Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

About: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is a education organization based out in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 2786 authors who have published 3066 publications receiving 36850 citations. The organization is also known as: Oyo State University of Technology & LAUTECH.

Adsorption Behaviour of Rhodamine B on Hen Feather and Corn Starch Functionalized with Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Mediated with Cocoa Pods Extracts

Abstract: This study reports useful application of biodegradable polymeric materials functionalized with silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) biosynthesized from cocoa pods as effective adsorbent for dye wastewater purification. Corn starch and hen feather were functionalized with AgNPs for adsorption of rhodamine B (Rh-B). All adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Decreased intensities of peaks, superior rougher cavities and smaller grain diameter of functionalized biomaterials affirmed the functionalization. Effects of pH, contact time, initial Rh-B concentrations and temperature were investigated and found to be significantly important. Four isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption process with Freundlich being the most suitable for all adsorbents indicating Rh-B adsorbed on heterogeneous multilayer surfaces of adsorbents. AgNPs modification greatly enhanced maximum monolayer adsorption capacities (qmax) of feather (4.27–56.53 mg g−1) and starch (1.176–48.60 mg g−1) by 30- and 40-fold respectively. Kinetic rates of adsorption for starch best fitted Elovich, pseudo first order for feather whereas pseudo second order best suitable for starch-AgNPs and feather-AgNPs. Energies (3.89–7.68 kJ mol−1) of adsorption suggest that adsorption of Rh-B onto the adsorbents was by physiosorption. The negative values of ∆H° and ∆G° imply that adsorption processes were exothermic and spontaneous. Results in this study show that surface functionalization of starch and feather improved their adsorptive performances and will find valuable applications in dye remediation due to their biodegradability and cost-effectiveness.

Association of hypertension and obesity with HIV and antiretroviral therapy in a rural tertiary health center in Nigeria: a cross-sectional cohort study.

Abstract: Background There are few studies from Nigeria and Africa regarding the contribution of obesity and hypertension to cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients. This study investigates the prevalence of hypertension and obesity and their association with HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study in a rural tertiary health center in Nigeria. The data collected included demographic variables, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, educational attainment, HIV status and ART treatment, duration of treatment, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count. Results A total of 403 participants met the inclusion criteria. There were 153 (38.0%) HIV-negative subjects (42.5% male, 57.5% female; mean age: 35.5 ± 7.6 years), 120 (29.8%) HIV-positive drug-naive subjects (42.5% male, 57.5% female; mean age: 36.5 ± 9.1 years), and 130 (32.2%) HIV-positive subjects taking antiretroviral drugs (33.1% male, 66.9% female; mean age: 38.6 ± 8.0 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 13.7% in HIV-negative subjects, 19.0% in HIV-positive drug-naive subjects, and 12.3% in HIV-positive ART subjects. The prevalence of obesity was 15.9% in the HIV-negative group, 3% in the HIV-positive drug-naive group, and 8% in the HIV-positive ART group. Multivariate regression analysis showed no relationship between hypertension and HIV status (P=0.293) or ART status (P=0.587). In contrast, BMI showed a strong relationship with HIV status (odds ratio: 0.281; 95% confidence interval: 0.089-0.884; P=0.030) but not with ART status (P=0.593). BMI was a significant predictor of hypertension. Conclusion HIV or ART status was not associated with hypertension. HIV infection was associated with a lower BMI, and a lower prevalence of obesity compared with HIV-negative subjects.

Cardiovascular risk factors in semi-urban communities in southwest Nigeria: Patterns and prevalence

Abstract: Introduction Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries; most of these deaths are due to modifiable risk factors. The study aimed at estimating the prevalence and pattern of major cardiovascular risk factors in both men and women older than 18 years. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of cardiovascular risk factors among semi-urban dwellers in Ekiti State, south-western, Nigeria. 750 participants were drawn from 10 communities. The instrument used was the standard WHO STEPS (II) questionnaire, while blood samples were obtained for analysis. Results There were 750 participants with 529 (70.53%) females. The mean age of participants was 61.7 ± 18.50 years and participants’ ⩾65 years comprised 38.3%. There were 0.8%, 24.9% and 12.4%, who at the time of this study smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol, and ate a high salt diet, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, generalized and abdominal obesity was 47.2%, 6.8%, 8.5% and 32.0%, respectively, with only 48.9% receiving hypertension treatment. Elevated total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and low HDL was seen in 4.4%, 16.7% and 56.3% respectively. Conclusion High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors call for an urgent need for more public health attention and reinforcement of primary preventive strategies to curb its menace.

Biochemical and haematological assessment of toxic effects of the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum (Mill) Nyman ex A.W. Hill (Parsley) in rats

Abstract: Petroselinum crispum, a bright green biennial shrub is widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments. This study therefore aimed to assess the toxic effects of its leaf extract using some biochemical, haematological parameters. The toxic effects were assessed by quantifying liver enzymes such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein and liver weight. Effects on haematological parameters were assessed by analysis of parked cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Histopathological studies were done on the liver and kidneys. The extract caused significant increase in serum activity of alanine amino transferase and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. Other biochemical and haematological parameters were not affected at lower doses. Conversely, the liver weight was not affected after eight weeks of treatment at the dose levels studied. The organs obtained for pathological study, were structurally unchanged under histopathological evaluation at lower doses but inflammatory and necrotic features were observed at doses ≥ 1000 mg/kg. The results indicate that the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at continued oral doses equal to or more than 1000 mg/kg, but no obvious toxicity when used at lower doses. Therefore, there should be caution in its administration to avoid overdosing and known interaction with some medications. In addition, the plant should be kept away from pets and domestic animals and should not be cultivated on soil irrigated with waste water due to their ability to bio-accumulate toxic metals.