Volume 3, Issue 1 (2016)
Research Article
Comparison of quality of spermatozoa from the excurrent ducts of Philippine local chicken retrieved by swim-up or mincing methods
Victoria B. Salting, Flocerfida P. Aquino, Ma. Elizabeth DC. Leoveras, Lerma C. Ocampo, Eufrocina P. Atabay, Angeles M. de Leon
Abstract: This study sought to compare various parameters of spermatozoa retrieved by swim -up method (SUM) and mincing method (MM) from the excurrent ducts of Philippine local chicken. Spermatozoa were collected aseptically from the excurrent ducts of twelve sexually matured Philippine local chickens by blunt dissection and were subsequently retrieved by mincing and swimup method. Semen parameters such as motility, viability, sperm concentration and percent abnormality of the samples were determined. Results showed that the motility, viability, concentration and percent abnormality of spermatozoa retrieved by SUM were not significantly different from that of spermatozoa retrieved by MM which indicated that the method used for the retrieval of spermatozoa from the excurrent ducts did not in a way influence the resulting aforementioned semen parameters. It was therefore concluded that both of the retrieval methods used in this study yielded semen samples with comparable semen parameters and that good quality spermatozoa could be collected from the excurrent ducts of Philippine local chicken.
Research Article
Homology Modeling and Structural Assessment of CuNiR of Pseudomonas Chlororaphis Subsp. Aureofaciens Nirk
Utpal Kumar Adhikari, Ferozur Rahman, Md. Mostaq Ahmmed, Md. Razib chowdhury, Shahidur Rahman, M. Mizanur Rahman
Abstract: The Nirk gene encoding the copper containing nitrite reductase (CuNiR) is essential for the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide and considered the key step in the denitrification process. In spite of opening wide scope of research by homology modeling, little is known about molecular model of Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens CuNiR. Therefore, we intended to predict its structure and structural properties by using various bioinformatics tools. The selected protein is stable, weakly acidic, high temperature sensitive and also contains disordered regions. Three common residues namely Ser2, Pro106 and Ser305 were found as the DNA and RNA binding site in the protein molecule which can be upcoming research prospect. The protein model was predicted by modeler 9v14 program and checked by PDBsum, Verify3D, ProSA, and QMEAN server and ensured the good quality of the model. The predicted model was checked by PROCHECK and showed that 99.0% of the amino acid residues were in favored and allowed region of Ramachandran plot. The predicted protein model contains Cu as ligand and the residue Cys154 is involved in the binding of this ligand. The protein showed the copper ion binding and NO-forming activity as the molecular function with significant score which confirms its actual function. This study provides an evaluated protein model and the structural information of it that will be helpful for further research on the denitrification mechanism of the selected species in the wet laboratory.
Research Article
Analysis of Genetic Variation between five Banana Fruit Varieties by RAPD Markers
Md. Rakibul Islam, Abul Kalam Azad, Md. Abuhena, Ratikanta Haldar, Shahidur Rahman
Abstract: The banana (Musa acuminate Colla) is considered as an important crop plant due to its high economic value and rich dietary source, a cheapest and very popular fruit of Bangladesh. For analysis of genetic variation, five banana varieties were selected from Kushtia district and DNA was isolated from banana leaves of Bichikola, Chinichampa, Kachkola, Ranginsagor and Sabrikola by modified method of CTAB protocol. DNA fingerprinting was conducted of five banana varieties using 3 RAPD primers (OPA-03, OPD-04 and OPE-20). RAPD analysis was revealed 49 score able bands on amplification and their sizes ranged between 300bp to 1500bp. Among the 49 RAPD bands, 7 bands were monomorphic and 42 bands were polymorphic and 13% polymorphism was observed. The maximum polymorphism was found by the primer OPE- 20 (23.07 %). The RAPD based dendrogram were revealed that two major clusters and the inter variety similarity indices between Bichikola and Sabrikola was found the highest (1.29 %) and the lowest 0.33 % value was found between Chinichampa and Sabrikola and average value of variety the similarity (Si) was 0.81 %. The highest linkage distance (3.74) was found in Chinichampa vs. Sabrikola variety pair and the lowest linkage distance (2.65) was found in Kachkola vs. Ranginsagor variety pair. All five varieties are closely related with each other in the samples studied and providing clear informations for any future genetic manipulation.
Review Paper
A Review on Theories Regarding Ageing
DN Pandit, RR Singh, SP Srivastava
Abstract: Ageing and resulting senescence has been fascinating for scientists as well as common people. Ageing is an extremely complex multi-factorial process. Different types of morphological, physiological, biochemical, endocrinological and cellular changes are responsible for ageing. In this review, several theories are identified only briefly and a few (evolutionary, gene regulation, cellular senescence, free radical, and neuro-endocrine-immuno theories) are discussed in more detail. The multiplicities of mechanisms are examined also at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels to explore the possibility of interactions at these three levels. However, in spite of recent advances in molecular biology and genetics, the mysteries that control human life span are yet to be unraveled.
