Aspect of Reproductive Biology of Fish of Commercial Importance in Sabke Reservoir, Katsina State

Aspects of the reproductive biology of the most economically important fish species in Sabke reservoir was investigated such as Fecundity for females, average egg diameter, Gonado Somatic Index (GSI), for a period of twelve month (from March 2009 to February 2010).Samples of fish were collected through both experimental gears and commercial catches from local fishermen fortnightly. Fecundity range of 222 – 9642, and mean of 14652 ± 2600, 197 – 4414, 1110 ± 1162, 77 – 2007, 712 ± 541, 183 – 3290, 1178 ± 901, 265 – 2467, 854 ± 677 was calculated for Clarias gariepinus, Lates niloticus, Tilapia zilli, Oreochromis niloticus and S. galilaeus respectively. Mean annual GSI and average egg diameter of C. gariepinus, L. niloticus, T. zilli, O. niloticus and S. galilaeus of 0.85mm, and 0.60mm, 0.63, and 0.84mm, 1.36 and 1.68mm, 1.83,and 2.02mm, 2.26, and 2.82mm respectively. In general Sabke reservoir indicates positive indices for high fisheries potential.Key words: Fecundity, egg diameter, Gonado Somatic Inde

Effect of Varying Concentrations of Auxin (2,4-D) on In vitro Callus Initiation Using Leaf of Artemisia annua (L)

Study was carried out to determine the effect of varying concentrations of auxin on callus initiation using the leaves Artemisia annua as explants which were sterilized and inoculated into Murashig and Skoog basal medium supplemented with varying concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and incubated in the growth chamber for 4 weeks at 27ºc. Best results were obtained with 1.0 μm/l and 1.5 μm/l concentrations. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant difference among all the treatments (P<0.05) on the parameters studied compared with the control. Consequently, 1.0 μm/l and 1.5 μm/l concentrations of 2,4-D are ideal for callus initiation in A. annua. This provides the means to mass propagation of A. annua through callus initiation and subsequent provision of raw materials required for artemisinin extraction.Keywords: Artemisia annua, Callus, Auxin, In vitro, 2,4- Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D

Assessment of cotton-seed (Gossypium species) meal as ingredient in the diet of Clarias gariepinus juveniles

The effect of feeding graded levels of cotton GossypiumSpp. seed meal as an inclusion in the diet of Clariasgariepinus juveniles for growth performance was analysed in comparison with the conventional commercial fish feed. Six experimental rations formulated were cotton-seed Gossypium spp. meal replaced fish meal at graded levels of 20%, 30%, 40% 50%, and 100% and were fed to Clarias gariepinus juveniles for 56 days. The experiment was conducted in six outdoor concrete tanks in the Department of Biological Sciences Garden, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Data for each parameter were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the means for various experimental diets were compared for significant differences at 0.05% level of inclusion. The results showed that fish fed with diet contained 20% cottonseed meal (D1) gave the best Body Weight Gain (81.28g), Specific Growth Rate (2.23), and Condition Factor (1.49), while diet contained 30% cottonseed meal (D2) gave the least Weight Gain (49.67g), Specific Growth Rate (1.58) Conversion Ratio (3.64) and Condition factor (0.79). The results were significantly different (p<0.05) for both growth and feed utilization parameters. Therefore, cotton-seed meal can be used as a replacement for fish meal at 20% level of inclusion. The results established significant reduction in production cost while optimal production is achieved.Keywords: Cotton-seed (Gossypium species), Diet, Growth performance, Clariasgariepinus juvenile

Study of ichtyofauna of Daberam Reservoir, Katsina State

Research was carried out to explore the fish species diversity and study some aspects of the Biology of fish of Daberam reservoir, Katsina state, for a period of three month from March to May 2009. 66 Samples of fish were collected from commercial fishermen and experimental fishing gears, preserved in formalin and taken to laboratory for identification. Seven genera comprising eleven species were identified. The regression coefficient (b) were 3.07, 2.91 and 3.21 for the three most commercially importance species in the reservoir i.e. Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zilli and Clarias gariepinus respectively, the results indicated Positive allometric growth for O. niloticus and C. gariepinus and negative allometric growth for T. zilli. The mean condition factor (k) was 1.140, with values of 1.027, 1.660, and 0.732 for O. niloticus, T. zilli and C. gariepinus respectively. This result indicates that the fish are not leaving well compared to other freshwater fishes. Key words: Daberam reservoir, fishdiversity, allometric growth, condition facto

