Showing papers in "Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences in 2014"
TL;DR: The fungal analysis shows that Apergillus fumigatus, APergillus niger, Aspergilli flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer are associated with the spoilt sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) with frequencies of occurrence of 22%, 17 %, 25 % 36% respectively.
Abstract: This study was carried out in Sokoto Metropolis to isolate and identify fungi associated with the deterioration of sweet orange fruits. A total of one hundred samples of fresh sweet Oranges (Citrus sinensis L) were used. First, a total of seventy samples were obtained from the three selected marketing centres in Sokoto metropolis (Central market, Kasuwar daji and Old market respectively), and transported immediately to mycology laboratory Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto for analysis. The oranges were kept under room temperature and observed after two weeks for spoilage. Each of the orange was cut and the liquid content inoculated on potato Dextrose Agar and incubated at 250c and observed for 3-28 days after which the different colonies obtained were identified using the slide culture technique. The fungal analysis shows that Apergillus fumigatus, Apergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer are associated with the spoilt sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) with frequencies of occurrence of 22%, 17 %, 25 % 36% respectively. Fresh sweet orange fruits (thirty samples: ten each from the three markets respectively) were obtained, and the isolated culture for each of the identified fungi specie inoculated on each of the freshly purchased oranges and incubated to check for their spoilage ability. The result shows that R. stolonifer and A. flavus were the most active with rots diameter of 45 mm and 35 mm, respectively. And the least active fungus was A. niger having a rots diameter of 25mm.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted on the urban agricultural soils at the banks of three metropolitan and suburban rivers namely Challawa, Jakara and Watari in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria to determine the total, exchangeable and soluble concentrations of the heavy metals Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd.
Abstract: This study was conducted on the urban agricultural soils at the banks of three metropolitan and suburban rivers namely Challawa, Jakara and Watari in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria to determine the total, exchangeable and soluble concentrations of the heavy metals Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd . The soils are all slightly alkaline (mean pH 7.42 – 7.77), with moderate CEC (12.63 – 23.11cmol/kg), medium to high organic carbon (7.16 – 11.27g/kg). The mean ranges of total Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd were 4.95 – 5.99, 5.85 – 165.66, 54.03 – 57.77, 55.07 – 255.52, 42.84 – 68.12 and 0.59 – 11.81mg/kg respectively. All the values were lower than the maximum allowable concentrations in soils, except for Cd at Jakara and Challawa. The mean ranges of exchangeable metals were 0.57 – 1.18, 1.69 – 29.26, 13.89 – 15.59, 14.16 – 49.01 10.48 – 18.31 and 0.39 – 1.20mg/kg for Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd respectively. The mean soluble concentrations were 0.27 – 0.48, 0.61 – 15.91, 5.60 – 7.15, 4.90 – 17.42, 2.78 – 9.36 and 0.00 – 0.60mg/kg for Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd respectively. Although appreciable amounts of all the metals were detected in the various forms, variability exists between the sites with concentrations found to be significantly higher (p≤ 0.05) in areas irrigated with waters receiving industrial and domestic sewages namely, Challawa and Jakara than Watari which was the control and significant relationship (p≤ 0.05) exists between exchangeable and total metal forms on one hand and such soil properties as organic carbon, available P, total N and basic cations on the other.
24 citations
TL;DR: Genetic variability in fifty three accessions of West African Okra were evaluated using morphological traits and clustering is ecologically independent and the number of accession(s) in each cluster suggests A. caillei as a continuous complex of varieties.
Abstract: Genetic variability in fifty three accessions of West African Okra [Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels] were evaluated using morphological traits. These accessions were collected from home gardens, seed stores and distant farms in South Western Nigeria and trials carried out in the experimental garden, University of Benin, Nigeria. The primary data on quantitative and qualitative characters collected were subjected to multivariate analyses to determine their relationship and distinctiveness. At P < 0.05, 14 quantitative characters were significant. Two principal component analyses were conducted. Eighteen of the total characters accounted for 90.2 % of the total variability on Principal Component (PC) axes 1 - 5 and the other, sixteen characters showed 70.1 % as the minimum descriptor for distinguishing A. caillei. The traits expressed by these descriptors are reflected in pigmentation of various organs; fruit characteristics and plant architecture on the crop plants. The sixteen characters suggested for core determination of this species were used for cluster analysis. All accessions clustered into seven distinct groups at Euclidean distance 8 - 10. This suggests relatively high genetic variability among the germplasm. The clustering is ecologically independent and the number of accession(s) in each cluster suggests A. caillei as a continuous complex of varieties. This collection requires more evidence probably molecular evaluation for taxonomic treatment of the taxon.
23 citations
TL;DR: Considering the potential nutritive and health benefits of the underutilized tiger nuts, it is suggested that utilization of tiger nut products should be encouraged so as to ameliorate the problem of protein-calorie malnutrition in children.
