Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION AND DETECTION OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT Staphylococcus aureus CONTAINING PANTON VALENTINE LEUKOCIDIN (LUKF-LUKS) GENE IN POULTRY AND POULTRY FARM WORKERS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Bala, H.K., Bala, R.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The pathogenesis of Staph. aureus is mediated by several cell surfaces and secreted virulence factors. The panton valentine leukocidin (PVL) encoded by LukF-LUkS genes associated with CA-MRSA are responsible for the wide spread of skin and soft tissue infection. This study aims to molecularly determine the PVL prevalence in methicillin S. aureus isolates. Isolates were obtained from poultry (Nasal and Cloacae swabs of chicks) and Nasal swab of workers from three senatorial zones in Kano. Phenotypic Identification of Staph. aureus was performed using coagulase both free and bound, catalase, DNase, and agglutination tests and using Microgen Staph ID kit. MRSA were phenotypically identified using cefoxitin. Genotypic characteristics were determined by spa typing, nuc gene and 16srRNA, detection of mecA gene and luks- lucf gene that encodes PVL. Out of 622 isolates, 98 (33.8 %) were S. aureus. Only 21 isolates showed the amplification of 16SrRNA and nuc gene. Seven isolates were Spa positive. Fifteen carried mecA gene. PVL gene was detected in 14 (14.3%) of S. aureus isolates. Majority of the PVL-positive isolates were obtained from nostril (8; 57.1%), four from cloacae (28.6%) and two from nostril of farm workers (14.3%). Most (10/14) of PVL positive isolates were methicillin resistant S. aureus. This study shows that 14.3% of S. aureus isolated in poultry and poultry farm workers carried PVL genes and 71.4% of the PVL positive were MRSA.

DISTRIBUTION AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH VAGINAL DISCHARGE FROM PATIENTS ATTENDING TURAI YAR’ADUA CHILD AND MATERNITY CENTER KATSINA

Ahmad, M.A., Rukayya, K.Y., Mujahid, H., Ibrahim, D., Garba, M.R. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Vaginal discharge remains a great public health concern due to the increased risk of the acquisition of sexually and non-sexually transmitted infections leading to infertility and drug resistance. Several conditions and organisms are associated with the discharge but are underreported especially in local communities (like Katsina). Thus, the study aimed to determine the distribution of bacteria associated with vaginal discharge and their antibiotic susceptibility profile. Conventional methods of bacterial identification were used to identify the organisms and the modified method of Kirby Bauer for the antibiotic susceptibility testing. A total of 101 high vaginal swab (HVS) samples were collected and analyzed, out of which 81 samples showed varying bacterial growth. Staphylococcus aureus, 41 (40.6%), was the most prevalent followed by Escherichia coli, 17 (16.83%), Streptococcus pyogenes, 16 (15.84%) and Proteus mirabilis, 7 (6.93%) with the least occurrence among the isolates identified. The majority of women with abnormal discharge had co-existing gynecological complaints of itching around the vulva and rashes. About 53.09% of the women showed whitish vaginal discharge while 48.15% experienced non-offensive odour. The highest number of bacteria was recorded among married women (76.54%) followed by Widows (12.35%) and Single (8.64%). S. aureus, the most prevalent Gram-positive isolate was found to be resistant to Ampiclox, Ampicillin, and Chloramphenicol while E. coli (Gram-negative) showed a high level of resistance to Nalidixic acid and Augmentin. In conclusion, lack of personal hygiene, insertion of traditional medicine and other related materials were found to be predisposing factors to abnormal vaginal discharge with a high number of bacteria.

THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, CYTOTOXICITY AND ANTI-Plasmodium ACTIVITY OF THE LEAF EXTRACT OF Momordica balsamina (Linn)

Shu'aibu S.B., Suleiman, A.A., Hussaini, R.D., Suleiman, A.A., Mudi, U.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Without any scientific support, Momordica balsam leaves have been employed in traditional medicine to treat malaria. Momordica balsamina leaf powder was percolated with ethanol. The resulting extract was successively fractionated in order of increasing polarity with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. A phytochemical screening, an in vitro antiplasmodial assay against the Arthemeter-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum, and a lethality test on brine shrimp were all performed on each of these fractions. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed that only flavonoids and steroids are present in the n-hexane fraction, while alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids are present in the chloroform fraction, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids are present in the ethyl acetate fraction, and saponins, tannins, and flavonoids are present in the methanol fraction. The LC₅₀ values for the n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol portions of the brine shrimp lethality test were 24.77, 37.79, 50.33, and 83.49 µg/cm³, respectively. The crude extracts from the n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions of the in vitro antiplasmodial assay showed promising activity with percentage eliminations of 74, 74, 57, 63, and 66%, respectively, at the concentration of 50 µg/cm³. In summary, the research has somewhat supported the use of M. balsamina in the management of malaria.

EFFECTS OF REFRACTIVITY GRADIENT AND EFFECTIVE EARTH RADIO FACTOR ON RADIO COMMUNICATIONS OVER SOKOTO CITY, NIGERIA

Yar'adua, S.A., Bgudo, M.I. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Secondary radio climate factors in Sokoto city were determined using the set of seven years of reliable atmospheric climate data from 2015 to 2021. The acquired values are utilised to look at how they might affect satellite communication link design. The results reveal that the value refractivity gradient has the highest value of -0.0762 N-units/m and it is obtained in February, The dry season period has the months that pose larger refractivity gradient value than the wet season periods. The effective earth radius factor during the dry season shows that the value for Sokoto runs from 1.00079 to 1.00049, with the highest value occurring in November and the lowest value occurring in February. The average dry season value of the k-factor is 1.00057. The mean values of the effective earth radius factor for Sokoto during the months of wet seasons fluctuate from 1.00107 to 1.00058, with September seeing the highest value and April seeing the lowest. The average wet season value of the effective earth radius factor is 1.00088. This shows that the radio signal propagation environment is primarily sub-refractive for both dry and wet season. These studies suggest that the prescribed values suggested by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the study area are occasionally overestimated.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF NEEM LEAF EXTRACTS ON SOME BACTERIA

Ibelegbu, G.E., Ezeagwula, C.G., Ozochi, C.A., Ugwu, C.C., Ozochikelu, C.C. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Antibacterial activity of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts was tested on some bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Salmonella species) from urine and stool samples. Agar-well diffusion and broth dilution techniques were used to assess the growth inhibition zone diameter and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the cold, hot, and ethanolic extracts at varying concentrations (6.25 - 200 mg/ml). Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screenings were determined using standard methods and gas spectrophotometer respectively. Cold water, hot water, and ethanoic extracts showed different degrees of activity against the test isolates. The zone of inhibition exhibited by the extracts against the tested organism ranged between 7 mm and 23 mm, while the zone of inhibition by ceftriazone used as a standard antibiotic control ranged between 25 mm and 33 mm. At MIC 200 and 100 mg/ml, the hot and ethanolic extracts inhibited all the test isolates, while the cold water extract inhibited only Enterococcus fecalis and Salmonella species at 200 mg/ml. There was a corresponding decrease in the zone of growth inhibition as the concentration of the extract decreased. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols. The quantitative yield of bioactive compounds showed a two-fold yield of phenol for hot water extract when compared to cold water extract. The reasonable antibacterial activity exhibited by the extracts confirmed their therapeutic potential in the treatment of various bacterial infections in herbal medicine.

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF BAOBAB FRUIT (Adansonia digitata) OBTAINED FROM BATAGARAWA TOWN AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ITS FRUIT JUICE

Zango, Z.U., Dantakai, N.N., Garba, A., Shehu, Z. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research presents findings on the proximate compositions of Baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata) and physicochemical characterization of its juice. The proximate composition was determined using standard methods of Association of official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), while the mineral contents was analyzed with the aid of an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results revealed that Baobab pulp are rich in crude protein, fat, and carbohydrate. The result of the physicochemical analysis of the baobab fruit juice have shown the pH of the juice at 3.4, with a conductivity of about 488 µs, TDS value of 237 ppm and turbidity of 1. The study also shows that Baobab pulp have high economic value and it could serve as good and cheap sources of mineral element such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. For these reasons, they can be incorporated into food supplements for both humans and animals, also could have industrial applications.

MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF LOCALLY MADE FURA SOLD IN DUTSIN-MA TOWN , KATSINA STATE

Ishaq, S., Umaru, A., Tasi’u, S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The locally made Fura spiced ground millet processed and molded into balls for sale and consumption. Fura is usually molded into balls by hand during its production, and the hands of the producers could be a source of contamination. Aim of this study was microbiological quality assessment of locally made Fura sold in Dutsin-ma, Katsina state. Twenty-five samples of fura were collected total mold and bacterial counts were carried out using pour plate technique, bacteria and fungi were isolated from fura, antibiogram of the isolated organism were carried out. The occurrence prevalence of bacterial species with the highest rate in this study was for Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. (20.6%), while the least rate was (8.8%) for Klebsiella spp. and Bacillus spp each. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern for the bacterial isolates revealed that most of the organisms were susceptible to the antibiotics except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is resistant to Chloramphenicol, Sparfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Perfloxacin Ofloxacin and Augmentin antibiotics. Fungal occurrence prevalence rate revealed Aspergillus fumigatus has the highest rate (38.5%) while Aspergillus flavus. Aspergillus tereus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans with the least occurrence prevalence rate of (7.7%) each. The fungal species were further tested against some antifungal agents (Ketaconazole, Fluconazole and Greseofulavin), as Aspergillus flavus was the only fungal species resistant to the antifungal agents. Locally prepared Fura contains potential pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The producers of Fura; should be educated on the basic concept of hygiene in the production processes of Fura.

AN ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE REFRACTIVITY VARIATION IN BIRNIN KEBBI DURING THE RAINY SEASON

Sabiru, A.Y., Muhammad, I.B., Yar'adua, A.I., Bala, H.J. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

When evaluating the effectiveness of terrestrial radio links, surface refractivity is crucial. There are numerous meteorological updrafts and downdrafts in the lower atmosphere that have a huge impact on surface refractivity. In this study, we investigate the effect of wet seasons of Birnin Kebbi situated in the North West of Nigeria to develop the most effective and dependable radio signal communication system based on the data of Meteorological parameters. Data ( which are high-resolution satellite data) for seven years (2015-2021) on atmospheric climate parameters (air temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity) at the earth's ground level (12m) were obtained from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Fifth Generation of the European Reanalysis (ERA5). The surface refractivity of the rainy season’s months (April, May, June, July, August, September and October) was analysed for the period of the study (seven years). The findings indicate that surface refractivity rises during the wet season until it reaches its peak, at which point the trend reverses and starts to fall. This indicates that the proximity of the wet season to the dry season affects surface refractivity. The standard deviation for April, May, June, July, August, September and October was found to be 18.47, 11.44, 7.82, 2.83, 1.03 2.91 and 14.52 respectively indicating that the conditions are more stable in August than the other months of the rainy season.

DETERMINATION OF AFLATOXIGENIC Aspergillus AND AFLATOXINS FROM MAIZE, MILLET AND SORGHUM SOLD IN KATSINA METROPOLIS

Zulaihat, B.A., Shamsuddeen, U., Zubairu, U.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by some species of Aspergillus particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi have been known to contaminate cereal grains, thereby causing both economic and negative health impact. This research aimed at determining aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxins in Maize, Millet and Sorghum. A total of 9 Samples were purchased from three different markets in Katsina metropolis. Sample homogenates was cultured on Potato dextrose agar at room temperature for 3-7days. Isolates were identified using phenotypic characteristics (Macroscopic and microscopic features). Fungi presumed to be aflatoxigenic were further subjected to molecular Aflatoxin gene detection using multiplex PCR with 3sets of primers for aflR, aflD and aflP genes. Similarly, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for quantitative evaluation of aflatoxins in the samples where aflatoxin B1 and Total Aflatoxins (Sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2) were assessed. Fungi isolated from the samples include; Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhizupus spp. However, subjecting isolates to molecular characterization showed that aflD and aflP were present in three (3) of the isolates while gene aflR was present in four (4) of the isolates. Assessing the total aflatoxin concentration has shown that Sorghum had the highest concentration of 2.07±0.6ppb, while Maize has the lowest concentration of 1.98±0.06ppb. Moreover, Aflatoxin B1 evaluation of the samples showed that Maize had the highest concentration of 20.67±5.34µg/kg , while Millet had the least concentration of 0.67±0.61µg/kg. In summary, the amounts of total aflatoxin in the cereal under this study are within the recommended limit 10 parts per billion while with regards to B1 aflatoxin, maize exceeded the recommended limit of 4µg/kg by European Union and 20µg/kg by Standards Organization of Nigeria. Consequently, it is recommended that sensitization of farmers and vendors about the severity of Aflatoxin contamination of grains and control majors should be done.

COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MEDICALLY IMPORTANT PARASITES ON GERMAN COCKROACHES (Blatella germanica) FROM RESIDENTIAL HOUSES IN SHARADA PHASE I, KANO NIGERIA

Abdu, H.M., Almu, S.U. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

German cockroaches (Blatella germanica) are highly prevalent in residential houses worldwide, and the public health risk arising from them is well established as there are reports of the isolation of different pathogenic agents from these insects. The present study was carried out in order to isolate and identify the medically important parasites from internal and external body surfaces of German Cockroaches in Sharada phase I, Kano Nigeria. A total of 114 German cockroaches were sampled from rooms and kitchens in the study area, and screened for parasites between 10^th October to 8^th November, 2017. The isolation of the parasites from their body surfaces was done using sedimentation method. Out of the 114 German cockroaches examined, only 20 (17.54%) were tested positive for medically important parasites. The parasites recovered were; Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia saginata, Trichuris trichiura, Fasciola hepatica, and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. The result also revealed that Taenia saginata was the predominant species of parasites (50.00%), while Fasciola hepatica was the least species (16.67%). However, more parasites were recovered on the external surface of the cockroaches (60%) than the internal surfaces (40%), but the difference is not statistically significant at . In sum, German cockroaches carry parasites of medical importance. Therefore, controlling their infestation should be given a special concern to reduce their spread, which is synonymous to reducing the risk of parasitic infections.

