Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2011"

A significant association between intestinal helminth infection and anaemia burden in children in rural communities of Edo state, Nigeria.

Abstract: Background : Anaemia is estimated to affect half the school-age children and adolescents in developing countries. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and evaluate the relationship of intestinal helminth infection on the anaemia status of children in the rural communities of Evbuomore, Isiohor, and Ekosodin. in the Ovia North East local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods : Faecal samples and blood samples were obtained from 316 children aged 1-15 years. Faecal samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques, and anaemia was defined as blood haemoglobin <11 g/dL. Results : Of the 316 children, 38.6% were anaemic: 75.9% of children in Evbuomore, 42.3% in Isiohor and 26.8% in Ekosodin. The overall parasite prevalence in the three communities were: Ascaris lumbricoides (75.6%), hookworm (16.19%) and Trichuris trichiura (7.3%). Malnutrition was patent; 37.0% of the children were stunted, 19.3% wasted, and 44.0% underweight. There was a statistically significant association between hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides infection and anaemia (P < .001). Serum ferritin levels were more sensitive than haemoglobin in detecting anemia and were correlated with intestinal helminth infection. Conclusion : Intestinal helminth infection in a concomitant state of malnutrition is observed in this population. Intervention programmes should be aimed at control of intestinal helminth infection and iron supplementation.

Discriminant analysis of morphometric differentiation in the West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats

Abstract: This study evaluated the usefulness of morphological characteristics to distinguish two important indigenous goat breeds in Nigeria. Fifteen morphometric traits were measured on West African Dwarf – WAD (n = 160) and Red Sokoto – RS (n = 142) goats that ranged in age of up to 19 months and were reared extensively in villages in southern and northern Nigeria. Univariate analysis revealed that the body measures of RS goats were significantly higher than those of WAD goats. Canonical discriminant analysis gave better resolution, as only seven external morphological characteristics of strong discriminating power were extracted. The most discriminant variable between the two goat populations was rump height, followed in order by body length, horn length, face length, chest girth, neck circumference and head width. The discriminant function obtained correctly classified 100% of individuals from the sample of known goat populations. The classification accuracy of the function was cross-validated using the split-sample method, and indicated a 99.7% success rate (99.4% of WAD goats and 100% of RS goats were correctly assigned to their source genetic group). This study indicates that a discriminant tool may be used successfully in the field to separate WAD and RS goats. The present results could be complemented by molecular characterization using DNA markers for better management and conservation strategies of genetic resources for indigenous goats.

Prevalence of hospital acquired enterococci infections in two primary-care hospitals in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract: Enterococci are opportunistic bacteria that become pathogenic when they colonize niches where they are not normally found. Of recent, they have become major cause of nosocomial infections, especially of the bloodstream, urinary tract and surgical sites. The aim of this study is to determine the point-prevalence rate of human enterococci infections among hospitalized patients in Osogbo, Nigeria. The study was conducted between January and June 2009 in two primary-care hospitals in Osogbo and involved a total of 118 patients who developed clinical evidence of infection at least 48 hours after hospital admission. Appropriate clinical samples were collected from the patients after an informed consent and cultured for isolation/biochemical identification of Enterococcus species at the Bacteriology Laboratory of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo using standard microbiological methods. There were 525 hospital admissions within the time frame of the study of which 118 (22.5%) developed hospital acquired infection (HAI); 58 (49.2%) of which cultured positive for bacterial pathogens. Enterococci were isolated from infective focus in 7 patients, giving a prevalence rate of hospital-acquired enterococci infection of 5.9%. Two species of Enterococcus were identified; Enterococcus faecalis from urinary tract infection (UTI) and surgical site infection (SSI) of 6 (85.7%) patients and Enterococcus faecium from UTI in 1 (14.3%) patient. Other bacteria recovered from other infective foci were Klebsiella spp 31.0%, Pseudomonas spp 20.7%, Staphylococcus aureus 17.2%, Escherichia coli 12.1%, Staphylococcus epidermidis 3.4%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 1.7% and Serratia spp 1.7%. All the enterococci isolates were multiply antibiotic resistant, and 42.9% were vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) with the VRE strains showing resistance to wider range of antibiotics than the vancomycin-sensitive strains. Other Gram-positive and Gram negative bacterial isolates also demonstrated multiple resistance to all commonly available antibiotics in this community except E. coli and Pseudomonas spp which were relatively sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. This limited study demonstrated a high prevalence rate of multiple antibiotic resistant enterococci infections among hospitalized patients in this environment. There is need for systematic surveillance of hospitals for enterococci infections; prudent use and rational prescription of antibiotics and stringent measures to reduce the prevalence rate by health education on infection control measures such as isolation, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization.

