Comparative Analysis of Corrosion Behavior of Martensitic and Annealed Stainless Steel in H2SO4 and NaOH

Using weight lose techniques (WLT), the comparative analysis of the corrosion characterization behavior of cast stainless steel (70.90% Fe, 19% Cr 10%Ni, 0.0% C) alloys in ( 0.25M- 0.5M)   H2SO4 and NaOH has been evaluated. The cast stainless steel specimen was sectioned  into three sets labeled M, A, U and machined to the same cross sectional area. M and A is subjected to a temperature of 900oC (1173K or 1652oF) where the grains forms austenitic phase which was further heat- treated  to form martensitic stainless steel (M) and annealed stainless steel (A) test coupon respectively. Then, (U) is left untreated as a control test coupon sample. These preweighed test coupon samples were immersed in 0.25M and 0.5M simulated  tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid (H2SO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) respectively. The experimental process is allowed for a total of 168hr with each set withdrawn 24hr interval for weight lose analysis. The findings showed that of a passivating metals with initial steady rise in corrosion penetration rate (CPR) followed by gradual decrease in CPR which increases as molar concentration increase for the annealed specimen(A) in  H2S04 while the martensitic test specimen(M) is severely attacked in NaOH. The annealed specimen exhibit high passivity in   H2S04 with lowest CPR of 0.0071mm/yr. The severe attack of the annealed specimen is due to increase in ionization which results in redistribution of grain boundary structure. Key words: Passivation, Corrosion  kinetics, Basic Environment, Acidic Environment, Martensitic, Annealing, Weight Lose Techniques, Austenitic phase

Quail eggs consumption and the levels of sex hormonesin healthy students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi

Aim: The present study was design to determine the serum levels of sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone, prolactin, and testosterone) following the consumption of cooked quail eggs by apparently healthy students. Materials and Method: This is an experimental study comprising 37 volunteered students, out of which are 20 females and 17 males within the age of 18±35years respectively. They were fed with three cooked quail eggs every morning for 21 days.  3ml of fasting blood were collected before the intake of cooked quail eggs for baseline, 10th day, and 21st day respectively. Result: The serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone, prolactin, and testosterone were determined using standard methods. The result showed that the serum testosterone levels increased significantly while prolactin levels decreased significantly at 10th and 21st day  compared with the baseline level (p=0.01). However, the levels of progesterone and estradiol increased significantly at 21st day only compared with their baseline (p=0.01).  The mean levels of FSH, and LH at baseline, 10th and 21st day did not differ significantly following consumption of cooked quail eggs. Conclusion: The probably suggest that regular consumption of cooked quail egg may prevent miscarriage due to low progesterone levels because of its ability to increase progesterone level after consumption. It might as well as cause improvement on male and female fertility

Quail eggs consumption and the levels of glucose, lipid profile in healthy students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi

Aim: The present study was design to determine serum glucose and lipid profile level of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein following the consumption of cooked quail eggs by apparently healthy students. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study comprising 37 volunteered students, out of which are 20 females and 17 males within the age of 18±35years respectively. They were fed with three cooked quail eggs every morning for 21 days.3ml of fasting blood were collected before the intake of cooked quail eggs for baseline, 10th day, and 21st day respectively. The serum levels of glucose and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Results: The result showed that the serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein–cholesterol decreased significantly at 10th day and 21st day following consumption of cooked quail eggs when compared with the baseline levels (p< 0.05). While High density lipoprotein – cholesterol increased significantly at 21st day following consumption of cooked quail eggs when compared with the baseline level (p<0.05). Glucose, triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol did not differ at 10th day and 21st day following consumption of cooked quail eggs when compared with the baseline (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The implication of this finding suggest that regular consumption of cooked quail eggs may decrease diabetic and cardiovascular risk due to its ability to significantly decrease TC, LDL-C, increase HDL-C and TG, VLDL, glucose not differed

Bio-Efficacy of Insecticide-Treated Bednets (ITNs) Distributed through the Healthcare Facilities in a Boundary Community in Nigeria

