Lung Cancer is a life-threatening disease which can be diagnosed by Medical Imaging such as X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan etc. This research presented an enhanced model using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to detect lung cancer using X-Ray image. Medical image processing relies heavily on the diagnosis of lung cancer images. It aids doctors in determining the correct diagnosis and management. For many patients, lung cancer ranks among the mostdeadly diseases. Many lives can be saved if cancerous growth is diagnosed early. The purported model was predominantly built on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture and the model was built with enhanced features such as Image Enhancement, Segmenting ROI (Region of Interest), Features Extraction and Nodule Classification. In preprocessing stage, the AMF (Adaptive Median Filter) filtering method was applied to eliminate noise in X-Ray image of the dataset, and quality of X-Ray image was improved with the support of CLAHE (Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization). Secondly, K-means Clustering algorithm was used to extract the relevant feature or Region of Interest (ROI) of the lung field automatically i.e. the model was effectively trained to identify and crop the exact location of the lung field automatically. The model was able to classify the cancer nodule as either Cancerous or Non-Cancerous. The framework worked on C# platform, and used EMGU for detection of the tumour in the lung xray image. Experimental result showed that the developed system was able to detect Lung Cancer with 90.77% accuracy, 86.65% precision and 95.31% Recall/Sensitivity.
肺癌是一种危及生命的疾病，可通过 X 光、核磁共振成像、CT 扫描等医学影像诊断出来。这项研究提出了一种使用卷积神经网络（CNN）的增强模型，利用 X 光图像检测肺癌。医学图像处理在很大程度上依赖于肺癌图像的诊断。它有助于医生确定正确的诊断和治疗方法。对于许多患者来说，肺癌是最致命的疾病之一。如果能及早诊断出癌细胞的生长，就能挽救许多生命。所谓的模型主要基于卷积神经网络（CNN）架构，该模型具有增强功能，如图像增强、ROI（感兴趣区）分割、特征提取和结节分类。在预处理阶段，应用 AMF（自适应中值滤波器）滤波方法消除数据集 X 光图像中的噪声，并在 CLAHE（对比度受限自适应直方图均衡化）的支持下提高 X 光图像的质量。其次，使用 K-means 聚类算法自动提取肺野的相关特征或感兴趣区域（ROI），即有效训练模型自动识别和裁剪肺野的准确位置。该模型能够将癌症结节分类为癌症或非癌症。该框架在 C# 平台上运行，使用 EMGU 检测肺部 X 射线图像中的肿瘤。实验结果表明，所开发的系统能够以 90.77% 的准确率、86.65% 的精确率和 95.31% 的召回率/灵敏度检测肺癌。
{"title":"An enhanced Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for the detection of lung cancer using X-Ray image","authors":"B. E. Oyovwe, A. E. Edje, E. Omede, C. Ogeh","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.29","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.29","url":null,"abstract":"Lung Cancer is a life-threatening disease which can be diagnosed by Medical Imaging such as X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan etc. This research presented an enhanced model using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to detect lung cancer using X-Ray image. Medical image processing relies heavily on the diagnosis of lung cancer images. It aids doctors in determining the correct diagnosis and management. For many patients, lung cancer ranks among the mostdeadly diseases. Many lives can be saved if cancerous growth is diagnosed early. The purported model was predominantly built on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture and the model was built with enhanced features such as Image Enhancement, Segmenting ROI (Region of Interest), Features Extraction and Nodule Classification. In preprocessing stage, the AMF (Adaptive Median Filter) filtering method was applied to eliminate noise in X-Ray image of the dataset, and quality of X-Ray image was improved with the support of CLAHE (Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization). Secondly, K-means Clustering algorithm was used to extract the relevant feature or Region of Interest (ROI) of the lung field automatically i.e. the model was effectively trained to identify and crop the exact location of the lung field automatically. The model was able to classify the cancer nodule as either Cancerous or Non-Cancerous. The framework worked on C# platform, and used EMGU for detection of the tumour in the lung xray image. Experimental result showed that the developed system was able to detect Lung Cancer with 90.77% accuracy, 86.65% precision and 95.31% Recall/Sensitivity. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"31 37","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140980274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. M. Okpa, C. C. Monago-Ighorodje, K. Baabel, O. E. Ezim
