Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) Histidine Complexes

Ternary complexes of histidine amino acid (Schiff base) were synthesized, characterized and tested against multi-drug resistant pathogens. The metal ion centers included Cu (II), Ni (II) and Co (II). These complexes were characterized using physico-chemical and spectroscopic analytical methods. All the complexes are found to be considerably soluble in both polar and non-polar solvents including methanol, ethanol, butanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and benzene and di ethyl-ether. Electronic Absorption Studies using FT-IR spectrophotometer revealed ν (O-H), ν (C=O), ν (C=N), ν (M -N) and ν (M-O) occurred between 3410 - 3417, 1751 - 1753, 1519 – 1521, 671 – 678, 439 – 470 cm-1 respectively in complexes and ligand. UV-Visible was further used to elucidate the complexes resulting in transitions characteristics of the ligand and complexes. The Schiff base showed no antimicrobial activity at various therapeutic concentrations. However, the metal complexes exhibited broad spectrum antibiotic activities against the multi-drug resistant pathogens at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC ≤ 200 µg/ml). The metal complexes showed strong activity against the isolates at medium and high concentrations, the bacteria strains included E.coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi and S. aureus and the fungi strains of Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The bioactivity recorded against these multi drug resistant pathogens indicates the potentials of these complexes for further therapeutic studies. Keywords: Histidine complex, synthesis, characterisation, antimicrobial activity, pathogens. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-10-02 Publication date:May 31st 201

A Comparative Study on Removal of Toxic Mercury and Chromium Using Synthesized Inorganic Complex (WOx-EDA) and Compound (AA) Through a Batch Adsorption Process

Toxic metals ions are well known undesirable pollutant in drinking water. Since they are barely biodegradable and can be accumulated in human body through the food chain to induce a severe threat to human health; it is of great importance to develop low cost, safe and highly effective adsorbents for the adsorptive removal of those toxic metals. Synthesis and Characterization of Inorganic–organic hybrid Tungsten oxide-ethylenediamine (WOx–EDA) nanowires have been carried out by a simple, low-cost and high-yield solvo-thermal method. Activated Alumina was also synthesized using direct method. Both Tungsten Oxide ethylenediamine and Activated Alumina (AA) were characterized using, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The synthesized inorganic adsorbents adsorption capacities for removing mercury and chromium were investigated using batch adsorption process. The equilibrium data were applied to various sorption kinectic models. The adsorbents adsorptive capabilities were compared. The adsorbents displayed exceptional adsorptive properties; however, WOx-EDA proved to be better adsorbent than activated alumina in terms of removal efficiency. This could be linked to hybrid structure integrated in the functionality of ethylenediamine with the stability of the WOx frameworks. The nanowire morphology and abundant functional amino groups possibly endowed the complex with versatile abilities and highly adsorptive properties. Keywords: Adsorption, Toxic, alumina, Tungsten Oxide Ethylenediamine, Kinetic. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-5-03 Publication date:May 31st 201

Integrating project based learning components into woodwork technology education curriculum at colleges of education in Nigeria

The main aim of this paper is to investigate project-based learning components suitable for integration into woodwork technology education curriculum (WTE) at Colleges of education (COE) in Nigeria. The study employed an intrinsic case study design. The population for the study comprised 12 respondents involving woodwork technology education lecturers and curriculum planners in north western Nigeria. Semi structured Interview protocol was the instrument used for collecting data for the study, while NVIVO 12 was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings from the study revealed that the curriculum structure of WTE at COE does not include PoBL. The findings also revealed 21st century skills, inquiry and innovation, publicly presented product among the PoBL components suitable for integration into WTE curriculum at COE in Nigeria. Findings also revealed relevance of integrating PoBL in WTE curriculum, and equally showed from the responses of the participants that involvement of WTE students in investigation, collaboration grouping, and provision of adequate resource facilities as ways through which PoBL components can enhance student skill when integrated into WTE curriculum. Therefore, integrating components of PoBL into WTE curriculum affords students’ the opportunity to enhance their skills in WTE, and bridge the skill gap existing between WTE graduates and the industries

Preliminary Phytochemical and Anti-Bacterial Studies on the Leaf Extracts of Plumeria Rubra Linn

