Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Cold Tolerance Of Asian Rice Through Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria And Rice Gene Manipulation: Mechanisms Of Pseudomonas Mosselli And Osmads27, Nasim Maghboli Balasjin

Dissertations (1934 -)

It is estimated that by the year 2050, the human population will extend to 9.7 billion and therefore the demand for food will increase. It is important to find ways to maintain production of critical crops, like rice, to match the demand. Climate change affects crop productivity as it is the reason for extreme warm or cold weather fluctuations. Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) generally is grown in tropical and subtropical regions and thus, is sensitive to cold temperatures. This study hypothesized two strategies could improve growth and cold tolerance of rice plants: (1) use of plant growth promoting bacteria …

Breathing Around The Clock: Novel Circadian And Light-Driven Mechanisms That Govern Daily Breathing Behavior In Mice, Aaron Andrew Jones

Dissertations (1934 -)

Breathing, like many physiological functions, exhibits a daily rhythm in mammals that coincides with periods of wakefulness and increased metabolic activity. Dysregulation of daily breathing rhythms has been implicated in a variety of respiratory diseases with time-specific symptomatology including sleep apnea, asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, and COVID-19. While the daily rhythm in breathing is regulated by the endogenous circadian clock in the brain, the underlying physiological and cellular mechanisms modulating daily breathing behavior remain largely unknown. Light is the most potent synchronizer of the circadian system in mammals and is likely the principal driver of …

Targeting Aav Vectors To The Central Nervous System By Engineering Capsid-Receptor Interactions That Enable Crossing Of The Blood-Brain Barrier, Qin Huang, Albert T Chen, Ken Y Chan, Hikari Sorensen, Andrew J Barry, Bahar Azari, Qingxia Zheng, Thomas Beddow, Binhui Zhao, Isabelle G Tobey, Cynthia Moncada-Reid, Fatma-Elzahraa Eid, Christopher J Walkey, M Cecilia Ljungberg, William R Lagor, Jason D Heaney, Yujia A Chan, Benjamin E Deverman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Viruses have evolved the ability to bind and enter cells through interactions with a wide variety of cell macromolecules. We engineered peptide-modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids that transduce the brain through the introduction of de novo interactions with 2 proteins expressed on the mouse blood-brain barrier (BBB), LY6A or LY6C1. The in vivo tropisms of these capsids are predictable as they are dependent on the cell- and strain-specific expression of their target protein. This approach generated hundreds of capsids with dramatically enhanced central nervous system (CNS) tropisms within a single round of screening in vitro and secondary validation in vivo …

Covet: A Covariation-Evolutionary Trace Method That Identifies Protein Structure-Function Modules, Daniel M Konecki, Spencer Hamrick, Chen Wang, Melina A Agosto, Theodore G Wensel, Olivier Lichtarge

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Measuring the relative effect that any two sequence positions have on each other may improve protein design or help better interpret coding variants. Current approaches use statistics and machine learning but rarely consider phylogenetic divergences which, as shown by Evolutionary Trace studies, provide insight into the functional impact of sequence perturbations. Here, we reframe covariation analyses in the Evolutionary Trace framework to measure the relative tolerance to perturbation of each residue pair during evolution. This approach (CovET) systematically accounts for phylogenetic divergences: at each divergence event, we penalize covariation patterns that belie evolutionary coupling. We find that while CovET approximates …

Testis-Specific Serine Kinase 3 Is Required For Sperm Morphogenesis And Male Fertility, Kaori Nozawa, Thomas X Garcia, Katarzyna Kent, Mei Leng, Antrix Jain, Anna Malovannaya, Fei Yuan, Zhifeng Yu, Masahito Ikawa, Martin M Matzuk

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The importance of phosphorylation in sperm during spermatogenesis has not been pursued extensively. Testis-specific serine kinase 3 (Tssk3) is a conserved gene, but TSSK3 kinase functions and phosphorylation substrates of TSSK3 are not known.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of our studies were to understand the mechanism of action of TSSK3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the localization of TSSK3 in sperm, used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate Tssk3 knockout (KO) mice in which nearly all of the Tssk3 open reading frame was deleted (ensuring it is a null mutation), analyzed the fertility of Tssk3 KO mice by breeding mice for 4 months, …

