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Although, in Nigeria orange peels are considered as a waste, this study is intended to convert the waste into wealth by establishing the production of biodiesel with oil obtained from orange peels; using transeterification process. Oil from sun-dried/ ground orange peels were extractedusing n-hexane. Transesterification process was done at a temperature range of 80 - 83 °C with oil to ethanol mole ratio of 1:3 respectively and sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The parameters analyzed included: Viscosity, Density and the concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P.The viscosity and density of the biodiesel obtained were 2.1 stand 825 kg/m3 respectively. The mean concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P in the biodiesel were 4 ppm, 7 ppm, 3 ppm, 3 ppm and 8 ppm respectively. These results are in close agreement with ASTM standards requirement for biodiesel. The glycerol was recycled trice before it finally lost potent.It is thus apparent that the locally-sourced feedstock (orange peels) would be a good source for the production of biodiesel. @JASEM

A study, intended to generate pre- urbanization baseline data of the soils at the Greater Port Harcourt site of the new stadium, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, has been conducted. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) and physicochemical properties of surface and sub-surface soils at the study sites have been determined using spectrophotometric and other standard methods. The results indicate that the pH of the soil ranged between 5.3 and 6.2 while the percent organic carbon ranged between 1.73 – 2.50 %. The ranges of the percentages of total organic matter and total nitrogen in the soil were 2.98 – 4.31% and 0.24 – 0.34% respectively. The particle size distribution results obtained for sand, silt and clay were 59.0 – 74.0 %, 3.8 – 6.0 %, and 21.2 – 37.2 %, respectively. The mean concentrations of the metals for surface and sub-surface soils were respectively as follows: Cd (0.21±0.05 mg/kg and 0.24±0.15mg/kg); Cr (1.98 ± 1.07 mg/kg and 2.23 ± 1.67 mg/kg); Cu (11.8 ± 4.48 mg/kg and 12.4 ± 5.40 mg/kg); Ni (2.39 ± 0.66 mg/kg and 2.46 ± 0.53 mg/kg) and Pb (1.32 ± 0.87 mg/kg and 1.23 ± 0.88 mg/kg). The results indicate that the levels of the physicochemical characteristics in the soils of the study area are, in general, lower than soils in the city that have long been disturbed as a result of anthropogenic inputs. On the other hand, the heavy metal levels were similar in both surface and sub- surface soil samples. This may be as a result of the geogenic nature of the sites. However, the pristine nature of the study sites may be responsible for the relatively lower metal levels compared with disturbed soils in the city. These values thus provide baseline data for the study area. @JASEM

El presente estudio consistió en identicar la especie Phytophthora causante de la gomosis o podredumbre del pie en cultivos de Naranja 'Valenciana' (Citrus sinensis) y Limón 'Persa' (Citrus latifolia) en la Sabana de Huimanguillo, Tabasco. De 34 sitios muestreados sistemáticamente se lograron obtener 13 aislamientos de Phytophthora en tejidos de tallo y frutos enfermos. Para esto, se utilizaron medio selectivo agar zanahoria (zanahoria 10%-agar Pimaricina, Rifampicina, Vancomicina y PCNB. La caracterizacion morfológica de dichos aislamientos presentaron micelio toruloso cenocítico, esporangios papilados, clamidosporas intercalares y terminales; de acuerdo a las claves morfológicas de Stamps et al. (1990) pertenecen a la especie P. parasitica sin. P. nicotianae var. parasitica. Esto fue confirmado por identicación molecular. Este es el primer reporte de P. parasitica atacando a cultivos de C. sinensis y C. latifolia en Tabasco. Adicionalmente se puede señalar que en base a las evaluaciones de las 34 fincas visitadas, la incidencia de la gomosis es 17.5%, con un intervalo de variación de 1.4 a 45.0%, siendo los daños mayores en plantaciones de C. latifolia que en C. sinensis. Asimismo, se puede señalar que en las plantaciones de C. latifolia, existe una nueva enfermedad con sintomatología externa parecida a la gomosis y que los productores equivocadamente están manejando como tal. Esta enfermedad estuvo presente en el 44% de las plantaciones de C. latifolia con una incidencia promedio de 10.2% e intervalo de 1.7 a 25.0%.

