Variations in soil physico-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry under different soil layers, the major forest region Liupan Mountains of Northwest China

Abstract Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 020cm > 2040cm > 4060cm 6080cm 80100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

Resumo As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 20cm> 20 40cm> 40 60cm 60 80cm 80 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

Variations in soil physico-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry under different soil layers, the major forest region Liupan Mountains of Northwest China / Variações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometria do solo sob diferentes camadas de solo, a principal região florestal das montanhas Liupan do noroeste da China

Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 0→20cm > 20→40cm > 40→60cm ≥ 60→80cm ≥ 80→100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 → 20cm> 20 → 40cm> 40 → 60cm ≥ 60 → 80cm ≥ 80 → 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

ADMET, Pharmacokinetic and Docking properties of the fungal drug 2- (2, 4-difluorophenyl)-1, 3-bis (1, 2, 4-triazol-1-yl) propan-2-ol by using Quantum computational methods

The current study contributes to a better knowledge of the FCZ's characteristics and bioactivity. The ADMET properties have been calculated and the results have been illustrated; as a result, it has become quite popular for virtual pharmaceutical analysis. This research aims to examine FCZ’s optimized structure and properties by analyzing various computational calculations. Bond length, Bond angle, Mulliken charges have been analyzed for the studies. The experimental geometrical parameters and theoretical data were compared with ADME parameters, biomarker properties, pH value, drug like nature, Marvin sketch, Swiss ADME to quantify molecular descriptors just as to survey atomic elements. ADMET properties introduce the influence of the drug levels and its kinetics with the tissues of the body. It also explains about the metabolism, toxicity of the drugs when introduced to the system. The analysis on pharmacokinetic properties has helped a lot in the drug development for further studies. The target prediction of FCZ has been studied along with the docking study. Docking study is an important program in order to study about the binding of the small ligand into a receptor like proteins. This method is very useful in drug discovery which provides insights into various studies. This will help in further development of the drugs which will finally help the society in large scale. FCZ helps pharmaceutical industry in developing the drugs to treat chronic disease when combined with other molecules. Hence the present study is really helpful in drug designing and in the development of new drugs.

The influence of ultrasonic activation on the setting time and flow of four endodontic sealers / A influência da ativação ultrassônica no tempo de ajuste e no fluxo de quatro vedadores endodônticos / La influencia de la activación ultrasónica en el tiempo de ajuste y flujo de cuatro selladores endodónticos

