Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Quartz, glass, and glass-ceramic matrix nanocomposites; containing carbon nanotubes: a review

Y Tijjani — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Various concepts of techniques for incorporating carbon nanotubes in quartz, glass and glass-ceramic matrices are overviewed. Mechanical; in particular fracture toughness, hardness and strength, physical; density and microstructures, and functional; thermal and electrical conductivities of the fabricated CNT-loaded nanocomposites via different processing route and measuring techniques were compared and reported. Processing challenges such as the homogenous dispersion of the CNTs in the quartz, glass and glassceramic matrices and the loss of graphitic nanotubes during the consolidation process are still the major impending issues in CNT-quartz/glass/glass-ceramic matrix nanocomposites. There is need to explore in-situ production techniques, spark plasma sintering consolidation method, and controlled colloidal/sol-gel processes for CNTquartz/glass/glass-ceramic matrix nanocomposites.

Bioavailability of metals in the Funtua textile wastewater, north western Nigeria

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Textile wastewater pose a significant threat to surface water especially the water bodies closer to the textile industry locations. The study investigated the bioavailability of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in wastewater from ten sampling points including wastewater from point of effluent discharge in Funtua textile across Funtua region. The trends in the metal bioavailability (mg/L) among the fractions were; Zn Cu: total> mobile > dissolved > particulate; Pb: total> particulate > mobile> dissolved; Ni: total> particulate > dissolved> mobile; Cr: total > particulate > mobile > dissolved, respectively. All the concentrations of the metal ions were above the WHO (2006) and USEPA (2000) tolerable limits across the sites, with the exception of Co which was not detected in all the fractions. While lead and chromium was detected in S1, S2 and S1, S10, respectively. The order of the metals bioavailability was; total>mobile>dissolved>particulate, with more than 50% found in the bioavailable phase. Hence, the surface waters within the vicinity of the textile industry were greatly at risk of being polluted by these toxic metals and subsequently affecting the inhabitants who use the water for agricultural and other domestic activities untreated, through the food chain transfer. The health implications associated with the toxic metals include an irreversible damage to nervous system, gastric and intestinal disorder, heart disease, liver, brain damage, mental retardation and teratogenic effects.

The concept of inverse α-cuts in multi Q-fuzzy set

A.I. Isah, A.J. Alkali, Y. Tella — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In various mathematical theories such as fuzzy sets, fuzzy multisets, fuzzy soft sets, the concept of α-Cuts were applied together with their inverses. However, we noticed that in multi Q-fuzzy sets only α-Cuts were studied without their inverses. In this paper the concept of inverse α-Cuts and their properties in multi Q-fuzzy sets were introduced. Some distinctive features of α-Cuts and inverse -Cuts were demonstrated. It is shown that as both first and second decomposition theorems hold in the former, it actually fails in the latter. Moreover, unlike α-cuts, it was discovered that, a multi Q-fuzzy set cannot be uniquely represented as the family of all its weak inverse α-cuts. Thus, both α-cuts and inverse α-cuts attract applications in many mathematical fields.

Aquifer characteristics and groundwater flow system in a typical basement complex and Gundumi formation northwest, Nigeria

A.M. Shuaibu, M.L. Garba, I.Y. Abubakar — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Aquifer performance was tested in 280 locations of the study area to assess the hydraulic characteristics of the various aquifers, potential yield from the flowing boreholes of both hard rocks and sedimentary formation underlain Zamfara State Northwestern, Nigeria. Pumping test result were subjected to standard methods of Jacob’s and modified Theis equation for evaluation of aquifer parameters such as hydraulic conductivity (K), Transmissivity (T), Specific capacity and others. The results show that characteristic of areas underlain by crystalline rock units, especially migmatite, variably migmatized gneiss, schists and granites are characterized by thin/shallow overburden unit of usually less than 10m. In such settings the borehole depth varies from 38 to 78m while saturated thickness varies from 8 to 20m below ground level, with average yield of 44.1m3/day. Hydrogeological parameters obtained from pumping test analysis within the basement rock units revealed aquifer transmissivity (T) values which range from 0.14 to 141.23m2/day, with an average of 12.85m2/day. This implies aquifers of negligible to high potentials. The hydraulic conductivity (K) values vary from 5.0 x 10-2m/day and 8.8 x 10-1m/day with an average of 2.2 x 10-1m/day. The implication of these results is that the aquifers of the basement rock units cannot provide sufficient water for both domestic and agricultural needs of the area. However, Sixty-eight (68) analyzed borehole data set within Gundumi Formation, revealed the average discharge rate of 116.8m3/day. This formation shows the highest water discharge within the study area. The average penetration depth of 65m was achieved. The hydraulic conductivity of this aquifer revealed average value of 5.7 × 10-1m/day. This implies high permeability of aquifer system, which is typical of sedimentary formation of this nature. Transmissivity (T) revealed an average value of 38.89m2/day, which indicate high rate of water flow through the entire aquifer medium of this formation. The geospatial analysis of yield from the wells indicate excellent groundwater potential around the western part of the study area.

Effect of different environmental conditions on quality of DNA extracted from human teeth for gender determination

O.O. Iroanya, A.C. Onuoha — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Use of morphological characteristics in human identification maybe difficult in conditions where human remains are grossly fragmented, decomposed and/or mutilated, or when only a tooth is available. The study aims to ascertain and compare the quantity of DNA from teeth exposed to different environmental conditions using organic and silica column DNA extraction methods and determine their gender using amelogenin gene primer. Human teeth were used and divided into four major groups based on different exposure types (buried in soil, storage in Lagoon water, normal environmental condition by placing them on the floor at the botanical garden, and exposure to temperature of 210oC for 15mins). The powdered dentin-cementum complex was used for DNA extraction, quantification and purity assessments. Amplification was done using amelogenin gene primers. Mean DNA concentration and purity were 187.59±26.25ng/μl and 0.97±0.07 respectively for silica column method, and, 138.98±35.71ng/μl and 0.91±0.11 respectively for organic extraction. With organic extraction, the least and highest mean DNA concentration are from teeth immersed in Lagoon water (74.86±61.19ng/μl) and teeth exposed to temperature of 210^oC for 15mins (385.14±106.39ng/μl). In the Silica column method, teeth heated at 210^oC for 15mins showed the lowest mean DNA concentration (165.57±33.82ng/μl) while teeth exposed to "normal environmental conditions", gave the highest DNA concentration (218.46±45.03ng/μl). Positive and negative male identification were 30.8% and 69.2% respectively, while female identification was 100% positive irrespective of the environmental exposure. The dentine-cementum is a valuable DNA source for forensic investigations. Male identification using amelogenin gene, should still be investigated in the Nigerian context.

