Epiphyseal plate closure of radio-ulna bone in red Sokoto goat ecotype

This study was conducted with 57 Red Sokoto goats, which were randomly obtained from three different small ruminant farms with birth record within Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. They were classified into different age groups and subgroups, from 1-144 weeks. The radiographs of their forearms were taken and the proximal and distal epiphyseal plate lengths of both radius and ulna bones were measured. The radiographic images of the bones showed that the proximal and distal epiphyseal plates of the radius were opened at week 1 with mean lengths of 0.50±0.05mm and 1.10±0.01mm respectively but fuses at week 8 and 36 respectively. The proximal ulna epiphyseal plate was opened at week 1, with mean length of 1.67±0.02mm and fused at week 144. However, the distal ulna epiphyses appeared radiolucent at week 1 and 2 and became radiopaque at week 3 with an epiphyseal plate mean length of 3.67±0.26mm which reduced chronologically and fused at 96 week. It was therefore concluded that in Red Sokoto goat, epiphyseal plate lengths decreases with increase in age and fuses at different age even within the same bone, and the epiphyseal plates of radius bones fuse earlier than the ulna bones.Keywords: Epiphyseal plate, Red Sokoto goat, Radiography, Radius, Uln

Potency of Trichoderma aureoviride UPM 09 and Fusarium equiseti UPM 09 in the pretreatment and hydrolysis of lignocelluolosic biomass

Two new strains of fungi, namely, Trichoderma aureoviride UPM 09 and Fusarium equiseti UPM 09 were isolated from elephant dung and identified morphologically and through the use of molecular assay. Their genomic DNA was extracted using Epicenter kit®. PCR amplification of their genomic DNA was successfully conducted with BIOMETRA Tpersonal/Tprofessional Thermocycler  (Germany) using ITS-1 forward primer (5’ TCC GTA GGT GAA CCT GCG G3’) and the ITS-4 reverse primer (5’ GCT GCG TTC TTC TTG ATC GAT GC 3’). The sequences of the fungal strains were deposited in the NCBI (USA) Gen Bank Database and were assigned accession numbers (in parenthesis) and were identified as Trichoderma aureoviride strain UPM 09 (JN811063) and  Fusarium equiseti strain UPM 09 (JN811061). The two fungal strains individually and in consortium were then used for the  pretreatment of rice husk (RH), rubber wood saw dust (RW) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) using solid state cultivation (SSC) and submerged cultivation (SMC). The amount of glucose, reducing sugars and protein from the pretreated lignocellulose biomass was determined using glucose analyzer, DNS reagent and Biorad assay, respectively. The result of this study, therefore, shows that native fungi possess potentials for use in the pretreatment of lignocelluloses biomass.Key Words: pretreatment, lignocellulose, biomass, fungi, cultivation, reducing suga

Isolation and characterization of bioactive compound from

No Abstract

Modeling and analytical simulation of anterior polymerization in the presence of an inert material

The ability to fabricate advanced materials with specific properties efficiently requires a complete understanding of the polymerization kinetics and the effect of several preparative variables such as temperature, monomer and initiator. This paper presents an analytical method for describing anterior polymerization in two adjacent thin layers. Both the initial temperatures and initial monomer and initiator concentrations are assumed to depend on the space variable. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solution of the model by actual solution method. The equations are solved using parameter-expanding method and eigenfunctions expansion technique. The results obtained were discussed. The study shows that the Frank-Kamenetskii number and frequency factors of the two reactions have significant effects on the propagation of the polymerization wave.Keywords: Polymerization, anterior polymerization, polymers, Arrhenius kinetics, parameter-expanding method, eigenfunctions expansion techniqu

The efficacy of peanut oil and palm oil in preserving chicken eggs in a tropical environment

