Annals of Science and Technology Feed

Assessment of radiation dose level and excess lifetime cancer risk associated with dust samples collected from selected nursery and primary schools in Ife Central and Ife East, Osun State, Nigeria.

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Primordial radionuclides are, among others, sources of radiation exposure to man. In this study, dust from some 24 nursery and primary schools in Ife Central and Ife East Local Government Areas (LGA) of Osun State were collected and analysed for 238U, 232Th, and 40K using CsI scintillation detector connected to a Universal Radiation Spectrum Analyser (URSA II) for spectrum analysis. From the specific activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K, absorbed dose rates and radiological parameters were calculated. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in Bq/kg were found to be (45±2, 46±2), (56±5,60±5) and (669±76, 744±86) respectively for Ife Central and Ife East LGAs, however, the difference between the data sets from the two communities were not statistically significant. The total mean ± S.D (standard deviation) calculated over the whole study area were as follows; 238U= 45±11; 232Th=58±15 and 40K=702±196. The values of these radionuclides’ activities were higher than the world averages of 33, 45, and 420 for 238U, 232Th, and 40K respectively set by UNSCEAR. The mean absorbed dose rate in the air (in nGy/h) for Ife Central was 85±7 while for Ife East was 92±8. Both values were higher than the world average of 55 nGy/h. Also, the excess lifetime cancer risk was 1.66 × 10-3 for Ife Central and 1.8 × 10-3 for Ife East LGAs. Generally, Ife East LGA has higher activity concentrations than Ife Central LGA although the difference is not statistically significant.

Present day changes in Mathematical Research

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In this work, various changes and developments in the field of mathematics were considered. To achieve this, trends generally and how they have affected the subject of mathematics were discussed, with consideration on some areas of trends in mathematics in the 1990s, identifying some notable developments in mathematics today, and some of the most current areas of developments in the field of mathematics and their effect between 2010 and today. In the course of these considerations, it was discovered that the subject of mathematics has experienced a lot of changes and evolutions over the years, and the application of mathematics today has grown beyond just physics and engineering but in many other fields. Computer has been identified as very important and useful in the current day mathematics, and mathematics also has been identified as very important and useful in computer science too. Also, it has been noticed that some concepts of hybridization as a result of the combination of mathematics and other fields now exist today, thereby promoting inter-field study. At the end of the work, the study revealed some changes which have occurred in the field of mathematics over the years, reiterated some applicable areas in mathematics today which occurred as a result of trends in mathematics in the 1990s, reiterated the importance and wide presence of computer in the current day mathematics and the importance and wide presence of mathematics in core areas of computer science and also identified some hybridized concepts which erupted as a result of the combination of mathematics and other fields.

The effect of location and method of tooth preparation on aerosol and splatter mitigation

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Objectives: This study investigated the influence of tooth position within the quadrant and method of tooth preparation on aerosol and splatter reduction by suction techniques.Materials and methods: Using four suction techniques, tooth preparation was done using fast handpiece and combined air and water spray on tooth #28, #29 and #30. Splatter, aerosol and total sound generated were recorded. Two-way analysis of variance and posthoc pairwise comparisons compared amount of aerosol, spatter and total sound among suction techniques, tooth location and method of preparation.Results: There were statistically significant more splatter (P < 0.000) for tooth preparation with air and water spray compared with high-speed handpiece for all suction techniques, but no significant difference in aerosol and total sound (P > 0.05) was recorded. A significant reduction in environmental splatter during tooth preparation of the distal tooth #30 by all suction methods was observed compared with tooth #28. However, there was no significant difference in the amount of face shield, chest, right arm and left arm splatter, aerosol and total sound based on tooth location. Overall, the prototype suction device had statistically significant less environmental splatter (P < 0.001) and aerosol (P = 0.004) than the conventional HVE device.Conclusions: The method of tooth preparation affected splatter mitigation by suction techniques but had no influence on aerosol mitigation. Mitigation of environmental splatter by suction techniques was affected by tooth position within the arch. The prototype suction device reduced environmental spatter and aerosol more than the conventional HVE device.Clinical Significance: The variations observed in aerosol and splatter mitigation based on tooth preparation methods and tooth location provides evidence for adjunctive means of reducing risk of direct transmission of infection in the dental practice such as combining strategies of protective equipment, improved room ventilation and use of air filtration system.