Detection of virulence factors and antifungal resistant patterns of Candida species isolated from women with urinary tract infections

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The incidence of Candida species has increased among females of child bearing age over the years. There has also been an increase in the resistance of these Candida species to the antifungal drugs used to treat them. This study is aimed at detecting the prevalence of Candida species among patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) attending gynecological unit of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The distribution of pathogenic factors and the antifungal resistance pattern of the isolates were also determined. A total of 61 subjects of different ages and socioeconomic status attending the health facility were enrolled in this study. Samples of high vaginal swab (HVS) were collected from each of the participant and screened. A total of 36 candidal isolates were recovered from the samples out of which 11 (30.5%) were predominantly Candida albican, 5 (13.9%) Candida krusei, 4 (11.1%) Candida glabrata, 2 (5.6%) Candida tropicalis and 14 (38.9%) were not identified beyond the genus level. Ten (27.8%) of the isolates were not able to produce biofilm. Out of those that produce biofilm 17 (47.2%) produced weak biofilm, 5 (8.2%) produced moderate biofilm, while 4 (11.1%) produced strong biofilm. Spectrophotometer was used to quantify those that produce biofilm 9 (25%) produced moderate biofilm while 16 (44.4%) produced strong biofilm. The isolates were subjected to various pathogenicity tests which include haemolysis, catalase, phospholipase and hydrolysis. This test shows that Candida species has the highest percentage to the entire test while none of C. glabrata produced haemolysin and phospholipase. Antifungal assay was then carried out on the entire organisms showed Candida albicans to have low resistance to the azoles drugs while the non-albican Candida shows higher resistance to it. Extremely high prevalence of Candida albicans and Candida species were documented in this study. These findings should be taken into account in further research concerning presence of Candida among patient with sexually transmitted disease in Nigeria.

Prevalence of typhoid fever among patients attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Typhoid fever poses a serious public health problem in Nigeria and is largely diagnosed based on the Widal agglutination test which has been proven to be neither sensitive nor specific. This study determined the prevalence of typhoid fever using both Widal agglutination test and blood culture using automated microbiology systems (BD BACTEC). The study was carried out among 90 patients attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano. Out of the 90 cases recruited for the study, none of the cases (0, 0.0%) had S. Typhi isolated using blood culture. However, 18 cases (20%) had other bacteria which are not S. Typhi isolated using blood culture while 72 cases (80%) were negative. For the Widal test, 63 cases (70%) were positive for anti S. Typhi O antigen while 27 cases (30%) were negative. Similarly, 42 cases (46.7%) were positive for anti S. Typhi H antigen, while 48 cases (53.3%) were negative. Type of toilet system was found to be significantly associated with non S. Typhi bacteraemia (P=0.021). The studyrecommends the use of other diagnostic test such as molecular techniques to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both Widal and cultural methods.

Serological detection of Zika Virus infection among HIV infected pregnant women in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Zika virus infection is one of the emerging often neglected viral infections in Africa. A study to determine the seroprevalence of Zika Virus (ZIKV) infection among HIV Positive Pregnant Women in Dutse, Jigawa state, Nigeria was conducted. A total of 89 HIV positive pregnant women were randomly selected for the study. Samples were collected between February, 2020 and March, 2021 from Rashid Shekoni specialist Hospital and Dutse General Hospital respectively. A standard rapid immuno-chromatographic technique that is; rapid ELISA was used to screen all the sera for IgM antibodies to Zika virus in addition to haematological analysis using Automated Haematological Analyser (Sysmex, KX-21N). Result has shown that out of the 89 participants enrolled, 4 (4.5%) of them were infected with Zika virus. Seventy-five Percent (75%) of the study participants had PCV below 30% and Lymphocytes below 20%. It was also found that, 75% of the participants that have Zika virus infection were in their first trimester of pregnancy. It can be concluded that, there is a low sero-prevalence of ZIKV infection in the study population. However, the need for public health authorities to provide quick response for the prevention of transmission of Zika virus in the state cannot be overemphasized. Hospital delivery among HIV positive pregnant women co-infected with Zika virus should be encouraged in Jigawa State to prevent vertical transmission to their babies.

Characterization of microorganisms associated with the degradation of sawdust and woodchips

F.I. Jumare, M.I. Ahmad, N. Abdulkadir, A.Y. Bello, M. Gani, M.H. Usman — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Microorganisms play a vital role in the degradation of organic matters such as Sawdust and woodchips. In this study, the Serial dilution method and pour plate techniques were used according to microbiological standards. The media used were nutrient agar, sabouraud dextrose agar, and cellulolytic medium to identify microorganisms and inoculated them into the Sawdust and woodchips and kept for 30 days at 37^oC and 25^oC. The total viable bacterial count for Sawdust and woodchips ranged between 9.0×103 - 6.0×103and 1.96×103 - 1.48×103, respectively. A total of 12 organisms were identified according to the biochemical reactions, six bacteria, and six fungi. Bergy’s manual of determinative bacteriology confirmed the organism as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Cellulomona sp. The fungal species identified include Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida sp, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The bacteria with the highest potential to degrade Sawdust and Woodchips are Cellulomonas sp. (20.9%), Klebsiella sp (17.8%), Escherichia coli (8.3%), Bacillus cereus (7.15%), and Staphylococcus sp (6.2%). Furthermore, the fungi capable of degrading the Sawdust and woodchips are Mucor sp (19.90%), Aspergillus flavus (17.8%), Aspergillus niger (17.3%), Rhizopus (16.9%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (15.55%). From these results, it can be concluded that some microorganisms could be used for the biodegradation of lignocellulose materials.