Abstract: The study aimed at phytochemical screening, elemental and proximate composition of two varieties of Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) big yellow and small brown nuts using standard methods. The phytochemicals tested for were alkaloid, saponin, tannin, glycoside, flavonoid, steroid and resin. All the aforementioned phytochemicals with the exception of resin were present in the two varieties. The elements tested for were Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, K and Fe. The result shows big yellow variety had higher Na, K, and Ca with mean values 70.8 mg/Kg, 3694.43 mg/Kg and 372.2 mg/Kg respectively. Both samples had equal Fe, Zn and Mn contents of 21.0 mg/Kg, 8.3 mg/Kg and 1.67 mg/Kg respectively. Small brown variety had higher Mg content (308.3 mg/Kg). The proximate analysis show brown yellow variety had higher ash, crude protein and crude fiber contents with values of 1.85%, 2.75% and 9.25% respectively. While small brown variety had higher moisture and fatty acid contents of 4.25 % and 15.2% respectively. Considering the potential nutritive and health benefits of the underutilized tiger nuts, it is suggested that utilization of tiger nut products (such as biscuits, flour and milk etc.) should be encouraged so as to ameliorate the problem of protein-calorie malnutrition in children, since it is rich in nutritional contents.
20 citations
TL;DR: All the quantitative characters including number of flower buds and flowers produced, fruit length, height of plant and stem girth were reduced in plants (Okra) grown in the contaminated soil while most of the qualitative characters such as pigmentation and shape of plant organs were less affected.
Abstract: The morphological distinctiveness of two cultivated Okra species- Abelmoschus caillei and Abelmoschus esculentus was investigated using six accessions; three for each species in crude oil contaminated soil. The seeds were collected from home gardens in Benin City and NIHORT. Morpho-agronomic characters such as numbers of days from sowing to germination, plant height, stem base diameter, stem color and pubescence, leaf shape and color, number of leaves produced, growth habit, branching, fruit and fruiting characters were determined. The growth response of the different accessions varied significantly (p< 0.05). Soil chemical analysis revealed decreased levels of pH, Phosphorus and Potassium in the contaminated soil. Generally, all the quantitative characters including number of flower buds and flowers produced, fruit length, height of plant and stem girth were reduced in plants (Okra) grown in the contaminated soil while most of the qualitative characters such as pigmentation and shape of plant organs were less affected. Thus, it can be suggested from the study that crude oil contamination of soil may lead to reduction in growth characteristics.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Strychnos innocua (Monkey Orange) fruits pulp was analyzed to establish its proximate, minerals, anti-nutritional and ascorbic acid compositions using standard analytical methods.
Abstract: The Strychnos innocua (Monkey Orange) fruits pulp were analysed to establish its proximate, minerals, anti-nutritional and ascorbic acid compositions using standard analytical methods. The pulp, on dry weight basis (DW), contains crude protein (3.97%), crude lipid (20.0%), ash (0. 05%), available carbohydrates (75.53%), calorific value (498.0kcal/100g) and moisture (60.17%Wet Weight). The pulp is rich in, potassium (256.33mg/100g), magnesium (10.67mg/100g), iron (9.77mg/100g), zinc (28.73 mg/100g) and manganese (2.50mg/100g). The pulp contains appreciable concentration of ascorbic acid (17.97 91mg/100g DW). But the pulp also has high content of total oxalate (48.75 % DW) and phytic acid (242.91mg/100g). The levels of various nutrient and mineral elements varied significantly, which indicates the potential of the pulp to be harnessed for diverse application for value addition as health food provided that the anti-nutritional factors are tackled appropriately.
13 citations
TL;DR: The results show that the leaf and root portions of P.stratiotes have potential nutritional uses and the leaf parts have significant (P) nutrients and minerals.
Abstract: Proximate, mineral and antioxidant composition of the leaf and root samples of Pistia stratiotes were estimated using standard methods. The samples show appreciable levels of moisture (4.50±0.50%and 4.50±0.10%), crude fibre (17.50±0.87% and 20.50±1.80%), crude lipid (2.17±0.29% and 1.83±0.29%), crude protein (6.96±0.13% and 3.18±0.14%), ash (35.20±1.56% and 44.50±0.50%) and carbohydrate (38.20±2.08% and 30.00±1.46%) respectively. The minerals determined were sodium (373.00±0.50mg/100g and 113.00±0.06mg100/g), potassium (3283.00±0.76mg100/g and 1750.00±0.50mg100/g), phosphorus (336.00±0.10mg/100g and 313.00±0.03mg/100g), calcium (230.00±0.01mg/100g and 230.00±0.03mg/100g) and magnesium (370.00±0.03mg/100g and 230.00±0.03mg/100g) respectively. The antioxidant estimated are vitamin A (480.0±1.50mg/100g and 1050.00±1.50mg/100g), vitamin C (560.00±0.20mg/100g and 3130.00±0.31mg/100g) and vitamin E (8260.00±3.00mg/100g and 3060±1.83mg100/g) respectively. The results show that the leaf and root portions of P.stratiotes have potential nutritional uses and the leaf parts have significant (P<0.05) high values of mineral element and antioxidant than that of the root samples. Keywords : Pistia stratiotes , mineral elements, proximate analysis, antioxidants
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the concentrations of metals in tomato leaves and fruits from peri-urban environments in Asaba, Delta State.
