Vitamin D Deficiency Impairs Spatial Learning in Adult Rats

Background: Through its membrane and intracellular receptors, vitamin D regulates many vital functions in the body including its well known actions on musculoskeletal system. Growing body of evidences demonstrate that vitamin D undergoes some of behavioral aspects of neurocognition. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of food regimens without vitamin D or with a supplement of 1,25(OH)₂D3 on spatial performance of adult rats. Methods: The animals were trained in the Morris water maze to find a hidden platform. The time spent and the distance traveled to find the platform, speed of navigation and the percentage of unsuccessful trials were considered for assessment of the task learning. Results: Our findings indicated that the vitamin D-deprived rats had a significant lower performance compared to both the controls and the animals receiving 1,25(OH)₂D3 supplementation. Concerning the unsuccessful trials, lack of vitamin D resulted in the highest failures in the maze navigation. The regimen with additional 1,25(OH)₂D3 did not considerably influence learning of the maze task. Conclusion: We concluded that while vitamin D deficiency deteriorates the spatial task learning, the 1,25(OH)₂D3 supplementation did not effectively underlie the maze performance. Key Words: Vitamin D, Maze learning, Dietary supplements     

Combination of Trabectedin and Gemcitabine for Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Results of a Phase I Dose Escalating Trial of the German Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Group (GISG)

Background: Evaluation of the potential efficacy and safety of combination therapies for advanced soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has increased substantially after approval of trabectedin and pazopanib. Trabectedin’s introduction in Europe in 2007 depended mainly on its activity in so-called L-sarcomas (liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma); combination of trabectedin with other chemotherapies used in STS seems of particular interest. Methods: We initiated within the German Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Group (GISG) a phase I dose escalating trial evaluating the combination of trabectedin and gemcitabine in patients with advanced and/or metastatic L-sarcomas (GISG-02; ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01426633","term_id":"NCT01426633"}}NCT01426633). Patients were treated with increasing doses of trabectedin and gemcitabine. The primary endpoint was to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Results: Five patients were included in the study. Two patients were treated on dose level 1 comprising trabectedin 0.9 mg/m² on day 1 and gemcitabine 700 mg/m² on days 1 + 8, every 3 weeks. Due to dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in both patients (elevated transaminases and thrombocytopenia), an additional three patients were treated on dose level −1 with trabectedin 0.7 mg/m² plus gemcitabine 700 mg/m². Of these three patients, two demonstrated another DLT; therefore, the trial was stopped and none of the dose levels could be recommended for phase II testing. Conclusion: The GISG-02 phase I study was stopped with the conclusion that the combination of gemcitabine and trabectedin is generally not recommended for the treatment of patients with advanced and/or metastatic leiomyosarcoma or liposarcoma. Also, this phase I study strongly supports the necessity for careful evaluation of combination therapies.     

Hypocalcemic seizures in breastfed infants with rickets secondary to severe maternal vitamin D deficiency

This study was done to evaluate if nursing mothers of infants with rickets have vitamin D deficiency, and to evaluate the relationship between maternal vitamin D levels with hypocalcemic seizures in infants with rickets. We selected a cohort of breastfed infants with rickets. Infants were included in this study if they were breastfed and presented with any of the following clinical criteria: delayed motor milestones or delayed teething, were found to have specific rachitic bony signs, or presented with hypocalcemic seizures. We checked serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase, 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in both infants and their mothers. Out of 32 children who met the clinical criteria for rickets, 23 (72%) had vitamin D level less than 20 ng mL(-1). Twenty two mothers (69%) had vitamin D deficiency (25 hydroxy vitamin D < 20 ng mL(-1)). Mothers of nine infants who presented with hypocalcemic seizures had severe vitamin D deficiency, (p = 0.005). We conclude that maternal vitamin D deficiency is common in nursing mothers of infants diagnosed with rickets. Invariably mothers of infants presenting with hypocalcemic seizures have severe vitamin D deficiency. Hypocalcemic seizures in infants secondary to maternal vitamin D deficiency might be prevented by supplementation of vitamin D.     

