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Improving maize yield is an objective of utmost importance for food security in Uganda. In the evaluation of soil microorganisms in crop production, it is important to assess the composition and diversity of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species in different agroecosystems. AMF play an important role in improving crop growth and yield. We present a study of the morphological diversity of native AMF species associated with the rhizosphere of maize in two locations in eastern Uganda (the Amuria and Serere districts). The effects of soil chemical properties on this diversity are also assessed. AMF diversity is assessed by the morphological identification of the spores extracted from soils samples by the wet sieving method. Spores abundance, species richness, and diversity are determined. A total of 19 AMF morphotypes distributed in 7 genera (Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Glomus, Acaulospora, Archaeospora, Entrophospora, and Paraglomus) are observed. Glomus species are abundant in all sites. Spore densities are higher in Amuria than in Serere. Soil pH, CEC, and phosphorus content influence AMF distribution. Finding the species in various agroecological environments indicates that they are adapted to the environments. Maize grown in eastern Uganda is associated with a diversity of AMF that could be selected as bio-fertilizers to improve crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for sustainable economic growth and development in Ghana commenced in 1957 when the country gained independence. After the first president, Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown in 1966, the nation witnessed a significant setback in terms of development which affected all aspects of the society including utilization of biodiversity and its sustainable development. Sustainable development is a kind of development that helps to meet the present's needs without preventing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The biodiversity in Ghana is very rich. It plays a significant role in ecosystem services and functions by providing food materials, medicine and industrial raw materials. This paper seeks to review the potential utilization of Ghana's biodiversity and its sustainable development. In this paper, a broad literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles that correspond to the main topic. The results indicate that Ghana has rich biodiversity and it is the potential heritage and valuable asset for the country's ecological integrity and economic reformation, if only it is managed properly. The country's biodiversity also underpins ecosystem resilience which plays a critical role by reducing disaster risks and peace-building strategies. It was found that the forests, wetlands and mangroves which form part of the biodiversity help to reduce the impact of floods, drought and tsunamis. For successful sustainable development of Ghana's biodiversity, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should collaborate with main stakeholder agencies that are more concerned about biodiversity. In other to achieve sustainable utilization, resourcing research institutions and universities to join the regional tray of biotechnology studies should be of great interest to the government and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adapted forms for administration to infants are limited. The proposed study was performed to propose oral liquid formulations of idebenone in Ora-Plus and either Ora-Sweet or Ora-Sweet SF, Ora-Blend, Ora-Blend SF and Inorpha. Each formulation was stored in 30 ml amber glass bottle at 5 or 25 °C for 90 days. Idebenone contents in these suspensions, determined by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method, remained stable at least 90 days in Inorpha when stored at the two temperatures. In Ora-Blend, the stability was estimated at 14 days and in other suspensions at 20 days at the two temperatures. After 90 days storage, the pH of Ora-Plus and Ora-Sweet or Ora-Sweet SF changed between −0.10 and −0.25 units. For others suspensions, the pH changes were not significant (< −0.09 unit). No change was observed in color, odor or visual microbiology. To conclude, we recommended the use of idebenone in Inorpha vehicle stable for at least 90 days at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hydroxycarbamide, available as tablets, is a pharmacological agent for fetal hemoglobin induction such as sickle cell anemia. The need for alternative dosage form options for patients unable to take tablets led hospital pharmacies to prepare solutions and suspensions. The objective of this study was to determine the stability of hydroxycarbamide in Ora-Plus in combination with either Ora-Sweet or Ora-Sweet SF, Ora-Blend, or Ora-Blend SF suspending agents. The studied samples were compounded into 100-mg/mL suspensions and stored in 60-mL amber glass bottles at room (22°C to 25°C) or refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) temperature. Samples were assayed at each time point out to 120 days by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. The samples were examined for any change in color, odor, visual microbiology, and pH on initial and final day of analysis. At least 90% of hydroxycarbamide concentration remained in all suspensions at the end of the 120-day study period in both conditions. There was no appreciable change in color, odor, or taste. The pH values of suspensions stored at 25°C changed by at least 1 unit at the end of the study period. Based on the data collected, the beyond-use date of these suspensions is 120 days when stored in 60-mL amber glass bottles at both temperature storage conditions., (Copyright© by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, Inc.)