Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2012"

Metal organic frameworks as adsorbents for dye adsorption: overview, prospects and future challenges

Abstract: Considering the amount of colored waste water generated from many industries (textile, leather, paper, printing, dyestuff, and plastic) that are sent to various water bodies and the ecosystem, the search for efficient and better methods of purification still continues. With the recent research into metal organic frameworks (MOFs), there is a steady growing interest worldwide for their various applications. This article presents a review of MOFs, their application in dye adsorption and their various challenges and future prospects. It was concluded that with the current interest, research and development for various applications, there are possibilities which will bring to limelight more laboratory, industrial and environmental usage of MOFs as dye adsorbents.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Shell Based Activated Carbon for the Removal of Malachite Green Dye from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract: The adsorption of malachite green (MG) dye using coconut shell based activated carbon (CSAC) was investigated. Operational factors such as the effect of pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and solution temperature on the adsorption process were studied. Solution pH strongly affected the chemistry of both the dye molecule and CSAC in solution. Optimum dye removal was obtained at pH ≥ 8.0. Equilibrium was reached in 120 minutes contact time. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models were used to evaluate the adsorption data. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir model most with maximum adsorption monolayer coverage of 214.63 mg/g. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models were also used to fit the experimental data. Kinetic parameters, rate constants, equilibrium sorption capacities, and related correlation coefficients, for each model were calculated and discussed. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS...

Characterization of methicillin-susceptible and -resistant staphylococci in the clinical setting: a multicentre study in Nigeria

Abstract: The staphylococci are implicated in a variety of human infections; however, many clinical microbiology laboratories in Nigeria do not identify staphylococci (in particular coagulase negative staphylococci - CNS) to the species level. Moreover, data from multi-centre assessment on antibiotic resistance and epidemiology of the staphylococci are not available in Nigeria. This study investigated 91 non-duplicate staphylococcal isolates obtained from the microbiology laboratories of eight hospitals in Nigeria during the period January to April 2010. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK 2 system, detection of resistance genes by PCR, and molecular characterization was determined by SCCmec typing, spa and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). All the isolates were susceptible to mupirocin, tigecycline, vancomycin and linezolid, but 72.5% of CNS and 82.3% of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to cotrimoxazole, while multiresistance was observed in 37 of the 40 CNS isolates. Untypeable SCCmec types (ccrC/Class A mec and ccr-negative/Class C2 mec gene complex) in two methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were identified. Additionally, ccr-negative/Class A mec and ccr type 4/Class C2 mec gene complex was detected in one isolate each of S. sciuri and S. haemolyticus, respectively. The S. aureus isolates were classified into 21 spa types including two new types (t8987, t9008) among the methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. Two (CC8-SCCmecnon-typeable and CC88-SCCmec IV) and four (CC8-SCCmec III/IV/V; CC30-SCCmec II/III; CC88-SCCmec IV; and ST152-SCCmecnon-typeable) MRSA clones were identified in Maiduguri (North-East Nigeria) and South-West Nigeria, respectively. The proportion of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive MSSA was high (44.4%) and 56.3% of these strains were associated with sequence type (ST) 152. The identification of multiresistant mecA positive S. haemolyticus and S. sciuri from clinical samples indicates that characterization of CNS is important in providing information on their diversity and importance in Nigeria. There is the need to develop new SCCmec classification methods for non-typeable methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and to curtail the spread and establishment of the S. aureus ST152 clone in Nigeria. The study presents the first report of a PVL-positive ST152-SCCmecnontypeable MRSA and SCCmec typing of methicillin-resistant CNS in Nigeria.

Adsorptive features of banana (Musa paradisiaca) stalk-based activated carbon for malachite green dye removal

Abstract: Chemically prepared activated carbon derived from banana stalk (BSAC) was used as an adsorbent to remove malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous solution. BSAC was characterised using thermogravimetric analyser, Brunauer Emmett Teller, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, pHpzc, elemental analysis and Boehm titration. The effectiveness of BSAC in adsorbing MG dye was studied as a function of pH, contact time, temperature, initial dye concentration and repeated desorption–adsorption processes. pHpzc of BSAC was 4.5 and maximum dye adsorption occurred at pH 8.0. The rate of dye adsorption by BSAC was very fast initially, attaining equilibrium within 120 min following a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Experimental data were analysed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Raduschevich isotherms. Equilibrium data fitted best into the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 141.76 mg·g−1. Δ G 0 values were negative, indicating that the process of MG dye adsorption o...

