Gene frequencies of ABO and rhesus blood groups and haemoglobin variants in Ogbomoso, South–West Nigeria

The distribution and gene frequencies of ABO and rhesus (Rh) blood groups and haemoglobin variants for samples of the Nigerian population at Ogbomoso was determined. Data consisting of records of blood groups and haemoglobin types of different ages ranging from infants to adults for a period of 4 to 6 years (1995 – 2000) was collected from Baptist Medical Centre (BMC), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Health Centre (LAUTHC) and Oyo State General Hospital (OSGH), all in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Overall, a total number of 7653, 7053 and 14,845 individuals were typed for ABO and Rh blood groups, and haemoglobin genotypes, respectively. 3824 (50%) were blood group O, 1750 (22.9%) were blood group A, 1629 (21.3%) were blood group B and 450 (5.9%) were blood group AB. This distribution differs significantly (P<0.05) from those expected under the Hardy Weinberg law. The proportion of the individuals belonging to the various ABO blood groups also varied significantly (P<0.05) over the period of the study. Overall gene frequencies for the A, B and O alleles were 0.15, 0.15 and 0.70, respectively. For the Rh blood group 6823 (96.7%) were Rh-positive (DD and Dd) while 230 (3.3%) were Rh – negative (dd). The distribution and proportion of individuals belonging to each group did not differ significantly from those expected under the Hardy Weinberg law (P>0.05). The gene frequencies of D and d alleles were 0.82 and 0.18, respectively. Six haemoglobin genotypes were recorded in the order of AA (68.1%) > AS (21.0%) > AC (5.7%) >SS (3.0%) >SC (2.0%) >CC (0.3%). The gene frequencies were 0.81, 0.14 and 0.04 for A, S and C alleles, respectively. Our results are representative of the distribution of these genetic variants in Nigeria.Keywords: Gene frequency, blood groups, haemoglobin, Nigeri

Effect of Chronic Administration of Methanol Extract of Moringa Oleifera on Some Biochemical Indices in Female Wistar Rats

The study was conducted to investigate safety associated with prolonged consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves as beverage. Fourteen rats were used in this study. They were divided into 2 groups each containing 7 rats. Rats in group I received 2ml/kg of corn oil (standard vehicle drug). Animals in groups II were administered with 400mg/kg body of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (MEMO) for five weeks respectively. Serum collected was analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum total protein, albumin, globulin and AST activity. The activity of ALT decreased but not significant. Similarly, 400mg/kg body of MEMO led to significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum BUN and creatinine. All experimental animals that received 400mg/kb of MEMO had significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight from week to week 4 of the experiment. Taken together, 400mg/kg body of MEMO seemed to be toxic to the liver with apparently no toxicity in the kidney. Hence, prolonged exposure is not advisable as such could portend danger to the liver.Keywords: Moringa oleifera, toxicity, hepatic damage, kidney

Proximate, Mineral and Functional Properties of Maize Starch Complemented with Defatted Sesame Seed Flour

Background: Maize is known to be one of the major cereals used as indigenous breakfast meal and for infant weaning. It is high in carbohydrate with limited protein content and deficient in lysine. There is a need to complement its nutritional attributes with the inclusion of sesame seed flour known to be rich source of protein, fat and some essential minerals to maximize adequate nutrition and minimize mal nutrition that could result from the deficiency of these essential nutrients. Objectives: The physicochemical properties of maize starch complemented with defatted sesame seed flour were investigated.  Methods: Maize grains and sesame seed were processed into starch and flour respectively. The ratio of maize starch to sesame seed flour was 90:10, 85:15, with 100% maize starch as control and 100% maize flour as control. The samples were evaluated for proximate, mineral and functional properties using standard analytical procedure. Results: The proximate composition varies significantly (P≤0.05).The moisture content was in the range of (9.25 to 12.0%), protein (10.58 to 21.70%), crude fiber (0.50 to 3.0%), fat content(1.75 to 10.0%), ash content (1.35 to 3.45%) and carbohydrate (50.55 to 72.67%).The mineral composition shows no significant difference (P≤0.05). Copper was in the range of (0.29 to 0.33 mg/100g), potassium (2.08 to 2.13 mg/100g), sodium (3.67 to 3.72 mg/100g), magnesium (0.77 to 0.84 mg/100g) and manganese (1.47 to 1.54 mg/100g). Most of functional properties investigated show no significant difference (P≤0.05). Bulk density was in the range of (0.62 to 0.64g/ml), swelling power (4.75 to 8.56 g/ml), water absorption capacity (1.8 to 3.0 g/g), oil absorption capacity (1.35 to 1.70 g/g) and gelation capacity (8.20 to 11.90%). Conclusion: The inclusion of defatted sesame seed flour to maize starch during processing can significantly improve proximate, mineral and the functionality of the blends.    Keywords: Maize starch, physicochemical properties, sesame seed flour&nbsp

The effects of material formulation and manufacturing process on mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/clay nanocomposites

A holistic study was conducted to investigate the combined effect of three different pre-mixing processes, namely mechanical mixing, ultrasonication and centrifugation, on mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/clay nanocomposites reinforced with different platelet-like montmorillonite (MMT) clays (Cloisite Na+, Cloisite 10A, Cloisite 15 or Cloisite 93A) at clay contents of 3–10 wt%. Furthermore, the effect of combined pre-mixing processes and material formulation on clay dispersion and corresponding material properties of resulting composites was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), flexural and Charpy impact tests, Rockwell hardness tests and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A high level of clay agglomeration and partially intercalated/exfoliated clay structures were observed regardless of clay type and content. Epoxy/clay nanocomposites demonstrate an overall noticeable improvement of up to 10 % in the glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to that of neat epoxy, which is interpreted by the inclusion of MMT clays acting as rigid fillers to restrict the chain mobility of epoxy matrices. The impact strength of epoxy/clay nanocomposites was also found to increase by up to 24 % with the addition of 3 wt% Cloisite Na+ clays. However, their flexural strength and hardness diminished when compared to those of neat epoxy, arising from several effects including clay agglomeration, widely distributed microvoids and microcracks as well as weak interfacial bonding between clay particles and epoxy matrices, as confirmed from TEM and SEM results. Overall, it is suggested that an improved technique should be used for the combination of pre-mixing processes in order to achieve the optimal manufacturing condition of uniform clay dispersion and minimal void contents