Bioavailability trials of β-carotene from fresh and dehydrated drumstick leaves (Moringa oleifera) in a rat model

Male albino rats (Charles Foster, n = 40) were fed a synthetic diet deficient in vitamin A for 4 weeks. Six rats died during the depletion period. Of the 34 surviving, 5 rats were continued on the vitamin A deficient diet for 4 more weeks and 24 were repleted with vitamin A (4000 IU/kg diet) in the form of vitamin A acetate (group A, n = 8), fresh drumstick leaves (group B, n = 8) or dehydrated drumstick leaves (group C, n = 8) for 4 weeks. The remaining 10 rats were continued on the vitamin A adequate diet for 4 (n = 5) and 8 weeks, respectively (n = 5). A marked reduction in food intake, body weight, accompanied by clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency and a decline in serum vitamin A (29.2 to 19.1 g/dL) and liver vitamin A (3.7 to 2.0 g/dL) were seen at the end of 4 weeks of feeding a vitamin A deficient diet. On repletion significant improvements in clinical signs, food intake and body weights were noted in the three groups compared to the baseline (n = 5) and at the end of 4 weeks of depletion. The gain in body weight was highest for the group repleted with dehydrated drumstick leaves. Among the repleted groups, the serum vitamin A was highest for group A (34.7 g/dL) given synthetic vitamin A, compared to group B (25.8 g/dL) and group C (28.2 g/dL) given drumstick leaves. All these were significantly higher than the serum vitamin A values seen at the end of 4 weeks of depletion (19.1 g/dL). A significant improvement was also observed in the liver retinol levels on repletion for 4 weeks in the three groups, compared to the vitamin A depleted rats. These results imply that -carotene from drumstick leaves was effective in overcoming vitamin A deficiency although serum vitamin A levels remained somewhat lower compared to the group repleted with vitamin A acetate. In terms of growth parameters, the fresh and dehydrated drumstick leaves were better than the synthetic vitamin A. It is therefore concluded that in the developing countries like India, sources of vitamin A such as drumstick leaves are valuable in overcoming the problem of vitamin A deficiency.     

Methylmalonic Acid Levels and their Relation with Cobalamin Supplementation in Spanish Vegetarians

Cobalamin deficiency represents a health issue for vegetarians, especially vegans, if supplements are not consumed. Vitamin B12 serum levels, traditionally used to assess the vitamin B12 status, can be normal under functional deficiency conditions. In this regard, methylmalonic acid (MMA) has proven to be a more specific marker to detect subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency. In this study, we present for the first time the cobalamin status of Spanish vegetarians using both vitamin B12 and MMA markers, and the effects of the plant-based diet and the intake of vitamin B12 supplements. Healthy adults were recruited (n?=?103, 52% vegans). Dietary preferences and use of supplements were assessed by questionnaires and serum samples were collected and stored. Vitamin B12 was measured by chemiluminiscence and MMA by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using solid phase extraction for sample preparation. Obtained values, median (IQR), were: vitamin B12, 278.9 (160.2) pmol/l and MMA, 140.2 (78.9) nmol/l. No significant differences between lacto-ovo vegetarians and vegans were observed. Considering these two markers, 10% of the participants were mild vitamin B12 deficient. Supplementation (75% of the participants) was associated with higher vitamin B12 (p?<?0.001) and lower MMA (p?=?0.012). In conclusion, Spanish vegetarians have low risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to vitamin B12 supplementation and the MMA determination is useful to detect mild deficiency.     

Thin-layer chromatography of vitamin B12 and its analogues

Summary The separation of vitamin B₁₂ from its analogues is difficult because they are chemically closely related to cyanocobalamin.On the grounds of our experiments we suggested a new method for the separation of corphyrins on dry alumina (basic, second degree of activity according toBrockmann). As solvent system the mixture of isobutanol, isopropanol and water (1 : 1 : 1) was used. The separation with good compact spots was obtained of the following corphyrins: cyanocobalamin (vitamin B₁₂), factor B_{12 III}, pseudovitamin B₁₂, factor A, factor B and factor V (nB).A new simple and rapid method for separation of hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin on thin layer of dry alumina (neutral, second degree of activity according toBrockmann) was reported by us. Advantage was taken of the property of hydroxocobalamin to form with NH₄ OH a compound of the cobalichrome type. Under these conditions cyanocobalamin does not change so that both compounds can be easily separated.The best separation was obtained by mixture of isobutanol, isopropanol and water (1.5 : 1 : 1.25) as solvent system (with addition of NH₄ OH until the ph was 8.5).On the grounds of the results from attempts on the separation of cyanocobalamin from its analogues we reported a method for quantitative determination of vitamin B₁₂ in microbial fermentations, commercial preparations, and concentrates. The method involved the precipitation of vitamin B₁₂ and other analogues (accompanying it) as coper-cyanide complexes, the decomposition of complexes with addition of NaCN-solution to obtain the dicyanocomplexes, the separation of cyanocobalamin on thin layer of dry alumina and its colorimetric determination to 361 nm.

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Zusammenfassung Die Trennung des Vitamin B₁₂ und seiner Abkömmlinge ist wegen der großen Ähnlichkeit mit dem Cyanocobalamin schwierig. Basierend auf unsere Experimente schlagen wir eine neue Methode zur Trennung der Corphyrine auf Tonerde (basisches Aluminiumoxid, 2. Aktivitätsgrad nachBrockmann) vor. Als Lösungsmittel wird eine Mischung Isobutanol, Isopropanol und Wasser 1 : 1 : 1 benutzt. Eine Trennung mit scharf begrenzten Flecken der folgenden Corphyrine wurde erhalten: Cyanocobalamin, Faktor B_{12 III}, Pseudovitamin B₁₂, Faktor A, Faktor B und Faktor V (nB).Eine neue, einfache und rasche Methode zur Trennung der Hydroxocobalamine und der Cyanocobalamine auf Dünnschicht mit trockener Tonerde (neutrales Aluminiumoxid, 2. Aktivitätsgrad nachBrockmann) ist von uns beschrieben worden. Man benutzte die Eigenschaft der Hydroxocobalamine, mit NH₄OH eine Verbindung der Gruppe der Cobalichrome zu bilden. In diesem Fall verändert sich das Cyanocobalamin nicht, so daß die zwei Verbindungen leicht getrennt werden können. Die beste Trennung wurde mit der Mischung Isobutanol, Isopropanol und Wasser (1,5 : 1 : 1,25) als Lösungsmittel erhalten (mit Zusatz von NH₄OH, bis pH = 8,5).Auf Grund der Trennungsergebnisse der Cyanocobalamine von verwandten Stoffen wird eine Methode quantitativer Bestimmung des Vitamin B₁₂ in mikrobiellen Gärungen, in Handelspräparaten und in Konzentraten beschrieben. Diese Methode schließt die Fällung des Vitamin B₁₂ und anderer Abkömmlinge als Kupfer-Cyan Komplexe, die Zersetzung der Komplexe durch Zusatz einer Lösung NaCN, um Dicyan-Komplexe zu bekommen, die Trennung der Cyanocobalamine auf Dünnschicht mit trockener Tonerde und deren kolorimetrische Bestimmung bei 361 nm ein.

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Résumé La séparation de la vitamine B₁₂ d'avec ses analogues est difficile du fait de leur grande similitude avec la cyanocobalamine.En nous basant sur nos expériences nous avons suggéré une nouvelle méthode de séparation des corphyrines sur de l'alumine anhydre (alumine basique, du 2ème degré d'activité selonBrockmann). Comme système solvant un mélange isobutanol, isopropanol, eau, (1 : 1 : 1) a été employé. Une séparation avec des tâches bien délimitées des corphyrines suivantes fut obtenue: cyanocobalamine (vitamine B₁₂), facteur B_{12 III}, pseudovitamine B₁₂, facteur A, facteur B et facteur V (nB).Une nouvelle méthode, simple et rapide, de séparation d'hydroxocobalamine et de cyanocobalamine sur couche mince d'alumine anhydre (alumine neutre, du 2e degré d'activité selonBrockmann) fut décrite par nous. On a utilisé la propriété de l'hydroxocobalamine de former avec le NH₄ OH un composé appartenant au type des cobalichrome. Dans ces conidtions la cyanocobalamine ne subit pas de modifications, de sorte que les deux composés peuvent être facilement séparés. La meilleure séparation fut obtenue à l'aide du mélange isobutanol, isopropanol, et eau (1,5 : 1 : 1,25) comme système solvant (avec addition de NH₄ OH jusqu'à pH 8,5).Sur la base des résultats des essais de séparation de la cyanocobalamine d'avec ses analogues on décrit une méthode pour la détermination quantitative de la vitamine B₁₂ dans les fermentations microbiennes, les préparations commerciales, et les concentrés. La méthode implique la précipitation de la vitamine B₁₂ et d'autres analogues l'accompagnant, sous forme de complexes cuivre-cyanure, la décomposition des complexes par l'addition d'une solution de Na CN afin d'obtenir des di-cyano-complexes, la séparation de la cyanocobalamine sur couche mince d'alumine anhydre et sa détermination colorimétrique à 361 nm.

