Showing papers by "University of Nigeria, Nsukka published in 2017"

Preferred Interpersonal Distances: A Global Comparison

Abstract: Human spatial behavior has been the focus of hundreds of previous research studies. However, the conclusions and generalizability of previous studies on interpersonal distance preferences were limited by some important methodological and sampling issues. The objective of the present study was to compare preferred interpersonal distances across the world and to overcome the problems observed in previous studies. We present an extensive analysis of interpersonal distances over a large data set (N = 8,943 participants from 42 countries). We attempted to relate the preferred social, personal, and intimate distances observed in each country to a set of individual characteristics of the participants, and some attributes of their cultures. Our study indicates that individual characteristics (age and gender) influence interpersonal space preferences and that some variation in results can be explained by temperature in a given region. We also present objective values of preferred interpersonal distances in different regions, which might be used as a reference data point in future studies.

An extraordinary outburst in the massive protostellar system NGC 6334I-MM1 : quadrupling of the millimeter continuum

Abstract: Based on sub-arcsecond Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Submillimeter Array (SMA) 1.3 mm continuum images of the massive protocluster NGC 6334I obtained in 2015 and 2008, we find that the dust emission from MM1 has increased by a factor of 4.0±0.3 during the intervening years, and undergone a significant change in morphology. The continuum emission from the other cluster members (MM2, MM4 and the UCHII region MM3=NGC 6334F) has remained constant. Long term single-dish maser monitoring at HartRAO finds that multiple maser species toward NGC 6334I flared beginning in early 2015, a few months before our ALMA observation, and some persist in that state. New ALMA images obtained in 2016 July-August at 1.1 and 0.87 mm confirm the changes with respect to SMA 0.87 mm images from 2008, and indicate that the (sub)millimeter flaring has continued for at least a year. The excess continuum emission, centered on the hypercompact HII region MM1B, is extended and elongated (1.6 × 1.0 ≈ 2100 × 1300 au) with multiple peaks, suggestive of general heating of the surrounding subcomponents of MM1, some of which may trace clumps in a fragmented disk rather than separate protostars. In either case, these remarkable increases in maser and dust emission provide direct observational evidence of a sudden accretion event in the growth of a massive protostar yielding a sustained luminosity surge by a factor of 70± 20, analogous to the largest events in simulations by Meyer et al. (2017). This target provides an excellent opportunity to assess the impact of such a rare event on a protocluster over many years.

Soil organic matter as sole indicator of soil degradation.

Abstract: Soil organic matter (SOM) is known to play vital roles in the maintenance and improvement of many soil properties and processes. These roles, which largely influence soil functions, are a pool of specific contributions of different components of SOM. The soil functions, in turn, normally define the level of soil degradation, viewed as quantifiable temporal changes in a soil that impairs its quality. This paper aims at providing a generalized assessment of the current state of knowledge on the usefulness of SOM in monitoring soil degradation, based on its influence on the physical, chemical and biological properties and processes of soils. Emphasis is placed particularly on the effect of SOM on soil structure and availability of plant nutrients. Although these properties are discussed separately, the soil system is of dynamic and interactive nature, and changes in one property will likely affect other soil properties as well. Thus, functions of SOM almost always affect various soil properties and processes and engage in multiple reactions. In view of its role in soil aggregation and erosion control, in availability of plant nutrients and in ameliorating other forms of soil degradation than erosion, SOM has proven to be an important indicator of soil degradation. It has been suggested, however, that rather than the absolute amount, temporal change and potential amount of SOM be considered in its use as indicator of soil degradation, and that SOM may not be an all-purpose indicator. Whilst SOM remains a candidate without substitute as long as a one-parameter indicator of soil degradation is needed, narrowing down to the use of its labile and microbial components could be more appropriate, since early detection is important in the control and management of soil degradation.