Advancing Asms With Lc-Ms/Ms For The Discovery Of Novel Pdcl2 Ligands From Dna-Encoded Chemical Library Selections, Qiuji Ye, Hassane Belabed, Yong Wang, Zhifeng Yu, Murugesan Palaniappan, Jian-Yuan Li, Stacey A Kalovidouris, Kevin R Mackenzie, Mingxing Teng, Damian W Young, Yoshitaka Fujihara, Martin M Matzuk

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: A safe, effective, and reversible nonhormonal male contraceptive drug is greatly needed for male contraception as well as for circumventing the side effects of female hormonal contraceptives. Phosducin-like 2 (PDCL2) is a testis-specific phosphoprotein in mice and humans. We recently found that male PDCL2 knockout mice are sterile due to globozoospermia caused by impaired sperm head formation, indicating that PDCL2 is a potential target for male contraception. Herein, our study for the first time developed a biophysical assay for PDCL2 allowing us to screen a series of small molecules, to study structure-activity relationships, and to discover two PDCL2 binders …

Characterization Of Atrial And Ventricular Remodeling In An Improved Minimally Invasive Mouse Model Of Transverse Aortic Constriction, Jose Alberto Navarro-Garcia, Satadru K Lahiri, Yuriana Aguilar-Sanchez, Anilkumar K Reddy, Xander H T Wehrens

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Most large and small animal disease models of HF are based on surgical procedures. A common surgical technique to induce HF is transverse aortic constriction (TAC), which induces pressure overload. The conventional TAC (cTAC) procedure is a highly invasive surgery that is associated with severe inflammation and excessive perioperative deaths.

AIM: To establish an improved, minimally invasive TAC (mTAC) procedure that does not require thoracotomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Following anesthesia, mice were intubated, and a small incision was made at the neck and chest. After cutting the sternum about …

Suitability Of Double-Stranded Dna As A Molecular Standard For The Validation Of Analytical Ultracentrifugation Instruments, Maduni Ranasinghe, Jonathan M Fogg, Daniel J Catanese, Lynn Zechiedrich, Borries Demeler

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

To address the current lack of validated molecular standards for analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), we investigated the suitability of double-stranded DNA molecules. We compared the hydrodynamic properties of linear and circular DNA as a function of temperature. Negatively supercoiled, nicked, and linearized 333 and 339 bp minicircles were studied. We quantified the hydrodynamic properties of these DNAs at five different temperatures, ranging from 4 to 37 °C. To enhance the precision of our measurements, each sample was globally fitted over triplicates and five rotor speeds. The exceptional stability of DNA allowed each sample to be sedimented repeatedly over the course of …

Outersphere Approach To Increasing The Persistance Of Oxygen-Sensitive Europium(Ii)-Containing Contrast Agents For Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Perfluorocarbon Nanoemulsions Toward Imaging Of Hypoxia, Jacob C Lutter, Andrea L Batchev, Caitlyn J Ortiz, Alexander G Sertage, Jonathan Romero, S A Amali S Subasinghe, Steen E Pedersen, Md Abul Hassan Samee, Robia G Pautler, Matthew J Allen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Radiographic mapping of hypoxia is needed to study a wide range of diseases. Complexes of EuII are a promising class of molecules to fit this need, but they are generally limited by their rapid oxidation rates in vivo. Here, a perfluorocarbon-nanoemulsion perfused with N2, forms an interface with aqueous layers to hinder oxidation of a new perfluorocarbon-soluble complex of EuII. Conversion of the perfluorocarbon solution of EuII into nanoemulsions results in observable differences between reduced and oxidized forms by MRI both in vitro and in vivo. Oxidation in vivo occurrs over a period of ~30 min compared to <5 min for a comparable EuII-containing complex without nanoparticle interfaces. These results represent a critical step toward delivery of EuII-containing complexes in vivo for the study of hypoxia.

Safety Endpoints With Vadadustat Versus Darbepoetin Alfa In Patients With Non- Dialysis-Dependent Ckd: A Post Hoc Regional Analysis Of The Pro2tect Randomized Clinical Trial Of Esa-Treated Patients, Patrick S Parfrey, Steven K Burke, Glenn M Chertow, Kai-Uwe Eckardt, Alan G Jardine, Eldrin F Lewis, Wenli Luo, Kunihiro Matsushita, Peter A Mccullough, Todd Minga, Wolfgang C Winkelmayer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: In the PRO

STUDY DESIGN: Phase 3, global, open-label, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,725 erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-treated patients with anemia and NDD-CKD.