Changes in biochemical parameters during the solid-state fermentation of pineapple (Ananas comosus I. Merr) peels by Rhizopus oligosporus

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Enzymes production and other relevant biomolecules from environmental wastes could be easily enhanced or hindered by slight alterations in the bioprocess. In this study, the impact of pH variations on amylase production by Rhizopus oligosporus during the solid state fermentation of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) peels was investigated. After five days of fermentation, the variations in glucose and soluble protein levels of the fermented pineapple peels were also investigated. The results established a notable increase (p<0.05) in the levels of soluble proteins and glucose in the fermented pineapple peels at all the pH values tested (pH 3 to 9); however, while they were highest at pH 3, amylase activity was highest at pH 6. This preliminary study shows that solid state fermented pineapple peels are rich in glucose, soluble proteins and amylase.

Quality assessment of biodiesel produced from Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Pride of Barbados)

S. Uba, K.I. Omoniyi, A.H. Mikail, D.C. Ikeh, S. Adeosun, A. Sani — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Alternative energy sources from vegetable products are developing as a response to the depleting fossil fuel reserves and the environmental damage caused by their burning. Among these different possible resources, biodiesel has received a lot of interest as a diesel engine fuel substitute because it is renewable, non-toxic, eco-friendly, etc. This study evaluated the quality assessment of production of biodiesel from Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The sample oil was extracted from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima using a soxhlet extractor with n-hexane; the results obtained showed low yield of 27 ± 0.1 % for the extracted oil. The physicochemical properties of the oils sample were found to be as follows: Saponification value: 142.87 mgKOH/g, peroxide value: 7.70 mEq O2/kg, acid value : 30.49 mg KOH/g, iodine value (IV): 23.15 g I2/100g, viscosity: 5.83 mm2 /sec, specific gravity: 0.90. The value of free fatty acid gotten was 15.43. The oil was transesterified using two-step transesterification due to their high free fatty acid (FFA) using sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The biodiesel produced was analyzed for its fatty acid profile using GC-MS and fuel properties using ASTM Methods. The Caesalpinia pulcherrima oil obtained for use in the production of biodiesel was clear, viscous, and yellowish in color. The result of the transesterification reaction was a transparent yellowish color liquid (biofuel) and the percentage yield was 71.73 %. The density of 0.86, pour point of -5.03 oC, cloud point of 5.83 oC, the specific gravity of 0.895, the kinematic viscosity of 5.37 mm2 /s, and an acid value of 1.1 MgKOH/g were all within the ASTM D6751 specification for biodiesel fuel. respectively. Results obtained infer that oil from Caesalpinia pulcherrima possesses properties that are suitable for biofuel production using ASTM standard.

Heavy metals determination and microbial assessment of some species of frozen fish sold at Utako Market, Abuja, Nigeria

M.U. Useh, G. Etuk-Udoh, D. Uzama — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This work assessed heavy metals [Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb)] concentrations and microbial load in the tissue (skin, fillet and gills) of some frozen fishes [Clupea harengus (herring), Scomber scombrus (Mackerel), Urophycis tenuis (White hake)] sold in Utako market using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and standard microbiological procedures. The results obtained revealed that the concentrations of all the heavy metals determined except Zinc (Zn) were above the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits in fresh water fish and fishery products. The total aerobic plate count (APC) was between 2.15×103 cfu/g and 47.6×103 cfu/g, total coliform count ranged from 1.85 × 103 cfu/g to 2.03 × 103 cfu/g and fungal counts ranged between 6.02x102 cfu/g and 18.3x102 cfu/g. The microbiological study showed that the skin had more load compared to other studied tissues and in all, the microbial load except APC also exceeded the FAO/WHO acceptable limits for frozen fish products. This study indicated that the products were not ideal for consumption due to bioaccumulation of these heavy metals and the issue of post-harvest contaminants that can multiply in case of defrosting which may impact negatively on the consumers. It is recommended that there should be proper handling and examination of frozen foods and they should be properly cooked before consumption.

Removal of Eriochrome Black T dye from aqueous solution using base activated typha grass (Typha latifolia) as an adsorbent

A.M. Ayuba, M. Sani — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Adsorption of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) dye from aqueous solution by activated typha grass (T. latifolia) was studied using batch system. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) methods, as well as the point of zero charge (PZC). Adsorption parameters including effect of contact time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration and pH were studied and the adsorption capacity (qe) was found to be 47.619mg/g. The adsorption isotherm for the adsorption processes were also modelled and evaluated and the data fitted Freundlich isotherm model with R2 of 0.9943 relative to other models tested. The kinetic data were best described by pseudo-second order model with R2 values of 0.999 and rate constant (k) of 6.30mol-1dm3s-1 out of the four models tested. The thermodynamic quantities of the adsorption process including the entropy change (ΔS) which describe the degree of disorderliness of the dye-adsorbent interphase was found to be 2.108Jmol- 1K-1 indicating an increase in the interphase disorderliness, the enthalpy change (ΔH) describing the nature of energetic interaction between the dye molecules and the adsorbent surface has a value of -9.223kJmol-1 proving an exothermic process and the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of the range -8.563 to -8.718kJmol-1 were obtained indicating the process to be feasible and spontaneous in nature. Hence, the activated carbon produced from typha grass can be a potential adsorbent for the removal of hazardous dyes such as Eriochrome Black T from industrial effluent.