Comparative Study of Polyphenol Profile after Stimulated Post-intestinal Digestion of Raw and Dried Ginger Leaves

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The present study aimed to determine bioaccessibility (BA) of polyphenols (PPs) and flavonoids (FLs) compounds of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) leaves extract after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID). One hundred grams of Z. officinale leaves (raw and dried) was extracted with 200 mL of distilled water. Determination of PPs and BA index were carried on the extract before digestion (BD) (undigested), post-intestinal digestion without enzymes (PI-DWOEs) and post-intestinal digestion with enzymes (PI-DWEs) using standard methods. The results showed significant decrease in proanthocyanidins (PCs) and anthocyanins (ACs) of dried and raw Z. officinale in PI-DWEs when compared to PCs and ACs level in BD. A total of nine major PPs compounds were detected in raw Z. officinale leaves in BD and PI-DWOEs, whereas eight PPs were detected in PI-DWEs. In PI-DWOEs, sinapinic acid (6.68 ng/mL) was the most prominent whereas p-coumaric (7.74 ng/mL) was the most protuberant in PI-DWEs. The concentration of total PPs were as follows; BD (41.39 ng/mL) > PI-DWEs (13.6 ng/mL) > PI-DWOEs (19.20 ng/mL). In conclusion, after the in vitro GID of the extract, a good BA index was observed, of which some PPs and FLs contents were near to 100%. However, the reason most PPs and FLs in the extract cannot be available or absorbed intact after digestion could be due to the fact that they undergo a series of reactions with intestinal enzymes. Additionally, not all polyphenols are absorbed equally well. Before it is feasible to predict how PPs will be assimilated by cells, they must first be bioaccessible.

Preliminarily investigation on the In-vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Sorindeia warneckei Extracts

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Phytochemicals that are naturally occurring in plants are known to be potentially bioactive, having anti-oxidative, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibiting potentials. This study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the methanol and dichloromethane extracts of the leaf and stem Sorindeia warneckei. The plant extract showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides, coumarins, steroids, alkaloids, anthraquinones and reducing sugars. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay while the antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an in-vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity was expressed in % inhibition with L Ascorbic acid as standard showing IC50 0.69μg/ml with methanol extract while dichloromethane leaf extract having the highest activity at 0.45μg/ml. The α-amylase assay showed that the extracts exhibited potent alpha amylase inhibitory activity in a dose dependent manner with the leaf methanol extract having an IC50 of 2.33µg/L. The antimicrobial screening using the agar diffusion and agar dilution methods against the bacteria isolates Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhirimurium, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans and the fungal isolates Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oligosporus showed a good positive result. Preliminary investigation reveals that Sorindeia warneckei, contain bioactive compounds that possess promising pharmaceutical potentials that could be exploited.

Effect of 90 Days Sub-chronic Administration of Omeprazole (A Proton Pump Inhibitor) on Haematological, Biochemical, Antioxidant, Reproductive and Histopathological Parameters in Male and Female Rats

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the widespread use of omeprazole (OME), there are still concerns about its long-term safety and tolerability, especially with long-term or indiscriminate use. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of 90 days sub-chronic administration of OME on haematological, biochemical, antioxidant, reproductive and histopathological parameters in male and female rats. Forty-eight (48) Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 4 groups of 6 male and 6 female animals each. Group I received 10 mL/kg normal saline, while Groups II – IV received 0.12 mg/kg, 0.57 mg/kg, 2.85 mg/kg of OME respectively for 90 days. At the end of 90 days, 5 mL blood sample was collected, and vital organs were harvested for relevant analyses. In this study, OME did not elicit any significant (P>0.05) change in the body weight or weight of vital organs, but elicited a significant (P<0.05) reduction in sperm count at the supratherapeutic dose (2.85 mg/kg). The supratherapeutic dose of OME produced significant increase in cholesterol (P<0.0001) and LDL (P<0.0001) in female rats. OME did not generally produce a significant change in haematological parameters. OME elicited a significant decrease in CAT (P<0.05) in female and combined animals. Additionally, histopathological presentations of vital organs were generally non-abnormal. From this study, it can be concluded that long term administration of OME is generally safe and tolerable, especially at lower doses. Findings from this study suggest that OME may potentially induce changes in sperm characteristics (in relation to male rats), hepatoxicity, hypercholesteremia, hyperlipidemia and thrombocytosis over a long duration, at higher doses and especially in female animals.

