Physico-chemical properties and heavy metal content of water sources in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

The water quality examination in Ife–North Local Government of Osun State Nigeria was conducted by determining the physico–chemical parameters of 40 samples. Surface water, bore holes, wells and pipe borne water samples were collected from major towns in the Local Government Area and analyzed. Results showed temperature range of 26.5 to 33.0°C, pH (6.53 to 8.90), conductivity (63.0 to 1039.0 μS/cm), resistivity (0.00 to 0.02mΩ.cm), salinity (300.00 to 700.00 mg/L), total solids (90.00 to 1175.00 mg/L), total dissolved solids (37.80–622.50mg/l), suspended solids (34.50 to 794.00 mg/L),dissolved oxygen (4.48 to 9.48 mg/L), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) (0.69 to 6.74 mg/L), chloride (3.64 to 184.04mg/L), Nitrate (1.08 to 53.03 mg/L), phosphate (4.99 to 23.07 mg/L) and sulphate (6.02 to 28.95 mg/L). Results of Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric analysis (AAS) of samples for dissolved trace metals; (Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr and Fe), showed mean metal concentration to vary widely depending on the source of the water sample as follows: Pb (0.29 ± 0.05 to 6.69 ± 0.53 mg/L), Cd (0.77 ± 0.06 to 2.24 ± 0.08 mg/L), Zn (0.03 ± 2.15 to 0.22 ± 4.64 mg/L), Cu ( 0.18 ± 16.34 to 0.41 ± 5.00 mg/L), Fe (6.00 ± 0.21 to 31.75 ± 0.80mg/L) and Mn (0.14 ± 6.12 to 0.23 ± 99.11 mg/L). The results obtained for the physical parameters agreed with the limits set by both national and international bodies for drinking and domestic water with few exceptions.Key words: Quality, physico-chemical, atomic-absorption-spectrophotometer, domestic, recreational, Ife-North-Local-Government

Effects of phosphate rock application on dry matter yield and phosphorus recovery of maize and cowpea grown in sequence

The study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan, Nigeria to evaluate the influence of P source, rate and frequency on dry matter yield of maize and cowpea grown sequentially in three soil types. Three sources of P: Ogun phosphate rock (OPR:20.2% P2O5); Crystallizer super (CS: 31.4% P2O5) and Single super phosphate (SSP: 18.0% P2O5); Four rates (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha P2O5) and Two frequencies (regular and alternate application) were studied on three soil types (Ilora-Udipsamment; Ibadan- Arenic Haplustalf and Epe - Aquic Arenic Haplustalf soils). The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot arrangement, using completely randomized design. Phosphate application significantly enhanced dry matter yields of maize and cowpea. Single super phosphate (SSP) gave a higher total biomass than the phosphate rocks (PR). On Ilora soil with the regular application frequency in the first cropping, maize total biomass was increased by SSP from 4.23 g/plant to 8.20, 9.25 and 9.72 with 20, 40 and 60 kgP/ha while it was increased to 6.78, 6.26 and 6.34g with OPR but to 6.88, 7.60 and 7.15 g with CS. Cowpea yields were increased from 2.12 g/plant to 3.28,4.04 and 3.36 g with SSP; to 3.34, 3.27 and 2.61 with CS and to 2.59, 2.78 and 2.39 g with OPR. On Ibadan soil, maize biomass yield ranged between 6.13 and 6.37 g with OPR; between 7.22 and 7.56 with CS and between 6.80 and 10.45 g with SSP. Cowpea yields were between 6.54 and 7.81 with OPR; between 5.70 and 6.80 with CS and were between 6.59 and 8.94 with SSP. Both Ogun and crystallizer super PRs gave comparable dry matter yields of maize and cowpea as single super phosphate. Best growth performance was observed with application of 60 kg/ha in all the soils. Significant treatment effects in shoot, root and total dry matter yields of maize and cowpea were obtained with 60 kg P/ha. Alternating maize with cowpea gave a higher total plant biomass than continuous maize. Regular frequency of application was superior to alternate frequency of application. Cumulative apparent P recovery of maize and cowpea at the end of final cropping was maximal with 20 kgP/ ha SSP in the three soils. It had 75, 80 and 70% recoveries for Ilora, Ibadan and Epe soils respectively

Utilization of Senna obtusifolia as a Potential Non-Conventional Feedstuff In Sheep

Nigerian Veterinary Journal, Vol. 32(3): 2011; 199 - 20

Estimating total body water content in suckling and lactating llamas (Lama glama) by isotope dilution