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer

Levels of Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Vegetables Obtained from Some Markets in Ota, Nigeria

Background: As a result of increasing environmental pollution in developing countries, Nigeria in particular, assessment of food contamination is necessary. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables available in selected markets at Ota, Ogun State. Method: A total of 75 samples of three edible leafy vegetables: fluted pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis), Lagos spinach, "Green" (Amaranthus hybridus) and Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) were obtained from Iyana Iyesi, Ota, Oju-Ore, Sango-Ota and Toll-gate markets in Ado-Odo/Ota local government, Ogun State, Nigeria. The samples were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) following a standard method. Results: The results showed that all the metals detected were above the WHO/FAO permissible limits. Lead (Pb) was detected in all the vegetables except Jute Mallow from Sango and Fluted Pumpkin in Toll gate. The Pb content in all the vegetables ranged from 0.269±0.36 to 12.601±1.80 mg/kg. Cadmium was also detected in all the vegetables except Lagos Spinach (obtained from Sango Ota) and Fluted Pumpkin (obtained from Iyana Iyesi). The Cd content in all the vegetables ranged from 0.156±0.04 to 0.832±0.03 mg/kg. Chromium (Cr) was not detected in all the vegetables sold at Sango and also in Fluted pumpkin from Iyana Iyesi Market. The Cr content in all the vegetables ranged from 0.508±1.09 to 1.799±1.19 mg/kg. Conclusion: With regards to the locations or markets, the differences in concentrations were significant (P<0.05), while with regards to the metals, the differences in the concentrations were not significant. With significant values of Lead, Cadmium and Chromium observed in samples, vegetable consumers must be wary of vegetables to buy and the source. Keywords: Heavy metals, vegetables, Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorus olitorius, Ado-Odo/Ot

Soybean performance (Glycine max (L) Merr) on tropical soils with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization

Pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of soil types, nitrogen and phosphorus application on the yield, and nodulation and nutrient uptake of soybean grown on tropical soils. Results showed that forest soils produced higher dry matter yield, pod number, seed number, nodule number, and nodule weight at 6 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP) than savanna soils. The increment values were averagely 152%, 325%, 275%, 105% and 45% respectively at both periods. The uptake of K, Ca and Sulphur were greater in savanna soils, while forest soils had 19% and 41% increase in the uptake of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, respectively above savanna soils. The interaction between soil type and nitrogen or phosphorus also indicated that forest soil with 25kgNha-1 or 50kgPha-1 had significantly higher values for the soybean performance parameters investigated. Soybean grown on forest soil from Odeda I (Typic kandiudalf) had higher seed-weight and number of pods; 2% and 57%, respectively above that from savanna soil (Ayetoro II, Typic kandiudult) both at 25kgNha-1 fertilization. Forest soil from sedimentary rock/Alluvium (Ikorodu 1(and those from basement complex rock (Odeda I) produced soybean that had higher values in nodule weight and uptake of phosphorus at 50kgPha-1 compared to savanna soil from sedimentary rock. The incremental values were 59% and 79% respectively. In general, the combined application of 25kgNha-1 and 50kgPha-1 appeared optimum for soybean cultivation. Key words: Tropical soil; soybean performance; nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 170-17

Nitrogen-use Efficiency of Maize Genotypes under Weed Pressure in a Tropical Alfisol in Northern Nigeria

A split - split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replicates was established at Samaru (Typic Haplustalf) in 2002 and 2003 rainy seasons to investigate the response of four low nitrogen tolerant maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (Oba super II, Low N pool C2, TZB-SR and ACR 8328 BN C7) to nitrogen fertilizer and weed pressure. Maize grain yield, nitrogen-uptake, utilization and use efficiency were significantly higher in Oba super II and Low N pool C2 followed by ACR 8328 BN C 7 and least in TZB -SR. At the application rate of 90 kg N.ha-1, 68 kg N.ha-1 were recovered in maize shoot while weeds uptake of N was 15.98 kg.ha-1. With the application of 30 kg N.ha1, weed uptake was 28.38 while maize shoot uptake was 23.35 kg N.ha-1. Generally, fertilizer addition enhanced the competitive ability of maize. The nitrogen-use efficiency of the maize genotypes was reduced due to weed interference while there were no differences in the residual soil nitrate among nitrogen rates and genotypes, partly due to the morphology of the site

Yield and yield components of tropical maize genotypes as affected by drought and weed stresses

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 38 2007: pp. 31-3

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Datura Stramonium Seed on Spermiograms of West African Dwarf Bucks

Effect of aqueous extract of Datura stramonium on the spermiogramic parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks were investigated in a trial involving twenty bucks aged between 10 and 13 months and weighed 8.37 +1.23kg. The bucks were randomly grouped into 5 treatments consisting of 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30ml/kg b.w/animal/day in a completely  randomized design. The extract was administered orally for ten consecutive days. The results showed that some important spermiogramic parameters such as mass activity, progressive sperm motility, and sperm concentration followed similar trend and the values increased with  increasing levels of the extract (