ANALYSIS OF RADIO REFRACTIVITY VARIATION IN BIRNIN KEBBI DURING THE DRY SEASON

Sabiru, A.Y., Muhammad, I.B., Yar'adua, A.I., Bala, H.J. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Wireless communication in the troposphere always comes with complications. To have the best signal transmission there is a need to understand electromagnetic wave propagation which requires consideration of the radio refractivity. This study was conducted to analyse the variation of radio refractivity during the months of dry season in the city of Birnin Kebbi situated in the North West of Nigeria using seven years (2015-2021) of data on Meteorological factors (i.e., Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity) at 12m level above ground level. The data are high-resolution satellite data retrieved from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Fifth Generation of the European Reanalysis (ERA5). The radio refractivity of dry season months (November, December, January, February and March) was evaluated for seven years.. The findings reveal that as the dry season lengthens, radio refractivity declines until it reaches its peak before changing and beginning to rise around February. This showed that, radio refractivity is affected by its closeness to the rainy season. Standard deviations for the months of November, December, January, February, and March were determined to be 8.89, 4.08, 1.49, 6.67, and 6.58, respectively, indicating that conditions were more stable in January than they were in the other research months. These discoveries are crucial for this area's creation of electromagnetic wave communication routes.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF Adansonia digitata LEAVES ON CLINICAL ISOLATES OF Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli AND Bacillus specie

Moroof, M.B., Abdullahi, M.G., Charles, C.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment failure as a result of resistance strains of pathogens in circulation and the high cost of orthodox drugs relative to herbal preparations has made people, especially in developing countries, gravitate towards herbal medicine. These herbal preparations are commonly hawked on the streets of major cities in Nigeria and consumed by citizens either as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent due to claims that such preparations provide cures to most, if not all, ailments. Advances in the field of medicine and science have made it possible to confirm the ethnopharmacological claims made by herbal medicine practitioners by testing the antibacterial activity of common herbal plants to provide scientific evidence to either support or refute the claims made by the users of such herbal medicine. The antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Bacillus spp. was carried out following standard microbiological techniques. Three (3) clinical isolates each of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Bacillus spp. collected from Shehu Muhammad Kangiwa Medical Center, Kaduna Polytechnic, were subjected to antibacterial susceptibility testing. The phytochemical Screening of the extract revealed the presence of Alkaloids, terpeniods, flavonoids, and steroids, while tannins and saponins were absent. There was an absence of antibacterial activity at all concentrations tested (100, 50, 25, and 12.5mg/ml), so no Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or Minimum bacteriocidal concentration (MBC) values were recorded. From the results of this study, it is evident that the aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata has an abundance of phytochemicals that can be explored for medicinal uses; however, the extract of Adansonia digitata showed no antibacterial activity against the test isolates at the concentrations tested.

CARBON MONOXIDE RELEASING TUNGSTEN TRICARBONYL COMPLEXES WITH ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

Abubakar, T.A., Eke, U.B., Gabriel, K. O., Ali, S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Carbon monoxide is recognized as an inhibitor of bacteria respiratory pathways, therefore playing promising role as antibacterial agent. The molecule can be suitably introduced in-vivo as prodrug using transition metal carbonyls substituted with biologically active molecules like hydrazones. Some hydrazones were therefore coordinated as ancillary ligands to tungsten carbonyl intermediate in situ to afford octahedral tricarbonyls; W(CO)₃L₃. Spectroscopic characterization revealed that three CO and three ancillary ligands were coordinated in a facile geometry, with any two CO ligands in cis position. The CO release rates follow first order, the complexes; C1 to C4 released the entire CO after 40-45 minutes in horse heart myoglobin solution leading to the formation of CO-myoglobin complex. Further investigations revealed that exposure of solution of the test compounds to cultured microorganisms elicited bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities; S. aureus exhibited MIC ranging 0.12 – 0.25 mM for C1, C3 and C4 and the E. coli and P. aeruginosa at concentrations between 0.25 – 0.5 mM. Minimal concentrations ranging between 0.25 – 0.5 mM and 0.5 – 1 mM of the substituted carbonyls effectively eliminated the S. aureus and the Gram-positive bacteria respectively.

INDUCIBLE CLINDAMYCIN RESISTANCE IN CLINICAL ISOLATES OF Staphylococcus aureus IN KATSINA

Hamza, K.U., Abdulkadir, B., Kumurya, A.S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gram-positive organisms commonly exhibit resistance to macrolides, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLS_B), which is a prevailing and medically important mechanism. This resistance can manifest as constitutive (cMLS_B phenotype) or inducible (iMLS_B phenotype). Distinguishing between the two iMLS_B phenotypes is challenging using routine susceptibility tests. However, the erythromycin-clindamycin disk approximation test (D-test) can effectively identify them. This study aimed to detect inducible clindamycin resistance in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Katsina. A total of 100 isolates were collected from three major hospitals in the Katsina metropolis and subsequently characterized using standard bacteriological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed following the modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method using erythromycin (15µg) and clindamycin (2µg). While cefoxitin (30µg) was used for phenotypic detection of MRSA. The D-test was used to evaluate the iMLS_B phenotypes among isolates resistant to erythromycin and susceptible to clindamycin. Forty-nine isolates (49/100) were confirmed to be Staphylococcus aureus. Among the 49 S. aureus confirmed, fifteen (30.6%) were resistant to erythromycin, out of which 12 were concurrently susceptible to clindamycin. The prevalence of iMLS_B phenotype was 25%, macrolide streptogramin (MS) phenotype 18.4%, and cMLS_B 6.1%. Methicillin resistance (MRSA) was detected among 44.9% (22/49) of the isolates. All the detected iMLS_B phenotypes were also MRSA. Consequently, the D-test was found to be crucial for identifying iMLS_B. It is recommended that D-test should be done routinely on S. aureus isolates that are clindamycin-susceptible and erythromycin-resistant.

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO ANTI-MICROBIAL STUDIES OF SCHIFF BASES DERIVED FROM SOME SELECTED AMINO ACIDS AND INDOLE-3-CARBAZALDEHYDE

Sulaiman, Z., Umar, A.A., Ahmad, S.B. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Three Schiff bases (L₁ to L₃) were synthesized by refluxing indole-3-carbazaldehyde with three different amino acids (valine, threonine and phenylalanine) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The synthesized compounds were purified by recrystallization in ethanol and characterized using Infrared spectroscopy, High resolution mass spectrometry, Melting points and CHN microanalysis. The Schiff bases were found to be soluble in polar solvent such as methanol and ethanol but insoluble in non-polar solvent such as hexane. Data from Infrared spectral study indicated that the characteristics band attributed to aldehyde stretching disappeared on the final products and a new absorption band observed at 1629-1635 cm^-1 was due to the ν(C=N) stretching vibration, which is a characteristic band of Schiff base. The CHN analysis of the Schiff bases were consistent with the calculated results from the empirical formula of the proposed structure of each compound. ESI-mass spectra from a methanol solution of the Schiff bases showed singly charged ions at m/z = 289.09, 291.07 and 315.10 which corresponds to [M+Na]⁺singly charged adduct ions of L₁ to L₃ respectively. Antibacterial and antifungal assay of the Schiff bases were performed in vitro against Stapylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Trichophyton tonsurans and Tricophyton rubrum.

ANALYSIS OF MASS AND VOLUME-BASED HYGROSCOPICITIES PARAMETER INTERACTION MODELS FOR ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOLS

Sa'adu, B., Ibrahim, A.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The optical properties of aerosols and clouds (OPAC) database was used in this study to extract several microphysical parameters, such as radii, refractive index, volume, mass, density, mass-based hygroscopicity parameter (km), and volume-based hygroscopicity parameter (kv) models.. The microphysical properties extracted were radii of the atmospheric aerosols of Antarctic, arctic, Continental average, Desert and Urban, at eight different relative humidity RHs 0,50,70,80,90,95,98 and 99%.The Kelvin radii and bulk hygroscopicities of the aerosols were determined using multiple regression analysis with SPSS 16.0 window and were used to determine k_v and k_m of the aerosols at eight relative humidities. Although it was discovered that kv is greater than k_m, the R² for all the models are greater than 90%, The p-values and significances are less than 0.05.Therefore it can be concluded that any of the two parameters can be used for atmospheric modeling.

ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF DIARRHOEAGENIC Escherichia coli PATHOTYPES ISOLATED FROM CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Umar, A., Abdulkadir, B., Kumurya, A.S., Emeka, S.P. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious public health threat, disproportionately impacting the health and well-being of individuals. Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and remains the second leading cause of death in children younger than five years worldwide. The study was aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes isolated from children under five years of age in Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 165 faecal samples were collected from 135 (diarrheic) and 30 (non-diarrheic) children under five years attending Turai Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital Katsina (TYMCHK), Mallam Mande General Hospital Dutsin-Ma (MMGHD), General Hospital Mani (GHMN), General Hospital Malumfashi (GHML) and Karfi Primary Health Centre (KPHC), respectively. The samples were collected between October 2021 and June 2022 and screened for diarrhoeagenic E. coli pathotypes using standard procedures, including culture, biochemical test and uniplex conventional PCR. The screened diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli isolates were further subjected to antibiotic susceptibility tests against a panel of 7 antibiotics using the modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method, to ascertain their susceptibility profile to commonly prescribed antibiotics for diarrhoea treatment. Of 165 stool samples examined, 86 (52.1%) tested positive for E. coli and 40 (57.97%) of the 86 isolates, 33(47.83%) diarrheic and 7(10.14%) non-diarrheic, were found to be DEC pathotypes. The results of the antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that out of the 40 DEC isolates, 33(82.5%) were resistant to ampicillin, 21(52.5%) to tetracycline, 10(25%) to ceftriaxone and 7(17.5%) to both tobramycin and augmentin. The highest antimicrobial resistance was observed in ampicillin (82.5%) followed by tetracycline, (52.5%) and ceftriaxone (25%), while the highest level of susceptibility was observed in augmentin (70%) and ciprofloxacin (62.5%). The results of the study further showed that a large number of the DEC isolates 19 (47.5%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The study concluded that there is a high level of antibiotic-resistance among diarrhoeagenic E. coli pathotypes in the study population. It is therefore recommended that there should be regular surveillance studies to monitor the spread of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in Katsina State.

GRAFTED SILICA WITH APTES/PARACETAMOL USED IN THE REMOVAL OF METHYLENE BLUE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS AT THREE DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE

Maryam, M.G., Audu, A.A., Saliza, A., Umar, M.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Modified silica/aptes/paracetamol was synthesized from rice husk ash as a source of silica and successfully functionalized with APTES and paracetamol by grafting method was characterized using infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Spectroscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The ability of the modified silica to adsorb methylene blue from aqueous solution was evaluated using modified silica and the effect of three temperatures (298, 303, and 313 (K) was carried out by adsorption process. The study findings clearly showed that synthesized silica/aptes/paracetamol was very efficient in removing methylene blue from aqueous solution and also, various adsorption studies were carried out and the isotherm models were also investigated. Based on the adsorption parameters obtained different models were used but Langmuir model was the best process found to be for adsorption studies. The R² regression coefficient was 0.9989.

REPRESENTATION OF BAND STRUCTURES OF AN ELECTRON IN ONE-DIMENSION

Bature, S.B., Sade, Y.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The time-independent Schrӧdinger's equation was solved for an electron in one-dimensional periodic potential to obtain the eigenvalues of the energy. Intel Visual Fortran 17.0 update 3 for Windows which is contained in Intel Parallel Studio XE 2017 Cluster Edition for Windows was used to solve the required Schrödinger's equation with periodic potentials together with Visual Studio Community 2015 using the nearly free approximation in a reduced zone scheme. In this paper, we represent the Band structures of an electron in one-dimensional periodic potential presented in a reduced zone scheme based on the nearly free approximation for a cosine and sawtooth periodic potential by varying the spacing between 1.5Bohr radii and 3.0Bohr radii whilst keeping the potential V_o fixed at 5Rydbergs. The result shows that as the spacing increases, the band gap decreases between the first and second bands, whereas the gap increases between the second and third bands as the spacing increases. In Solid State Physics, a high energy gap between the filled band and an empty band corresponds to an insulator. Thus, the transport properties of new material can be controlled by increasing the spacing of an optical lattice. The result shows good agreement when compared with similar results in the same model.

CHEMICAL PROFILING OF Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. STEM BARK EXTRACT AS A POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDANT COMPOUND FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Zulaihat, L., Jwanan, L.E., Oyedeji, G. O., Idi, A., Aminu, I. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plants contain compounds with medicinal properties that partake in the healing process and curing of human diseases due to the presence of phytochemical constituents. This study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical, antioxidant and HPLC characterization of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) stem bark. A. obesum stem bark was obtained, identified, fractionated and subjected to maceration method for the phytochemical screening, antioxidant assay and HPLC characterization of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in the A. obesum stem bark. Preliminary phytochemical screening methods, DPPH free radical method and HPLC method were used for the analysis. The qualitative phytochemical analysis showed presence of flavonoid, tannin, cardiac glycoside, phenolics and saponins in the stem bark, ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction. The quantitative screening of total phenol, total flavonoid, saponin and tannin was carried out. Hence, ethyl acetate fraction has the highest quantity of total phenol (72.2+7.1) and total flavonoid content (108+2.50). The result of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity revealed that ethyl acetate fraction has the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀94.6+20.7) when compared with hexane, butanol and water fractions of the ethanolic extract. The result of HPLC characterization of the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the presence and concentrations of different flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Thus, this study concluded that A. obesum contain substances which make it useful for human health.

CURRENT STATUS OF SOME FOREST RESERVE IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Silifat, A.A., Sulaiman, I.M., Haruna, H., Aliko, A.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The harvesting of firewood and herbs for cooking and medical purpose is important to a great majority of the populace in the Northern Nigeria. It is equally important to retain portions of the forested landscapes in a condition where all components of the ecosystem remain in place. Secondary data from reputable journals of Ecology and Environmental science were analysed critically to review the status of some forest reserves in Kano state. It was observed that Falgore game reserve was protected to some extent and has its remnant biodiversity while Danshoshiya forest reserve is protected by the RUGA settlement within it, other forest reserves are being seriously degraded and required urgent attention from government. There is need for reforestation and awareness of the public on the benefits of protecting the forest reserve especially on climate change and its effects.

SEASONAL ASSESSMENT OF SOME ANIONS IN CEREAL CULTIVARS FROM TEN DUTSIN-MA IRRIGATED FARMLANDS KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Muhammad, F., Sa'eed, M.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cereals represent a high percentage of Nigerian’s diet, and are important sources of vitamins and minerals required for human health. The top 5 cereals in the world ranked on the basis of production tonnage are maize, rice, barley wheat and sorghum. This study was conducted to assess the seasonal variations of nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate in cereal cultivars (rice, maize and wheat) samples from Dutsin-Ma irrigated farmlands, so as to evaluate the health impact of consuming these cereals by humans. A total of thirty (30) fresh cereals cultivars i.e three (3) samples per location were collected from ten irrigated farmlands in the dry and wet season. The samples were ground, sieved, digested and analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for data interpretations. Mean levels of NO₂^-, NO₃^-, and PO₄^3-respectively in cereal cultivars 0.66 ± 0.138, 1.87 ± 0.393, and 5.294 ± 0.218 mg/kg in dry season and 1.560 ± 0.03, 2.701 ± 0.11 6.533 ± 0.059 mg/kg in wet season. The mean concentrations of the anions in cereals decrease in the following order: NO₂^-> PO₄³> NO₃^-in both seasons. There was no significant difference in the levels of these anions among cereals (P > 0.05). Levels of NO₂^-, and PO₄^3-s in the analyzed cereals samples were above the maximum tolerable limits specified by FAO/WHO (2011) except NO₃^- which is below the stipulated limit. Regular monitoring of anions concentration in food crops is needed to check for contamination levels.