Efficiency of modified generalized imputation scheme for estimating population mean with known auxiliary information

A. Adejumobi, A. Audu, M.A. Yunusa, R.V.K. Singh — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Different authors for estimating population mean have proposed several Imputation schemes. Recently, some authors have suggested generalized imputation schemes that their estimators are functions of unknown parameters of the study variable. These unknown parameters need to be estimated for the estimators to be applicable and this may require additional resources. This paper considered a class of imputation scheme that is independent of unknown parameter and the point estimator of the suggested scheme for estimating population mean was derived. The properties (bias and MSE) of an efficient estimators presented were derived up to first order approximation and also conditions for which the estimators of the proposed scheme is more efficient than other estimators of the existing schemes considered in the study were also examined. The result of the empirical study revealed that the suggested estimators are more efficient than the existing ones considered in the study.

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of Schiff base complexes derived from Salicylaldehyde and amino acid (isoleucine)

B.L. Abdullahi, I.T. Siraj — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Complexes of Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) with a Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and isoleucine were successfully synthesized. All complexes were distinctly colored and were characterized by molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, infrared and UV spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy shows the Schiff base ligand is coordinated to the central metal ion in a tridentate manner through the N-atom of the azomethine and two oxygen of the phenol and carboxylate. All complexes contain two ligands molecules per metal ion (ML2). An octahedral geometry is proposed for the metal complexes. Antimicrobial study of the complexes was undertaken against five pathogenic bacteria strains and two fungi, mucus species and Aspergillus fumigates. The result reveal that most of the complexes and particularly Co (II) and Zn (II) have a much enhanced activity against Staphyllococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Synthesis, antimicrobial activities of metal (ii) complexes from salicylaldehyde and valine Schiff base

I.T. Siraj, B.L. Abdullahi — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Complexes formed from the interaction of Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) with Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and valine have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of melting point/decomposition temperature, solubility, molar conductance, UV spectroscopy and infrared spectral analysis. The Schiff base melted at a temperature of 208^oC while the synthesized metal (II) complexes decomposed at a temperature range of 220-241°C. All the complexes were found to be soluble in water and DMSO but insoluble in acetonitrile, ether and hexane. Octahedral geometry around these metal ions has been proposed on the basis of magnetic and spectral studies. The synthesized Schiff base as well as the complexes were tested against the bacterial strains comprising Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia (Gram negative) and two fungal species; Aspergillus fumigatus and mucor species. A comparative study of inhibition values of the Schiff base and its complexes indicated that the complexes exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than the free ligand.

Health risk indices associated with heavy metals from vegetables cultivated in Tsagero District, Rimi Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Local preservation of vegetables involves drying to enhance shelf life. The drying processes could, in turn, contaminate the vegetables with environmental heavy metals. Ingestion of foods contaminated with heavy metals may lead to an increase in the chances of incurring cancer and other health disorders in the consumer population. This study investigated heavy metals contaminations and health risks associated with the consumption vegetables from Turaji, Tsagero District, Rimi Local Government Katsina State, North west Nigeria. The vegetables were three samples of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) as fresh tomato, tomatoes sun-dried along tarred road side, and tomatoes air-dried on farmland soil; three samples of Capsicum annuum (sweet pepper) as fresh sweet pepper, sweet pepper sun-dried along tarred road side and sweet pepper air-dried on farmland soil. The samples were grinded, ashed and digested with HNO3 and HCl separately using standard methods. The heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cd, Mn, Zn, and Pb) contents of the samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Daily intake, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks as well as hazard indices of the heavy metals were determined. Results of the study showed that the vegetables analyzed generally have low levels of the heavy metals, with Ni being below detection level (BDL) in all the samples. All of the detected heavy metals concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits as set by the regulatory agencies. The calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) Health risk indices (HRIs) of the evaluated heavy metals in all the samples were therefore, less than 1. The Incremental Life time Cancer Risk (ILCR) to the population from consumption of the samples lies within the safe limit (≤10-4). From the results, these vegetables are hence, safe for human consumption.

FTIR fingerprinting combined with chemometrics of Guiera senegalensis leaf powder

S. Awwalu, D.B. Kassoum, I. Nasir — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Guiera senegalensis is a shrub that grows up to a height of 3 to 5 m and has tremendous medicinal properties. However, there is difficulty in the identification of medicinal plants leading to substitution of one plant for another. This problem can be addressed by establishing fingerprints of the medicinal plants. The aim of this research is to establish FTIR fingerprint of G. senegalensis leave. G. senegalensis leave were collected from the wild in Jigawa, Kaduna and Zamfara states, shade dried and size reduced. Samples (2 mg) were analysed in triplicate using Agilent technologies FTIR Carry 630 in the mid-IR region 4000-650 cm-1 at resolution 8 cm-1 with 16 scans. The level of similarity and differences was determined by Chemometrics using similarity and discriminant analysis. The level of differences between the samples was insignificant (p<0.05) as indicated by low values of eigenvalue (0.048) and canonical correlation (0.215) as well as high Wilks’ Lambda value (0.954). High level of similarity between the samples was further proven by their correlation and Tuckers’ congruence coefficients values, which were close to unity. However, significant (p<0.05) difference in the concentration of phytochemicals was observed between the samples. The Guiera senegalensis leaf samples were similar with respect to their phytochemical constituents however, differences in the phytochemical concentrations were observed.

High temperature applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [v]: thermal conductivity of CNTs reinforced silica nanocomposite

Y. Tijjani — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Consolidated functionalized carbon nanotubes/silica refractory ceramic nanocomposites (FCNTs/silica) were fabricated by pressureless sintering technique. Thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites with various amounts of carbon nanotubes (0, 1, and 4 wt.%) were investigated. The thermal conductivity increases with temperature, 1 wt. % FCNTs/silica nanocomposite gave the highest thermal conductivity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising reinforcement for improving thermal conductivity of the silica refractory ceramics.

