Cytotoxic activities of fractionated ethanol extract of the root bark of terminalia catappa and isolation of eriodictyol-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction

The crushed root bark of terminalia catappa Linn was extracted using aqueous ethanol. The crude extract was suspended in water and successively partition into n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol soluble fractions. The fractions i.e.; n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water were subjected to cytotoxic activity using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) analyses. The cytotoxicity of the isolates were evaluated in terms of lethality concentration (LC50). Comparing the result obtained to vincristine sulphate with LC50 of 0.61 μg/ml, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions demonstrated a significant cytotoxic activity having LC50 value of 0.82 μg/ml and 1.21 μg/ml. The LC50 values of the water, dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions were 11.90 μg/ml, 13.25 μg/ml and 17.10 μg/ml respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction with significant activity in in-vitro cytotoxic activity and a good proton NMR profiles, was further fractionated and purified using column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) and the isolate obtained were characterized using spectroscopic techniques (MS, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY and 1H-13C HSQC). We concluded that the compound isolated was eriodictyol-7- O-β-D-glucopyranoside

Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Some Shale Samples in Awi Formation and Its Geophysical Implications, Cross River State, Nigeria

The thermal Conductivity of some about sixty – two (62) shale samples from four locations within the Awi formation using modified Lee’s method were determined. It was observed that the thermal agitation in the sample increases as the temperature increases, after which thermal stability was attained. The Shale samples collected from location two and four tend to have high  average thermal conductivity values ranging from 1.4490 W/m0C and 1.0802 W/m0C respectively while location one and three exhibits low values of thermal conductivity ranging from 0.8544 W/m0C and 0.7027 W/m0C respectively during the rising temperature measurement. During the falling temperature measurement location two and four still have high average thermal conductivity values of 1.3020 W/m0C and 0.9884 W/m0C respectively and location one has an average value of 0.8339  W/m0C while location Three has 0.6544 W/m0C. The low values exhibited by Location one and three is largely due to the fact  that the outcrops in these locations were along the road  and have been exposed to weather and  human activities. However, the values from location two and four, suggests that shales within this location are post matured. Keywords: Conductivity, agitation, stability, outcrops, post- mature

Process optimization of the mechanical properties of AISI 1020 steel quenched using maize-stover ash potash solution

The process parameter optimization of maize-stover ash potash (MSAP) as a quenching medium for heat treatment of AISI-1020 steel was conducted in this study to improve the mechanical properties of steel after carburization and quenching. The optimization process utilized Taguchi L9(32) orthogonal array method to determine the individual Signal to Noise (S/N) ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A multi-response weighted analysis technique was applied to derive combined quality responses of the heat treated test pieces. The result shows that the optimal factor level of MSAP solution strength was achieved at AM1BM1, which offered 57.6 HRC hardness, 39 J toughness and 1971 N/mm2 tensile strength as improved mechanical properties for the heat treated steel. Keywords: Optimization, MSAP, quenching, Taguchi, ANOV

Effects of enzyme additive on haematological and serum biochemical parameters of calves fed fresh grass and hay based diets

This study was conducted to determine the effects of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (ROXAZYME G®) on blood parameters of calves fed fresh grass and grass hay-based diets. Chemical composition of concentrate, fresh grass and grass-hay were determined. Sixteen crossbred (N’dama × Muturu) calves were subjected to two feeding trials that lasted 84 days each in the wet season and dry season. Fresh grass (Panicum maximum) was the basal diet in the wet season while, the hay was the basal diet in the dry season. Four concentrate diets were formulated with enzyme inclusion at 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg to form four dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4), with four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design. Results showed that fresh grass had higher crude protein (CP), ether extract and ash than hay. However, the hay had higher dry matter, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents. The calcium and phosphorus contents of the concentrate diets were higher than that of fresh grass and hay. At the end of the first experiment, Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) and Red blood cell (RBC) values were highest (P<0.05) in T3 and lowest in T1 (control). White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were highest in T1. Transaminase enzymes: AST and ALT were highest (P<0.05) in T4. In the second trial, the diets influenced (P<0.05) the WBC, lymphocyte, total protein and AST. The WBC was also highest in T1 while, lymphocyte was highest in T2. Total protein was highest in T3 and AST was highest in T4. It was therefore, concluded that the inclusion of ROXAZYME G® up to 150 mg/kg DM in the diets of calves improved their blood parameters without any deleterious effect.Keywords: blood parameters, dry season Panicum maximum, ROXAZYME G®, wet seaso

