Oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant status have been implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria. To assess the antioxidant level ofbilirubin and uric acid associated with falciparum malaria infection, 60 untreated patients (30 men and 30 women) in Douala, Cameroon were screened for the study. Sixty five healthy individuals (29 men and 36 women) were used as controls. Total and conjugated bilirubin were calculated using Jendrassik-Grof method while uric acid was determined using Barham-Trinder method. It was observed that total and conjugated bilirubins were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in malaria patients (10.722 +/- 4.043 and 3.627 +/- 1.571 mg L(-1), respectively) when compared to control (6.830 +/- 2.436 and 1.777 +/- 0.729 mg L(-1)) and these bilirubin levels increased significantly with parasite count (p < 0.050). There was also significant increased (p = 0.021) of uric acid in malaria patients (56.262 +/- 13.963 mg L(-1)) compared to controls (49.838 +/- 15.419 mg L(-1)). No significant differences based on sex were observed on uric acid, parasite count, total and conjugated bilirubins in malaria patients. Positive correlations were obtained between parasite count and total bilirubin (r = 0.320, p < 0.050), conjugated bilirubin (r = 0.477, p < 0.001), uric acid (r = 0.060, p > 0.050) and between total and conjugated bilirubin (r = 0.729, p < 0.001). From this study, it has been hypothesized that the augmentation of plasma level ofbilirubin and uric acid could provide more protection against oxidative stress induced by malaria.

Farmers usually rely on various fertilizers to enhance the yield and productivity of crop species. However, these fertilizers are likely to affect performances and qualities traits of crops. To bring out the interaction between agricultural inputs and carrots characteristics, we studied their effect on yield attributes and chemical composition in three varieties of Daucus carota L.. Some yield parameters and chemical components of carrot roots were determined. Carrot's sweetness was also measured using a hedonic test. Fertilizers had a signifi cant effect (p<0.05) on both yield attributes and chemical components except moisture content. The results show that chemical components were signifi cantly different between carrot varieties. Interactions between fertilizer treatment and variety were signifi cant for most yield and chemical characteristics. Yield, carbohydrates and carotenoids were signifi cantly higher when using chicken manure as fertilizer. Compost fertilizer enhances important reducing sugars. Treatment using NPK fertilizer induced more proteins and iron. Calcium level was high when using either compost or chicken manure as fertilizer. Better Sweetness was obtained when using chicken manure. Chicken manure or compost; used alone or associated with NPK fertilizer increased agronomic and nutritional characteristics and in carrots.