This study evaluated the bio-absorptive potentials of Pleurotus ostreatus and macerated cobs of Zea mays in the remediation of crude oil polluted soil. Crude oil contaminated soil was collected from B-Dere community located in Gokana L.G.A, Rivers State and analyzed for physicochemical, Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metal. The crude oil polluted soil sample was divided into five parts of 2,000 g each with the following quantity of macerated cobs of Zea mays, P. ostreatus and triton x- 00 added and labeled thus: a) Polluted soil without treatment – cell A (control sample), b) 20ml of triton x-100 - cell B, c) 150 g of macerated cob of Zea mays – cell C, d) 150 g of P. ostreatus – cell D and e) 100 g of macerated cobs of Zea mays and P. ostreatus(i.e. 50 g each) – cell E.Soil samples were collected six (6) weeks after treatment with macerated cobs of Zea mays and P. ostreatus and incubated in sterile plastic bags and transferred to the laboratory for physicochemical, TPH, PAHs and heavy metal analyses. There were significant changes in the mean physico-chemical parameters before remediation (i.e., week 0) and remediation. After 6 weeks of remediation, TPH and PAHs concentration across all the cells were significantly (p< 0.05) reduced. The remediation process led to a notable reduction in TPH, PAHs and heavy metal concentrations suggesting its effectiveness in removal of these toxicants. Thus, the combination method is more effective and can enhance bioremediation process as well as solve the problem of waste management and utilization.
本研究评估了牛肝菌（Pleurotus ostreatus）和浸渍玉米棒在修复原油污染土壤方面的生物吸收潜力。研究人员从位于河流州 Gokana L.G.A 的 B-Dere 社区收集了原油污染土壤，并对其进行了理化、总石油烃（TPH）、多环芳烃（PAHs）和重金属分析。原油污染土壤样本被分成五份，每份 2,000 克，分别加入以下数量的浸渍玉米棒、P. ostreatus 和 triton x- 00，并贴上如下标签：a) 未经处理的污染土壤 - A 细胞（对照样本）；b) 20 毫升 triton x-100 - B 细胞；c) 150 克浸渍玉米棒 - C 细胞；d) 150 克 P. ostreatus - D 细胞；e) 20 毫升 triton x-100 - B 细胞。用浸渍过的玉米棒和奥氏囊藻处理六（6）周后收集土壤样本，放入无菌塑料袋中培养，然后转移到实验室进行理化、总石油碳氢化合物、多环芳烃和重金属分析。修复前（即第 0 周）和修复后的平均理化参数发生了明显变化。经过 6 周的修复，所有细胞中的 TPH 和 PAHs 浓度均明显降低（p< 0.05）。修复过程明显降低了 TPH、PAHs 和重金属的浓度，这表明修复过程能有效去除这些有毒物质。因此，这种组合方法更为有效，不仅能加强生物修复过程，还能解决废物管理和利用问题。
{"title":"Remediation of crude oil polluted soil using a combination of macerated cobs of Zea mays and Pleurotus ostreatus","authors":"A. M. Okpa, C. C. Monago-Ighorodje, K. Baabel, O. E. Ezim","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.28","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.28","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated the bio-absorptive potentials of Pleurotus ostreatus and macerated cobs of Zea mays in the remediation of crude oil polluted soil. Crude oil contaminated soil was collected from B-Dere community located in Gokana L.G.A, Rivers State and analyzed for physicochemical, Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metal. The crude oil polluted soil sample was divided into five parts of 2,000 g each with the following quantity of macerated cobs of Zea mays, P. ostreatus and triton x- 00 added and labeled thus: a) Polluted soil without treatment – cell A (control sample), b) 20ml of triton x-100 - cell B, c) 150 g of macerated cob of Zea mays – cell C, d) 150 g of P. ostreatus – cell D and e) 100 g of macerated cobs of Zea mays and P. ostreatus(i.e. 50 g each) – cell E.Soil samples were collected six (6) weeks after treatment with macerated cobs of Zea mays and P. ostreatus and incubated in sterile plastic bags and transferred to the laboratory for physicochemical, TPH, PAHs and heavy metal analyses. There were significant changes in the mean physico-chemical parameters before remediation (i.e., week 0) and remediation. After 6 weeks of remediation, TPH and PAHs concentration across all the cells were significantly (p< 0.05) reduced. The remediation process led to a notable reduction in TPH, PAHs and heavy metal concentrations suggesting its effectiveness in removal of these toxicants. Thus, the combination method is more effective and can enhance bioremediation process as well as solve the problem of waste management and utilization. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"19 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140982145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Twenty Samples each of soil from Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria were analyzed using NaI(IT) gamma detector to estimate radiation hazard due to the anthropogenic sources. The activity concentration of 232Th was found to be in the range 18.78 – 397.13 BqKg-1, 40K in the range 43.72 – 390.62 BqKg-1 and 226Ra in the range 10.77 – 57.84 BqKg-1 all in soil. These results were used to calculate the radiological hazard parameters including the Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose. The calculated gamma exposure rates ranged between 10.00 – 270.79 nGyh-1 while the average value of the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was found to be 0.38 x 10-3 for soil which is higher than the world average of 0.29 x 10-3.