INTERVENTION: 1:1 randomization to receive vadadustat or darbepoetin alfa.

OUTCOMES: The primary safety end point was the time to first MACE.

RESULTS: At baseline, patients in Europe (n=444) were primarily treated with darbepoetin alfa, showed higher proportions on low ESA doses (/kg/wk epoetin alfa equivalents) with a hemoglobin concentration of ≥10 g/dL compared with patients in the US (n=665) and non-US/non-Europe (n=614) regions. The MACE rates per 100 person-years …

Er Translocon Inhibitor Ipomoeassin F Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth Via Blocking Er Molecular Chaperones, Shishi Tao, Eun Ju Yang, Guanghui Zong, Pui Kei Mou, Guowen Ren, Liang Chen, Ho Jeong Kwon, Jianhong Zhou, Zhijian Hu, Arman Khosravi, Qingyang Zhang, Yuchun Du, Wei Q. Shi, Joong Sup Shim

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer where no effective therapy has been developed. Here, we report that the natural product ER translocon inhibitor ipomoeassin F is a selective inhibitor of TNBC cell growth. A proteomic analysis of TNBC cells revealed that ipomoeassin F significantly reduced the levels of ER molecular chaperones, including PDIA6 and PDIA4, and induced ER stress, unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, ipomoeassin F, as an inhibitor of Sec61α-containing ER translocon, blocks ER translocation of PDIA6, inducing its proteasomal degradation. Silencing of PDIA6 or PDIA4 by RNA interferences …

Functional Analysis Of The Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subunit Alpha-1 (Gabra1) Gene During Zebrafish Development., Nayeli Gabriela Reyes-Nava

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The GABRA1 gene encodes for the alpha-1 (α1) subunit of the Gamma-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), which are the primary modulators of synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). Alpha-1 subunits are essential for maintaining the normal function of native receptors and contribute to over 60% of all GABAARs in the CNS. Remarkably, a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental and epilepsy-associated disorders have been linked with mutations in the GABRA1 gene. However, the developmental, behavioral, and molecular mechanisms underlying GABRA1-associated epileptic disorders remain to be fully understood. Hence, the overarching goal of this dissertation is to investigate the behavioral …

Exploring The Influence Of Online Inquiry Learning With E-Scaffolding Prompting Question On Problem-Solving Skills In The Work And Energy Topic For Islamic Senior High School Students, Arrika Wifqotu Lailin Nafisah, Supriyono Koes Handayanto, Sunaryono Sunaryono, Chokchai Yuenyong

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This comprehensive investigation delves into the impact of integrating e-scaffolding prompting questions into online inquiry learning on students' problem-solving skills (PSS). With an explanatory design and a mixed-methods approach, the study focuses on XI-MIPA class students at MAN 1 Kediri City during the academic year 2022-2023. Utilizing meticulously crafted learning instruments, five problem-solving skills questions, and precise interview guidelines, the research employs triangulation through pre-tests, post-tests, and in- depth interviews. Quantitative data undergoes rigorous scrutiny via Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The primary objective is to unveil the discernible influence of online inquiry learning complemented by e-scaffolding on the nuanced domain …

Utilization Of Palm Waste Charcoal Briquettes (Abls) As Thematic-Based Integrated Science Learning Materials For Middle School Students, Sausan Fatin Nurazizah, Rendy Wikrama Wardana, Bhakti Karyadi, Henny Johan, Deni Parlindungan, Fitri Mulyani, Lasriani Lasriani

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This investigation was conducted with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of ABLS ignition and formulating instructional materials for junior high school science education through the integration of e-booklets containing thematic-based science content. The research design employed herein adheres to the principles of experimentation and model development, falling under the category of Research and Development (R&D). The experimental cohort was stratified into three groups denoted as A1 (70% shell charcoal: 30% bunch charcoal), A2 (50% shell charcoal: 50% bunch charcoal), and A3 (30% shell charcoal: 70% bunch charcoal). The development of science learning materials was realized through integration with cobwebs, …

The Effect Of Online Discovery-Inquiry Learning On Improving Critical Thinking Ability And Concept Mastery In Temperature And Heat Materials, Fildzah Purvita Dewi, Lia Yuliati, Edi Supriana