O experimento objetivou avaliar as alterações físicas, produção de ovos e mortalidade de codornas poedeiras alimentadas por diferentes períodos com milho moído após muda forçada. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos (0, 4 e 7) dias de alimentação com milho moído e quatro repetições de 30 aves por parcela para análise do peso vivo e mortalidade e duas aves por parcela para análise das características físicas. Os resultados mostraram involução do aparelho reprodutivo até o quarto dia após muda forçada. Após sete dias, as aves alimentadas com ração de produção atingiram o peso que possuíam antes da muda forçada, e aos onze dias, as aves alimentadas com milho moído por sete dias não haviam ainda recuperado o peso de aparelho reprodutivo existente antes da muda forçada.

The molecular karyotype of nine Trypanosoma rangeli strains was analyzed by contour-clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis, followed by the chromosomal localization of ß-tubulin, cysteine proteinase, 70 kDa heat shock protein (hsp 70) and actin genes. The T. rangeli strains were isolated from either insects or mammals from El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama and southern Brazil. Also, T. cruzi CL-Brener clone was included for comparison. Despite the great similarity observed among strains from Brazil, the molecular karyotype of all T. rangeli strains analyzed revealed extensive chromosome polymorphism. In addition, it was possible to distinguish T. rangeli from T. cruzi by the chromosomal DNA electrophoresis pattern. The localization of ß-tubulin genes revealed differences among T. rangeli strains and confirmed the similarity between the isolates from Brazil. Hybridization assays using probes directed to the cysteine proteinase, hsp 70 and actin genes discriminated T. rangeli from T. cruzi, proving that these genes are useful molecular markers for the differential diagnosis between these two species. Numerical analysis based on the molecular karyotype data revealed a high degree of polymorphism among T. rangeli strains isolated from southern Brazil and strains isolated from Central and the northern South America. The T. cruzi reference strain was not clustered with any T. rangeli strain.

A modification of the sensitive agar diffusion method was developed for macro-scale determination of alfa-amylase. The proposed modifications lower costs with the utilisation of starch as substrate and agar as supporting medium. Thus, a standard curve was built using alfa-amylase solution from Aspergillus oryzae, with concentrations ranging from 2.4 to 7,500 U.mL-1. Clear radial diffusion zones were measured after 4 hours of incubation at 20 °C. A linear relationship between the logarithm of enzyme activities and the area of clear zones was obtained. The method was validated by testing α-amylase from barley at the concentrations of 2.4; 60; 300 and 1,500 U.mL-1. The proposed method turned out to be simpler, faster, less expensive and able to determine on a macro-scale α-amylase over a wide range (2.4 to 7,500 U.mL-1) in scientific investigation as well as in teaching laboratory activities.Modificações foram propostas ao método sensível de difusão em ágar para a macrodeterminação de alfa-amilase. As modificações propostas diminuem os custos, com a utilização de amido como substrato e ágar como meio solidificante. Assim, foi construída uma curva padrão utilizando uma solução de alfa-amilase de Aspergillus oryzae com concentrações variando de 2,4 a 7.500 U.mL-1. Em seguida, as zonas claras de difusão radial foram mensuradas depois de 4 horas de incubação a 20 °C. Foi obtida uma relação linear entre o logaritmo da atividade enzimática e os diâmetros das zonas claras. O método foi validado utilizando-se soluções de alfa-amilase de cevada nas concentrações de 2,4; 60; 300 e 1.500 U.mL-1. O método tornou-se mais simples, rápido, com baixo custo e passível de ser utilizado para macrodeterminação de alfa-amilase em ampla faixa (2,4 a 7.500 U.mL-1) na investigação científica e para fins didáticos em aulas práticas.

