The effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. on semen and testicular morphology of male wistar rats

The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Boerhavia diffusa plant on the semen and testicular morphology of male Wistar rats was investigated. Thirty five rats were divided into seven groups of five animals each (Groups I-VII) with group I serving as the control. Distilled water (0.5 mls) was administered orally to rats in Group I (Control), while rats in the remaining six experimental groups (II-VII) were dosed orally with 50, 100 and 150mg/kg of 2.4% aqueous extract of B. diffusa for 60 days and then euthanized immediately (Grps II, IV & VI) or allowed to recover for one week before euthanasia (Grps III, V & VII). The serum testosterone level, weights and histopathology of the testes, epididymes and seminal vesicles were determined, and the spermatozoa from the cauda epididymes of the groups were studied. Data were compared using Man-whitney’s test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference in the serum testosterone level between treated rats and control. The weights of the testes, epididymes and seminal vesicles were however significantly (

Assessment of Effectiveness of Solid Waste Management Strategies of Ekiti State Waste Management Board in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

<p><i>The issue bothering on solid waste management has become a great environmental challenge in Sub-Sahara Africa with Nigeria being one of the most affected countries.  The estimate of waste generation in Nigeria is 0.65 – 0.95 kg/capital/day, which gives an average of 42 million tonnes which is more than half of 62 million tonnes of waste generated in Sub-Sahara Africa annually. Therefore, the management of these wastes in such a way that, minimum damage to public health and the environment is ensured, has become a huge problem in most cities in the country. This study, therefore, investigated the effectiveness of solid waste management strategies in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. A mixed-method of sampling was used to select eighty-seven (87) respondents which constituted the sample size for the study. Primary data were collected through direct observation and the use of the questionnaire. Findings indicate that the largest composition of waste generated in the study area was an agricultural waste product (50.43%). Communal waste containers (52.08%) and roadsides (31.25%) were the major waste collection points identified. Waste recycling, reuse, and sales of metallic wastes were the strategies used. The majority (87.50%) indicated regular waste collection while 52.08% indicated that the services provided by the waste collectors were good. The study, therefore, concluded that the solid waste management strategies in the study area included: recycling of plastic wastes; reuse of agricultural waste products as compost manure, and sales of metallic wastes. The strategies were seen to be effective, although some challenges such as inadequate waste collection bins, vehicles, and inadequate personnel, were identified. These challenges could be addressed by partnering with private organizations that are interested in solid waste management.</i></p&gt

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus antibodies in African grey duiker (sylvivapra grimmia)

The prevalence rate of antibodies to peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and rinderpest Virus (RPV) antigens was studied using 38 sera samples collected from African grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia). Of the total, 4 (10.5%) were positive for antibodies to PPRV, while none (0%) was positive for RPV. The role of wildlife in the epizootiology of peste des petits ruminants is discussed

Neuropharmacological Activities of Ficus platyphylla stem bark in mice

Methanol Extract Ficus platyphylla stem bark in dosages (17, 40 and 75, 150mg/kg) was found to produce a profound decrease in exploratory activity in mice, the extract indicated peripheral and central analgesic effects as shown by significant inhibition of acetic acid - induced writhing, and delayed onset in leptazol induced-convulsion (seizures) in mice respectively. It also decreases the rate of leptazol induced mortality in mice. The totality of these effects showed that the extract possesses depressant action on the central nervous system