Geoelectric Investigation for Groundwater Development of Southern Part of Nigeria

A resistivity survey was carried out in order to study groundwater potentials in the southern part of Nigeria; Obio Etoi, Obio Offot, the University of Uyo, all of the Uyo Local Government Area, and Akwa Ibom State. Twelve vertical electrical soundings using the Schlumberger array were conducted. The soundings were carried out with current electrode spacing (AB/2) ranging from 1m to 400m using Terrameter model 300 and its accessories. The field data acquisition was carried out by moving two to four of the electrodes used between each measurement. All of the data was first calculated in the field to check its quality. The apparent resistivity obtained from the field was plotted against half the current electrode separation (AB/2) on the bilogarithmic graph paper to obtain the initial parameters, which were used in a computer program to obtain final parameters. From the interpreted results, six subsurface layers were distinguished in each of the regions, the resistivity ranging from 307 to 16100Ωm (thickness 0.6 – 26.7m) in Obio Offot, 1260 to 16300Ωm (thickness 0.79 – 110.9m) in Obio Etoi and 526 to 17000Ωm (thickness 0.23 and above) in the University of Uyo. The formation boundaries were thus delineated using the resistivity values obtained from the interpretation of field data. The top fine sandy layers (27, 39 and 20m could be a major source of shallow well water, but the aquifers may be susceptible to contamination. Deep boreholes can be reached at less than 75.69, 75.2 and 60m without contamination

Effects of Farming Conditions on the Nutritional Contents of Manihot esculenta Planted in four Regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria

All through human existence, the ability to cultivate crops to better human life has been affected by the nature of the soil; different crops strive in different regions. The relationship between humans, the earth and food production affirms soil as the foundation of crop production. Hence, the objective of this paper as to the effects of farming conditions on the nutritional contents of Manihot esculenta planted in four regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria. Using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained revealed that the moisture contents varied in the order; herbicide > oil-spilled > inorganic fertilizer > normal. The amount of water-soluble vitamins varied in the order; normal > oil spilled > inorganic fertilizer > herbicide. The amount of crude lipids varied in the order; herbicide > normal > inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled. The amount of hydrogen cyanide varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer > herbicide > oil-spilled > normal. The amount of carbohydrate varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled > normal > herbicide. The amount of crude protein and fiber varied in the order; herbicide > normal > inorganic fertilizer > oil-spilled. Root tubers from the normal practice was most abundant in ash contents, while that from the use of herbicide was the least. These results indicated that the normal practice showed commended amount of moisture content, water soluble vitamins and ash content; the herbicide induced land produced cassava tuber with the highest amount of crude lipids, crude fibre and crude proteins; that with the use of inorganic fertilizer produced the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide. All practices were adoptive for carbohydrate formation, except the herbicide induced soil

Effects of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum on haematological parameters of normal and streptozotocin–induced diabetic rats

The effect of the oral administration of both ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts from Bryophyllum pinnatum (BP) on haematological parameters of normal and streptozotocin - induced (STZ) diabetic rat was investigated. Twenty-five male Wister rats were used and divided into five groups of five rats each. They were designated as (Normal Control – NC, Diabetic Control – DC, Diabetic Ethanolic Extract – DEE, Diabetic Aqueous Extract – DAE, and Normal Aqueous Extract – NAE). Groups NC and DC served as ‘control’ animals receiving food and water only. Groups DC, DEE and DAE were injected intraperitoneally with 65mg/kg body weight streptozotocin. Induction of diabetes mellitus was confirmed after 48 hours using glucose test strips. The test rats were all treated with 100mg/kgbwt ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum for 28days. At the end of the 28days, the rats were sacrificed and whole blood collected for Haematological assay. Results obtained showed a significant difference(P<0.05) in White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Platelet (PLT), Haemoglobin (HBG), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Lymphocytes (LYM) in treated rats with BP leaf extracts when compared to the diabetic and normal control groups

Heavy Metals Concentration in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis) Grown and Consumed in Camp-2 Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

There are environmental and public health risk consequences, if plants take up nutrients as well as pollutants from the soil, which they can bio-accumulate. The Present study was carried out to assess the heavy metals concentration in vegetables plant called fluted pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis) grown and consumed in Camp2 Community of Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State (Nigeria). The plant samples were collected at the study sites in three locations, heavy metals analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after a wet digestion. Heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni) in vegetable plant were determined. The result shows that the mean value of Nickel, lead and Cadmium in vegetable plant were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Camp2 compared to the control site. Hence these values were above WHO standard (0.1mg/l) and FAO/WHO standards of (0.2mg/kg) while others were within joint FAO/WHO standard limit. The uptake of these heavy metals from the soil to the plant through transfer factor (TF) could be the reason why the plants were deficient in minerals component in Camp2 compared to the control site. Consuming vegetable plants on contaminated environment could bring about negative impact on both animals and human health

Neuroprotective activities of Boophone haemanthoides (amaryllidaceae) extract and its chemical constituents