We describe herein a modified technique for reconstruction of chronic rupture of the quadriceps tendon in a patient with bilateral total knee replacement and distal realignment of the patella. The surgery involved the application of a Dacron graft and the ‘double eights’ technique. The patient achieved satisfactory results after surgery and we believe that this technique of reconstruction offers advantages over other methods.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate whether the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) modified the association between pre-existing state paid sick leave (PSL) and weekday workplace mobility between February 15 and July 7, 2020.Study designThis was a longitudinal, observational study.MethodsThe 50 US states and Washington, D.C., were divided into exposure groups based on the presence or absence of pre-existing state PSL policies. Derived from Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports, the outcome was measured as the daily percent change in weekday workplace mobility. Mixed-effects, interrupted time series regression was performed to evaluate weekday workplace mobility after the implementation of the FFCRA on April 1, 2020.ResultsStates with pre-existing PSL policies exhibited a greater drop in mobility following the passage of the FFCRA (β = -8.86, 95% confidence interval: -11.6, -6.10, P

The T2K experiment presents new measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters using 19.7(16.3)×1020 protons on target (POT) in (anti-)neutrino mode at the far detector (FD). Compared to the previous analysis, an additional 4.7×1020 POT neutrino data was collected at the FD. Significant improvements were made to the analysis methodology, with the near-detector analysis introducing new selections and using more than double the data. Additionally, this is the first T2K oscillation analysis to use NA61/SHINE data on a replica of the T2K target to tune the neutrino flux model, and the neutrino interaction model was improved to include new nuclear effects and calculations. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses are presented, including results on sin2θ13 and the impact of priors on the δCP measurement. Both analyses prefer the normal mass ordering and upper octant of sin2θ23 with a nearly maximally CP-violating phase. Assuming the normal ordering and using the constraint on sin2θ13 from reactors, sin2θ23=0.561-0.032+0.021 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and Δm322=2.494-0.058+0.041×10-3eV2 using constant Δχ2 intervals. The CP-violating phase is constrained to δCP=-1.97-0.70+0.97 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and δCP=0,π is excluded at more than 90% confidence level. A Jarlskog invariant of zero is excluded at more than 2σ credible level using a flat prior in δCP, and just below 2σ using a flat prior in sinδCP. When the external constraint on sin2θ13 is removed, sin2θ13=28.0-6.5+2.8×10-3, in agreement with measurements from reactor experiments. These results are consistent with previous T2K analyses.

The incidence of pseudoaneurysm after total hip arthroplasty is extremely rare. The most common mechanism of vascular injury is due to direct trauma during the operative procedure and most reported cases are acute in presentation. We report an unusual case of pseudoaneurysm of the external iliac artery, presenting 6 years after initial surgery, and occurring following septic loosening of total hip arthroplasty. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition of infection of total hip arthroplasty, and also indicates the need for prompt and appropriate treatment for these infections.

Fossil fuel carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (ffCO2) constitute the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and are the main determinant of global climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic caused wide-scale disruption to human activity and provided an opportunity to evaluate our capability to detect ffCO2 emission reductions. Quantifying changes in ffCO2 levels is especially challenging in cities, where climate mitigation policies are being implemented but local emissions lead to spatially and temporally complex atmospheric mixing ratios. Here, we assess ffCO2 emission patterns associated with pandemic-induced changes to human activity using direct observations of on-road CO2 mole fractions in the Los Angeles (LA) urban area and analyses of the radiocarbon (14C) content of annual grasses collected by community scientists throughout California, USA. With COVID-19 mobility restrictions in place in 2020, we observed a significant reduction in ffCO2 levels across California, especially in urban centers. In LA, on-road CO2 enhancements were 60 ± 16% lower than the corresponding period of 2019 and rebounded to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. Plant 14C analysis indicated ffCO2 reductions of 5 ± 10 ppm in 2020 relative to pre-pandemic observations in LA. However, ffCO2 emission trajectories varied substantially by region and sector as COVID-related restrictions were relaxed. Further development of these techniques could aid efforts to monitor decarbonization in cities, especially in developing countries without established CO2 monitoring infrastructure.