{"title":"Assessment of radionuclides in the soil of Bonny Local Government Area Of Rivers State, Nigeria and evaluation of radiological risk","authors":"A. Bubu, G. O. Avwiri, C. P. Ononugbo","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.39","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.39","url":null,"abstract":"Twenty Samples each of soil from Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria were analyzed using NaI(IT) gamma detector to estimate radiation hazard due to the anthropogenic sources. The activity concentration of 232Th was found to be in the range 18.78 – 397.13 BqKg-1, 40K in the range 43.72 – 390.62 BqKg-1 and 226Ra in the range 10.77 – 57.84 BqKg-1 all in soil. These results were used to calculate the radiological hazard parameters including the Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose. The calculated gamma exposure rates ranged between 10.00 – 270.79 nGyh-1 while the average value of the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was found to be 0.38 x 10-3 for soil which is higher than the world average of 0.29 x 10-3. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"7 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140981822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The powdered plant parts (bark, stem, and leaf) were extracted with methanol, and cold and hot water using the maceration method. A modified agar well diffusion technique was used for the assessment of the antibacterial activities of the aqueous and methanol extracts of J. tanjorensis and A. digitata. The methanol extract of A. digitata bark gave the highest yield of 75 % while the lowest yield was observed with the cold water extract of A. digitata bark of 33 %. The phytochemical screening showed an abundance of alkaloids, terpernoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycoside, and phenol. The bark, leaf, and stem of J. tanjorensis and A. digitata showed varying degrees of antibacterial activities. against the Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp, and Klebsiella spp) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumonia). The bark, stem, and leaf extract of J. tanjorenis significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited all the pathogens except P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.The result of the minimum bactericidal concentration MBC for the combined extracts of A. digitata and J. tanjorenis subfractions showed that the extracts have greater antibacterial activities at concentrations not lesser than 100 mg/ml. Thus, J. tanjorensis and A. digitata could be used as potent herbal remedies to mitigate the adverse effects of Gram-negative and positive clinical pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata against selected Clinical bacteria pathogens.
采用浸渍法，用甲醇、冷水和热水提取植物粉末部分（树皮、茎和叶）。采用改良的琼脂井扩散技术评估 J. tanjorensis 和 A. digitata 的水提取物和甲醇提取物的抗菌活性。A.digitata树皮的甲醇提取物产量最高，为75%，而A.digitata树皮的冷水提取物产量最低，为33%。植物化学筛选结果表明，地肤木含有丰富的生物碱、萜类、皂苷、黄酮、单宁、苷和酚。J. tanjorensis 和 A. digitata 的树皮、叶和茎对革兰氏阴性菌（大肠杆菌、绿脓杆菌、变形杆菌和克雷伯氏菌）和革兰氏阳性菌（金黄色葡萄球菌、化脓性链球菌和肺炎链球菌）具有不同程度的抗菌活性。除铜绿假单胞菌和金黄色葡萄球菌外，J. tanjorenis 的树皮、茎和叶提取物对所有病原体都有明显的抑制作用（P < 0.05）。因此，J. tanjorensis 和 A. digitata 可用作有效的草药疗法，以减轻革兰氏阴性和阳性临床病原体的不良影响。因此，本研究旨在评估麻风树和地肤子的水提取物和甲醇提取物对选定的临床细菌病原体的抗菌活性。
{"title":"Antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata against selected clinical bacteria pathogens","authors":"I. Udoh, C.U. Eze, D. Berebon","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.37","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.37","url":null,"abstract":"The powdered plant parts (bark, stem, and leaf) were extracted with methanol, and cold and hot water using the maceration method. A modified agar well diffusion technique was used for the assessment of the antibacterial activities of the aqueous and methanol extracts of J. tanjorensis and A. digitata. The methanol extract of A. digitata bark gave the highest yield of 75 % while the lowest yield was