Quality of Frozen Fish Sold in Some Selected Selling Points within Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

A total of thirty six (36) samples of frozen fish species were procured within the six weeks study period from two reputable selling points (Karamchi and Kofar Kaura) in the Katsina metropolis. The samples were subjected to series of analysis to determine the quality of the products with a view to establishing the safety of what consumers buy on daily basis. Samples procured were analyzed for proximate composition, Total Volatile Basis Nitrogen (TVB-N) and Microbiological analysis on weekly basis for six weeks. The results of the proximate composition revealed that moisture, crude protein, lipid and NFE varied significantly (P<0.05). The values for moisture ranged from 54.00±O.71 to 61.75±3.18, crude protein ranged between 15.21±3.27 and 19.13±0.88. Lipid content ranged from 4.25±3.18 to 12.00±3.54 and the NFE ranged between 12.82±1.94 and 18.75±1.06 respectively. The ash content of the products were not significantly different (P>0.05), it ranged from 1.25±0.35 to 1.75±0.35. The Total Volatile Basis (TVB-N) ranged from 3.08mg/100g to 18.20mg/100g. Total bacterial count (TVC) ranged between 3x105 and 5.4x106 cfu/g. the study revealed that the sanitary and hygienic condition in which the frozen fishes were kept have a direct bearing on the quality of fish being sold at the selling points. Samples from Karamchi selling point were more prone to spoilage due to the inadequate storage facilities. Based on this, it is suggested that adequate cooling facilities be put in place to allow for proper preservation of the freshness of frozen fish. Keywords: Frozen fish, Selling points, TVB-N, Microbiological analysis and cooling facilitie

Groundwater Exploration in the Basement Complex Around Chibok Area in North- Eastern Nigeria Using Vertical Electrical Sounding Method

A geophysical survey employing Schlumberger electrode configuration using vertical electrical sounding (VES) method was carried out around Chibok area within the Basement Complex of north-eastern Nigeria using an ABEM SAS 300C Terrameter with a view to exploring groundwater within the study area. The overburden in the area ranges from about 15m to 58.5m thick. This overburden, based on geoelectrical interpretations, consists essentially of top soil, decomposed crystalline rock, highly weathered crystalline rock, weathered or fractured crystalline rock and weathered to fresh crystalline rock. The study suggest that the vicinities of all the VESs are best suited for the siting of boreholes apart from VES 1 and 5 due to the presence of fresh crystalline rock at shallow depth.Keywords: Hydrogeology, Basement Complex, Alluvium, Colluviums, Electric resistivity, Chibo

Effect of Water Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of Water Quenched Medium Carbon Steel

The effect of water temperature on the hardness and impact strength of water quenched medium carbon steel was investigated. Two medium carbon steel, 0.33 wt % C and 0.42 wt % C, were heated to 900 oC and quenched in water at temperatures ranging from 35 oC (room temperature) to 95 oC. The results showed that hardness was reduced by over 18% and impact strength was improved by over 50%. The hard martensite structure which usually makes quenched steels highly brittle and of low toughness was replaced by tempered martensite structures thereby impacting better mechanical properties in the steel. Keywords: Water quenched temperature, Thermal Diffusivity, Hardness, Toughnes

Effect of Aqueous-Methanol Leaves Extract of Cassia occidentalis on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxic Rat

The indiscriminate usage of different parts of Cassia occidentalis in the management and/or treatment of several diseases has lead to several researches about the plant’s safety, efficacy and probable mode of action. This research investigates the effects of aqueous-methanol leaves extract of Cassia occidentalis on liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Globulin) in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. A total of twenty five rats divided into five groups of five rats each were used. Group I served as normal control, Group II-V were induced with hepatotoxicity using CCl4 (120mg/kg bodyweight). Group II served as test control, group III and IV were administered with the extract at a dose of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg while group V were acdministered with standard drug (10mg/kg of livolin), per day for two weeks. The animals were euthanized after 24 hours of last extract administration and liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Globulin) were assayed A significant increase (p<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein and Globulin was observed in test control group compared to normal control. Administration of the extract lead to a significant decrease (p<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, total protein and Globulin in a dose dependent manner compared to test control group. The observed hepatocurative effect of the plant may be due to the presence of phytochemicals. Keywords: Cassia occidentalis;  leaves; carbon tetrachloride and hepatocurative

Studies on Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens Finished on an Unprocessed and Processed Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens (L.)) as Dietary Protein Sources