Impact of urbanization and gender on frequency of metabolic syndrome among native Abuja settlers in Nigeria.

Abstract: Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Nigeria is currently undergoing rapid epidemiological transition. The objective was to study whether urbanization is associated with increased prevalence of MetS between native rural Abuja settlers and genetically related urban dwellers. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Three hundred and forty-two urban native Abuja settlers and 325 rural dwellers were used for the study. Fasting blood lipid, glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure, and body mass index were determined. MetS was defined according to three standard criteria. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. P 0.05; and 3.7% vs. 13.7%, P<0.05, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that MetS is a major health condition among rural and urban Nigerians and that urbanization significantly increases the prevalence of MetS. This can be explained on the basis of higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension in urban setting, possibly as a result of stress, diet, and reduction in physical activity. Effective preventive strategy is therefore required to stem the increased risk associated with urbanization to reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with MetS among Nigerians. Key words: Dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, Nigeria, obesity, urbanization.

Box-Behnken design application to study enhanced bioremediation of soil artificially contaminated with spent engine oil using biostimulation strategy

Abstract: This work studies the biodegradation of spent engine oil in soil using Box-Behnken design under response surface methodology. NPK fertilizer (inorganic nutrient), Tween 80 (nonionic surfactant), and pig manure (organic nutrient) concentrations were used as independent biostimulant variables, while total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) reductions as dependent variables (response) in a 42-day remediation period. A statistically significant second-order quadratic regression model for TPH and Cr (VI) removal was obtained. The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9995 for TPH and 0.9988 for Cr (VI)) and probability value (P < 0.0001) demonstrated significance for the regression model. Numerical optimization technique based on desirability function was carried out for initial spent engine oil concentration of 10% w/w to optimize the biodegradation process. The optimum values for biostimulation agents to achieve a predicted maximum TPH and Cr (VI) removal of 67.20% and 53.20%, respectively, were found to be as follows: NPK fertilizer, 4.22 g; Tween 80, 10.69 mg/l; and pig manure, 47.76 g. At this optimum point, the observed TPH and Cr (VI) reductions were found to be 66.47% and 52.33%, respectively. The statistical analyses and the closeness of the experimental results and model predictions show the reliability of the regression model, and thus, biostimulation of indigenous microbial density and activity can reduce remediation period of petroleum hydrocarbon and heavy metal-contaminated environment and subsequently the cost of remediation.

Adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Violet-5R reactive dye from aqueous solution by cocoa pod husk-based activated carbon: kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies

Abstract: The adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Violet-5R (RBV-5R) reactive dye on cocoa pod husk activated carbon (CPHAC) was investigated in batch process. The effects of initial dye concentration, contact time, solution temperature and pH were evaluated. The equilibrium data were fitted into Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. It was found that Freundlich model fitted the adsorption data most. The kinetic data were fitted into pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. Adsorption of RBV-5R dye on CPHAC was best described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption of RBV-5R dye was favored at acidic pH. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy ΔG0, standard enthalpy ΔH0 and standard entropy ΔS0 were calculated. The adsorption interaction of RBV-5R reactive dye on the adsorbent was found to be feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption process followed a physisorption mechanism. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The role of Allium cepa on aluminum-induced reproductive dysfunction in experimental male rat models.