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis was found in a small cluster of cases in Tejuçuoca, Ceará, Brazil. Tests were carried out to determine its phenotypic characteristics: colony morphology on Ashdown agar and MacConkey agar, biochemical profile in conventional biochemical tests and API 20NE, arabinose assimilation and susceptibility testing by disk diffusion, comparing with data in the literature. This study confirms the presence of B. pseudomallei in Brazil and describes its characteristics.

The study examined the ability of dietary n-3 fatty acids to modify mouse peritoneal macrophage glycerophospholipid molecular species and peptidoleukotriene synthesis. After a 2-week feeding period, fish versus corn oil feeding significantly (P less than 0.01) lowered n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) mol % levels, i.e., arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) in diacylphosphatidylserine (PtdSer), diacylphosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), diacylglycerophosphoethanolamine (PtdEtn), alkenylacylglycerophosphoethanolamine (PlsEtn), and diacylglycerophosphocholine (PtdCho). A notable exception was alkylacylglycerophosphocholine (PakCho), where only moderate decreases in 16:0-20:4n-6 and 18:0-20:4n-6 species were observed after fish oil supplementation. The predominant n-3 PUFA in macrophage phospholipid subclasses was docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3). The major n-3 species were 18:0-22:5n-3 in PtdIns, PtdSer, glycerophosphoethanolamines (EtnGpl) and 16:0-22:5n-3 in PtdCho and PlsEtn. The major n-3-containing species in PakCho were 16:0-20:5n-3 and 18:1-22:6n-3. These findings indicate that n-3 PUFA are differentially incorporated into macrophage phospholipid subclasses after dietary fish oil supplementation, and suggest that phospholipid remodeling enzymes selectively discriminate between substrates based on compatibility of sn-1 covalent linkage and the composition of the sn-1 and sn-2 aliphatic chains. Macrophage peptidoleukotriene synthesis was also strongly influenced after fish oil feeding; the LTC5/LTC4 ratio was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in fish oil-fed animals than in corn oil-fed animals, 0.85 versus 0.01, respectively. These ratios were subsequently compared to phospholipid molecular species 20:5n-3/20:4n-6 ratios in order to determine potential sources of eicosanoid precursors.

This paper describes the ultrasonographic aspects of trematoda Fasciola hepatica, isolated in acoustic gel. It was observed ahyperechogenic curvilinear image at the periphery and a hypoechoic internal portion, without the formation of an acousticshadow. They presented themselves as thin structures with thickness ranging from 1 to 2 mm. Based on knowledge of theultrasonographic anatomy of Fasciola hepatica, the chances of its diagnosis with the ultrasonographic exam increase

Arce MJ, Avila GE, López CC, Fakler TM, Rapp CJ, Ward TL, Vela SG. Téc Pecu Méx 2004,42(1):113-119. Se realizaron dos experimentos en pollos de engorda, con el objeto de evaluar el comportamiento productivo, mortalidad y susceptibilidad al síndrome ascítico (SA) a los 56 días de edad, con la adición en el alimento de metionina-zinc (MZn) y metionina-manganeso (MMn). En el primer ensayo se utilizaron 2,400 pollitos sexados, distribuyéndose con un arreglo factorial 2 x 3, siendo los factores el sexo y tratamientos, que consistieron en un testigo (uso de minerales inorgánicos), la sustitución parcial de Zn inorgánico por MZn (40 ppm) y MZn (40 ppm) + MMn (40 ppm). En el segundo ensayo, se utilizaron 2,100 pollitos mixtos, distribuyéndose en tres tratamientos, los cuales consistieron en: un testigo, la sustitución parcial de Zn y Mn inorgánico por MZn (40 ppm) + MMn (50 ppm), así como MZn (20 ppm) + MMn (25 ppm). Los resultados no mostraron efectos significativos (P>0.05) en el peso corporal, consumo de alimento y conversión alimenticia. La adición conjunta de MZn + MMn disminuyó (P