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (UA) on the setting time and flow of four endodontic sealers: AH Plus (AH), Sealer Plus (SP), MTA Fillapex (MTAF), and BioRoot RCS (BIO). Properties were evaluated as required by ANSI/ADA Specification N° 57 (2008); only the size of the specimens was modified. UA was applied using a smooth tapered ultrasonic tip coupled to a piezoelectric ultrasonic device (30% power) on the freshly mixed materials in two cycles of 20 seconds. The results were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by the Tukey and Dunn posthoc tests, respectively, depending on the normality of the data. The shortest setting times, initial and final, were, 115 (BIO/UA) and 148.6 (BIO/UA) min, whereas the longest were 1215 (AH) and 1928 (AH) min. The MTAF sealer did not set throughout the experimental period (2880 minutes). Significant differences were observed between BIO and MTAF and the other sealers, with or without UA, both in the initial and final setting time (P < 0.05). UA did not change the initial setting times; however, it reduced the final setting of BIO (P < 0.05). The highest and lowest flow values observed were 25.52 mm (AH/UA) and 18.66 mm (BIO/UA), respectively. The AH sealer, regardless of UA, exhibited higher flow values compared to the other sealers (P < 0.05), except for the MTAF/UA group, which was the only sealer in which UA promoted a significant flow increase (P < 0.05). Under the conditions of the study, it can be concluded that the BIO, under UA, presented the lowest setting time; however, it exhibited the lowest flow values. The MTAF sealer did not reach its final setting. Moreover, the SP groups exhibited intermediate results in all analyses. In summary, only the final setting time of the BIO group and the flow values of the MTAF group were influenced by UA.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a influência da ativação ultrassônica (UA) no tempo e fluxo de ajuste de quatro selantes endodônticos: AH Plus (AH), Sealer Plus (SP), MTA Fillapex (MTAF) e BioRoot RCS (BIO). As propriedades foram avaliadas conforme exigido pela Especificação N° 57 (2008) da ANSI/ADA; apenas o tamanho dos espécimes foi modificado. O UA foi aplicado usando uma ponta de ultrassom suave cônica acoplada a um dispositivo ultrassônico piezoelétrico (30% de potência) nos materiais recém-misturados em dois ciclos de 20 segundos. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente usando os testes ANOVA e Kruskal-Wallis, seguidos pelos testes póstticos de Tukey e Dunn, respectivamente, dependendo da normalidade dos dados. Os tempos de ajuste mais curtos, iniciais e finais, foram 115 (BIO/UA) e 148,6 (BIO/UA) min, enquanto os mais longos foram 1215 (AH) e 1928 (AH) min. O selador da MTAF não foi colocado durante todo o período experimental (2880 minutos). Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre o BIO e o MTAF e os demais seladores, com ou sem UA, tanto no tempo de ajuste inicial quanto final (P < 0,05). A UA não alterou os tempos de ajuste inicial; no entanto, reduziu o ajuste final da BIO (P < 0,05). Os valores de fluxo mais alto e mais baixo observados foram 25,52 mm (AH/UA) e 18,66 mm (BIO/UA), respectivamente. O selador AH, independentemente do UA, apresentou valores de fluxo mais elevados em comparação com os outros seladores (P < 0,05), exceto para o grupo MTAF/UA, que foi o único selador no qual o UA promoveu um aumento significativo do fluxo (P < 0,05). Nas condições do estudo, pode-se concluir que o BIO, sob UA, apresentou o menor tempo de ajuste; no entanto, exibiu os menores valores de fluxo. O selador MTAF não atingiu seu ajuste final. Além disso, os grupos de SP apresentaram resultados intermediários em todas as análises. Em resumo, apenas o tempo de ajuste final do grupo BIO e os valores de fluxo do grupo MTAF foram influenciados pelo UA.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la activación ultrasónica (AU) sobre el tiempo de ajuste y flujo de cuatro selladores endodónticos: AH Plus (AH), Sealer Plus (SP), MTA Fillapex (MTAF) y BioRoot RCS (BIO). Las propiedades se evaluaron según lo requerido por la especificación ANSI/ADA N° 57 (2008), sólo se modificó el tamaño de los ejemplares. El AU se aplicó utilizando una punta ultrasónica cónica lisa acoplada a un dispositivo piezoeléctrico ultrasónico (30% de potencia) sobre los materiales recién mezclados en dos ciclos de 20 segundos. Los resultados se analizaron estadísticamente mediante las pruebas ANOVA y Kruskal- Wallis, seguidas de las pruebas postcográficas de Tukey y Dunn, respectivamente, dependiendo de la normalidad de los datos. Los tiempos de fraguado más cortos, inicial y final, fueron 115 (BIO/UA) y 148,6 (BIO/UA) min, mientras que los más largos fueron 1215 (AH) y 1928 (AH) min. El sellador MTAF no se ajustó durante todo el período experimental (2880 minutos). Se observaron diferencias significativas entre BIO y MTAF y los demás selladores, con o sin AU, tanto en el tiempo de ajuste inicial como final (P < 0,05). La AU no modificó los tiempos de ajuste inicial, pero redujo el ajuste final de BIO (P < 0,05). Los valores más altos y más bajos de caudal observados fueron 25,52 mm (AH/UA) y 18,66 mm (BIO/UA), respectivamente. El sellador AH, independientemente del AU, presentó valores de caudal más altos en comparación con los demás selladores (P < 0,05), excepto para el grupo MTAF/AU, que fue el único sellador en el que el AU promovió un incremento significativo del caudal (P < 0,05). Bajo las condiciones del estudio, se puede concluir que el BIO, bajo AU, presentó el menor tiempo de fraguado, sin embargo, presentó los menores valores de caudal. El sellador MTAF no alcanzó su ajuste final. Por otra parte, los grupos SP presentaron resultados intermedios en todos los análisis. En resumen, solo el tiempo de ajuste final del grupo BIO y los valores de flujo del grupo MTAF fueron influenciados por el AU.