Effect of pretreatment on Typha biomass for biogas production

A.A. Mukhtar, H.M. Sadiq, A.S. Alhassan, H.I. Abdullahi — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Plant biomass as an alternative energy source serves as a viable option for improving sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the tight bonding within its constituents may hinder anaerobic digestion, thus, requires pretreatment to break down the complex polysaccharide structure into simpler disaccharide and monosaccharide sugars to facilitate digestion and enhance the production of biogas. The research determined the effect physical and chemical pre-treatment methods of Typha biomass for biogas production. Characteristics determined include; carbonnitrogen (C-N) ratio for Typha biomass, temperature, pH, total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) of slurry formed by mixing the biomass with cow-dung in ratio 1:1. The volume of biogas produced was determined by water displacement method using an anaerobic digester while the mass balance approach was used to estimate the biogas yield from the TS/VS lost. Results indicated 31.6 C-N ratio; pH of 6.7; Temperature of 32.4^OC and TS of 11.3%, which falls within suitable ranges reported for biogas production. The volume of biogas produced was 180 cm³, 235cm³ and 118cm³ for control, physical and chemical pre-treated samples respectively. Similarly, the biogas yield was 21mg/l, 15mg/l and 48mg/l for control, physical and chemical pre-treatment respectively. Hence the findings revealed physical pre-treatment as the best pretreatment method for biogas generation from Typha biomass in relation to chemical pretreatment and untreated Typha biomass.

The facile synthesis of cationic ru(ii)-hydrazine and hydrazone complexes containing ethyldiphenylphosphine and methyldiphenylarsine ligands

S.O. Owalude, V.O. Adimula, A.C. Tella, U.B. Eke — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This report demonstrates a simple procedure for the preparation of three Ru(II) hydrazine and hydrazone complexes formulated as [Ru(NH2NH2)2L4][BPh4]2 (L = ethyldiphenylphosphine (3), and [Ru(NH2:CMe2)2L4][BPh4]2 (L = methyldiphenylarsine (4), L = ethyldiphenylphosphine (5). The complexes were characterized by IR, elemental analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. All the three complexes show N−N absorption in the range between 1031 – 1029 cm-1 indicating the presence of coordinated hydrazine. Evidence of ethyldiphenylphosphine coordination to the Ru(II) centre was further established by 31P NMR spectroscopic analysis of 3. The obtained complexes could have potential applications in other fields such as catalysis and synthesis of nanomaterials.

Molecular detection of respiratory syncytial virus in children attending selected hospitals in Kaduna State, Nigeria

N.B. Umar, A.J. Dadah, A.M. Aliyu — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A serological survey was carried out among children in two hospitals within Kaduna, Kaduna state to determine the level of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) IgM antibodies. Blood samples and nasal swabs of children aged 0-60 months were collected in two hospitals in Kaduna metropolis (Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital), Kaduna state. Respiratory Syncytial Virus IgM antibody level was measured using commercial ELISA kit obtained from DEMEDITEC DIAGNOSTIC GMBH Germany. The overall prevalence of RSV out of 192 samples of both blood and nasal swab samples collected 56.1 % positive for all the samples from both hospitals. Barau Dikko positive samples recorded 26.0 % and Yusuf Dantsoho 30.0 % as shown in figure 1. More so, the distribution of RSV with regards to socio-demographic characteristics, males had a higher predominance 31.0 % than females 26.0 % but the result was not statistically significant (p value= 0.285). Infants under one month had the highest prevalence rate of 75 % while 31-61 months had the least prevalence rate of 11.0 %. The difference was statistically significant (p value= 0.001). Respiratory syncytial virus RSV-G gene was detected among IgM seropositive children using a molecular analysis. Conclusively, Polymerase chain reaction on agarose gel electrophoresis verified the molecular characteristics of the RSV-G gene, which showed a typical band size of 326bp.

Formulation and quality evaluation of complementary food made from orange-fleshed sweet potato major component

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction of appropriate complementary foods after 6months of life of infants is very important for optimum growth and prevention of malnutrition. This study formulated four samples containing varying proportions of orange fleshed sweet potato, acha grain, soybean and groundnut including sample A (60:10:25:5), sample B (60:10:20:10), sample C (55:15:25:5) and sample D (50:20:20:10). Chemical analysis of the samples was done according to the official method of analysis described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) while sensory evaluation was done using a 5-point hedonic scale. All analysis was carried out in triplicate and the generated data was analyzed with ANOVA to compare different variables using IBM SPSS statistics version 20. The results revealed that sample A had the highest amount of carbohydrate, fat and crude fibre while sample D had the lowest ash content. Sample B had the highest content of calcium (36.39 mg/100g) and magnesium (62.25/100 g) while highest amount of potassium, iron, zinc and beta carotene were recorded in sample A. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the carbohydrate, potassium and zinc contents of the food samples but significant differences existed for other nutrients. The microbial load of the samples was low (0.00 to 0.01 cfu/g). Sample C had the highest overall acceptability (4.00) for sensory evaluation. Incorporating orange flesh sweet potato into complementary food can help to prevent vitamin A deficiency which is prevalent among infants and pre-school children in Nigeria.

Assessment of facilities and slaughter figures of livestock species in Oko-Oba central abattoir Ifako-Ijaye, Agege Lagos State, Nigeria

N.U. Bello, H.Y. Ibrahim, Y. Garba — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Abattoirs are needed to centralize slaughter processes and ensure surveillance of animal diseases at slaughter in order to avoid zoonotic transmission to humans through meat consumption. Inadequate facilities and hygiene at abattoirs can result in the contamination of meat and cause occupational hazards to workers. The objectives of this study were to assess the conditions of the facilities and the daily slaughter figures of livestock species at Oko-oba abattoir, Ifako-ijaye, Agege Lagos State. The study was conducted for three seasons from August 2020 to April 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the study area, while daily visits, physical observation and interviews were used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. Cattle was the most commonly slaughtered species (92.34 %), followed by goat (6.34 %), sheep (1.15 %) and camel (0.18 %) in the late wet season (August - September). Cattle, goat, sheep and camel were slain in decreasing order during the early dry season (October - December) (90.17 %, 8.38 %, 1.40 % and 0.04 % respectively). In the late dry season (January - April), the cattle were recorded to have 88.00 %, goat 10.92 %, sheep 1.07 % and camel 0.01 %. It was determined that the season had no impact on the types of livestock slaughtered. Cattle were the most butchered species regardless of the seasons studied, followed by goats, sheep and camels. The abattoir also lacks several fundamental amenities that are expected of a standard abattoir, and those that are present are either non-functional or inadequate.

