Determination of serum chloride ion concentration in pregnant women from Minjibir local government area, Kano State Nigeria

Serum chloride ion level in blood samples of pregnant women attending ante-natal care clinic in Minjibir was investigated. The mean and standard deviation of the ion in the samples is 100.51± 4.89mmol/L. The distribution is skewed towards high frequency of low concentrations and could be attributed to electrolyte disturbance in some of these women. This disturbance may be due to vomitting, low fluid intake, drugs and malnutrition.Keywords: Chloride ion, pregnant women, ante-nata

Predicting the minimum liquid surface tension activity of pseudomonads expressing biosurfactants

Bacteria produce a variety of biosurfactants capable of significantly reducing liquid (aqueous) surface tension (γ) with a range of biological roles and biotechnological uses. In order to determine the lowest achievable surface tension (γMin), we tested a diverse collection of Pseudomonas-like isolates from contaminated soil and activated sludge, and identified those expressing biosurfactants by drop-collapse assay. Liquid surface tension reducing ability was quantitatively determined by tensiometry, with 57 isolates found to significantly lower culture supernatant surface tensions to 24.5 – 49.1 mN m−1. Differences in biosurfactant behaviour determined by foaming, emulsion and oil-displacement assays, was also observed amongst isolates producing surface tensions of 25 – 27 mN m−1, suggesting that a range of structurally-diverse biosurfactants were being expressed. Individual distribution identification (IDI) analysis was used to identify the theoretical probability distribution that best fitted the surface tension data, which predicted a γMin of 24.24 mN m−1. This was in agreement with predictions based on earlier work of published mixed–bacterial spp. data, suggesting a fundamental limit to the ability of bacterial biosurfactants to reduce surface tensions in aqueous systems. This implies a biological restriction on the synthesis and export of these agents or a physical-chemical restriction on their functioning once produced

Age-specific life tables of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and its parasitoid Aphytismelinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Abstract: Biological parameters of the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii [Maskell] [Hemiptera: Diaspididae]) were determined under laboratory conditions at 3 different temperatures (20, 23, and 27 °C) on butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Lamarck) (Cucurbitaceae), while the biological parameters of its parasitoid Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were conducted at 27 °C. The survival of A. aurantii ranged between 80.0% and 88.3%. The highest mortality was recorded during the adult stage, with mortalities ranging between 12% and 20%. On C. moschata, the total development time was 93.1 ± 9.73, 81.8 ± 7.13, and 65.7 ± 6.37 days, while the adult longevity was 54.65 ± 0.71, 47.05 ± 0.97, and 39.35 ± 1.07 days at 20, 23, and 27 °C, respectively. The oviposition period of A. aurantii was 44.3 ± 0.51, 40.65 ± 0.41, and 34.5 ± 0.45 days at 20, 23, and 27 °C, respectively. Average fecundity was 73.25 ± 1.827, 109.7 ± 3.569, and 129.35 ± 4.564 individuals at 20, 23, and 27 °C, respectively. For A. melinus, adult longevity was 19.24 ± 0.73 days, and average fecundity 62.7 ± 2.81 eggs at 27 °C. The preoviposition period was 0.82 ± 0.05 days, oviposition period was 15.7 ± 0.52 days, and postoviposition period was 2.21 ± 0.09 days. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of A. melinus (0.188 ♀/♀/day) was significantly greater than that of A. aurantii (0.080) at 27 °C. These laboratory results demonstrated that A. melinus is an effective parasitoid for decreasing A. aurantii populations. Fecundity of A. aurantii and A. melinus was determined with the Enkegaard equation. The best-fit parameters of fecundity were calculated as a = 0.410, b = 0.099; a = 0.624, b = 0.098; a = 0.661, b = 0.091; a = 1.190, b = 0.179 for A. aurantii at 20, 23, and 27 °C, and A. melinus at 27 °C, respectively

X-ray photons attenuation characteristics for two tellurite based glass systems at dental diagnostic energies