FOREST unbiased Galactic plane imaging survey with the Nobeyama 45 m telescope (FUGIN). I. Project overview and initial results

Abstract: The FOREST Unbiased Galactic plane Imaging survey with the Nobeyama 45-m telescope (FUGIN) project is one of the legacy projects using the new multi-beam FOREST receiver installed on the Nobeyama 45-m telescope. This project aims to investigate the distribution, kinematics, and physical properties of both diffuse and dense molecular gas in the Galaxy at once by observing 12CO, 13CO, and C18O J=1-0 lines simultaneously. The mapping regions are a part of the 1st quadrant (10d < l < 50d, |b| < 1d) and the 3rd quadrant (198d < l <236d, |b| < 1d) of the Galaxy, where spiral arms, bar structure, and the molecular gas ring are included. This survey achieves the highest angular resolution to date (~20") for the Galactic plane survey in the CO J=1-0 lines, which makes it possible to find dense clumps located farther away than the previous surveys. FUGIN will provide us with an invaluable dataset for investigating the physics of the galactic interstellar medium (ISM), particularly the evolution of interstellar gas covering galactic scale structures to the internal structures of giant molecular clouds, such as small filament/clump/core. We present an overview of the FUGIN project, observation plan, and initial results, which reveal wide-field and detailed structures of molecular clouds, such as entangled filaments that have not been obvious in previous surveys, and large-scale kinematics of molecular gas such as spiral arms.

Ecological and human health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil of a municipal solid waste dump in Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract: The study assessed the levels of some heavy metals in soils in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste dumpsite with a view to providing information on the extent of contamination, ecological risk of metals in the soils and human health risk to the residents in Uyo. Soil samples were collected in rainy and dry seasons and analyzed for metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni and Fe) using atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) at the dumpsite in rainy season were Pb (9.90), Zn (137), Ni (12.56), Cr (3.60), Cd (9.05) and Mn (94.00), while in dry season, the concentrations were Pb (11.80), Zn (146), Ni (11.82), Cr (4.05), Cd (12.20) and Mn (91.20). The concentrations of metals in the studied sites were higher than that of the control site (P < 0.05). Pollution indices studies revealed that soil samples from dumpsite and distances from 10 and 20 m east of the dumpsite were highly polluted with cadmium. Ecological risk assessment carried out showed that cadmium contributed 98–99 % of the total potentially ecological risk. No probable health risk was observed as the total hazard index of all the metals was less than one. However, children were found to be more susceptible to heavy metal contamination than adult.

Anaemia of Chronic Disease: An In-Depth Review.

Abstract: Anaemia is the most common haematological disorder affecting humanity and is usually observed in chronic disease states such as non-specific anaemia, which may cause diagnostic difficulties. In chronically ill patients with anaemia, this has a negative impact on quality of life as well as survival. This paper aims at reviewing the pathogenesis of this form of anaemia with a view to suggesting future targets for therapeutic intervention. The ability to diagnose this disorder depends on the ability of the physician to correlate the possible clinical pathways of the underlying disease with the patients' ferrokinetic state. It is important to rule out iron deficiency and other causes of anaemia as misdiagnosis will in most cases lead to refractoriness to standard therapy. The cytokines and acute-phase proteins play important roles in the pathogenesis of anaemia of chronic disease. Alterations in the metabolism of iron via the molecule hepcidin and ferritin are largely responsible for the consequent anaemia. Concomitant iron deficiency might be present and could affect the diagnosis and therapeutic protocol. Treatment options involve the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, blood transfusion, and iron supplementation, in addition to treating the underlying disease.

Myristoylation: An Important Protein Modification in the Immune Response.

Abstract: Increasing biochemical and genetic evidence confirms that myristoylation is an evolutionary conserved process of lipid modification in many eukaryotic and viral proteins. The discovery that the N-terminal blocking group of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase is a myristic acid, some 33 years ago, led to the birth of the field of ‘myristoylation’, dedicated to understanding the significance of protein myristoylation. Although the field is in its infancy, an increasing number of studies have appeared addressing the mechanisms and significance of N-myristoylation in various aspects of cellular signaling. N-Myristoylation is known to occur in mammalian, plant, viral and fungal proteins. Many proteins involved in a variety of signal cascades and cellular differentiation are myristoylated. These include the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, the β-subunit of calcineurin, the α-subunit of several G-proteins, the cellular and transforming forms of pp60src. Given the indispensible role of myristoylation in cellular functions, in this review, we examine the myriad functional implications of myristoylation with respect to immune function and regulation.

Towards 100% renewable energy in Nigeria

Abstract: Electricity is the basic tool that drives industrialization, technological advancement, engineering transformation and economic growth all over the world. The situation of Nigeria's electricity power sector is one that has defied virtually every effort made to resurrect it from its state of dilapidation. A major concern is “can there ever be stable and cost effective electricity in Nigeria?” The authors are positive this can be realised, but not without considering other forms of electricity energy resources available in Nigeria other than the conventional sources of electricity which is currently the mainstay. A deliberate transition from conventional sources of electricity energy to renewable and environmental friendly sources is critical for national development, even though recent development show the Nigerian government is backsliding in adopting renewable energy technologies. This paper will be used to highlight the different sources of renewable energy which is critical to solve the lingering problem of electricity generation in Nigeria. Hence, based on the literature, modeled scenarios and field experience, the authors discovered it is much easier for individuals to drive this transition to 100% renewable energy than to continue to depend on government forever.