Simulation of density, viscosity and ultrasonic velocity data of 3-bromoanisole + methanol mixtures at different temperatures

SUMMARY Aim: To represent mathematically the reported physico-chemical properties (PCPs) of binary mixtures of 3-bromoanisol + methanol at various temperatures by using a single model with seven curve-fit parameters. Results: Besides the correlation models, the applicability of training the proposed model using a minimum number of experimental data and prediction of the rest of data points with acceptable prediction error is also shown.

Objetivo: representar matemáticamente las propiedades fisicoquímicas (PCP) de mezclas binarias de 3-bromoanisol + metanol a varias temperaturas, utilizando un modelo único con siete parámetros de ajuste de curva. Resultados: además de los modelos de correlación, también se muestra la aplicabilidad del entrenamiento del modelo propuesto utilizando un número mínimo de datos experimentales y la predicción del resto de puntos de datos con un error de predicción aceptable.

Objetivo: representar matematicamente as propriedades físico-químicas reportadas (PCPs) de misturas binárias de 3-bromoanisol + metanol em várias temperaturas usando um único modelo com sete parâmetros de ajuste de curva. Resultados: além dos modelos de correlação, a aplicabilidade do treinamento do modelo proposto usando um número mínimo de dados experimentais e previsão do restante dos pontos de dados com erro de previsão aceitável também é mostrada.

Technological potential of under-utilized starches from eight varieties of legumes grown in Cameroon / Potencial tecnológico de amidos subutilizados de oito variedades de leguminosas cultivadas nos Camarões

Abstract Starch samples from eight legumes cultivars instar of one variety of Vigna unguiculata L. (Cowpea), one variety of Vigna subterrenea V. (Bambara groundnut) and six varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Common bean), grown in Cameroon were isolated, and their physicochemical and pasting properties were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to investigate the starch properties and processing characteristics of different bean varieties, and to establish the basic foundation of improving the functionality of beans and their starch grown in the region. The result revealed significant differences amongst the properties of the starches. The swelling power of the legume starch isolates put them in the category of highly restricted-swelling starch. This characteristic is desirable for the manufacture of value-added products such as noodles and composite blends with cereals. The pasting properties were determined using a rapid visco analyzer, and various legumes bean starches exhibited different pasting profiles. The high breakdown viscosity (BV) was founded for Cowpea and Bambara groundnut and confirmed their low. ability to resist heat and shear stress when compared to Common bean varieties studies. The factors which influence the pasting characteristics resulting to decrease in peak viscosity (PV), trough viscosity (TV) and final viscosity (FV) of starch are attributed to the interaction of starch with the protein, fat, etc. which depended to their variety.

Resumo Foram isoladas amostras de amido de oito cultivares de leguminosas ínstar de uma variedade de Vigna unguiculata L. (feijão caupi), uma variedade de Vigna subterrenea V. (amendoim Bambara) e seis variedades de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (feijão comum), cultivadas nos Camarões, e suas propriedades físico-químicas e de pasta foram avaliadas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar as propriedades do amido e as características de processamento de diferentes variedades de feijão e estabelecer as bases básicas para melhorar a funcionalidade do feijão e do amido cultivado na região. O resultado revelou diferenças significativas entre as propriedades dos amidos. O poder de inchamento dos isolados de amido de leguminosas os coloca na categoria de amido com inchamento altamente restrito. Esta característica é desejável para o fabrico de produtos de valor acrescentado, tais como macarrão e misturas compósitas com cereais. As propriedades de pasta foram determinadas usando um analisador rápido de visco, e vários amidos de feijão leguminosos exibiram diferentes perfis de pasta. A alta BV foi fundada para o amendoim Cowpea e Bambara e confirmou sua baixa. capacidade de resistir ao calor e tensão de cisalhamento quando comparado com estudos de variedades de feijão. Os fatores que influenciam as características colantes resultantes da diminuição do pico de viscosidade (PV), da viscosidade mínima (TV) e da viscosidade final (FV) do amido são atribuídos à interação do amido com a proteína, gordura, etc., que dependem da sua variedade.