X-ray photons attenuation characteristics for the two tellarite based glasses Bi2O3\u2013 B2O3\u2013 TeO2\u2013 TiO2 and PbO\u2013ZnO\u2013TeO2\u2013B2O3 have been investigated at dental diagnostic energies (between 30-80 keV) using Geant4 code and WinXcom software. The correlation coefficient (R2) is utilized to evaluate the extent to which Geant4 results are related to the WinXcom data. For the both series, R2 is close to 1 for all samples and this implies a perfect degree of association between the Geant4 and WinXcom data. The linear attenuation coefficient is proportionally increased with addition of TeO2 in both series, which implies that there is a decreasing tendency in the X-ray photon transmission corresponding with an increase in the TeO2 content in the glasses. The half value layer (HVL) decreases as the density increases and this decreasing is very notable at 70 and 80 keV. The maximum HVL for all samples occurs at 80 keV and this implies that the HVL gradually increases as the energy of the X-ray photons increase. Also, the increment of TO2 in the glasses (in both systems) leads to reduce the mean free path and BiTeTi6 and PbTeB6 samples have the lowest MFP. The MFP for both systems was compared with three heavy concretes and the comparison revealed that the selected systems can be utilized to fabricate protection masks used during diagnostic radiation of the head or oral cavity

Maleficent effects of chronic tobacco Shisha smoke exposure on sperm DNA fragmentation, count, motility and morphology in adult male wistar rats

Background: Currently there are no putative empirical data on the effect of Shisha smoking on sperm DNA integrity and some of the available data on the adverse effects of Shisha smoking on conventional semen characteristics: sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology are contradictory. Despite the well-known deleterious reproductive effects of cigarette smoking, it is relatively unclear whether or not Shisha smoking has the same effect on male reproductive parameters. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of chronic Shisha smoke exposure on semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-one adult male Wistar rats between the ages of 8-12 weeks, weighing between 160 -180 g were divided randomly into three groups containing 7 rats per group. Group I rats were kept for 30 minutes daily in the nose-only exposure chamber for a period 13 weeks without exposure to Shisha smoke; group II (with water in the Shisha jar) was exposed to bonged shisha smoke (BSS) and group III (without water in the shisha jar) was exposed to unbonged Shisha smoke (UBSS), respectively for 7 seconds first and fresh air later for 53 seconds, alternatively for 30 minutes daily for a period of 13 weeks. The Shisha smoke was drawn from the Shisha apparatus outlet by a vacuum compressor at a pressure of 300 kPa into the nose-only exposure chamber where the rats were kept. At the end of the exposure, five animals from each group were randomly selected and anaesthetised with 0.4 mL/100g of combined ketamine and diazepam and blood samples were obtained through cardiac puncture. Results:The result obtained showed that chronic exposure to Shisha smoke revealed a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level, high sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal cell morphology, marked reduction in serum testosterone concentration, sperm count and progressive motility

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extracts Against Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated From Urinary Tract Infected Patients

Antibiotic resistance has increased substantially in recent years and is posing an ever-increasing therapeutic problem. One of the methods to reduce the resistance to antibiotics is by using antibiotic resistance inhibitors from plants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial properties of aqueous, petroleum ether and methanolic leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera plant against pathogenic bacteria isolated from urinary tract infected patients and five standard strains of American type culture collection. The antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts was determined in vitro, using Cup plate method, and compared with sensitivity testing of some antibiotic agents using disc diffusion method. The results obtained showed that all concentration of methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera had high inhibitory effects on S. aureus ATCC25923, K. pneumoniae ATCC35637 standard strains and the S. aureus, S. saprophyticus and E.coli isolated from UTI. The three concentration of water extract had inhibitory effects only on Proteus vulgaris NCTC8196 strain. The petroleum ether extracts showed no inhibitory activity on any organism. These results were compared with standard antibiotics Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Norfloxacin which showed moderate sensitivity against S. aureus and Amikacin was completely resistant to K. pneumoniae isolated from UTI. These results provide valuable information that Moringa oleifera hold great promise as highly effective antibacterial agents

Effects of Seawater on Setting Time and Compressive Strength of Concretes with Different Richness

