An appraisal of the of eco-climatic characteristics in Northern Nigeria

The character of the sub-regional eco-climatic zones has possibly changed as suggested in the dwindling fortune of agricultural productivity, documented changes in vegetation and freshwater resources and rising poverty levels especially in the hitherto productive Northern Nigeria. To determine and map the changes, if any, in these eco-climatic characteristics is therefore important for general planning. This study is using rainfall and temperature data (1950-2006) to determine factors of rainfall effectiveness; onset dates, cessation dates, hydrologic growing season (HGS), monsoon quality index (MQI) and aridity index (AI); summarizing and ranking them using numerical identifiers for the interpretation of the various moisture situations, to assess the eco-climatic characteristics in the northern Nigeria. A multi-temporal database has been developed for the factors and classes have been defined using quantitative definitions for the time series. The point data have been transformed to spatial data and subjected to geospatial analysis. The results so far reveal variability in the effects of each factor on eco-climatic zonation and it is anticipated that integrating these derived climatic parameters and remotely sensed (vegetation dynamics) data using GIS techniques, is crucial for water management and attainment of food security.Key words: Eco-climatic, moisture effectiveness, surface, principal component analysis, environmental quality

Phytochemical Screening, Polyphenolic Content and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne

Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne. (Asclepiadaceae) is widely used as vegetable and traditionally in the management of diabetes mellitus and in the treatment of wounds and stomach ache. In this study, phytochemical screening, total phenolic contents and alpha-glucosidase activity of L. hastata leaf extracts were evaluated with the view to validating its antidiabetic potentials. Acetone, methanol and water extracts were screened for the polyphenolic contents while methanol and water extract were used for the evaluation of alpha-glucosidase activity. Phytochemical screening of L. hastata leaf indicated the presence of phenolic glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, alkaloids and saponins. The total phenolics, total flavonoids and proanthocyanidins contents were in the ranges of 17-38, 10-16 and 4-10 mg/g respectively depending on the extraction solvent. The methanol and water extracts had 69.81 and 37.02 % inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase activity respectively. The results indicated that L. hastata leaf is rich in polyphenols and possess significant alpha-glucosidase inhibition potential and may therefore be a source of lead compounds in the management of diabetes mellitus and/or other diseases that may be caused by oxidative stress.Keywords: Leptadenia hastata, phytochemicals, polyphenols, alpha-glucosidase, effect, inhibitionNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19 (2): 181-18

Proximate composition and glycaemic index of destarched rice

There is strong evidence linking low glycaemic diets and reduced risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was designed to develop low glycaemic index (GI) food using rice. Rice was subjected to enzymatic treatment at 40 °C for 8 mins for destarching. After the incubation, the proximate composition and GI of the processed rice were determined. Proximate analysis was carried out using the standard methods of AOAC, whereas GI was assessed using a postprandial oral glucose test. The results showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in percentage carbohydrates in the processed rice compared with the unprocessed control. Other parameters such as % moisture and lipids were also reduced in the processed rice when compared with the unprocessed control. Furthermore, the percentage of proteins and fibres were significantly increased in the processed rice compared to the unprocessed control. The GI of the processed rice was 69.86% as against the 86.43% of unprocessed rice, representing a 16.57% reduction. Overall, the results suggest that the enzymatic treatment of the rice have the potential of reducing both the starch content and GI of the rice. This can be explored in the development of a diabetic diet

Effect of Dried Lake Salt (Kanwa) on Lipid profile and Heart Histology of Female Albino Rats

Peripatum cardiomyopathy is a devastating form of cardiac failure affecting women mainly in their last month of pregnancy or early postpartum with high incidence in Northern Nigeria where the consumption of dried lake salt postpartum is high. The current work was designed to study the effect of dried lake salt on lipid profile and histology of heart in female albino rats. The rats were administered graded doses of the salt for 4 weeks. The group administered 300mg/kg body weight of the dried lake salt has significantly (P<0.05) lower high density lipoprotein-cholesterol as compared with the control. There was no significant (P>0.05) increase in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol but total cholesterol, triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein- cholesterol levels were lower compared to the control. Atherogenic index of the group administered 300mg/kg body weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to the control. The histological examinations of section of the heart reveal chamber dilation, hypertrophy and focal atrophy. The study suggests that consumption of dried lake salt for 4 weeks caused alteration to heart tissue and may cause heart related diseases in rats.Keywords: Peripartum cardiomyopathy, Dried lake salt, Postpartum, Pregnanc