Asymptomatic falciparum malaria and intestinal helminths co-infection among school children in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Malaria and intestinal helminths are parasitic diseases causing high morbidity and mortality in most tropical parts of the world, where climatic conditions and sanitation practices favor their prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible impact of falciparum malaria and intestinal helminths co-infection among school children in Kajola, Osun state Nigeria. Methods: Fresh stool and blood samples were collected from 117 primary school children age range 4-15 years. The stool samples were processed using both Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques and microscopically examined for intestinal parasitic infections. Blood was collected by finger prick to determine malaria parasitemia using thick film method; and packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by hematocrit. Univariate analysis and chi-square statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum , intestinal helminth infections, and co-infection of malaria and helminth in the study were 25.6%, 40.2% and 4.3%, respectively. Five species of intestinal helminths were recovered from the stool samples and these were Ascaris lumbricoides (34.2%) , hookworm (5.1%), Trichuris trichiura (2.6%) , Diphyllobothrium latum (0.9%) and Trichostrongylus species (0.9%). For the co-infection of both malaria and intestinal helminths, females (5.9%) were more infected than males (2.0%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3978). Children who were infected with helminths were equally likely to be infected with malaria as children without intestinal helminths [Risk Ratio (RR) = 0.7295]. Children with A. lumbricoides (RR = 1.359) were also likely to be infected with P. falciparum as compared with uninfected children. Conclusion: Asymptomatic falciparum malaria and intestinal helminth infections do co-exist without clinical symptoms in school children in Nigeria. Keywords : Malaria, Helminth, Co-infection, Nigeria.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and toxicity assessment of some plants from Nigerian ethnomedicine

Abstract: Context: The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum-resistant parasites to nearly all available antimalarial drugs pose a threat to malaria control and necessitates the need to continue the search for new effective and affordable drugs. Ethnomedicine has been shown to be a potential source of antimalarial compounds or source of template for the synthesis of novel antimalarial molecules.Objective: The antiplasmodial activity and toxicity assessment of 30 plant extracts from eight medicinal plants identified in Nigerian ethnomedicine for the treatment of febrile illnesses were evaluated.Materials and methods: In vitro antimalarial activity was evaluated using Plasmodium falciparum NF54 (sensitive to all antimalarial drugs) and K1 (chloroquine/pyrimethamine resistant) strains in the [3H]-hypoxanthine incorporation assay. Toxicity was determined against mammalian L6 cells using Alamar blue assay.Results: The ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (Labiatae) and hexane extract of st...

Lipid peroxidation inhibition and antiradical activities of some leaf fractions of Mangifera indica.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess in vitro lipid peroxidation inhibitions and anti-radical activities of methanolic, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water fractions of Mangifera indica leaf. Inhibition of Fe(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in egg, brain, and liver homogenates, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH-) radical scavenging activities were evaluated. Total phenol was assessed in all fractions, and the reducing power of methanolic fraction was compared to gallic acid and ascorbic acid. The results showed that Fe2+ induced significant lipid peroxidation (LPO) in all the homogenates. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest percentage inhibition of LPO in both egg yolk (68.3%) and brain (66.3%), while the aqueous fraction exerted the highest inhibition in liver homogenate (89.1%) at a concentration of 10 microg/mL. These observed inhibitions of LPO by these fractions were higher than that of ascorbic acid used as a standard. The DPPH radical scavenging ability exhibited by ethyl acetate fraction was found to be the highest with IC50 value of 1.5 microg/mL. The ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions had the highest OH- radical scavenging ability with the same IC50 value of 5 microg/mL. The total phenol content of ethyl acetate fraction was the highest with 0.127 microg/mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE). The reductive potential of methanolic fraction showed a concentration-dependent increase. This study showed that inhibition of LPO and the DPPH and OH- radicals scavenging abilities of Mangifera indica leaf could be related to the presence of phenolic compounds. Therefore, the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf may be a good source of natural antioxidative agent.

