Methanolic leaf extract of Ficus exasperata attenuates Arsenate–mediated hepatic and renal oxidative stress in rats

Objective: In furtherance of the scientific search for suitable antidotes for pro-oxidative toxicants which man is exposed to on daily basis, the study investigated the modulatory potential of Ficus exasperata leaf extract on arsenate-mediated hepatic and renal toxicity using rats as a model.Methodology: Twenty-eight rats were sorted into four groups containing seven rats each. Group A (control) received distilled water while 10 mg/kg bw of sodium arsenate was administered intraperitoneally to groups B, C and D to induce hepatic and renal damage. Group C and D were treated with oral administration of 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw of methanolic leaf extract of Ficus exasperata respectively for 14 days.Results: Arsenate significantly (P< 0.05) induced hepatic and renal damage characterized by elevated levels of serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Arsenate also caused decreased serum concentrations of albumin, globulin and total protein as well as significant depletion in antioxidant status (glutathione–S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the liver and kidney of the rats. Administration of leaf extract of Ficus exasperata significantly (P<0.05) attenuated all these toxic effects by boosting antioxidants status and normalizing serum hepatic and renal markers.Conclusion: These results are indicative of the modulatory potential of Ficus exasperata leaf on liver and kidney dysfunction arising from oxidative damage.Keywords: Nephrotoxicity, Hepatotoxicity, Oxidative stress, Arsenate, Ficus exasperat

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING LOAN DEFAULT AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN OGUN STATE NIGERIA

This study is interested in determining factors infl uencing default in loan repayment among poultry farmers in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. A total of 100 poultry farmers were randomly sampled from the study area. Probit model was employed to determine and analyse the factors infl uencing default in loan repayment in the study area. Descriptive statistics were also employed to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers. Finding revealed that majority of the farmers in the study area are educated. About 55.0 percent of the farmers source their credit from formal fi nancial institutions. Result from the probit model revealed that fl ock size of the farmers signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.10) level. Age of the farmers signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.01) level, while Educational level and Income of the farmers also signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.05) level

Comparison of strains and feed withdrawal durations on growth, haematological indices and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens at finisher phase

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the response of two broiler strains in terms of growth, haematological and serum indices to different durations of feed withdrawal regimen at finisher phase. A total of 180 day-old broiler chicks comprising 90 chicks each of Arbor Acre and Ross 308 were sourced from reputable hatchery. The chicks on strain basis were distributed into three feed withdrawal durations: T1 (control), T2- morning (8am-12noon) and T3- afternoon (12noon – 4pm). Each of the treatment was replicated three times. Results showed the existence of significant (P&lt;0.01) differences between the two strains in respect of body weight and linear measurements at 4th and 6th week. Ross 308 broilers in most cases recorded superior mean values than Arbor Acre. It means that the former has superior genetic make-up than the latter. Feed withdrawal durations also had significant effects on body weight and linear measurements. Full-fed birds had superior mean values than morning and afternoon fed birds in most of the traits measured. However, morning and afternoon fed birds recorded similar mean values. In addition, there was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of strain and feed withdrawal on haematological and serum indices except total protein, cholesterol, creatinine and albumin. The obtained haematological mean values were within the recommended range, and this implies that birds reared under feed withdrawal regimen are safe and healthful for human consumption. Keywords: Strain, Arbor Acre, Ross 308, Haematology, fee

Cor de feijão vagem fresco e processado após aplicação de cálcio Color of fresh and processed snap bean pods after calcium application

A cor em vegetais é um dos principais atributos de qualidade observado pelo consumidor e é influenciada por características intrínsecas e de processamento. O objetivo desta investigação foi avaliar as alterações de cor de feijão vagem fresco e processado após aplicação de concentrações crescentes de cálcio via absorção radicular. O feijão vagem cultivar UEL 1 foi cultivado com aplicação de concentrações crescentes de cálcio via solução nutritiva contendo 0, 75 , 150 e 300 mL L-1 de cálcio em substrato de areia grossa. A cor das vagens ao natural e enlatadas foram avaliadas por colorimetria de três estímulos, e os resultados foram expressos no sistema Hunter. As vagens ao natural apresentaram-se mais claras e amarelas quando foi adicionado cálcio à solução nutritiva. O calor empregado no processo de enlatamento teve efeito pronunciado na redução da luminosidade e na cor verde, mesmo com o aumento na quantidade de cálcio nas vagens.<br>The color in vegetables is one of the main quality attributes observed by the consumer and it is influenced by intrinsic characteristics and canning process. This research meant to investigate the effect of increasing calcium concentrations applied to a nutrient solution on physical measurements of the color of snap bean pods.This experiment was carried out wtih the cultivar UEL 1 grown in coarse sand with nutrient solution supplied at the following levels of calcium: 0, 75, 150 and 300 mL L-1. Fresh pods were analysed for calcium content. The fresh and canned pods were evaluated for color with tristimulus colorimetry and data were expressed according to the Hunter system. The fresh pods were lighter and yellowisher when calcium was added to the nutrient solution. The heat used for the canning process had a significant effect on reducing lightness and greeness, even with the greater amounts of calcium in the pods