SURVEY OF INDIGENOUS TREE SPECIES SOLD IN WOODLOG DEPOTS IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Rabi'u, H.M., Rabi'u, S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Logging indigenous trees in sub-Saharan Africa for fuel is not sustainable and threatens the biodiversity of terrestrial life. This study was aimed at assessing indigenous tree species used for fuel wood in in Dala (12.01⁰N; 8.50⁰E), Fagge (11.59⁰N; 8.33⁰E) and Tarauni (11.97⁰N; 8.55⁰E) local government areas, as well as Mariri Yan Itache (11.56⁰N; 8.36⁰E) major firewood depots in Kano. Data was obtained through administration of semi-structured questionnaires to selected dealers with the most diverse collections of tree species. Log sizes of selected species were also determined. Data collected from the questionnaires included profile of the dealers, and knowledge on socio-economic and medicinal values of the trees. Results were analyzed as frequencies and relative percentages. Significant differences (P< 0.05) in height and diameter were determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Only 8.6 % dealers were females. Most (67.3%) were over 30 years old. A total of 33 native tree species were identified from the selected depots where Anogeissus leiocarpus (African Birch; Hausa, Marke) and Parkia biglobosa (Locust Bean; Hausa, Dorawa) had the highest frequencies of 47(9.30%)and 40(7.92%),respectively. A total of 10(30.3%) of the species had frequencies of less than 10, reflecting reduced numbers in the farm/forests as well. In addition to burning for energy, respondents indicated that most of the species are sources of nutrition and have medicinal values. Vitellaria paradox (Shea Tree; Hausa, Kadanya) had the largest mean diameter (at Dala), as well as, smallest mean diameter (at Mariri). Research on methods of conservation of the natural vegetation of northern Nigeria is especially critical now due to the current price hike of petroleum.

EFFECTS OF PROBIOTIC FEED SUPPLEMENT ON BROILER CHICKEN, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY

Na'iya, Z.M., Kabir, K., Abdulkadir, B. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, the effect of probiotics feed supplement in broiler chicken production was investigated. 120 chicks (day old Anak 2000 breed) were obtained from a reputable hatchery. The chicks were randomly allocated into four separate pens of thirty birds each and bred for a period of 6 weeks. The chicks in each pen were either given probiotic supplementation (multi-strain probiotic supplementation administered via feed containing (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii sub spp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus Salivarus sub spp. thermophilus, and Enterococcus Faecium) an antibiotic, a combination of probiotic and antibiotic and none (control). The groups were evaluated based on sensory evaluation of taste of muscle meat and microbial diversity of the gut flora. The proximate composition values obtained revealed that, the group fed with combination of probiotics and antibiotics has the highest crude protein & ash content while the group fed probiotic had higher crude fiber and crude fat content . This indicates higher meat quality and richness in protein among the probiotic and combination treated meats. The sensory scores of taste for muscle meat revealed that 81% of respondents scored the probiotic meat as tender compared to 72% to the others fed antibiotic and combination. Respondents scored 100% tasty across all the groups. Probiotic meat was scored 100% juicy in comparison to 81.8% for antibiotic and combination groups. Overall likeness, antibiotic and combination groups were scored 100% while probiotic and control both had 90.9%. Proteus mirabilis was isolated from all fecal samples. In antibiotic group, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterobacter cloacae were isolated. Staphylococcus lentus, Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated from probiotic while Staphylococcus scuiri from combination treatment group. Kocuria rhizophilia was isolated only from control treatment group. The results obtained from this study show the use of multi-strain probiotics and careful inclusion of antibiotics alongside probiotic in feed as highly beneficial in raising broiler chickens.

EFFECTS OF WOOD ASH, ORANGE PEEL AND PEPPER ON THE CONTROL OF Callosobruchus maculatus INFESTATION OF LOCAL AND IMPROVED VARIETIES OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Rabi'u, H.M — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an important source of protein for the rural populace in Nigeria. Callosobruchus maculatus infest cowpea pods in the field and continue to grow and multiply in storage causing more hardship on already poor resourced farmers. This research was aimed at assessing the effects of orange peel, pepper and wood ash on control of weevils on improved (IT99k-573-1-1 and IT90K-277-2) and local (Achishiru) cowpea varieties. Pieces of wood, excluding bark, pepper and orange peel were separately washed, dried, milled and sieved. Survival was assessed by introduction of six males and six female healthy weevils in jars containing fifty grams of surface sterilized and uninfested seeds mixed with 2.5g of the respective powders. Survival of the introduced insects was recorded at Days After Infestation (DAI), namely, 5DAI, 10DAI and 15DAI. Emergence from treated seeds as above was recorded after 30, 60 and 90 days. All setups were replicated four times. Data were analysed with General Linear Model (GLM) ANOVA to determine significant differences in treatments at P<0.05. Highest mean survival (12.00) was observed in Achishiru followed by the means of 11.750 in 573-1- 1 and 11.25 for 277-2 at 5DAI in control treatments. Generally, treatments with wood ash was more effective against the weevils than orange peel and pepper. Least survival was recorded at 15DAI in all the varieties treated with wood ash (0.500 in 573-1-1; 0.750 in 277-2 and 1.250 in Achishiru). Significantly higher number of weevils emerged in control of Achishiru (17.75 at 90DAI; 14.00 at 60DAI); 573-1-1(16.50 at 90DAI). Least emergence was from seeds of 277-2 (0.00 at 30DAI), 573-1-1(1.25 at 30DAI). The local variety Achishiru appeared to be more susceptible to the bruchid infestation and improved variety 277-2 was more resistant. Wood ash offered more protection against the weevils than pepper and orange peel. It is recommended that these natural methods of cowpea infestation control methods to be explored with different storage material and for longer durations .

Azadirachta indica LEAF AND SEED EXTRACTS AS POTENTIAL LARVICIDES OF Anopheles gambiae FROM NORTHWEST, NIGERIA

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria has been a major problem accounting for thousands of death in Nigeria. It is spread by female Anopheles mosquito which injects the Plasmodium parasite into the human system. Chemical control has been the mainstay in control of mosquitoes for decades which have proven to be toxic to humans, animals and the environment in addition to widespread resistance. This study investigated the potential of phytochemicals (Azadirachta indica leaf and seed extracts) in the control of mosquito larvae. The plant leaves were extracted using solvents of varying polarities starting from least polar to most polar (hexane, chloroform, butanol, ethanol, methanol/aqueous) respectively while the seed was extracted using hexane. Varying concentrations (5000ppm, 6000ppm, 7000ppm, 8000ppm, 9000ppm and 10,000ppm) were administered to 20 larvae each, water/acetone were used as control. The result of phytochemicals screening revealed the presence of various compounds of which tritepenes were only detected in butanol extract. Mortality was recorded after 24 hours. The result showed no significant difference (P>0.05) when hexane, chloroform, ethanol, methanol/aqueous leaf extracts and hexane seed extracts were compared with control while there was significant difference (P<0.05) when butanol leaf extract was compared with control. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in the level of glucose estimated in the susceptible larvae when compared with resistant and control larvae. The result of DNA estimation showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between all comparisons. In conclusion, butanolic extract of Azadirachta indica leaf displayed a promising larvicidal properties which might be due to the presence of triterpenes which may have interference with the normal metabolic processes and could be explored for possible novel bio-insecticide for the control of mosquitoes.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Al-MCM-41 SUPPORTED ON CaO WASTE OBTAINED FROM WELDING SITE

Abdullahi, A.G., Abdullahi, H., Kabo, K.S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The utilization of CTAB (Hexadecyl trimethyl Ammonium Bromide) as a template in the synthesis of Al-MCM-41 was accomplished through a direct, uncomplicated one-step synthetic approach. To maintain a pH range of 10-11, the solution was subjected to a crystallization temperature of 100 °C for a duration of 24 hours. Following the crystallization process, the material was calcined in air for five hours at 550 °C. The incorporation of CaO nanoparticles, a byproduct resulting from the reaction of calcium carbide and water in the welding industry, into the Al-MCM-41 framework was carried out successfully. The effects of the incorporation are evident in the porosity, structure, and surface area of the Al-MCM-41 mesoporous materials.The material was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, N₂adsorption-desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, an X-ray fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Pure Al-MCM-41 displayed high ordered mesoporosity with a large surface area, and a large pore volume. However, the incorporation of CaO in the framework resulted in the surface area decreases from 765 to 512 m²g^-1, the pore volume also decreased from 0.8 to 0.1 cm³g^-1, and the average diameter increased from 18.5 to 18.44 nm. The basicity of the catalyst was found to be optimum at 20% loading CaO. The resulted, CaO/Al-MCM-41 might be produced on a large scale and serve as catalyst for chemical transformation.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF THE NURSES TOWARD ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN KANO STATE

Sani, I.H., Atiku, M., Salihu, F.A., Umar, M.A., Abubakar, A.R., Abdullahi, M.H. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is 'an appreciably harmful or unpleasant reaction resulting from an intervention related to the use of a medicinal product; adverse effects usually predict hazard from future administration and warrant prevention, or specific treatment, or alteration of the dosage regimen, or withdrawal of the product. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reactions among nurses in Kano State. A total of one hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to nurses in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano, Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (50 from each hospital) through the Chief Nursing Officers of the respective wards. A time frame of one week was allowed for the collection of the anonymously filled forms. Respondents' questionnaire completion was taken as their consent to participate in the study. The relationship between the duration of practice, their knowledge and practice of ADR reporting was determined using Chi-square at p < 0.05. The result of the study shows that the respondents have knowledge of adverse drug reactions and agree that ADRs are preventable. The respondents have a positive attitude towards adverse drug reactions and report ADRs, particularly if the reaction is unusual. They also believed adverse drug reaction reporting is a professional obligation. The study shows that the respondents partially have knowledge of the practice of adverse drug reactions and reported most of the suspected adverse drug reactions to new drugs.

SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSES AND EFFECT OF SEASONAL VARIATION ON YIELD OF SOME RICE (Oryza sativa L.) VARIETIES IN MINJIBIR, KANO - NIGERIA

Rahama, T.B., Aliko, A.A., Badria, M.A., Maryam, M.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

yield of three selected rice varieties. Kano falls within the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone characterized by two climatic seasons (dry and wet). The experiment consisted of three varieties (FARO 44, FARO61 and YARDAS, local variety) which were grown in the two seasons. Data collected on growth and yield as affected by seasonal variations were subjected to analysis of variance and Fishers least significant difference was used to separate the means. Results obtained revealed that yield of the rice in dry season was significantly higher in dry Season than in wet Season. Correlation analyses of soil and meteorological parameters on yield have indicated that greater radiation during ripening in dry season has contributed to the higher grain yield. Higher grain yield in dry season was partly attributed to the greater number of panicles/m², number of filled grains/panicle, 1000 grain weight, grain yield per hectare and reduced sterility, unfilled grains per panicle, days to 50% flowering in dry season trial. Therefore, cultivation of rice during dry season was found to be most effective in terms of better yield and growth characteristics. Thus, outspreading the results of this study on small and medium size farmlands could improve production of rice in Kano State and other places in the Sudan Savannah Agro-ecological zone.

FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY AND PHENOLIC CONTENTS FROM Strychnos spinosa LEAF EXTRACTS

Suleiman, A.A., Shu'aibu, S.B., Ahmad, B., Usman, I.S., Abdu, K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Strychnos spinosa is used by local populace in Gwarzo Local Government area in the treatment of many ailments such as cancer, trypanasomiasis and inflammatory. In this study, in vitro free radical inhibition activity and phenolic concentration of different fractions from the leaf of Strychnos spinosa were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Free radicals inhibitions of fractions were expressed as percent of DPPH radicals inhibition and IC₅₀ values (µg/ml). Percent inhibitions ranged from 57 to 93%, while IC₅₀ ranged from 680 to 820µg/ml. The total phenolic content ranged from 32.00 to 63.14 mg GAE/g. The ethanolic extract of Strychnos spinosa showed the highest phenolic concentration and strong antioxidant activity. The plant can be regarded as an important source of antioxidant.

PRELIMINARY ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ANIMAL MODELS OF SEIZURES

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects more than 50 million people worldwide. Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy do not respond to treatment with current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Medicinal plants have demonstrated numerous benefits in the traditional treatment of neurological disorders including epilepsy, therefore, scientific assessments of their antiepileptic activity and safety will be valuable in investigating their ethno botanical claims. The extracts obtained from the medicinal plants were screened for phytochemical constituents and the acute toxicity study was carried out. Anticonvulsant activities of the ten medicinal plants were investigated in chicks and mice using maximal electroshock test and pentylenetetrazole induced seizure models. Phytochemical screening of the ethanol extracts of Calotropis procera, Aristolochia albida, Cyperus articulatus, Securidaca longepedunculata, Annona senegalensis, Entada africana, Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa, Ricinus communis and Strychnos spinosa revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The extracts across graded doses protected about 30% of the chicks against hind limb tonic extension induced by maximal electroshock. The extracts protected the mice against seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole and significantly delayed the mean onset of seizure. The extracts offer protection to the mice against mortality and significantly prolonged the mean latency to death. The standard anticonvulsant drugs phenytoin and sodium valproate protected the chicks and mice against convulsions induced by maximal electroshock test and pentylenetetrazole induce seizures respectively. The results therefore suggested that the extracts contain various phytochemical constituents that possess anticonvulsant activity. This supports the claims on their ethnomedicinal use in the treatment of epilepsy.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACHTERIZATION OF BIOACTIVE TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES WITH DIHYDRAZONE SCHIFF BASE DERIVED FROM OXALYLDIHYDRAZIDE AND PIPERONALDEHYDE

Sadi, A.H., Aliyu, H.N., Sani, U., Mustapha, D.G. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mn(II), Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes of Schiff base derived from oxalyldihydrazide and piperonaldehyde were synthesized and characterized. The ligand and all the complexes were soluble only in DMSO and DMF but, insoluble in water and most organic solvents. All the complexes have high decomposition temperature (277 - 300 °C) indicating that, they are more thermally stable than the free Schiff base which has a melting point of (217 °C). Molar conductance values of the complexes were in the range of 16.3 - 19.6 W^–1cm^–2mol^–1 which showed their non-electrolytic nature. Magnetic susceptibility result indicated that all the complexes are paramagnetic. Effective magnetic moment values suggested octahedral geometries for all the complexes. Electronic spectra show p - p* and n - p* transitions at 222 - 280 and 333 - 387 nm respectively. The FTIR spectra shows a strong absorption band at 1633 cm^-1in the spectrum of the dihydrazone due to υ(C=N) which was shifted to 1603 - 1629 cm^-1 in the spectra of the complexes due to coordination through nitrogen atom of azomethine group. Additionally, new absorption bonds at 589 - 607 cm^–1 and 474 - 489 cm^–1 in the spectra of the complexes were due to υ(M-N) and υ(M-Cl) respectively. Elemental analysis result shows 1:2 metal to ligand ratio. The compounds were screened against bacterial and fungal species, gentamycin and ketoconazole were used as control respectively. The results revealed that the complexes exhibit higher activities than the Schiff base but lower than the control

BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF ENTEROBACTERIACEAE UROPATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN KATSINA STATE

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Urinary Tract Infection is among the top infections affecting a wide range of people which also brings about a great challenge to the globe due to the drug resistance developed by the etiological agents (uropathogens). This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of the clinical Enterobacteriaceae species associated with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) amongst bacterial isolates obtained from three Katsina State Tertiary Hospitals namely, Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina (FTHK), General Hospital Katsina (GHK) and General Amadi Rimi Orthopedic and Specialist Hospital, Katsina (GARSH). Suspected, non-duplicate Clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates were collected and identified using the VITEK-2^® Compact automated identification system (FTHK samples) and Microbact^TM 24E biochemical identification kit (GHK and GARSH samples). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed adopting the Modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method using six (6) selected antibiotics and interpreted using the EUCAST (2022) standard. A total of 64 Clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from urine samples were confirmed. This study revealed that the most predominant uropathogens were Escherichia coli, 39 (60.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae, 9 (14.1%). Females (37, 57.8%) had the highest prevalence than males (27, 42.2%). The highest resistance was recorded against Ciprofloxacin (59, 92.1%) followed by Levofloxacin and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (57, 89.1% each), Cefixime, (46, 71.9%), Gentamicin (36, 56.25%) and 29 (45.3%) for Cefuroxime. Moreover, a high number of multidrug-resistant isolates was recorded (51/64, 79.68%). There is, therefore, the need for improved and continuous monitoring of the profile of the aetiological bacterial agents of UTI and their pattern of antimicrobial susceptibilities to ensure proper surveillance and stewardship.

ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Cassia sieberiana DC IN CHICKS AND MICE

Wada, A.S., Julde, S.M., Borodo, S.B., Malami, S., Yaro, A.H. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Medicinal plants are important sources of bioactive compounds useful in traditional treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy. About one-third of epileptic patients on currently available antiepileptic drugs present with treatment failure. The current study aims to assess the anticonvulsant activity of Cassia sieberiana in chicks and mice. The anticonvulsant activity was investigated in chicks and mice using maximal electroshock test, pentylenetetrazole, 4-aminopyrideine, strychnine and picrotoxin induced seizure models. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The extract at doses of 1000 mg/kg & 500 mg/kg significantly decreased the mean recovery time of the convulsed chicks. The extract at the dose of 250 mg/kg protected 33.33% of mice against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole. About 33.33% protection was also recorded against 4-aminopyridine-induced convulsion. The extract protected 66.67% of mice against convulsion induced by strychnine. No quantal protection was recorded across all doses tested against picrotoxin induced seizure in mice, however, the extract significantly increased the mean onset of seizure and mean latency to death induced by picrotoxin. In conclusion, the methanol leaf extract of Cassia sieberiana contains several phytochemical constituents that could be responsible for the observed anticonvulsant action.

HARNESSING BIOGAS PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF Jatropha curcas SEED CAKE ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH COW DUNG AND GUTTER SLUDGE

Idris, A., Isa, S.A., Musa, H.A., Yusuf, I. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Agricultural wastes continually generated on daily basis unarguably results in environmental pollution. Converting the wastes to clean energy sources in large quantities is of paramount importance. This research aimed at generating and up-scaling biogas production using Jatropha seed cake as a substrate and cow dung and gutter’s sludge as inocula. Samples of Jatropha cake, cow dung and gutter sludge were collected and physicochemical parameters which include pH, temperature, total solids, volatile solids, carbon-nitrogen ratio and organic matter of substrate and inocula were determined. Initially, 1.5L digesters were fabricated and fed for the pilot digestion then later 25L digesters for the upscale using the optimum conditions from the pilot studies. The gas produced was monitored weekly using a gas analyzer and the retention time lasted 25 days. Result revealed Jatropha seedcake had the least values of physicochemical parameters and cow dung having the best. The combination of Jatropha seedcake, cow dung, and gutter’s sludge produced the highest percentage of methane 41.8% and Jatropha plus cow dung produced the least at 4.2% methane percentage. Result from the 25L anaerobic digester rapidly produced biogas after 24h but started depleting after 48h and was gone within a week.. Anaerobic microorganisms were isolated from the substrates and inocula but methanogenic colonies were isolated from lower dilution of gutter’s sludge only which appeared in clusters, smears and confined colonies on the plate. This study confirms suitability of gutters sludge as inoculum in biogas production using Jatropha seed cake as substrate. Upscaling methane production requires further studies to determine the reasons behind methane loss.

BACTERIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF BACTERIA FROM AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE KEYPADS WITHIN KATSINA METROPOLIS, KATSINA STATE

Saleh, K.J., Shehu, I., Umar, M.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have discovered that smooth (non-porous) surfaces transmit bacteria better than other types of fomites. The hands with which people handle these fomites (ATMs) are the same hands with which they eat, shake hands, cook and carry out other activities. The study aims to determine the bacteriological quality and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of some pathogenic bacteria isolated from Automated Teller Machine keypads within Katsina Local Government, Katsina state. A total of 50 samples were collected randomly and aseptically from various ATM keypads of different banks in Katsina Town using sterile swab sticks. Total bacterial count, Isolation and identification of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates were carried out in this study. The mean bacterial count (cfu/ml) obtained from different banks ranged from 2.5x10⁴(cfu/ml) to 4.6x10⁴(cfu/ml) with bank G having the highest mean bacterial count of 4.6x10⁴cfu/ml bacteria isolated from the ATM include Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant 30 (58.57%) followed by Bacillus spp. 12 (24.0%). E. coli which is an enteric bacteria had the lowest 10 (20.0%). Antibiotic susceptibility test shows Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. were resistant to Co-trimoxazole and Amoxicillin, but susceptible to Erythromycin. Possible acquisition and transmission of these bacteria is high.

ISOLATION OF LUPEOL ESTER FROM Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) GROWING ON Terminalia Catappa (Combretaceae)

Danladi, S., Sule, M.I., Muhammad, M.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Globimetula braunii is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of various diseases such as hypertension, ulcer and cancer. This study was designed to isolate phytochemical constituent from n-hexane fraction of ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii growing on Terminalia catappa. The isolation of the phytochemical compound was carried out using chromatographic technique. A pentacyclic triterpenoid; lupeol ester was isolated and its structure was established using one and two dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To the best of our literature search, this is the first report of the isolation of Lupeol ester (with long chain of methylene group of fatty acid) from Globimetula braunii growing on Terminalia catappa.

BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM ROTTEN ORANGE USING Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT AT ‘YANLEMO FRUIT MARKET, KANO, NIGERIA

Alhassan, A.S., Musa, S.H. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

‘Yanlemo is the largest fruit market in Northern Nigeria; and as the name implies, orange is the most abundant fruit supplied to the market. However, a huge amount of this fruit gets wasted due to its perishable nature; and it becomes a menace to the environment. This study determined the feasibility of bioethanol production from these rotten oranges. Samples of two breeds of the spoiled oranges, namely Citrus sinensis Washington Navel and Citrus sinensis Valencia, were collected from ‘Yanlemo market in clean polythene bags. These were washed, dried and ground to powder. The powdered samples were pretreated using various concentrations (3%, 4% and 5%) of dilute Hydrochloric acid (HCl). The pretreated samples were autoclaved in conical flasks and inoculated with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These were incubated accordingly for a period of seven days for fermentation to take place. The ethanol produced was recovered using distillation and the concentrations were determined using UV-spectrophotometry. The highest reducing sugars yield was found in samples pretreated with 5% dilute HCl, followed by those pretreated with 4%. The highest bioethanol yield was found at seven days fermentation period, with Citrus sinensis Valencia having the highest concentration of 2.6% compared to Citrus sinensis Washington Navel with 2.43%. It was found that the concentrations of bioethanol produced increase with increase in fermentation time.

EVALUATION OF PHARMACOGNOSTIC, ANTIOXIDANT, ANALGESIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF Jatropha curcas LEAVES

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pain, microbial infections and oxidative stress are managed using synthetic drugs, which are associated with many undesirable effects. Herbal medicines form an alternative therapy to synthetic drugs since they possess fewer side effects. The study was aimed to evaluate the pharmacognostic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and analgesic activities of Jatropha curcas leaves. Chemomicroscopic, phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluations were carried out using the standard methods. The anti-oxidative activities of the methanol extract were determined by means of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Acetic acid induced writhing test in mice were used to evaluate the analgesic effect. Chemo-microscopical examination of powdered Jatropha curcas leaves revealed the presence of cellulose, tannins, starch, lignin, calcium oxalate, suberin, aleurone grain and mucilage but calcium carbonate was absent. Flavonoid, alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrate, glycoside and phenols were detected in both aqueous and methanolic extracts. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent varying degrees of anti-oxidative efficacy in the radical scavenging assays. For the DPPH assay, IC₅₀ values of 0.606 µg/mL was recorded. Antimicrobial activities of methanol extract of Jatropha curcas leaves showed inhibition on all the tested clinical isolates Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus at 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml and recorded respective MIC and MBC/MFC values of 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml against all the tested isolates. The extract and standard significantly decreased the number of writhes caused by acetic acid. The effects observed at 20 mg/kg more than that of 40mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of the extract. The extract was found to possess constituents that may be associated with its analgesic and antimicrobial effects observed at doses tested.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND REPELLENT EFFECT OF Combretum micrantum LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST Anopheles MOSQUITOES (Culucidae: Diptera)

Sani, M.H., Karaye, S.I., Namadina, M.M., Karaye, N.I., Ibrahim, S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plants are considered as a rich source of bioactive chemicals and they may be an alternative source of mosquito control agents in mosquito control programs due to their excellent larvicidal and adulticidal properties. The study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical and repellent activities of Combretum micrantum leaves. Extract of Combretum micrantum was subjected to phytochemical screening in order to identify the phytochemical constituents of the plant using the standard methods. The extract was evaluated for its repellent activities against Anopheles using the human – bait technique. Phytochemical screening of methanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, triterpenes, glycosides and steroid while anthraquinones was absent. Concentrations of plant extracts (2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 %) used exhibited repellent activity against female Anopheles mosquitoes which indicates that the methanol extract of Combretum micrantum was more effective in exhibiting a repellency action against the mosquito tested when compared to the control. The result showed that C. micrantum has repellent activity against Anopheles mosquitoes tested with complete protection time (CPT) of 30.73, 33.33 and 16.66 for volunteer A, B, and C respectively when compared to control. It has also showed low biting activity compare to control with highest biting deterrence recorded for all the selected concentrations.

ASSAY OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF TWO ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM THE LEAVES OF Psidium guajava

Ibrahim, N.S., Yakasai, A.A., Mustapha, U.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Free radicals in humans are the leading causes of several diseases such as diabetes, cancer, etc. Antioxidants are an interesting topic today because of their ability to protect the human body from attacks by several diseases caused by free radical reactions. The search for chemical compounds that have the potential to be antioxidants from nature continues, and the use of endophytic fungi from P. guajava leaves as a source of antioxidant compounds has not been widely explored. As such, this study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activity of the endophytic fungal extracts isolated from the leaves of P. guajava. Endophytic fungi Alternaria spp. (PG-2) and Rhizoctonia spp. (PG-10) isolated from healthy leaves of P. guajava were cultured in potato dextrose broth (PDB), tenellin production medium (TPM), and Rice medium (RM). The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was observed using DPPH and ABTS assays. The result of the DPPH assay showed that the PG-2 extracts have the highest percentage inhibition (IC₅₀ values: PDB-PG-2 16.28; TPM-PG-2 20.59; RM-PG-2 21.36 g/ml) than the PG-10 extracts (IC₅₀ values: PDB-PG-10 118.22; TPM-PG-10 606.83; RM-PG-10 82.13 g/ml). The results were compared with three standards: ascorbic acid (IC₅₀: 1.41 g/ml); butylated hydroxytoluene (IC₅₀: 6.89 g/ml); and tannic acid (IC₅₀: 6.56 g/ml). The ABTS results obtained are expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) and Gallic acid equivalent (GAE). Both the extracts displayed a significant amount of Trolox and Gallic acid equivalence, which reflects their ability to donate hydrogen to scavenge radical formation. The results of the present study indicated that extracts with significant DPPH and ABTS activity are potential sources of natural antioxidants and pharmaceutical fungal-based products.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF Ziziphus mauritiana LAM STEM BARK ETHANOL EXTRACT AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM CAMEL MILK CHEESE

Ado, A., Abdullahi, K.S., Ibrahim, L.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study determined antibacterial efficacy of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam stem bark ethanol extract against bacteria isolated from camel milk cheese. Phytochemical screening, isolation and agar well diffusion methods were employed. Five phytochemicals namely; Alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, Flavonoids, Saponins and Tannins were found as prominent phytochemicals in the plant part. Aerobic plate count demonstrated higher bacterial loads in Ajiwa (9.6×10⁶Cfu/g) and Charanchi (8.0×10⁵Cfu/g) sampling sites. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the common bacterial contaminants in the camel milk cheese. Z. mauritiana Lam., stem bark ethanol extract indicated promising activity against P. aeruginosa with inhibition zone of 33.5mm at 500mg/ml. Ziziphus mauritiana Lam stem bark could be a good candidate for drug development.

COMPARATIVE QUALITY STUDIES OF HAWKED PARACETAMOL TABLETS AND THOSE STORED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Dini, S., Malami, D.I., Abubakar, F., Atiku, M.K., Lawan, Z. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Proper storage of pharmaceuticals until they reach consumers, is of high importance. The loss of potency during storage may influence the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products which require controlled storage and transit conditions in order to ensure that their quality is not compromised. Storage is an important aspect of the total drug control system. Post-Marketing monitoring of medicines has been performed to evaluate the quality of pharmaceutical brands. The quality of paracetamol tablets was assessed through evaluation of identification, uniformity of weight, and an assay of the content of the active ingredient. Thus, all brands of paracetamol tablets passed the British Pharmacopeia 2018 standards for identification, uniformity of weight, and an assay of the content of the active ingredient.