Abstract: Aim: Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum (Al) exposure. Studies that associated Al with reproductive dysfunction did not account for the possible influence of Allium cepa extract. This study, therefore, investigates the influence of A. cepa on aluminum-induced reproductive dysfunction. Materials and Methods: Six male rats per group were assigned to one of the following four treatment groups: The control animals were on control diet. A. cepa-treated rats received 1 ml of the extract/100 g body weight (BW), Al-treated rats received 100 mg AlCl 3 /kg BW, and A.cepa+Al received 1 ml of the extract/100 g BW plus 100 mg AlCl 3 /kg BW. Rats were orally administered their respective doses. A. cepa treatment was for 8 weeks, while Al treatment was for the last 3 days of the experimental period. Results: Results obtained showed that Al significantly decreased (P < 0.05) plasma testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sperm count, motility, morphology and viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while lipid peroxidation index [malondialdehyde (MDA)] was significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Reproductive hormones (except testosterone), sperm qualities, and enzymatic antioxidants were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in A. cepa-treated rats and A. cepa plus Al-treated rats, while MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) improved. Weights of testes were comparable in all groups. Conclusion: It is thus suggested that Al exerts reproductive dysfunction by oxidative damage. A. cepa antagonizes the toxic effects of AlCl 3 and improves the antioxidant status and sperm quality of male rat. However, testosterone level did not increase with A. cepa treatment.

Testicular toxicity and sperm quality following cadmium exposure in rats: Ameliorative potentials of Allium cepa.

Abstract: Aims: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Allium cepa crude extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups (n = 6). Group 1 was used as control, group 2 was administered 0.3 mg/kgBW of cadmium sulfate (CdSO 4 ) intraperitoneally for 3 days, group 3 was pretreated with 1 ml/100 g BW of Allium cepa (AcE) for 8 weeks followed by intraperitoneal administration of 0.3 mg/kgBW of CdSO 4 in the last 3 days of experiment, and group 4 was administered 1 ml/100 g BW of AcE throughout the experiment. Testicular weight and semen analysis revealing the sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology was carried out. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, and lipid peroxidation status were also carried out in testes. Results: The study demonstrated that Allium cepa ameliorated CdSO 4 -induced alteration in testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. It also showed that Allium cepa attenuated the derangement of lipid peroxidation profile in testicular tissues caused by CdSO 4 exposure. Conclusions: The findings in the study showed that pre-treatment of rat model with Allium cepa extract prevented CdSO 4 -induced reproductive toxicity by improving sperm quality and enhancing testicular lipid peroxidation status.

Effect of Fermentation on Physicochemical Properties and Oxalate Content of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) Flour

Abstract: The effect of fermentation on physicochemical properties and oxalate content of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) flour was evaluated. The cocoyam, white flesh was cleaned, washed, peeled, sliced into chips of 2–2.5 cm thickness, soaked in tap water and left to ferment for 24 h and 48 h. The fermented cocoyam was then drained, dried in cabinet dryer at 60∘C for 24 h and milled. The flour samples were passed through a 45 μm mesh size sieve. Unfermented cocoyam flour was also produced and served as a control. Calcium oxalate and some physicochemical properties of flours from the fermented cocoyam were compared with the unfermented flour. Results showed that fermentation effected a significant reduction in oxalate level (58 to 65%) depending on the fermentation period. The amylose content was higher in 48 h fermented flour (55.52%) than in 24 h (54.55%). Pasting (gelatinization) temperature decreased, and water absorption capacity increased markedly due to fermentation.

Lipid, lipoproteins, total antioxidant status and organ changes in rats administered high doses of cadmium chloride.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the possible association between cadmium (Cd) exposure and alterations in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) in rats. <

Impaired lipid levels and inflammatory response in rats exposed to cadmium.

Abstract: To investigate the subchronic effect of cadmium intoxication on lipid metabolism and the inflammatory responses accompanying it, rats were administered 50 and 100 ppm cadmium through their drinking water for 7 weeks. At both concentrations, cadmium exposure resulted in significant elevation (p < 0.05) of total cholesterol and gave rise to hypertriglyceridemia in the plasma of the animals. The proinflammatory cytokines, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α, were highly expressed in the animals. At the 50 ppm dose level, plasma IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were increased by 20 %, 87 % and 336 % respectively, while the 100 ppm dose yielded 32 %, 57 % and 470 % increases, respectively. A drastic build-up of MDA in the liver elicited by the metal led to an 85 % increase in lipid peroxidation at high dose. A 3-fold increase of lipid hydroperoxidation (LOOH) products was obtained on exposure to cadmium at 100 ppm. Cadmium caused more than a 2-fold increase in oxLDL levels at both doses tested. Paraoxonase activity was also significantly repressed, culminating in a 43 % reduction in activity at 100 ppm dose. Disruption of lipid metabolism, increased lipid peroxidation as well as imbalance in proinflammatory cytokine levels may thus, be means by which cadmium induces its toxicity.

