Heavy Metals and Hydrocarbon Level in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Mullet Fish (Liza falcipinus) and Crab (Callinectes amnicola) from Crude Oil Contaminated Jetty Rivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

In this study, the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn) contamination were determined in Nile tilapia, Mullet fish and Crab collected from crude oil polluted rivers (Abuloma and Woji Jetty). Average individual PAHs concentration ranged from 0.0001mgkg-1 to 11.22±0.02mgkg-1 in Nile tilapia, 0.0001mgkg-1 to 13.43±0.17mgkg-1 in mullet fish and 0.0001mgkg-1 to 12.23±0.06mgkg-1 in crab. Benzo[a]pyrene (a carcinogenic PAH) concentrations detected in fish and seafood in this study exceeded the acceptable limit set by the European Commission (0.002mgkg-1) for fish considered safe for human consumption. The levels of Pb and Cr in fish and seafood were found to have remarkably higher concentrations which exceeded the acceptable levels (FAO/WHO) in food sources for human consumptionand that of Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were lower. Results from this study revealed high levels of PAHs and heavy metals in seafood samples from all study locations. These high PAHs levels in these commonly consumed seafoods from the rivers question their safety for human consumption

Evaluation of Effect of Cannabis Smoking on the Hematological Properties of Selected Adult Male Students Smokers

The study investigated the effect of cannabis sativa smoking on some hematological characteristics on the male students consumers. Blood samples were collected in triplicates from twenty (10) randomly selected male voluntary marijuana smokers (test) and ten (10) voluntary male non-smokers (control) in Choba Community, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The parameters considered were body temperature, pulse rate, Red blood cells (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and hemoglobin estimation (Hb). The research study revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in the hematological parameters between the smokers (Test) and non-smoker (control) subjects. Faster pulse rate and lower body temperatures were seen among test subjects as compared to control. The values observed for total white blood cell (TWBC), ESR and RBC were lower in test subject (smokers) than the control (non-smokers), while the values observed for ESR, Hb, and RBC were relatively close. The mean values observed for PCV, TWBC and Hb were markedly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in test subject than in control and could be indicative of reduced percentage of blood in the cell, porous immune system and decreased iron group of heme

Effects of Ranitidine on Insulin and Lime - Induced Gastric Secretion in Albinowistar Rats

Purpose:To study the possible effect (s) of a relative H2-receptor blocker, ranitidine on lime and insulin-induced gastric secretion in male and female albino rats. Methods: The rats were divided into 3 groups of lime juice, insulin and control in triplicates after 24hr starvation to empty the stomachand were canulated (oesophageal, tracheal and gastric) using Gosh and Schild method. Using N saline, the acid content of the effluentwas recorded. The 1st group of rats was perfused with lime solution (25% v/v, 50%v/v, 75% v/v and 95% v/v) and was used to modify the secretory rates of the parietal cells and the stomach effluent was collected 3 times in 30 minutes. In same manner, the 2nd group was perfused with 40 IU/ kg insulin. The 3rd group (control) had no lime nor insulin. Ranitidine was administered (2.5ml ) intramuscularly and the results noted. Results: The mean basal secretion significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased from 22.82 ±4.6mMol/L/hr to 52.94 ±10.23mMol/L/ hr, while 2.5ml ranitidine (Zantac)injected intramuscularly decreased the basal stimulation from 52.94 ±10.23mMol/L/hr to34.77 ± 5.09 mMol/L/hr. Insulin (40 IU/kg) was administered intravenously to the 2nd group of rats, and the mean basal secretion increased from 8.01±0.75 mMol/L/hr to10.00±0.71 mMol/L/hr. Ranitidine was administered intramuscularly and that caused a significant decrease in the insulin stimulation from 10.00±0.71 mMol/L/hr to 8.01±0.75 mMol/L/hr. Conclusions: Results obtained showed marked higher gastric secretion in females than in males, although stead increase was observed for both insulin and lime inducement.Generally, results obtained from this study indicated, a statistically significant decrease in both lime juice and insulin-induced gastric secretion by Ranitidine, and hencesubmits Ranitidine as a possible potent drug for peptic ulcer treatment