Abstract: Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe in soils and tomato leaves and fruits from peri-urban environments in Asaba, Delta State were determined after acid digestion by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The concentrations of metals in the soil samples were 10.14, 2.28, 3.96, 7.88, 0.15, 14.53 and 66.00 mg/kg site A; 7.01, 2.01, 2.03, 5.53, 0.16, 12.15, and 70.12 mg/kg site B, and 9.12, 2.24, 3.01, 4.35, 0.01, 11.52, and 61.22 mg/kg site C for Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe respectively. The concentrations of metals in the tomato leaves samples were 4.01, 1.91, 1.83, 4.89, 0.16, 4.51 and 7.13 mg/kg in site A; 3.84, 1.56, 2.07, 4.00, 0.41, 4.48 and 8.15mg/kg in site B, and 4.03, 1.75, 2.01, 4.52, 0.01, 4.42 and 8.11 mg/kg in site C for Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe respectively while in the tomato fruits, the concentrations of metals in mg/kg were 2.96, 0.41, 1.35, 3.33, 0.01, 3.83 and 6.38 mg/kg in site A; 3.01, 1.35, 1.88, 2.98, 0.15, 3.01 and 5.09 mg/kg in site B, and 3.92, 1.44, 1.82, 3.73, 0.01, 3.05 and 6.00 mg/kg in site C for Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe respectively. These values obtained in the soils for all sites were below the given values for naturally occurring metals in soil and Department of Petroleum Resources target and intervention values for metals in soil while the values recorded for tomatoes leaves and fruit are below the levels recommended by WHO/FAO and NAFDAC for metals in foods and vegetables but are within the normal range of metals in plants. There was positive correlation among metals except Pb/Cr, Cr/Mn and Cr/Fe. The values of transfer factor (tf) obtained for all the metals except Fe in leaves and fruits for all the sites were above 0.2 indicating anthropogenic contamination of the sites and also high take up and accumulation of the metals from the soil by the tomatoes thus the need for environmental monitoring of the area.
11 citations
TL;DR: The study suggests that long term inhalation of petrol fumes is associated with adverse effect on the kidney and liver function.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of petroleum fumes on male and female petrol attendants. Investigations had been carried out on thirty (30) adult petrol attendants from different filling stations in Ibadan metropolis of Nigeria with ten (10) healthy adults as control. All the subjects involved in this study were between the ages of 27-35 years. The subjects were grouped according to the duration of time they had worked in the filling station. Serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and total bilirubin concentration were determined to evaluate hepatotoxicity. Kidney function tests were also evaluated using serum creatinine, total protein and urea level. Electrolytes (potassium, chloride and sodium ions) leakages into the serum were also evaluated. The results reveal that serum AST, ALT, ALP activities and total bilirubin concentration in the petrol attendants were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared with the control. The petrol attendants that have spent 27-36 months in the petrol station show significant (P<0.05) increase in AST, ALT, ALP activities and total bilirubin concentration compared with other petrol attendants that have spent lesser duration in the filling station. The kidney function test reveals that petrol attendants show significant (P<0.05) increase in creatinine, total protein and urea level compared with the control. Petrol attendanst show significant (P<0.05) increase in serum potassium, chloride and sodium ion concentrations compared with the control group. The study suggests that long term inhalation of petrol fumes is associated with adverse effect on the kidney and liver function. Keywords : Liver; Kidney: Petroleum fume: Petroleum attendants; Electrolytes
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the in vitro antioxidant activity and phenolic content of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Alstonia boonei and Eupatorium odoratum leaves were investigated to determine the levels of phenolics in the extracts.
Abstract: This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity and phenolic content of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Alstonia boonei and Eupatorium odoratum leaves . Total phenol, flavonoid and flavonol content of the extracts were estimated to determine the levels of phenolics in the extracts. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts were assessed through diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power (RP). The results revealed that the DPPH radical scavenging ability of aqueous extract of E. odoratum (with IC 50 = 0.07± 0.003mg/ml) compares favourably with that of the standard ascorbic acid (IC 50 = 0.06 ± 0.01 mg/ml). There was a dose-dependent increase in FRAP and RP capacity in all the extracts. The ethanol extract of E. odoratum had the highest FRAP while the aqueous extract of A. boonei showed the highest RP ability when compared with the other extracts. However, flavonol content was highest in the aqueous extract of E. odoratum followed by ethanol extract of A. boonei . The phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts of E. odoratum were higher than that of A. boonei extracts. This study, therefore, reveals that aqueous extract of A. boonei and ethanol extract of E. odoratum leaf are more effective free radical scavengers and antioxidants relative to the other extract forms. These findings support the use of these extracts as potential sources of natural antioxidants. Keywords: Alstonia boonei, Eupatorium odoratum, phenolics, antioxidant
10 citations
TL;DR: The effect of dried lake salt on lipid profile and histology of heart in female albino rats and Atherogenic index of the group administered 300mg/kg body weight was significantly higher than the control group.