Accounting skill as a performance factor for small businesses in Nigeria

Abstract: Poverty reduction in Nigeria is seen as the most important of the Millennium Development Goals as adopted by the United Nations Millennium Summit of 2000. Studies have also shown small businesses as vehicles for growth and development of a nation thus requiring much attention. Further evidences showed that small businesses are affected by several many factors with major emphasis on funding. Despite the increased number of small businesses in Nigeria, the rate of business failure is alarming. It is expected that small businesses entrepreneurs possess distinct skills found to have greater effect on their performances for their development. The study thus attempted to investigate the effect of accounting skill on entrepreneur performance for the success of small businesses in Nigeria. Accounting skill was found to be contributory to entrepreneurial performance and as such, owner entrepreneurs are advised to embark on capacity building in accounting skill in the area of financial management and record keeping while the government make preparation of financial statement for performance monitoring mandatory for small business owners.

Adsorptive removal of a synthetic textile dye using cocoa pod husks

Abstract: The adsorption of a synthetic textile dye (Remazol Brilliant Black Reactive) on cocoa pod husk-based activated carbon was investigated in batch process. The adsorbent prepared was characterized by gas adsorption surface analysis (Brunauer Emmett Teller, BET), scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of initial dye concentration, contact time, solution temperature, and solution pH were evaluated. Equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models, the first being the best with maximum monolayer coverage of 111 mg g−1. Kinetic data were fitted into pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich models; the pseudo second-order model provided the best correlation. Maximum adsorption was observed at pH 7. Standard free energy, standard enthalpy, and standard entropy were also calculated. The adsorption interaction was found to be endothermic and spontaneous. Both the mean free energy...

Prevalence of helicobacter pylori among Nigerian patients with dyspepsia in Ibadan

Abstract: Introduction: Determination of the true prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is difficult in a hyper-endemic area like Nigeria with use of serological tests because of their low discriminatory power between previous and current infections. The use of biopsy based methods will go a long way to mitigate this problem. We investigated the prevalence of H. pylori in dyspeptic patients and its relationship with gastroduodenal pathologies using gastric biopsy histology and rapid urease test. Methods: Eighty-six consecutive adult patients with dyspepsia underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using forward-viewing endoscopes. Antral biopsy specimens were collected for histology and rapid urease test. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made if both or either of the tests was positive. Results: Of the 86 subjects, there were 39 (45.3%) males and 47(54.7%) females. The age range was 23 to 85 years with a mean of 49.19±13.75 years. Diagnosis of H. pylori was made in 55(64%) patients. Gastritis was the commonest endoscopic finding (60.5%), serious gastroduodenal pathology (gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer) were documented in only 12 (14%) patients. Thirty three (63.5%) of the 55 patients with gastritis had H. pylori infection while 7(58.3%) of the 12 patients with serious gastroduodenal lesions had the infection. Thirteen (72.2%) of the 18 patients that had normal endoscopic findings were H.pylori positive. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori among dyspeptics using biopsy based methods is high in the South-Western part of Nigeria. It is therefore important to test and treat H. pylori among Nigerians with dyspepsia.

Effect of sublingual misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin on reducing blood loss at cesarean section in Nigeria: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of sublingual misoprostol with i.v. oxytocin infusion administered after delivery in reducing blood loss at cesarean section in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: One hundred women with term singleton pregnancy undergoing elective or emergency cesarean section under spinal anesthesia in Nigeria were randomly allocated to receive either misoprostol 400 µg sublingually or i.v. infusion of 20 units oxytocin soon after delivery of the baby. Estimated blood loss at surgery and within the first 4 h post-operation were measured in both groups. Results: No significant difference was found in mean blood loss between the oxytocin and misoprostol groups. Similarly, no significant difference occurred between preoperative and postoperative hematocrit levels in both groups. The need for additional oxytocin was similar in both groups. There was significantly less blood loss in the first 4 h after surgery in the misoprostol group than in the oxytocin group (58.2 ± 20.7 vs 80.5 ± 26.8; P-value = 0.02). The incidence of adverse effects like shivering/pyrexia was significantly higher in the misoprostol group than in the oxytocin group (27/50 vs 1/50, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sublingual misoprostol was as effective as i.v. oxytocin infusion in reducing blood loss at cesarean section. It offers several advantages over oxytocin, including long shelf life, stability at room temperature, and oral administration, which make it a suitable uterotonic agent in low-resource areas.