The effects of different processed velvet seed on haematology and serum indices of Broiler chickens was studied using 150 four weeks old broiler chicks. The birds were randomly assigned to five treatment groups of 30 birds with three replications of 10 birds each. The chickens were finished on five dietary treatments formulated to contain 5% raw, soaked and boiled, cracked and boiled and roasted velvet bean seed meal as protein source in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The haematological parameters indicated no significant difference (P> 0.05) among treatment groups for PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCHC and PLT while MCV and MCH differ significantly (P< 0.05) where chickens on treatment T3 (boiled) had the highest values of 133.33 fl and 42.80 pg while lower values were chickens in T4 (cracked and boiled) 123.90 fl and 39.80 pg as the lowest. Urea concentration range of 7.88-10.08 mmol/l obtained with significant difference (P< 0.05) among treatment groups with T5(roasted) having value of 10.08 mmol/l and T2 (soaked) having least value of sodium 7.88 mmol/l. Serum electrolytes such as Sodium (Na+), Chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate showed significant (P< 0.05) difference among treatment groups. The study concluded that, on account of adequate haematocrit and immune statuses, in addition to its hypoglycaemic ability, boiling mucuna seed meal with 5.00 % level of inclusion can be used without any deleterious effect on haematological and serum biochemical assay parameters of broiler chickens.Keywords: Velvet bean seeds, Haematology, Biochemistry Assay, Carcass Characteristic

Nigella sativa oil attenuates aluminum-induced behavioral changes, oxidative stress and cortico-hippocampal neuronal degeneration in rats

Background: Aluminum (AlCl3) usage in both the industrial and domestic arena has dramatically risen over time owing to its ubiquity and utility for many activities despite frequent reporting of its neurotoxic effects over wide range of concentrations. The neuro-protective effects of Nigella sativa Oil (NSO) following intermediate exposure to aluminum salts has largely been unexplored. The present study explores the ameliorative and neuro-protective functions of NSO on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced damages in the frontal cortices and hippocampus of exposed rats. Methods: The study involved the use of thirty two adult male Wistar rats weighing 180 ± 20 g, randomly divided into four groups, in which group 1 received saline, group 2 received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), group 3 received AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) followed by NSO (1 ml/kg) 30 min later, while group 4 received NSO (1 ml/kg) only. All administrations were done orally for 14 days. Standardized behavioural tests for anxiety and cognitive performance were carried on after the treatments prior to euthanizing (Ketamine 10 mg/kg, ip). On day 15, the rats were euthanized, and their brains excised, with the frontal cortex and hippocampus removed. Five of these samples were homogenized and centrifuged to analyze nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and total reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the other three were processed for histology (cresyl violet stain) and proliferative markers (Ki-67 immunohistochemistry). Results: Increased Transfer latency, time in dark box, escape latency and reduced rearing frequency, percentage alternation and time in platform quadrant were observed in the AlCl3 exposed rats. There was also an increased level of ROS and NO in the brain regions with marked inhibition of neuronal cell proliferation as evidenced by reduced Ki-67 protein expression in the brain of AlCl3 only rats. However, rats co-administered AlCl3 and NSO showed significantly reduced ROS and NO levels, improved anxiety-like and cognitive behaviors and increased Ki-67 expression when compared with AlCl3 only treated rats. Conclusion: AlCl3 exposure causes neuronal damage and impaired anxiety-like and memory indices which are associated with increased free radical generation and inhibited neuronal proliferation, whereas the antioxidant and neuro-protective properties of NSO were efficacious against the observed effects. Keywords: Aluminum chloride, memory impairment, neuronal damage, Ki-67, nigella sativa oi

Influence of Periodic Administration of Garlic Extract on Blood Parameters of Grazing Lambs

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of periodic  administration of garlic extract drench on haematology and serum biochemistry of grazing lambs. Twelve West African dwarf sheep with an average weight of 12.00 ±0.77 kg were allotted to 3 treatment groups with 4 animals per group in a completely randomized design which lasted for 10 weeks. Treatment 1 (T1) served as control with no garlic extract, Treatment (T2) were given 5ml garlic extract weekly and Treatment T3 received 5ml garlic extract every 2 weeks. Results of haematological analysis showed that PCV significantly (P<0.05) differs among treatment groups while RBC, MCV, WBC, LYM and GRA all show no significant (P>0.05) difference. The lowest PCV of 19.68% was observed in T1 while T2 recorded the highest PCV of 29.68%. The results from serum biochemical indices shows that cholesterol and ALT differ significantly (P<0.05) among treatment groups while total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea and AST all show no significant (P>0.05) difference among treatment means. The lowest serum cholesterol value of 0.78 was observed in T2 while the control group  recorded the highest value of 1.30. The study suggests that garlic extract could be used to reduce the level of serum cholesterol in grazing lamb thereby improving meat quality.Keywords: Garlic Extract, West African Dwarf Sheep, Haematology, Biochemistry