Nutritional composition and secondary metabolites of some selected forages consumed by small ruminants

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritive values and secondary metabolites of some selected forage species (Diallium guinensis, Calopogonium mucunoides and Terminalia catappa) consumed by small ruminants. Results obtained showed significant (P < .05) variability in the values of Dry matter (77.56 – 84.53g/100g) in Terminalia catappa and Diallium guinensis, Moisture content (15.64 – 21.48 g/100g) in Diallium guinensis and Terminalia catappa, Crude protein (13.57 – 16.63 g/100g) in Terminalia catappa and Calopogonium mucunoides and Ash (4.51 – 7.16 g/100g) in Terminalia catappa and Calopogonium mucunoides respectively. Diallium guinensis had highest (4.10%) oxalate value while the least (P < .05) was noticed in Terminalia catappa (1.97%). Calopogonium mucunoides recorded highest NDF, ADF, ADL, Cellulose and hemicellulose (59.41, 45.38, 20.48, 24.9 and 14.03%) respectively among the selected forages. NDF ranged from 41.22% in Terminalia catappa to 53.69% in Diallium guinensis. This study showed that selected forage species are rich in the nutrient contents and have tolerable secondary metabolites which could be used as supplements to grasses during the raining and dry seasons to enhance the efficiency of small ruminant performance throughout the year.Keywords: Nutritional composition; secondary metabolites, forages, small ruminant

ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND IN VITRO DEGRADATION PROFILE OF SOME GUINEA SAVANNAH BROWSE PLANTS OF NIGERIA

The study was conducted to estimate the nutritive value of six indigenous browse fodders (Etanda africana, Piliostigma thonningii, Detarium microcarpum, Daniellia oliveri, Pterocarpus erinaceus, and Afzelia africana) by the evaluation of chemical composition, anti-nutritional factors and in vitro gas characteristics. All samples (g/100g DM) had high CP (12.6–24.7), moderate ï¬bre concentrations (NDF, 34.7–54.6; ADF, 19.7–35.2 and lignin, 7.36–12). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in NDF, ash, ether extract, hemicellulose, cellulose and mineral concentrations among the browse fodders. Except for condensed tannins which were similar among the browse fodders, other anti-nutritional factors were different (P < 0.05). The relative feed values of the selected legume browses ranged from 114.43 in E. africana to 202.94 in A. africana. Gas volume (ml/200mg DM), methane (ml/200mg DM), methane/total gas volume (v:v), metabolisable energy (MJ/kg DM), organic matter digestibility (%), short chain fatty acids (μmol) and in vitro dry matter degradability ( %) ranged from 19-34, 8.66-11.33, 0.29-0.46, 4.53-6.48, 35.73-49.06, 0.15-0.43 and 46-67 respectively. Results show that the browse species have good nutrient profile, low and safe levels of anti-nutritional factors and relatively high degradability which qualify them as suitable feed supplements to low quality basal diets for ruminants.

Microbial population and blood parameters of West African dwarf goats fed scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) as additive

A study was carried out to determine the rumen microbial population and blood parameters of 20 West African dwarf goats fed Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) as additive in a concentrate supplement. The goats were divided into four treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 andT4) with five replicates in a completely randomized design. Four concentrate supplements were formulated to contain scent leaf at levels 0,5,10, and 15g/kg DM. Panicum maximum was the basal diet. Chemical composition of scent leaf and the diets were determined. Rumen fluid and blood were collected from the goats before and after the experiment to determine microbial population and blood parameters. Results showed that scent leaf has moderate crude protein of 10.61% and rich in tannin, saponin and oxalate. At the end of the experiment, bacteria and protozoa counts were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) influenced by the experimental diets, however there was a reduction in their values. Fungi count was significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by the diets and their values reduced as the level of scent leaf in the diets increased. The highest count (0.35×106cfu/ml) was obtained at T1 (control) and the lowest value (0.05×106cfu/ml) obtained in goats fed 15g/kg DM scent leaf (T4). Red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin values increased at the end of the study and were significantly (p&lt;0.05) highest (15.03×1012/l, 36.50% and 13.32g/dl respectively) in goats fed T3 (10g/kg DM of O. gratissimum). Serum urea and cholesterol levels were significantly lowest in goats fed T3 and T4. Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values were reduced by the experimental diets. It can therefore be concluded that scent leaf can be included in the diet of West African dwarf goats up to 10g/kg DM for improved RBC, PCV and Hb, and regulation of serum enzymes, urea and cholesterol levels. Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, microbial population, haematology, biochemical parameters, goats, additive