Genetic association study of exfoliation syndrome identifies a protective rare variant at LOXL1 and five new susceptibility loci

Abstract: Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is the most common known risk factor for secondary glaucoma and a major cause of blindness worldwide Variants in two genes, LOXL1 and CACNA1A, have previously been associated with XFS To further elucidate the genetic basis of XFS, we collected a global sample of XFS cases to refine the association at LOXL1, which previously showed inconsistent results across populations, and to identify new variants associated with XFS We identified a rare protective allele at LOXL1 (pPhe407, odds ratio (OR) = 25, P = 29 × 10-14) through deep resequencing of XFS cases and controls from nine countries A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of XFS cases and controls from 24 countries followed by replication in 18 countries identified seven genome-wide significant loci (P < 5 × 10-8) We identified association signals at 13q12 (POMP), 11q233 (TMEM136), 6p21 (AGPAT1), 3p24 (RBMS3) and 5q23 (near SEMA6A) These findings provide biological insights into the pathology of XFS and highlight a potential role for naturally occurring rare LOXL1 variants in disease biology

Methods used in prevalence studies of disrespect and abuse during facility based childbirth: lessons learned

Abstract: Several recent studies have attempted to measure the prevalence of disrespect and abuse (D&A) of women during childbirth in health facilities. Variations in reported prevalence may be associated with differences in study instruments and data collection methods. This systematic review and comparative analysis of methods aims to aggregate and present lessons learned from published studies that quantified the prevalence of Disrespect and Abuse (D&A) during childbirth. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Five papers met criteria and were included for analysis. We developed an analytical framework depicting the basic elements of epidemiological methodology in prevalence studies and a table of common types of systematic error associated with each of them. We performed a head-to-head comparison of study methods for all five papers. Using these tools, an independent reviewer provided an analysis of the potential for systematic error in the reported prevalence estimates. Sampling techniques, eligibility criteria, categories of D&A selected for study, operational definitions of D&A, summary measures of D&A, and the mode, timing, and setting of data collection all varied in the five studies included in the review. These variations present opportunities for the introduction of biases – in particular selection, courtesy, and recall bias – and challenge the ability to draw comparisons across the studies’ results. Our review underscores the need for caution in interpreting or comparing previously reported prevalence estimates of D&A during facility-based childbirth. The lack of standardized definitions, instruments, and study methods used to date in studies designed to quantify D&A in childbirth facilities introduced the potential for systematic error in reported prevalence estimates, and affected their generalizability and comparability. Chief among the lessons to emerge from comparing methods for measuring the prevalence of D&A is recognition of the tension between seeking prevalence measures that are reliable and generalizable, and attempting to avoid loss of validity in the context where the issue is being studied.

Impact of introduction of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria on antibiotic prescribing: analysis of observational and randomised studies in public and private healthcare settings.

Abstract: Objectives To examine the impact of use of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria on prescribing of antimicrobials, specifically antibiotics, for acute febrile illness in Africa and Asia.Design Analysisof nine preselected linked and codesigned observational and randomised studies (eight cluster or individually randomised trials and one observational study).Setting Public and private healthcare settings, 2007-13, in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.Participants 522 480 children and adults with acute febrile illness.Interventions Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria.Main outcome measures Proportions of patients for whom an antibiotic was prescribed in trial groups who had undergone rapid diagnostic testing compared with controls and in patients with negative test results compared with patients with positive results. A secondary aim compared classes of antibiotics prescribed in different settings.Results Antibiotics were prescribed to 127 052/238 797 (53%) patients in control groups and 167 714/283 683 (59%) patients in intervention groups. Antibiotics were prescribed to 40% (35 505/89 719) of patients with a positive test result for malaria and to 69% (39 400/57 080) of those with a negative result. All but one study showed a trend toward more antibiotic prescribing in groups who underwent rapid diagnostic tests. Random effects meta-analysis of the trials showed that the overall risk of antibiotic prescription was 21% higher (95% confidence interval 7% to 36%) in intervention settings. In most intervention settings, patients with negative test results received more antibiotic prescriptions than patients with positive results for all the most commonly used classes: penicillins, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (one exception), tetracyclines, and metronidazole.Conclusions Introduction of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria to reduce unnecessary use of antimalarials-a beneficial public health outcome-could drive up untargeted use of antibiotics. That 69% of patients were prescribed antibiotics when test results were negative probably represents overprescription.This included antibiotics from several classes, including those like metronidazole that are seldom appropriate for febrile illness, across varied clinical, health system, and epidemiological settings. It is often assumed that better disease specific diagnostics will reduce antimicrobial overuse, but they might simply shift it from one antimicrobial class to another. Current global implementation of malaria testing might increase untargeted antibiotic use and must be examined.