Metabolic syndrome: comparison of occurrence using three definitions in hypertensive patients.

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome refers to the clustering or constellation of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The risk factors include elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia, low levels of high density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol), hyperglycemia, and central obesity.1,2 Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disease risk factor worldwide.3,4,5 Hypertension frequently coexists with many other cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance (or hyperglycemia), and hyperuricemia.6–10 There are many definitions of metabolic syndrome, as recommended by the various working groups.11–13 However, the core components of the syndrome which include increased waist circumference, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, are commonly required by all the various groups for diagnosis.1,11–13 Prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies in different populations and is influenced by several factors including age, race, gender, socio-economic status, work-related activities, and cultural views on body fat.14 Although the various definitions measure similar components, each uses different combinations of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999 made insulin resistance evaluated by the euglycemic study as the pivot for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.11,14 The National Cholesterol and Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) adopted visceral obesity as the pivot for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. However, the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR) suggested that the underlying etiology in the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors is insulin resistance.11–14 The WHO, NCEP ATP III, and IDF criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome are outlined in table 1▶. Table 1. Definition of metabolic syndrome based on different criteria used. Metabolic syndrome has been associated with an increased tendency to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.15–17 The various criteria identify similar sets of people with cardiovascular risk factor clustering. The IDF definition includes a race-specific cut-off for visceral obesity. Abdominal obesity is race- and gender-specific as suggested by many population studies.1,10 Information on the frequency of occurrence of metabolic syndrome in newly diagnosed hypertensive Black African patients is scarce. A comparative analysis of three standard international definitions for diagnosing metabolic syndrome is expected to give an overview of the frequency of metabolic syndrome in a population. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of occurrence of metabolic syndrome using three standard international criteria/definitions and to study the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors among newly diagnosed hypertensive Nigerians.

Removal of Remazol Brilliant Violet-5R dye using periwinkle shells

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to obtain optimal processing conditions for the adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Violet-5R (RBV-5R) dye onto activated carbon prepared from periwinkle shells (PSAC) by chemical activation with KOH using response surface methodology. Central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the effects of three preparation variables; CO2 activation temperature, CO2 activation time and KOH:char impregnation ratio (IR) on two responses; percentage RBV-5R dye removal and PSAC yield. Based on the CCD, two quadratic models were developed for percentage RBV-5R dye removal and PSAC yield, respectively. The most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for the adsorption of RBV-5R dye onto PSAC were CO2 activation temperature of 811 °C, CO2 activation time of 1.70 h and IR of 3.0, resulting in 81.28% RBV-5R dye removal and 28.18% PSAC yield. PSAC prepared under optimum conditions was mesoporous wit...

Impacts of climate change on rice agriculture in Nigeria

Abstract: This study employed the Ricardian approach to test the relative importance of climate normals (average long-term temperature and precipitation) in explaining net revenue from Nigerian rice agriculture under irrigation and dry land conditions. A survey was done by interviewing 1200 rice farmers from 20 rice producing states in Nigeria. The states covered all the six geopolitical zones in the country. The results showed that increase in temperature will reduce net revenue for dry land rice farms while net revenue rises with increase in temperature for irrigated rice farms. Precipitation had similar effects on rice net revenue. Increase in precipitation will cause reduction in revenue for dry land rice farms whereas it will cause increase in revenue for irrigated farms. The results clearly demonstrate irrigation as a significant techniques used by the farmers to adapt to the climate change. Other adaptation options include Keeping of livestock, engaging in off farm works and the use of different market channels.

Hepatotherapeutic effect of Aloe vera in alcohol-induced hepatic damage.

Abstract: There is a lack of reliable hepatotherapeutic drugs in modern medicine in the management of alcohol/drug-induced liver damage. Aloe vera extract has been used in folklore medicine for its medicinal values. This study evaluates the hepatotherapeutic activity of aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; the negative control, positive control and the extract-treated groups. The negative control received only distilled water daily. The positive control received alcohol, while the extract-treated group received aqueous extract of Aloe vera and alcohol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the positive control and extract-treated rats with alcohol. The hepatotherapeutic effect was evaluated by performing an assay of the serum total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine transaminases and liver histopathology. Alanine transaminase activities were comparable in all groups. Alcohol treatment alone significantly (p < 0.05) increased total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase activities. Alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction was abrogated by Aloe vera extract. Histopathological examination revealed that alcohol induced hepatic damage. Aloe vera treatment maintained hepatic architecture similar to that seen in the control. This study shows that aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel is hepatotherapeutic and thus lends credence to the use of the plant in folklore medicine in the management of alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction.