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of lead (ii) ions on magnetite, baobab (Adansonia digitate) and magnetite - baobab composite

N. Abdus-Salam, S.K. Adekola, M.O. Bello — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The detrimental consequences of excessive levels of heavy metal contamination on living things served as the motivation for this study. Adsorption of Pb(II) ions was investigated on synthetic magnetite (MG), baobab fruit shell (BB) and magnetite-baobab composite (MB). The batch equilibrium technique was used to investigate the adsorption of Pb(II) ions. The effects of initial metal concentrations (15-500 mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.05-0.3 g), contact time (5-150 min), pH (2-8) and temperature (303-343 K) on the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent were studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms were used to describe the adsorption of Pb(II) ions. The maximum adsorption capacity, qmax, of MB, MG and BB was 249.86, 227.45 and 34.67 mg/g respectively at a concentration of 500 mg/L of Pb(II) ions. Freundlich model was shown to have the best fit for the adsorption data in the following order: BB > MG > MB, with R2 values of 0.9954, 0.980 and 0.9797 respectively. Freundlich adsorption intensity for MG, BB and MB are 1.590, 1.339 and 1.761 respectively. The kinetic and thermodynamic investigations revealed that the adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and endothermic process. The amount of Pb(II) ions adsorbed after each stage of the desorption process varied between the different acid concentrations, according to sorption-desorption studies using spent adsorbents. The highest stepwise adsorptions of Pb(II) ions were observed when 0.5 M HCl was utilized as a stripping agent for BB while 0.1 M HCl favoured MG and MB.

A preliminary study of the bacteriological evaluation of raw milk from Kogi State University dairy farm

Z. Azeez, E.H. Yakubu, S.C. Enemuor, S.J. Momoh — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Milk is a food that inherently favours microbial growth and due to its characteristics, several precautions must be taken to prevent contamination in its production, processing and consumption, which are routinely subject to changes. Raw milk is a complex mixture which is highly nutritious, contain high level of water (85%) and a pH close to neutral which makes it highly perishable and a suitable medium for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. This study was carried out to evaluate the bacteria associated with raw milk from a dairy farm. A total of seven (7) raw milk samples were -gotten from different lactating cows. The samples were examined for pH, organoleptic property, and turbidity. Isolation of bacteria was done using the pour plate method, gram staining and various biochemical test were conducted to identify the organisms. The pH value of the samples ranged from 6.5 to 6.9. The total bacterial count ranged from 4.3x106 to 9.0x104 CFU/ml, and total coliform count ranges from 5.1x106 to 4.0x104 the bacteria isolated were Bacillus spp Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp and Streptococcus spp. The high bacteria count obtained in this study is an indication of poor sanitary condition and this calls for strict hygienic measure during handling of raw milk and its products.

Numerical investigation on energy conversion efficiency of lead-based perovskite solar cells using different transparent conductive oxides

F. Sani, A.O. Musa — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Perovskite solar cells have attracted tremendous attention owing to its rapid increase in power conversion efficiency. This work designed and simulated lead-based perovskite solar cells in planar structure; TCO/ TiO2/ CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au. To study the effect of various transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) on power conversion efficiency of the devices, Solar Capacitance (SCAP) simulating software was used. To achieve an optimum efficiency, the influence of thickness and band-gap energy of the absorber layer were varied and investigated. The optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) is achieved using MoO3/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au architecture with PCE of 22.44 % and Voc, Jsc, and FF of 1.0842 V, 25.57 mA/cm2 and 80.94 % respectively. The numerical simulation shows the potential of substituting the conventional FTO and ITO used in perovskite solar cells with MoO3 as a promising transparent conductive oxide layer.

Identification and antibiotic susceptibility profile of methicillin and erythromycin resistant genes in clinical and environmental strains of Staphylococcus aureus in Minna Nigeria

G.P. Mamman, C.N. Angulu, G. Musa, S. Angulu — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin (MRSA) is a growing global health threat. The disc diffusion method was used to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus aureus. From clinical and environmental samples, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 21.9% (73/360) of the cases. Staphylococcus aureus predominance in environmental samples was 24%, compared to 20.5 in clinical samples. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was highest among people aged 18 to 49 (74%) and lowest among those aged 0 to 17 (42%) and 50 to 70 (4%). Staphylococcus aureus was more common in females (22.4%), compared to males (20%). Staphylococcus aureus showed 88.60%, 45.60%, 34.20%, 21.50%, 18.90%, 11.40%, 8.90%, 6.30%, and 5.10%, respectively, resistance to Oxacillin, Cefoxitin, Ampicillin, Vancomycin, Erythromycin, Norfloxacin, Rifampicin, and Gentamycin. All 79 of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were 100% responsive to septrin and levofloxacin. The isolates were used to molecularly identify the genes for methicillin (mecA) and erythromycin (ermA and ermC). The clinical and environmental samples revealed a comparatively high frequency of Staphylococcus aureus.

Effects of alcohol-graded concentrations on total thiols and some thiol utilizing enzymes

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Excessive intake of alcohol has been documented to initiate different pathological conditions. Although various researchers have reported these associations, the modulatory effects on endogenous thiols are not well studied. This study investigated the effects of alcohol-graded concentrations on some thiol utilizing enzymes in rats. Adults’ male rats were divided into four main groups and treated with distilled water, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % alcohol (3.20 g / Kg body weight). Five rats from each group were sacrificed at the end of 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day(s) of the experiment. Assay of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase specific activities along with total thiols levels were carried out. Alcohol administration resulted in an upregulation of the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase with concomitant depletion of total thiols concentrations. Conclusively, this study affirms that graded dosages of alcohol administration to rats induced perturbations in the thiol utilizing system in a non-time dependent consistent manner.