observed with the cold water extract of A. digitata bark of 33 %. The phytochemical screening showed an abundance of alkaloids, terpernoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycoside, and phenol. The bark, leaf, and stem of J. tanjorensis and A. digitata showed varying degrees of antibacterial activities. against the Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp, and Klebsiella spp) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumonia). The bark, stem, and leaf extract of J. tanjorenis significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited all the pathogens except P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.The result of the minimum bactericidal concentration MBC for the combined extracts of A. digitata and J. tanjorenis subfractions showed that the extracts have greater antibacterial activities at concentrations not lesser than 100 mg/ml. Thus, J. tanjorensis and A. digitata could be used as potent herbal remedies to mitigate the adverse effects of Gram-negative and positive clinical pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata against selected Clinical bacteria pathogens. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"65 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140978932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O.G. Igharo, A.O. Ikuobase, C.B.N. Akpata, O.E. Ero
The process of bronze casting often leads to prolonged exposure to air pollutants, heavy metals, and potentially hazardous working conditions. Understanding the levels of antioxidant vitamins among the Benin bronze casters is vital because their exposure to environmental pollutants and potential occupational hazards may increase their oxidative stress levels. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the levels of antioxidant vitamins; A, C, and E in Benin bronze casters. A total of ninety (90) consenting participants were recruited for this study; They included foundry workers (bronze casters), randomly selected individuals around the foundry site (environmental), and healthy unexposed individuals (control). Vitamins A, C, and E levels were determined using pectrophotometry. Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The findings revealed that vitamin A levels were significantly lower in bronze casters (36.06±9.15) when compared to environmental (58.57±41.05) and control groups (62.61±51.12) (p<0.05). Vitamin C levels were significantly lower in bronze casters (0.53±0.14) when compared to the environmental group (1.02±0.53) and the control group (1.55±0.37) (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant reduction in vitamin C levels in the environmental group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Vitamin E levels were significantly lower in bronze casters (5.14±1.92) and environmental (6.28±3.32) groups when compared to the control group (11.49±3.75) (p<0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between vitamin A and vitamin C (r=-0.589, p=0.001). Vitamin C showed a strong positive correlation with vitamin E levels (r=0.562, p=0.001). In conclusion, the lower vitamin levels suggest an increased vulnerability to oxidative stress, which occupational hazards and environmental factors, such as exposure to metal toxins and pollutants may exacerbate.
青铜铸造过程通常会导致长期暴露于空气污染物、重金属和潜在危险的工作环境中。了解贝宁青铜铸造工人的抗氧化维生素水平至关重要，因为他们接触环境污染物和潜在的职业危害可能会增加他们的氧化应激水平。因此，本研究旨在评估贝宁青铜铸造工人体内抗氧化维生素 A、C 和 E 的水平。本研究共招募了九十（90）名征得同意的参与者，其中包括铸造工人（青铜铸造工）、在铸造现场周围随机挑选的人员（环境）以及未接触过环境的健康人员（对照组）。采用果胶光度法测定维生素 A、C 和 E 的含量。所得数据使用社会科学统计软件包（SPSS）进行分析。结果显示，与环境组（58.57±41.05）和对照组（62.61±51.12）相比，铸铜者的维生素 A 水平（36.06±9.15）明显较低（P<0.05）。与环境组（1.02±0.53）和对照组（1.55±0.37）相比，青铜铸造者的维生素 C 含量（0.53±0.14）明显降低（p<0.05）。此外，与对照组相比，环境组的维生素 C 含量明显降低（p<0.05）。与对照组（11.49±3.75）相比，铜铸组（5.14±1.92）和环境组（6.28±3.32）的维生素 E 水平明显降低（p<0.05）。维生素 A 和维生素 C 之间存在很强的正相关性（r=-0.589，p=0.001）。维生素 C 与维生素 E 的水平呈强正相关（r=0.562，p=0.001）。总之，维生素水平较低表明更容易受到氧化应激的影响，而职业危害和环境因素（如接触金属毒素和污染物）可能会加剧这种影响。
