Rivers State University of Science and Technology

About: Rivers State University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Threatened species. The organization has 1826 authors who have published 1833 publications receiving 15183 citations.

Effect of Seedbed Types and time of Vine Harvesting on Shoot and Tuber Yields of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] in South-south, Nigeria

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Rivers Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (RIART), Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria with the objective of evaluating the influence of seedbed types and vine harvesting time on shoot and tuber yields of sweet potato and make recommendations for optimal and sustainable production. The treatments consisted of three seedbed types (ridge, flat, and mound), and four vine harvesting time (8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks after planting). The experiment was laid out as a 3 x 4 in factorial arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The results revealed that planting of sweet potato on ridge produced the highest root tuber yield followed by mound seedbeds; planting on flat seedbed produced the highest shoot (vine) and lowest tuber yields. While planting on ridge seedbed and harvesting the vines 16 weeks after planting (when about 80% of the growth phase of the plant was completed) produced optimum shoot yield which could be used as fodder with no significant effect on root tuber yield. In general, vine harvesting during active growth phase of the sweet potato Original Research Article Gbaraneh and Wilson; JEAI, 43(2): 9-20, 2021; Article no.JEAI.66706 10 plant seriously depressed tuber yield more than it affected shoot production. These results therefore stand as our recommendations for sweet potato production in the Southsouth zone of Nigeria.

Evaluation of the Effect of Jatropha integerrima (Euphorbiaceae) on the renal Function of Male Albino Wistar Rats Exposed to Chromium

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Jathropha interrigima on renal function of male Albino Wistar rats exposed to chromium. Study Design: The study is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between March 2020 and December 2020. Methodology: A total of 30 male Albino Wistar rats that weighed between 140-210g were used for this study. This study was done in three phases: Acute, Sub-chronic and Chronic phases and Jathropha interrigima extract was given to the rats as a prophylaxis (PRE) within the three phases and as a therapeutic (POST) substance within the three phases. Blood samples were collected at the end of each phase for both PRE and POST by cardiac puncture and separated into microvials tubes for the evaluation of the renal parameters listed above using a Selectra Pro-S automated chemistry analyzer. The kidneys were also harvested for histological studies using haematoxilin stain. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 and p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: For the Acute Phase, the rats exposed to Chromium (Treatment Group) given the Jathropha extract prophylactically(PRE) had mean Potassium level( 7.33 ± 0.51mmol/l) which was significantly higher than the positive control (5.5 ± 0.42mmol/l); whereas for the Treatment group given the Jathropha extract therapeutically (POST) had mean Sodium level (134.7 ± 2.08mmol/l) which was significantly higher than the negative control (126.5 ± 2.21mmol/l) and the positive control( 130.0 ± 0.01mmol/l), also a CRP level (1.6 ± 0.06u/ml) which was significantly higher than the PC ( 1.5±0.0u/ml1) and NC (1.3± 0.01u/ml) and a KIM level (16.7±0.10u/ml) which was significantly higher than the PC(14.3±0.01u/ml) and NC ( 1.3±0.01u/ml) respectively. In the Sub-chronic phase, Rats in the PRE had TG mean CRP (1.5±0.42u/ml) and KIM (16.1±1.72iu/l) which were significantly higher than the NC and PC (1.2±0.07); whereas those in POST had mean Potassium level (4.5 ± 0.20) which was significantly lower than PC and NC, a mean Bicarbonate level (20.0 ± 1.00) which was higher than PC and NC. And an Anion Gap (12.7 ± 0.58) which was significantly lower than the controls. Mean CRP, KIM, Urea and Creatinine levels in the treatment group where significantly lower than in the controls. A similar result occurred at the chronic phases for both PRE and POST. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that exposure to Chromium caused a Renal injury and Jathropha interrigima may have the potential to heal or reverse the injurious effect if given as a therapy for upto 30 to 60 days.

