Effect of Cassava mill effluent on some soil chemical properties and the growth of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.)

In the trials, Cassava mill Effluent was used for fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) cultivation in order to verify the influence of the effluent on the growth and some soil chemical properties. In this regard, a completely randomized and randomized complete block designs were used in the greenhouse and field trials respectively with 6 treatments replicated 3 times. In the greenhouse, the following rates of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ml per 5 kg topsoil were used while in the field trial, 0, 40000, 80000, 120000, 160000 and 200000 litres/ha were utilized. The rates used in the field were equivalent to those of greenhouse. In both trials, the cassava mill effluent was applied 2 weeks prior to transplanting the seedlings. Results indicated that the cassava mill effluent significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil pH, organic carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn whereas the exchangeable acidity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with corresponding increase in cassava mill effluent treatments. Except N and Na, which declined with corresponding increase in the cassava mill effluent treatments, an improved P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn components was achieved in cassava mill effluent polluted plants compared to control. The plant height, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increased cassava mill effluent treatment in the greenhouse trial while in the field trial, 120000 litres/ha was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatments. In the greenhouse trial, significantly (P < 0.05) higher number of leaves was attained in 100 ml treatment compared to other treatments whereas in the field trial, the 120000 and 200000 litres/ha were significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to other treatment

Effect Of Different Management Environment On Hematological Perfomance In West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats

This study was carried out to assess the effect of management environment on heamatological performance of West African Dwarf goats reared under different management system commonly adopted by farmers in Nigeria (i.e. extensive, semi-intensive and intensive system). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design using fifteen (15) West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Result from the experiment shows that PCV and Hb values were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by management system. This value ranges from 28.3±1.50 to 31.3±2.52% for PCV and 8.93±0.45 to 10.3±1.57 g/dl for Hb. whereas other parameters such as RBCs, MCHC, WBCs shows no significant (P>0.05) differences in their values. Total serum protein and Serum glucose reveals significant (P<0.05) differences in their values too, with intensively reared goats having higher serum values. This value also ranged from 7.14±0.51 to 8.51±0.30 g/dl for total serum protein and 47.75±3.35 to 61.16±3.47mg/dl for glucose respectively. It was concluded that intensively reared goats have better heamatological performance compared with extensively reared goats

Assessment of serum biochemistry in West African Dwarf (WAD) does administered varying levels of medroxyl–progesterone acetate (MPA), an estrus synchronizing drug

This study was carried out to assess the health status (serum biochemistry) of West African Dwarf (WAD) does administered varying levels of modroxyl-progestrone acetate (MPA), an oestrus synchronizing drug. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Result of the experiment showed that all the does were in good health status before, during and after the drug administration. Blood serum electrolytes analyses showed that all parameters assessed were within the normal range of a healthy goat. Sodium (Na+) mEq/L and potassium (K+) mEq/L were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected, by the drug administered. Urea (mg/dl) and creatinine (mg/dl) were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the drugs administered. Serum enzymes activities in WAD does showed that alanine transaminase (ALT) (m/L) and aspartate transaminase (AST) (m/L) were not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by administering MPA drug but alkaline phophatase (ALP) (mg/dl) was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced before and during the drug administration. Similarly, serum protein (g/dl) and serum glucose (mg/dl) values were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced before and during the drug administration. However, the result of this study showed that all the does were in good health status after synchronizing oestrus with the drug.Key words: Serum biochemistry, West African Dwarf (WAD) does, oestrus synchronization drug

Waste Management as a Practical Approach to Sustainable Development: A Case Study of the University of Benin,Faculty of Physical Sciences

The wastes generated in the Faculty of Physical Sciences shopping complex and offices on daily basis for a  period of one week continuous sampling have been determined. The summation of the wastes generated amounted to 355.38kg; the volume was arrived at following the daily scientific survey by gathering all wastes matrix generated in a particular day followed by manual sorting and weighing of the various fractions. Out of the total volume of the wastes generated, food wastes accounted for the total of 129.39 kg/week amounting to 37%, paper and cardboard accounted for 105.73 kg/week taking 30% of the total. Plastic, glass and metals accounted for 92.91kg /week, 15.93kg/week, and 9.42kg/week i.e. (26%, 4% and 3%) of the total waste matrix respectively. Correlation at P < 0.5 two tailed  shows a positive correlation indicating that wastes generated were from a similar source, The results were presented in graphs. The ultimate results show that  over 100% of the wastes generated in the complex are recyclable and will increase the institution income and create employment opportunities if properly managed while in the same process enhance sustainable development.Keywords: Waste, Generation, Recycle, Management and sustainable developmen