Abstract: Peripatum cardiomyopathy is a devastating form of cardiac failure affecting women mainly in their last month of pregnancy or early postpartum with high incidence in Northern Nigeria where the consumption of dried lake salt postpartum is high. The current work was designed to study the effect of dried lake salt on lipid profile and histology of heart in female albino rats. The rats were administered graded doses of the salt for 4 weeks. The group administered 300mg/kg body weight of the dried lake salt has significantly (P0.05) increase in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol but total cholesterol, triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol levels were lower compared to the control. Atherogenic index of the group administered 300mg/kg body weight was significantly (P
TL;DR: An environmental ionizing radiation survey around quarry sites in Ilorin was carried out using three Radalert Nuclear Radiation Monitors and Global Positioning System (GPS) in order to assess and provide up to date information on radiation levels in the environment as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: An environmental ionizing radiation survey around quarry sites in Ilorin was carried out using three Radalert Nuclear Radiation Monitors and Global Positioning System (GPS) in order to assess and provide up to date information on radiation levels in the environment. Measured mean radiation levels ranged from 1.11±0.05 to 1.72±0.03 mSv/yr with an average of 1.49±0.04 mSv/yr in the study area. The radiation levels have surpassed the standard level of 1 mSv/yr by 50%, but fall below the global average of 2.4 mSv/yr for the general public and 20 mSv/yr for occupational environment. Keywords : Radiation, Environment, Industry, Health, Nigeria
TL;DR: The aqueous root-bark extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera Taub has been shown to ameliorate streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia and the use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes or other diseases should therefore be monitored with respect to hepato-biliary toxicity.
Abstract: The aqueous root-bark extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera Taub. has been shown to ameliorate streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. This study evaluated the liver status of STZ- induced diabetic rats treated with aqueous root-bark extract of T. tetraptera for 35 days. Twenty-four (24) rats in four groups (normal control, diabetic control, T. tetraptera treated STZ induced diabetic rats at 150 mg/kg b. w. and T. tetraptera treated STZ-diabetic rats at 300 mg/kg b. w.) were used. Serum and liver alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (γGT) activities and protein concentration were assessed. Also, serum albumins, globulins, total and direct bilirubin concentrations were measured. STZ induced diabetes significantly (P<0.05) increased serum ALT, AST and ALP activities, while treatment of diabetic rats with T. tetraptera reduced the activities of these enzymes. T. tetraptera caused significant (P<0.05) increases in serum γGT, total and direct bilirubin levels, especially at the higher dose (300mg/kg body weight). While the treatment of STZ induced diabetic rats with the extract of T. tetraptera ameliorated hepatocellular damage, at the higher dose of 300mg/kg body weight, T. tetraptera treatment may cause bile duct obstruction. The use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes or other diseases should therefore be monitored with respect to hepato-biliary toxicity. Keywords : Tetrapleura tetraptera , STZ diabetes, Liver function, Toxicity, Medicinal plants
TL;DR: From the results, it can be concluded that application of 10t/ha cow manure is adequate for optimum maize production in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria.
Abstract: Lack of proper knowledge on the type and exact quantity of manure required by crops are among the major constraints to maize production in Maiduguri. Thus a pot experiment was carried out in the screen house of University of Maiduguri to assess the effects of sources and rates of manure suitable for optimum maize production in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The experiment was established as completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 manure treatments, 3 rates plus 3 controls (no manure), replicated 3 times. The results showed that, yield and nutrient uptake of maize was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by treatments at 21 and 42 days after planting (DAP). Cow manure treatment on average, produced the best of growth, yield and nutrient uptake (N,P, and K uptake) of maize compared to other treatments. Also, on average, values of most parameters in the 10 and 20 t/ha rates were statistically similar or higher than those of 30 t/h/ha. However, 10t/ha rate is considered more appropriate as it produces same effects as those of 20t/ha rates. From the results, it can be concluded that application of 10t/ha cow manure is adequate for optimum maize production in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria. Keywords : Manure sources, Rates, Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Maize
TL;DR: A field experiment was conducted in 2010 and repeated in 2011 cropping seasons at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm, Dabagi to determine the effect of intra row spacing on growth and yield of Lablab purpureus as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A Field experiment was conducted in 2010 and repeated in 2011 cropping seasons at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm, Dabagi to determine the effect of intra row spacing on growth and yield of Lablab purpureus. Treatments consisted three intra row spacings (20, 30 and 40cm) laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. The results of the trial showed that intra row spacing significantly (P 0.05) by intra row spacing. The longest leaf (9.9 cm) was produced by 30 cm intra row spacing. Leaf width was also not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing with 30 cm intra row spacing producing the widest leaf (8.9 cm). Dry matter yield was not affected (P > 0.05) by intra row spacing however, 30 cm intra row spacing produced the highest dry matter yield of 1707.7 kg/ha. It was concluded from this research that 30 cm intra row spacing produced the highest dry matter yield of Lablab purpureus (L) and is recommended for semi arid Sokoto environment.