Genome-wide association study for agronomic and physiological traits in spring wheat evaluated in a range of heat prone environments.

Abstract: We identified 27 stable loci associated with agronomic traits in spring wheat using genome-wide association analysis, some of which confirmed previously reported studies GWAS peaks identified in regions where no QTL for grain yield per se has been mapped to date, provide new opportunities for gene discovery and creation of new cultivars with desirable alleles for improving yield and yield stability in wheat We undertook large-scale genetic analysis to determine marker-trait associations (MTAs) underlying agronomic and physiological performance in spring wheat using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Field trials were conducted at seven sites in three countries (Sudan, Egypt, and Syria) over 2–3 years in each country Twenty-five agronomic and physiological traits were measured on 188 wheat genotypes After correcting for population structure and relatedness, a total of 245 MTAs distributed over 66 loci were associated with agronomic traits in individual and mean performance across environments respectively; some of which confirmed previously reported loci Of these, 27 loci were significantly associated with days to heading, thousand kernel weight, grain yield, spike length, and leaf rolling for mean performance across environments Despite strong QTL by environment interactions, eight of the loci on chromosomes 1A, 1D, 5A, 5D, 6B, 7A, and 7B had pleiotropic effects on days to heading and yield components (TKW, SM−2, and SNS) The winter-type alleles at the homoeologous VRN1 loci significantly increased days to heading and grain yield in optimal environments, but decreased grain yield in heat prone environments Top 20 high-yielding genotypes, ranked by additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), had low kinship relationship and possessed 4–5 favorable alleles for GY MTAs except two genotypes, Shadi-4 and Qafzah-11/Bashiq-1–2 This indicated different yield stability mechanisms due to potentially favorable rare alleles that are uncharacterized Our results will enable wheat breeders to effectively introgress several desirable alleles into locally adapted germplasm in developing wheat varieties with high yield stability and enhanced heat tolerance

FOREST Unbiased Galactic plane Imaging survey with the Nobeyama 45-m telescope (FUGIN) I: Project Overview and Initial Results

Abstract: The FOREST Unbiased Galactic plane Imaging survey with the Nobeyama 45-m telescope (FUGIN) project is one of the legacy projects using the new multi-beam FOREST receiver installed on the Nobeyama 45-m telescope. This project aims to investigate the distribution, kinematics, and physical properties of both diffuse and dense molecular gas in the Galaxy at once by observing 12CO, 13CO, and C18O J=1-0 lines simultaneously. The mapping regions are a part of the 1st quadrant (10d < l < 50d, |b| < 1d) and the 3rd quadrant (198d < l <236d, |b| < 1d) of the Galaxy, where spiral arms, bar structure, and the molecular gas ring are included. This survey achieves the highest angular resolution to date (~20") for the Galactic plane survey in the CO J=1-0 lines, which makes it possible to find dense clumps located farther away than the previous surveys. FUGIN will provide us with an invaluable dataset for investigating the physics of the galactic interstellar medium (ISM), particularly the evolution of interstellar gas covering galactic scale structures to the internal structures of giant molecular clouds, such as small filament/clump/core. We present an overview of the FUGIN project, observation plan, and initial results, which reveal wide-field and detailed structures of molecular clouds, such as entangled filaments that have not been obvious in previous surveys, and large-scale kinematics of molecular gas such as spiral arms.