Preliminary phytochemical screening and anti-bacterial activity of dried leaf extracts of Plumeria rubra using three solvent in the order of polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) was investigated. The phytochemical screening performed on the crude extracts revealed that the three extracts contained saponins and steroids. Tannins in ethylacetate and methanol extracts. Cardiac glycosides in ethylacetate extract, phlobatannins, flavonoids, terpenes and reducing sugar in methanol extract. The crude extracts were tested for their anti-bacterial activity on some pathogenic bacteria. Almost all the crude extracts displayed higher inhibitory effects at the tested concentration (20mg/ml), against four species of Gram negative (klesbsieva pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescence) and ten Gram positive (Bacillus subtils, Staphlococcus aureus, Clostridium sporogenes, Staphlococcus epiderm, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus faecalis, Corynebacterium phyogenes, and Bacillus polymyxa) bacterial strains; hexane and methanol extracts were the most active of the three extracts of Plumeria rubra leaf. Keywords: Phytochemical screening, anti-bacterial activity, Plumeria rubra

Preliminary Phytochemical and Anti-Bacterial Studies on the Leaf Extracts of Plumeria Rubra Linn

Preliminary phytochemical screening and anti-bacterial activity of dried leaf extracts of Plumeria rubra using three solvent in the order of polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) was investigated. The phytochemical screening performed on the crude extracts revealed that the three extracts contained saponins and steroids. Tannins in ethylacetate and methanol extracts. Cardiac glycosides in ethylacetate extract, phlobatannins, flavonoids, terpenes and reducing sugar in methanol extract. The crude extracts were tested for their anti-bacterial activity on some pathogenic bacteria. Almost all the crude extracts displayed higher inhibitory effects at the tested concentration (20mg/ml), against four species of Gram negative (klesbsieva pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescence) and ten Gram positive (Bacillus subtils, Staphlococcus aureus, Clostridium sporogenes, Staphlococcus epiderm, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus faecalis, Corynebacterium phyogenes, and Bacillus polymyxa) bacterial strains; hexane and methanol extracts were the most active of the three extracts of Plumeria rubra leaf. Keywords: Phytochemical screening, anti-bacterial activity, Plumeria rubra

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of water extract from Ipomoea asarifolia Desr (Convolvulaceae)

Ipomoea asarifolia (IA) (Desr) (family: Convolvulacea) is an herb, with a hairless succulent perennial stem, trailing on the ground usually several meters long. The various parts of this plant are used locally in the alleviation of inflammation and painful conditions. This study was done to evaluate the antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of the water extract of the plant in experimental animal models (anti-inflammatory action by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, the analgesic activity by acetic acid-induced writhing response method. The water extract of I. asarifolia in doses of 37.5, 75 and 150 mg/kg showed 64.7, 70.5 and 73.6% inhibition of paw edema, respectively, at the end of 3 h and in acetic-induced writhing, the percentage protection was 45, 58.1, and 60.7%, respectively. These showed dosedependent action in all the experimental models. The present study indicates that I. asarifolia has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.Keywords: Ipomoea asarifolia, anti-inflammatory activity, rat paw oedema, antinociceptive activity, pain model

A 5 year review of the prevalence and feto-maternal outcome of eclampsia at Aminu Kano teaching hospital.

Background: Eclampsia remains a serious obstetric disorder in tropical obstetric practice. Provision of quality antenatal care is essential in reducing its incidence.Objective: To determine the prevalence and socio demographic characteristics of patients with eclampsia and also the feto-maternal outcome.Study Design: A 5-year retrospective study on eclampsia in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.Results: There were a total of 13,750 deliveries and 240 eclamptic patients during the study period, giving a prevalence of 1.75%. About 49.28% of the eclamptic patients were adolescents compared with 7.25% in the control group and 59.42% of them were primigravidas compared with 12.56% in the control group. About 91.30% of the cases were Hausas and 77.77% were from Kano metropolis. Also 82.9% of the cases were unbooked and 51.29% of them were delivered via caesarean section compared with 10.63% in the control group. Maternal mortality occurred in 12.08% of the cases compared with 0.97% in the control group. Perinatal mortality occurred in 22.71% of the cases compared with 3.86% in the control group.Conclusion: Eclampsia is one of the serious emergencies seen in Sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with increased perinatal morbidities and mortalities. Providing good quality antenatal care coupled with improving emergency capability of hospitals and establishg an intensive care unit for the care of eclamptic patients are essential in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortalities from the disease.Keywords: Eclampsia, Feto-maternal outcome, AKTH Kano