Formulation and evaluation of propolis extracts based shampoo on dandruff causing bacteria

@#Aim: Dandruff is characterized by the white flakes in the hairs and can be caused by dry skin and mainly by fungal growth of Malassezia yeasts. To treat this condition mainly synthetic type of active ingredient shampoos are used which gave severe adverse effect toward users like hair fall and weakening of the hair roots. In this study, we formulate a shampoo containing an active ingredient “Propolis” an antimicrobial agent which is also known as bee glue. Formed by the combination of bee wax and flower exudate collected from the flower bud. Methodology and results: In this study, propolis extracts have been used as the antimicrobial agent in the shampoo formulation for treating dandruff-causing bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, the developed propolis shampoo showed is 10-fold more effective against S. aureus compared to the propolis extracts alone. This is due to the presence of Tween 80 as the surfactant used in the formulation which adds to this antibacterial effect. The formulated shampoo was also compared with the commercially available shampoo (Safi Shayla brand) for physicochemical properties. Overall evaluation of the shampoo with propolis found to have pH (6-7), good foaming ability, less wetting time, a good percentage of solid content and viscosity. Also, the formulated shampoo has greater stability under accelerated room temperature and accelerated the ageing condition. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study demonstrated the propolis extracted can be used as a potential antimicrobial agent. As it came from the natural resource the acceptance will high among the consumers.

Physico-chemical Properties Comparison between Released Varieties and Local Germplasm of Sapota (Manilkara zapota)

Aim: Comparison of physico-chemical properties between released varieties and local germplasm of Sapota with a view to selecting the superior germplasm/variety in respect of nutritional quality. Study Design: A laboratory experiment was done by the following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications. Sample Collection: Local germplasms were collected from different homestead of Dumki upazila and six released varieties were collected from Germplasm Center, Department of Horticulture, PSTU and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during March, 2018 to February, 2019 at the Plant Biotechnology Lab and Postharvest Lab, Department of Horticulture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. Results: The highest fruit length (4.85 cm), width (4.93 cm), weight (115.33 g), edible portion (92.33%), phenolic content (2.537 mg/100 g) and anthocyanin content (1.807 μg/100 g) were exhibited in local germplasm (G3). The highest carotenoid content (5.320 μg/100 g) was found in local germplasm G3 followed by G1 (5.173 μg/100 g). On the other hand the highest vitamin-C content (11.42 mg/100 g) and carbohydrate percentage (22.99%) were observed in local germplasm G1 and G2 respectively. BARI-3 (V10) exhibited the highest percentage of TSS (21.28%) along with highest peel weight (6.80 g) and the highest percentage of antioxidant (95.80 mg/100 g) was traced in BARI-2 (V9). Conclusion: Based on the selected physico-chemical properties it was revealed that local germplasm (G3) was superior than the other germplasm/varieties. G1, G2, V9 and V10 germplasm/variety were identified as good source of phytochemicals. Based on Physico-chemical properties local germplasm (G3) was better for eating fresh fruit as well as processing than the other germplasms/varieties considered in this research.

Physico-chemical properties and antibacterial drug performance of amoxicillin from streets in Bamenda, Cameroon

Background: The advent of microbial drug resistance creates a concern about the quality of anti-infective drugs. The rise in some microbial resistance to therapy has urged us to investigate physico-chemical properties and antibacterial performance of amoxicillin from streets in Bamenda, Cameroon.Methods: Amoxicillin samples were purchased from street vendors in Bamenda. Cameroon. Visual inspection was done for defects and signs of discoloration, deterioration or other physical disfiguration. Weight uniformity test for each sample of antibiotic tablet was carried out. The time for drug disintegration for each sample of amoxicillin was evaluated. Microbial antibiotic susceptibility tests were done using both the agar disc diffusion and micro well broth dilution methods to check drug performance. Data analysis was done and comparison checked with Student-Newman-Keuls at p<0.05.Results: The mean weight of amoxicillin drugs ranged from 632.00±11.5 to 748.06±17.9 mg. Tablets from Austria had a significant decrease in weight compared to those from Germany and Nigeria. This was similar with the capsules from India and China. Average disintegration varied significantly from as small as 2.2 to 14.4 minutes. All the amoxicillin samples were active against the tested bacteria with mean zones of inhibitions ranging from 8.33±0.57 to 39.33±0.57 mm. The MICs and MBCs values range from 1 to 64 µg/ml. For the same bacterium the growth inhibitory effects of the various drugs were not all similar.Conclusions: Some of the amoxicillin samples studied in this paper showed significant differences in their weights and performances (antibacterial activities). Probably the required amount of API was not respected.