TL;DR: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of camel milk supplementation on serum glucose, lipid profile and body weight of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Abstract: Cases of diabetes are on the rise in almost every population and epidemiological studies suggest that without proper prevention and control measures, prevalence of the disease will continue to increase globally. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of camel milk supplementation on serum glucose, lipid profile and body weight of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by intravenous injection of alloxan (80mg/kg body weight). Diabetic rats showed significantly higer blood glucose levels (9.68±1.36 mmol/L). Treatment with camel milk significantly decreases blood glucose levels (5.33±0.46) p
TL;DR: There is a need for government to incorporate rubella vaccine to be part of national immunization programme and screening of women of childbearing age so as to reduce subsequent burden of congenital rubella.
Abstract: Rubella infection is generally mild in children. However, infection during pregnancy can leads to fetal death or congenital defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome. The seroprevalence of IgG to rubella virus was determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay among 400 pregnant women between the ages of 15-45 years attending ante-natal clinics in Kaduna metropolis. Of the 400 samples tested, consisting 20 in their first trimester, 260 in second and 120 in third trimester, 386 (96.5%) were IgG seropositive. Seroprevalence of 95.2% - 100% was obtained across the age groups. In relation to stages of pregnancy 19 (95.0%), 251 (96.5%) and 116 (96.7%) were seropositive in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. The seroprevalence obtained in this study indicates that majority of the pregnant women had protective antibody due to previous exposure to the virus. However, 3.5% of the pregnant women were susceptible. Therefore, there is a need for government to incorporate rubella vaccine to be part of national immunization programme and screening of women of childbearing age so as to reduce subsequent burden of congenital rubella.
TL;DR: The crude protease produced by Pediococcus acidilactici grown in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth had temperature and pH optima of 28 oC and 4.0 respectively thus indicating that the enzyme is a mesophilic and acidic protease.
Abstract: Microbial proteases have wide industrial applications and proteases of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have received special attention because of their importance in the food and dairy industry. Of all the LAB, the proteolytic system of the pediococci is the least studied. Therefore, this study was aimed at characterizing and purifying the protease produced by Pediococcus acidilactici grown in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth. Casein concentration of 2% (w/v) and 2.5 ml of the crude enzyme were optimal for the activity of the protease. The crude protease had temperature and pH optima of 28 oC and 4.0 respectively thus indicating that the enzyme is a mesophilic and acidic protease. Purification of the enzyme by gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G75 following ammonium sulphate precipitation gave 2.26 fold increase in purification with specific activity of 46.13 units/mg protein while purification on Sephadex CM50 resulted in reduced purification fold (1.24 - 1.59) with specific activity ranging between 25.39 - 32.54 units/mg protein. The protease showed a characteristic band on SDS-PAGE and the molecular weight was estimated between 45 and 66 kDa. The potential applications of the protease are discussed.
TL;DR: This study assessed the effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) on liver enzyme markers (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminosferase and Alkaline phosphatase) and CD4 T-cells and found a significant increase in AST and ALT levels of HIV positive non treated group compared to HIV negative group (control).
Abstract: This study assessed the effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) on liver enzyme markers (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase) and CD4 T-cells. A total of Seventy Five (75) individuals were enrolled into the study, which comprised Twenty Five (25) HIV negative (control), Twenty Five (25) HIV positive non-treated with ARVs and Twenty Five (25) HIV positive treated with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Females were found to be the majority of HIV infected patients and most patients were at the middle age of 20-39 years. AST and ALT were assessed according to the Reitman and Frankel’s (1957) method, while ALP was based on King Armstrong’s (1980) method and CD4 T-cells using a method assayed of Cassens et al., (2004). The result show a significant increase (p<0.05) in AST and ALT levels of HIV positive non treated group compared to HIV negative group (control). AST and ALT levels of HIV positive treated with ARVs is significantly higher in comparison to HIV positive non-treated group. But the ALP activity was significantly lower (p<0.05) in HIV positive treated group compared to non-treated group. Infection by HIV increases the activities of the three enzymes, which may be due to liver cells apoptosis caused by HIV infection, intact immune response to HIV replication which subsequently leads to hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation. But at the commencement of antiretroviral therapy the activities of the three afore-mentioned enzymes decreases which may be as result of decrease in the negative effect of the virus to the liver enzymes by ARVs. For clinical significance, it is necessary to investigate the activities of liver enzymes in HIV positive patients in order to monitor the diagnosis and advanced infection of the liver cells by HIV. Keywords : Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Human immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral drugs
TL;DR: The reservoir has low species of phytoplankton, which may be due to low levels of nutrients and age of the reservoir, and the monthly variation in the physicochemical parameters may bedue to seasonal changes and human activities.