Research Article
Biodiversity of Edible Macrofungi from Alas Purwo National Park
Alfin N. Firdaus, Fatimah A. Mustofa, Zulia Citra, Nenik F. Ummah, Fitriana Martiani, Ranu Bagus, Nabilatun Nisa, Silvia K. Sari, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Ni'matuzahroh
Abstract: This research aimed to invent edible macrofungi in Alas Purwo National Park that can be used as alternative food sources. The method that was used in this research was the explorative method with descriptive analysis. The sampling proccess took place along the side trail of the tropical rainforest ecosystem of Alas Purwo National Park. The tropical rainforest ecosystem that was reached from Triangulasi Resort with geographics coordinates 8° 39' 20.9" S 114° 21' 39.2" E then going to northwest for around three kilometres until Sadengan Track with geographics coordinates 8° 39' 13.1" S 114° 22' 18.2" E. The other track was from Trangulasi Resort with geographics coordinates 8° 39' 20.9" S 114° 21' 39.2" E then going to east for around five kilometres until Pancur Track with geographics coordinates 8° 40' 38.91" S 114° 22' 25.90" E. The collections of macrofungi samples were limited until five metres left and five metres right of the track. The result of this research showed there were 40 different genera and 22 of them are edible. Those 22 genera are Auricularia, Cantharellus, Clavulina, Collybia, Coltricia, Coprinus, Crepidotus, Dictyophora, Flammulina, Geastrum, Hydnellum, Inocybe, Leucocoprinus, Marasmius, Meripilus, Mycena, Oligoporus, Peziza, Pleurotus, Polyporus, Psathyrella, and Tremella.
Research Article
Use of effective microorganisms on enhancing the mycelial growth of Pleurotus florida on unsterilized rice straw
Kathrina M. Mapanao, Evaristo A. Abella, Daniel L. Aquino, Sofronio P. Kalaw
Abstract: The use of unsterilized rice straw with (T1) or without (T2) effective microorganisms (EM-I), sterilized pure rice straw (T3) and (T4) Control which used the standard protocol for mushroom production developed by the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development (CTMRD), were evaluated as substrates for edible mushroom production and lignin degradation using the Pleurotus florida fungal species. The treatments were laid-out in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications, composing of 20 fruiting bags as the sampling units. Each fruiting bag containing 750 grams substrate was inoculated with 20 grams mushroom grain spawn. The mycelia growth, pinhead formation and yield of harvested mushroom were the parameters studied in the production of edible mushroom P. florida. The proximate (organic matter, Ash, and Crude Protein) and cell wall contents (Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Hemicellulose, Cellulose, and Lignin) of pure rice straw and the mushroom spent beddings after harvesting the mushroom were also evaluated. Results showed that the sterilized rice straw without Effective Microorganisms substrate (T3) and substrate containing standard CTMRD (T4) showed significantly higher yield and biological efficiency with fast mycelial colonization of the bag compared to the unsterilized rice straw with or without EM. Producing mushroom without sterilization was made possible in the study. Significant reduction in lignin content was observed when P. florida was grown in unsterilized rice straw with EM. Fungal treatment of unsterilized rice straw with or without Effective Microorganisms and pure sterilized rice straw significantly increased the crude protein, crude ash, and available cellulose contents of the substrates. Fungal treatment reduced the Neutral Detergent Fiber, lignin and hemicellulose contents of the substrates.
Research Article
Wash Resistance and Bioefficacy of PermaNet® 2.0, PowerNet and K-O-Tab 123 Treated Bed Nets against Malaria Vectors of Myanmar
Maung Maung Mya, Pe Than Htun, Myat Phone Kyaw, Sein Min, Sein Thaung, R.K.Saxena
Abstract: Eradication of vector mosquito is necessary for the prevention of malaria. Insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) may provide necessary safe guard against malaria but not evaluated in Myanmar for bio-efficacy. Evaluation of insecticidal bio-efficacy of Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) after washing under laboratory conditions against vector Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus mosquitoes. Anopheles minimus and An. dirus mosquitoes were used for insecticidal tests and PermaNet 2.0, Power net, K-O-Tab:123® net and K-O-Tab were used for monitoring regeneration, knockdown and mortality of vector mosquitoes periodically for 0 to 20 hand washing (Laboratory hand washed) of bed nets for 20 months. An. dirus mosquitoes were used to evaluate the vulnerability to selected insecticides. Microsoft excel was used for determining the knockdown and mortality rates of mosquitoes. Tested insecticide nets showed 86-100% knockdown and mortality efficacy against malaria vectors An. dirus and An. minimus in 20 washing regimen. However, K-O-Tab net exhibited wash resistance up to 15 washing against An. minimus only. ITNs bednets can be used for malaria vector control programme in Myanmar.
Research Article
Phytochemical screening and antibacterial testing of different varieties of Morus spp. (Mulberry)
Job U. Ramos, Eden S. David, Kristine Grace D. Waing
Abstract: Mulberry (Morus spp.) is generally utilized in silk industries. Mulberry leaves are known as natural reservoir of botanical nutrients and show strong antibacterial activity. The presence of phytochemicals in plants is associated with therapeutic and medicinal properties. Thus, this study determined the antibacterial properties of different varieties of mulberry namely Guisang you 12, Alfonso and S54 varieties using paper disc diffusion method. Two extraction methods were used namely ethanol and hot water extraction. Results on antibacterial assay against Escherichia coli, showed that the ethanol extracts were active at 12 hours of incubation with S54 variety having the highest mean value of zone of inhibition of 7.80 mm, followed by Alfonso variety and Guisang you 12 variety. In the test against Staphylococcus aureus, ethanol extracts also showed zone of inhibition at 12 hours of incubation. Ethanol extracts of Alfonso variety showed the highest zone of inhibition with a value of 11.15 mm, followed by S54 and Guisang you 12. The phytochemical constituents were tested using test tube method in both hot water and ethanol extracts of the three Morus varieties. Results revealed that both extracts contain various phytochemicals that can be found in traces and/or appreciable amount. These were flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids.