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[UTILIZATION OF DAIRY WASTE FOR BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF SINGLE CELL PROTEIN THROUGH SUBMERGED FERMENTATION

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Title: [UTILIZATION OF DAIRY WASTE FOR BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF SINGLE CELL PROTEIN THROUGH SUBMERGED FERMENTATION Authors: S. Ahmad; H. Aslam; M.A. Saeed; A. Haider; A. Anwar; N. Sheikh Abstract: The alarming rate of population growth has increased the demand for food production in third world countries leading to a yawning gap in demand and supply. This situation has created a demand for the formulation of innovative and alternative proteinaceous food sources. The production of single cell protein (SCP) is a major step in this direction. SCP is the protein extracted from cultivated microbial biomass. In present investigation, a simple process for utilizing whey protein and converting lactose to SCP in order to obtain products which enhance the biological value of microorganisms i.e., yeast, fungi and bacteria. These microorganisms were screened for their growth and SCP production using whey as a substrate. This study emphasizes on the selected species of organisms proved to be most suitable for production of microbial biomass and protein production on whey. The cultivation was carried out at 30°C on rotary shaker 150 rpm. The best results were obtained with yeast and fungi regarding biomass production. The utilization of whey as protein substrate bacteria was found to be more efficient than fungi and yeast. However for carbohydrates utilization from whey, yeast and bacteria were effective than fungi. The results achieved in all experiments showed that the selected species of organisms could be successfully used for SCP production by using whey as a substrate.

BIOMARKERS OF PROSTATE CANCER: A REVIEW

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Title: BIOMARKERS OF PROSTATE CANCER: A REVIEW Authors: N. Roohi; N. Asif; H. Ali Abstract: Prostate cancer, an enigma and challenge is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in males in the United States, accounting for an estimated 186,320 new cases in 2008. Most diagnoses are currently being made in patients who have early stages of the disease and no symptoms. The focus has now moved from early detection to determining the clinical significance of these early-stage tumors. The identification of specific prostate cancer biomarkers can have a significant effect on the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment options for patients. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exams remain the hallmark assessments for screening individuals for prostate cancer. Genomic¬and proteomic-based studies have led to the identification of a large number of candidate biomarkers, as well as signature patterns of multiple markers for prostate cancer diagnosis, disease progression and prediction of survival. While these candidates include the usual suspects, including oncogenes, proliferation markers and cytoskeletal proteins, there are many additional unexpected molecules involved in processes such as transcriptional repression and fatty acid metabolism. These markers can be measured in serum, tissue or urine samples. Future research should focus on validation of already existing biomarkers and the discovery of new markers to identify men with aggressive prostate cancer.

ETHYLENEDIUREA (EDU) - AN ASSESSMENT TOOL AGAINST PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF OZONE ON AGRICULTURAL CROPS - A REVIEW

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Title: ETHYLENEDIUREA (EDU) - AN ASSESSMENT TOOL AGAINST PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF OZONE ON AGRICULTURAL CROPS - A REVIEW Authors: S. Ahmed Abstract: Disadvantages of the use of OTCs for assessing the effects of 03 on the growth of plants include relatively high cost, the need for electrical power, and potential effects of the chambers themselves on the growth of the plants. In many cases, no chamber effects can be detected, and because most studies compare against a control, chamber effects would have a minimal effect on interpretation of results. The protective antioxidant chemical ethy lenedi urea (N42-(2-oxo-l-imidagolidinyl) ethyll-N2- phenylurea), often abbreviated to EDU, is currently the best known systemic antioxidant and has been used extensively to study the effects of ambient ozone on agricultural crops and trees in the field. This technique is relatively easy to employ and less costly than chamber filtration systems, however, it is essential to establish the correct dosage for protection from 03, without direct effects of EDU on the plant, and an estimate of the level of protection from 03 achieved. Ethylene diurea is known to be phytotoxic, so studies under controlled 03 conditions to establish an effective level of protection without phytotoxicity are essential before EDU can be used as an assessment tool.

CHANGES IN THE SERUM IRON, AMINOTRANSFERASES AND BLOOD PROFILE OF THE PRE-TREATMENT LEUKEMIA PATIENTS

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Title: CHANGES IN THE SERUM IRON, AMINOTRANSFERASES AND BLOOD PROFILE OF THE PRE-TREATMENT LEUKEMIA PATIENTS Authors: N. Sheikh; R. Abid; Tariq Bashir Abstract: The objective of the current study was to investigate the changes in the serum iron levels, transaminases activity and demonstrate the changes in the complete blood profile of pre-treatment leukemia patients. 2m1 of blood samples from the patients and Control subjects were collected in EDTA containing vacutainers to study the blood profile by an automated hematology analyzer and 6m1 of the blood was transferred to vacutainers (without any clotting factor), left at room temperature for lh, centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes and serum was isolated and stored at -20°C until further use. A significant increase in the WBC count (P<0.0001), lymphocytes percentage (P<0.0001), ALT (P=0.0076) and AST activity (P=0.0381) was found. The platelets were significantly decreased in the leukemia patients (P<0.0001). Serum iron levels were decreased in the early (P=0.2380) and older age groups (P=0.0027) and other groups had an increased serum iron levels. From these findings we can conclude that different hematological parameters changes significantly in the pre-treatment leukemia patients including the WBCs, platelets, serum iron, and amino transferases in different age groups which could be of medical importance for therapeutic purpose.