     

Variability in Macro- and Micronutrients of 15 Commercially Available Microalgae Powders

The nutrient composition of 15 commercially available microalgae powders of Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, Haematococcus pluvialis, Tetraselmis chuii, and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was analyzed. The Dunaliella salina powders were characterized by a high content of carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6-PUFAs), heavy metals, and α-tocopherol, whereas the protein amounts, essential amino acids (EAAs), omega-3-PUFAs (n3-PUFAs), vitamins, and minerals were low. In the powder of Haematococcus pluvialis, ten times higher amounts of carotenoids compared to all other analyzed powders were determined, yet it was low in vitamins D and E, protein, and EAAs, and the n6/n3-PUFAs ratio was comparably high. Vitamin B₁₂, quantified as cobalamin, was below 0.02 mg/100 g dry weight (d.w.) in all studied powders. Based on our analysis, microalgae such as Aphanizomenon and Chlorella may contribute to an adequate intake of critical nutrients such as protein with a high content of EAAs, dietary fibers, n3-PUFAs, Ca, Fe, Mg, and Zn, as well as vitamin D and E. Yet, the nutritional value of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was slightly decreased by high contents of SFAs. The present data show that microalgae are rich in valuable nutrients, but the macro- and micronutrient profiles differ strongly between and within species.     

Three New Asperentin Derivatives from the Algicolous Fungus Aspergillus sp. F00785

Three new asperentin-type compounds, 6-O-α-d-ribosylasperentin (1) and 6-O-α-d-ribosyl-8-O-methylasperentin (2) and 5-hydroxyl-6-O-methylasperentin (3), along with asperentin (4) and its known analogues (5–9), were isolated from a halotolerant Aspergillus sp. strain {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"F00785","term_id":"707638","term_text":"F00785"}}F00785, an endotrophic fungus from marine alga. Their structures were determined using extensive NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analysis, including the X-ray crystallographic data for the assignment of the absolute configurations of compound 9. Compound 4 exhibited highly potent inhibitory activity against crop pathogens, Colletotrichum gleosporioides Penz. and Colletotrichum gleosporioides (Penz.) Sacc.     

Prevention of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Rats by Two Manganese-Salen Complexes

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressive stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by steatosis with inflammation. Investigations have suggested that oxidative stress may play an important role in the progress of NAFLD to NASH. To provide further insights into beneficial effects of antioxidants in NASH prevention, we employed two manganese-superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics, manganese N,N`-bis(salicyldene) ethylene diamine chloride (EUK-8) and manganese-3-methoxy N,N`-bis(salicyldene)ethylenediamine chloride (EUK-134), as two salen representatives and vitamin C as the standard antioxidant. Methods: Experimental NASH was induced in Male N-Mary rats by feeding a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet to rats for 10 weeks. The rats (n = 5, 30 mg/kg/day) were randomly assigned to receive vitamin C, EUK-8, EUK-134 or vehicle orally. Results: Administration of salens together with the MCD diet reduced the serum aminotransferases, glutathione transferase and alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and LDL contents. In addition, the EUK-8 and EUK-134 improved NASH pathological features in liver of MCD-fed rats. Conclusion: EUK-8 and EUK-134 supplementation reduces NASH-induced abnormalities, pointing out that antioxidant strategy could be beneficial for prevention of NASH.Key Words: Fatty liver, Oxidative stress, Antioxidants     

Protective Effect of Vitamin E against Diabetes-Induced Oxidized LDL and Aorta Cell Wall Proliferation in Rat

Background:

Hyperlipidemia and oxidized-low-density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) are important independent cardiovascular risk factors that have been shown to stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on Ox-LDL, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), and VSMC proliferation of rat aorta.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups namely: sham (SH), control (C), non-treated diabetic, and vitamin E-treated diabetic (VETD) groups. Ox-LDL, lipid profile, CRP and VSMC proliferation of aorta were measured after 42 days.

Results:

The results revealed that along with a significant increase in VSMC proliferation, the amount of CRP, Ox-LDL, and lipid profiles in diabetic rats. VSMC proliferation was significantly ameliorated, and elevated CRP, Ox-LDL, and lipid profiles were also restored to those of shams in VETD.