Studies on some engineering properties of dried egg powder reference to its bulk handling

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This study investigated some physicochemical and engineering properties of dried egg powder concerning to its bulk handling with the view to promote its usage. The egg was deshelled to have whole egg, egg white and yolk; oven-dried in convective air at 60 °C (± 1 °C), milled and screened with a sieve size with a mesh size of 500 µm. The physicochemical and engineering properties analyses were carried out using standard procedures. The moisture contents ranged from 2.64 to 2.69%, loose and packed bulk densities ranged between 0.45 g/ml and 0.66g/ml (loose), 0.57 g/ml and 0.71g/ml, (packed). The least gelation concentration (LGC) of egg white and whole egg powder occurred at 10%, and, 12% respectively with egg yolk having poor LGC. The density ratio of egg white, whole egg and egg yolk powder were 92%, 76% and 77%, respectively. Egg white, whole egg and egg yolk powder samples had 7.80, 23.43 and 22.12% porosity, respectively The foaming stability of egg white, whole egg and egg yolk powder are 25.05, 28.41 and 26.01, respectively Similarly, the Carr index and Hausner ratio of dried egg white, whole egg and egg yolk powder are 24.48, 7.29 and 22.80; 1.18, 1.35 and 1.32, respectively indicating the egg powder samples were free-flowing. The emulsifying activity index of egg white, whole egg and dried egg powder are 3.84, 1.78 and 5.96, respectively while emulsifying stability index of the same samples are 503.30, 57.83 and 37.87, respectively. The colour intensity determined for egg white, whole egg and egg yolk powder was 61.75, 41,15 and 52.45, respectively Also, the thermal properties of the samples measured using differential scanning calorimeter ranged between 79.3 ⁰C - 92.8 ⁰C, 106.4 ⁰C - 121.2 ⁰C, 106.2 ⁰C - 122.8 ⁰C, 56.75 J/g - 278.6 J/g, 21.4 ⁰C - 94.743.5 ⁰C, 10.95 J/(gK) - 20.28 J/(gK), 0.50 w/m⁰C - 0.70 5 w/m⁰C, and 0.090 m2/s - 0.094 m2/s for onset temperature, peak temperature, end temperature, enthalpy, temperature range, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity respectively. The study therefore, provides engineering data about process design, control and bulk handling to extend the usage of dried egg powder samples in food process industries.

Ensemble Algorithm for Simulated Corrosion Data-tentative

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The application of robotics continues to advance and lends itself to various disciplines. Previous work has shown how Markov decision processes can be integrated in an algorithm to handle pipeline inspection. This has been extended to building models and addressing the errors in the model from the data collected. This paper made use of data collected by simulated robots in a pipeline environment, to build an ensemble. Five models were explored and analysed viz: Linear model, Generalised linear model, K-nearest neighbour, Neural network, and Random Forests models. The models were used to explore the responses acquired from the pipeline corrosion data. The performance of each of the ensembles are evaluated based on the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Adjusted R2 and Mean Absolute Error. Model evaluation show that although the averaging ensemble has a better fit (34.56%) than the stacking ensembles (17.22% and 16.98% respectively) considered, it also has the higher RMSE,(81.90) than the stacking models ( 40.91 and 38.53 respectively) forcing the decision maker to make a trade-off between fit and precision.

Investigating the Impacts of Tropospheric Parameters on Received Signal Strength of the Mobile Communication System

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Radio communication systems are crucial for information transmission, but they face challenges like interference and fading, which significantly impact network efficiency. Understanding propagation-related issues is crucial for optimizing networks. This study examined the influence of tropospheric parameters on the Received Signal Strength (RSS) of the Globacom communication system in Rivers State. Four tropospheric variables (air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed) are collected from the River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Environmental and Climatic Observatory Program. The results of the correlation analysis indicated a direct linear correlation between air temperature and RSS. In contrast, wind speed displayed an indirect relationship, while the remaining parameters demonstrated an inverse linear relationship. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and multiple linear perceptron (MLP) models were developed to accurately predict the impacts of tropospheric parameters on RSS. A supervised-learning three-layered MLP feed-forward neural network was employed, consisting of 10 distinct MLP NN models. The Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) learning algorithm was used in training and validating the MLP NN models. The MLP 4-40-1 model showed an exceptional understanding of the non-linear relationship between the tropospheric parameters and RSS. The MLR model exhibited a weaker correlation coefficient of 0.2164, while the MLP demonstrated a stronger correlation coefficient of 0.7942. Additionally, the MLP 4-40-1 model outperformed the MLR model in terms of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), achieving an accuracy of 0.2480 RMSE and 12.9963% MAPE, while the MLR model had 1.6880 RMSE and 27.3787% MAPE. These findings highlight the efficiency of the MLP 4-40-1 model in estimating the exact relationship between the tropospheric parameters and the signal strength of the mobile network in Rivers State. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing network design and emphasizes the significance of including tropospheric parameters in enhancing mobile communication performance.