Total body water (TBW) in 17 suckling and six lactating llamas was estimated from isotope dilution at three different post natum and lactation stages using both 18O and deuterium oxide (D2O). In total, 69 TBW measurements were undertaken. While TBW in lactating dams, expressed in kilogram, remained stable during the three measurement periods (91.8 ± 15.0 kg), the body water fraction (TBW expressed in percent of body mass) increased slightly (P = 0.042) from 62.9% to 65.8%. In contrast, TBW (kilogram) in suckling llamas increased significantly (P < 0.001) with age and decreased slightly when expressed as a percentage of body mass (P = 0.016). Relating TBW to body mass across all animals yielded a highly significant regression equation (TBW in kilogram = 2.633 + 0.623 body mass in kilogram, P < 0.001, n = 69) explaining 99.5% of the variation. The water fraction instead decreased in a curve linear fashion with increasing body mass (TBW in percent of body mass = 88.23 body mass in kilogram−0.064, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.460). The present results on TBW can serve as reference values for suckling and lactating llamas, e.g., for the evaluation of fluid losses during disease. Additionally, the established regression equations can be used to predict TBW from body mass, providing that the body masses fall inside the range of masses used to derive the equations

Response to issues on GM agriculture in Africa: Are transgenic crops safe?

The controversies surrounding transgenic crops, often called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), call for a need to raise the level of public awareness of Genetic Modification (GM) technology in Africa. This should be accomplished by educating the public about the potential benefits and risks that may be associated with this new technology. In the last 15 years, GM crop producing countries have benefited from adoption of this new technology in the form of improved crop productivity, food security, and quality of life. The increased income to resource-poor farmers is a key benefit at the individual level especially as most countries using this technology are in the developing world, including three African countries (South Africa, Burkina Faso and Egypt). Despite clear benefits to countries and farmers who grow GMOs, many people are concerned about suspected potential risks associated with GMOs. This sparks debate as to whether GM technology should be adopted or not. Given the concerns regarding the safety of GMO products, thorough scientific investigation of safe application of GMOs is required. The objective of this paper is to respond to the issues of GM agriculture in Africa and some of the issues surrounding the adoption of GM crops between developed and developing countries. In this article, I analyse relevant papers relating to the adoption of GM technology particularly in developing countries including the few African countries that have adopted GM crops. The issues discussed span a wide range including: safety; potential benefits and risks; disputes between the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) over adoption of GM crops with a focus on Africa continent. This article is concluded by summarising the issues raised and how GM technology can be adopted for agricultural development in Africa

Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 and BMP-7 regulate differentially Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-beta 1 in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Airway remodelling is thought to be under the control of a complex group of molecules belonging to the Transforming Growth Factor <b>(</b>TGF)-superfamily. The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins <b>(</b>BMPs) belong to this family and have been shown to regulate fibrosis in kidney and liver diseases. However, the role of BMPs in lung remodelling remains unclear. BMPs may regulate tissue remodelling in asthma by controlling TGF-β-induced profibrotic functions in lung fibroblasts.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cell cultures were exposed to TGF-β1 alone or in the presence of BMP-4 or BMP-7; control cultures were exposed to medium only. Cell proliferation was assessed by quantification of the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine. The expression of the mRNA encoding collagen type I and IV, tenascin C and fibronectin in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) was determined by real-time quantitative PCR and the main results were confirmed by ELISA. Cell differentiation was determined by the analysis of the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The effect on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was assessed by zymography.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We have demonstrated TGF-β1 induced upregulation of mRNAs encoding the extracellular matrix proteins, tenascin C, fibronectin and collagen type I and IV when compared to unstimulated NHLF, and confirmed these results at the protein level. BMP-4, but not BMP-7, reduced TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix protein production. TGF-β1 induced an increase in the activity of the pro-form of MMP-2 which was inhibited by BMP-7 but not BMP-4. Both BMP-4 and BMP-7 downregulated TGF-β1-induced MMP-13 release compared to untreated and TGF-β1-treated cells. TGF-β1 also induced a myofibroblast-like transformation which was partially inhibited by BMP-7 but not BMP-4.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study suggests that some regulatory properties of BMP-7 may be tissue or cell type specific and unveil a potential regulatory role for BMP-4 in the regulation of lung fibroblast function.</p

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Pooled analysis of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist use and mortality after emergency laparotomy

