Effect of particle size on adsorption of heavy metals using chemically modified and unmodified fluted pumpkin and broad-leafed pumpkin pods

The effect of particle size on the bioremediation of Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd (II) and Hg(II) ions from synthetic aqueous effluents using unmodified and carboxymethylated fluted pumpkin and broad-leafed pumpkin pods was investigated in a batch system. 1.2 g of adsorbents was used in each sorption experiment at 25 °C and pH 6.5-8.5 for one hour interval. The results showed that the two adsorbents were good for the removal of these metal ions. Unmodified fluted pumpkin pod was found to be better than the other tested adsorbents with removal efficiencies of 92.62%, 81.88%, 75.21% and 49.67% for Pb (II), Zn (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II), respectively. Carboxymethylation decreased the adsorption capacity of the cellulose materials mostly for fluted pumpkin pod. Particle size below 600 μm was found to be the optimum size for unmodified absorbent, while 600-1000 μm was observed for modified adsorbent. Fluted pumpkin pod was found to be a more effective adsorbent for these metal ions than the broad leafed pumpkin pod especially when unmodified. Therefore these results show that fluted pumpkin and broad-leafed pumpkin pods could serve as very good adsorbents in the treatment of these metal ions from aqueous effluents.Keywords: agricultural waste, bioremediation, heavy metals, pollution control, surface chemistry

Gastro-protective effect of Crossopteryx febrifuga in Wistar rats

Preparations of Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel.) Benth. (Rubiaceae) are  widely used in Northern Nigeria in the therapeutic management of trypanosomiasis, malaria and painful inflammatory disorders. Previous studies have shown that the methanolic stem bark extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga possesses significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties possibly mediated via Non-selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase pathways. In the present study, the methanolic stem bark extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga was evaluated against ethanol- and piroxicam-induced ulceration in rats. Histopathological studies of the rat stomach tissues were also carried out in order to determine its safety profile on the gastrointestinal tract (git). The extract (25, 50 and100 mg extract/kg body weight) significantly (

Comparison of the physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative and hydrolytic stabilities of oil and fat of cyperus esculentus L. (yellow nutsedge) and butyrospermum parkii (shea nut) from Middle-Belt States of Nigeria

The physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative and hydrolytic changes during storage and accelerated conditions of yellow nutsedge oil and shea fat were studied and comparisons made on the variables. The solvent extract of yellow nutsedge gave an oil yield of 22.3% and that of shea nut gave a fat yield of 52%. The saponification value, non-saponifiable matter, iodine value, refractive index (at 250°C) and colour were 188mg KOH/g, 0.5%, 104.8, 1.4672, and golden yellow respectively for yellow nutsedge oil while for shea fat they were, 191mg KOH/g 3.01%, 59.5, 1.4675 and milky white respectively. The hydrolytic changes occurring over 9 weeks period for solvent extract of yellow. Keywords: physico-chemical characteristics, cyperus spp, oil and fat, NigeriaNigerian Food Journal Vol. 23 2005: 33-3

Sociodemographic Differences in the Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies among Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Enugu, South East Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become an important cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. A study of the sociodemographic differences in the distribution of HCV antibodies (Anti-HCV) among those at risk will broaden knowledge of the problem among patients in this part of the country. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic differences in the distribution of HCV antibodies among transfused children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in Enugu and compare it with their non- transfused counterparts. Methodology: The study was conducted among two hundred and sixty-nine children with SCA attending the paediatrics sickle cell clinic at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, 136 transfused SCA patients as subjects and 133 age and sex matched non-transfused SCA as controls were studied. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the age and sex distribution of the anti-HCV positive subjects and controls P > 0.05. Majority of the subjects (66.7%) and control (71.4%) who tested positive were in lower socio-economic class. Conclusion: HCV infection is not uncommon in children with SCA. There is no significant difference in the sociodemographic characteristics of the HCV positive subjects and controls.Keywords: Sociodemographic, Hepatitis C, Sickle cell anaemi

Thigh-length compression stockings and DVT after stroke

Controversy exists as to whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with invasive bladder cancer, despite randomised controlled trials of more than 3000 patients. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of such treatment on survival in patients with this disease