Showing papers by "University of Nigeria, Nsukka published in 1979"
TL;DR: It is reported that the growth of male and female plants of the annual Spinacia oleracea L. var.
Abstract: Studies on the population biology of dioecious plants have concentrated on deviations from the expected sex ratio of 1:1 (refs 1–4) and on sexual imorphism5–10. Sexual dimorphism may imply that the two sexes have different ecologies and this has been demonstrated for a number of animals11. Clearly, if males and females occupy at least partially different niches, competition between members of the two sexes will be reduced and observed sex ratios may be biased by the relative carrying capacities of the two niches. Putwain and Harper12 described differences in the seasonal patterns of growth of males and females in Rumex acetosa and Rumex acetosella and Freeman et al. 13 showed that the males of five dioecious plant species in northern Utah were more abundant on xeric microsites, while females were over-represented in the moister regions of each local environment. We report here that the growth of male and female plants of the annual Spinacia oleracea L. var. Viking is affected differently by population density, and this is reflected in the sex ratio.
110 citations
TL;DR: The area of leaves of plantain (Musa acuminata × Musa balbisiana) was traced on graph paper and the length and maximum width were measured, finding the coefficient for estimating the true leaf area was 0.8.
50 citations
TL;DR: The ratio of activities assayed by viscometry and by the release of reducing sugars from CM-cellulose increased with decrease in the molecular weights of cellulases C2-C5, which acted in synergism with C1, particularly in the presence of beta-glucosidase.
Abstract: 1. Filtrates from cultures of different ages of Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. were fractionated by gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. 2. Five cellulases (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5) were found, and their molecular weights, estimated by gel filtration, were 46000–48000 (C1), 30000–35000 (C2), 15000–18000 (C3), 10000–11000 (C4) and 4800–5500 (C5). 3. Cellulase C5 was absent from old culture filtrates. 4. Cellulase C1 had little or no activity on CM-cellulose (viscometric assay), but degraded cotton flock and Whatman cellulose powder to give cellobiose only. 5. The other components (C2–C5) produced cellobiose and smaller amounts of glucose and cellotriose from cellulosic substrates and were more active in lowering the viscosity of CM-cellulose. 6. The ratio of activities assayed by viscometry and by the release of reducing sugars from CM-cellulose increased with decrease in the molecular weights of cellulases C2–C5. 7. Cellobiose inhibited the activities of the cellulases, but glucose stimulated at low concentrations although it inhibited at high concentrations. 8. A high-molecular-weight β-glucosidase (component B1, mol.wt. 350000–380000) predominated in filtrates from young cultures, but a low-molecular-weight enzyme (B4, mol.wt. 45000–47000) predominated in older filtrates. 9. Intermediate molecular species of β-glucosidase (B2, mol.wt. 170000–180000; B3, mol.wt. 83000–87000) were also found. 10. Cellulases C2–C5 acted in synergism with C1, particularly in the presence of β-glucosidase.
36 citations
TL;DR: Comparative fluorescent intensities suggested that the AFM 1 pathway was favored while that of AFQ 1 was depressed by ethanol administration, and total biotransformation of AFB 1 varied inversely with the dose and duration of ethanol intake.
28 citations
TL;DR: The patient had a cardiac arrest on removal of the tumour, denoting probable stimulation of the vagus nerve leading to vagal arrest, and his heart started, however, after resuscitative measures and he has not shown any residual cardiac abnormalities, thus indicating that the main vagal trunk was undamaged.
Abstract: A CASE of an unusually big neurilemmoma arising from the vagus nerve in the neck is presented in this paper. The tumour was so big that it could not be removed until its size had been reduced by the removal of about 15 cc of its fluid contents. The patient had a cardiac arrest on removal of the tumour, denoting probable stimulation of the vagus nerve leading to vagal arrest. His heart started, however, after resuscitative measures and he has not shown any residual cardiac abnormalities, thus indicating that the main vagal trunk was undamaged.
24 citations
TL;DR: The results obtained in the study lend support to the proposition that improvements in nutrition and the elimination of infectious diseases tend to reduce the average menarcheal age in south-western Nigeria.