Conclusions:

These findings strongly support the idea that diabetes induces Ox-LDL-mediated oxidative stress and VSMC proliferation in aorta of rat and imply that vitamin E has a strong protective effect as an antioxidant. Key Words: Ox-LDL, Vitamin E, Diabetes, VSMC proliferation     

Weed control and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) response to preplant incorporated herbicides and method of incorporation

Field studies were conducted at two sesame-growing regions of Texas in 2004 and 2005 to determine weed control and sesame response to four dinitroaniline herbicides and their method of incorporation. Ethalfluralin, pendimethalin (formulated as Prowl EC), and trifluralin were applied at the X, 1X, and 2X of the suggested label dose for Gossypium hirsutum L. Pendimethalin (formulated as Prowl H₂O) was applied at the X, 1X, and 1X rate. Two methods of incorporation included rolling cultivator mixing wheels and spring tooth harrow. With rolling cultivator mixing wheels, all herbicides controlled Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer at least 74% regardless of dose. The X dose of ethalfluralin and pendimethalin (formulated as Prowl EC), or the X and 1X dose of pendimethalin (formulated as Prowl H₂O) controlled Brachiaria platyphylla (Griseb.) Nash no better than 73% while all other doses of the herbicides controlled B. platyphylla at least 80%. The use of mixing wheels to incorporate the herbicides resulted in better sesame stands and less stunting than the use of the spring tooth harrow; however, sesame stands were reduced as herbicide rate increased when using mixing wheels. Ethalfluralin at the 1X dose, pendimethalin (formulated as Prowl H₂O) at the X dose, and trifluralin at the X dose produced the highest sesame yield while ethalfluralin at the 2X dose produced the lowest yield.     

Pharmaco-chemical studies on petroselinum Hortense (parsley), grown in Egypt

The pharmacological characteristics of Petroselinum hortense have been studied. It possesses laxative, ecbolic, hypotensive and growth promoting properties. Petroselinum hortense, as shown from its chemical analysis contains: vitamin A (102661.U.) B1(0.17 lmg%), B2 (0,433 mg%), assorbic acid (151 mg%), calcium (129 mg%), phosphorus (26 mg%), iron (6 mg%), chloride (0,41 mg%) protein (3.44 mg%) and carbohydrates (7.42 mg%).

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Zusammenfassung Die pharmakologischen Charakteristiken derPetroselinum hortense sind untersucht worden. Sie besitzt laxative, ekbolische, hypotensive und wachstumsfördernde Eigenschaften. Die chemischen Analysen zeigen: 10266 I.U. Vitamin A.-, 0.171 mg% Vitamin B₁-, 0.433 mg% Vitamin B₂-, 151 mg% Ascorbinsäure-, 129 mg% Kalzium-, 26 mg% Phosphor-, 6 mg% Eisen-, 0.41 mg% Chlorid-, 3.44 mg% Eiweiß- und 7.42 mg% Kohlenhydratgehalt.

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Résumé Les propriétés pharmacologiques du Petroselinum hortense ont été étudiées. Celui-ci possède des propriétés laxatives, hypotensives, ecboliques et stimule la croissance. Du point de vue de l'analyse chimique le Petroselinum hortense contient: vitamine A (10266 I.U.) vitamine B₁ (0.171 mg%) vitamine B₂ (0.433 mg%), calcium (129 mg%), vitamine C (151 mg%), phosphore (26 mg%), fer (6 mg%), chloride (0.41 mg%), protéines (3.44 mg%), glucides (7.42 mg%).

     

Effects of post‐grazing herbage height and concentrate feeding on milk production and major milk fatty acids of dairy cows in mid‐lactation

Milk fatty acids (FA) were compared in mid‐lactation dairy cows in four feeding systems combining grazing management and supplementation. The four treatments were factorial combinations of compressed herbage grazed to 3·7 or 4·6 cm post‐grazing height, with or without concentrate feeding (3·6 kg cow^?1 d^?1). Milk yield and composition were measured for four groups of eight Friesian × Jersey dairy cows over 3 weeks in mid‐lactation for cows that had grazed treatments for 64 d from early spring. Milk yield was higher in cows fed concentrate plus herbage (23·9 kg d^?1 cow^?1) than cows fed herbage only (20·3 kg d^?1 cow^?1). Milk fat percentage was higher in cows fed herbage only (5·5%) than that fed herbage plus concentrate (5·1%). Milk protein percentage was higher in cows fed herbage plus concentrate (4·0%) than that fed herbage only (3·7%). The concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids c9, t11, C18:0, C18:1 t11 and C18:2 t9, c12 FA were lower where concentrate was fed. The concentrations of C18:1 t10, C18:1 t5, t8 and C18:2 c9, c12 FA were higher where concentrate was fed. The concentrations of C18:1 c6, C18:1 c9, C18:1 t9 and C18:3 c6,9,15 were unaffected by concentrate feeding. Post‐grazing herbage height had no significant effect on milk yield or concentration of milk FA. Provided dairy cows are harvesting leafy material of similar nutrient and FA concentration, post‐grazing herbage height does not appear to alter milk FA and the supply of high energy concentrates is more influential on milk FA profiles.     