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) Histidine Complexes

Ternary complexes of histidine amino acid (Schiff base) were synthesized, characterized and tested against multi-drug resistant pathogens. The metal ion centers included Cu (II), Ni (II) and Co (II). These complexes were characterized using physico-chemical and spectroscopic analytical methods. All the complexes are found to be considerably soluble in both polar and non-polar solvents including methanol, ethanol, butanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and benzene and di ethyl-ether. Electronic Absorption Studies using FT-IR spectrophotometer revealed ν (O-H), ν (C=O), ν (C=N), ν (M -N) and ν (M-O) occurred between 3410 - 3417, 1751 - 1753, 1519 – 1521, 671 – 678, 439 – 470 cm-1 respectively in complexes and ligand. UV-Visible was further used to elucidate the complexes resulting in transitions characteristics of the ligand and complexes. The Schiff base showed no antimicrobial activity at various therapeutic concentrations. However, the metal complexes exhibited broad spectrum antibiotic activities against the multi-drug resistant pathogens at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC ≤ 200 µg/ml). The metal complexes showed strong activity against the isolates at medium and high concentrations, the bacteria strains included E.coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi and S. aureus and the fungi strains of Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The bioactivity recorded against these multi drug resistant pathogens indicates the potentials of these complexes for further therapeutic studies. Keywords: Histidine complex, synthesis, characterisation, antimicrobial activity, pathogens

Extracts of Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Ginger) and Curcuma longa Linn. (Tumeric) Rhizomes inhibited Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in vitro

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are all the other mycobacteria which can cause pulmonary disease resembling tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, skin disease, or disseminated disease. The antimycobacterial activity of methanol, n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts of Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Ginger) rhizome and extract of Curcuma longa Linn. (Tumeric) were evaluated against four (4) species of nontuberculous Mycobacteria: Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 19420, Mycobacterium phlei ATCC 19240 and Mycobacterium fortuitum 684. Susceptibility tests were carried out using the agar well diffusion techniques while agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Bactericidal activities of bioactive extracts were evaluated by the viable counting techniques. Dichloromethane extract of Zingiber officinale showed the highest inhibition zone of 16±0.5 and 22±0.00 mm for M. abscessus and M. fortuitum ATCC 684 respectively; and the MIC and MBC for both species of organism were 6.25 mg/mL and 75 mg/mL. The n-hexane and methanol fractions of Zingiber officinale had no activity against tested Mycobacteria species. Also, methanol and n-hexane extracts of Curcuma longa both showed the highest inhibition zone of 16±0.5 and 20±0.0 mm respectively for M. abscessus while the MIC and MBC for both extracts were 25 mg/mL and 75 mg/mL respectively. The kill kinetics of the two plants against susceptible test organisms indicated a dose-dependent bactericidal activity, with decline in population (> 50%) within 4 hours of exposure followed by a total kill (100%) of the population at 8 hours exposure time at doses equivalent to 4 x MIC and 8 x MIC. Thus, it is concluded that this plants may contain compounds with therapeutic activity that could be used in treatment of diseases originating from non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection. Keyword: Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Ginger), Curcuma longa Linn. (Tumeric), Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Antimycobacterial activity, In vitr

Effect of Supplementation with a Locally Prepared Nutriceutical on Renal Function Profile in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased levels of marker of oxidative stress which play a role in the development of diabetes complications. Antioxidants are thought to be beneficial in curtailing the lipid peroxidation. In the current work, antioxidant- rich nutriceutic was formulated from onions, garlic, lemon, palm oil and crayfish (in ratio 6:6:2:1:5 respectively), which are known sources of vitamins A, C and E and Cu, Cr, Mn and Zn. The nutriceutic was administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 3 weeks and the effect of the supplementation on renal function profile was studied. The results shows that supplementation significantly (P<0.05) reduced blood glucose, urea, creatinine and potassium. It also not significantly (P>0.05) reduced serum sodium and bicarbonate. The findings suggest that supplementation with naturally occurring antioxidant nutriceutic may reduce the risk of oxidative stress and complications associated with diabetes mellitus and might be beneficial in the routine treatment of diabetes mellitus patients.Keywords: Diabetes, nutriceutic, glucose, and renal function profileNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19 (2): 197- 20