{"title":"Antioxidant vitamins in Benin bronze casters and their environmental cohorts: A preliminary nutritional assessment","authors":"O.G. Igharo, A.O. Ikuobase, C.B.N. Akpata, O.E. Ero","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"The process of bronze casting often leads to prolonged exposure to air pollutants, heavy metals, and potentially hazardous working conditions. Understanding the levels of antioxidant vitamins among the Benin bronze casters is vital because their exposure to environmental pollutants and potential occupational hazards may increase their oxidative stress levels. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the levels of antioxidant vitamins; A, C, and E in Benin bronze casters. A total of ninety (90) consenting participants were recruited for this study; They included foundry workers (bronze casters), randomly selected individuals around the foundry site (environmental), and healthy unexposed individuals (control). Vitamins A, C, and E levels were determined using pectrophotometry. Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The findings revealed that vitamin A levels were significantly lower in bronze casters (36.06±9.15) when compared to environmental (58.57±41.05) and control groups (62.61±51.12) (p<0.05). Vitamin C levels were significantly lower in bronze casters (0.53±0.14) when compared to the environmental group (1.02±0.53) and the control group (1.55±0.37) (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant reduction in vitamin C levels in the environmental group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Vitamin E levels were significantly lower in bronze casters (5.14±1.92) and environmental (6.28±3.32) groups when compared to the control group (11.49±3.75) (p<0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between vitamin A and vitamin C (r=-0.589, p=0.001). Vitamin C showed a strong positive correlation with vitamin E levels (r=0.562, p=0.001). In conclusion, the lower vitamin levels suggest an increased vulnerability to oxidative stress, which occupational hazards and environmental factors, such as exposure to metal toxins and pollutants may exacerbate. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"61 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140978956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. N. Obiaocha-Nwaogwugwu, O. C. Eruteya, I. Ahaotu
Post-harvest losses of fresh farm produce, especially fruits grown in Nigeria is high. This study was aimed at investigating the shelf-life extension of tomatoes, okra and eggplants stored at room temperature (29±2oC), using edible coating involving beeswax, lime and pectin. Five edible films were formulated, namely: Beeswax alone (W), pectin alone (P), beeswax and pectin (WP), beeswax and lime (WL), beeswax, lime and pectin (WLP). Uncoated fruits served as control. The proximate composition of the beeswax and the potential spoilage microorganisms of the selected fruits were determined using standard methods. The results of the proximate composition revealed the following values for carbohydrate (46.25%), lipid (38.50%), moisture (8.85%), protein (5.25%), fibre (1.02%) and ash (0.53%). The WP combination gave the best results, extending the shelf life of the tomatoes, okra and eggplants by more than 23, 21 and 11 days, respectively more than the uncoated fruits. The least effective edible coating was the WLP combination, extending the shelf life of the tomatoes, okra and eggplants by more than 7, 2 and 5 days, respectively compared with the uncoated fruits. The log10CFU/g microbial counts for bacterial and fungal isolates revealed the following ranges for tomato (3.50 to 5.89, 3.43 to 5.88), okra (3.47 to 5.86, 3.46 to 5.88) and eggplant (3.50 to 5.89, 3.49 to 5.90), respectively. The predominant bacteria and fungi were Escherichia coli (30.18%) and Aspergillus niger (23.76%), respectively. Overall, the formulations were all effective in reducing spoilage, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruits.