Abstract: Nutrients availabilty is one of the major contributors to distribution and growth of phytoplankton species. Physicochemical properties and phytoplankton species and their distribution in Shagari Reservoir were evaluated. Standard methods of UNEP were used to determine monthly physicochemical flux properties, diversity and distribution of phytoplankton species were also determined. Phytoplankton classes identified included Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cynophyceae and Dinophyceae. Class Chlorophyceae had the highest annual percentage distribution (37.55%) with four species identified. The least monthly percentage (7.64%) was recorded in November by Dinophyceae. Anabaena wisconsineae (Dinophyceae) had the highest frequency of occurence (96.6%). August, September and October were the most turbid months using Secchi disc measurement with 8.30, 9.0 and 9.8cm respectively. The monthly variation in the physicochemical parameters may be due to seasonal changes and human activities. The levels of nitrogen and phosphorus ranged from 0.30-7.30 Mg/l and 0.1-0.8Mg/l respectively. The reservoir has low species of phytoplankton, which may be due to low levels of nutrients and age of the reservoir.
TL;DR: It was observed that Vogel’s approximation method, Least-Cost method and Column minimum method yielded better starting solutions, while North-West Corner method and Row minimum methods though simple to compute yielded starting solutions far from the optimal solution.
Abstract: Transportation problem has been one of the most important applications of Linear programming. Transportation problems have become vastly applied in industrial organizations with multiple manufacturing units, warehouses and distribution centers. In this stugy, the methods of finding initial basic feasible solution of balanced transportation problem are studied and compared to find among them the best in terms of efficiency. The initial basic feasible solution tableaus of all the methods are constructed using data collected from Katsina State Transport Authority. The costing of the allocated cells associated with the initial basic feasible solutions of the five methods are computed and compared with that of optimal solution which was found to be N1,098,000:00. It was observed that Vogel’s approximation method, Least-Cost method and Column minimum method yielded better starting solutions. The North-West Corner method and Row minimum methods though simple to compute yielded starting solutions far from the optimal solution. In addition, Vogel’s approximation method is more difficult and requires more iteration. The best transportation network for Katsina State Transport Authority was obtained.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to estimate the resource use efficiency in sweet potato production in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract: This study estimated the resource use efficiency in sweet potato production in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State. The study was based on primary data collected from 82 sweet potato farmers through multistage sampling procedure; analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The result reveal that 90.2% male, with 21.7 years of sweet potato farming experience, 87.8% were married, 64.6% have a household size of 8 persons on average, 81.7% have no formal education, 96.4% acquired land through leasehold. Only 13.4% are members of farmers’ cooperative society. Multiple regression analysis show that the quantity of fertilizer used and the age of farmers were significantly related to quantity of output produced at (p<0.01) and (p<0.1) respectively. The coefficient of elasticity of Cobb Douglas function was 0.91. The efficiency estimates reveal that fertilizer was over utilized and should be reduced to ensure optimum production while vines, labour and farm size were sparingly used and these should be increased to ensure optimum production. Conclusively, sweet potato farmers in the study area were technically inefficient. It is recommended that farmers should utilize inputs, most especially fertilizer at optimum rate to bring about an increase in quantity of sweet potato produced. Keywords : Sweet potato, Farmers, Resource use efficiency, Production, Utilization
TL;DR: In this paper, the reliability analysis of a two-dissimilar unit cold standby system with three modes using Kolmogorov forward equation's method, in which its reliability and availability analysis are evaluated.
Abstract: Reliability is an important area that is receiving attention globally. This paper studies reliability analysis of a two-dissimilar-unit cold standby system with three modes using Kolmogorov forward equation�s method, in which its reliability and availability analysis are evaluated. This proposed system has been investigated under three modes: normal, partial failure, total failure. The failure and the repair time are assumed to have exponential distribution. The effect of failure rate on meantime to system failure (MTSF ), steady state availability ( AT () ) and the profit function PF() of the system are compared. It was found thatMTSF , AT () , and PF() are decreasing with the
increase of the failure rate.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the electrical resistivity method to determine the protective capacity of the aquitard stratum in some coastline locations in Delta State, Nigeria using 13 vertical electrical soundings and data obtained were interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iterative technique.