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that progresses as age increases, and some of its major symptoms include tremor and postural and movement-related difficulties. To date, the treatment of PD remains a challenge because available drugs only treat the symptoms of the disease or possess serious side effects. In light of this, new treatment options are needed; hence, this study investigates the neuroprotective effects of an organic Boophone haemanthoides extract (BHE) and its bioactive compounds using an in vitro model of PD involving the toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Comparison of Performance Properties of Muds Formulated With Synthesized C14 and C16 Esters of Lauric Acid

Drilling muds have relied on a range of base fluids, with mineral oil-based formulations dominating the landscape for decades. However, mineral oil-based muds contain a plethora of toxic aromatic compounds which are persistent in the environment. Hence, the objective of the paper was to synthesize and compare the performance properties of drilling muds formulated with C14 and C16 esters of lauric acid using appropriate standard procedures. Benchmarking of the esters with a reference synthetic base fluid indicated that the esters have suitable physicochemical properties for application as synthetic base drilling fluid. Their kinematic viscosities are within the API recommended range, ethyl laurate (EL) has a lower cloud point relative to the reference, and the two base fluids have higher flash point and electrical stabilities relative to the reference. The results obtained from comparing the rheology of muds prepared with ester products and that prepared with the reference fluid indicate that the muds prepared with ethyl, and n-butyl laurate have higher electrical stability than the mud prepared with the reference base fluid. The results also show that the muds prepared with the esters synthesized in this work displayed better rheology profiles than the mud prepared with the reference synthetic base fluid. However, ethyl laurate (EL) formulated mud had better thermal stability than n-butyl laurate (BL) at the temperature range studied. Through the investigation of these ester-based drilling muds, we showcased the potential of these esters to enhance drilling efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and optimize operational performance

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 3,7-substituted coumarin derivatives as multifunctional Alzheimer’s disease agents

Multitarget directed ligands (MTDLs) are emerging as promising treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Coumarin derivatives serve as a good starting point for designing MTDLs due to their inherent inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and cholinesterase enzymes, which are complicit in AD’s complex pathophysiology. A preliminary series of 3,7-substituted coumarin derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for enzyme inhibitory activity, cytotoxicity as well as neuroprotective ability. The results indicated that the compounds are weak cholinesterase inhibitors with five compounds demonstrating relatively potent inhibition and selectivity towards MAO-B with IC50 values between 0.014 and 0.498 hx00B5;mM. Significant neuroprotective effects towards MPPþ-compromised SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were also observed, with no inherent cytotoxicity at 10 mM for all compounds. The overall results demonstrated that substitution of the phenylethyloxy moiety at the 7-position imparted superior general activity to the derivatives, with the propargylamine substitution at the 3-position, in particular, displaying the best MAO-B selectivity and neuroprotection

RABIES IN A TWO -AND -A-HALF MONTH

Rabies has no cure but can be prevented through vaccination. It is a disease of zoonotic importance. It is believed that maternal immunity protects dogs up to and about 3 months of age thereafter they have to be given vaccination that will protect them against the disease. An unvaccinated bitch with anti rabies vaccination will not confer on her puppies any immunity against rabies virus infection

Geographical information system and predictive risk maps of urinary schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The control of urinary schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria remains inert due to lack of reliable data on the geographical distribution of the disease and the population at risk. To help in developing a control programme, delineating areas of risk, geographical information system and remotely sensed environmental images were used to developed predictive risk maps of the probability of occurrence of the disease and quantify the risk for infection in Ogun State, Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Infection data used were derived from carefully validated morbidity questionnaires among primary school children in 2001–2002, in which school children were asked among other questions if they have experienced "blood in urine" or urinary schistosomiasis. The infection data from 1,092 schools together with remotely sensed environmental data such as rainfall, vegetation, temperature, soil-types, altitude and land cover were analysis using binary logistic regression models to identify environmental features that influence the spatial distribution of the disease. The final regression equations were then used in Arc View 3.2a GIS software to generate predictive risk maps of the distribution of the disease and population at risk in the state.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Logistic regression analysis shows that the only significant environmental variable in predicting the presence and absence of urinary schistosomiasis in any area of the State was Land Surface Temperature (LST) (B = 0.308, p = 0.013). While LST (B = -0.478, p = 0.035), rainfall (B = -0.006, p = 0.0005), ferric luvisols (B = 0.539, p = 0.274), dystric nitosols (B = 0.133, p = 0.769) and pellic vertisols (B = 1.386, p = 0.008) soils types were the final variables in the model for predicting the probability of an area having an infection prevalence equivalent to or more than 50%. The two predictive risk maps suggest that urinary schistosomiasis is widely distributed and occurring in all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in State. The high-risk areas (≥ 50% prevalence) however, are confined to scatter foci in the north western part of the State. The model also estimated that 98.99% of schools aged children (5–14 years) are living in areas suitable for urinary schistosomiasis transmission and are at risk of infection.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The risk maps developed will hopefully be useful to the state health officials, by providing them with detailed distribution of urinary schistosomiasis, help to delineate areas for intervention, assesses population at risk thereby helping in optimizing scarce resources.</p