{"title":"Shelf-life extension of tomatoes (Solanumlycopersicum), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) using edible coating","authors":"C. N. Obiaocha-Nwaogwugwu, O. C. Eruteya, I. Ahaotu","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.35","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.35","url":null,"abstract":"Post-harvest losses of fresh farm produce, especially fruits grown in Nigeria is high. This study was aimed at investigating the shelf-life extension of tomatoes, okra and eggplants stored at room temperature (29±2oC), using edible coating involving beeswax, lime and pectin. Five edible films were formulated, namely: Beeswax alone (W), pectin alone (P), beeswax and pectin (WP), beeswax and lime (WL), beeswax, lime and pectin (WLP). Uncoated fruits served as control. The proximate composition of the beeswax and the potential spoilage microorganisms of the selected fruits were determined using standard methods. The results of the proximate composition revealed the following values for carbohydrate (46.25%), lipid (38.50%), moisture (8.85%), protein (5.25%), fibre (1.02%) and ash (0.53%). The WP combination gave the best results, extending the shelf life of the tomatoes, okra and eggplants by more than 23, 21 and 11 days, respectively more than the uncoated fruits. The least effective edible coating was the WLP combination, extending the shelf life of the tomatoes, okra and eggplants by more than 7, 2 and 5 days, respectively compared with the uncoated fruits. The log10CFU/g microbial counts for bacterial and fungal isolates revealed the following ranges for tomato (3.50 to 5.89, 3.43 to 5.88), okra (3.47 to 5.86, 3.46 to 5.88) and eggplant (3.50 to 5.89, 3.49 to 5.90), respectively. The predominant bacteria and fungi were Escherichia coli (30.18%) and Aspergillus niger (23.76%), respectively. Overall, the formulations were all effective in reducing spoilage, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruits. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"80 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140979011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The usage of colistin regarded as a drug of last resort has increased tremendously in recent years. This increase has been followed by an increase in the development of colistin resistant bacteria. Due the large size of colistin and its ability to adhere to plastic, the broth microdilution method using a special medium is the recommended testing method. Resource limited settings struggle with this method and employ alternate methods. This study therefore set out to determine colistin resistance in a group of Escherichia coli using three different methods comprised of colistin agar spot test (COL-AS), colistin drop test (COL-DT) and a disc diffusion method. A total of 51 Escherichia coli isolated from wound samples were screened for colistin resistance using the COLAS, COL-DT and colistin disc diffusion methods. Results showed a combined resistance rate of 96.1% among test isolates. Actual resistance rates varied between testing methods giving values of ranging from 37.3%, 66.0% and 88.2% for COL- DT, colistin disc diffusion methods and COL-A respectively. An assessment of test performance showed categorical agreement values and very major error values of 57.1%/36.7% for COL-DT and 63.3%/8.2% for COL-A. Results of this study show a high-level occurrence of colistin resistance among clinical Escherichia coli isolates. Furthermore, it demonstrates the superiority of the colistin agar test to the colistin drop test. It also points at a need to use higher concentrations of colistin in the screening tests.
{"title":"Comparative analysis of three methods for screening for colistin resistant Escherichia coli","authors":"M.O. Oseri, K. Otokunefor, O.N. Akomah-Abadaike","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.22","url":null,"abstract":"The usage of colistin regarded as a drug of last resort has increased tremendously in recent years. This increase has been followed by an increase in the development of colistin resistant bacteria. Due the large size of colistin and its ability to adhere to plastic, the broth microdilution method using a special medium is the recommended testing method. Resource limited settings struggle with this method and employ alternate methods. This study therefore set out to determine colistin resistance in a group of Escherichia coli using three different methods comprised of colistin agar spot test (COL-AS), colistin drop test (COL-DT) and a disc diffusion method. A total of 51 Escherichia coli isolated from wound samples were screened for colistin resistance using the COLAS, COL-DT and colistin disc diffusion methods. Results showed a combined resistance rate of 96.1% among test isolates. Actual resistance rates varied between testing methods giving values of ranging from 37.3%, 66.0% and 88.2% for COL- DT, colistin disc diffusion methods and COL-A respectively. An assessment of test performance showed categorical agreement values and very major error values of 57.1%/36.7% for COL-DT and 63.3%/8.2% for COL-A. Results of this study show a high-level occurrence of colistin resistance among clinical Escherichia coli isolates. Furthermore, it demonstrates the superiority of the colistin agar test to the colistin drop test. It also points at a need to use higher concentrations of colistin in the screening tests. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"36 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140979780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Ajala, S. Ogunjimi, O. O. Alabi, O.W. Okonta, A. T. Adebimpe, D.B. Adesegun
This study evaluated the involvement of rural women in the collection of forest products. Three hundred rural women involved in gathering of forest products were selected by a three stage sampling technique while primary data were collected with the use of interview schedules as well as Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analysis of data was done using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, correlation and Chi-square. The study revealed that majority (61%) of the women were in their economically active ages, married (76.7%), with mean age and household sizes of 39years, 6 persons respectively. Majority (87%), of the women gather vegetables, fruits (77%), snails (76%), and alligator pepper (71%) and herbs (62%) among others. Women gatherers had positive perceptions that gathering of forest produces is a source of livelihood (x̄= 4.42), gathering of forest is profitable, (x̄= 4.36); and gathering business has improved their standard of living (x̄= 4.06) among others. The benefits derived from gathering activities included: provision of foods (fruits, vegetables, and soup condiments) which ranked first and provision of employment and improvement in rural living standards from sustained income among others. Respondents’ age (r=0.201;≤0.05), experience (r=0.694;≤0.01) and household size (r=0.694;≤0.01) had significant relationship with involvement in the gathering enterprise. It is concluded that rural women involvement in gathering of forest products is high enough but may not ensure sustainable livelihood. The study recommends that stakeholders should prioritize programmes that would promote off-farm income- generating diversification activities through technical and financial support.