Effect of Moringa oleifera as Water Coagulant on the Physico-chemical Properties of Gulbi-water

Availability of clean water is a serious problem, especially in developing countries like Nigeria; Water for consumption purpose needs to be treated to meet the quality guidelines of 5 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) according to World Health Organization, Wastewater treatment are mostly using Polyaluminum Chloride, a synthetic coagulant, which possess health risk and require expensive cost. This research was carried out to observe the effect of Moringa oleifera seed as natural coagulant to replace synthetic coagulant. Highly turbid water was collected from Gulbi River in Kaura-namoda, Zamfara State. Nigeria. M. oleiferaseedwas processed into flour and de-fated with different organic solvent. (AOY = Normal borehole water, BOY = Raw water sample from theriver, COY = Water treated with (de-fated M. oleiferaflour with Chloroform.), DOY = Water sample with (de-fated M. Oleiferaflour with acetone), EOY = Water sample with (de-fated M. Oleiferaflour with diethyl ether.), FOY = Water sample with Alum, GOY = Water sample with unde-fated M. oleiferaflour) and used as a coagulant in place of aluminium sulphate (Alum). Collected water samples were treated with different Moringa oleiferaflour coagulants samples The water treated with different coagulants samples were analyzed based on physic-chemical properties. The pH values ranged from 5.6 to 6.7. The turbidity, conductivity, total solid, temperature and coliform ranged from 4.19 to 76.5 NTU, 94.0to 188.4 μS/cm, 45.5 to 89.3 mg/l, 30.4 to 33.8ºC and 9 × 402cfu, respectively.The work has been considered as revolutionary for small household applications in rural areas, where water purification is absent and M. oleiferatrees are abundantly available.

Effects of Sesame Seed Enrichment on Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Flour from Two Cultivars of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

The effects of enriching two cultivars of yam (DioscorearotundataPoir) flour with sesame seed (SesamumindicumL) flour on their physicochemical and nutritional characteristics were studied. Yam flours were produced from Abujaand Efuruyams by parboiling at 60°C for 10 minutes and left overnight, followed by sun drying for four days. Enriched yam flour samples were prepared by thoroughly mixing the yam and sesame seed flour in ratios95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 respectively. Proximate, mineral and anti-nutrientcontent, as well as functional properties of enriched flours, were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The two yam-flour samples were low in moisture, crude protein, fat and ash content, high in carbohydrate and macro minerals, while Sesame seed was very low in moisture and carbohydrate, but very high in crude protein, fat, ash and macro minerals. The moisture, crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content of the yams and enriched samples ranged between 11.9-13.8g, 3.3-7.5g, 0.5-13.8g, 2.0-2.6_g and 63.3-81.8_g/100g respectively. Addition of sesame seed flour resulted in the reduction of moisture and carbohydrate content and significant increase (p=0.05) in protein, fat and ash values of enriched samples. The protein, fat and mineral content of the enriched samples increased with increased level of sesame seed flour inclusion (p=0.05). Both yam and sesame flours were low in the antinutritional factors studied. Sesame flour was high in trypsin inhibitors and polyphenols. Enrichment with sesame flour resulted in further reduction in the antinutritional factors content with increase in trypsin inhibitors and polyphenols content of the products. Efuruvariety flour with its enriched products had higher water and oil absorption capacity, loose and packed bulk density and swelling capacity than Abujavariety flour. Enriching yam flour with sesame flour can improve the nutrients and functional properties of their products which can improve the nutritional status, health and well-being of consumers

Physicochemical Characteristics of Activated Biochar Derived from Different Sources