PurposeTo identify molecular subclasses of clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) and assess their impact on clinical presentation and outcomes.Experimental designWe profiled 421 primary CCOCs that passed quality control using a targeted deep sequencing panel of 163 putative CCOC driver genes and whole transcriptome sequencing of 211 of these tumors. Molecularly defined subgroups were identified and tested for association with clinical characteristics and overall survival.ResultsWe detected a putative somatic driver mutation in at least one candidate gene in 95% (401/421) of CCOC tumors including ARID1A (in 49% of tumors), PIK3CA (49%), TERT (20%), and TP53 (16%). Clustering of cancer driver mutations and RNA expression converged upon two distinct subclasses of CCOC. The first was dominated by ARID1A-mutated tumors with enriched expression of canonical CCOC genes and markers of platinum resistance; the second was largely comprised of tumors with TP53 mutations and enriched for the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix organization and mesenchymal differentiation. Compared with the ARID1A-mutated group, women with TP53-mutated tumors were more likely to have advanced-stage disease, no antecedent history of endometriosis, and poorer survival, driven by their advanced stage at presentation. In women with ARID1A-mutated tumors, there was a trend toward a lower rate of response to first-line platinum-based therapy.ConclusionsOur study suggests that CCOC consists of two distinct molecular subclasses with distinct clinical presentation and outcomes, with potential relevance to both traditional and experimental therapy responsiveness. See related commentary by Lheureux, p. 4838.

Genome sequencing of filamentous fungi has demonstrated that most secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are silent under standard laboratory conditions. In this work, we have established an in vitro CRISPR-Cas9 system in Aspergillus wentii. To activate otherwise silent BGCs, we deleted the negative transcriptional regulator mcrA. Deletion of mcrA (mcrAΔ) resulted in differential production of 17 SMs in total when the strain was cultivated on potato dextrose media (PDA). Nine out of fifteen of these SMs were fully characterized, including emodin (1), physcion (2), sulochrin (3), physcion bianthrone (4), 14-O-demethylsulochrin (5), (trans/cis)-emodin bianthrone (6 and 7), and (trans/cis)-emodin physcion bianthrone (8 and 9). These compounds were all found to be produced by the same polyketide synthase (PKS) BGC. We then performed a secondary knockout targeting this PKS cluster in the mcrAΔ background. The metabolite profile of the dual-knockout strain revealed new metabolites that were not previously detected in the mcrAΔ parent strain. Two additional SMs were purified from the dual-knockout strain and were characterized as aspergillus acid B (16) and a structurally related but previously unidentified compound (17). For the first time, this work presents a facile genetic system capable of targeted gene editing in A. wentii. This work also illustrates the utility of performing a dual knockout to eliminate major metabolic products, enabling additional SM discovery.

The Hedgehog (Hh) cascade is central to development, tissue homeostasis and cancer. A pivotal step in Hh signal transduction is the activation of glioma-associated (GLI) transcription factors by the atypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) SMOOTHENED (SMO). How SMO activates GLI remains unclear. Here we show that SMO uses a decoy substrate sequence to physically block the active site of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunit (PKA-C) and extinguish its enzymatic activity. As a result, GLI is released from phosphorylation-induced inhibition. Using a combination of in vitro, cellular and organismal models, we demonstrate that interfering with SMO-PKA pseudosubstrate interactions prevents Hh signal transduction. The mechanism uncovered echoes one used by the Wnt cascade, revealing an unexpected similarity in how these two essential developmental and cancer pathways signal intracellularly. More broadly, our findings define a mode of GPCR-PKA communication that may be harnessed by a range of membrane receptors and kinases.

