Hydrocarbons biodegradation and evidence of mixed petroleum source inputs to surface sediments from the Cross River system, S. E. Nigeria

Chromatographic analysis of extracts from the Cross River system show evidence of variable composition of biogenic n-alkane profile with dominance of terrigenous over aquatic organic matter present (LHC/SHC-0.36-10.57) at upstream location reflecting the natural background levels and marked levels of petroleum residues (UCM-0.16-11.3) at various sampling stations (downstream). The mild hydrocarbons biodegradation status of these sediment is partly indicated by the pristane/nC17 (0.9-2.56) and phytane/nC18 (0.10-0.85) ratios. Although the 17á(H)25-norhopane detected in the system represent heavy biodegradation, the n-alkane signatures show some characteristics typical of mild  biodegradation, suggesting inputs of mixed/different petroleum origins. In addition, examination of the mass chromatograms of the hopane series shows evidence supportive of inputs from different petroleum source locations, reflected in their thermal history differences, variation in biodegradation patterns and biomarker composition. This distinction is a reflection of utilization of petroleum products derived from different source locations imported into the Nigerian economy

Prevalence Of Rh And ABO Blood Groups In HIV Seropositive Pregnant Women In Enugu, Nigeria

HIV status and blood groups determination (Rhesus and ABO groups) in 3691 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a Mission Hospital and Maternity and 1199 non-pregnant women visiting the same institution for marriage-related matters, or blood donation, or out-patient department between 1999 – 2002 were studied. Blood sample from each subject was screened for HIV using the quick test kits and tested for blood group types with anti-sera A, B, AB, and D. Overall, the prevalence of blood group O+ was higher than in the general population with highest rate of 62.9% in HIV+ pregnant women followed by 58.4% in HIV- pregnant women and 58.0% in non-pregnant women. No difference was observed in groups A+, B+, AB+, O- for the three categories of subjects studied. Blood groups B-, AB- were conspicuously absent in HIV+ pregnant women but non-significant in HIV- pregnant women and the control. A- was very few in all the categories. Rh –ve accounted for 3.16% (HIV+), 3.46%(HIV-) and 2.67% (Control) while Rh +ve were 96.84%(HIV+), 96.06% (HIV-) and 97.33%(Control). Thus, the higher than normal prevalence of group O+ in HIV+ pregnant women is indicative of the population size for this group. The very low prevalence of Rh –ve in type A- suggests that incompatibility could be higher than in this population and protective in HIV infection contrary to the previous report in apparently healthy population. The obvious absence of Rh- in AB group suggests that AB may have a higher percentage of protection against immunization. Hence in group B, less incidence of Rh incompatibility and haemolytic disease of the young in the mothers in blood group AB will occur. Key words: Rhesus genes, ABO blood groups, prevalence, Pregnant women, HIV seropositive. Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 7-

The prevalence of obesity as indicated by body mass index among apparently healthy adults living in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity using BMI and to assess the relative associations with some cardiovascular risk factors (CVD). Subjects for this study were apparently healthy volunteers who willingly granted their informed consent. They reported at the various study zones of the town after an over-night fast where their weights (in Kg), heights (in Metres), and blood pressures (mm Hg) were measured and recorded. Blood samples were also collected via venipuncture for serum lipid profile studies. The data obtained were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The student t-test was used and p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results showed that the prevalence of obesity as determined by BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 was 16.56%. Obesity was more prevalent among the subjects older than 40 years and among females than males (p<0.05). BMI appeared to be significantly associated with CVD risks factors. Thus, healthier eating and increase physical activities are strongly encouraged to reduce the increasing prevalence of obesity and the associated CVD risk burden.Key words: Prevalence, BMI, Obesity, Aba, Nigerian

The Significance Of Adaptive Changes In Rat Haemoglobin Micro-environment And Electophoretic Fractions During Barocamera Hypoxia