Effect of sales promotion as a tool on organizational performance : a case study of Sunshine Plastic company

Abstract: In spite of the numerals sales promotion techniques available to many organizations, it is important to note that many organizations have not yet appreciated how to effectively and efficiently utilize these sales promotion techniques in attempting to enhance their organization performance. The objective of this paper is to find out if sales promotion techniques to be adopted at a given time affect the companyâ??s sales volume and also to look at the effect of sales promotion on organizational performance. The method used is survey approach which gives room for primary data-questionnaire while the sampling technique adopted is simple random sampling techniques in which all members of the population has equal probability and independent chance of being selected. The chi-square method is used to test the hypothesis and to examine the effect of sales promotion on organizational performance. During the course of findings, majority of the respondents accepted the fact that sales promotion affects organizational performance and sales volume of the organization. In conclusion, effective implementation of sales promotional tools lead to increase in sales volume and invariably higher profits. It is recommended that during festive period, organizations should take full advantage by developing an effective and efficient sales promotion campaign that can arouse the consumers awareness, thereby leading to greater purchase of their products.

Irradiance readings of phototherapy equipment: Nigeria.

Abstract: Phototherapy devices (n = 63) at twelve nurseries in Nigeria were evaluated. Irradiance was measured using the BiliBlanket Meter II. Irradiance readings ranged from 0.5 to 18.4 μW/cm2/nm; phototherapy units varied widely, including locally made units, reconditioned machines, and modern equipment. Imported “intact” machines with all blue bulbs had higher irradiance readings than locally made devices using primarily daylight bulbs (2.5–18.4 μW/cm2/nm vs 0.5–4.2 μW/cm2/nm). The distance between infant and phototherapy units ranged from 45 to 60 cm, far exceeding the recommended distance of about 10 cm. Only 6% of the machines provided irradiance of >10 μW/cm2/nm. None delivered intensive phototherapy (irradiance ≥ 30 μW/cm2/nm). Phototherapy devices in developing countries should be assessed for irradiance, and the infant be placed at a distance of about 10 cm from the device. Phototherapy devices with adequate irradiance would reduce the need for exchange blood transfusion and the burden of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in developing countries.

Chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf essential oil of Nigerian grown Chenopodium album L.

Abstract: Hydrodistilled leaves of Chenopodiumalbum yielded 0.64 % v/w of essential oil. GC and GC/MS analyses of the oil revealed that the bulk of the oil was constituted by aromatic compounds (60.1 %). The abundant constituents of the oil were: p- cymene (40.9 %), ascaridole (15.5 %), pinane-2-ol (9.9 %), α-pinene (7.0 %), β-pinene (6.2 %) and α-terpineol (6.2 %). The oil displayed strong anti-inflammatory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) - induced ear edema in mice.

Effects of pyrethroid insecticide exposure on haematological and haemostatic profiles in rats.

Abstract: High malaria burden has led to the increase use of insecticides in the tropics and subtropics. This study thus aimed at assessing the haematological effects and associated haemostatic alteration of pyrethroid insecticide exposure using experimental animal model. Rats of comparable ages and weights were randomized into four groups (A-D). Rats in groups B, C and D were exposed to pyrethroid insecticide by inhalation for 1, 2 and 3 min daily respectively for three weeks. Rats in group A (control) were not exposed. Haematological and haemostatic variables were comparable in all groups (< 0.05). Results from the study show that minimal exposure to pyrethroids is safe.

