeo rohita)

A total of 80 Labeo rohita fingerlings (mean body weight, 14.7 ± 0.08 g and length, 11.0 ± 0.16 cm) were randomly distributed into four treatments with 20 replicates each, for 60 days, to determine the effect of different feed compositions on the growth and body composition of L. rohita. Four isoenergetic (17.05 ± 0.24 kJ g-1) experimental diet viz., control (C),...

Author(s): Kashif Umer, Muhammad Ali, Rehana Iqbal, Abdul Latif, Muhammad Naeem, Shazia Qadir, Muhammad Latif, Rehan Sadiq Shaikh and Furhan Iqbal

October 2011

Chemical constituent analysis of the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci and potential utilization value of the starfish as feed ingredient for animals

The crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci is a major management issue on coral reefs and the exploring of effective control methods to the starfish is an interesting goal. In this study, the chemical constituent of the starfish were analyzed and the toxicity of the starfish was tested when it was used as mice diet. The results showed that protein content of the starfish was 19.8 to 22.0% of dry...

Author(s): Peng Luo, Chao-qun Hu, Jian-jun Xia, Chun-hua Ren and Xiao Jiang

October 2011

Using orthogonal design to determine optimal conditions for intergeneric protoplasts fusion between Mingxian169 and Y2155a

This study is important for the optimization of protoplast fusogen and washing solution system suitable for protoplast fusion between the Triticum aestivum andAegilops. By enzymolysis, the result shows that more than 90% viable protoplasts of Mingxian169 (common wheat) and Y2155a (Aegilops) were efficiently obtained and fused. The greatest of protoplast fusogen and washing...

Author(s): Li Wang, Zhanjun Yao, Fang Zhao, Jihua Su and Ying Gao

October 2011

Identification of Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Burundi, based on morphological characteristics and DNA barcode

Bactrocera (Bactrocera) invadens Drew (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a new species of fruit fly in 2005. It belongs to the Bactrocera dorsalis complex, but is difficult to diagnose based on solely morphological identification. It occurs in India, Bhutan and some countries of Africa. In this study, 14 adult samples of fruit flies were collected from Bujumbura and Cibitoke in Burundi District....

Author(s): Lijun Liu, Jiaqi Liu, , Qinglei Wang, Pascal Ndayiragije, Anatole Ntahimpera, Evariste Nkubaye, Qianqian Yang and Zhihong Li

October 2011

SAG2 locus genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in meat products of East Azerbaijan Province, North West of Iran During 2010-2011

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular obligate parasite. Its transmission is usually attributed to ingestion of undercooked or raw meat. The aim of this study was the detection and genotyping of T. gondii in meat products using the molecular method in East Azerbaijan. DNA was extracted from 164 meat products sample obtained from 15 commercial establishments....

Author(s): Esmaeil Fallah, Maryam Hajizadeh, Safar Farajnia and Majid Khanmahammadi

October 2011

Serum testosterone in Arabian stallions during breeding and non-breeding seasons in Iran

The study was conducted to investigate the serum testosterone concentrations of Arabian stallions during breeding and non-breeding seasons under natural photoperiodic condition in west south of Iran (Khuzestan Province; latitude 48:40°N, longitude 31:20°E and altitude 22.5 m). The blood samples (10 ml) were collected from the jugular vein, and it stood at room temperature for 3 h and was centrifuged....

Author(s): Gooraninejad Saad, Barati, Farid, Najafzadeh varzi, Hossein and Asghari, Mohammad Hassan

October 2011

Effect of citric acid and microbial phytase on serum enzyme activities and plasma minerals retention in broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of microbial phytase supplementation and citric acid in broiler chicks fed corn-soybean meal base diets on enzyme activities and some blood parameters of serum and plasma minerals concentration in Ross 308 strain broilers. The data was analysed using a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement of 3×3, three levels of citric...

Author(s): Rouhollah Nourmohammadi, Seyed Mohammad Hosseini and Homayoun Farhangfar

October 2011

Changing certain dietary cationic and anionic minerals: Impact on blood chemistry, milk fever and udder edema in buffaloes during winter

This study was conducted to examine the influence of varying dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) on acid base status, mineral dynamics, occurrence of milk fever and udder edema in Nili Ravi buffaloes in a randomized complete block design. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets having -22, -11, +11 and +22 meq/100 g DM DCAD were formulated and designated as high anionic (HA), low anionic (LA), low cationic (LC)...

Author(s): Muhammad Aasif Shahzad, Muhammad Sharif, Mahr un Nisa, Muhammad Sarwar, Muhammad Farooq Khalid and Hafiz Abubaker Saddiqi

October 2011

In vivo pathogenicity of hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (Angara disease)

This study was conducted on 175 one day old broiler chicks in order to observe in vivo pathogenicity of hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (Angara disease). Chicks were grouped into A (25 chicks; reared at the Poultry Research institute (PRI), Rawalpindi) and  B groups (150 chicks; reared at National Veterinary Laboratories (NVL) Islamabad in poultry rearing units). Feed and water were...

Author(s): Shahzad Akbar Khan Mughal, Gulzar Ahmed, Tarique Hussain, Sarfaraz Ali Fazlani, Ijaz Ahmed and Farhan Ahmed Khan

October 2011

Evaluation of mutagenic/antimutagenic activity of conjugated linoleic acid in mice by micronucleus test

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid and some researchers have shown biological activities including modulation of lipid metabolism, atherogenesis, diabetes, and immune functions. In this study, the animals were supplemented with 2% of the average feed consumption with CLA (G1 = positive control) and safflower oil (G2 = negative control) and the test groups were...

Author(s): Luciano Bruno De Carvalho-Silva, Maysa Do Vale Oliveira, Danielle Taira Konichi, Mario Roberto Maróstica Junior, Pablo Christiano Barboza Lollo  and Jaime Amaya-Farfán