Construction of Pillar-Layer Metal–Organic Frameworks for CO2 Adsorption under Humid Climate: High Selectivity and Sensitive Detection of Picric Acid in Water

Abstract: Adsorption of CO2 under humid conditions is important, as flue gases contain some degree of moisture, while aqueous-phase sensing of nitro-aromatic compounds is critical for environmental protection and anti-terrorism activities. However, implementing both of these aspects in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is rare and challenging due to their moisture instability. To this end, we prepared three isostructural, pillar-layer Zn(II) MOFs where criss-cross pillaring by the linkers tunes the pore opening and pore electronic environment that in turn modulate thermal and/or moisture stabilities. While activated 2 (2′), incorporating an azo group in the linker, exhibits excellent CO2/N2 selectivity (>200), 1′, containing a 4,4′-bipyridine linker displays superior hydrolytic stability with minimum loss in CO2 adsorption–desorption cycles up to 10 days of water vapor exposure. However, framework 3, with a bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene linker, is unstable. Importantly, aqueous-phase sensitive detection of picric acid (PA) ...

The status of solar energy integration and policy in Nigeria

Abstract: The need to understand and proffer sustainable solutions to the persistent energy crises and energy starvation in Nigeria even in the face of abundant endowment of both renewable and fossil energy resources motivated this study. This study justified why solar energy should be accorded the highest priority as energy source in not only Nigeria but globally. A detailed review of the past, current and future status of solar integration in Nigeria is presented; it is seen that for grid-connected solar power integration the past status is nil, the current status is nil and future status may not be completely bleak as a number of Memoranda of Understanding have been signed. The existing supportive solar energy policies are highlighted and discussed; the chasm between the commendable Nigeria policy landscape and near-to-zero status of solar integration is blamed on poor implementation of the existing provisions by the Government. Recommendations were made on the basis of the existing policies and proposed policies. Additional provisions to some of existing laws of the Federation to accommodate support for solar energy integration are suggested. It is recommended that the poor and incipient status of solar integration in the vastly populated Nigeria should be viewed in a positive light by potential foreign investors as such status is a guarantee that solar power and thermal industry is a firsthand investment opportunity.

Evidence for decreasing sperm count in African population from 1965 to 2015

Abstract: Purpose: This meta-analysis, following our previous reports those documented an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration around the globe over past 35 years and 32.5% decline in past 50 years in European population, attempts to report the declining trend of sperm concentrations in African population between 1965 and 2015. Methods: In the course of retrieval of data following MOOSE guidelines and PRISMA checklist, we found a total of fourteen studies that have been conducted during that period on altering sperm concentration in the African male. Results: Following analysis of the data, a time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = -0.597, p = 0.02) and an overall 72.6% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted in the past 50 years. The major matter of concern is the present mean concentration (20.38×10 6 /ml) is very near to WHO cut-off value of 2010 of 15×10 6 /ml. Several epidemic diseases, genital tract infection, pesticides and heavy metal toxicity, regular consumption of tobacco and alcohol are reported as predominant causative factors. Conclusion: This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis and systematic review concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in the African male over past 50 years with possible causative factors to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health. Keywords: Semen quality, sperm concentration, sperm count

Marital Satisfaction, Sex, Age, Marriage Duration, Religion, Number of Children, Economic Status, Education, and Collectivistic Values: Data from 33 Countries

Abstract: Forms of committed relationships, including formal marriage arrangements between men and women, exist in almost every culture (Bell, 1997). Yet, similarly to many other psychological constructs (Henrich et al., 2010), marital satisfaction and its correlates have been investigated almost exclusively in Western countries (e.g., Bradbury et al., 2000). Meanwhile, marital relationships are heavily guided by culturally determined norms, customs, and expectations (for review see Berscheid, 1995; Fiske et al., 1998). While we acknowledge the differences existing both between- and within-cultures, we measured marital satisfaction and several factors that might potentially correlate with it based on self-report data from individuals across 33 countries. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the raw data available for anybody interested in further examining any relations between them and other country-level scores obtained elsewhere. Below, we review the central variables that are likely to be related to marital satisfaction

Strong convergence result for monotone variational inequalities

Abstract: Our aim in this paper is to study strong convergence results for L-Lipschitz continuous monotone variational inequality but L is unknown using a combination of subgradient extra-gradient method and viscosity approximation method with adoption of Armijo-like step size rule in infinite dimensional real Hilbert spaces. Our results are obtained under mild conditions on the iterative parameters. We apply our result to nonlinear Hammerstein integral equations and finally provide some numerical experiments to illustrate our proposed algorithm.

A strong convergence result involving an inertial forward–backward algorithm for monotone inclusions

Abstract: Our interest in this paper is to prove a strong convergence result for finding a zero of the sum of two monotone operators, with one of the two operators being co-coercive using an iterative method which is a combination of Nesterov’s acceleration scheme and Haugazeau’s algorithm in real Hilbert spaces. Our numerical results show that the proposed algorithm converges faster than the un-accelerated Haugazeau’s algorithm.