Performance Evaluation and Analysis of Cloud Attenuation Prediction Models for Satellite Transmission Quality Improvement

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The reliability of social and business interactions on communication infrastructure determines the technological advancement of a nation. In the disclaimer notices of our financial institution’s transaction forms, they declared that they are not liable for communication channels malfunction that may lead to transaction interruption, transmission blackout and delayed services. Thus, effective hydrometeors attenuation margins are needed from accurate models to have reliable signal transmissions. Earlier research works established that increase in transmission frequency is directly proportional to attenuation on the signal, and that satellite communication unavailability in most tropical regions is above the allowed 1% outage percentage, significantly due to cloud attenuation contribution at satellite bands. The existence of clouds in tropical climates is almost perpetual, making cloud models all the more fundamental in tropical regions – which include Africa and about half of the rest of the world. The published new tropical cloud attenuation algorithm and its accompanying new tropical cloud attenuation model (NTM) - derived from it, is hereby further analysed with respect to wider frequency range. In the primary research to this work, data were collected from spectrum analyzer, weather-link and radiosonde equipment. The data were used to calculate values of projected attenuation by each major existing cloud model in the propagation range of 12 to 50 GHz. The predicted cloud attenuation values were spectrally processed and analysed. These results in the observation that the NTM’s predictions generally average the characteristics prediction values of existing models as shown by the graphical outputs. Also, the predicted attenuation values by each of the cloud models converge increasingly with frequency.

Proline as an osmolyte modulates changes in morphological and physiological attributes of Capsicum annuum l. under water stress

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Water stress is an inevitable factor which limits growth, development, and production efficiency of vegetables such as Capsicum annuum (Linnaeus) (pepper). This study was carried out to investigate the use of proline as an osmolyte to ameliorate the effect of water stress on morphological and physiological attributes of Capsicum annuum. C. annuum seedlings were subjected to different levels of proline (20, 30 and 40 %) against droughted and well-watered seedlings as control in a completely randomized design. Results showed that water stress limits morphological and physiological attributes of C. annuum, while proline at different levels enhances it. Highest plant height (26.00±0.71 cm) was obtained in C. annuum sprayed with 40% proline. Well-watered seedlings of C. annuum produced the highest numbers of leaves (35.40±4.12 cm) and leaf length (12.60±0.68 cm). In addition, leaf area (89.40±2.04 cm2), specific leaf area (124.24±1.24 m2kg-1) and leaf area index (1.76±1.13 m2m-2) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in C. annuum seedlings sprayed with 40 % proline compared with other treatments. Relative growth rate (0.30±0.09 mgg-1day-1), net assimilation rate (0.47±0.30 gm-2day-1) and leaf area ratio (0.58±0.11 m2kg-1) as well as, chlorophyll content (9.76±0.02 µgcm2), were higher in C. annuum seedlings sprayed with 40% proline. In conclusion, 20 and 30 % proline sustained morphological and physiological attributes of C. annuum under water stress, but 40% proline produced better ameliorative effects.