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety Checklist has fostered safe practice for 10 years, yet its place in emergency surgery has not been assessed on a global scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate reported checklist use in emergency settings and examine the relationship with perioperative mortality in patients who had emergency laparotomy. Methods In two multinational cohort studies, adults undergoing emergency laparotomy were compared with those having elective gastrointestinal surgery. Relationships between reported checklist use and mortality were determined using multivariable logistic regression and bootstrapped simulation. Results Of 12 296 patients included from 76 countries, 4843 underwent emergency laparotomy. After adjusting for patient and disease factors, checklist use before emergency laparotomy was more common in countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI) (2455 of 2741, 89.6 per cent) compared with that in countries with a middle (753 of 1242, 60.6 per cent; odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95 per cent c.i. 0.14 to 0.21, P <0001) or low (363 of 860, 422 per cent; OR 008, 007 to 010, P <0.001) HDI. Checklist use was less common in elective surgery than for emergency laparotomy in high-HDI countries (risk difference -94 (95 per cent c.i. -11.9 to -6.9) per cent; P <0001), but the relationship was reversed in low-HDI countries (+121 (+7.0 to +173) per cent; P <0001). In multivariable models, checklist use was associated with a lower 30-day perioperative mortality (OR 0.60, 0.50 to 073; P <0.001). The greatest absolute benefit was seen for emergency surgery in low- and middle-HDI countries. Conclusion Checklist use in emergency laparotomy was associated with a significantly lower perioperative mortality rate. Checklist use in low-HDI countries was half that in high-HDI countries.Peer reviewe

Global variation in anastomosis and end colostomy formation following left-sided colorectal resection

Background End colostomy rates following colorectal resection vary across institutions in high-income settings, being influenced by patient, disease, surgeon and system factors. This study aimed to assess global variation in end colostomy rates after left-sided colorectal resection. Methods This study comprised an analysis of GlobalSurg-1 and -2 international, prospective, observational cohort studies (2014, 2016), including consecutive adult patients undergoing elective or emergency left-sided colorectal resection within discrete 2-week windows. Countries were grouped into high-, middle- and low-income tertiles according to the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Factors associated with colostomy formation versus primary anastomosis were explored using a multilevel, multivariable logistic regression model. Results In total, 1635 patients from 242 hospitals in 57 countries undergoing left-sided colorectal resection were included: 113 (6·9 per cent) from low-HDI, 254 (15·5 per cent) from middle-HDI and 1268 (77·6 per cent) from high-HDI countries. There was a higher proportion of patients with perforated disease (57·5, 40·9 and 35·4 per cent; P < 0·001) and subsequent use of end colostomy (52·2, 24·8 and 18·9 per cent; P < 0·001) in low- compared with middle- and high-HDI settings. The association with colostomy use in low-HDI settings persisted (odds ratio (OR) 3·20, 95 per cent c.i. 1·35 to 7·57; P = 0·008) after risk adjustment for malignant disease (OR 2·34, 1·65 to 3·32; P < 0·001), emergency surgery (OR 4·08, 2·73 to 6·10; P < 0·001), time to operation at least 48 h (OR 1·99, 1·28 to 3·09; P = 0·002) and disease perforation (OR 4·00, 2·81 to 5·69; P < 0·001). Conclusion Global differences existed in the proportion of patients receiving end stomas after left-sided colorectal resection based on income, which went beyond case mix alone

Economic assessment of tillage systems and weed control methods in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation in southwestern Nigeria

This study was conducted to appraise the economics of different land preparation systems and weed management options in maize cultivation in three ecological zones (Ikenne, Ibadan and Ilorin) of southwestern Nigeria. Four tillage systems as main treatments and six weed control methods as sub-treatments were accommodated in a split-block arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replications. The main treatments were no-tillage (NT), ploughing and harrowing (PH), ploughing twice (PP), ploughing twice and harrowing (PPH) while the sub-treatments were atrazine plus metolachlor (Primextra) at 2.5 and 3.5 kg a.i. ha-1, atrazine plus pendimethalin at 1.25 + 0.83 and 1.75 + 1.16 kg a.i. ha-1, handweeded and unweeded checks. Net benefits achieved from no-tillage system were lower than that of mechanical tillage in all the locations. Greater net returns were obtained from PPH and PH treatments where handweeding or chemical weeding was used. Increased herbicide rate was not economical under the mechanical tillage systems. Any of the mechanical tillage methods can be employed in the three locations. Atrazine plus metolachlor or atrazine plus pendimethalin mixtures are profitable for maize production in Ikenne and Ibadan while the latter is profitable in Ilorin. Keywords: Tillage; weed control; economic; herbicides; maizeMoor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 7 (1&2) 2006 pp. 15-2