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

The research endeavors to investigate the impact of implementing discovery-inquiry learning concerning the topic of temperature and heat on the enhancement of students’ critical thinking abilities and concept mastery. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design, employing a pretest-posttest control group framework. A cluster random sampling technique was applied to select the research sample, which comprised 36 students from class XI MIPA 3 (control group) and class XI MIPA 4 (experimental group) at SMA Negeri Rambipuji. The assessment instruments employed were two essay-shaped tests, specifically designed for evaluating critical thinking ability and concept mastery. Data analysis involved the utilization of independent …

Exploring High School Students' Concept Mastery Of Work And Energy Topics: A Quantitative Descriptive Study With Insights For Stem Learning, Maharani Karunia Putri, Parno Parno, Nuril Munfaridah, Marlina Ali

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This quantitative descriptive study investigates the concept mastery of work and energy among high school students, specifically focusing on 105 students from the XI MIPA Laboratory UM High School. The research employs a concept mastery test, adapting Bloom's taxonomy indicators from C2 to C6, comprising 15 reasoned multiple-choice questions with a reliability value of 0.704. Student responses, categorized into No Response (NR), No Understanding (NU), Incorrect Understanding (IU), Partial Understanding (PU), and Sound Understanding (SU), reveal a prevalent mastery level in the category of Incorrect Understanding or partial comprehension of misconceptions. Specifically, NR, NU, IU, PU, and SU categories are …

Study Of Scientific Reasoning And Concept Mastery Of Students Through Guided Inquiry Learning Model Assisted By Formative Assessment, Selvina Visbad Saiya, Sentot Kusairi, Sunaryono Sunaryono

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study endeavors to assess the impact of guided inquiry learning, complemented by formative assessment, on students’ scientific reasoning (SR) and concept mastery (CM). The research involved 20 students from class XI A at SMA Muhammadiyah 02 Sumberpucung, utilizing questions adapted from the modified Lawson classroom test of scientific reasoning (MLCTSR) to measure SR, and the force concept inventory (FCI) to gauge CM. The instructional focus was Newton’s law of motion. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were employed for data interpretation. The findings revealed a substantial influence of the guided inquiry learning model on SR, with a d-effect size value …

Genetic Analysis Reveals Substantial Proportion Of Non-Targeted Tilapias Among Farmed Stocks In Kilosa And Kibaha, Tanzania, Winifrida L Mbilinyi, Cyrus Rumisha, Augustine W Mwandya, George M Msalya

Tanzania Journal of Science

Nile tilapia farmers in Tanzania have been complaining about slow growth and low yields. Since some farmers obtain their seeds from unreliable sources, they may potentially be dealing with various non-targeted tilapias that require different environments and treatments to enhance growth and yields. Thus, this study analysed fragments (600 base pairs) of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) from 74 farmed tilapias in Kilosa and Kibaha, Tanzania to determine the presence of non-targeted tilapias. An additional 42 samples from the Magadu Fish Farm, Mindu dam, and Lake Victoria were included for comparison. The findings revealed that non-targeted tilapias accounted …

Determination Of Epigallocatechin Gallate (Egcg) And Antibacterial Activities Of Commercially Available Tanzanian Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis), Raphael J Shedafa, Joseph Sempombe, Ramadhan So Nondo, Eliangiringa Kaale, Mary Temu, Peter Imming

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper presents the results of the antibacterial activity of green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 708903). Quantitative and qualitative measurements of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have also been reported. The analysis by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) revealed the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the green tea extracts ranging from 13.16 to 18.64 mg/g. Crude extracts GT 01–GT 03 inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus (0.625 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (0.625 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.25 mg/mL). …

Application Of Agile And Simulation Approaches For The Maximal Benefits Of Reduced Turnaround Time From The Point Of Care Testing, Yusta W. Simwita, Berit I. Helgheim

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper uses simulation to explore improvement opportunities in the orthopaedic care process. Secondly, this study used a combination of simulation and agile strategies to explore agile operational plans that can be adopted  to maximize the benefits of reduced turnaround time. Data used for this study was collected by observing the entire orthopaedic care process. A total of 635 observations were obtained, with 179 out of these observations undergoing the whole care process. The actual collected patient data were compared with the simulation output to validate the developed simulation. Different scenarios were developed to test operational plans for the maximal …

Dna Barcoding Reveals Occurrence Of Cardiocephaloides Sp. (Digenea: Strigeidae) Infecting The Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax Carbo (L. 1758) In Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria, Fred D Chibwana