Frequency of ABH secretor status: a cross-sectional study in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The mucosa contains soluble antigens of the ABO blood group system. Secretor status as a trait has been linked to a variety of clinical diseases and is determined by the individual’s fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) allele. The distribution of secretor status in relation to ABO blood group phenotypes varies from region to region, with medicolegal significance. There is a dearth of information on the secretor status of the studied population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the secretor status of the ABH in a Nigerian population. To achieve this, fresh saliva samples (~5 ml) were collected from 325 (181 males and 144 females) apparently healthy individuals in the urban city of Lagos. Secretor status was determined by haemagglutination inhibition test with the saliva samples of participants. Results showed that 85% of the participants were secretors and 15% were non-secretors with no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between male and female gender. The frequencies of the Secretor, Se and Non-secretor, se genes were 0.543 and 0.457, respectively while the frequencies of the SeSe, Sese, and sese genotypes were 0.294, 0.496, and 0.209, respectively. The participants’ ABO blood group distributions were 65.5% group O, 16.6% group A, 15.1% group B, and 2.8% group AB. The incidence of secretors across blood group was 89% in group O, 85% in A, 79% in B and 67% in AB. However, there were no statistically significant variations in secretor status and ABO blood group (p>0.05). In conclusion, the study shows that there are more secretors than non-secretors, and the ability to secrete the ABH antigens are independent of ABO blood of individuals.

Effects of Butylated HydroxylToluene and Vitamin E on Cadmium-Lead toxicity on the liver of rats

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

This study determined the effect of lead-cadmium toxicity in the liver of albino rats. 56 rats were divided into 7 groups of 8 rats each and were treated as follows : Group A Control (1 ml of diluent (corn oil); Group B (15mg/kg BW cadmium); Group C(50mg/kg BW lead); Group D (15mg/kg BW Cadmium and 50mg/kg BW lead); Group E (15mg/kg BW cadmium, 50mg/kg BW lead and 23mg/kg BW vitamin E);Group F (15mg/kg BW cadmium, 50mg/kg BW lead and 25mg/kg BW Butylated HydroxylToluene) and Group G (15 mg/kg BW Cd+50mg/kg BW lead+25mg/kg BW (BHT + vitamin E). Rats were sacrificed on the 29th and 56th day in sub-acute and chronic exposure respectively. Liver function, oxidative stress markers and histological examination were carried out. Results indicate that rats exposed to cadmium and lead suffered liver damage due to the significant (P<0.05) increase in Alanine Transferase, Aspartate transferase and Alkaline phosphatase, and significant decrease (P<0.05) in Total Protein and Albumin in the serum. Malonaldehyde (MDA) levels were also significantly increased (P<0.05) with a concomitant decrease in Superoxide dismutase, catalase and Glutathione peroxidase activities in both the chronic and acute exposure phase. Vitamin E and BHT singly had little ameliorative effect on the liver; however, a combination of these antioxidants reduced the enzymes levels significantly. Treatment with the antioxidants (Vitimin E and BHT) both singly and combined was also able to ameliorate the effects of the oxidative stress induced by the metals as was further confirmed by the histopathological reports.

Effects of capacity building on rural women involvement in Climate Smart Agriculture initiatives in Rivers state, Nigeria

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The study assessed the effects of capacity building on rural women involvement in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)initiative in Rivers State, Nigeria. Respondents were leaders of rural women cooperative societies in Rivers State who were randomly selected from 23 Local Government Areas in the State. Structured questionnaire administration and Key Informant Interview was used to collect data while frequency counts, mean and percentages were employed to analyze the data collected. Results showed that the rural women interviewed were mostly adults, as majority (71.8%) were within the age range of 40 - 59 years. Majority (62.52%) were engaged in business/trading and other non-agricultural income generating activities, such as civil service (21.89%), income from pensions (3.13%), while 12.5% of the respondents had no other income generating activity aside farming. Some (40.63%) of the rural women had Senior Secondary Certificate as the highest form of education. Only 43.75% were aware of CSA, with 62.51% of them indicating low level of CSA knowledge. The major CSA management practices they know include mixed farming (50.0%), crop management practices (40.63%), application of indigenous knowledge and practices (25.0%) and soil management practices (25.0%). Approximately 84% have not attended CSA training before now. All the rural women (100%) used for the study upheld that CSA training is helpful in improving their CSA knowledge, imparted their readiness to adopt CSA practices (94%) and equipped them to be more involved in CSA initiative (100%). The major effects of capacity building on rural women involvement in CSA initiative are better knowledge of CSA for increased use of CSA practices (X̄ = 3.72), capacity to add value to their farm products (X̄= 3.69) and capacity to train others on CSA practices (X̄= 3.50). Regular training on CSA components by both government and private agencies could help in strengthening and sustaining rural women active participation in CSA initiative in the state and beyond.