Abstract: In March and April 1978, a sample of 1365 girls from three secondary schools within and near Enugu (capital of Anambra State of Nigeria) were interviewed regarding date of birth and menstrual status. Using probit analysis, the mean age at menarche was 13.54 +/- 0.07 years, implying, when compared with earlier studies, a rate of decline in the average menarcheal age of about four months per decade. Significant differences were observed in the menarcheal ages of the girls with respect to their geographical residence and the occupation of their fathers. The results obtained in the study are similar to those reported by Oduntan et al. (1976) for south-western Nigeria, and they lend support to the proposition that improvements in nutrition and the elimination of infectious diseases (characteristic associated with socioeconomic development) tend to reduce the average menarcheal age.
24 citations
01 Nov 1979
21 citations
17 citations
TL;DR: An analysis of female genital tract cancer among the Ibos of Nigeria has proven to be preponderantly cervical cancer, so it is obvious that the practice of ritual circumcision among the Ibo men does not protect the women from cervical cancer.
Abstract: An analysis of female genital tract cancer among the Ibos of Nigeria has proven to be preponderantly cervical cancer. It is therefore obvious that the practice of ritual circumcision among the Ibo men does not protect the women from cervical cancer. The most important etiological factors contributing to cervical cancer among the Ibo women are early marriage, early age of coitus, and grand multiparity. Corpus cancer is relatively rare among the Ibo women.
16 citations
TL;DR: Whereas the difference in serum cholesterol reached a statistical level when all the age groups were considered together, there was no statistical difference when the two populations were considered in terms of the young (20-39 year age group) and the middle aged (40-59 years age group).
16 citations
TL;DR: A study of seasonal pattern of births in Nigeria was conducted using data on live births for the period 1971-76 from 4 climatically similar southeastern states, revealing a seasonal pattern in the monthly distribution of births, with the peak period observed during April-June, and a trough during November-January.
Abstract: A study of seasonal pattern of births in Nigeria was conducted using data on live births for the period 1971-76 from 4 climatically similar southeastern states (Anambra Imo Cross River and Rivers State). After pooling the data the monthly distribution for different years was calculated. The resulting time series was graphically compared with temperature levels during time of conception or nine months back. Data analysis revealed a seasonal pattern in the monthly distribution of births with the peak period observed during April-June and a trough during November-January. Counting 9 months back the conceptions were calculated as occuring during July August or September of the previous year. In terms of the annual agricultural cycle of the southeastern states July-September corresponded with the period of light farm work or relative idleness for men (main activity during this period is weeding and tending the crops tasks primarily done by women and children); this is also a period of abundance of fruits vegetables and palm wine and rains after dusk conditions conducive to mating.
TL;DR: Bounds for the inverse transfer function between the jth input-output pair in an n × n multivariable feedback system when theJth loop is open and all other loops k≠ j are closed are given.
Abstract: This paper gives bounds for the inverse transfer function.between the jth input-output pair in an n × n multivariable feedback system when the jth loop is open and all other loops k≠ j are closed. Choice of the minimal such bounds are also studied as well as the effect of feedback gains on these bounds. These results are useful in the design of linear multi variable systems.
TL;DR: The degree of the involvement of the glutathione utilization cycle in amino acid uptake was determined in the presence of varying concentrations of amino acids using Candida utilis as the experimental organism and the results show that for Glu, His, Arg and Leu, two absorption pathways operate.
TL;DR: The first and parent compound of this new heterocyclic ring, as well as its derivatives were prepared essentially by cyclo-condensation of 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine with the appropriate 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline in the presence of alkaline DMF or DMAC as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: Using cadmium sulphide (CdS) photoresistor, the intensity of solar electromagnetic radiation (insolation) was estimated daily and hourly at Nsukka Campus of the University of Nigeria (latitude 6.8° North and longitude 7.35° East) for a period (October to January) of more than 3 months 1978/79 as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: It is suggested that socio-economic status alone or together with exposure to mosquito and other insect bites are probably the most relevant factors in the transmission of HBsAg in Nigerians.