This study was conducted to evaluate the susceptibility and efficacy of three insecticidal treated bednets; Olyset®, PermaNet2.0® and MAGNet® collected from the different health facilities, against Anopheles mosquitoes under laboratory conditions. PermaNet3.0 was used as a positive control. Larval collections were carried out and reared at the insectary of National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre, Enugu State. Anopheles Kisumu mosquitoes were used as the standard control in the cone bioassay test. The bioassay showed that the wild An. gambiae s.l. and An. gambiae Kisumu strains were susceptible (100% mortality) to the PermaNet3.0® used as positive control while the wild-caught Anopheles were resistant to the mono-treated ITNs. The mortality effect of the net brands showed that the brands have a statistically significant effect on the mosquito mortality after 24 hours F (2, 18) = 14.32, p < .001), while the sides of the net did not have a statistically significant effect on the mosquito mortality (F (3, 18) = 1.67, p = .209). This study also suggests the need to develop and adopt routine monitoring of the ITNs at the health facilities, as it will inform the replacement of ineffective nets. However, a mass campaign of PBO nets is necessary for the state to achieve and maintain the universal coverage of ITNs

Rampant introgressive hybridization in Pogoniulus tinkerbirds (Piciformes: Lybiidae) despite millions of years of divergence

Incomplete reproductive isolation between related species of birds at contact zones is increasingly being documented. Such hybridization typically occurs between sister taxa that diverged in relatively recent times, and hybrids are most often identified based on their intermediate phenotypic characteristics and, increasingly, through genetic admixture analysis. When species have been diverging over relatively longer time scales, prezygotic isolation barriers are expected to evolve, precluding maladaptive interbreeding. Here, we examine the extent of introgressive hybridization in a pair of African barbets, the yellow-fronted tinkerbird (Pogoniulus chrysoconus extoni) and the red-fronted tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus pusillus), which were not previously known to interbreed, across a contact zone in Southern Africa. Although there were significant differences in the coloration of plumage between the species, we found a pattern of extensive admixture in and around the contact zone. Nonetheless, the two species appear to have diverged > 4 Mya and might not even be sister taxa, suggesting that time of divergence alone might not be sufficient for the evolution of prezygotic reproductive barriers. Significantly more phenotypically red-fronted individuals had a P. c. extoni (yellow-fronted) genetic background than vice versa, suggesting possible asymmetry in mate preferences. Sexual selection may thus play a role in breaking down species barriers despite the extent of genetic divergence.A Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant (A.N.G.K.) and the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (E.C.N. and B.O.O.).https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean2020-04-03hj2019Mammal Research Institut

CYP2J19 mediates carotenoid colour introgression across a natural avian hybrid zone

It has long been of interest to identify the phenotypic traits that mediate reproductive isolation between related species, and more recently, the genes that underpin them. Much work has focused on identifying genes associated with animal colour, with the candidate gene CYP2J19 identified in laboratory studies as the ketolase converting yellow dietary carotenoids to red ketocarotenoids in birds with red pigments. However, evidence that CYP2J19 explains variation between red and yellow feather coloration in wild populations of birds is lacking. Hybrid zones provide the opportunity to identify genes associated with specific traits. Here we investigate genomic regions associated with colour in red‐fronted and yellow‐fronted tinkerbirds across a hybrid zone in southern Africa. We sampled 85 individuals, measuring spectral reflectance of forecrown feathers and scoring colours from photographs, while testing for carotenoid presence with Raman spectroscopy. We performed a genome‐wide association study to identify associations with carotenoid‐based coloration, using double‐digest RAD sequencing aligned to a short‐read whole genome of a Pogoniulus tinkerbird. Admixture mapping using 104,933 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a region of chromosome 8 that includes CYP2J19 as the only locus with more than two SNPs significantly associated with both crown hue and crown score, while Raman spectra provided evidence of ketocarotenoids in red feathers. Asymmetric backcrossing in the hybrid zone suggests that yellow‐fronted females mate more often with red‐fronted males than vice versa. Female red‐fronted tinkerbirds mating assortatively with red‐crowned males is consistent with the hypothesis that converted carotenoids are an honest signal of quality.DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The Pogoniulus pusillus genome assembly has been deposited at NCBI SRA in BioProject PRJNA630018, with DDRAD sequencing reads under BioProject PRJNA666541. The master VCF file and gemma and R Code have been deposited in the Dryad Digital Repository (https://doi-org.uplib.idm.oclc.org/10.5061/dryad.jm63xsj87).FP7 Marie Curie Reintegration Grant, a University of Cyprus Research Grant, an AG Leventis Foundation grant and by the AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Jos, Nigeria.http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/mec2021-10-15hj2021Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Evidence of allergic reactions and cardiopulmonary impairments among traders operating from foodstuff warehouses