Loss of TIP30 Accelerates Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and is characterized by key driver mutations (e.g. KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4), elevated expression of growth factors such as TGF-βs and the EGF receptor (EGFR), a markedly desmoplastic stroma, and a propensity to develop multi-organ metastases and chemoresistance. Consistent with its aggressive nature, the 5-year survival rate for PDAC is 8-9%, which demonstrates an urgent need to develop novel therapies. High expression levels of microRNA-10b (miR-10b) in PDAC tissues are associated with decreased patient survival and earlier appearance of metastatic disease following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. miR-10b downregulates the expression of transcription coactivator Tat-Interacting Protein 30 (TIP30) by targeting its 3’UTR. TIP30 has multiple reported functions. TIP30 suppresses tumor formation and metastasis, forms a complex that regulates EGFR trafficking and degradation, and transcriptionally upregulates pro-apoptotic genes. Alterations in TIP30 have been reported in multiple human cancers, including pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that Tip30-deficiency accelerates PDAC progression and metastasis in a murine model of PDAC. To test this hypothesis, we crossed mice with oncogenic Kras (KC) localized to the pancreas epithelium, with Tip30-deficient mice (K30C). We compared PDAC histopathology between Tip30-heterozygous (K30+/-C) and Tip30-null (K30-/-C) mice. Tip30-heterozygosity accelerated PDAC-lesion-associated pancreatic cancer cell (PCC) pulmonary seeding. By contrast, total loss of Tip30 enhanced PCC micrometastatic seeding to the liver and hepatic metastasis. K30+/-C mice also presented with an early, increased penetrance of lung lesions and lung adenocarcinoma; and PCCs isolated from K30+/-C pancreata exhibited increased EGFR protein levels. These findings suggest that TIP30 deficiency can have a dose-dependent effect on organotropic metastasis and EGFR levels in PCCs. Future studies will delineate the molecular consequences of TIP30 loss in PDAC and contribute to a broader understanding of pancreatic cancer metastasis.2020-08-0

Growth and Physiological Performance of West African Dwarf Goats Reared Under Two Different Management Systems

Twenty young growing West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of both sexes with an average body weight of 5.77kg were used in an experiment which lasted for three months to assess growth and physiological performance of goats reared under two different management systems. Result of the experiment revealed that growth rate was significantly better in animals reared under intensive system of management as indices measured such as average daily weight gain, (kg) and metabolic weight (W0.75kg), were better in goats reared intensively. Feed intake was not significantly different (p>0.05) among the two management systems. However, physiological parameters such as rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and ambient temperature revealed some significant correlation. It was thus concluded that goats reared under both intensive and extensive systems of management could be thermally stressed by the ambient temperature, while rearing goats intensively is better than the extensive method commonly adopted in Nigeria

Litho-stratigraphic and hydrogeological evaluation of groundwater system in parts of Benin Metropolis, Benin City Nigeria: The key to groundwater sustainability

Previous studies revealed that soil properties play a significant role in aquifer contamination. Consequently, it is necessary to understand the nature and  properties of soil in carrying out groundwater evaluation. This study evaluates the subsurface geology and groundwater flow direction in Okpagha, Iguomo, Ikhueniro and Okhuahe suburbs in Benin City, Nigeria. Six boreholes were drilled by means of manual (rotary) method in different parts of the study area and each borehole was logged in order to  understand the lithology, depth to water table, static water level as well as flow direction. The results obtained show that aquifer within the study areas were confined, semi confined to unconfined and was dominated by sands with minor clay and lignite  interbed. It was observed that aquifer becomes shallower towards eastern portion of the study areas with increase in sand and decrease in clay  materials. It was also observed that groundwater flow map revealed a flow direction of North-West to South-East from North West to South East. The decrease in the depth of aquifer and increase in sand material could be explained by the  closeness to sea level. This phenomenon can enhance the infiltration of contaminants into aquifer thereby contaminating the groundwater bodies. It is therefore necessary to constantly monitor the groundwater quality in this suburbs in order to be aware of the quality of water resources being consumed because poor water quality can impact public health negatively. Furthermore, the authors advise that boreholes should be drilled in the direction of groundwater flow for maximum yieldKeywords: Groundwater, lithology, borehole, aquifer, water quality and contaminant

An assessment of the reproductive performance of estrus synchronized West African Dwarf (WAD) does using medroxyl-progestrone acetate (MPA)

This study was carried out to assess the reproductive performance of cycling West African Dwarf does as well as to assess the efficacy of medroxyl-progestrone acetate, an estrus synchronizing drug, thathas the advantage of being administered orally and intramuscularly. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design using 40 cycling does divided into five experimental treatment groups.The results of the experiment show that estrus behavior in the does was significantly (P0.05) affected by the drug. These results show that there is good prospect in the use of medroxyl-progestrone acetate orally and intramuscularly in synchronizing estrus in cycling WAD does