Tanzania Journal of Science

Cormorants (Pelecaniformes) are widely distributed worldwide, occurring as coastal birds in inland waters and marine environments, and have been implicated in the transmission of some aquatic parasites. As such, the objective of the present work was to investigate the occurrence and morphological variations in Cardiocephaloides (Digenea: Strigeidae), parasites of the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. The Cardiocephaloides specimens used for molecular analysis (DNA barcoding (cox1) region) were obtained from the intestines of the great cormorants collected from Mwanza Gulf in Lake Victoria. Morphological examination of Cardiocephaloides specimens showed the possible co-existence of four morphospecies belonging to the genus Cardiocephaloides. However, detailed …

The Presence Of Unusual Foramina In The Femoral Intercondylar And Trochanteric Fossae On Skeletonized Individuals From Tanzania, Wilson Jilala, David Ngassapa, Ali Hamad

Tanzania Journal of Science

According to the standard nomenclature, skeletal land marks are all identified by their given names in the world of human skeletal anatomy. But it is also clear that the discovery of new anatomical features continues because human beings have so many anatomical variations caused by genetics, functions, geographical adaptations, and diseases; they are all described and given names. Therefore, an anatomical feature that is rare and undescribed is certainly a discovery and it deserves to be recorded. The discovery of anatomical features on the epiphyseial ends of the femur reported here adds two new names, namely the intercondylar fossa foramen …

Feeding Habits And Diet Composition Of The African Sacred Ibis In Selected Water-Logged Sites In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Jared S. Bakuza, Joyce Ndinadyo

Tanzania Journal of Science

The African Sacred Ibises Threskiornis aethiopicus are generalist birds that feed on many invertebrates and some vertebrates. However, the diet composition of local T. aethiopicus populations in wetland areas in Dar es Salaam Tanzania was unknown. Sacred Ibises from eight water-logged areas in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania were studied to determine their feeding habits and diet composition using direct observations and molecular analysis of faecal samples. Snails species identified from sites frequented by T. aethiopicus included Lymnaea natalensis (61.62%), Melanoides tuberculatus (20.64%), Bulinus sp. (17.66%) and Anisus sp. (0.08%), while molecular analysis of the birds’ diet revealed presence of …

Ethnobotanical Survey, Consumption Pattern And Genetic Conservation Of Leafy Vegetables In South-West Nigeria, Temitope O Onuminya, Michael I Osundinakin, Oluwatoyin T Ogundipe

Tanzania Journal of Science

Leafy vegetables are important in human nutrition; however, their diversity as seen in the dishes in South western Nigeria appears to be diminishing. Many popular delicacies are no longer available in the markets. Therefore, this research was conducted to identify and document leafy vegetables in South West Nigeria, assess their ethnobotanical uses from questionnaires administered to farmers/sellers, secure their genetic resource base, and improve their value chain in South-West Nigeria. Vegetable samples were collected from different local communities in five South-West states in Nigeria, identified using manual/flora, and authenticated at the University of Lagos Herbarium. One thousand respondents, 200 in …

Molecular Epidemiology Of Antibiotic Resistance Among Escherichia Coli Isolated From Broiler Chickens Sold At Selected Markets In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Abdilahi H. Kiula, Victor A. Makene

Tanzania Journal of Science

Unwarranted and improper uses of antibiotics in broiler farms contribute to the challenge of antibiotic resistance, making even previously treatable infections, difficult to treat. We conducted a cross sectional study from November 2021 to May 2022 from broiler chicken markets in four districts of Dar es Salaam to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance among E. coli isolates from broiler chickens. A total of 160 E. coli isolates recovered from cloacal swabs were identified by culture and biochemical tests and confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, targeting seven classes of antibiotics, was performed by disk diffusion …

In-Vitro Antisickling Activity Of Pergularia Daemia, Canna Indica And Petiveria Alliacea Plants Used In The Treatment Of Sickle Cell Anaemia In Edo State, Nigeria, Osaro Iyekowa, Felix E Okieimen, Clifford O Ehisuoria

