Ni(II) Complex of a Novel Schiff Base Derived from Benzaldehyde and Sulphathiazole: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Studies

Communication in Physical Sciences 2020, 5(2): 145-155 Authors: Ifeanyi. E. Otuokere, J.C. Anyanwu and K.K. IgweReceived 09April 2020/Accepted 01May 2020 New Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex, were synthesized using benzaldehyde and sulphathiazole. They were characterized usingelemental analyser, UV-visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. IR spectral data suggested that the ligand coordinated to nickel ions through two azomethine nitrogen, and one amine nitrogen. Electronic spectral measurement indicated the occurrence of ligand to metal charge transfer. Based on the continuous variation method, metal: ligand ratio of 1:1 was proposed. Elemental analysis and spectroscopic studies suggested that the Schiff base behaved as a tridentate ligand towards nickel ion. Antibacterial sensitivity of the ligand and its Ni (II) complex were assayed in vitro against Staphylococcusaureus, Echerichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. It was observed that the Ni(II) complex was more potent than the Schiff base against the bacterial strains used. Therefore, the Schiff base and its Ni(II) complex may inhibit bacterial infections caused by E.coli, P.aeruginosa,S. typhi and S.aureus. The Ni(II) complex showed enhanced antibacterial activity when compared with the pure the Schiff base.&nbsp

Evaluation of some selected haemorrheological profile during different phases of menstrual cycle: A study on apparently healthy females in Ekpoma, Edo - Nigeria

Various changes during pregnancy and lactation have been extensively documented. However, there is still a need for more extensive studies on menstruation -an important reproductive phenomenon. Considering the clinical relevance of hematological parameters, this study therefore, investigates some selected haemorrheological parameters at different phases of menstrual cycle. Involved in the study are 50 apparently healthy female subjects who met the inclusion criteria and resident in Ekpoma, Edo State- Nigeria. The parameters in focus were analysed using standard laboratory procedures and the data obtained, were subjected to statistical analysis. Results showed variations in the studied parameters before, during and after menses. Specifically, whole blood and plasma viscosity were significantly reduced during menses when compared to the values before and after menses. Erythrocytes sedimentation rate was significantly higher after menses than the values obtained before and during menses. Also, the changes observed for pack-cell volume remained statistically insignificant at the different phases of menstrual cycle with age having no significant influence on the parameters before, during and after menses. Thus, in reproductive females, there are fluctuations in haemorrheological parameters before, during and after menses and this is of clinical relevance to physicians and medical laboratory scientists.Keywords: Menstrual cycle, Reproductive life, Female, Haemorrheological parameters

Potential of Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus for sport fisheries and ecotourism development in Nigeria

The Atlantic Tarpon, Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus is a marine fish of high commercial importance with a special fishery in western, central and south-western Atlantic Ocean where it is a very important game fish. The species provides sport fishery especially in the western Atlantic coast of America which has generated millions of dollars in tourism, employment and boat charters. Tarpon fishery in America is highly regulated and there are strict guidelines on capture, bag limits and fishing seasons. Tarpon puts up a spectacular fight when hooked, leaping up to 2-3m above water surface and landing with a smacking splash that can be heard one kilometer away. It is the leaping powers that make tarpon a favourite to anglers. In the coastal waters of south-west Nigeria especially for the natives of the coastal communities of Ondo State, T. atlanticus is a delicacy and of high economic value. Some local fishermen and fish farmers in the area stock Tarpon in their ponds purely for recreational purposes. Some of these tarpon farms were integrated with snack bars and served as tourist centres. Visitors including individuals and educational institutions frequent the fish farm during excursions and pay a stipulated fee per person as entry permit to the farm thereby generating more revenue to the farmer. This paper highlights the importance of Tarpon as a game fish and suggests strategies for development of its culture both as food fish and for ecotourism

New onset left frontal lobe seizure presenting with ictal asystole

AbstractIctal asystole is a presumably rare but potentially fatal complication of seizures, most often of temporal lobe origin. It is believed that at least some cases of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) might be triggered by ictal bradycardia or asystole. Current standard practice is to implant a permanent pacemaker in these patients to prevent syncope and/or death. However, emerging data suggests that effective medical or surgical treatment of epilepsy might be enough to prevent cardiac asystole, eliminating the need for permanent pacemaker placement. We describe a case of new onset left frontal lobe epilepsy in a young athletic patient who presented with near-syncopal episodes but whose comprehensive work-up revealed frequent events of ictal bradycardia and asystole. He responded well to monotherapy using oxcarbazepine, avoiding a permanent pacemaker

The Influence of Biostimulator in the Remediation of Petroleum Sludge Polluted Clay Soil: The Concept of Moringa Application

