Effect of abattoir waste on the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of new-artisan river in Enugu, Nigeria

The effects of abattoir wastewater pollution at New Artisan River in New Artisan, Enugu East, Enugu State of Nigeria were investigated. The study involved the collection of water samples at the designated points from the New Artisan River where the abattoir waste waters are discharged. The physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of the waste water samples were conducted using standard analytical methods. Results of the laboratory tests were analyzed using statistical tests. The results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and other international standards. The results obtained were pH; 6.54 at 25.0oC, biochemical oxygen demand(BOD); 5009(mg/L) , chemical oxygen demand (COD); 3820(mg/L) , total suspended solids (TSS); 97.3(mg/L) , total dissolved solids (TDS); 56.7(mg/L) , conductivity; 113(µS/cm) , , dissolved oxygen (DO); 8.60(mg/L) , turbidity; 24.0(NTU) , colour; 117(Pt - Co) , total solids (TS); 154(mg/L) , total hardness (TH); 42.0(mg/L) , calcium; 10.4(mg/L) , coliforms; 9000(cfu/ml) and E - coli; 7500(cfu/ml) . Analyses of the results showed that the samples were highly polluted. Hence, appropriate measures are herein suggested as a means to control pollution discharge in New - Artisan River in order to enhance the quality of human and aquatic life Keywords: Abattoir, wastewater, river, pollution, drinking wate

Physicochemical quality and mycodegradation of commercial paint effluents from factories in Ado-Ekiti, southwestern region, Nigeria

Bioremediation is a useful method for restoring contaminated soils because of its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness. However, the process is slow in soils with low pH. This study sought to explore the isolation and bioremediation of oil-based paint in aqueous medium using indigenous fungal isolates from paint contaminated soil from Ado Ekiti. The fungal isolates were initially screened for bioremediation potential in mineral salts medium containing oil-based paint (conc. 300 ppm, w/v) under shake flask conditions. Results of the physicochemical analysis of the soil showed: pH, 5.60-6.25; organic carbon, 2.28-4.70%; temperature, 27 -35 oC; BOD, 182-219 mg/L; COD, 292-719 mg/L; sulphate, 30-42 mg/L; nitrate, 2.25-8.0 mg/L. The load of heterotrophic fungi ranged from 1.21 × 104 to 17.0 ×104 cfu/g while paint-utilizing fungal counts in the samples ranged from 0.27 × 103 to 3.5 ×103cfu/g. The isolated fungi mainly belonged to six (6) fungal genera, namely; Penicillium spp (43.75%), Fusarium spp (18.75%), Rhizopus oryzae (12.5%), Aspergillus niger (12.5%). Among them, Penicillium notatum showed the greatest paint degradation ability from day 7 to day 21 while Penicillium citrium showed the least among the fungal isolates on day 7. The results suggest that Penicllium isolates in this study could be exploited in bioremediation of paint effluents and contaminated soil.Keywords: Biodegradation, Fungi, Contamination, Isolate, Paint effluen

Characterization and optimization of carotenoid extracted from the peels of tomato Lycopersicon esculentum grown in Nigeria

The application of synthetic colourants to foods, snacks, and beverages has increased within the past 50 years, and up to a 500% increase has been  reported in Nigeria. Consumers of coloured foods and beverages have been showing worries about the possible health hazards of such products  over time. Hence, researchers have shifted attention to alternative and natural colourants that are harmless. Extraction of carotenoid from tomato  peel by-product will not only solve the problem associated with consuming synthetic colourant but solve the pollution problem connected with  tomato processing. This research was conducted to study the kinetics and determine the thermodynamics of carotenoid extraction from tomato  peel (Lycopersicon esculentum) using ethanol. Tomato peel by-product was collected, cleaned, oven-dried, and ground. It was characterized to  determine the proximate and phytochemicals composition. The carotenoid extraction process parameters were optimized using response surface  methodology, and the carotenoid extracted was analysed using a gas chromatographmass spectrophotometer. The kinetics and thermodynamics of  extraction were studied using a first-order mass transfer model and thermodynamics to determine energy changes involved in the extraction.  The result of the proximate analysis showed the following values; crude protein (0.69%), Fibre (20.63%), Ash (17.40%), Fat (8.53%), Moisture (8.13%),  and Carbohydrate (44.62%). The phytochemical analysis showed that the tomato peel contains terpenoid, alkaloid, saponin, and flavonoid. The  optimal conditions for carotenoid extraction were 0.306 mL/g solvent/solid ratio, 20 minutes extraction time, and temperature of 36 °C with the  optimal yield of 82.35%. The result indicates that tomatoes contain 82.35 g of carotenoid. It is observed that the carotenoid contains lutein 1.89%,  lycopene 88.11%, - carotene 2.25%, cis--carotene 2.41%, - carotene 1.23%, cis-lycopene 0.89%, phytofluene 0.62%,-carotene 1.2% and phytoene  1.52%. Therefore, among the components, lycopene is the most dominant with the composition of 88.11% yield, and the extraction was  endothermic, spontaneous, and feasible. Ethanol is a good solvent for the extraction of carotenoid from tomatoes peel. &nbsp