An experiment was carried out to study the characteristics of biochar made from rice husk, rice straw, Toria stover and bamboo leaves. Biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis system (300 –4000C). Locally available bio-wastes viz.rice husk, rice straw, toriastover and bamboo leaves were used as raw materials to produce chars. Two samples of feedstock each from 5 development blocks of Jorhat district of Assam were collected, dried and pyrolysed for production of char for their physicochemical properties. Per cent moisture and ash content, bulk density, particle density andporosity of biochars ranged from 3.26 to 4.91%, 3.70 to 24.97%, 0.178 to 0.729 g/cm3, 0.85 to 2.02 g/cm3 and 61.54 to 78.90%, respectively. Pore volume, particle size and specific surface area ranged from 0.83 to 1.15 ml, 310×147 to 350×209 ?m2 and 89.40 to 184.75 m2/g, whereas pH ,EC, CEC, total Carbon varied from 7.74 to 9.46, 0.272 to 1.005 dsm-1, 12.74 to16.68 c mol (p+)/kg and 36.63 to 49.424%, respectively. Porosity maintained significant and positive correlation with pore volume (0.715**) and specific surface area (0.614**). CEC had significant positive correlations with total C (0.583**), total N (0.587**), total K (0.443**) and IAN (0.766**).Percent total N, P, K, and S had their value ranged from 47.27 to 60.07, 0.017 to 0.032, 0.237 to 0.453 and 0.083 to 0.099; while, Ca and Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Iodine adsorption number ranged from 1.11 to 5.23 and 0.148 to 1.326 c mol (p+)/kg, 16.65 to 2.91, 30 to 162, 8.6 to 43 mg/kg and 186.64 to 489.77 mg/g of biochar

Influencing factors for extracting total polysaccharides and active adjuvant components from Poria cocos / 国际药学研究杂志

Objection To investigate the main influencing factors for extracting total polysaccharides and two active adjuvant components from Poria cocos. Methods Extracting temperature was designed between 20℃-100℃,ratio of material/water was 1/5-1/20 (W/V),extracting time was 1-6 h,extracting frequency was 1-3 times,material size was crude slices~50 mesh,and extracting mode was standing or stirring. The sugar content was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid method and the reletive molecular mass of polysac-charides was determined with gel filtration chromatography. Monosaccharide compositions were analyzed with PMP-derivation and cap-illary electrophoresis. Results ①The extracting temperature should be below 70℃;②The ratio of material/water was suitable be-tween 1/5-1/20;③The extracting time might be within 2 h;④The extracting frequency should be no more than two times;⑤The raw material should be crushed before extracting;⑥The stirring was favorable for extracting polysaccharides. Conclusion The re-sults indicate that the extracting temperature,extracting frequency and stirring mode are important for extracting polysaccharides,and the cushing of the raw materials is helpful to extract the active adjuvant component of polysaccharides from P. cocos in higher yield.

Technological potential of under-utilized starches from eight varieties of legumes grown in Cameroon

Abstract Starch samples from eight legumes cultivars instar of one variety of Vigna unguiculata L. (Cowpea), one variety of Vigna subterrenea V. (Bambara groundnut) and six varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Common bean), grown in Cameroon were isolated, and their physicochemical and pasting properties were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to investigate the starch properties and processing characteristics of different bean varieties, and to establish the basic foundation of improving the functionality of beans and their starch grown in the region. The result revealed significant differences amongst the properties of the starches. The swelling power of the legume starch isolates put them in the category of highly restricted-swelling starch. This characteristic is desirable for the manufacture of value-added products such as noodles and composite blends with cereals. The pasting properties were determined using a rapid visco analyzer, and various legumes bean starches exhibited different pasting profiles. The high breakdown viscosity (BV) was founded for Cowpea and Bambara groundnut and confirmed their low. ability to resist heat and shear stress when compared to Common bean varieties studies. The factors which influence the pasting characteristics resulting to decrease in peak viscosity (PV), trough viscosity (TV) and final viscosity (FV) of starch are attributed to the interaction of starch with the protein, fat, etc. which depended to their variety.