Water is one of the main constituents of concrete. Although many types of water exist, fresh water is the mostly used in concrete industry. Fresh water is expected to be in a great shortage by 2050 according to UN world water development report. Incorporating seawater in concrete mixture can help in the expected problem of scarcity of fresh water. Also, in many cases seawater may be the only available water especially in coastal regions. Many reports mention various possibilities of using seawater in concrete without detrimental effect on concrete properties. In this study another beneficial effect of seawater over tap water was concluded. Setting tests of cement paste mixed with seawater was determined using Vicat apparatus and compared to tap water. Compressive strength tests at the age of 28 days of Portland cement concretes with varied quantity of cement i.e. 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 kg, and mixed with seawater was also performed and compared to tap water. The results show that seawater affects standard consistency of cement paste and two percent increase was required in order to attain the same consistency as tap water. It shows also seawater slightly accelerates initial setting of cement but the effect is not so pronounced so as to cause a trouble in concrete and final setting time almost remains unaltered. Compressive strength tests show an increase in concrete strength mixed with seawater for all tested mixtures and depending on quantity of cement. It also shows a beneficial effect of seawater on compressive strength of rich concrete with quantity of cement 450 and 500 kg over tap water. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091695 Full Text: PD

Effect of Aqueous-Methanol Leaves Extract of Cassia occidentalis on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxic Rat

The indiscriminate usage of different parts of Cassia occidentalis in the management and/or treatment of several diseases has lead to several researches about the plant’s safety, efficacy and probable mode of action. This research investigates the effects of aqueous-methanol leaves extract of Cassia occidentalis on liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Globulin) in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. A total of twenty five rats divided into five groups of five rats each were used. Group I served as normal control, Group II-V were induced with hepatotoxicity using CCl4 (120mg/kg bodyweight). Group II served as test control, group III and IV were administered with the extract at a dose of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg while group V were acdministered with standard drug (10mg/kg of livolin), per day for two weeks. The animals were euthanized after 24 hours of last extract administration and liver function indices (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Globulin) were assayed A significant increase (p<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, Total protein and Globulin was observed in test control group compared to normal control. Administration of the extract lead to a significant decrease (p<0.05) in ALT, AST, ALP, total protein and Globulin in a dose dependent manner compared to test control group. The observed hepatocurative effect of the plant may be due to the presence of phytochemicals. Keywords: Cassia occidentalis;  leaves; carbon tetrachloride and hepatocurative

The effect of rutin on lipid profile and liver function enzymes on alloxan induced hyperglycaemic wistar rats

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of rutin on lipid profile and liver function enzymes on alloxan induced hyperglycaemia in Wistar rats. Hyperglycaemic was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg alloxan monohydrate. The rats were grouped into five groups of five rats each. Group 1 served as the diabetic negative control, Group 2 served as positive control and was treated with 2 mg/kg glibenclamide, while Groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of rutin respectively. Rutin was administered to the animals orally for a period of four weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the rats from each experimental group were sacrificed using light chloroform and sera were collected for the determination of lipid profile and liver function enzymes. There was a significant (p<0.05) decreased in the total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein as compared to control. However, there was a significant (p<0.05) increased in the level of high density lipoprotein when compared to diabetic control. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) decreased in the serum liver enzymes; Aspartate transaminase (AST) Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphates (ALP) as compared to control. As regards to the reference drug 2mg/kg glibenclamide there was a significant (p<0.05) increased in the liver enzymes function as compared to control. Conclusion, rutin has hypolipidemic effect and also decreased liver function enzymes activity on alloxan induced hyperglycaemic rats.Keywords: Rutin, Hyperglycaemia, Alloxan, Lipid profile, Liver enzyme

BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors as Candidates for the Treatment of COVID-19: Molecular Docking, Pharmacophore Modeling, ADMET Studies

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has affected more than 53 million individuals worldwide. Currently, there is a dire need to develop or find potential drugs that can treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. One of the standard methods to accelerate drug discovery and development in pandemics is to screen currently available medications against the critical therapeutic targets to find potential therapeutic agents. The literature has pointed out to the 3CLpro and RdRp proteins as the most important proteins involved in viral replications. In the present study, we used an in-silico modeling approach to examine the affinity of six tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKIs), Imatinib, Ponatinib, Nilotinib, Gefitinib, Erlotinib, and Dasatinibagainst the 3CLpro and RdRp by calculating the energy balance. The six tested TKIs had energy balance values of more than -7 Kcal/mol for both viral target proteins. Nilotinib and Ponatinib showed the highest affinity for 3CLpro (-8.32, -8.16, respectively) while Dasatinib, Ponatinib, and Imatinib presented the strongest binding toRdRp(-14.50, -10.57, -9.46, respectively). Based on these findings, we recommend future evaluations of TKIs for SARs-CoV-2 infection in-vitro and further testing in clinical trials