Sensitivity pattern of clinical isolates of Candida albicans from hiv/aids patients to combined physcia grisea extract and tioconazole

This study was carried out to investigate the sensitivity pattern of clinical isolates of C. albicans from HIV/AIDS patients to combined P. grisea extract and tioconazole. Twenty isolates of C. albicans were obtained from high vaginal swab (HVS) from HIV/AIDS patients in Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka after their confirmatory test. The sensitivity pattern of these isolates to P. grisea, tioconazole, and P. grisea combined with tioconazole was carried out using agar diffusion technique. The result of the in vitro study showed that P. grisea extract decreases the MIC of tioconazole thereby increasing the efficacy of the agent. The test microorganism, C. albicans was highly sensitive to P. grisea combined with tioconazole but less sensitive to the P. grisea extract alone. Overall, the antimicrobial activity of both the single and combined agents was found to be concentration dependent. This shows that in the treatment of candidiasis in HIV/AIDS patients, P. grisea extract combined with tioconazole may be used

Effects of rumenotomy plus infusion of two saline crystalloid solutions on serum biochemical parameters and erythrocye osmotic fragility of West African Dwarf Goats

Objectives: Fifteen West African dwarf (WAD) goats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups to study the effects of  dextrose saline (DS) and normal saline (NS) infusions solutions on serum biochemical parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of rumenotomized goats.Design: Post rumenotomy, goats in groups 1 and 2 were administered with NS and DS while group 3 goats received no fluid. Serum concentrations of total plasma protein (TPP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium and bicarbonate were subsequently assayed. Body weights, blood glucose and erythrocyte osmotic fragility were determinedResults: On day 1 post rumenotomy (PSRT), mean TPP concentration of group 1 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of groups 2 and 3 whereas mean BUN concentrations of groups 1 and 3 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than BUN of group 2. Mean body weight of group 3 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of groups 1 and 2 throughout the study. Mean glucose concentration of group 3 was significantly (P<0.05) highest on days 1, 3 and 7 PSRT. Mean sodium concentrations of groups 1 and 2 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of group 3 on day 1 PSRT. The osmotic effect of normal saline was significantly (P<0.05) more than that of dextrose saline on PSRT days 2 and 3.Conclusion: The outcome of this study showed that fluid infusion ameliorated the biochemical changes PSRT. However, normal saline exerted more osmotic effect on erythrocytes of goats

Preparation and evaluation of burn wound healing potential of methanolic extract of Leptadenia reticulata based ointment in wistar rats

This study was aimed at evaluating the healing effect of the leaves of Leptadenia reticulata formulated as ointment, on burn wounds inoculated with microorganisms isolated from burn patients. Test organisms were isolated from burn patients in National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Nigeria after approval from the Hospital’s Ethics Committee and identified morphologically and phenotypically using standard biochemical analysis. The leaves of Leptadenia reticulata were subjected to extraction by cold maceration using 95 % methanol. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis, and also formulated into ointments of varying concentrations which were used to screen for wound healing activities utilizing burn wound model on Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 6) and each group challenged with three identified organisms on different sites. Group I received 10 % ointment, group II received 5 % ointment, group III served as the standard and received burn cream (sulphadiazine cream) and group IV served as the negative control receiving plain ointment base. The treatment was continued for 16 days and wound size was measured daily. The 10 % extract ointment had a greater burn wound healing activity than the 5 % extract concentration and standard drug used against burn wounds challenged with Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp. It had similar effect as silver sulfadiazine on burn wounds challenged with Staphylococcus spp.. Therefore, this study suggested that topical application of methanolic extract of Leptadenia reticulata as 10 % ointment will play an important role in burn wound healing. The study also revealed that its leaves contain bioactive phytochemical constituents that have burn wound healing activity. Keywords: Leptadenia reticulata, wound healing, wound infections, burn wound, silver sulfadiazine