Ficolin-2 Levels and FCN2 Genetic Polymorphisms as a Susceptibility Factor in Schistosomiasis

Abstract: Background. Human ficolin-2 (L-ficolins) encoded by the FCN2 gene are pattern-recognition proteins involved in innate immunity and are associated with several infectious diseases. Methods. A Nigerian cohort of 168 Schistosoma haematobium–infected individuals and 192 healthy controls were examined for functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region (−986G>A, −602G>A, −4A>G) and in exon 8 (+6424G>T) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. The FCN2 −986A and −4G alleles were significantly associated with the occurrence of schistosomiasis (P = .0004 for −986G>A; P= .0001 for −4A>G). The heterozygous genotypes (P= .0006 for −986G>A; P = .0002 for −4A>G) were observed to be a risk factor for susceptibility to schistosomiasis, whereas the homozygous genotypes of major alleles (P = .0002 for −986G>A; P= .0001 for −4A>G) were observed to shield against schistosomiasis. The haplotype AGGG (P = .0002) was observed to be a risk factor for susceptibility to schistosomiasis compared with controls, and the haplotype GGAG (P= .04) was observed to confer protection compared with patients. Ficolin-2 serum level was significantly higher in controls (P A and −4A>G) influence ficolin-2 serum levels and susceptibility to schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is a major human parasitic disease that is caused by different species of trematode of the genus Schistosoma in sub-Saharan Africa. The most prevalent species in sub-Saharan Africa is S. haema

Pediatric trauma in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges in overcoming the scourge.

Abstract: All over the world, pediatric trauma has emerged as an important public health problem. It accounts for the highest mortality in children and young adults in developed countries. Reports from Africa on trauma in the pediatric age group are few and most have been single center experience. In many low-and middle-income countries, the death rates from trauma in the pediatric age group exceed those found in developed countries. Much of this mortality is preventable by developing suitable preventive measures, implementing an effective trauma system and adapting interventions that have been implemented in developed countries that have led to significant reduction in both morbidity and mortality. This review of literature on the subject by pediatric and orthopedic surgeons from different centers in Africa aims to highlight the challenges faced in the care of these patients and proffer solutions to the scourge.

Equilibrium, kinetic, and quantum chemical studies on the adsorption of Congo red using Imperata cylindrica leaf powder activated carbon

Abstract: Leaf powder of spear grass, otherwise known as Imperata cylindrica (IC), was used to prepare activated carbon. The Imperata cylindrica activated carbon (ICAC) prepared was used for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solution. Operation parameters such as initial dye concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, and temperature were studied in batch systems. Equilibrium was attained in 150 and 180 min at lowest and highest concentrations, respectively. Maximum adsorption was observed at pH 3. Quantum chemical studies suggested that the protonation of aniline groups and minimal molecular size at planar geometry coupled with electrostatic interaction enhances the adsorption at low pH. Adsorption data were tested using pseudo-first-order and second-order reaction kinetics; the latter was found to be more suitable with a coefficient of determination of ≥0.99. The adsorption process fits Langmuir isotherm model better than the Freundlich model, with a maximum monolayer coverage of 313 mgg−1. Th...

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Metabolic Syndrome in Nigerians Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract: Background: Sub-Saharan Africa bears an inordinate burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Reports have shown increased prevalence of clustering of cardiovascular risk factors referred to as metabolic syndrome in treatment-naive patients and patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In view of the fact that metabolic syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder with substantial variability in the prevalence and component traits within and across populations and the dearth of publications on the prevalence and clinical correlates of metabolic syndrome in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nigeria, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of metabolic syndrome among an HIV-infected outpatient population using the National Cholesterol Education Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) definitions. We also soug...