Abstract: This study was aimed at determining the protective capacity of the aquitard stratum in some coastline locations in Delta State, Nigeria. This was carried out using the electrical resistivity method. A total of 13 vertical electrical soundings were conducted and data obtained were interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iterative technique. The result of the study show the presence of three to four geoelectric formations comprising top soil, sandy clay/clayey sand, fine sand and medium coarse sand. The aquitard resistivity ranged from 11.8 to 108.8 m while the thickness ranged from 1.0 to 7.4 m. It can be concluded that the protective capacity of the aquitard in the area ranges from poor to moderate.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the costs and returns of crop production under Jibiya Irrigation Project as well as problems that were militating against the achievement of the Project objectives.
Abstract: The study examined costs and returns of crop production under Jibiya Irrigation Project as well as problems that were militating against the achievement of the Project objectives. 120 farmers were randomly sampled and interviewed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting model. The average age and land holding of the farmers were 42 years and 0.8ha, respectively. Majority of the farmers were married and can read and write. Most of them had between 0 - 5 and 0 - 3 children and dependants, respectively. Their average costs of crop production were N 94,513.61, N 90,969.20 and N 3,544.41 per hectare of total, variable and fixed cost, respectively. Whereas the total revenue, gross margin and net farm income they obtained were N 190,329.36, N 99,360.16 and N 95,815.75 per hectare, respectively. They enjoyed a net return on investment of N 1.01. There were many problems facing the farmers, which if not addressed adequately, will not only significantly reduce the productivity of crop production but will also discourage farmers from farming under the Project. The performance of the farmers, though good, could be improved if there is adequate funding of the Project; inputs are made readily available to farmers at subsidized rate and in good time and the farmers offer hands in ensuring the safety and security of the Project’s facilities. Keywords : Economic analysis, Crop production, Jibiya irrigation project.
TL;DR: In this paper, the salting out effect of various solutions of electrolyte in the extraction of tantalum and niobium using aqueous biphasic system (ABS) was investigated.
Abstract: The salting-out effect of various solutions of electrolyte in the extraction of tantalum and niobium using aqueous biphasic system (ABS) was investigated. This was achieved by leaching ball-milled Tantalite ore with mineral acids (H2SO4 and HF) in the ratio of 3:1. The leached liquor was then divided into five parts and each part mixed with ABS formed (e.g. PEG-3350/20wt/wt Na2CO3) for the extraction of tantalum and niobium and then with Na2SO4, K2CO3, K2SO4, KBr, and KI salts in turn. The amount of tantalum pent oxide extracted was determined using X-ray fluorescence method. The results show that the percentage tantalum extracted was in the range of 28.17% to 54.93% i.e. increased in the order KI< KBr < K2CO3< Na2SO4, < K2SO4 with 28.17%, 30.28%, 34.51%, 43.31% and 54.93% respectively; while that of niobium pent oxide increased in the order KI< KBr < K2CO3< Na2SO4, < K2SO4 with 27.3%, 29.35%, 33.78%, 34.64% and 41.98% respectively. In conclusion electrolyte with high ionic charge and hydration radius salts-out Ta2O5 better in the ABS/electrolyte system than those with low values.
TL;DR: Collagen synthesized under the influence of mechanical stretching had higher content of free e-NH2-groups and lower level of inter-molecular cross-links compared to the collagen synthesized without the stretching, which may indicate that fibrils formed in the former were shorter and had lower thermal stability due to a decrease in the degree of cross linkages.
Abstract: Stabilization of collagen fibres during development and through growth to maturation has now become fairly documented. In vitro effect of mechanical stretching of rats’ skin on oxidative deamination of e-NH2-groups of lysine and hydroxylysine, and functional properties of its type І collagen were studied. Experiments were carried out on the skin of a 3-months old male Wistar rat weighing about 800 mg. The skin tissue was divided into four (4) and subjected to different mechanical stresses in Ringer-Kreb’s medium for 6 hours at 37 oC. The Degree of oxidative deamination of lysine and hydroxylysine was evaluated by way of the content of free e-amino (e-NH2) and aldehyde (COH) groups. Level of covalent cross-linking of collagen in skin samples was assessed by its solubility in 1 M solution of NaCl and expressed as a percentage of total collagen content in the tissue. Collagen synthesized under the influence of mechanical stretching had higher content of free e-NH2-groups and lower level of inter-molecular cross-links compared to the collagen synthesized without the stretching. This finding may indicate that fibrils formed in the former were shorter and had lower thermal stability due to a decrease in the degree of cross linkages.
TL;DR: In this article, geological mapping was carried out and outcrop sections were examined alongside palaeocurrent directions from the greater part of the Campano-Maastrichtian outcrops in the Gongola Basin in Nigeria.