To understand their migratory environmental history and habitat use in Mexican waters, 31 striped mullet Mugil cephalus and 40 white mullet M. curema (family Mugilidae) were collected from three habitats (Tamiahua Lagoon, and Cazones and Tecolutla estuaries, Veracruz) in the western Gulf of Mexico. Sr:Ca ratios in otoliths of mullets were measured from the primordium to the otolith edge with an electron probe microanalyzer. Mullets were aged by counting the otolith annuli. The patterns in mullet otolith Sr:Ca ratio differed among habitats and between species, indicating that habitat use and migratory behavior differed between species. Variability in otolith Sr:Ca ratios was consistent with that of the environment inhabited by the mullets. They showed a more diverse euryhaline preference than the simple catadromous behavior expected. The Sr:Ca ratios in the core region of the otolith indicated that mullets can spawn in both offshore waters and nearshore brackish waters, or that spawning may occur in offshore waters and that onshore currents/winds carry the fertilized eggs into onshore waters where salinities are lower. Peak Sr:Ca ratios corresponded to otolith annulus deposition, which validated the difference in timing of seaward spawning migration between striped mullet (winter) and white mullet (spring).

Objectives: To assess whether omission of post-operative radiotherapy (RT) in women with ‘low-risk’ axillary node-negative breast cancer [tumour size of less than 5 cm (T0–2) although the eligibility criteria further reduce the eligible size to a maximum of 3 cm] treated by breast-conserving surgery and endocrine therapy improves quality of life and is more cost-effective. Design: A randomised controlled clinical trial, using a method of minimisation balanced by centre, grade of cancer, age, lymphovascular invasion and preoperative endocrine therapy was performed. Setting: Breast cancer clinics in cancer centres in the UK. Participants: Patients aged ≥ 65 years were eligible provided that their breast cancers were considered to be at low risk of local recurrence, they were suitable for breast conservation surgery, they were receiving endocrine therapy and they were willing and able to give informed consent. Interventions: The standard treatment of post-operative whole breast irradiation or the omission of RT. Main outcome measures: Quality of life was the primary outcome measure, together with anxiety and depression and cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcome measures were recurrence rates and survival, and treatment-related morbidity. The principal method of data collection was by questionnaire, completed at home with a research nurse on four occasions over 15 months, then by postal questionnaire at 3 and 5 years after surgery. Results: The hypothesised improvement in overall quality of life with the omission of RT was not seen in the summary domains of the European Organisation for Research in the Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) scales. Some differences were apparent within subscales of the EORTC questionnaires, and insights into the impact of treatment were also provided by the qualitative data obtained by open-ended questions added by the trial team. Differences were most apparent shortly after the time of completion of RT. RT was then associated with increased breast symptoms and with greater (self-reported) fatigue, but with lower levels of insomnia and endocrine side effects. These statistically significant differences in breast symptoms persisted for up to 5 years after RT [mean difference, RT was 5.27 units greater than no RT, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.46 to 9.07], with similar, though non-significant, trends in insomnia. No significant difference was found in the overall quality of life measure, with the no RT group having 0.36 units greater quality of life than the RT group (95% CI –5.09 to 5.81). Conclusions: Breast RT is tolerated well by most older breast cancer patients without impairing their overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although HRQoL should always be taken into account when determining treatment, our results show that the addition of RT does not impair overall quality of life. Further economic modelling on the longer-term costs and consequences of omitting RT is required. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14817328. Funding: This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol 15, No. 12. See the HTA programme website for further project information.

Oxidative modification of membrane lipids by hypochlorous acid could be an important element in the mechanism of membrane disruption by activated neutrophils. We have previously shown that hypochlorous acid reacts with unsaturated fatty acids of membrane phospholipids to give fatty acid chlorohydrins (Winterbourn et al. 1992. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 296: 547-555). In the present study, we examined the reaction of cholesterol in bilayers with an inert phospholipid carrier. Product separation and identification was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after trimethylsilyl-derivatization. Unlike the reaction of hypochlorous acid with unsaturated fatty acids, no chlorohydrin derivatives were found with cholesterol. Instead, the main oxidation products were identified as the epimeric cholesterol 5,6-epoxides and 4-hydroxycholesterol, while several other hydroxy- and keto-derivatives were also found in smaller amounts. Analysis of the products obtained after reaction of vesicles composed of a mixture of several unsaturated phospholipid species plus cholesterol revealed that the individual fatty acids and cholesterol all exhibit comparable susceptibilities toward hypochlorous acid. Using myeloperoxidase to generate hypochlorous acid, basically the same products and product distribution were obtained. These studies show that unsaturated phospholipids and cholesterol can be profoundly modified by reaction with hypochlorous acid. This warrants further investigation to define the role of lipid modifications in neutrophil-mediated membrane disruption.