Resumo Foram isoladas amostras de amido de oito cultivares de leguminosas ínstar de uma variedade de Vigna unguiculata L. (feijão caupi), uma variedade de Vigna subterrenea V. (amendoim Bambara) e seis variedades de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (feijão comum), cultivadas nos Camarões, e suas propriedades físico-químicas e de pasta foram avaliadas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar as propriedades do amido e as características de processamento de diferentes variedades de feijão e estabelecer as bases básicas para melhorar a funcionalidade do feijão e do amido cultivado na região. O resultado revelou diferenças significativas entre as propriedades dos amidos. O poder de inchamento dos isolados de amido de leguminosas os coloca na categoria de amido com inchamento altamente restrito. Esta característica é desejável para o fabrico de produtos de valor acrescentado, tais como macarrão e misturas compósitas com cereais. As propriedades de pasta foram determinadas usando um analisador rápido de visco, e vários amidos de feijão leguminosos exibiram diferentes perfis de pasta. A alta BV foi fundada para o amendoim Cowpea e Bambara e confirmou sua baixa. capacidade de resistir ao calor e tensão de cisalhamento quando comparado com estudos de variedades de feijão. Os fatores que influenciam as características colantes resultantes da diminuição do pico de viscosidade (PV), da viscosidade mínima (TV) e da viscosidade final (FV) do amido são atribuídos à interação do amido com a proteína, gordura, etc., que dependem da sua variedade.

Purification and characterization of xylanases from Trichoderma inhamatum

Background Two xylanases, Xyl I and Xyl II, were purified from the crude extracellular extract of a Trichoderma inhamatum strain cultivated in liquid medium with oat spelts xylan. Results The molecular masses of the purified enzymes estimated by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration were, respectively, 19 and 14 kDa for Xyl I and 21 and 14.6 kDa for Xyl II. The enzymes are glycoproteins with optimum activity at 50°C in pH 5.0-5.5 for Xyl I and 5.5 for Xyl II. The xylanases were very stable at 40°C and in the pH ranges from 4.5-6.5 for Xyl I and 4.0-8.0 for Xyl II. The ion Hg2+ and the detergent SDS strongly reduced the activity while 1,4-dithiothreitol stimulated both enzymes. The xylanases showed specificity for xylan, Km and Vmax of 14.5, 1.6 mg·mL-1 and 2680.2 and 462.2 U·mg of protein-1 (Xyl I) and 10.7, 4.0 mg·mL-1 and 4553.7 and 1972.7 U·mg of protein-1 (Xyl II) on oat spelts and birchwood xylan, respectively. The hydrolysis of oat spelts xylan released xylobiose, xylotriose, xylotetrose and larger xylooligosaccharides. Conclusions The enzymes present potential for application in industrial processes that require activity in acid conditions, wide-ranging pH stability, such as for animal feed, or juice and wine industries.

Drug-like properties of potential anti-cancer compounds from Cameroonian flora: A virtual studies.

Assessment of the ‘drug-like’ using a set of calculated molecular descriptors, of a collection of 195compounds from plants in Cameroon exhibiting in vitro or/and in vivo activities against various cancer cell lines was made. Lipinski’s ‘Rule of Five’ (Ro5) was used to evaluate drug-likeness/oral availability of the compounds by making use of popular parameters like Molecular Weight (MW), predicted lipophilicity (log P), number of Hydrogen Bond Donors/Acceptors (HBD and HBA) and Number of Rotatable Bonds (NRB). The drug-like properties of the studied compounds were compared to that of the Dictionary of Natural Products (DNP). Our results revealed that79.50%, 43.60% and 12.30% of our dataset fall within the recommended range for ‘drug-like’, ‘lead-like’ and ‘fragment-like’ respectively with significant enhancement of some oral availability parameters over DNP and this paints the significant of our dataset in search for lead-like anti-cancer molecules with desirable ‘drug-like’ properties.