Abstract: We have determined the incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in an urban (Enugu) and a rural (Okpatu) population groups in Nigeria. There were no statistically significant differences between the incidence in the two populations. Contrary to earlier reports we did not observe any significant age-related differences in the incidence rates within either population group. In general our results are similar to those reported for the urban inhabitants of Ibadan (several hundred miles west of Enugu) and its surrounding rural population. The low carrier rate recorded for schoolchildren drawn from a mainly high socio-economic group in our population has led us to suggest that socio-economic status alone or together with exposure to mosquito and other insect bites are probably the most relevant factors in the transmission of HBsAg in Nigerians.
TL;DR: In nonstressful microenvironmental conditions, larval longevity was directly related to the rate of utilisation of the lipid reserves and the effects of the various environmental stresses on longevity could be explained largely on the basis of their deleterious effects on the lipid metabolism of the larvae.
Abstract: The effects of some extrinsic factors on the lipid (energy) reserves and longevity of third-stage larvae of the cat hookworm Ancylostoma tubaeforme, were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. In non-stressful microenvironmental conditions, larval longevity was directly related to the rate of utilisation of the lipid reserves. The effects of the various environmental stresses on longevity could also be explained largely on the basis of their deleterious effects on the lipid metabolism of the larvae.
TL;DR: Spectrophotometric studies of the electron transfer complexes spanning the entire respiratory chain suggest that AFB 1 interferes with mitochondrial electron transport by inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase activity and the cytochrome systems.
TL;DR: A comparative study of ordinations of the Milliken Hill vegetation was carried out using data of (a) presence and absence of all the species, (b) absence of the woody species and (c) presence of the herbaceous species to produce interpretable results.
Abstract: A comparative study of ordinations of the Milliken Hill vegetation was carried out using data of (a) presence and absence of all the species, (b) presence and absence of the woody species and (c) presence and absence of the herbaceous species. The three sets of analyses produced interpretable results. In each case axis one was correlated with the altitudinal gradient, total nitrogen and calcium. The stands at higher elevations are more exposed and contain higher percentages of savanna species. The higher percentage of total nitrogen and calcium in the lower elevation stands is attributed to (a) more accumulation of organic matter and (b) leaching at the higher elevation stands. The first axis of the species ordination separates the savanna species from the forest species.
TL;DR: These toxins induced a concentration-dependent biphasic inhibition involving three sites: suceinate dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase and respiratory complex I, and it appeared that inhibition did not result from facilitation of proton ionophoresis.
TL;DR: The results suggest that incentives increase attentional capacity, while noise does not and it is suggested that noise induces a type of learning which depends on order cues.
Abstract: Three experiments are reported. In the first, monetary incentives improved the learning of nonsense words in response to colours only when the test order was the same as presentation order. In the second, incentives increased the recall of spatial location which served as an additional retrieval cue for nonsense words. In the third, noise was used to manipulate arousal. Noise during learning produced a significant decline in recall of locations for nonsense words. The results suggest that incentives increase attentional capacity, while noise does not. Previous results showing that noise increases the use of order cues are discussed and it is suggested that noise induces a type of learning which depends on order cues. Existing hypotheses about the nature of this process are noted but it is argued that further work is needed to select between them.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results of parallel prospective studies of neonatal jaundice in 2 maternity units in Enugu are reported in this article, where the major etiological factors were G-6 and PD deficiency ABO incompatability and low birth weight.
Abstract: The results of parallel prospective studies of neonatal jaundice in 2 maternity units in Enugu are reported. An overall incidence of 27.5% at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) compared to 23% at the Mother of Christ Catholic Maternity was recorded. In 13.4% of the cases at the UNTH the jaundice was severe. During the same period 16.2% of all admissions to the pediatric medical wards were for neonatal jaundice. 90% of these patients were severely jaundiced. The major etiological factors were G-6 and PD deficiency ABO incompatability and low birth weight. In the patients admitted from outside infection was the predominant etiological factor compared to those babies who were born in the 2 hospitals. Rhesus incompatability played a very minor role as a causative factor in both groups of patients. (authors)
TL;DR: Ethanol appears in yams after 7 days under nitrogen, coinciding with the simultaneous rise of both lactate and malate, however ethanol does not occur in white yam tubers on storage in air.