Phytochemical, Proximate and in-vivo hypoglycemic Potential of Synsepalum dulcificum for Management of Diabetes mellitus in Nigeria

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Synsepalum dulcificum, a potent natural sweetener, is notably used in the traditional treatment of Diabetes mellitus in Nigeria though scientific explanation for its use is not well known. In this study, the phytochemical, proximate and hypoglycemic potential of the leaf and stem extracts (ethanol and aqueous) of S. dulcificum were investigated. The phytochemical and proximate analysis were carried out using a standard protocol. In-vivo assay protocols on alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats was followed in determining the hypoglycemic potentials of the extracts (concentrations: 100 mg/Kg, 200 mg/Kg, 400 mg/Kg), using glibenclamide as a standard drug. The aqueous leaf extract gave a higher yield (19.67%) compared to ethanolic extract (17.15%). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids in varying degrees in the plant’s parts. Proximate analysis showed higher lipid (23.30%) and protein (12.94%) in leaves and higher fibre content in stems (30.00%). The aqueous leaf extract at a high dose (400 mg/kg) gave the best glucose lowering effect (66.67 mg/dL) compared to the medium dose (78.33 mg/dL) and the standard drug (70.00 mg/dL). The albino rats were unable to survive at the lower dose (100 mg/kg) of all the extracts. The observed hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous leaf extract may be linked to significant tannins, flavonoids and saponins in the extract, as these phytochemicals have been reported to exhibit blood sugar lowering potentials. The results from this study confirmed that the leaf aqueous extract as a potential anti-diabetic agent and justified the folkloric use of Synsepalum dulcificum in the management of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria.

Evaluation of proximate compositions and heavy metal concentrations of Amaranthus spinosus L. and Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss. harvested on some poultry dumpsites in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Poultry waste as enhancement for crop development has become a norm for nutrients’ source but their pollution potentials is a source for concern. Thus, this study aimed at assessing proximate compositions and heavy metal accumulation in organs of Amaranthus spinosus and Talinum fruticosum handpicked from three poultry faecal sites in Badagry, Lagos State. Leaves and roots of A. spinosus and T. fruticosum as well as soil samples were collected from Yafin, Agric and Badagry dumpsites in Badagry Local Government and these were subjected to proximate and heavy metal analyses using standard analytical procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using mean-standard deviation. Proximate analyses of A. spinosus and T. fruticosum from three faecal sites contained appreciable Moisture, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, ash, and fat contents. Also, heavy metal analyses of the vegetables from the three faecal sites ranged as follows: Cd: 0.01-0.05mg/100g in leaves; 0.04-0.12mg/100g in roots, Co: 0.04-0.05 in leaves; 0.04-0.12mg/100g in roots, Cr: 0.58-0.84mg/100g in leaves; 0.91-1.01mg/100g in roots, Cu: 0.27-70.51mg/100g in leaves; 0.50-58.55mg/100g in roots for A. spinosus; Cd: 0.04-0.07mg/100g in leaves; 0.06-0.12mg/100g in roots, Co: 0.02-0.06mg/100g in leaves; 0.08-0.34mg/100g in roots, Cr: 0.05-0.12mg/100g in leaves; 0.04-0.23mg/100g in roots, Cu: 61.55-121.81mg/100g in leaves; 48.45-147.45mg/100g in roots for T. fruticosum and Cd: 3.53-9.05mg/100g, Co: 0.14-0.69mg/100g, Cr:0.14-4.22mg/100g: and Cu: 2.59-8.11mg/100g in soils for all three dumpsites sampled. However, all metals analysed were below WHO limits for vegetable and soils except cobalt, copper and chromium. Thus, locals should be advised against consumption of vegetables from dumpsites since toxic substances often accumulates in the environment and maybe hazardous to man’s health.

Mn(II), Fe(III) and Ni (II) Complexes of Mixed Citric acid - Sulphamethoxazole: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial activity

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Three mixed ligand complexes of sulphamethoxazole and citric acid have been synthesized using Mn(II), Fe(III) and Ni(II) chlorides. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, conductivity test, magnetic measurement, UV-Visible and infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectra data revealed that the ligands act as bidentate, in which citric acid coordinate through C=O of the carboxyl and oxygen of the hydroxyl groups, while sulphamethoxazole coordinates through nitrogen atom of the primary amine group and O=S=O of the sulphonyl group. The result of the elemental analysis was consistent with the proposed pattern for the complexes, while the melting point determination confirmed that the synthesized compounds were pure. Antibacterial activity of metal complexes were screening against five strain bacteria microorganism of g(+)Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eschericia coli, g(+)Klebsiella pneumonia, g(+)Staphylococcus aureus and g(+)Candida using Muller Hinton diffusion method. The result showed that the overall zone of inhibition against bacterial isolate follows an increasing order of priority Fe(III)˃ Ni(II)˃ Mn(II) complexes.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection in Livestock from selected farms in Lagos, Nigeria

