Growth response of sterculia setigera del. to different types of fertilizers and watering regimes in the nursery

Growth response of Sterculia setigera to NPK (15:15:15) and Urea (46:0:0) at different levels of application and watering regimes were examined. A total of 160 seeds of Sterculia setigera were sown. After germination, 72 seedlings of good health and vigour were selected for the study. The fertilizers were applied at four different levels. 0.00g, 0.67g, 1.33g and 2.0g of NPK fertilizer and 0.00kg, 0.22kg, 0.44kg and 0.66kg of Urea with three replicates each. The second treatment was watering regimes; this was applied at three different levels, e.g. daily watering, watering at three days interval and watering at five days internal. The growth parameters which include total height, collar diameter, and number of leaves were measured for a period of twelve weeks. Biomass production was also evaluated. Assessment of the growth parameters reveals that when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea were applied under daily watering regime, the highest mean height of 23.82 and 24.39 cm were recorded. The highest mean diameter growth (collar) of 0.32 and 0.44cm were equally observed when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea fertilizer were applied under daily watering regime. Also, the highest mean number of leaves was produced (6.12 and 6.72) when 0.20g of NPK and 0.66kg of Urea were applied. Biomass analysis from the study also indicates that 0.2g NPK and 0.66kg Urea gave the highest dry matter yield. Therefore, for optima production of Sterculia setigera in the nursery, 0.20g of NPK, 0.66kg of Urea and daily watering regime are recommended

Ameliorative effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on anaemia and osmotic fragility induced by proteinenergy malnutrition

This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of dietary supplementation of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf on anaemia and changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility in protein energymalnourished rats. Protein energy malnutrition has been associated with anaemia and changes in osmotic fragility, deformability and lifespan of erythrocytes. In this study, protein-energy malnutritioninduced in weanling male Wister rats by feeding them low protein diet for 3 weeks was associated with significantly reduced (

Gene frequencies of ABO and rhesus blood groups and haemoglobin variants in Ogbomoso, South–West Nigeria

The distribution and gene frequencies of ABO and rhesus (Rh) blood groups and haemoglobin variants for samples of the Nigerian population at Ogbomoso was determined. Data consisting of records of blood groups and haemoglobin types of different ages ranging from infants to adults for a period of 4 to 6 years (1995 – 2000) was collected from Baptist Medical Centre (BMC), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Health Centre (LAUTHC) and Oyo State General Hospital (OSGH), all in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Overall, a total number of 7653, 7053 and 14,845 individuals were typed for ABO and Rh blood groups, and haemoglobin genotypes, respectively. 3824 (50%) were blood group O, 1750 (22.9%) were blood group A, 1629 (21.3%) were blood group B and 450 (5.9%) were blood group AB. This distribution differs significantly (P<0.05) from those expected under the Hardy Weinberg law. The proportion of the individuals belonging to the various ABO blood groups also varied significantly (P<0.05) over the period of the study. Overall gene frequencies for the A, B and O alleles were 0.15, 0.15 and 0.70, respectively. For the Rh blood group 6823 (96.7%) were Rh-positive (DD and Dd) while 230 (3.3%) were Rh – negative (dd). The distribution and proportion of individuals belonging to each group did not differ significantly from those expected under the Hardy Weinberg law (P>0.05). The gene frequencies of D and d alleles were 0.82 and 0.18, respectively. Six haemoglobin genotypes were recorded in the order of AA (68.1%) > AS (21.0%) > AC (5.7%) >SS (3.0%) >SC (2.0%) >CC (0.3%). The gene frequencies were 0.81, 0.14 and 0.04 for A, S and C alleles, respectively. Our results are representative of the distribution of these genetic variants in Nigeria.Keywords: Gene frequency, blood groups, haemoglobin, Nigeri

The effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on multi-drug resistant micro-organisms

This study was carried out to investigate possible bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaf extract on multi-drug resistant micro-organisms. The antimicrobial property of C. aconitifolius leaf extract was carried out on the following multi-drug resistant microorganisms;Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica Gallinarum and Candida albicans. The results from this study show that none of the multi-drug resistant micro-organisms was sensitive to the leaf extract of C. aconitifolius.Key words: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, bioactivity, multi-drug resistant micro-organisms

Processing, utilization and challenges of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa, Jacque benth) in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo state, Nigeria

The study examined the processing, utilization and challenges of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) in Arigidi Akoko in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State. A total of 3,446 locust bean sellers were identified and 5% of the sellers were sampled given the total of 172 respondents: 80 at Imo Arigidi, 50 at Arigidi Oja, and 42 at Agbaluku which are the three major settlements in the town. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and subjected to descriptive statistical tools. The Socio-economic analysis shows that locust bean processing and trade are dominated by females (97.7%) with trace percentage of male (2.3%). This could be traced to preference of women in processing operations. The prevalent method of processing is manual or traditional. Majority of the respondents (48.8%) believed the processing method is strenuous and it takes a lot of time. However 32% of the people considered it simple and less stressful but 2.3% perceived the activities to be simple, stressful and time-consuming. Similarly, 59.9% of the respondents only submitted that the processing method could be learnt while 57.6% of the respondents specified the number of days in which the processing method could be learnt (1-7 days). The processing/utilization challenges include unavailability of the product in large proportions in the study area, lack of water supply, stressful nature of the processing, poor packaging, lack of storage facilities, etc. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that locust bean processing is a thriving occupation and therefore a sustainable livelihoods for the people of Arigidi Akoko. For promotion of the occupation or the locust bean trade in the area, modernized processing techniques, provision of boreholes by relevant government agencies to ensure potable water supply for processing activities and encouragement of plantation establishment should be considered.Key Words: African locust bean, utilization/processing, marketing, Ondo State, Tasboo

Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in the private blood banking sector in Osogbo, Southwest Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is an agent of Transfusion Transmissible Infection (TTI) which serves as a threat to blood safety and sufficiency of blood and blood products supply.Objectives: This study aimed at determining the distribution patterns of HCV among potential blood donors in a private Blood Bank in Osogbo, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Over a period of 6 months, 290 consenting prospective blood donors were recruited for this study by convenient sampling technique. Pre-test counseling was done, before blood specimen collection and laboratory serological analysis was carried out, using third generation Enzyme Immunoassay Technique.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.99 ±10.94 years. A total of 6 participants (2.07%) tested positive for anti-HCV. In this study, HCV prevalence has no association with age and blood type, but it does with the donor type, where the prevalence is higher among commercial blood donors.Conclusion: The rates were lower than the previous studies in Nigeria perhaps this is due to the positive effect of public awareness on transfusion transmissible infections and the fact that majority of the donors were regular donors. Blood transfusion services should be further strengthened by establishment of blood transfusion committees at State level, to regulate and monitor the practice, especially in the private sector, with a view to ensure that stringent criteria are adhered to in blood donors’ selection.Keywords: Blood Safety, Hepatitis C Virus, Serology and Private sector

Paraoxonase 1 activity and genotyping in systemic lupus erythematosus and their relationships with cardiovascular complications

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by an enhanced risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme closely associated with high density lipoprotein (HDL), has been implicated in the prevention of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and these may provide HDL-associated protection against atherosclerosis. The Aim: Our objective was to evaluate PON1 activity and genotypes in SLE patients and their relationships to cardiovascular complications and some other risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in those patients. Patient and Methods: Thirty SLE patients, subdivided into patients with CVD and without CVD, and fifteen matched healthy control subjects were studied. Laboratory investigations included lipid profile, lupus anticoagulants (LA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL). PON1 activity was determined by paraoxon substrate. PON1 genotyping was conducted by PCR amplification, followed by polymorphism-specific restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. Results: Our study revealed that PON1 activity was significantly decreased in SLE patients groups compared to controls and in SLE patients with CVD compared to those without CVD (

Frequency of twinning in southwest Nigeria

Background: In the human species, twin is a type of multiple birth in which the mother gives birth to two offspring from the same pregnancy. The occurrence and frequency of twinning, however, varies across human populations. The maternal age, socio-environmental factors, increase in the use of contraceptives, the race of human population, increase in the spontaneous abortion rate, and seasonal variations are among the factors that could influence twinning rate. Information on twinning rates in southwest Nigeria is limited. Aims : This study presents information on the frequency of twinning, as well as its analysis by maternal age, in four urban settings in southwest Nigeria. This is with the aim of extending current knowledge on the frequency of twinning in southwest Nigeria and contributing to the demographic studies in the country. Materials and Methods: Data on single births and twin births from January 1995 to December 2004 were collected from the Oyo State General Hospital (OSGH), Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), and Ekiti State Specialist Hospital (ESSH) in Ogbomoso, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, and Ado-Ekiti respectively. These were analyzed by year and maternal age groups of 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and 45-49 years according to the standard method. Results: A frequency of twin births of 46.5 per 1000 deliveries and 46.2 per 1000 deliveries was recorded for Ilesa and Ile-Ife respectively. The frequency recorded for Ogbomoso and Ado-Ekiti was 38.5 and 22.1 per 1000 deliveries respectively. The overall average frequency of 40.2 per 1000 deliveries for the four hospitals ranks among the highest recorded rates of twin births in the world. The maternal age group of 25-29 years had the highest occurrence of twin births, while the lowest was recorded in the 45-49 years age group. Conclusion: This analysis reveals high incidence of twinning in the studied areas and supports previous assertion that the southwestern part of Nigeria has the highest twinning rate in the country and in the whole world. It is our opinion that diet, maternal history of twinning, and some socio-environmental factors may have influenced the results

Polluted Alamuyo River: Impacts on surrounding wells, microbial attributes and toxic effects on Allium cepa root cells

The physicochemical analysis and microbial load of polluted Alamuyo River in Ibadan, Nigeria and selected wells along its course were evaluated. Toxic effects of water samples obtained from upstream(A) and down stream (F) of the river were also evaluated using Allium cepa root assay. The result of the analysis revealed that the water sample contained toxic substances. However, almost all parametersevaluated were within the allowable limit of treated wastewater. High microbial load was observed in river water samples compared to the well water samples throughout the sampling periods with overall highest value observed at Late Rainy Season upstream water sample (LRS-A). MPN of faecal coliform showed that LDS-A, ERS-F and LRS from A – F were significantly different. Echerichia coli, Bacillus substillis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fragii were among the microbes observed in the samples. T-test analysis on A. cepa root length showed that only 50% of LDS-A, LDS-F and LRS-A were significantly different from control (P < 0.05) though there were reduction in root length in allconcentrations tested through out the sampling period except 5% ERSA, 10% ERSF and 10% LRSF. Microscopic evaluation of A. cepa cells showed decreasing number of dividing cells and mitotic indiceswere not dose dependent in most cases. Chromosome fragments, bridge, lag and disturbed spindle were the aberrations observed in this study. Our result showed that water samples from the rivercontained toxic substances and high microbial load, which have effects on the surrounding wells due to infiltration