Diagnostic Value of Homocysteine, Cystatin C and Lipid Indices in Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Status of Patients with Diabetes Type 2

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycaemia and glycosuria due to defects in insulin secretion from the Islets of Langerhans and associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The imperativeness to assess effectiveness of various cardiovascular risk tools is critical with increasing rate of people with diabetes type 2. Study was aimed at the assessment and evaluation of the diagnostic relevance of homocysteine, Cystatin C, cardiovascular risk indices in the risk profile of cardiovascular diseases in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A total of 165 patients were involved in the study, of which 100 were diabetic (test) and 65 non-diabetics (control). The diabetic subjects were those whose glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were ≥ 6.5%. HbA1C was estimated quantitatively by immunochemical method, Homocysteine (Hcy), Cystatin C, Lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a) were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method; Glucose oxidase method was used for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FBS). The results showed elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy), Lp (a) among the diabetics as compared to the non-diabetic subjects (p<0.05). The diabetic subjects also depicted higher Cystatin C (Cys C) levels, in the diabetic type 2 patients compared to the non-diabetic patients. The lipid profile levels in the diabetic subjects showed higher mean values of total cholesterol and triglycerides, (p < 0.05) as compared with the non-diabetic. The percentage risk predictive values of cardiovascular disease in the diabetic sub-population with these risk indices showed Hcy with a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 96.9% and an accuracy of 96.5% as compared to Cys C with a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 96.9%, accuracy of 95.9% also compared with that of Lp (a) with a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 100% and an accuracy of 95.5%. The level of accuracy of Hcy, Cys C and then Lp (a) amongst other indices showed that these diagnostic tools could provide better platform in cardiovascular risk profiling of T2DM patients and should be encouraged.

Comparative Study of the Proximate and Dietary Fibre Compositions of Some Leafy Vegetables Commonly Consumed in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out a comparative proximate and dietary fibre analysis of some leafy vegetables commonly consumed in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Methodology: The selected vegetables were Ugu leaf (Telfairia occidentalis), Water leaf (Talinum triangulare), Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Green leaf (Spinacia oleracea). These leaves were harvested from the University school farms of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers State University and Delta State University to represent the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The samples were analyzed for proximate composition and dietary fibres using standard methods. Original Research Article Orisa et al.; AFSJ, 18(4): 19-26, 2020; Article no.AFSJ.59072 20 Results: Moisture, ash, fat, crude protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents of the leafy vegetables ranged from 70.95-92.11%, 1.90-5.18%, 0.07-1.47%, 1.54-8.78%, 1.90-7.89% and 1.42-10.54%, respectively. Total dietary and insoluble fibres of the vegetables grown in Niger Delta regions of Nigeria ranged from 4.10-23.12%. Dietary fibre of pumpkin leaves grown in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states as well as scent leaf from Rivers state were significantly (p<0.05) higher than vegetables from other states. Conclusion: The result of this study therefore reveals that the proximate composition and dietary fibre content of the vegetables were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the locations in which they were harvested.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Close Proximity to Septic Tanks and Potential Impact on Health

Abstract: A field study was conducted to assess groundwater samples collected in close proximity to septic tanks and its potential impact on health. pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness. TDS, BOD, Turbidity, EC, Magnesium, Phosphate, Sulphate, Chloride, Nitrate, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd were determined using standard methods. The human health risk assessment was performed by determining the hazard quotient of physicochemical and heavy metals through human oral consumption. The results indicate that the hazard quotient for pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, TDS, BOD, Turbidity, EC, Magnesium, Phosphate, Sulphate, Chloride, Nitrate, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd were less than 1 while Temperature (1.1, 1.1 and 1,1), Dissolved Oxygen [CE1(3.3), CE2(3.8) and CE3(3.7)] and Calcium [CE1 (0.0), CE2 (2.6), and CE3 (1.2)] except for CE1 were greater than 1. This indicates that the borehole water poses risk for human consumption. Regulatory agencies should be proactive in monitoring borehole water quality, agencies in charge of approving building plan should ensure a safe distance between borehole water and septic tank is maintained and enforced.