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Microsporidia are enteric intracellular pathogens infecting animals and humans. It causes life-threatening diarrhoea in humans. Microsporidia species have been isolated from several domestic and wild animals, however, data on microsporidia infection in animals in Nigeria is still very scanty. This study was conducted to clarify and improve our knowledge of the possibility of the zoonotic origin of Enterocytozoon species in the environment. Two hundred and fifty (250) animal faecal samples from various farm animals were examined for their frequency of microsporidia spores using Weber’s chromotrope stain and Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Enterocytozoon bienuesi were detected in 6 (24.0%) turkeys, 2 (8.0 %) goats, 3(12.0 %) cattle, and 4(16.0%) rams. No reactivity was detected with other species of microsporidia by IFAT. This study confirms the presence of E. bienuesi in the animals examined and shows that animals can be a significant source of zoonotic transmission in the environment.

Exploring DNA methylation data for diagnostic classification of Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Dogs

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common B-lymphocyte tumor in dogs, making up 60-70% of cases. We assessed the utility of DNA methylation data for the diagnostic classification of DLBCL in dogs. We also assessed the utility of the classification features identified in cDLBCL for diagnostic classification of DLBCL in humans. The GSE94913 cDLBCL DNA methylation dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used for analysis. Differential methylation analysis was performed between the 37 cDLBCL and seven control lymph node samples in the dataset. 1701 differentially methylated probes were identified between the cDLBCL and control lymph nodes groups. Applying recursive feature elimination on the 1701 significant probes, 20 probes were selected for machine learning classification tasks. The methylation values of these 20 probes were used to build an SVM model and create the training and testing set. 100% of the test samples were accurately classified by the SVM model. The diagnostic classification utility of the identified differentially methylated CpGs/CDS was also assessed in humans using the GSE28094 human DLBCL dataset. 95% of 98 DLBCL and leukocyte samples obtained from this dataset was correctly classified using clustering techniques on 11 CpG sites of 5 genes (ERBB4, IGF2, PGF, PITX2, TJP1). The utility of DNA methylation data for the diagnostic classification of DLBCL in dogs is demonstrated. Further exploration of this data type for potential biomarker discovery in cDLBCL is necessary.

Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Profile, Proximate Content and Antioxidant Properties of Leaves, Seeds and Pods of Moringa oleifera

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Moringa oleifera (Moringa) is a highly valued plant and various parts of this plant are employed for the therapeutic purposes in the indigenous system of medicine. This study was undertaken to compare the phytochemical, mineral, proximate and antioxidant constituents of the aqueous, ethanol and coconut oil extracts of M. oleifera leaf, seed and pod. Pulverized samples of the leaves, seeds and pods were extracted separately with distilled water, ethanol and coconut oil. The proximate analysis was carried out using standard AOAC protocols while the mineral contents were analyzed through atomic absorption spectrometry. The phytochemicals and antioxidants constituents of the extracts were analysed using standard protocols. The phytochemical screening of M. oleifera revealed the presence of alkaloids in each extract of the leaf, seed and pod in varying concentrations with the absence of phlobatannins in all sampled parts. Proximate composition of M. oleifera revealed higher percentage of crude protein (26.05±0.01 %) and total fatty acid (5.42±0.01 %) in the seed, while the leaf had higher percentage of fibre (8.12±0.02 %) and ash (7.82±0.02 %). The pod showed higher percentage of carbohydrate (72.05±0.2 %) and the seed revealed lowest moisture content (3.12±0.01 %) compared to other sampled parts. Sodium was revealed as the highest composition of mineral in each part of the plant. The result for antioxidant activity revealed that the leaf, seed and pod extracts have stronger scavenging effect on nitric oxide radical compared to the standards (ascorbic acid 8467.15μg/ml) and the least scavenging effect on FRAP. The results obtained from this study validate the pharmacological and nutritional potentials of M. oleifera and its use in treating different ailments as used in traditional medicine.