{"title":"Involvement of rural women in gathering of forest products as a means of livelihood in South-Western Nigeria","authors":"A. Ajala, S. Ogunjimi, O. O. Alabi, O.W. Okonta, A. T. Adebimpe, D.B. Adesegun","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.12","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated the involvement of rural women in the collection of forest products. Three hundred rural women involved in gathering of forest products were selected by a three stage sampling technique while primary data were collected with the use of interview schedules as well as Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Analysis of data was done using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, correlation and Chi-square. The study revealed that majority (61%) of the women were in their economically active ages, married (76.7%), with mean age and household sizes of 39years, 6 persons respectively. Majority (87%), of the women gather vegetables, fruits (77%), snails (76%), and alligator pepper (71%) and herbs (62%) among others. Women gatherers had positive perceptions that gathering of forest produces is a source of livelihood (x̄= 4.42), gathering of forest is profitable, (x̄= 4.36); and gathering business has improved their standard of living (x̄= 4.06) among others. The benefits derived from gathering activities included: provision of foods (fruits, vegetables, and soup condiments) which ranked first and provision of employment and improvement in rural living standards from sustained income among others. Respondents’ age (r=0.201;≤0.05), experience (r=0.694;≤0.01) and household size (r=0.694;≤0.01) had significant relationship with involvement in the gathering enterprise. It is concluded that rural women involvement in gathering of forest products is high enough but may not ensure sustainable livelihood. The study recommends that stakeholders should prioritize programmes that would promote off-farm income- generating diversification activities through technical and financial support. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"15 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140980855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed at detecting Giardia cyst and Taenia eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, River State, Nigeria, to check for potability and purity of water.Water samples of river water were collected from two points (downstream and midstream) of Aleto river. Labelled clean sample bottles with tightly-fitted lids were used to collect water samples from the river and stored in coolers with ice packs to maintain their temperature and transportation to the laboratory. Collected water samples were transferred into sterile vial tubes and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for five minutes, after which the supernatant fluids were discarded, while the sediments smeared using spatula on labelled slides stained with specific dyes, using the wet mounts, trichome stain technique, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the light microscope to identify the presence of parasites.This study showed the presence of ten trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and ten eggs of Taenia species isolated from the river water samples collected. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with waterborne parasites and emphasizes the importance of effective water quality management to safeguard public health. Furthermore, the observation of parasites underscores the need for comprehensive water quality assessment and monitoring. This study highlights the contamination of the river with parasitic organisms and urgently needs effective water management strategies to mitigate the risks to public health. Vital interventions encompass enhancing sanitation practices, curbing fecal contamination, and augmenting water quality surveillance mechanisms.