Abstract: Geological mapping was carried out and outcrop sections were examined alongside palaeocurrent directions from the greater part of the Campano-Maastrichtian outcrops in the Gongola Basin in Nigeria. Palaeocurrent measurements were obtained from asymmetrical ripples, cross bedding and dune bedforms within the channel-filling sub-facies of the Arowa Formation, and the foresets of the tabular cross bedding displayed in the Duguri formation. A north-westerly to a northerly paleocurrent direction was determined for the Arowa formation, indicating that the open sea was located to north-north-west, while a unimodal palaeocurrent directions characterize the Duguri Formation. These currents transported sediment into the Dukku, Akko and Bashar sub-basins with an overall centripetal pattern. The main structural features of the western part of Gongola Basin from E-W, are the N-S, NE-SW and NW-SE trending faults. These series of faults controll the basin subsidence and deposition of the Campano-Maastrichtian succession in the Dukku, Akko and Bashar sub-basins.The lateral and vertical facies variation within the Campano-Maastrichtian succession are in consistence with the northerly retreat of the sea.
TL;DR: Combined plant mixture (CPM) in ratio of 1:1 (Vitex doniana, Diospyros mesipiliformis, Acacia polyacantha, Parinari macrophylla, Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa) was extracted with methanol and screened for antimalarial activity as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Combined Plant Mixture (CPM) in ratio of 1:1 (Vitex doniana, Diospyros mesipiliformis, Acacia polyacantha, Parinari macrophylla, Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa) was extracted with methanol and screened for antimalarial activity. The CPM Methanol extract residue was suspended in water and fractionated with Hexane (HX), Ethylacetate (EA) and n-Butanol (BUT). The Methanolic CPM extract has shows some antimalarial activity with Mean Survival Times (MST) of 10.16 to 12.16 days. All the mice in control group were found dead on 14th day of study and one mice was still alive on 14th day in both the groups with 15% and 30% parasitaemia against Plasmodium yoelli nigeriensis N67 and Plasmodium berghei K173 respectively. The EA fraction was the most active against P. yoelli nigeriensis N67 having 2 mice surviving up to 14th day with 5.5% parasitaemia and MST of 13.4 days. Fractions of water (WT), HX and BUT have 12.5, 25, and 100% (dead) parasitaemia with mean survival times of 12.6, 9.33 and 8.5 days against 100% (dead) parasitaemia and 8.20 days of MST when compared with control. HX fraction was the most active against P. berghei K173 followed by BUT fraction with one mice surviving up to 14th day without parasitaemia but with MST of 15.0 and 13.5 days respectively. EA and WT fractions have 22.66 and 100% (dead) parasitaemia with mean survival times of 11.80 and 10.80 days respectively. Chromatographic separation of EA fraction of the CPM extract resulted in the isolation of Gallic acid(Figure 2, Fractions 79-83), 3β-OH-α-amyrin(Figure 3, Fractions 45-46), 5,7,3’,4’,5’-pentahydroxy-3-O-glucophyranoside flavones(Figure 4, Fractions 128-157)-[myricetin 3-O-β-rhamnopyranoside], 5,7,3’,4’ tetrahydroxy-3-o-glucopyranoside flavones(Figure 5, Fractions 126-141)-[quercetin 3-O-β-rhamnopyranoside], and 3,5,7,3’,4’-Pentahydroxy flavones (Figure 6, Fractions 87-112)-[quercetine]. The compounds were characterized using ESI-MS, IR, 1H C13, HMBC/HSQC and COSY-NMR data. These findings suggest that the combined extracts possess antiplasmodial properties.
TL;DR: Gender distribution of the intestinal parasitism shows that male patients had 17% infection rate while in the female group 3% infection rates was recorded, and there is no significant (P>0.05) association between the gender and parasitic infection.
Abstract: A research study on prevalence of intestinal parasitism among HIV positive patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto between January-September 2010 was conducted. A total of 315 stool samples were collected; 205 samples were obtained from confirmed HIV/AIDS positive patients and 105 samples from HIV negative patients. These samples were examined using saline preparation, iodine preparation, formol ether concentration technique and modified cold Ziehl Neelsen staining technique. The prevalence rate of parasitic infection in HIV positive patients was 20.5% with the following parasites Cryptosporidium parvum 19(9.3%), Hookworm 6(2.9%), Giardia lamblia 13(6.3%), Taenia spp 2(1%), and Entamoeba histolytica 2(1 %). While in the HIV negative patients examined, the prevalence of parasitic infection was 11.8% with the following Hookworm 5(4.5%), E. histolytica 2(2%), G. lamblia 3(3%) and Ascaris lumbricoides 3(3%). Gender distribution of the intestinal parasitism shows that male patients had 17% infection rate while in the female group 3% infection rate was recorded. There is no significant (P>0.05) association between the gender and parasitic infection.