TL;DR: Serum cholesterol was determined in 104 healthy Nigerians (57 males and 47 females) and was higher in males than in females and increased with age.
Abstract: Serum cholesterol was determined in 104 healthy Nigerians (57 males and 47 females). The average cholesterol concentration was 187±72.8 mg/100 ml (mean±SD) with a range of 60–480 mg/100 ml. Cholesterol levels were higher in males than in females and increased with age. Distribution of cholesterol level was generally skew to the left.
01 Jun 1979
TL;DR: The total water vapour content of the atmosphere in the form of precipitable water (Pw) has been studied over West Africa, using data from Abidjan, Bamako, Dakar, Nouadhibou and Niamey.
Abstract: The total water vapour content of the atmosphere in the form of precipitable water (Pw) has been studied over West Africa, using data from Abidjan, Bamako, Dakar, Nouadhibou and Niamey. Seasonal variations ofPw and of actual precipitation are compared with each other.
TL;DR: A dietary survey was conducted on 173 old men and 134 old women, in five local government areas of the Cross River State, Nigeria, finding that with age there was a gradual reduction of energy intake due to diminishing ability to swallow.
Abstract: Nutrition Planning to meet the nutritional needs of the elderly often presents many problems. A dietary survey was conducted on 173 old men and 134 old women, in five local government areas of the Cross River State, Nigeria. The intake of 26 women and 31 men was determined by weighing. Information about the food eaten for one week, the sources of food, income and methods of food preparation were also obtained. The old persons investigated had relatively normal body weights. The mean protein intake was adequate at all ages but 11 percent of the men and 13 percent of the women had intakes below FAO requirements. With age there was a gradual reduction of energy intake due to diminishing ability to swallow. Thirty percent of the men and 25 percent of the women did not meet their energy requirements. The mean intakes of ascorbic acid and vitamin A for men aged 60–69 years were adequate. The consumption of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin were very low. Ninety‐six percent of the men had intakes of niacin and rib...
TL;DR: In this article, the diffusion analogy constant C(related to Harr's coefficient of lateral stress v by 2C = v) is calculated in a novel way, which is a different exposition of a very important subject and is hoped that this exposition will stimulate thinking and further work in this area.
Abstract: Although soil is an assemblage of discrete particles of varying sizes, shapes, and mineral composition, the classical basis for the computation of stresses in soil mechanics is the Boussinesq theory of elastic potentials in which the soil is assumed to be a homogeneous, linearly elastic isotropic continuum, and a normal point load is applied on the surface of an infinite half-space as in Fig. I (a). Many researchers have sought to establish a statistical or probabilistic theory for stress computation in soils and most recently Harr (1) and Endley, et. al (2) have developed such a theory. The diffusion analogy presented in this note has strictly speaking already been presented by Harr (1) and indeed Harr's work in some respects goes beyond this note. However, at the time the work in this note was done the writers were unaware of the work in Refs. 1 and 2. This note is therefore offered as a different exposition of a very important subject. In particular the diffusion analogy constant C(related to Harr's coefficient of lateral stress v by 2C = v) is calculated in a novel way. It is hoped that this exposition will stimulate thinking and further work in this area.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is suggested that detection organizations be set up in each state to handle any suspicious or proven cases of child abuse, and that every hospital handling accident cases should be aware of this fact.
Abstract: The child abuse syndrome is not uncommon in Nigeria. Every hospital handling accident cases should be aware of this fact. Diagnosis is based on a high index of suspicion and the pathognomonic radiological features. It is suggested that detection organizations be set up in each state to handle any suspicious or proven cases of child abuse.
TL;DR: Although tuberculosis is prevalent in Eastern Nigeria, only 5 cases of tuberculoma of the central nervous system (CNS) were recorded over a 5 year period in a hospital in which about 4000 tuberculosis patients were treated.
TL;DR: The effect of the fungioide Olpisan (1, 2, 4-trichloro- 3, 5-dinitrobenzene) on root development and short mycorrhizal systems of Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings is established.