The role of novel biomarkers in predicting diabetic nephropathy: a review

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of the kidney arising commonly from type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and occasionally from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Microalbuminuria serves as an early indicator of DN risk and a predictor of its progression as well as cardiovascular disease risk in both T1DM and T2DM. Although microalbuminuria remains the gold standard for early detection of DN, it is not a sufficiently accurate predictor of DN risk due to some limitations. Thus, there is a paradigm shift to novel biomarkers which would help to predict DN risk early enough and possibly prevent the occurrence of end-stage kidney disease. These new biomarkers have been broadly classified into glomerular biomarkers, tubular biomarkers, biomarkers of inflammation, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and miscellaneous biomarkers which also include podocyte biomarkers, some of which are also considered as tubular and glomerular biomarkers. Although they are potentially useful for the evaluation of DN, current data still preclude the routine clinical use of majority of them. However, their validation using high-quality and large longitudinal studies is of paramount importance, as well as the subsequent development of a biomarker panel which can reliably predict and evaluate this renal microvascular disease. This paper aims to review the predictive role of these biomarkers in the evaluation of DN.

Bioremediation of gasoline contaminated agricultural soil by bioaugmentation

Abstract: Bioaugmentation can occur either by the use of a single strain microorganism or between different microorganisms (fungi and bacteria). In the present study, we carefully evaluated these two bioaugmentation forms on the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in gasoline polluted soil. Microbial activity indexed by dehydrogenase (DHA) assay and effect of pH on biodegradation were also measured. After 8 week incubation, all the studied systems showed varying degree of TPH removal from the gasoline polluted soil. Highest percentage of degradation (75.70%) was observed in Micrococcus luteus, 71.10% in Rhizopus arrhizus and 66.40% in the consortium though removal efficiencies were not statistically different among the bioaugmentation options but differed significantly with the control at p 0.05 . The natural attenuation (control) system had the least TPH removal efficiency (54.04%). The study reported that bioaugmentation involving microbial consortium resulted in initial accelerated biodegradation rates. Fungi bioaugmented systems had low pH condition throughout the experiment. Results of microbial dynamics showed that population density of total heterotrophic microorganisms were higher than actual gasoline degraders and studies using kinetic parameters supported that significant gasoline hydrocarbon removal occurred in the bioaugmentation systems.

Relationship Between Exclusive Breastfeeding and Lower Risk of Childhood Obesity: A Narrative Review of Published Evidence.

Abstract: Background:The pattern of infant feeding during the first 1000-day period—from conception to the second birthday—has a significant influence on the child’s growth trajectory. The relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and lower risk of childhood obesity has elicited much scientific interest, given the fact that this form of malnutrition is becoming a global epidemic.Aim:This narrative review aims to examine the evidence in the literature linking exclusive breastfeeding with reduction in obesity in children.Literature search:Using appropriate search terms, PubMed database was searched for relevant articles that met the review objective.Results:Evidence for the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against childhood obesity have been provided by studies which explored 5 physiologic mechanisms and those that established the causality between breastfeeding and lower risk of obesity. The few studies that disputed this relationship highlighted the influence of confounding factors. A new insight on ...

Antimicrobial activity of Nigerian medicinal plants.

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the major threats facing mankind. The emergence and rapid spread of multi- and pan-drug-resistant organisms (such as vancomycin-, methicillin-, extended -spectrum β-lactam- , carbapenem- and fosfomycin-resistant organisms) has put the world in a dilemma. The health and economic burden associated with AMR on a global scale is dreadful. Available antimicrobials have been misused and are almost ineffective with some of these drugs associated with dangerous side effects in some individuals. Development of new, effective and safe antimicrobials is one of the ways by which AMR burden can be reduced. The rate at which microorganisms develop AMR mechanisms outpaces the rate at which new antimicrobials are being developed. Medicinal plants are potential sources of new antimicrobial molecules. There is renewed interest in antimicrobial activities of phytochemicals. Nigeria boasts of a huge heritage of medicinal plants and there is avalanche of researches that have been undertaken to screen antimicrobial activities of these plants. Scientific compilation of these studies could provide useful information on the antimicrobial properties of the plants. This information can be useful in the development of new antimicrobial drugs. This paper reviews antimicrobial researches that have been undertaken on Nigerian medicinal plants.