In vitro effect of Aqueouscalotropis procera root extract on ammonium sulphate precipitated liver marker enzymes of albino rats

The in vitro effect of aqueous root extract of C. procera on liver marker enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of albino rats was evaluated. ALT was precipitated at 40% ammonium sulphate saturation whilst AST and ALP were precipitated at 35 % saturation from rat liver homogenate. The   enzymes were assayed at varying concentrations (mg/ml) of the extract (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45. 0.50) at 37oC. At 0.00µmg/ml extract; ALT, AST and ALP activities of 5.91 ~ 10-4, 2.70 ~ 10-4 and 3. 74 ~ 10-5 µmol/min respectively. Upon incubation with  extract, the enzymes had respective mean activities of 6.38 } 0.35 ~ 10-4, 4.07 } 0.62 ~ 10-4and 2.80 } 0.44 ~ 10-5µmol/min. The activities of ALT and AST were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in presence of C. procera extract with significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activity of ALP. It  indicates that the aqueous root extract of C. procera activated ALT and AST and inhibited ALP in vitro.Keywords: in vitro, C. procera,liver marker enzymes, ammonium sulphat

Reconstruction of the chest wall after excision of a giant malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor

Primary chest wall tumors are uncommon and constitute 0.2-2% of all tumors. Metastatic tumors and tumors of local extension are more common. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the chest wall is even rarer and its incidence on the chest wall not stated in the literature. The incidence in the general population is 0.0001% while therisk is approximately 4600 times higher in patients with type I  neurofibromatosis and 3-13% of them will finally develop into MPNST, usually after latent periods of 10-20 years. Clinically, these tumors are aggressive, locally invasive, and highly metastatic. Excision of giant chest wall tumor leaves a defect that is reconstructed using musculocutaneous flaps with or without a mesh. We report the case of a 24-year-old man who presented at the surgical outpatient clinic with 7 months history of persistent left sided chest pain minimally relieved by analgesics, 5 months of cough and worsening dyspnoea, and 3 months history of anterior chest swelling on the left side of the manubrium. Following evaluation and investigations, the tumor was excised and the residual defect closed with methylmetacrylate sandwiched between two prolene meshes and overlaid with both pectoralis major muscles. The histology of the excised mass revealed MPNST He made an uneventful postoperative recovery, but died barely 3 months later from widespread pulmonary metastases.A review of the literature revealed that such tumors hardly ever reach such large-size as in our case

Ipomea asarifolia (Desr), A Potential Cover Crop for Soil Fertility Improvement in The Sudan Savanna Region, Nigeria

The effect of Ipomea asarifolia on physico - chemical properties of the soils at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto main campus, in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria was investigated. The study determined the effect of the plant on some physical and chemical properties of soils, found out the nutrient retention ability of the plant in the soils and the variation of the effect with distance within the plants’ canopy. A total of 48 samples were collected from four different sites within Usmanu Danfodiyo University main Campus; VC complex area, University stadium area, Behind new library area and opposite IBB centre area and four distances from the plant (control, plant base, 0.5 m and 1 m from the plant base). Samples were collected for use in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with three replicates. Soil pH, Organic C, CEC, total N, available P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations were determined, particle size analysis was also carried out. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), where significant F values were obtained, the means were separated by Duncan multiple range tests (DMRT). The difference among the sites and the distances were found to be statistically significant (P VC complex area > New library area > IBB centre area. On the other hand, the effect on all the parameters was found to decrease with distance from the plant with the base of the plant having the highest organic C, CEC, total N, available P and exchangeable K, Ca and Mg; 6.83 g kg-1, 5.00 cmol kg-1, 0.42 g kg-1, 10.82 mg kg-1 and 0.26, 0.50 and 0.97 cmol kg-1 respectively, while the control soils had the least values; 3.46 g kg-1, 4.00 cmol kg-1, 0.12 g kg-1, 7.43 mg kg-1, 0.21, 0.38, and 0.45 cmol kg-1 respectively. The effect was attributed to the accumulation of organic matter around the plant and its ability to prevent erosion by both water and wind thus retaining nutrients making it a suitable cover crop for soil fertility improvement