QUANTITATIVE STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP (QSAR) MODELLING OF SOME 2, 4-DIAMINOPYRIMIDINES DERIVATIVES AS EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR (EGFR) MUTANT INHIBITORS

Ibrahim, M.T., Uzairu, A. , Muhammad, U., Danmallam, A.M. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounted for about 80% to 85% of the lung cancers while the Oat cell lung cancer accounted for about 15 to 20% remaining lung cancer cases. The key approaches used in the management of NSCLC include operation, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy. In spite of development in the management modalities, the diagnosis in NSCLC patients has not significantly improved. The aim of this research was to carry out QSAR modelling on some EGFR mutant inhibitors to develop a highly predicted mathematical model with good internal and external validations. Density Functional Theory method at B3LYP/6-311G* level of theory was used to identify the optimum conformation of the investigated compounds. A Multi-linear regression Genetic Function Algorithm method (MLR-GFA) was used to build four different mathematical models using QSAR modeling technique. Out of the four models built, the first model was chosen and reported due to its statistical significance with R² = 0.952, R²_adj = 0.936, Q²_CV = 0.898, R²_test = 0.852 and cRp² = 0.840. The R² value of the chosen model displayed that the model can be able to describe about 95.2% of the variation in the EGFR inhibitory activities of the 2,4-diaminopyrimidines derivatives. The chosen model was further subjected to applicability domain to measure the quality of estimation by the chosen model. All the studied compounds were found to be within the chemical space of the model which ascertain the quality of estimation of the chosen model and foil the waste of the results acquired by the model.

EVALUATION OF ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITIES OF Senna occidentalis LEAVES, STEMS AND ROOTS EXTRACT AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATES OF Plasmodium falciparum

Yakasai, M.U., Dabo, N.T., Mukhtar, M.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria develops resistance to many earlier drugs, e.g., chloroquine, arthemeter, and the search for antiplasmodial from our local herbs is now necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of S. occidentalis leaves, stems and roots extract. The leaves, stems, and roots of the plant, which were obtained from farm land at Bayero University Kano (BUK), were extracted with methanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether by maceration technique. These extracts were tested for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum using the candle-jar technique. Methanol and chloroform leaves/stems extracts were active as antiplasmodial, with IC₅₀ values of 8.04 - 3.31µg/ml and between 68.8 and 84.2µg/ml, respectively. But for the roots, only methanol extracts were active, with an IC₅₀ value of 50.10µg/ml. These extracts may have contained rich chemical substances that are considered to have antiplasmodial activity, such as terpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. Methanol and Chloroform extracts were active as antiplasmodial and had the potential to be developed as a new antiplasmodial drug.

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG STUDENTS ATTENDING FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, GASHUA CLINIC

Mohammed, Y., Jajere, I.A., Amfani, S.M. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hepatitis B virus infection is a major global health problem of public health importance. It’s a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among students attending Federal University Gashua Clinic. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtained information from participants, and rapid tests were used for the detection of HBsAg. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Out of 200 students screened for HBV, 30(15%) were positive for HBsAg. This include 22(11%) among male students while 8(4%) were among their female counterpart. Also highest prevalence of HBV was recorded among students between age group >29 years (12%), followed by age group 26-29 (8%), then 22-25 (6%) and 18-21 years (4%) respectively. This study demonstrated that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection is high among this population and indicating high risk of horizontal transmission. Therefore, there is a need for prevention programs to target this vulnerable population.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT APPLICATION METHODS OF Pseudomonas fluorescens ON YIELD OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) INFECTED WITH Phaeoisariopsis personata

Jagab, S.S., Zakari, S.M., Sani, A.M., Abubakar, U. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pot experiment was conducted in the screen house of the Department of Plant Biology, Bayero University, Kano in 2021 to study the effect of different application methods of Pseudomonas fluorescens on yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) infected with Phaeoisariopsis personata causing late leaf spot of groundnut. Pot experiment was conducted in screen house with three groundnut varieties viz; SAMNUT 24, SAMNUT 22 and Jar gyada. The treatments consisted of three different application methods of P. fluorescens (seed, foliar and combined seed and foliar) and controls (standard and negative control). Groundnut plants were artificially infected with 5×10⁵conidia per ml of Phaeoisariopsis personata and treated using the above mentioned methods. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) and all treatments and controls were replicated four times. Parameters measured included number of pods, pod weight, 100 seed weight, 100 pod weight, shelling percentage and haulm weight. Results obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of probability. Results of the study revealed that combined seed and foliar recorded the highest (18978.10 kg/Ha, 4647.14 kg/Ha, 5885.48 kg/Ha and 21.00g) in terms of fresh and dry haulm weight, fresh pod weight and 100 seed weight respectively and the highest value was recorded by seed treatment (46.03%) in terms of shelling percentage.

ANTICONVULSANT EFFECT OF METHANOL STEM BARK EXTRACT OF Lannea acida (ANARCADIACEAE) IN MICE AND CHICKS

Anyogo, D.R., Yaro, A.H. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lannea acida is a medicinal plant used widely in traditional medicine for the management of epilepsy. The present study aimed at screening the methanol stem bark extract of Lannea acida for anticonvulsant effect using acute animal seizure models. The anticonvulsant effects of the methanol stem bark extract of Lannea acida was evaluated in mice using pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxin and strychnine induced models, and in chicks using maximal electroshock test at doses of 1000mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 125mg/kg. The extract of Lannea acida stem bark, at all tested doses, provided protection against pentylenetetrazole-, strychnine- and maximum electroshock-induced seizures. The extract at doses of 500mg/kg and 125mg/kg also significantly (p<0.01) raised seizure threshold against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. At the doses of 500mg/kg and 250mg/kg, the methanol stem bark extract of Lannea acida significantly (p<0.05) raised seizure threshold against strychnine-induced seizures. However, at 125mg/kg the extract only raised seizure threshold against picrotoxin-induced seizures with a wide variation within the group at a significance value of p<0.01. Findings from this study support the forkloric use of Lannea acida in the treatment of epilepsy. Hence this plant could be a source of potential anti-epileptic agents.

ANTIDIABETIC, ANTIOXIDANT AND HYPOLIPIDEMIC POTENTIALS OF Momordica charentia METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT ON ALBINO RATS

Nwaogu, J., Fakai, I.M., Ogbale, O.J., Zubairu, A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (type 2 diabetes). The aim of this research was to determine antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic potentials of Momordica charentia methanol leaf extract on rats. The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard laboratory protocols. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes and extract was administered orally at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight, for 21 days. Fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and antioxidant activities we determine adopting standard methods. Histological examination of pancreas after 21 days of treatment was also carried out. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various phytochemicals. The extract revealed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats with both standard and extract treated groups. However, minor significant alterations in serum lipid profile levels, antioxidant vitamins and enzymes in extract treated diabetic rats, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated rats. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by alloxan. Momordica charentia methanol extract revealed an outstanding antidiabetic potential with regeneration effect on pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Moreover, the extract exhibit minimal hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities on diabetic rats

INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF RINGWORM INFECTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KANO MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND DAWAKIN TOFA AREAS OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Shehi, B.I., Idris, S.L., Sambo, F.I., Magaji, A.S., Usman, B.I., Saidu, B.M. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ringworm infection is a fungi infection of the scalp, body and feet that disproportionately affects children in rural and underserved communities in Nigeria. This study investigates the incidence of ringworm infection in rural and urban areas of Kano state. Pupils of ages 5 - 13 years old were selectively screened and examined for fungal infections consistent with dermatophytosis on the skin of the scalp, hands, trunk and legs from six selected primary schools across Kano Municipal (located in urban area) and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area LGA (located in rural area) Kano, Nigeria. Collected samples (scales from skin or hairs from scalp) were observed under the microscope. The other portions of each sample were cultured on Saboraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium, and incubated at temperature of 37⁰ Celsius for a period of 2 weeks. Distribution of the pathogens showed that pupils between 5-7 years were the most infected with highest number of fungi isolated. T. mentagrophyte was more common in all the age groups. M. fulvum and M. nanum were the more prevalent pathogens. Pupils from Dawakin Tofa, Kwa, and Dawanau primary schools (all located in the rural area) were more infected. The incidence of the infection in relation to gender showed that in five out of the six primary schools studied, male pupils were more infected than female. There should be avoidance of overcrowding at homes and schools as well as proper maintenance of general hygiene. This could be achieved by provision of health care services, regular sanitary hygiene and health education to school children and parents as well.

DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION 0F FOLIC ACID (VB9) IN SELECTED MULTIVITAMIN CAPSULE USING HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (HPLC)

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The concentration of the vitamins in many drugs are unrealistic and this lead to manifestation of deficiency of such vitamin among humans after taking the recommended drug. This research was carried out to detected and quantify the label concentration (written on the package) of folic acid (VB9) in multivitamin capsules and compare it with the calculated concentration of different companies coded as AMM, ASM, HAM, HEM, FIM, MM and ZM using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis was performed using an analytical reversed phased chromatographic HPLC (Agilent 1260 quad pump infinity compartment) with Zobax ODS column (5µ, C_18,4.6× 250mm id), operated at 30°C, and the Mobile phase was 5% acetonitrile as Solvent (A), 95% water and 0.05M formic acid as Solvent (B) at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min and the auto-sampler injection was at 10.0µl for 12mins. Detection was performed with UV-DAD detector at 280nm for VB9 (folic acid). While Identification of compounds was achieved by comparing the retention time and UV spectra with those of vitamin standards. The typical chromatogram of both pure standard and UV-spectrum of VB9 was separated in 12mins and absorbed at 280nm for UV-DAD detector. the retention time was 6.7mins showing consistency of different multivitamin samples during chromatography separation The result of mean concentration of the calculated concentration revealed that VB9 (folic acid) was found in the ranged of 0.2±0.141 to 0.04±0.014mg/g which does not correspond to the label concentration. Therefore, the calculated concentration for the analysis for some companies fall below while others fall above the label concentration.

SURFACTANT-MODIFIED BENTONITE AS ADSORBENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF NAPHTHALENE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Adili, A.T., Rabi'u, A.K., Arzika, A.T., Adamu, M.S., Gayari, M.S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, the potential of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide modified bentonite clay (HDTMA-MBC and NBC) to remove the synthetic naphthalene from aqueous solution was studied. The effect of different factors including surfactant loading rate onto the clay, contact time, adsorbent dosage and naphthalene concentrations, on the removal of naphthalene in batch systems were investigated. The adsorbent was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The equilibrium time for naphthalene adsorption by HDTMA-MBC and NBC was reached at 90 and 120 min, respectively, under optimized conditions (i.e. adsorbent dosage =1.3 g, surfactant loading rate onto the clay 100% of the cation exchange capacity (CEC), naphthalene concentration 10 mg/L). The adsorption rate of naphthalene fitted the Elovich kinetic model and the equilibrium data were described by the Freundlich isotherm equation. The percentage adsorption capacity of HDTMA-MBC was 94.28 %, better than that of NBC which is 81.90%, Additional pair of peaks were observed on the FTIR spectra of modified clay (Figure 3.c) indicating the successful modification of natural bentonite clay with HDTMA surfactant, also the shifting of positions of the peaks to the lower diffraction angles of 6.14 Å, 9.58 Å, 18.54 Å, 21.72 Å XRD diffractograms (Figure. 3.2 c) with the corresponding d-values of 14.383, 9.225, 4.719, 4.088 indicate the successful modification of the clay with the surfactant. From the results, it was concluded that HDTMA-MBC can be considered as an effective adsorbent for the removal of naphthalene from aqueous solutions.

MICROBIAL SUCCESSION, EXCHANGEABLE IONS AND HEAVY METALS STABILIZATION DURING COMPOSTING OF TANNERY SLUDGE, RICE BRAN AND COW DUNG

Lambu, Z.N,, Ado, A.S., Karfi, I.A., Ahmed, I., Shehu, A.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Industrial wastes are the major pollutants in the environment and the highest quantities are generated by tannery industries where hides and skin are converted into leather. The transformation process involves the succession of specialized microbial communities that express a wide range of changes in the physicochemical properties of the substrate. This study focuses on the progressive changes in the microbial population, concentration of exchangeable ions and heavy metals during the mix composting of tannery sludge, rice bran, and cow dung and its development as a composting material at the mesophilic, thermophilic, and maturation stage. Microbial analysis was done using routine culture and biochemical characterization while the chemical analysis of the compost was done using a flame photometer and atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that the microbial population reduced and stabilized significantly from thermophilic phase to mesophilic phase with the diminishing of potential pathogens throughout the composting process. Total concentrations of the exchangeable ions (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, and Manganese) and heavy metals (chromium, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium) in matured compost were reduced and complied with the standards of the USEPA limits of biosolid, thus classifying them excellent for making the compost suitable for use as a bio-fertiliser and soil amendment. The compost characteristics indicated that it was mature, with 2.6 mS cm^-1 electric conductivity (EC), pH 8.5, C/N ratio of 17, and the germination index was 85.1%, which may suggest the absence of phytotoxic compounds and hence the stability of the compost.

DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF NATIVE ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN THE RHIZOSPHERE OF Allium cepa L. (ONION PLANTS) GROWN IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Yakasai, U.A., Rabi'u, S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil borne fungi that form symbiotic association with plants roots and serve as soil bio-fertilizers by supplying mineral nutrients, plant growth hormones, and protection to the root against pathogens whereas the plants supplies the fungus with energy substrates most importantly carbon. The present study was undertaken to assess the diversity and abundance of native AMF species associated with onion plants at Kura local government farms which is the largest production cluster of onion in Kano, the assessment was done based on morphological aspect. The study revealed the presence of nine different AMF species belonging to five genera namely; Glomus, Gigaspora, Scutellespora Dentiscutata and Acalaspora. The dorminant genus was Glomus with Glomus botryoides having the highest relative abundance of 17.47% and Glomus etunicatum having the lowest relative abundance of 7.30%. The result of the soil analysis revealed the presence of high amount of phosphorus at all the sampling sites especially at site A which is significantly higher. The results after pot culture trapping of the AMF using the rhizospheric soil shows that four different AMF species associated with the onion plants could be cultured and used as bio-fertilizers in other to minimize the excessive usage of synthetic chemicals into the environment.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGAL EXTRACTS FROM STEM BARK OF Azadirachta indica AGAINST Anopheles gambiae

Muhammad, N.A., Adoum, O.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mosquitoes are the vectors of several life-threatening diseases in humans such as malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya fever, e.t.c. The present study explored the insecticidal effect of three endophytic fungal extracts isolated from the stem bark of Azadirachta indica on larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae and their phytochemical constituents. Aspergillus specie (AI-1), Mucor specie (AI-2) and Penicillium specie (AI-3) were isolated from the stem bark of Azadirachta indica and identified based on the morphological characteristics of the colonies and microscopically using lacto phenol cotton blue staining technique. The ethyl acetate extract was obtained by liquid-liquid extraction of the fermented fungus in potato dextrose broth medium. Results of qualitative phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of saponins in all the extracts, cardiac glycosides and phenols are present in AI-1 and AI-3. Alkaloids, Tannins and terpenoids were detected only in AI-1, steroids and anthraquinones were found only in AI-2 and AI-3 respectively. The extract of AI-1 was also observed to record the highest insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae with LC₅₀ values of 143.88, 272.70 and 418.23 ppm for larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal respectively, AI-3 showed significant activity with LC₅₀ values of 155.14, 336.21 and 612.62 ppm accordingly while AI-2 proved to be less active. These results suggest that ethyl acetate extract of Aspergillus specie (AI-1) have the potential to be used as an eco-friendly approach for vector control program.

DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED CARBONATED DRINKS SOLD IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Garba, A., Farnana, A.B., Zango, Z.U. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Carbonated drinks are consumed on daily basis due to their affordability, characteristic taste, and thirst-quenching ability. However, the high demand for the drinks may instigate the manufacturers to compromise the quality for their production. This may bring about possible non-essential trace elements contamination that may consequently cause serious injuries to humans. The work determined the level of trace elements such as Pb, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Ca in the selected carbonated drinks using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The result obtained indicated the level of the trace elements sampled from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto states to be ranged from 0.009 – 0.841 mgL^-1, 0.001 – 0.017 mg L^-1, 0.001 – 0.026mg L^-1, 0.09 – 0.56mg L^-1, 0.25 – 8.56mg L^-1 for Fe, Cu, Mn, Pb and Ca respectively. The results obtained were found to be within the limits set by NAFDAC and WHO. The study also showed that, sixteen out of all the samples examined have their Fe concentrations above the set standards and Pb concentrations exceeded the set limits in all the samples. Also, results indicated that the concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Ca for the samples were within the set limits. Therefore, the study suggests that the trace element concentrations in the selected drinks should be continually monitored by the appropriate regulatory agencies.

PHYTOREMEDIATION OF CHROMIUM AND NICKEL CONTAMINATED SOIL BY Tridax Procumbens, Spigelia Anthelmia AND Ocimum Gratissimum

Aliko, A.A., Rabi'u, R.H. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The extent of soil pollution by heavy metals is currently alarming because of their toxicity which lead to adverse effects on human and ecosystem health. The effectiveness of three plants regarded as invasive in Nigeria (Tridax procumbens, Spigelia anthelmia and Ocimum. gratissimum) on remediation of soil contaminated with Cr and Ni in the screen house of Plant Biology of Bayero University, Kano was assessed. The three selected species have established, spread and threatens ecosystems which potentially causes economic and/or environmental damage. Heavy metals pollution was artificially induced in 12 pots containing 2kg of soil and the plants were raised for 9 weeks on the polluted soil. At the end of the experiment, the plants were harvested, dried and crushed into fine powder in preparation for elemental analysis using PerkinElmer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Measurements were made on bioaccumulation of Cr and Ni in the three selected invasive plant species and data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separated using Pitchers’ LSD at P≤0.05. The results obtained from the soil and plant tissues indicated that T. procumbens and O. gratissimum are good candidates to be used in phytoextraction of Cr and Ni in contaminated environment as they both recorded Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and Transfer Factor (TF) values greater than the unity value.

DETECTION OF RESIDUAL POTASSIUM BROMATE CONCENTRATIONS IN BREAD SAMPLES SOLD AT KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Sunusi, B., Muhammad, B. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Residual Potassium bromate concentration of bread sold in Kano was detected using Spectrophotometric method based on congo red and crystal violet dyes techniques. Three hundred and sixty Bread samples were collected from different selling points from fifteen local government areas, five local government from each Senatorial district of Kano State (Kano Central, Kano North and Kano South). Data for residual potassium bromate concentrations in bread sold within the three senatorial districts of Kano State was expressed as Mean±SD and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance ANOVA and values were considered significant when p<0.05. Correlations were carried out for the mean levels of residual potassium bromate concentrations of the three senatorial districts. The mean residual potassium bromates levels in the samples analyzed ranged from 38.18-104.9ppm (Gwale-Garko). Statistical analysis showed significant difference (p<0.019)) between Kano South Senatorial District and the two other Senatorial Districts of Kano State. Percentage (%) Compliance and Defaulters of Potassium Bromate in the Three Senatorial District of Kano State shows the highest potassium bromate defaulters to be found in Kano South 39(65.00%) while the highest bromate compliance was found in Kano Central 32(53.3%). The results revealed that most of the bread samples obtained from Kano South Senatorial District had exceeded the FDA/WHO limit of 50ppm. The contribution of this study to knowledge is that the use of potassium bromate has been a common choice among flour millers and bakers throughout the baking processes affecting the structure and the rheological properties of the dough. As a result, many bakeries use potassium bromate as an additive to assist in the raising process and to produce a texture in the finished product that is appealing to the public. With the high prevalence of cancer and bromate toxicity like vomiting, diarrhea hypotension, anemia, renal dysfunction etc. potassium bromate is still been in use by some bakeries especially in Kano South local government areas due to highest percentage of samples with residual bromate above the permissible limit. It is therefore recommended for the agencies concern to embark on constant monitoring to ensure compliance of non- usage/permissible limit of the banned substance (Potassium bromate).

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT APPLICATION METHODS OF Bacillus subtilis (Ehrenberg) ON DISEASE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF TOMATO INFESTED WITH Meloidogyne incognita (Kofold and White)

Sani, A.M., Aliko, A.A., Zakari, S.M., Jagab, S.S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is one of the major problems in vegetable-growing regions, decreasing yield quality and quantity worldwide. Usage of the most efficient chemical control product was recently discouraged due to their toxic characteristics. In line with the development, this study was conducted in the screen house of Department of Plant Biology, Bayero University in order to isolate B. subtilis from soil and test its biological control efficacy on Batool, Roma and Rukuta tomato varieties infested with root knot nematode using three application methods. The three application methods selected for the study are seed treatment; root dipping and soil drench. Bacterial application to the plants resulted in increased yield, decreased number of galls, nematode population in the soil, disease incidence and severity in the plants inoculated with B. subtilis. Nematode population was decreased to 29.89% when applied as seed treatment, 29.35% when applied as root dipping and 24.52% when applied as soil drench. The results also showed that reproduction factor of nematodes in 25g of soil when bacteria was applied as seed treatment is 29.89%, root dipping method resulted in 29.35% and 24.42% when applied as soil drench. The study concluded that the application of Bacillus subtilis bacteria reduced Meloidogyne incognita gall formation, number of juveniles in the soil, reproduction factor of nematodes, disease incidence and severity either as a seed treatment, root dipping or as a soil drench application and therefore recommended that soil drench method should be adopted for positive effects.

ANTIBACTERIAL POTENCY OF PURE GALLIC ACID AGAINST Staphylococcus epidermidis

Inuwa, B., Ibrahim, M.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gallic acid is one of the phytochemicals that is naturally found in Acacia nilotica plant. Gallic acid is an organic acid with the IUPAC name 3, 4, 5- trihydroxybenzoic acid that has chemical formula C₇H₆O₅. Pure Gallic acid is a colorless crystalline organic powder. Staphylococcus epidermidis, gram positive bacteria, is one of the most commonly known bacteria to colonize wounds, cause infection, and delay the wound healing process. In this study, Antibacterial activity of Gallic acid against Staphylococcus epidermidis was evaluated using antibacterial susceptibility assay. Three different Gallic acid concentrations were examined for their antibacterial efficacies on Staphylococcus epidermidis growth inhibition. At 50µg/ml Gallic acid inhibited 72.2%, and at 100µg/ml dosage it inhibited 90.4%, whereas 97% of inhibition was stated at a dose of 200µg/ml Gallic acidur results show that Gallic acid is a novel therapeutic agent with antibacterial properties.

DETERMINATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION OF SELECTED BOREHOLE AND HAND-DUG WELLS IN KATSINA METROPOLIS

Garba, A., Danmallam, N.U., Umar, A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The condition of groundwater is very vital to determine its suitability for drinking. The impact of groundwater contamination of Katsina metropolis was assessed to ascertain its portability. Water samples from both borehole and hand-dug wells were taken from 5 different locations using 1 litre plastic containers which gave a total of 10 samples. The collected samples were labeled according to the sample’s location and the pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, total hardness, Lead, Cadmium and Iron were determined using the standard methods. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the data obtained from the samples analysis with the aid of Microsoft excel (2019 version). The results indicated that, all the data obtained were below the values stipulated in the guidelines for drinking water by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and World Health Organization (WHO). The only exception was at sampling site KS1, KS2 and KG2 with Cd concentrations of 0.0189, 0.0167 and 0.0116 mg/L which were above the maximum limits. Therefore, all the water samples in these locations with high Cd values were not recommended for drinking due to high concentration of the metal which may trigger diseases.

ANATOMICAL CHANGES IN TWO VARIETIES OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) IN RESPONSE TO TREATMENT FROM PAINT EFFLUENT

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Normal growth of plants is affected by effluents from paint manufacturing sites as they are known to contain contaminants. In this study two varieties of Vigna unguiculata; an improved variety (IT99K573-1- ) and local variety (Wake Dan arba’in) seeds were planted and cultivated within the period of 10 weeks using different levels (100% (stock), 75%, 50% and 25%) of dilution of the effluents from the paint production site as means of irrigation. This was used to ascertain the changes in the anatomy of the stem and roots of the plants. The results of the anatomical investigation of the stem and roots varied significantly across the varieties and treatments showing changes and damages made to the various cells observed. These damages included the reduction and breakdown of vascular bundles in both the stem and roots at high concentrations. Conclusively, the study showed that with proper dilution, at lower concentrations, the paint effluent can be used in agriculture, while at higher concentrations it causes various types of inhibitory changes to the anatomical structures of both varieties of the cowpea plant treated. It is therefore recommended that further investigation of the genotoxicity of Paint effluent on the same plant, Vigna unguiculata be embarked upon. The effects of this effluent should also be carried out on animals such as laboratory mice to know the likely effects on humans. Also other industrial effluents apart from the one in this study can be used with varying concentrations of the effluent for more accuracy.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOME ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS (MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM, IRON AND ZINC) IN FRESH CAMEL, COW, SHEEP AND GOAT MILK

Muhammad, B.U., Sadi, A.H., Abubakar, A.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maintenance of good health by the general public of all age categories are of paramount importance. Milk and milk-based products are diverse nourishments that contain essential elements that are required for normal human metabolic processes. Fresh milk owns medicinal value against various ailments, such as ulcer, jaundice and anemia. This research was aimed to assess the level of some essential elements (Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn) in fresh milk obtained from camel, cow, sheep and goat at the Department of Animal Science farm, Faculty of Agriculture of Bayero University, Kano. In this research, magnesium and calcium were analyzed using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MPAES), whereas iron and zinc were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentration of magnesium and calcium ions were in the range of 5.06 - 8.92 mg/L and 27.12 to 37.5 mg/L respectively. Goat milk contained the highest concentration of magnesium ions, whereas, camel milk and cow milk contains the least amount of magnesium and calcium ions respectively. Likewise, iron in the analyzed samples were found between 1.42 - 2.24 mg/L. Camel milk has the highest amount of iron (2.24 mg/L) followed by cow milk (1.66 mg/L). Sheep milk contain the lesser amount of iron (1.51 mg/L), but goat milk contains the lowest (1.42 mg/L). The average concentrations of zinc in all the samples were in the range of 0.53 - 0.71 mg/L. Goat milk was found to contain the highest concentration of zinc, while the camel milk contained the lowest. All the concentrations were obtained with a standard deviation of +0.001 to +0.216. It is recommended that; more essential elements should be evaluated including heavy metals due to their toxicity and potential health risk to human.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF RESIDUAL ANTIMICROBIALS IN HUMAN URINE AGAINST CLINICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISOLATES

Abubakar, A.B., Abubakar, B.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The extensive use of antibiotics in human treatments is leading to rapid spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which poses high health risks to humans. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical and environmental sources to antimicrobial residues in urine of patients treated with antibiotics. A total of 10 urine samples were collected aseptically from inpatients under antibiotic treatments and were used to prepare sensitivity discs. The susceptibility of the clinical and environmental isolates to the residual antimicrobials in the urine was carried out using disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. The urine samples were diluted to various level and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. Results showed that 8 out of the 10 urine samples inhibited the growth of 59% of clinical isolates and 41% of environmental isolates with zones of inhibition ranging from 9.0 to 37.0 mm. Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae from clinical samples were susceptible to 7 out of the 10 urine samples. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa from environmental sources is resistant to all but 1 urine sample. All the isolates were resistant to urine sample of patients undergoing treatments with Azithromycin. Four fold dilution of the urine was able to inhibit the growth of environmental and some clinical isolates. The results indicated urine samples of patients if not properly disposed, can result in evolution of antibiotic resistance in clinical and environmental bacteria.

TOTAL PHENOLIC, FLAVONOID CONTENTS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF STEM BARK EXTRACTS OF BLACK PLUM (Vitex doniana)

Ali, M.M., Mudi, S.Y., Mustapha, R.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Plants have phenolics and flavonoids that have powerful biological activity which makes it necessary to determine them. There are also antioxidants that have the ability to scavenge radicals. In this study, the phenolic contents of extracts from the stem bark of Vitex doniana were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The total flavonoids were measured spectrophotometrically using aluminum chloride colometric assay. The antioxidant activity determination was done by measuring the scavenging effect of the extracts and ascorbic acid on 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The results showed that the extracts contained phenolics. The highest total flavonoid content was revealed in ethyl acetate fraction. The antioxidant activity expressed as IC₅₀ values varies from 22.399µg/ml in ethyl acetate extract to 132.378µg/ml in hexane fraction.

RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PAEDIATRIC TUBERCULOSIS: A CASE STUDY OF SOME HOSPITALS WITHIN KATSINA METROPOLIS, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health problem that is a global threat by resisting efforts to eradicate it. Among children, TB continues to be a serious public health issue in many regions of the world. This is aimed at assessing the risk factors associated with paediatric TB among patients attending some hospitals within Katsina metropolis, Katsina State. Symptomatic pulmonary TB paediatrics of 0-14 years of age among two secondary and one tertiary health facilities within Katsina metropolis were recruited. Samples were analyzed using Gene Xpert MTB/RIF. Out of the 128 participants, 6 were positive for with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Hence, the overall MTB prevalence in this study is 4.7%. However, none of them were rifampicin resistant. Males and females had 50% cases respectively. There is no significant difference and association of paediatric TB in respect to gender (P=0.744), age (0-4, 33.3 and 5-14, 66.7) (P=0.499), and household size (P=0.288). However, there is significant association of paediatric TB with Bacillus-Calmette Guerin scar (P=0.000), settlements (P=0.042), to have lived in TB endemic area (P=0.020), mothers` ever diagnosed with TB or not and child`s TB infection (P=0.003), persons per room with subject (≥3 persons) (P=0.031), absence of cross ventilation (P=0.024), and intake of unpasteurized milk (P=0.002) being risk factors. Some risk factors have been identified to be significantly linked to paediatric TB. In order to aid in the prevention and treatment of the disease, more research is required to examine and identify other risk factors related to paediatric TB.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF LEAF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF Leptadenia hastata AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATE OF Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Yaro, R.S., Deeni, Y.Y., Abdullahi, M., Mukhtar, M.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts of Leptadenia hastata against pathogenic clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plants like L. hastata are locally used in many countries as source of potent and strong drugs. The study also screened the phytochemicals constituents of the plant leaf materials. The L. hastata leaves were sampled, extracted using methanol and processed using Di-Methyl Sulfur Oxide (DMSO). Clinical bacterial isolates were collected, investigated and screened biochemically for P. aeruginosa. The plant leaf methanolic extracts were processed against the isolate at different concentrations of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/mL. Activities were observed at the concentrations, which were directly proportional, ranged from 8 – 10, 8- 12, 8 -12 and 8 – 14 mg/mL, while Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were at 500 and 1000 mg/mL. The research therefore, established that L. hastata can be effective for drug development against the pathogenic P. aeruginosa in order to address its pathogenicity, for the Public Health.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS ON NEMATODE SPECIES (Meloidogyne incognita) AFFECTING COWPEA GROWTH IN DUTSE JIGAWA, NIGERIA

Mohammad, M., Madari, S., Mukhtar, F.B., Balogun, J.B., Garba, M., Adamu, M. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Root-knot nematode is well known to reduce plant height. It affects plant growth due to their consumption of host assimilates, through interfering with water and nutrient uptake by deforming roots thus diminishing and blocking water and nutrients absorption and translocation. A field study was conducted to evaluate the nematicidal potential of aqueous crude neem leaf extract and a garlic bulb, at different concentrations. The study was carried out at Botanical Garden, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, located at (latitude 11.00° N to 13.00° N and longitudes 8.00° E to 10.15° E). The study was carried out from the month of May to October 2022. The cowpea, Vigna unguiculata varieties (IT99k-573-1-1) and (Aloka local) seeds were used for the study and were obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Kano, Nigeria. Garlic and neem extracts were used as the treatments at 100%, 50%, 25% concentrations and 0 % as control. Data was collected on vegetative parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, seed weight, pod weight, stem girth, flowering aspect and yield parameters. The results showed that there was generally increased plant growth and yield on plants treated with aqueous A. indica leaf and garlic bulb extract compared to the controls. The vegetative growth parameters were observed to be high with Garlic extract at higher concentration but the neem extract was more effective at moderate concentration. concentration From the findings the variety Alokalocal + neem seed 100 % (2.8 mm) recorded the highest diameter of the stem and the second variety IT99K-573-1-1 + Garlic 100 % recorded the highest diameter of the stem. In terms of phenology i.e. First Bud Initiation, Days to First Flowering and Days to First Pod Maturity were earlier in Aloka with neem treatment at higher and moderate concentrations. Result on yield parameters showed that plants treated with aqueous A. indica leaf i.e. Aloka local + Neem seed 100 % and garlic bulb extract at 100 % gave the highest yield. From the findings of this study, it could be concluded that the incorporation of the A. indica (neem) plant leaves into the soil as nematicide treatment to control root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. could provide a suitable and cheaper alternative for management of Meloidogyne spp. and reduce dependence on the use of synthetic nematicide. Although chemical nematicides may be effective in nematode control, their high costs, non-availability at the time of need and the hazards they pose as environmental pollutants may discourage many farmers. It is recommended that A. indica and garlic extracts should be adopted as a component of integrated pest management of nematodes.

ASSESSMENT OF FRUITS OF SOME EXOTIC PLANTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL USING Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Alhassan, A.S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The fruits of exotic plants have high sugar content and are not usually edible to humans; thus, wasted every season. This study determined the potentials of some selected fruits from the exotic plants in the production of bioethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiea. Golden newdrop (Duranta repens), scarlet jungle flame (Ixora coccinea) and Malmo (Syzygium guineense) were considered for this purpose. The fruit samples were collected from Bayero University Kano, pretreated accordingly in conical flasks and autoclaved; the concentrations of reducing sugars were determined using standard procedures. Pretreated samples were aseptically inoculated with suspension of the pure culture of S. cerevisiae and incubated for three weeks for fermentation to take place. After incubation, the concentrations of bioethanol produced were also determined. The highest reducing sugars yield of 28.6% was found in I. coccinea with significant difference (p ˂ 0.05) when compared to S. guineense (with 23.2%) and D. repens (with 5.3%). However, there was no significant difference in bioethanol yield between I. coccinea and S. guineense (p ˃ 0.05), but there was significant difference when compared with D. repens. The production of bioethanol from the fruits of exotic plants should be optimized and commercialized to address energy issues and environmental impact associated with them.

STUDY OF SOME CARDIAC ENZYMES AND LIPID PROFILE N HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN IN JODHPUR, NORTH-WESTERN INDIA

Haruna, S., Chiroma, F.A., Usman, Y., Abacha, F.Z., Ismail, J. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnancy is known to alter biochemical metabolic process involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The aim was to evaluate the levels of serum cardiac enzymes and lipid profile in healthy pregnant women, and compare with non-pregnant women. Serum cardiac enzymes and lipid profile were assayed using biochemical methods. Concentrations of total LDH were not significantly increased (P > 0.05) as compared with the non-pregnant control (345.50 + 71.60 U/L, 334.76 + 70.50 U/L and 281.52 + 36.39 U/L). The levels of SGOT did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) in both second and third trimester of pregnant women when compared with that of control group (19.52 + 2.64 U/L, 20.44 + 3.13 U/L and 17.94 + 2.44 U/L respectively). The pregnant women had a higher (p < 0.05) mean concentration of total cholesterol and HDL-C in both second and third trimester as compared with the non-pregnant control (261.06 + 44.95 mg/dl, 258.94 + 43.60 mg/dl, and 80.88 + 10.87 mg/dl, 81.08 + 11.23 mg/dl versus 145.84 + 24.21mg/dl and 55.62 + 14.98 mg/dl respectively). The mean concentration of serum triglycerides was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in third trimester of pregnant women than the control group (192.70 + 28.01 mg/dl and 119.31 + 19.89 mg/dl respectively). This study has found that hyperlipidaemia is a facet in pregnant women. Cardiac enzymes and lipid profile panel estimation and monitoring should be made part of routine investigation during antenatal period.

OPTIMIZATION OF CORROSION RATE OF MILD STEEL IN SOME FRUIT JUICE USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Edota, U.A., Baba, H.S., Usman, B. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Experimental Factorial Design was used to obtain optimum conditions for Mild Steel Corrosion Rate in Peach and Mango fruit juice. The Corrosion Rate was determined using Weight loss Method by the effect of Time (0.86-29days) and Volume (4.82-40 cm³) respectively. FTIR Analysis was used to confirm the corrosion rate of the Mild Steel. The result showed that a maximum peach fruit juice corrosion rate of 0.0290g/cm² and a minimum of 0.000217g/cm²day were obtained at 0.86day and 15 days of immersion respectively, while a maximum of 0.00959g/cm²day and a minimum of 0.00040g/cm²day at 0.86day and 5 days of immersion were obtained for the mango fruit juice respectively. It was observed that the corrosion rate of peach fruit juice is higher than that of mango fruit juice in relevance time of exposure and volume, also the weight loss of the mild steel in peach and mango fruit juice were found to vary directly to time and volume.

EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF Solanum aethiopicum (Linn). FRUIT IN MICE

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pain is the first sign of most diseases; pain is a vague unpleasant sensation elicited by external and internal stimuli, which pain is a warning signal primarily protective. Solanum aethiopicum is traditionally used in most African countries for pain treatment without scientific proof; this study was carried out to evaluate the analgesic activities of Solanum aethiopicum fruit methanol extract in mice. The Solanum aethiopicum methanol extract (SAME) was subjected to an acute toxicity test and analgesic studies using an acetic acid-induction and hot plate at 150, 300, and 600mg/kg doses. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione (GSH) levels were also assayed using colourimetric methods. The medial lethal dose of Solanum aethiopicum was greater than 5000mg/kg, revealing that the extract is practically non-toxic after oral administration. The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the extract at all tested doses showed statistically significant antinociceptive activity in both chemicals-induced peripheral and thermal-induced central pain (p≤0.05). The greater analgesic activity was observed by the 150 mg/kg dose of the extract in both the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot plate method. The Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione activities were quantified and showed significant (p≤0.05) antioxidant activity, as these enzymes play a crucial role in antioxidant defence. However, the extract had an analgesic activity almost equal to that of Piroxicam (standard drug). The results of this study elucidated that the Solanum aethiopicum methanol extract possessed a significant analgesic activity.

ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, FT-IR SPECTROSCOPY AND CYTOTOXICITY OF CRUDE ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACT OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI (Aspergillus niger) ISOLATED FROM RHIZOME OF Curcuma longa

Shehu, A.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This work aimed at isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. The rhizome of Curcuma longa plant was collected, prepared and screened for endophytic fungi. The isolated endophytic fungi were fermented on three different media (potato dextrose broth, malt broth and solid rice media) and extracted with ethyl acetate. Six different species were isolated and Aspergillus niger was selected and fermented for production on solid rice media. The crude ethyl acetate extract of Curcuma longa was used to evaluate its cytotoxic effect in the brine shrimps. The FTIR analysis of the extract obtained from crude ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of important functional groups (C=O, C-O, O-H, C-H). The brine shrimp lethality bioassay of crude ethyl acetate extract result showed the LC₅₀ value to be 21.442μg/ml. This value is found to be a safer dose when compared to the other reports.

DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN GROUND AND HAND-DUG WELL WATER IN ANKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN ZAMFARA STATE USING MICROWAVE PLASMA ATOMIC EMISSION SPECTROMETER (MP-AES)

Aniara, M.D., Rabil, A.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

World Health Organization estimated that up to 80% of all sicknesses and diseases in the world are caused by inadequate sanitation, polluted water, or unavailability of water. Heavy metal contaminants are of water pollution. In this study, heavy metal pollution status of groundwater and borehole water of Anka, Bagega, and Dareta of Anka local government in Zamfara State was determined. A total of 6 groundwater samples from well water and six borehole samples were collected and analyzed using Microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MP-AES). The concentration level of Nickel ranged from 0.01mg/l to 19.81mg/l, the recorded value of Nickel was alarmingly higher than the permissible value of 0.01mg/ml, a standard set by WHO and NESREA, 2011. The concentration level of Zinc, in boreholes and hand-dug wells was within the permissible limit. The presence of these metals in boreholes and hand-dug well water at a concentration above the permissible limit might be unhealthy for consumers of these sources of water in the long run. Adequate preventive measures and regular monitoring of the water quality should be adopted to control the contamination of excess Nickel, zinc and Copper. Phytoremediation techniques should be adopted for cleaning up heavy metal contamination in the water.

SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM THE URINE OF PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING GAYA GENERAL HOSPITAL, KANO STATE

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of urinary tract bacteria among pregnant women attending Antenatal care center of Gaya general Hospital was investigated. All samples (190) analyzed shows positive urine bacteriological cultures. E. coli has the highest prevalence at 49(25.79%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 45 (23.68%), the genus Klebsiella species was 35(18.42%), Proteus species 33 (17.37%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 28(14.74%). The Perfloxacin antibiotic has the highest antimicrobial activity compared to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Streptomycin, Augmentin, against all the aforementioned bacterial species and resistant to Chloramphenicol and Septrin was experienced. Given the results of this study, E. coli were the main causative agent of UTI in the study area. Our data showed that Infection Prevention and Control strategies for Urinary tracts infection should be clearly set-up through education on good personal hygiene practice among the women in the area.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA (LAB) FROM SOME DAIRY AND NON – DAIRY FOODS

Hussain, F.I., Bukar, A., Mukhtar, M.D. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There is a genuine interest in the development of probiotic based beverages because they are good vehicles for the delivery of probiotic microorganisms to consumers. Considering the impressive list of their potential health – promoting benefits, it is not surprising that there continues to be considerable interest in the use of probiotics as biotherapeutic agents. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are regarded as major group of probiotic bacteria. For this purpose, lactic acid bacteria were enumerated, isolated and identified from some commercially available dairy and non-diary based products (Nono, Fura da Nono, Yoghurt, Zobo, Ginger and Kunun zaki). Physicochemical properties, LAB count and proximate content of the probiotic source was recorded. A total of 21 isolates were obtained from the drinks using de Man, Rogosa and Sharp (MRS) agar and MI7 agar incubated anaerobically at 37^oC for 72hrs. Pre-identification tests according to morphological characteristics recorded 9 isolates to be catalase negative, gram positive cocci or baccili, non – motile and non endo-spore formers. The isolates were further characterized using API50 CHL as Lactobacillus acidphilus 3, three were Lactobacillus brevis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentasaceus 2, Lactococcus lactis ssp lactis1 and Lactobacillus plantarum. Total Lactic acid bacteria counts ranged from 3.0x10⁶ to 7.6 x 10¹³ CFU/ml with Nono (N2) having the highest count and ginger drink (G1) with the lowest count. The pH and acidity were ranged 2.56 – 7.50 and 2.7 – 8.1% respectively. Highest protein content was detected in Kunun zaki samples then followed by Fura da Nono. Proximate composition of the drinks showed relationship between fat content and energy/cl in the drinks. The results showed that LAB were isolated from the dairy and non – dairy source having a picture of both proximate and physico-chemical properties of the LAB source. Hence further screening of the identified isolates should be carried out for probiotic potential and application to produce functional drinks.

ADSORPTION OF BASIC MAGENTA DYE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING RAW AND ACID MODIFIED YAM PEEL AS ADSORBENT

Rabi'u, M.A., Hussaini, M., Usman, B., Ibrahim, M.B. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Adsorption of basic magenta (BM) dye from aqueous solution by using raw and acid modified yam peel waste were studied using batch adsorption methods. The adsorbents were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The effect of contact time (5-120 minutes), initial dye concentration (20 - 120 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (0.2 - 1.0g), temperature (303 – 323 k) and pH (2 - 10) were investigated. Maximum dye adsorption occurred at 120 mg/L for raw yam peel and 100 mg/L for modified yam peel. Equilibrium data were analysed through thermodynamic, kinetic and isotherms modelling. Thermodynamic study revealed a negative value of and positive values of and indicating spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The kinetic study revealed that the adsorption was best fitted to pseudo-second order model. The adsorption data for the adsorbate was best described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm for raw and modified yam peel

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BAOBAB FIBER REINFORCED CHITOSAN MODIFIFIED STARCH THERMOPLASTIC FILM COMPOSITE

Gumel, B.U., Gumel, S.M., Umar, A.D., Bawa, A.A., Auwal, A.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this work, greener packaging materials was synthesized as eco-friendly and bio-degradable thermoplastic film using Chitosan, Potato peels and Baobab tree fibre. The chitosan was used as reinforcing filler with the aim to improve the physico-mechanical properties of the thermoplastic film. Casting method was used in the fabrication of the green thermoplastic films. Physical properties such as density, water absorption and transparency were determined. The thermoplastic composites were analyses using Universal Tensile tester. The results revealed that, with increase in chitosan concentration the water absorption decreases, transparency increases, tensile strength increases while elongation at break decreases to the value of 0.34 MPa with 20% chitosan addition. The use of chitosan and potato peels shows the economic importance of waste materials, control of environment pollution and cost reduction of packaging materials.