The study was undertaken to compare the effect of different  storage methods on external and internal quality of Isa Brown eggs obtained from Rufai Poultry Farms Bakura, Zamfara State. Ninety (90) eggs were collected from the Rufai farms sales office at Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. The eggs were divided into three groups (A, B and C) of 30 eggs each. The mean weight of the eggs in each of the groups was determined. Group A was left uncoated in a crate, while groups B and C were coated with peanut oil and palm oil respectively, and stored for four (4) weeks at room temperature. The egg shell, mean egg weight, egg yolk, egg white (albumen) and volume of each individual eggs were evaluated. The average percentage whole egg weight loss for all the groups showed significant difference (p<0.05) after preservation, with group A having the highest average percentage egg weight loss of 64.16±5.00%, although, group B had heavier weight compared to group A before preservation. Eggs coated with palm oil had better internal quality compared to peanut oil coated eggs and non-oil coated eggs, as it was seen to have intact internal content. A significant difference (P< 0.05) was also seen in the volume of group B and C with group C having the highest volume of 67.67±10.79ml. In conclusion this study showed that all palm oil coated eggs had good external and internal quality and longer shelf-life than non-oil coated and peanut coated eggs. It was therefore recommended that eggs should be preserved by coating with palm oil, so as to extend their shell-life.Keywords: Chicken egg, Egg Albumen, Egg Yolk, Palm oil, Peanut oil, Preservatio

Studies on Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aerial Parts of Tephrosia Bracteolata GUILL. and PERR. (Fabaceae) in Rodents

Background: Tephrosia bracteolata is a widespread shrub belonging to the family (Fabaceae) and genus Tephrosia. It is traditionally used for treating rheumatic pains, dropsy and stomach ache.Objectives: In view of the ethnomedicinal claim and the continuous search for new medicinal agents, the phytochemical constituents, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of chloroform fraction (CF) of the methanol extract of Tephrosia bracteolata in mice and rats was evaluated.Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using standard method. Analgesic activity of CF (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally) was investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing test and thermally induced pain model in mice. Additionally, anti-inflammatory activity was tested by carragenaan-induced paw edema in rats.Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes and flavonoids. The oral LD50 of CF was above 2000 mg/kg body weight. CF significantly (p<0.05) and dose dependently reduced the number of writhes with percentage inhibition of 47.76 48.41 and 72.6 % at dose of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg respectively. CF also significantly (p<0.05) and dose dependently increased the mean reaction time. At dose of 400 mg/kg, CF at 60 and 90 minutes exhibited greater activity when compared to the standard agent pentazocine. CF(200 and 400 mg/kg) at times 3, 4 and 5 hours significantly (p<0.05) decreased the paw edema in rats when compare with the ibuprofen treated group.Conclusions: The chloroform fraction of the methanol crude extract of Tephrosia bracteolata possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities

Incidence of Fungal flora and Aflatoxin content of millet and maize cereal grains sold in Guinea savanna zones of Kebbi State

Cereal grains get contaminated with fungi and aflatoxin due to poor agricultural, displayed in market and storage practices. A total of three local governments in Guinea savanna zone of Kebbi State were selected for samples collection namely; Zuru, Yauri and Danko/Wasgu. Five heads of millet and five heads of maize were collected in each site, marked total of Thirty (30) head of both millet and maize in all. Fungi were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) using Agar plate method. Eight (8) fugal species were isolated and identified as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigates, Fusarium spp., Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor hiemalis, Eurotium harvarium and Penicillium spp. The highest incidence of fungi were obtained in Aspergillus flavus with (30.9%) and lowest were obtained in Eurotium harvarium (4.4%). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were used for the determination of Aflatoxin. From the results obtained Zuru had the highest level of aflatoxin 58.00±3.65a μg/kg in millet while Danko/Wsagu with less 12.72±2.99bμg/kg in maize. Implication of this findings showed that both millet and maize had aflatoxin levels above maximum acceptable limit of 10μg/kg set EU and NAFDAC. Therefore, adequate and rapid drying of grains to water content level may be employed as this could reduce the growth of aflatoxingenic fungi to the minimum possible level