Possible Antidiabetic Mechanism of Action of Ex-maradi Okra Fruit Variety (Abelmoscus esculentus) on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Increasing evidences suggest that postprandial hyperglycemia plays an important role in the development of diabetes complications. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that act via lowering of postprandial glucose leading to reduce insulin requirement are currently very attractive. The present study investigated some possible mechanisms of hypoglycemic action of different parts (Whole Okra „WO‟; Okra Peel „OP‟ and Okra Seed „OS‟) of Ex-maradi Okra fruit variety in the management of diabetes mellitus in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Standard analytical procedures were employed in the study. The results indicated that various parts of Okra fruit have ability to stimulate glycogen synthesis in the liver and delay intestinal absorption of glucose with very significant glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) and high glucose adsorption capacity (GAC). Histological examination of the pancreatic tissue after administration of Okra fruit revealed evidence of pancreatic islets cells regeneration. These results suggest that the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic effect of Okra fruit are multidimensional and might involve increased glycogenesis, delay glucose absorption and pancreatic islets regeneration leading to increased insulin secretion. These might help control postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.Keywords: Diabetes, Glycogen, Glucose, Hyperglycemia, Okr

Optimization of thermoluminescence response of copper doped zinc lithium borate glass co-doped with Na2O

Establishing the basic procedures that will influence the enhancement of the TL yield of a phosphor is paramount in the issue of dosimetry. Melt quenching method was adopted in synthesizing lithium borate glass modified with ZnO, doped with CuO and codoped with Na2O. The structural and optical properties of zinc lithium borate and some TL properties of copper doped zinc lithium borate were reported in our previous works. The amorphous nature of the prepared glasses was confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Physical properties of the glass were obtained via Archimedes principle. The copper doped zinc lithium borate was co-doped with different concentration of Na2O (0.025 mol % to 0.1 mol %). The glasses were irradiated with 4 Gy dose of gamma rays using 60Co gamma cell. The highest TL response was recorded against 0.05 mol% concentration of Na2O. The best settings for TLD reading of the proposed TLD were determined. The optimal annealing temperature and time for this composition was found to be 300 oC and 50 min respectively. The best heating rate at which the new TLD can be readout was 3 oC S-1

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND HYPOGLYCEMIC PROPERTIES OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS

Plants and plant products are continuously being explored in medicine against diabetics. In the present study, phytochemical screening and hypoglycemic properties of methanol leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus against alloxan-induced diabetic rats were conducted. A total of fifteen (15) albino rats were randomly selected into 5 groups of 3 rats per group. Groups 1-3 rats were treated with   250 and 500 mg/kg methanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus and 5 mg/kg of glibenclamide respectively, while groups 4 and 5 served as diabetic and normal controls respectively. All treatments were administered orally, once daily for fifteen days. Results revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, total phenols and tannins. A significant (P<0.05) and a progressive increase in blood glucose level were observed in diabetic untreated rats throughout the experimental periods. At the end of the treatment period rat treated with 250 & 500 mg/kg, P. amarus had final glucose level of 117.00±5.43 mg/dl & 106.00±4.56 mg/kg. Rats treated with 2.5mg/kg glibenclamide had final glucose level of 117.33±5.43 while the untreated rat had final glucose level of 562.50±15.45 mg/dl. The extract of phyllanthus amarus at 250 and 500 mg/kg also cause a significant improvement in body weight gain of the rat. It is concluded that phyllanthus amarus contains some useful phytochemicals with potential hypoglycemic reputations. Thus, it may be considered as a natural source of the drug for therapeutic purposes