Impact of asymptomatic malaria on some hematological parameters in the Iwo community in Southwestern Nigeria.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among prospective blood donors and its effect on some hematological parameters. Subjects and Methods:

Response Surface Modeling and Optimization of Remazol Brilliant Blue Reactive Dye Removal Using Periwinkle Shell-Based Activated Carbon

Abstract: This work investigates both batch and optimization studies of adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Blue Reactive (RBBR) dye onto activated carbon prepared from periwinkle shells (PSAC). The effects of three preparation variables: CO2 activation temperature, CO2 activation time, and KOH: char impregnation ratio (IR) were studied using Response Surface Modeling (RSM). Based on the central composite design (CCD), a quadratic model and two-factor interaction models (2FI) were developed to correlate the three preparation variables to the two responses: RBBR dye removal and PSAC yield. The optimum conditions for preparing PSAC for adsorption of RBBR dye were found as follows: CO2 activation temperature of 811°C, CO2 activation time of 1.7 h and IR of 2.95, which resulted in 82.76% of RBBR dye removal and 35.83% of PSAC yield. Experimental results obtained agreed satisfactorily well with the model predictions. The activated carbon prepared under optimum conditions was mesoporous with BET surface area of 1894 m2/g, to...

Direct molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical samples - An adjunct to cultural method of laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis, a communicable disease with significant morbidity and mortality, is the leading cause of death in the world from bacterial infectious disease. Because of its public health importance, there is need for rapid and definitive method of detecting the causative organism. Several approaches have been attempted, but the molecular methods, especially Polymerase Chain Reaction assays are the most promising for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical samples. Aim: This study was aimed at using Polymerase Chain Reaction for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical samples using universal sample processing methodology. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred clinical samples sent to Tuberculosis laboratories in Ibadan and Osogbo, Nigeria, were enrolled in this study. The samples were processed by universal sample processing methodology for PCR; smear microscopy was carried out on sputum samples by Ziehl Nelseen staining technique; and cultured on Middlebrook agar medium containing oleic acid albumin dextrose complex supplement after decontamination of samples. Results: Ninety six (48%) samples were detected positive for M. tuberculosis complex by polymerase chain reaction using the combination of boiling and vortexing and microscopy detected 72 (36%) samples positive for acid fast bacilli. Using culture method as gold standard, it was found that polymerase chain reaction assay was more sensitive (75.5%) and specific (94.8%) than microscopy (sensitivity of 48.5% and specificity of 85.7%) in detecting M. tuberculosis complex from clinical samples. There was significant difference in detecting M. tuberculosis from clinical samples when compared to microscopy (p Conclusion: The study recommends that direct molecular detection of M. tuberculosis complex is sensitive and specific and polymerase chain reaction method should be used as an adjunct to other methods of laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Effects of harvesting methods on physicochemical and microbial qualities of honey.

Abstract: Honey harvesting is accomplished using two main methods: traditional and modern methods; the former involves the use of naked flames to rid off or even destroy honey bees, while the latter involves use of smoke to suppress bees’ aggressiveness. This research work investigated the effect of the method of harvesting on the quality of honey. The quality attributes investigated include: colour, total solids, viscosity, pH, diastase activity, acidity, sugars, ash, nitrogen, total antioxidants, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content and microbial properties. The results revealed that the honey samples harvested using modern harvesting method had better quality in terms of ash content, total antioxidants, diastase activity, colour, sugars and microbiological attributes. The lower quality of honey harvested using traditional method could be attributed to the adverse effect of the burning during traditional harvesting on the quality of the honey. It is therefore concluded that modern method of harvesting honey produces better quality of honey and should be encouraged.

Economic Analysis of Swine Production in Nigeria: A Case Study of Ibadan Zone of Oyo State

Abstract: This study analyzed the economics of swine production in Ibadan Metropolis of Oyo State. Data were collected through interview schedule administered to eighty swine farmers in that area. The findin...

Distribution and ecotoxicological significance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Iko River estuary mangrove ecosystem.

Abstract: The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in epipelic and benthic sediments from Iko River estuary mangrove ecosystem has been investigated. Total PAHs ranged from 6.10 to 35.27 mg/kg dry weight. Quantitative difference between the total PAHs in epipelic and benthic sediments showed that the benthic sediment known for higher capability to serve as sink for chemical pollutants accumulated less PAHs. This implies that PAHs in the epipelic sediment may plausibly be from industrial sources via runoff and/or of biogenic origin. A strong pyrolytic source fingerprint has been detected with slight influence of petrogenic sources. Total organic carbon normalized PAHs (sum of 16 PAHs, 59.7 to 372.4 mg/kg OC) were under (except for ES3 and BS3) the threshold effects concentrations (TEC, 290 mg/kg OC). Total PAHs in Iko River estuary sediments were in the range between ERL and ERM.