EVALUATION OF Trichoderma SPECIES’ ABILITY TO SUPPRESS Rhizopus stolonifer

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro abilities of isolated Trichoderma species from soil to control Rhizopus soft rot that occurred on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L). Rhizopus stolonifer was isolated from infected sweet potato. The results of direct confrontation (in vitro) of the three isolated Trichoderma species (T. reseei, T. harzianum and T. koningii) against R. stolonifer on PDA medium, showed high inhibition in the mycelial growth of R. stolonifer. All these with individual variability displayed the best antagonistic potential where the maximum inhibition percentage observed was 87.50% for T. reseei which indicate an effective reduction in the mycelial growth of Rhizopus stolonifer after 3 days. The other two isolates were also able to inhibit the growth of the pathogen up to 77.80% and 66.70% for T. harzianum and T. koningii respectively. T. koningii showed the least inhibitory effect on the pathogen. Antagonism between the potential antagonists and pathogen indicated that the pathogen stops growing upon contact with the antagonist which continues its growth over the fungus colony. Observations on the growth and colonization of the test pathogen in dual culture screening by the antagonistic isolates suggest that different species of Trichoderma have variation in their ability to inhibit the growth of the pathogen and hence their possible use as biocontrol agents.

DEVELOPMENT OF ZEOLITE-A DOPED IRON, SILVER AND ZINC NANOCOMPOSITE FOR OIL REFINERY WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Kantoma, D., Dallatu, Y.A., Nwokem, N.C., Richard, A.U. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this research work, nano-zinc, nano-silver and nano-iron were synthesized using Calotropis procera leaves extract as a reducing agent multiple doped onto synthesized zeolite A (sZA), produced from kaolin via wet impregnation route. The produced adsorbents were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-visible spectroscopy.) and N₂-Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET)surface analysis. The SEM micrographs revealed well dispersed zinc, silver and iron nanoparticles (ZnNPs, AgNPs, FeNPs) multiple doped onto zeoliteA nanoparticles (ZANPs) to form doped zeolite A nanocomposite (DZA-NCs) and the N₂-BET showed a surface area of 5.015m²/g,3.105m²/g, 4.390m²/g for ZnNPs, FeNPs, AgNPs respectively and it also revealed high surface areas of 106.250m²/g and 650.162m²/g for ZANPs and DZA-NCs respectively. The array of removal of the physicochemical pollutants was 99.6% Turbidity, 97.7% chemical oxygen demand(COD), 97.0% Pb, 96.0% Cr, 90% biological oxygen demand(BOD) and 86.8% Oil& grease for multiple doped Zeolite A adsorbent removing the higher percentage of COD pollutants. Isothermal models indicated that Freundlich model (R²)of 0.999 was most suitable for describing the adsorption process, which conformed to pseudo-second order kinetics.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF TERRESTRIAL GAMMA RADIATION DOSE RATES IN RELATION TO DIFFERENT SOIL TYPES IN SOUTHERN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Lawal, A.U., Nasiru, R., Garba, N.N., Namadi, A.Z. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The composition of soil makes it radioactive, the steller materials from which the earth originated, include a lot of unstable radionuclides, as a result of which they undergo radioactive decay that causes them to emit energy as a form of terrestrial radiation. Humans are seriously impacted by terrestrial gamma radiation; they are mostly exposed to it from the top 30 cm of the soil. This work presents the statistical analysis of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates with different soil types from the Southern region of Katsina State, Nigeria. The mean TGRD values range between 100 -143 nGy/h. Lixisols soil type recorded the highest TGRD with a mean value of 128.75 ± 2.99 nGy/h, while Arenosols have the lowest mean TGRD value of 105.67 ± 2.27 nGy/h. The average value of all the means (115.74 ± 2.20 nGy/h) was found to be almost twice the world average value of 59 nGy/h. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to examine the TGRD values for the different soil types. The result revealed a non-significant difference in the values of TGRD between the various soil types. A one-way sample t-test was performed to compare the result of TGRD values with the world’s average value of 59 nGy/h, which shows a statistically strong significant difference between the values and the world average value. The measured data may also be used to assess the radiation exposure of the general public, and safety standards and radiological guidelines could be developed.

BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS AND THEIR GENOTOXIC IMPACT ON FRESHWATER MUSSELS FROM RIVER CHALLAWA

Safana, A.I., Badamasi, M. , Imam, T.S. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Several potential genotoxins found in water samples arise from anthropogenic activities which poses serious environmental concerns worldwide. Water and mussel samples were collected from four (4) sampling sites along River Challawa on the basis of the different activities taking place. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry has shown elevated levels of various heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese and nickel) above permissible limits in the water samples. In order to explore the genotoxic impacts of these metals, a genetic bioassay was employed. Hemolymph was extracted from freshwater mussels and used to assess DNA alterations in using comet assay. Significant levels of tail DNA percentages as a result of migration of damaged DNA in hemocytes of freshwater mussels was observed. Genotoxic assessment of the water in freshwater mussels using comet assay also revealed mild DNA damages. The findings therefore showed that a combination of physicochemical analysis along with the toxicity assessment (using bioassays) would provide valuable and more realistic information about the toxicity of chemical pollutants present in the water samples.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF SOME ESSSENTIAL OILS ON BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM BROILER MEAT

Moisule, M.H., Shamsuddeen, U., Mustapha, A., Zungum, U.I. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The prevention of further microbial contamination of poultry meat during storage requires the use of antimicrobial agents, especially those regarded as safe and natural. The study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the in vitro Antimicrobial and Preservative Effect of some Essential Oils on Raw Broiler Meat Purchased from Retail Shops in Kano Metropolis’’. Thirty samples of broiler chicken meat were collected from different locations and subjected to isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi using standard techniques. The microorganisms isolated were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Essential Oils (E.O.) of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves were tested for antimicrobial effect. A total of 56 isolates were recovered from the broiler meat, comprising 15 (26.79%) E. coli, 12 (21.43%) Staphylococcus aureus, and 3 (5.36%) Campylobacter spp. The AMB count of samples stored at refrigeration temperature was analyzed on days 3, 6, 9, and 12. Samples treated with Cinnamon E.O. had 6.9 104 CFU/g and 2.82 105 CFU/g, respectively; samples treated with Cloves E.O. had 1.06 105 CFU/g and 1.93 106 CFU/g; those treated with Ginger E.O. had 1.29 105 CFU/g and 1.78 107 CFU/g, while untreated samples had 1.88 105 CFU/g and 1.14 108 CFU/g at days 3 and 12, respectively. The in vitro sensitivity test showed that the growth of most organisms was poorly inhibited by ginger E.O. but mostly sensitive to cinnamon E.O. In conclusion, samples treated had a better physical appearance and lower AMB counts.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SMOKED FISH (Clarias gariepinus) PRESERVED WITH ACTIVATED ORGANIC CARBON

Yusuf, F.M, Yar'adua, Z.A., Maigari, A.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study was carried out to evaluate the sensory and quality of smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus) preserved using different weighed activated organic compounds, to increase its shelf life. The fish samples were purchased from Rumbum Kifi, Kano State, and conveyed to the laboratory where they were properly gutted, washed and processed. The smoked fish were sampled A, B, C and D with the organic carbon activated with lime water weighed 190g, 180g and 170, respectively, while D serves as a control. The samples, A (190g), B (180g), C (170g) and D (control) were then placed into three different small size cotton as the storage facility and inserted into white nylon for 8 weeks. From the results obtained, there is no significant difference (p > 0.05) in all the parameters of the sensory scores using a 5-point hedonic scale of preference. Sample A (190g) has the highest general acceptability, followed by B (180g) and C (170g), while D (control) has the least. For the fungal load, sample A (190g) has the lowest mean fungal load, followed by B (180g) and C (170g), while D (control) has the highest mean fungal load. Thus, affirming the effective absorption of the activated organic compound, suggesting increase in shelf-life of fish activated with organic compounds compared to the ordinary smoked fish.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE TOXICITY AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES OF Clarias gariepinus (BURCHELL, 1822) JUVENILES EXPOSED TO Tamarindus indica SEED HUSK POWDER

Habib, R.A., Maigari, A.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of tamarind seed husk powder to Clarias gariepinus. The toxicant (tamarind seed husk powder) was introduced at the following grams: 1g, 2g, 4g, and 8g into 10 liters of water, respectively, including control at varying concentrations of 0.0g/l, 0.1g/l, 0.2g/l, 0.4g/l, and 0.8g/l, respectively. The results showed that C. gariepinus juveniles exhibited behaviors such as skin discoloration, erratic swimming, air gulping, weakness, and molting. Tamarind seed husk accumulation by organisms has resulted in adverse effects such as a high mortality rate of 73% at a lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 0.8g/l (T4), which is the most sensitive and debilitating (i.e., causing loss of energy and strength). The behavioral change observed in C. gariepinus juveniles was "molten" (i.e., peeling of the epidermal cell of the fish) in T3 and T4 at concentrations of 0.4g/l and 0.8g/l, respectively. There were no significant differences between the treatment physicochemical parameters of the test solution. Thus, the study indicates that the toxicity of tamarind seed husk powder to C. gariepinus juveniles is dose-dependent

ASSESSMENT OF SEROLOGICAL MARKERS FOR HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abubakar, N., Dutsinma, U.A., Adamu, A.Y. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hepatitis B virus infection is a public health problem that compromised the safety of blood donated for transfusion and therefore remains one of the transfusion transmissible infections of great concern globally. The infection is usually defined by the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen in serum or plasma. The aim of the study was to assess serological markers for hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Bauchi metropolis. A cross-sectional study was designed and total of 216 blood donors were enrolled for this study. ELISA was used for qualitative detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Combo test panel was used to assess various markers for HBV infection. The overall prevalence for HBsAg and Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) was found to be 10.7% and 4.6%. Other prevalence observed for various markers for HBV included; Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) 6 (2.8%), Hepatitis B envelop antigen (HBeAg) 2 (0.9%) and Hepatitis B envelop antibody (HBeAb) 3 (1.3%). The age group 26-30 years had the highest prevalence for HBsAg (4.63%) followed by the 21-25 years age group (2.78%) while in the 41-45years age group no sero-conversion was observed. The presence of antibodies against HBc is an indication of active infection and possibility of infectiousness. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study revealed a high prevalence of both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) in the study area. The study recommends increase in awareness campaign among the general public and improving the standard of screening and testing for Hepatitis B virus infection in the facilities

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF JUTE FIBER REINFORCED POTATO WASTE THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE FILM

Auwal, A.S., Gumel, S.M., Bashir, U.G., Ali, U., Bawa, A.A. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Natural fibres composite is the novel materials in recent decades having a high strength to weight ratio and light in weight, which are widely used for structural and unstructured applications. Jute fiber composite has several attractive advantages over synthetic and glass fiber Composite, like low processing cost, low density, stiffness and excellent mechanical properties. This advantage makes jute a very attractive reinforced fiber for composites and increased attention in construction, automotive, aerospace and many others. This paper is aimed at preparing environment Friendly Thermo plastic Film from Potato waste reinforced with Jute Fiber so as to improve its mechanical properties for packaging and Medical applications. The composite was prepared using hand lay up fabrication Technique. The composites were characterized using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Tensile strength tester, and physical characteristics of the composites (i.e. water absorption) were analyzed. Results of the FTIR shows an improvement in the physical and chemical characteristics of the composite, such as biocompatibility, due to hypsochromic shift in the absorption band of Jute fiber for the (OH, C=O, C=C and C-H) Functional groups from 3335cm^-1,2885, 1737, 1367 cm^-1 to 3270 cm^-1,2902, 1639, 1428 cm^-1of the same functional groups in the plastic film Composite. Hence, plastic materials from potato waste was confirmed to be a promising material for packaging and medical applications.

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS FROM COMMONLY USED SEASONINGS SOLD AT RIMI MARKET, KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE-NIGERIA

Maisikeli, K.K., Sale, F.W., Maigari, A.K. — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metals contamination of commonly used Food seasoning, is a major global concern to human health. The consumption of Seasoning is a major route of heavy metal ingestion to human body system. This project research was to assess the health risk of some heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, nickel, manganese, copper, mercury and lead) in commonly consume Seasoning with code A-H -collected at Rimi market Kano state, Nigeria. The Samples of Seasoning were collected; digested and analyzed for heavy metals concentrations through Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result obtained revealed that, Lead Cadmium, Nickel, manganese, Cupper, Chromium and Mercury concentrations in the sampled seasoning ranged from (0.702-0.634) mg/kg, (0.141-0.148) mg/kg, (0.599-0.634) mg/kg, (0.185-0.200), (0.060-0.073) mg/k, (0.060-0.231) mg/kg, (0.3730-5.823) mg/kg respectively. A had the highest concentration for Mercury (3.730) mg/kg and B (5.286) mg/kg, while C had the highest concentration for Manganese (0.179) mg/kg. The mean concentration of heavy metals in all the investigated seasoning were above the permissible limits set by WHO, 2011.The computed health risk indices of hazard quotient, hazard index and Daily intake of metals through adult consumption of the investigated seasoning will cause potential risk to human health. It is recommended that organic based condiments and spices should be used instead, research should be carried out to ascertain the sources of contamination of Food Seasoning to these heavy metals in commonly consumed seasoning in Kano State so as to reduce the potential health risk through the consumption of these seasoning.

FORMULATION OF PAINT USING NATURAL PIGMENT FROM Hibiscus sabdariffa LEAVES

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The increased application of paint in coating industry for interior and exterior decoration and corrosion inhibition, has inspired research in paint formulations. However, due to the toxic effect of preparatory chemicals used in paints, and the restrictive environmental legislation, research efforts have been directed to a more green process. In this work colouring matter from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces leaves were extracted using water and analyzed by TLC and FTIR spectroscopy. White emulsion paint was formulated using pigment volume concentration (PVC) of 0.07%, the colouring matter extracts were dispersed providing colour for the paint. The paint produced with the natural colourants was found to have similar properties with the paint produced using commercial pigment. Paint produced with aqueous extract faded under exposure to 5000 watts Tungsten Lamp after 48 hours but showed excellent fastness to rubbing. The extract induced excellent pinkish colouration in the paint which maintained excellent, opacity, adhesion and good water resistance.