Background: Foodstuff traders operating from warehouses (FTFW) are potentially exposed to dangerous rodenticides/pesticides that may have adverse effects on cardiopulmonary function. Methods: 50 consenting male foodstuff traders, comprising 15 traders (21–63 years) operating outside warehouses and 35 FTFW (20–64 years), were randomly recruited at Ogbete Market, Enugu, in a cross-sectional observational study of spirometric and electrocardiographic parameters. 17 FTFW (21–57 years) participated in focus group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed thematically and with independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient at p 0.05) with a significantly prolonged (p < 0.05) QTc interval. Conclusion: Allergic response was evident in the FTFW. Significant decrease in FVC may negatively impact lung flow rates and explains the marginal decrease in FEF25-75, which implies a relative limitation in airflow of peripheral/distal airways and elastic recoil of the lungs. This is consistent with obstructive pulmonary disease; a significant decrease in FEF75-85/FEV1 supports this conclusion. Significant decrease in FEF200-1200 indicates abnormalities in the large airways/larynx just as significantly prolonged ventricular repolarization suggests cardiac arrhythmias

Time spent together and time spent apart affect song, feather colour and range overlap in tinkerbirds

Abstract Most studies on the processes driving evolutionary diversification highlight the importance of genetic drift in geographical isolation and natural selection across ecological gradients. Direct interactions among related species have received much less attention, but they can lead to character displacement, with recent research identifying patterns of displacement attributed to either ecological or reproductive processes. Together, these processes could explain complex, trait-specific patterns of diversification. Few studies, however, have examined the possible effects of these processes together or compared the divergence in multiple traits between interacting species among contact zones. Here, we show how traits of two Pogoniulus tinkerbird species vary among regions across sub-Saharan Africa. However, in addition to variation between regions consistent with divergence in refugial isolation, both song and morphology diverge between the species where they coexist. In West Africa, where the species are more similar in plumage, there is possible competitive or reproductive exclusion. In Central and East Africa, patterns of variation are consistent with agonistic character displacement. Molecular analyses support the hypothesis that differences in the age of interaction among regions can explain why species have evolved phenotypic differences and coexist in some regions but not others. Our findings suggest that competitive interactions between species and the time spent interacting, in addition to the time spent in refugial isolation, play important roles in explaining patterns of species diversification

Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the fungus endophytic extracts isolated from Azadirachta indica using gas chromatography- flame ionization detector

Background information: The phytochemicals of endophytes have generated substantial interest in drug discovery programs because they offer the possibility of discovering new biologically active molecules. Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze the phytochemical profile of the fungus endophytic extracts isolated from Azadirachta indica leaves, which have been used ethnobotanically for treating malaria and bacterial infections. Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated, solid-state fermentation of rice medium was performed, and secondary metabolites were extracted according to standard techniques. An analytical system that uses gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to determine the phytochemical constituents contained in the endophytes. Results: The results of GC-FID analysis showed the presence of Ribalinidine, Naringenin, Sparteine, Phenol, Steroids, Kaempferol, Flavone, Oxalate, Catechin, Tannin, and Rutin at different concentrations. Conclusion: This study reveals the promising ability of the endophytic fungi of A. indica as a foundation of naturally occurring bioactive. The quantitative phytochemical assessment of the endophyte extracts from the leaves of A.indica showed that endophyte extracts from the plant are rich in both alkaloids and flavonoids (Phenolics). Keywords: GC-FID, Phytochemical, Endophytes, Secondary metabolites, Fermentation