Phytoremediation of heavy metals from landfill soil using Polyscias fruticosa

N.I. Durumin Iya, Z.B. Assim, O.A. Omorinoye, E.A. Asare — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of heavy metals in landfill soil by industrial or anthropogenic activities pose a risk to the environment and it is one of the major concerns. This study was to determine and evaluate the capability of Polyscias fruticosa in the phytoremediation of heavy metals from abandoned landfill soil. P. fruticosa was analysed to evaluate its tolerance and phytoremediation ability on landfill soil in a greenhouse study with a harvesting period of 1-month intervals. Ninety-six (96) cuttings from P. fruticosa were transplanted and had the same treatment in 500 g landfill soil. The roots, stems, and leaves of exposed and unexposed plants were dry-digested and heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The height and weight of dry biomass of exposed and unexposed plants were determined. The data obtained were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference (L.S.D.) at probability level p<0.05. The highest accumulation in the roots occurred on Pb, followed by Cr, As, and Cd with concentrations 0.82, 0.68, 0.35, and 0.33 mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metals were not detected from unexposed plant and soil. The three indices, bioconcentration, translocation factors, and extraction coefficient, were found to be more significant (>1) on six months compared to other harvesting periods. The percentage removal was Cd 88%, As 87%, Cr 86%, and Pb 78%. The results indicate that P. fruticosa might be an effective species to reduce heavy metals from landfill soil.

Potential of cattle rumen waste as a source of antibioticresistant bacteria dissemination in the environment

F.M. Adeyemi, O.O. Oyedara, A.R. Adekunle, T.F. Ajani, S.B. Akinde, J.O. Olaitan — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The identification of possible sources of antibiotic-resistance dissemination in the environment is one of the ways to tackle the menace of globally challenging antibiotic resistance. This study reported the antibiotic-resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from fresh rumen waste of cattle culled at four privately-owned abattoirs in Osogbo, the Southwestern part of Nigeria. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard cultural techniques and biochemical characterization tests. The bacterial isolates were tested against twelve antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The total
heterotrophic bacterial count obtained for the four different abattoirs ranged between 2.95 x 109 ± 1.14 CFU g-1 and 1.01 x 1011 ± 1.02 CFU g-1. Bacterial isolates presumptively identified include Brevundimonas diminuta, Chryseomonas luteola, Citrobacter diversus, Enterobacter intermedius, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas sp., Shigella dysenteriae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Tatumella ptyseos. Thirty-seven (92.5%), eighteen (45%), fourteen (35%), and ten (25%) out of the total 40 bacteria isolated were resistant to augmentin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, and gentamicin respectively. The percentage resistance to nalidixic acid (5.9%) and ofloxacin (2.9%) was low among the Gram-negative bacteria, while the percentage resistance to nitrofurantoin was 23.5%. All the Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to streptomycin while 66.7% were resistant to erythromycin. Multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated were 23 (57.5%). The results of the study showed that rumen waste generated from cattle culled for human consumption at abattoirs in Osogbo metropolis, Nigeria can be a possible source of spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment.

Fixation and fixatives in histopathology: a review

A.B. Ajileye, E.O. Esan — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

If fixation is not adequate, the other processes that follow such as dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding, microtomy and staining, will also be inadequate. A poorly processed tissue will make it difficult for the Pathologist/Histoscientist to render a proper diagnosis. This article is aimed at elucidating more on fixatives and fixation process in histopathology. The information presented in this review was gathered primarily from an extensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus and Textbooks. Fixatives in histopathology can be grouped into simple and compound fixatives. Simple fixative is a solution or gas which contains only one active ingredient or that has a singlechemical solution. Examples include; Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Mercuric Chloride, Potassium Dichromate, Picric Acid, Osmium Tetroxide, Acetic Acid, Ethanol, Acetone and Chromic Acid. When two or more simple fixatives are combined in a solution, the resulting solution is called a compound fixative. This can be further divided into Microanatomical and cytological fixatives. Examples of a micro-anatomical fixatives include; 10% formal-saline, Heidenhain’s Susa, Boiun’s fluid, Formol Sublimate. Cytological fixatives are grouped into cytoplasmic and nuclear fixatives. Fixation terminates any ongoing biochemical reactions, and also increases the mechanical strength or stability of the treated tissues. To accomplish this, tissue samples are usually immersed immediately in a fixative fluid. The fixatives employed prevent autolysis and putrefaction from taking place. Fixatives are integral substances used in histopathology to forestall the actions of autolysis and putrefaction in tissue samples.

Effect of hydrolysis time and peptide content on dpph* radical scavenging activity of bromelain- and papain-generated hydrolysates from defatted cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao l.) powder

O.A. Olanrewaju, S.M. Auwal — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Enzyme generated protein hydrolysates have received considerable attention due to their numerous health effects. Among these, the anti-oxidative hydrolysates with DPPH* radical scavenging activity can play a significant role in the prevention of oxidative stress and the resulting chronic disease conditions such as cancer. In the present study, defatted cocoa beans (DCB) powder was dialyzed and then hydrolyzed for 8 h to produce DCB protein hydrolysates using two different proteases (bromelain and papain) at an optimum pH (6.8), temperature (400C) and enzyme/substrate ratio (1:50). The resulting DCB protein hydrolysates were evaluated for peptide content (PC) and DPPH* radical scavenging activity. The highest DPPH* radical scavenging activity of 78.07% and 53.04% were obtained at a peptide content of 4.85 mg/dL and 3.13 mg/dL for the bromelain- and papain-generated DCB protein hydrolysates at 6 h hydrolysis time, respectively. The effect of hydrolysis time and peptide content on the DPPH* radical scavenging activity of the DCB protein hydrolysates was then studied. The result obtained indicated positive correlation between the DPPH* radical scavenging activity of both bromelain- and papain-generated DCB protein hydrolysates to their peptide content based on Pearson’s correlation analysis with R2 values of 0.946 and 0.772, respectively.