Assessment of Selected Health Determinants among Almajiri Students in Gwadabawa Local Government, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Health determinants are factors that can influence our health either positively or negatively. This paper determined the factors that affect the health of Almajiri in their system of study in Gwadabawa local government of Sokoto state, Nigeria. Interview and visual observation were used to collect data, which was analyzed by thematic networks method. The result of this study was shown. Most (50.0%) of the Almajiri live in buildings own by school,whereas, 33.5% of them in donated buildings .There were three types of houses / classes where Almajiri live.Most (50.0%) were made of cement/modern style ,then (33.3%) the mud houses / classes, and (16.7%) were the ones from zinc .There were toilets for urination only ,no one was slated for defecation . In 75% of the schools there was no water, whereas 33.3% have water source from unprotected wells. In 33.3 % of the schools there was refuse dumps .In 33.3% there were no any source of risk. Whereas, in 16.7% there were gutters, and in 16.7% there were roads nearby. Personal hygiene was observed. 75.0% of Almajiri wore dirty garments.25.0% wore cleaned garments, 12.5% wore torn garments, and 87.5% wore untorn garments. 62.5% wore shoes and 37.5% have no shoes. 62.5% take bath weekly, 37.7% take bath daily. Interms of livelihood, most of them relied on begging for food; 25.0% do domestic work to get food and other needs. 70.0% of them eat twice in a day, 25.0% thrice, whereas, 5.0% once; in most cases. The result revealed many health determinants which can negatively affect the health of Almajiri.Keywords: health determinants, open defecation, overcrowding, begging, child labou

Purification characterization and inhibition studies on Phospholipase C from Opisthacanthus capensis (Black Scorpion) venom

Phospholipase C from Opisthacanthus capensis venom was partially purified and characterized. The enzyme was purified 105.2 fold with an overall yield of 13% using various purification steps involving ammonium sulphate precipitation, protamine sulphate treatment, sephadex G-75  fractionation and DE-52 anion exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme was  homogeneous with a molecular weight of 29 kDa. The  phospholipase C has pH and temperature optima of 7.2 and 600C, respectively with activation energy of 25KJ/mol and t1/2 of 1.50 hr. Initial velocity studies on O. capensis venom phospholipase C revealed a KM of 0.02 mM and Vmax of 0.015 μmol/min. Studies on the effect of pH on KM and Vmax gave PKa1 of 6.9 and PKa2 of 7.4 with enthalpy of ionization of 20 KJ/mol suggesting  histidine in the active site. The enzyme was positively modulated by Mg2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ and negatively by Fe2+. While Hg2+ produced complete inhibition. Various concentrations of leaf aqueous extract of Momordica charantia also inhibited the activity of O. capensis venom phospholipase C in vitro with a competitive pattern. This study revealed the presence of phospholipase C in O. capensis venom and gave some scientific basis for the use of theplant in the treatment of scorpion envenomation.Keywords: Phospholipase C; Opisthacanthus capensis;  Momordica charantia; Veno

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Potential of Gymnema Sylvestre Methanol Leaf Extract

Some medicinal plants and their purified derivatives have demonstrated beneficial therapeutic potentials for many centuries. They have been reported to exhibit antioxidant activity, reducing the oxidative stress in cells and are therefore useful in the treatment of many human diseases, including diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. This study evaluated antioxidative activity and enzymatic (alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase) inhibitory potentials of Gymnema sylvestre methanolic leaf extract (GSMLE) using standard methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The total phenolics and total flavonoids content in the extract were found to be 6.629±0.745 (µg/ml of catechol equivalent) and 0.004±0.0012 (µg/ml of quercetin equivalent) respectively. GSMLE was shown to have radical scavenging activity against DPPH (290.54 ± 39.72 %), hydroxyl radical (86.507 ± 23.55 %) and hydrogen peroxide (45.25 ± 25.23 %). The level of SOD was significantly decreased in H2O2 induced and H2O2+extract induced when compared with normal control (p<0.05); the level of GSH was significantly increased in H2O2 induced control and significantly decreased in H2O2+extract induced test when compared to normal control. GSH was also decreased significantly in H2O2+extract induced when compared to H2O2 induced control (p<0.05). The extract also demonstrated significant inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (IC50 182.26 ±1.05μg/ml) when compared with standard acarbose (IC50 189.52±0.46) and was more potent than the arcarbose on alpha-amylase inhibition with IC50 of 195.3±4.40 and 200.05±7.16 respectively. These findings may therefore, stress the potentiality of using Gymnema sylvestre as a natural remedy for the management of type 2 diabetes