The haemoglobin heterogenous system and some aspects of the microenvironment of the respiratory protein were investigated in albino rats, trained to high altitude hypoxia in barocamera conditions. Hypoxia was simulated in a hypoxic cage at a “height” of 6000m above sea level. Electrophoretic analysis of haemoglobin, the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve and the activity of the 2,3-diphosphoglycerte by pass were studied in the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 10th days of hypoxic exposure. While decrease in the concentration of fractions located towards the cathode was recorded, an additional 7th fraction appeared at the anode during the adaptation process. Decrease in the metabolic activity of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate mutase with corresponding decrease in concentration of 2, 3-diphosphglycerate (2,3-DPG) which correlates with leftward shift of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve was observed in the 3rd and 5th days of the experiment. a tendency towards normalization of the haemoglobin P50, concentrated of 2, 3-DPG and activity of 2, 3-DPG mutase was recorded in the 10th day of the exercise. KEY WORDS: Electrophoresis, haemoglobin, Barcamera, Hypoxia. J.Expt. & Clin. Anat. 2(2) 2003: 12-1

Mwchanism of adaptation to hypoxia: Changes in population and fragility of erythrocytes of rats, trained to hypoxic hypoxia

No Abstract

Haemoglobin oxygen affinity of rats, trained to hypoxic Hypoxia

No Abstract

Amenorrhoea in AIDS

No Abstract

Predominance of N-Docosane/Docane as molecular indicators of microbial and recent biogenic matter incorporation into surface sediments of cross river Estuary S.E Niger Delta of Nigeria

No Abstract. Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 5(1) 2006: 43-4

Effect of different combination levels of palm kernel cake, yam peel and plantain peel meals as partial replacement for maize in broiler starter diets.

Ninety six unsexed day old Marshall broiler chickens were divided into 4 groups of 3replicates each on weight equalization basis (42.87 – 43.24g). The chicks were usedto determine the effect of partial replacement of maize with combinations of palmkernel cake (PKC), yam peel meal (YPM) and plantain peel meal (PPM) in broilerstarter diets. Four broiler starter diets were formulated such that diet T1 (control)contained 54% maize. Diets T2, T3 and T4 contained PKC, YPM and PPM in theratios, 1:1:2, 1: 2:1 and 1: 1: 2 replacing 50% of maize. The chick groups were eachrandomly assigned to one of the experimental broiler starter diets in a completelyrandomised design (CRD) experiment. The feed and water were offered ad libitum.Results indicated that birds on diet T4 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher(861.63g) body weight gain than those on other diets. Feed intake followed similartrend with birds on diet T1 recording significantly (p<0.05) lower (1564.63g) valuethan other groups. Feed conversion ratio was comparable (p>0.05) for all groupswhile feed cost savings relative to the control diet ranged from 23.51 – 24.51%. Birdson diets T4 recorded the lowest feed cost per kg body weight gain. It is concluded thatcombinations of PKC, YPM and PPM could safely replace 50% of maize in broilerstarter diet with 1: 1: 2 combination ratio producing a superior performance.Key Words: Combinations, Palm kernel cake, Yam peel, Plantain peel, Broiler

Antifreeze Proteins: Novel Applications and Navigation towards Their Clinical Application in Cryobanking

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) or thermal hysteresis (TH) proteins are biomolecular gifts of nature to sustain life in extremely cold environments. This family of peptides, glycopeptides and proteins produced by diverse organisms including bacteria, yeast, insects and fish act by non-colligatively depressing the freezing temperature of the water below its melting point in a process termed thermal hysteresis which is then responsible for ice crystal equilibrium and inhibition of ice recrystallisation; the major cause of cell dehydration, membrane rupture and subsequent cryodamage. Scientists on the other hand have been exploring various substances as cryoprotectants. Some of the cryoprotectants in use include trehalose, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), sucrose, propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol but their extensive application is limited mostly by toxicity, thus fueling the quest for better cryoprotectants. Hence, extracting or synthesizing antifreeze protein and testing their cryoprotective activity has become a popular topic among researchers. Research concerning AFPs encompasses lots of effort ranging from understanding their sources and mechanism of action, extraction and purification/synthesis to structural elucidation with the aim of achieving better outcomes in cryopreservation. This review explores the potential clinical application of AFPs in the cryopreservation of different cells, tissues and organs. Here, we discuss novel approaches, identify research gaps and propose future research directions in the application of AFPs based on recent studies with the aim of achieving successful clinical and commercial use of AFPs in the future