Effects of light intensity and photoperiod on growth, lipid accumulation and fatty acid composition of Desmodesmus subspicatus LC172266 under photoautotrophic cultivation

Microalgae oil accumulation in their natural growing states hardly reaches the quantities needed to replace fossil-derived diesel. Therefore, for algae to be used as biofuel feedstock, their growths are manipulated with the aim of achieving high cell density and high lipid accumulation. Two major factors affecting microalgal biomass and lipid productivity are light intensity and photoperiod. In the present study, Desmodesmus subspicatus was grown photoautotrophically under varying light intensities and photoperiods with a view to assessing the growth, lipid accumulation potential and fatty acid composition. Whereas the optimal light intensity for biomass production of the microalga was 5000 lx, that for lipid productivity was 3500 lx. At 5000 lx and 18: 6 h light/dark cycle, biomass yield, lipid content and lipid productivity were highest, at values of 1.92 ± 0.03 g/L, 53% and 118.80 ± 2.04 mgL-1day -1 respectively. The major fatty acid of the alga was oleic acid irrespective of light changes. The quantities of lipid accumulated and the properties of the fatty acid methyl esters showed that Desmodesmus subspicatus LC172266 is an ideal feedstock for biodiesel production

Bilateral malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast

Phyllodes tumor is one of the breast-specific biphasic tumors, arising from the intra-lobular breast stroma. It constitutes less than 1%of all breast tumors. Bilateralmalignant phyllodes tumor is uncommon.We report a case of 32-year oldmultiparouswoman who died of multi-organ metastatic disease. The diagnosis was based on histology report of the breast specimen.We highlightimportant issues on the behavior andmanagemenet of the tumor.Niger Med J. Vol. 48, No. 4, Oct. – Dec., 2007: 101 – 102.Keywords: Breast,Phyllodes tumor,Malignant

Antimicrobial evaluation of crude extract of Synclisia scabrida miers (fam: menispermaceae) against some enteric pathogens

Plant parts have been widely used in the treatment of human diseases and the use of herbal medicine is the major form of medicine in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Synclisia scabrida (Miers) is an important medicinal plant that is widely distributed and valued for its vast therapeutic properties. The root bark of Synclisia scabrida (Miers) was collected, air-dried and extracted with ethanol using soxhlet extraction apparatus.. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract and the standard antibiotics were determined by agar dilution method..Preliminary sensitivity test showed that Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were susceptible to the plant extract. The MIC values of the extract against the organisms ranged from 1.25-2.50 mg/ml. Those of standard drugs ranged from 0.00625-0.0125 μg/ml for ciprofloxacin, 0.0015625-0.006250 μg/ml for levofloxacin and ofloxacin and 0.0015625-0.0031250 μg/ml for pefloxacin. The results of this work support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of enteric disorders. Keywords: Antimicrobial; Crude extract; Synclisia scabrida Miers; Menispermaceae; Enteri

Ulcerative Keratitis: incidence, seasonal distribution and determinants in a tertiary eyecare facility south east Nigeria

Background: Ulcerative keratitis is a potentially blinding eye disease found in eyes with predisposing risk factors.Objectives: To determine the incidence, distribution, causative organisms and risk factors for ulcerative keratitis in patients presenting at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)- a tertiary referral eye care facility, Enugu, Nigeria.Study Design: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study of 61 new patients with ulcerative keratitis who presented at the UNTH from October 2011-September 2012. Participants’ socio-demographics and predisposing risk factors were documented. Corneal scrapings were collected for microbial diagnosis.Results: A total of 11,056 new patients presented during the study period giving an incidence rate of 0.6%. Of the 61 participants, 44(72.1%) were males, 17(27.9%) were females with an age range of 6 – 75 years and a median age of 54 years. Of the 40(65.6%) culture positive corneal scrapings, 21(52.5%) were purely bacterial, 17(42.5%) were purely fungal while 2(5%) were mixed infection, caused by both bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus) organisms in both cases. Commonest predisposing risk factor was non- surgical trauma 43(70.5%) followed by use of harmful Traditional Eye Medicine (TEM) 27(44.3%). The seasonal distribution of corneal ulcer was highest in month June 11(18.0%). Complications from the ulcers included central leucoma 19 (31.2%) and panophthalmitis 6 (9.9%).Conclusion: The incidence rate of ulcerative keratitis is 0.6% occurring highest in the month of June with more bacterial than fungal isolates. Many participants were exposed to non- surgical trauma and use of TEM. Eye health education (emphasizing the deleterious effects of TEMs) and protection (especially for artisans) if instituted can reduce the visual morbidity associated with corneal ulcers