Studies on Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens Finished on an Unprocessed and Processed Velvet Bean ( Mucuna Pruriens (L.)) as Dietary Protein Sources

The effects of different processed velvet seed on haematology and serum indices of Broiler chickens was studied using 150 four weeks old broiler chicks. The birds were randomly assigned to five treatment groups of 30 birds with three replications of 10 birds each. The chickens were finished on five dietary treatments formulated to contain 5% raw, soaked and boiled, cracked and boiled and roasted velvet bean seed meal as protein source in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The haematological parameters indicated no significant difference (P> 0.05) among treatment groups for PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCHC and PLT while MCV and MCH differ significantly (P< 0.05) where chickens on treatment T3 (boiled) had the highest values of 133.33 fl and 42.80 pg while lower values were chickens in T4 (cracked and boiled) 123.90 fl and 39.80 pg as the lowest. Urea concentration range of 7.88-10.08 mmol/l obtained with significant difference (P< 0.05) among treatment groups with T5(roasted) having value of 10.08 mmol/l and T2 (soaked) having least value of sodium 7.88 mmol/l. Serum electrolytes such as Sodium (Na+), Chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate showed significant (P< 0.05) difference among treatment groups. The study concluded that, on account of adequate haematocrit and immune statuses, in addition to its hypoglycaemic ability, boiling mucuna seed meal with 5.00 % level of inclusion can be used without any deleterious effect on haematological and serum biochemical assay parameters of broiler chickens

Influence of Periodic Administration of Garlic Extract on Blood Parameters of Grazing Lambs

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of periodic administration of garlic extract drench on haematology and serum biochemistry of grazing lambs. Twelve West African dwarf sheep with an average weight of 12.00 \ub10.77 kg were allotted to 3 treatment groups with 4 animals per group in a completely randomized design which lasted for 10 weeks. Treatment 1 (T1) served as control with no garlic extract, Treatment (T2) were given 5ml garlic extract weekly and Treatment T3 received 5ml garlic extract every 2 weeks. Results of haematological analysis showed that PCV significantly (P<0.05) differs among treatment groups while RBC, MCV, WBC, LYM and GRA all show no significant (P>0.05) difference. The lowest PCV of 19.68% was observed in T1 while T2 recorded the highest PCV of 29.68%. The results from serum biochemical indices shows that cholesterol and ALT differ significantly (P<0.05) among treatment groups while total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea and AST all show no significant (P>0.05) difference among treatment means. The lowest serum cholesterol value of 0.78 was observed in T2 while the control group recorded the highest value of 1.30. The study suggests that garlic extract could be used to reduce the level of serum cholesterol in grazing lamb thereby improving meat quality

Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors with the ability to interact with the catalytic triad

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the current pandemic that led to so many deaths across the globe and still has no effective medication. One attractive target is Papain-like protease (PLpro), which plays a critical role in viral replication. Several important structural features dictate access to the PLpro narrow active site, which includes a series of loops surrounding the area. As such, it is difficult for chemical compounds to fit the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro active site. This work employed a computational study to discover inhibitors that could bind to the SARS-COV-2 PLpro active site, mainly by virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulation, MMPBSA and ADMET analysis. Eight potential inhibitors were identified: carbonoperoxoic acid, Chrysophanol-9-anthrone, Adrenolutin, 1-Dehydroprogesterone, Cholest-22-ene-21-ol, Cis-13-Octadecenoic acid, Hydroxycarbonate and 1-(4-(4-Methylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-2-yl) isoquinoline, with binding scores of −4.4, −6.7, −5.9, −6.7, −7.0, −4.6, −4.5 and −5.6 kcal/mol, respectively. All these compounds interacted with critical PLpro catalytic residues and showed stable conformation in molecular dynamics simulations with significant binding energies of −12.73 kcal/mol, −10.89 kcal/mol, −7.20 kcal/mol, −16.25 kcal/mol, −19.00 kcal/mol, −5.00 kcal/mol, −13.21 kcal/mol and −12.45 kcal/mol, respectively, as revealed by MMPBSA analysis. ADMET analysis also indicated that they are safe for drug development. In this study, we identified novel compounds that interacted with the key catalytic residues of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro with the potential to be utilized for anti-Covid-19 drug development