Epidemiology of hiv-tuberculosis co-infection among patients on anti-retroviral therapy inSokoto state, Nigeria.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and tuberculosis are commonly called the “deadly duo”, because human immunodeficiency virus increases susceptibilityto tuberculosis which inturn accelerates its progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This study describes human immunodeficiency virus/ tuberculosis co-infection in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methods: Data were extracted from medical records of human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in health facilities that offer comprehensive care for human immunodeficiency virus infected patients in Sokoto State, and analysed.Results: Majority of the 353 study subjects were females (60.6%) aged 30-39 years (37.4%) and living in Sokoto state (78.5%). Care entry points were Medical Outpatient Department (36.8%), GeneralOutpatient Department (35.4%) and voluntary counseling centre (23.5%). Enrolment for human immunodeficiency virus care was highest in May (13.4%) and lowest in March (5.1%). The functionalstatus of majority (75.8%) of the study subjects was asymptomatic normal activity. Thirty-three (9.3%) of the study subjects were human immunodeficiency virus/Tuberculosis co-infected. Human immunedeficiency virus only cases and human immunodeficiency virus/Tuberculosis co-infected cases were similar with respect to age and sex but differed significantly with respect to WHO clinical stage, CD4 count and functional status. Conclusion: Human immunodeficiency virus only and human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis coinfectioncases have similar demographic characteristics but differ with respect to the stage of acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Nutrient digestibility and blood parameters ofWest African dwarf sheep fed sugarcane top silage

Nutritive value of low quality crop residues is improved with addition of protein–rich byproducts (poultry litter) or chemical compounds (urea) and can serve as feed resource to ruminant during the dry season. This study investigated the nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep fed sugarcane top silage. Sugarcane tops were ensiled alone (control) or with 2% urea (USCT silage), 45% boiler litter (BLSCT silage) and 1% urea plus 22.5% broiler litter (UBLSCT) for 42 days. Each silage treatment contains 2% molasses. Twenty-four female West African dwarf sheep of 6-8 months of age, weighing 14.58±1.16kg were randomly assigned to the four silage treatments of six animals each in a completely randomised design for 84 days. Chemical composition of the silages was determined. Performance characteristics, apparent nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of the WAD sheep were evaluated. All data were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance. Results showed that animals fed BLSCT had significantly highest (P&lt;0.05) total dry matter intake (64.26g/kgW0.75) and daily weight gain (46.03 g/day) followed by those on UBLSCT and USCT while animals fed control diet recorded the least with highest feed conversion ratio (20.62). Digestibility of all nutrients was highest (P&lt;0.05) in sheep fed BLSCT (71.43%,71.16%, 75.66%, 64.35% and 56.82%for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF digestibility respectively) and lowest (55.71%, 57.31%, 59.98%, 39.47%and 46.92% for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF digestibility respectively ) in those on control diet. Similarly, sheep fed BLSCT recorded significant highest (P&lt;0.05) packed cell volume (32.17%), haemoglobin (10.82g/dL) and red blood cell (13.43 x10 /L). The serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and blood urea concentration were similar (P&gt;0.05) but higher in animals fed BLSCT (3.94mmol/L, 71.80 g/L, 37.00 g/L, 34.80 g/L and 130.55mg/L, respectively)USCT (3.83mmol/L, 71.50 g/L, 35.0 g/L, 36.50 g/L and 140.65 mg/L respectively) and UBLSCT (3.75 mmol/L, 71.20 g/L, 34.50g/L, 36.70 g/L and 120.90 mg/L, respectively) compared to control. The study concluded that SCT treated with urea or broiler litter or their combination (UBLSCT) ensiled for 42 days could be fed to ruminant during long dry season without any detrimental effect on the health of the animals