Little is known about the mechanisms of: 1) biliary phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion by the hepatocyte, 2) selectivity for biliary 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-PC (PLPC) secretion, and 3) exclusion of 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonyl-PC (SAPC) from bile. The experiments were designed to determine, in rats, whether selectivity (for PLPC and against SAPC) is influenced by bile acid hydrophobicity or secretion rate. We examined the effects of bile acid depletion and of ileal infusion of taurocholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid. Compared to bile acid depletion, infusion of each bile acid caused PLPC to decrease from 59% of bile PC to 48%, and SAPC to increase from 2.6% to 5%. Bile acid hydrophobicity had no effect on PC selectivity, but selectivity decreased to a moderate degree as total PC secretion increased. To determine whether selectivity is for preformed molecular species, we used a new method to isotopically label four species of hepatic PC. This was done by intravenous injection of PLPC and SAPC labeled in the linoleate (14C) and arachidonate (3H) moieties. Assuming rapid mixing of each PC species in the hepatocyte as supported by the specific activity data, bile SAPC and SLPC were derived entirely from hepatic preformed SAPC and SLPC; bile PLPC was from both preformed PLPC (55%) and an unlabeled input (45%, probably direct secretion of newly synthesized PLPC). In conclusion, the selective composition of bile PC is not related to bile acid hydrophobicity, but is partially lost as secretion increases within the physiologic range.

Effect of the leaves on the weight, urine output, and plasma and urine chemistry of salt-loaded rats was investigated. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed; the test-control received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed, while the test received diet containing 8% salt, 5% leaf powder and 87% commercial feed. There was no significant difference in the food intake of the three groups, although the weight change of the test animals was significantly lower (p

Investigation to ascertain the levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity of three human erythrocyte genotypes (HbAA, HbAS and HbSS) obtained from apparently healthy and clinically confirmed malarious subjects/volunteers was carried out. The incubation of human erythrocytes with 1-chloro-2,4- dinitrobenzene (CDNB) resulted in almost quantitative conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to form S-(2,4- dinitrophenyl) glutathione. The reaction formed the basis for the spectrophotometric determination of GST activity. The levels of GST activity of the red cell genotypes was in the order of bAA0.05) affect erythrocyte GST activity of non-malarious subjects/volunteers. The study suggests that GST activity evaluation might be a reliable biochemical marker and possess promising rational for diagnostic potential in malaria

The quality of proteins from ungerminated and germinated fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis) seeds was investigated using male Wistar albino rats. The proteins were found to have high true digestibility (TD) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). There was no significant difference (p

Investigation to ascertain the levels of methaemoglobin concentration of three human erythrocyte genotypes (HbAA, HbAS and HbSS) obtained from apparently healthy and clinically confirmed malarious subjects/volunteers was carried out. Spectrophotometric method was used for the determination of erythrocyte methaemoglobin concentration. The mean (+S.D) methaemoglobin concentration, expressed as percentage (Met.Hb %) of total haemoglobin concentration of three erythrocyte was in the order: HbAA

The performance characteristics or quality of protein from ungerminated and germinated African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) seeds on male Wistar albino rats was investigated. The proteins were found to have high true digestibility (TD) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The net protein retention (NPR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention efficiency (PRE), Net protein value (NPV), Nitrogen efficiency ratio (NER), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and relative NPR (RNPR) of the ungerminated seeds were significantly lower (p

A computer aided design software for the analysis of the critical speed of shaft, is developed and presented in this work. The software was designed using the principles of object oriented programming, and implemented with the Microsoft Visual Basic Language. The package was tested on a number of benchmark design problems. The solutions obtained were highly accurate. Also, the software exhibited very high efficiency. To improve on the method of presenting these solutions, graphical features were incorporated. This enhances the ability to visualize results.