04-9 Variation of physical characteristics of a peloid, subjected to maturation / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Introduction: The maturation process of peloids has been the subject of many studies over time. Knowledge of the processes occurring during this time period, it is very interesting to know the applications of the final product. Material and Method: For preparation of extemporaneous peloids it has been used clay Bentonite Volcangel (Benesa) supplied by Süd Chemie, a mineral water hyperthermal (42°C), sulphurated, weak mineralization (261 mg/l) from Baños Montemayor (M) and water purified obtained by distillation and ion exchange (A).   Peloids were prepared by mixing in the ratio needed aiming to produce a product with 70% water and clay, in polymeric material containers. Water and clay were mixed slowly until total homogenization. The product was introduced into glass containers tightly closed and kept at a constant temperature of 42°C and 8°C.   The percentage of the solid components, water and ashes was determined by gravimetric techniques, drying the sample in oven and muffle furnace (850°C). The specific heat and calorific retentivity were calculated from these data.   　Every six weeks, the analysis of all parameters are repeated in samples maintained at 42°C and 8°C to study possible variations. Results: In Table 1 are shown values of the parameters of the initial peloids prepared with purified water and mineromedicinal water. Conclusion: There were no significant differences observed in the values of the analyzed parameters between the two initial peloids prepared with purified water and with medicinal mineral water of Montemayor spa and a slight diminution in the water percentage, and a small increase of the relaxation time six weeks later.

04-9Variation of physical characteristics of a peloid, subjected to maturation / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<b>Introduction: </b>The maturation process of peloids has been the subject of many studies over time. Knowledge of the processes occurring during this time period, it is very interesting to know the applications of the final product.<BR><b>Material and Method: </b>For preparation of extemporaneous peloids it has been used clay Bentonite Volcangel (Benesa) supplied by Süd Chemie, a mineral water hyperthermal (42°C), sulphurated, weak mineralization (261 mg/l) from Baños Montemayor (M) and water purified obtained by distillation and ion exchange (A).<BR>  Peloids were prepared by mixing in the ratio needed aiming to produce a product with 70% water and clay, in polymeric material containers. Water and clay were mixed slowly until total homogenization. The product was introduced into glass containers tightly closed and kept at a constant temperature of 42°C and 8°C.<BR>  The percentage of the solid components, water and ashes was determined by gravimetric techniques, drying the sample in oven and muffle furnace (850°C). The specific heat and calorific retentivity were calculated from these data.<BR>  　Every six weeks, the analysis of all parameters are repeated in samples maintained at 42°C and 8°C to study possible variations.<BR><b>Results: </b>In Table 1 are shown values of the parameters of the initial peloids prepared with purified water and mineromedicinal water.<BR><b>Conclusion:</b> There were no significant differences observed in the values of the analyzed parameters between the two initial peloids prepared with purified water and with medicinal mineral water of Montemayor spa and a slight diminution in the water percentage, and a small increase of the relaxation time six weeks later.

Vermicompost: Quality organic manure for zooplankton production in aquaculture.

Purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vermicompost on water quality parameters of fish pond and zooplankton production. No significant effect on the physico-chemical properties of pond water were observed though the zooplankton population was better with significant difference in rotifers population (68.38%) comparing with cow dung treated pond. Application of vermicompost as an organic manure in fish pond is not only better but also safe than the raw cow dung. This is excellent manure for nursery and rearing pond as it has a potential to produce good rotifers population.

Effects of five earthworm species on some physico-chemical properties of soil.

An incubation experiment was conducted to study the changes that occur in organic carbon content, phosphorous and potassium availability and other soil properties with ingestion of soil mixed with rubber leaf litter and cow dung by five earthworm species viz. Pontoscolex corethrurus, Drawida assamensis, Drawida papillifer papillifer, Eutyphoeus comillahnus and Metaphire houlleti of rubber plantation in Tripura (India). Due to earthworm activity organic C (1.56-1.63%) and available P (14.71-27.60 mg 100 g-1) and K (43.50-49.0 mg 100 g-1) content of the soil increased significantly (p<0.05) in most of the earthworm species studied. M. houlleti and D. papillifer papillifer had the highest P (27.60 mg 100 g-1) and K (49.0 mg 100 g-1) mobilization capacity, respectively. Earthworms, irrespective of the species, increased the pH (7.05-7.17) and electrical conductivity (663-1383 µS cm-1) of the soil significantly (p<0.05).