Changes in serum leptin during phases of menstrual cycle of fertile women: relationship to age groups and fertility

Abstract: Background: It is established that serum level of leptin is affected by transitional phases of reproduction. It is also reported that the puberty is triggered when body fat and circulating levels of leptin exceed the critical thresholds, butthere is less focus on the serum level of leptin and its relationship with different phases of menstrual cycle and the fertility. Objectives: The present study try to determines the serum concentration of leptin and fertility hormonesin the various phases of normal menstrual cycle of fertile women and compare any difference in serum concentration between age groups of 18-30 years and 31-41 years It is a well known fact that fertility start to decrease from age 31 years. Patients and Methods: A total of 118 healthy fertile women with normal menstrual cycle aged between 18-40, were divided into two age groups (n = 65) 18-30 years and (n = 53) 31-40 years. Serum concentrations of leptin, estradiol, progesterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured on day1 (menstrual phase), day7 (proliferative/follicular phase), day14 (ovulatory phase), day21 (luteal phase) and day 28(secretory phase) of the menstrual cycle. Results: There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in leptin levels on day 14 (12.75 + 5.8 ng/mL) and day 21 (12.91 + 3.2 ng/mL) for age group 18-30 years compared to day 14 (11.60 + 3.2 ng/mL) and day 21 (11.60 + 3.2 ng/mL) for age group 31-40 years. Leptin was positively correlated with FSH on day 14, with LH on day 7 and day 21; likewise, with progesterone on day 21 and day 28 and with estradiol on day 7 and day 14 for both age groups. Conclusions: The serum leptin level was at the lowest level during the menstrual and secretory phase and the highest level was around the luteal phase. The significant increase ofleptin in the younger age group raise this question whether circulating leptin has any role to play in the age of pregnancy and fertility. Data in this study shows that leptin level was affected with increase in age; therefore changes in leptin level will affect fertility in this study suggest that there may be a relation between leptin levels and fertility.

Nigerian Jatropha Curcas Oil Seeds: Prospect for Biodiesel Production in Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigated production of biodiesel from oil seeds of Jatropha curcas, obtained in Nigeria, with a view to encouraging the cultivation of Jatropha plant in Nigeria and to providing a motivation for the development of biodiesel production from this feedstock. Also effect of oil-to-alcohol molar ratio on the biodiesel production from Nigerian Jatropha curcas seeds oil was investigated with a view to confirming established base case. A maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of 87% was obtained at 333 Kelvin, oil-to-alcohol molar ratio of 1:6 and at 1wt% NaOH catalyst concentration. The physical properties of the BD obtained from Nigerian Jatropha oil met the ASTM standard of D-6751. Consequently, this study reveals that Jatropha curcas , an economically invaluable plant in Nigeria, could be a good feedstock for biodiesel production in Nigeria.

Acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis in the tropics.

Abstract: The morbidity and mortality from acute kidney injury (AKI) have remained relatively high over the last six decades. The triad of infections, nephrotoxins and obstetric complications are still major causes of acute kidney injury in the tropics. This retrospective study is a five-year audit of acute renal failure (ARF) (or stage 3 AKI) in patients requiring hemodialysis at the renal unit of the Department of Medicine of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. A total of 80 patients with AKI were treated over a five-year period at our center, of which 45 (56.2%) were in ARF, i.e. stage 3 AKI requiring hemodialysis. There were 24 males and 21 females. The most common cause of ARF among the patients was sepsis syndrome 16 (35.5%), while pregnancy-related cases accounted for 15 (33.3%) and nephrotoxins for 6 (13.3%). Five (33%) of the 15 pregnancy-related patients survived, and all were cases of septic abortion. Of the other 10 patients that did not survive, three (30%) had post-partum hemorrhage and seven (70%) post-partum eclampsia. In all, the mortality rate among our AKI presenting for hemodialysis at our center over a given year period was 28.8%. Majority of these were eclampsia related. The causes of ARF still remain the same in the tropics, eclampsia portends poor prognosis. Concerted efforts should be made at limiting this trend by active preventive services and early recognition of high-risk obstetrics cases.