{"title":"Detection of Giardia cyst and Taenia eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria","authors":"S. G. Okere, F.O. Nduka, K. Otokunefor","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed at detecting Giardia cyst and Taenia eggs in river water samples collected from Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area, River State, Nigeria, to check for potability and purity of water.Water samples of river water were collected from two points (downstream and midstream) of Aleto river. Labelled clean sample bottles with tightly-fitted lids were used to collect water samples from the river and stored in coolers with ice packs to maintain their temperature and transportation to the laboratory. Collected water samples were transferred into sterile vial tubes and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for five minutes, after which the supernatant fluids were discarded, while the sediments smeared using spatula on labelled slides stained with specific dyes, using the wet mounts, trichome stain technique, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the light microscope to identify the presence of parasites.This study showed the presence of ten trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and ten eggs of Taenia species isolated from the river water samples collected. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with waterborne parasites and emphasizes the importance of effective water quality management to safeguard public health. Furthermore, the observation of parasites underscores the need for comprehensive water quality assessment and monitoring. This study highlights the contamination of the river with parasitic organisms and urgently needs effective water management strategies to mitigate the risks to public health. Vital interventions encompass enhancing sanitation practices, curbing fecal contamination, and augmenting water quality surveillance mechanisms.","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"79 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140978803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The effect of exposure to varying doses of ethidium bromide on the activities of rat colon antioxidant enzymes has been examined. The rats were divided into eight (08) experimental groups of 5 rats each. Group I rats served as the control, not exposed to ethidium bromide (EthBr). Group II rats were administered 5 mg ethidium bromide kg-1body weight (bd wt),Group III 10 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight, Group IV 20 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight, Group V 40 mg ethidium bromide kg-1body weight, Group VI 60 mg ethidium bromide kg-1body weight, Group VII 80 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight, while rats in Group VIII were administered 100 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight. Treatment was done once weekly via gavage for 24 weeks. At the end of the exposure period, each rat was anaesthetized by halothane inhalation. Colon sections were collected, homogenized and the antioxidant enzyme activities in the homogenate supernatants were determined. Relative to the control, colon catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed evidence of significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in activity in rats exposed to ≥ 60, ≥ 20 and ≥ 60 mgethidium bromide kg-1body weight respectively. Compared to the control, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in rats exposed to ≥ 20 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 bd wt.There was a strong and significant negative correlation between ethidium bromide dose and colon catalase (r =-0.9823; p˂ 0.001), superoxide dismutase (r = -0.9107; p˂0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (r = -0.9772; p˂ 0.001) activities. There was a strong and positive correlation between ethidium bromide dose and colon MDA levels (r = + 0.9808; p˂ 0.001) but a strong negative correlation between colon catalase (r = - 0.9455; p˂ 0.001), superoxide dismutase (r = - 0.8707; p˂ 0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (r = - 0.9623; p˂ 0.001) and MDA level. Chronic oral exposure of albino rats to ethidium bromide at a dose above the nontoxic threshold of 10 mg kg-1 body weight significantly impaired the activities of colon antioxidant enzymes.
{"title":"Dose-dependent reduction of rat colon antioxidant enzyme activities and increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) by ethidium bromide","authors":"O. R. Usifo, F. O. Obi","doi":"10.4314/sa.v23i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/sa.v23i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"The effect of exposure to varying doses of ethidium bromide on the activities of rat colon antioxidant enzymes has been examined. The rats were divided into eight (08) experimental groups of 5 rats each. Group I rats served as the control, not exposed to ethidium bromide (EthBr). Group II rats were administered 5 mg ethidium bromide kg-1body weight (bd wt),Group III 10 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight, Group IV 20 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight, Group V 40 mg ethidium bromide kg-1body weight, Group VI 60 mg ethidium bromide kg-1body weight, Group VII 80 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight, while rats in Group VIII were administered 100 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 body weight. Treatment was done once weekly via gavage for 24 weeks. At the end of the exposure period, each rat was anaesthetized by halothane inhalation. Colon sections were collected, homogenized and the antioxidant enzyme activities in the homogenate supernatants were determined. Relative to the control, colon catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed evidence of significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in activity in rats exposed to ≥ 60, ≥ 20 and ≥ 60 mgethidium bromide kg-1body weight respectively. Compared to the control, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in rats exposed to ≥ 20 mg ethidium bromide kg-1 bd wt.There was a strong and significant negative correlation between ethidium bromide dose and colon catalase (r =-0.9823; p˂ 0.001), superoxide dismutase (r = -0.9107; p˂0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (r = -0.9772; p˂ 0.001) activities. There was a strong and positive correlation between ethidium bromide dose and colon MDA levels (r = + 0.9808; p˂ 0.001) but a strong negative correlation between colon catalase (r = - 0.9455; p˂ 0.001), superoxide dismutase (r = - 0.8707; p˂ 0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (r = - 0.9623; p˂ 0.001) and MDA level. Chronic oral exposure of albino rats to ethidium bromide at a dose above the nontoxic threshold of 10 mg kg-1 body weight significantly impaired the activities of colon antioxidant enzymes. ","PeriodicalId":166410,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Africana","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140980078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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