Tanzania Journal of Science

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and transportation of the red blood cells (RBCs) in blood vessels, leading to various clinical complications. Available medicines for treating the disease are insufficiently effective, toxic or expensive. Therefore, there has been a pressing need for effective and inexpensive therapeutic agents from indigenous medicinal plants. Petiveria alliacea, Canna indica and Pergularia daemia, respectively were evaluated for their cationic constituents as a measure for their antisickling activity in sickle cell anaemia disorder. The three medicinal plants were extracted separately with methanol solvent using maceration method for 72 hours. The …

Prevalence And Burden Of Gastrointestinal Parasites Among University Students At Dar Es Salaam University College Of Education, Tanzania, Magreth Fulgence, Ummul-Khair Mustafa, Jared S. Bakuza

Tanzania Journal of Science

Gastrointestinal parasites cause major health problems in many tropical and sub-tropical countries including Tanzania. However, information on the status of these infections is often scanty, especially among young adults including students in higher learning institutions.  During December 2020 to June 2021, a total of 272 faecal samples from university students at Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) were examined for parasites using the Kato Katz technique and analysed for infection levels based on standard guidelines. Detected parasites were identified as Schistosoma mansoni (8.1%), hookworms (1.5%), Trichuris trichiura (0.4%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (0.4%), with an overall prevalence of 10.4%. …

Efficacy Of The Botanical Extracts, Azadirachta Indica (Sapindales: Meliaceae) And Tagetes Minuta (Asterales: Asteraceae) In The Control Of Cabbage Insect Pests In Iringa District, Tanzania, Levocatus M. Rwegoshora, Vendeline E. Tairo, Moses I. Olotu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Although botanical extracts have been widely studied globally, the efficacy of neem and Mexican marigold against cabbage insect pests is scanty. Field experiments were conducted at Kalenga and Mgera in 2022 using a randomized complete block design. Four treatments (neem, Mexican marigold, a mixture of the two extracts and untreated) were replicated three times. In Kalenga, damage levels for treated plots varied significantly from 3.33 to 9.20% and 5.0 to 18.33%, while for untreated plots varied from 37.70 to 45.85% during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively (F(3, 499) = 111.71, p < 0.05). A similar trend was recorded in Mgera, the damage levels varied significantly between treated (4.44–15.83%) and untreated plots (34.40–46.60%) (F(3, 449) = 94.23, p < 0.05). Treated plots had higher marketable cabbage yields (30.6–43.10 t/ha) than untreated plots (4.78–11.20 t/ha), which differed significantly in Kalenga (F (3, 67) = 141.79, p < 0.05) and Mgera (F (3, 67) = 53.36, p < 0.05). These extracts have shown insecticidal properties, can serve as promising candidates for further studies aimed at isolating active compounds for scaling up ecologically friendly strategies of controlling pests and improve the quality of cabbage products.

Synthesis, Characterization And Antimicrobial Properties Of Mixed-Ligand Complexes Of Some Metal(Ii) Ions With Barbituric Acid And 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands, Kayode Taiwo Ishola, Oluwabiyi James Olaoye, Mary Adelaide Oladipo, Omobola Ajibike Odedokun, Oyebanji Oluseun Aboyeji

Tanzania Journal of Science

Many pathogenic organisms have developed resistance to many antibiotics, which leads to an increase in the spread of many microbial infections. There is an urgent need to find more effective drugs to curb widespread transmission. Hence, this study synthesized and evaluated the antimicrobial activities of mixed-ligand complexes of Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), and Zn(II) ions with barbituric acid and 1,10 phenanthroline ligands in effort to find more effective antibiotics. The complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, metal analysis, melting points, solubility tests, and spectroscopic analyses (IR and UV-visible). The antimicrobial activities of the complexes were evaluated against two gram-positive bacteria …

Ameliorative Effects Of Vitamins C And E On Haematotoxicity And Spleen Histopathology Induced By Dichlorvos Insecticide In Female Wistar Rats, Halima Mfaume, Harishchandra Pratap, Claudius Luziga, Felister Urasa

Tanzania Journal of Science

This research aimed to assess the toxicological effects of dichlorvos insecticide (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate or DDVP) on haematological indices of female Wistar rats and to investigate the antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E in ameliorating haematotoxicity. The rats were divided into 6 groups; control-water, control-oil, dichlorvos group, dichlorvos + vitamin C group, dichlorvos + vitamin E group and dichlorvos + vitamin C + E group. Dichlorvos and vitamins were orally administered to rats with an interval of half an hour between treatments. The control-oil group was given 2 ml corn oil and the control-water group was given water adlib. …