Astaxanthin Alleviates Early Brain Injury Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats: Possible Involvement of Akt/Bad Signaling

Apoptosis has been proven to play a crucial role in early brain injury pathogenesis and to represent a target for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previously, we demonstrated that astaxanthin (ATX) administration markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis in the early period after SAH. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. In the present study, we tried to investigate whether ATX administration is associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway, which can play an important role in the signaling of apoptosis. Our results showed that post-SAH treatment with ATX could cause a significant increase of phosphorylated Akt and Bad levels, along with a significant decrease of cleaved caspase-3 levels in the cortex after SAH. In addition to the reduced neuronal apoptosis, treatment with ATX could also significantly reduce secondary brain injury characterized by neurological dysfunction, cerebral edema and blood-brain barrier disruption. In contrast, the PI3K/Akt inhibitor, {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY294002","term_id":"1257998346","term_text":"LY294002"}}LY294002, could partially reverse the neuroprotection of ATX in the early period after SAH by downregulating ATX-induced activation of Akt/Bad and upregulating cleaved caspase-3 levels. These results provided the evidence that ATX could attenuate apoptosis in a rat SAH model, potentially, in part, through modulating the Akt/Bad pathway.     

Effect of temperature on the starch content of potato callus tissue

Starch content was determined in Lemhi Russet callus grown on MS medium for 2 and 4 weeks at 25, 15, and 5°C with 50 μM 2,4-D or 10 μM picloram as the only plant growth regulator. A treatment of 5°C for 4 weeks followed by 25°C for 2 and 4 weeks was included to simulate reconditioning. Callus starch content ranged from 0.01 to 0.08% on a wet weight basis and 0.5 to 4.0% on a dry weight basis. Starch content was highest after 2 weeks at 25 and 15°C and decreased with time in a similar manner at both 25 and 15°C. Starch content decreased at 5°C, then increased significantly during simulated reconditioning at 25°C. Starch content was higher in callus grown with 50 μM 2,4-D than in callus grown with 10 μM picloram. After staining the callus with I₂-KI solution, starch granule formation was observed in the callus grown with 50 μM 2,4-D, while little granule formation was observed in the callus grown with 10 μM picloram.     

Red palm oil as a source of β-carotene for combating vitamin A deficiency

Twenty four school children of 7–9 years of age were divided into two groups of six boys and six girls each. One group was given a daily supplement of Suji halwa, a sweet snack made with semolina and red palm oil, supplying 2400 µg of -carotene and the second group was the control group which was given 600 µg of oral vitamin A palmitate, for 60 days. Vitamin A status before and after supplementation was assessed by the Modified Relative Dose Response Assay (MRDR). Results indicated that serum vitamin A levels increased from the basal level of 0.86±0.13 µmol/l to 1.89±0.23 µmol/l in the Red Palmoil (RPO) group and from 0.74±0.09 to 1.94±0.21 µmol/l in the control vitamin A group. Dehydroretinol/Retinol (DR/R) ratio decreased from 0.073±0.025 to 0.023±0.004 in the RPO group and from 0.090±0.023 to 0.023±0.004 in the vitamin A group, indicating liver saturation with vitamin A after feeding RPO snacks, comparable to synthetic vitamin A. This study indicates that RPO is an efficient source of -carotene which is found to be bioavailable in all the subjects tested, hence it can be used for supplementary feeding programmes to combat vitamin A deficiency in target population.     

Assessment of bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. Gilbert, a marine bacterium isolated from the bottom sediment of Algoa Bay

The bioflocculant-producing potentials of a marine bacteria isolated from the bottom sediment of Algoa Bay was investigated using standard methods. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed 98% similarity to that of Bacillus sp. HXG-C1 and the nucleotide sequence was deposited in GenBank as Bacillus sp. Gilbert with accession number {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"HQ537128","term_id":"312064208","term_text":"HQ537128"}}HQ537128. Bioflocculant was optimally produced when sucrose (72% flocculating activity) and ammonium chloride (91% flocculating activity) were used as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen, respectively; an initial pH 6.2 of the production medium; and Mg²⁺ as cation. Chemical analysis of the purified bioflocculant revealed the compound to be a polysaccharide.