Urine culture contamination: a one-year retrospective study at the national hospital, abuja

Background: Urine culture contamination is a significant cause of delay in treatment of patients being investigated for urinary tractinfection. Though contamination is not completely avoidable, several measures have been proven to decrease contamination rates.There are few studies detailing urine contamination rates in laboratories in Nigeria.Aim: To determine the frequency and factors associated with urine culture contamination in samples submitted to the MedicalMicrobiology Laboratory in National Hospital Abuja (NHA).Method: Retrospective study of urine culture contamination in which data from Medical Microbiology Laboratory from January 1 toDecember 31 2012 at National Hospital Abuja were reviewed. Patients’ age, gender, location and urine culture result were assessed.Contamination rates for different genders, age groups and departments were assessed and results presented in simple averages andpercentages.Results: Overall contamination rate was 13.1%. Females had a contamination rate of 16.9%, which was significantly higher than thecontamination rate of 6.8% in males. The Gynaecology and Antenatal clinics had the highest contamination rates amongst departmentswith 22.5% and 21.3% respectively. Lowest contamination rates were in Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) and intensive Care Unit (ICU)with rates of 5.9%and 9.5% respectively. The female gender was found to be the most significant predictor of higher contamination rate.Conclusion: Contamination rate of urine cultures in this study is unacceptably high. Appropriate interventions need to be instituted toreduce the current urine culture contamination rate in National Hospital Abuja.Key Words: Urine, Contamination, National Hospital, Abuja

Epidemiology of Lymphatic filariasis in Danbatta and Kumbotso Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria

Among those presenting overt clinical manifestations of LF, 10.64% of the males had hydrocele in Danbatta LGA, while no case of hydrocele or lypmhoedema was recorded in Kumbotso LGA. Analysis of KAP data from questionnaire administered and retrieved showed a significant difference in prevalence of LF between individuals who are aware and have knowledge of LF and those that lacked knowledge of the disease (P < 0.05). It was concluded that LF is endemic in Danbatta and Kumbotso LGAs of Kano State. Considering the poor awareness of the disease by the inhabitants in the two LGAs, there is need for relevant Government agencies and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to launch awareness campaigns on the causes of LF, transmission, symptoms and measures that can be taken to prevent infection by this dilapidating disease for improved health and economic development of the State and the country at large. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a major cause of permanent disability in many tropical and su

Acute Toxicity Study and Hepatocurative Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Parkia Biglobosa in Wister albino Rats

Parkia biglobosa plant is widely is used in folk medicinal practices to treat and/or manage various diseases including diabetes, malaria, diarrhea and pains. The current research seek to establish the toxicity profile and hepatocurative ability of aqueous stem bark extract of the plant. Twelve (12) rats were used for Oral LD50 determination, and were grouped into four (4) groups of three rats (3) each. The first three groups were administered with 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, while the last group was subdivided into three groups of one rat each and were administered with 2500mg/kg, 3500mg/kg and 5000mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. For the hepatocurative studies, twenty five (25) experimental rats were divided into five groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as normal rats, Group II served as test Control while Groups III to V were induced with liver damage and administered with 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg of the extract respectively. The LD50 was found to be greater than 5000mg/kg, while phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Flavanoids, Glycosides, Tanins, Saponins, Steroids and Phenols, with the absence of Anthraquinones. For the hepatocurative study, a significant (p<0.0.5) increase in serum albumin and liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) was observed in test control compared to normal control. Upon administration of the extract, a significant (p<0.0.5) fall in Albumin, AST, ALT and ALP was recorded in a dose dependent pattern. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between groups in total protein, direct and total bilirubin. The research concludes that the extract is practically non-toxic and possess strong hepatocurative ability which might be due to the phytochemicals present. Keywords: Acute toxiicity; CCl4; Liver; P. biglobosa; Phytochemical and wistar rats. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-16-04 Publication date:September 30th 202