Description of the Normal Variants of the Anatomical Shapes of the Sella Turcica Using Plain Radiographs: Experience from Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Background: The anatomy of the sella turcica is variable in size and shape. It has been classified into three types: round, oval and flat. It can also be deep or shallow in both children and adults. The floor of the sella turcica which in most cases is concave may be, flat or even convex. In both anatomical and radiological practice in Nigeria, normal data in relation to the description of the normal variants of the anatomical shapes of the sella turcica are based on Caucasian studies. Methods: All available lateral skull radiographs of subjects over a 3-year period, from 2002 to 2004, were retrieved from the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto for the study. Radiographs were mounted on the viewing boxes and sellae turcicae were studied and classified. Results: A total of 228 subjects were involved in this study. Of this figure, 171 (75%) were males, and 57 (25%) were females (m: f ratio\u2009=\u20093:1). The predominant shape of sella in the African subjects studied is oval, and the difference in frequency of oval shaped sella and that of round or flat types is highly statistically significant. (P<.001).The commonest type of sella floor in the African subjects studied is concave and the difference in frequency of concave shaped sella floor and that of flat and convex types is highly statistically significant.(P<.001). In both the various anatomical shapes of the sella turcica and the types of floor of the sella turcica in relation to sex of the subjects studied, the difference in frequency of males and females is highly statistically significant. (P<.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence and the relative frequencies of the normal variants of the anatomical shapes of the sella turcica reported in this study on Nigerian subjects is similar to those reported in Caucasians. Further studies on a larger scale are needed to corroborate our findings.Arri\ue8re Plan: L\u2019anatomie de sella turcica varie selon la forme et la plat. Elle peut aussi \ueatre profonol ou plat, aussi chez les enfants que chez les adults. Le planche de sella turcica, qui est g\ue9n\ue9ralement concave peut \ueatre convexe, ou plat de forme. Bien en anatomie et en radiologie practiques au Nig\ue9ria. Les donn\ue9es relatives \ue0 la description des variants normales de formes anatomiques de sella turcica sont bas\ue9es sur des \ue9tudes caucasiennes. M\ue9thodes: Toutes les radiographes laterales du \ue9t\ue9 collect\ue9es du departement de 3 ans (2002 a 2004) ont \ue9t\ue9 collect\ue9es du departement de Radiologie de centre uiversitaire hospitalier de universit\ue9 Usmanu Danfodiyo pour cette \ue9tude. Les radiographes ont \ue9t\ue9 mont\ue9es sur les bo\ueetes de visualization et sella turcica ont \ue9t\ue9s \ue9tudi\ue9es et classifi\ue9es. Resultats: Un total de 228 sujets ont \ue9t\ue9 impliqu\ue9s dans cette \ue9tude. De ce total, 171 (75%) \ue9taient males, et 57 (25%) \ue9taient femelles (m: f ratio = 3:1). La forme predominante de sella turcica pour les sujets africains \ue9tudi\ue9s est ovale, et la diff\ue9rence en frequence entre sella \ue0 forme ovale et sella \ue0 forme ronde ou plate est statistiquement tr\ue8s \ue9lev\ue9e. (PL 0.001). Le plancher de sella de plus commun pour les sujets africains \ue9tudi\ue9s est concave et la diff\ue9rence en frequence entre sella a plancher cancave sella \ue0 plancher convexe is statistiquement ties \ue9lev\ue9e. (PL 0.001).pour les deux cas de formes plancher de sella turcica et les diff\ue9rents types de plancher de sella turcica, en ce qui est du sex des sujets \ue9tudi\ue9s, la diff\ue9rence en frequence entre les m\ue2les et les femelles est statistiquement tr\ue8s \ue9lev\ue9e. (PL 0.001). Conclusion: Il est concluque la predominance et relativit\ue9 des frequences de variantes normales de formes anatomiques de sella turcica consid\ue9r\ue9es dans cette \ue9tude surdes sujets Nig\ue9rians est similaire \ue0 celle consid\ue9r\ue9es pour les "caucasians". Des \ue9tudes plus pouss\ue9es sur un champ plus \ue9tendu sont n\ue9cessaires pour confirmer nos decouvertes

Effect of Thickness on Structural and Electrical Properties of CuAlS2 Thin Films Grown by Two Stage Vacuum Thermal Evaporation Technique

This work studies the effect of thickness on structural and electrical properties of CuAlS2 thin films grown by two stage vacuum thermal evaporation technique. CuAlS2 thin films of thicknesses 50nm, 100nm and 200nm were deposited on suitably cleaned corning 7059 glass substrate at room temperature (RT). In the first stage Cu-Al precursors were grown at room temperature by thermal evaporation and in the second stage Cu-Al precursors were converted to CuAlS2 thin films by sulfurisation under sulfur atmosphere at the temperature of 673K. The structural properties of the films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique while electrical properties of the specimens were studied using four point probe method. The XRD studies revealed that the films are of crystalline in nature having tetragonal structure. The variations of the micro-structural parameters, such as crystallite size (D), dislocation density ( ), and micro-strain ( ), with film thickness were investigated. The results showed that the crystallite sizes increase as the thickness of the film increases. The dislocation density and micro-strain decreases as the thickness increases. The resistivity (  ) of CuAlS2 film is found to decrease with increase in film thickness, which is related to the increase of carrier concentration with film thickness. Thus thicker films exhibit the lowest resistivity and high carrier concentration, implying these are the most conductive films. Low electrical resistivity and high carrier concentration are widely used as the essential components in various optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diode and photovoltaic cells