Development of Neuro-fuzzy System for Early Prediction of Heart Attack

Abstract: This work is aimed at providing a neuro- fuzzy system for heart attack detection. Theneuro-fuzzy system was designed with eight input field and one output field. The input variables are heart rate, exercise, blood pressure, age, cholesterol, chest pain type, blood sugar and sex. The output detects the risk levels of patients which are classified into 4 different fields: very low, low, high and very high. The data set used was extracted from the database and modeled in order to make it appropriate for the training, then the initial FIS structure was generated, the network was trained with the set of training data after which it was tested and validated with the set of testing data. The output of the system was designed in a way that the patient can use it personally. The patient just need to supply some values which serve as input to the system and based on the values supplied the system will be able to predict the risk level of the patient.

Implication of altered thyroid state on liver function

Abstract: Objective: The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism and normal function of body cells, including the liver cells. It helps in the development and maturation of the hepatocytes and other body cells and tissues. This study investigated the effect of altered thyroid state on liver function. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: control, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid rats. Results: Thyroid dysfunction led to lysis of the hepatocytes. Hypothyroidism caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction of body weight gain, serum total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, transaminases, and gamma glutamyl transferase. Hyperthyroidism led to significant (P < 0.05) body weight loss. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were associated with significant (P < 0.05) increase in liver weight and diameter. Conclusion: This study reveals that although hyperthyroid state is not associated with altered liver function, hypothyroidism caused hepatic dysfunction. We therefore suggest that liver function indices should be monitored in altered thyroid states, especially in hypothyroidism.

Effect of phosphorus fertilizer application on the performance of maize/soybean intercrop in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria in 2007 and 2008 to determine the effects of phosphorus fertilizer application on performance of intercropped maize and soybean. The experiments, arranged as a split plot in a randomized complete block design, replicated four times. A cropping system with sole maize, sole soybean and maize/soybean intercrop formed the main plot treatments while P rates with 0, 15 and 30 kg P2O5 ha−1 were the subplot treatments. For both years, neither P fertilizer application nor cropping systems had a significant effect on maize grain yield. However, soybean grain yield was significantly higher (92.3% in 2007 and 44.5% in 2008) under sole cropping than under maize/soybean intercropping. On average, N fixed by soybean increased with the increase in P rate (from 51.8% without P to 60.5% with 30 P), but there was no significant difference in N fixed by sole soybean and soybean/maize intercrop. Howe...

Symptom Score for Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract: ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in our study population and the correlation between the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) and nasal smear eosinophil count.Study DesignCross-sectional study.SettingEar, nose, and throat clinic, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; a 450-bed tertiary health facility.SubjectsTwo hundred seventy-five consecutive, consenting patients who presented with nasal symptoms.MethodsInformation on the 8-parameter symptom score was collected using a semistructured questionnaire by interview. Nasal smear slides were air dried, fixed with 95% alcohol, stained using May-Grunwald-Giemsa stain, and examined under a light microscope.ResultsOf the 275 participants seen during the 1-year study, 116 (42.2%) were males. The mean ± SD age was 38.5 ± 16.3 (range, 14-75) years. Eighty-one (29.5%) were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis using a nasal smear eosinophil count. The most common symptom was excessive sneezing, involving 93% of patients with allergic rhi...

Antifertility activity of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract in male rats.

Abstract: Background: Complementary medicine has grown over time with more botanicals emerging and remaining integral parts of medicare. Such botanicals include Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. AIM: This study investigated the effect of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta leaf ethanolic extract on male reproductive system using rat model. Materials and Methods: Control and treated rats were maintained on control diet. Treated rats also received graded doses of the extract. RESULTS: When compared with the controls, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta treatment led to significant testosterone suppression associated with consequent significant rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) and decrease in sperm count. Treatment with Cryptolepis sanguinolenta did not result in significant attenuation of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and testicular morphometry. Sperm viability, motility, and morphology were also comparable in all groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta possesses anti-androgenic and anti-spermatogenic properties with potential anti-aphrodisiac activity.