The Bioremediation of Petroleum Sludge (PS) in a clay soil environment of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria using Moringa Seed oil extract (MO) as a Biostimulator (BS) has been investigated, with a view to studying the mitigation impact on the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content of the petroleum sludge. Two Bioreactors labeled R1 (with MO treatment) and R2 (control: No treatment) containing 3.0kg of clay soils were polluted with 300ml of petroleum sludge. 50ml of MO was added to R1 as a biostimulator. R2 received no form of treatment. Bioremediation extent monitoring was carried out bi-weekly by sampling of the bioreactors contents and analyzing for the individual petroleum hydrocarbon using a gas chromatography (GC). Analysis of the samples at two weeks intervals for a period of 12 weeks reveals that bioremediation occurred in the treatment reactor and the control reactor to which no biostimulator was added. Most of the Hydrocarbon degradation occurred within the first four weeks of the experiment. It was found that moringa seed oil extract was very effective and suitable for remediation of petroleum sludge polluted clay soils due to the high degradation rates of the individual hydrocarbons recorded in the biostimulated reactor against the low degradation rates of those of the control reactor with no form of bio-treatment

New wine in old wine skin : an assessment of African Union’s peace and security initiatives in Africa

Abstract: The need for continental freedom, peace, security, and unity were among the major reasons for the formation of Organization of African Unity (OAU). This organization fought acidulously to guarantee independence for the African countries and end apartheid regime in South Africa. With time, both intended and unintended internal activities of independent African countries led to series of conflicts that jeopardized the peace, security and unity of the continent. The need for a more dogged organization that would fit into the trending globalization and create peace and security in the continent therefore led to the formation of the African Union (AU). This research therefore employed qualitative historical method of data collection and analysis as a way juxtaposing the extents the two organizations went in maintaining peace, security and unity of the continent. It tried to examine the extent AU was different from the OAU. The study weighed the strengths and weaknesses of the two organizations. Some of the weaknesses were evident: the OAU was more like a toothless bulldog as it failed in many occasions to back plans with actions; the AU also beclouds the Article 4(h) with conceptual ambiguities that retard its functionalities. The strength of the OAU is evident in the attainment of independence while the AU can boast of success in peacebuilding in the post-Cold War Africa. The study recommended increased peacebuilding efforts and transformative national leadership as the sustainable road to African peace, security and development

Association of Altered Collagen Content and Lysyl Oxidase Expression in Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Background—Collagen cross-linking is mediated by lysyl oxidase (LOX) enzyme in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mitral valve leaflets. Alterations in collagen content and LOX protein expression in the ECM of degenerative mitral valve may enhance leaflet expansion and disease severity. Methods—Twenty posterior degenerative mitral valve leaflets from patients with severe mitral regurgitation were obtained at surgery. Five normal posterior mitral valve leaflets procured during autopsy served as controls. Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) density was quantified by immunohistochemistry, collagen types I and III by picro-sirius red staining and immunohistochemistry, and proteoglycans by alcian blue staining. Protein expression of LOX and its mediator TGFβ1 were quantified by immunofluorescence and gene expression by PCR. Results—VICs density was increased, structural type I collagen density was reduced, while reparative type III collagen and proteoglycan densities were increased (p \u3c 0.0001) with an increase in spongiosa layer thickness in myxomatous valves. These changes were associated with a reduction in LOX (p \u3c 0.0001) and increase in TGFβ1 protein expression (p \u3c 0.0001). However, no significant change was seen in gene expression. Linear regression analysis identified a correlation between type I collagen density and LOX grade (R2 = 0.855; p \u3c 0.0001). Conclusions—Reduced type I collagen density with a simultaneous increase in type III collagen and proteoglycan densities possibly contributes to spongiosa layer expansion resulting in incompetent mitral valve leaflets. Observed changes in type I and III collagen densities in DMVD may be secondary to alterations in LOX protein expression, contributing to disorganization of ECM and disease severity

Effects of Household Waste Generation, Disposal and Management on Farmers’ Health in Owerri Metropolis of IMO State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effects of household waste generation, disposal and management on farmers' health in Owerri metropolis. It specifically ascertained the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, identified the types and sources of waste in the study area, examined the waste disposal and management methods in the study area examined the effects of inappropriate waste disposal and ascertained the appropriate waste disposal methods used in the study area. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eight farmers from the three Local Government Area in Owerri metropolis. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics tool such as mean, frequency, percentage, and mean scores. Results show that waste is majorly generated from markets and residential homes. Waste disposal methods were mainly burning, landfills and open dumping. Its effects includes destroys the beauty of the environment, blocks gutters and drainage system, pollutes the environment among others. Subsequently, appropriate waste disposal methods in the study area includes burning of waste (29.17%), placing of bins at appropriate places (16.07%). The study recommends amongst others that waste management environmental agency should make waste dumps or receptacles accessible to residents, public campaigns should be embarked upon to educate the citizens on ills of dirty environment

Left ventricular assist device implantation in high risk destination therapy patients: an alternative surgical approach

Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) for Destination Therapy (DT) is an established therapy for end stage heart failure patients who are not transplant candidates. Many DT patients requiring LVADs have had prior open heart surgery, the majority of whom had prior sternotomy. In addition, DT patients tend to be older and more likely to have more significant co-morbidities than their Bridge-To-Transplant (BTT) counterparts. As such, placement of an implantable LVAD in DT patients can be technically hazardous and potentially prone to more perioperative complications. The purpose of this report is to describe an alternative implantation approach for the implantation of the Heartmate II™ LVAD in high risk DT patients