Bacteriological assessments of indoor air in the staff quarters of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Nigeria

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Indoor air contains large number of airborne microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and their estimation is important for use as index of cleanliness for any particular environment and to determine the relation they bear on human health. This study was aimed at determining the bacteriological air quality of the living rooms in some selected Staff Quarters in University of Benin and University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The airborne bacterial loads of indoor air in the living rooms of Twelve (12) Staff Quarters in University of Benin and University of Benin Teaching Hospital both in Benin City were determined using the Settle Plate methods. The houses were categorized as Apartment 1 which represents University of Benin Junior Staff Quarters (JSQ), Apartment 2 which represents University of Benin Teaching Hospital Quarters, and Apartment 3 which represents University of Benin Senior Staff Quarters (SSQ). The living rooms were sampled twice a month between April, 2017 and September, 2017. The airborne samples were studied using standard microbiological methods and Polymerase Chain Reaction and 16S rRNA techniques were used for the gene sequencing. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern and plasmid profile of the characterized airborne bacterial isolates were evaluated using spread plate and agarose gel electrophoresis methods. The temperature and relative humidity of the indoor air environment in the sampled areas in the living rooms were determined using the thermometer and hygrometer respectively. The mean indoor temperature and relative humidity for Apartments 1, 2 and 3 ranged from 26.10 ± 1.190C to 31.20 ± 0.870C and 81 ± 2.70% to 87 ± 1.89% respectively. The mean indoor airborne bacterial counts in Apartment 1 and Apartment 3 ranged between 1.00 x 103 ± 0cfu/m3 to 4.42 x 103 ± 1.42cfu/m3 and 1.09 x 103 ± 0.09cfu/m3 to 5.17 x 103 ± 3.17cfu/m3 respectively. In Apartment 2, the counts ranged from 1.00 x 103 ± 0.00cfu/m3 to 6.99 x 103 ± 4.69cfu/m3. The difference in the airborne bacterial counts obtained in the morning and afternoon period of study in Apartment 1 was statistically significant (P<0.05) while Apartments 2 and 3 showed no significant differences respectively (P>0.05). Ten airborne bacterial isolates were characterized, further characterization by molecular techniques, confirmed them to be identified as Staphylococcus aureus strain S33 R, Bacillus subtilis subsp. strain 168, Oceanobacillus manasiensis strain YD3-56, Streptomyces vietnamensis strain GIM4.0001, Actinosynnema pretiosum strain C-15003, Micrococcus caseolyticus strain 235, Ornithinibacillus composti strain GSS05 and Bacillus ectoiniformans strain NE-14. General and personal hygienic practices are important for healthy living, and living rooms used for close contact interactions and good ventilation.

Evaluation of bacteriological contamination of palms of pupils in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Staff School, Benin City, Nigeria

M.O. Sagay, I.B. Idemudia, E.E. Imarhiagbe, F.O. Ekhaise — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Hands are the chief organs for physical manipulation of the environment. As a paired organ, the hand is controlled by the opposing brain hemisphere and enables one to all manner of conscious and unconscious activities. The hand serves as a medium for the propagation of microorganism from place to place and from one person to another. A well-structured questionnaire bothering on age, sex and parental social status of the pupils was administered to three hundred and sixty (360) respondents recruited for the purpose of this study in University of Benin Teaching Hospital Staff School (UBTHSS). The mean heterotrophic Bacterial Count ranged from 2.10±0.19 x 106 to 3.77±0.26 x 106 cfu/cm2. Total coliform count ranged from 0.88±0.08 x 106 to 2.08±0.18 x 106. November recorded the highest heterotrophic and coliform counts ranging from 2.70±0.24 x 106 to 3.77±0.26 x 106 cfu/cm2 and 1.14±0.11 x 106 to 2.08±0.18 x 106cfu/cm2. The male pupils had the highest Heterotrophic and coliform counts of 4.132 x106cfu/cm2 and 2.273x106cfu/cm2 against the female of 1.433x106cfu/cm2 and 0.667x106cfu/cm2. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts of parental status ranged from 2.78±0.10 x 106 to 2.83±0.08 cfu/cm2 and total coliform counts of 1.24±0.05 x 106 to1.35±0.15 x 106. The mean Heterotrophic barial and coliform counts of age ranged from 2.51±0.74 x 106 to 3.38±0.15 x 106 cfu/cm2 and 0.59 -3.43 x 106 to 0.35 - 2.62 x 106cfu/cm2. A total of ten (10) Gram positive and negative bacterial were isolated in this study. The bacterial isolates with the highest frequency of occurrence were staphylococcus aureus and E.coli (12.00%), E.coli and the least frequency was salmonella enterica (7.3%). The antimicrobial sensitivity pattern showed that the bacteria isolates exhibits varying degree of resistance to the antibiotics before and after curing. The isolates were found to harbor plasmid of different sizes but below 1000bp.There was no plasmid after curing.

Immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities of methanol extract of Uvaria chamae leaves in rats

O.I. Enabulele, L.J. Ifeka — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects of methanol extract air-dried, powdered leaves of methanol extract of Uvaria chamae (MEUL) was evaluated in this study using standard methods. Graded doses (50 mg/kg body weight, 100 mg/kg body weight, 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were administered to winster rats. The control group was given dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Immunomodulatory effect was assessed by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and haemagglutination. Antimicrobial activity of the extract against some clinical bacteria isolates was also conducted. The phytochemicals, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, steroids and terpenoids were detected. The extract showed dose related increase in cellular immunomodulatory activity as assesed by inflammed foot pad of the experimental animals with mean diameter ranging from 2.60±0.95 to 4.90±1.04 mm as against the control group which was 1.30±0.14 mm, (p<0.05). There was significant increase in haemagglutinating antibody titre against sheep red blood cells which ranged from 272±21.27 to 1344±160.64 as against the control group which was 80±10.63 (p<0.01). The methanol extract of Uvaria chamae leaf showed inhibitory activity against the test bacteria isolates. This work indicated that methanol extract of Uvaria chamae leaf has potential immunostimulatory and antimicrobial activity.