Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303018
A. F. Eghomwanre, Y. Tijani, O. Oguntoke
This study was conducted to determine the noise exposure level and the association between self-reported health effects and risk factors among workers in auto mechanic workshops in Abeokuta town, Nigeria. Noise levels were measured at selected auto mechanic sites. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among fifty workers using a wellstructured questionnaire across the sampling sites. The recorded noise level in the morning and afternoon ranged between 61.3 - 75.8 dB and 70.4 and 86.4dB respectively. The noise values in the afternoon were significantly higher than the morning noise levels (t = -2.231; p = 0.030). The noise levels were above the WHO permissible limits in all the sampling locations. The overall occurrence of self-reported health effects were hearing loss (32%), annoyance (62%), irritation (72%), insomnia (16%), ringing in ears (44%), fatigue (44%), and high blood pressure (18%). The reported noise-induced health effects were associated with the age of the workers, duration of noise exposure and perceived noise sources in the study area. In the binomial regression model, exposure to occupational noise for 8 – 12 hours daily was an independent determinant risk factor of hearing loss (OR = 2.27, 95% Cl, 1.21-24.88) and fatigue (OR = 5.00, 95% Cl, 1.16-21.50). The implementation of correct wearing of earplugs among workers and the creation of awareness on noise-induced health effects to reduce noise exposure in the working environment would help in protecting exposed workers in the study area.
{"title":"Self-Reported Health Effects and Risk Factors Associated with Noise Exposure among Auto-Mechanic Workers in Abeokuta Town, Nigeria","authors":"A. F. Eghomwanre, Y. Tijani, O. Oguntoke","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303018","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted to determine the noise exposure level and the association between self-reported health effects and risk factors among workers in auto mechanic workshops in Abeokuta town, Nigeria. Noise levels were measured at selected auto mechanic sites. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among fifty workers using a wellstructured questionnaire across the sampling sites. The recorded noise level in the morning and afternoon ranged between 61.3 - 75.8 dB and 70.4 and 86.4dB respectively. The noise values in the afternoon were significantly higher than the morning noise levels (t = -2.231; p = 0.030). The noise levels were above the WHO permissible limits in all the sampling locations. The overall occurrence of self-reported health effects were hearing loss (32%), annoyance (62%), irritation (72%), insomnia (16%), ringing in ears (44%), fatigue (44%), and high blood pressure (18%). The reported noise-induced health effects were associated with the age of the workers, duration of noise exposure and perceived noise sources in the study area. In the binomial regression model, exposure to occupational noise for 8 – 12 hours daily was an independent determinant risk factor of hearing loss (OR = 2.27, 95% Cl, 1.21-24.88) and fatigue (OR = 5.00, 95% Cl, 1.16-21.50). The implementation of correct wearing of earplugs among workers and the creation of awareness on noise-induced health effects to reduce noise exposure in the working environment would help in protecting exposed workers in the study area.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"89 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128740990","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303019
F. O. Obi, A. O. Isoje
The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of peanut diet supplementation on glucose metabolism in rats exposed to 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine. Lactate dehydrogenase and glucose -6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were used as indices for glucose metabolism. Eighty-four rats of both sexes were used for this study and were divided into seven groups of 6 rats each. 1, 2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight.Group A rats were maintained on rat feed, group B rats were maintained on rat feed and administered DMH once weekly for 12 weeks. The group C rats were administered DMH weekly for 24 weeks while on normal diet. Group D rats were administered DMH and feed for 12 weeks followed by peanut supplemented diet for the next 12 weeks. The group E rats received DMH weekly and peanut supplemented diet for 24 weeks while group F rats had peanut supplemented diet for 12 weeks before the administration of DMH for 12 weeks. Group G rats were maintained on only peanut supplemented diet for 24 weeks. Relative to the control and diet supplemented groups, Lactate dehydrogenase and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in the colon of the DMH-only treatment group. Thus, increased glucose consumption occasioned by the exposure to DMH can be altered by the peanut supplementation in the diets of exposed rats.
{"title":"Arachis hypogaea Seeds Reduced Glucose Metabolism in Colon of Rats Exposed to 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine Open Primary tabs configuration options Primary tabs","authors":"F. O. Obi, A. O. Isoje","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303019","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of peanut diet supplementation on glucose metabolism in rats exposed to 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine. Lactate dehydrogenase and glucose -6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were used as indices for glucose metabolism. Eighty-four rats of both sexes were used for this study and were divided into seven groups of 6 rats each. 1, 2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight.Group A rats were maintained on rat feed, group B rats were maintained on rat feed and administered DMH once weekly for 12 weeks. The group C rats were administered DMH weekly for 24 weeks while on normal diet. Group D rats were administered DMH and feed for 12 weeks followed by peanut supplemented diet for the next 12 weeks. The group E rats received DMH weekly and peanut supplemented diet for 24 weeks while group F rats had peanut supplemented diet for 12 weeks before the administration of DMH for 12 weeks. Group G rats were maintained on only peanut supplemented diet for 24 weeks. Relative to the control and diet supplemented groups, Lactate dehydrogenase and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in the colon of the DMH-only treatment group. Thus, increased glucose consumption occasioned by the exposure to DMH can be altered by the peanut supplementation in the diets of exposed rats.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"111 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116577220","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230308
Olumese Fidelis, James Ukueku, J. Orhue
The use of plant extracts to treat diseases in herbal medicine has the potential of causing toxic effects, though of natural origin, it may not be safe. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous and methanolic extract of Annona muricata stem bark consumption in normal rats. Fresh stem bark of Annona muricata (Sour soup) was collected, pulverized, extracted with distilled water or methanol (Aqueous or Methanolic extract). The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats per group, for aqueous or methanolic extract. Group 1 (control) rats were administered distilled water, while groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were administered 200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of aqueous and methanolic extract for 28 days. Liver function indices in the serum and histopathological evaluation of the organ were performed. ALT levels at 200 and 500 mg/kg in aqueous or methanolic extract were significantly (p<0.05) altered. Oral administration of aqueous extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the concentrations of total bilirubin and increased (p<0.05) total protein in a dose-dependent manner. The study showed that oral administration of aqueous or ethanolic extract did not have any deleterious effects on the liver architecture.
{"title":"Effect of Aqueous and Methanolic Extract of Annona muricata Stem Bark on Liver Enzymes in Normal Sprague Dawley Rats","authors":"Olumese Fidelis, James Ukueku, J. Orhue","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230308","url":null,"abstract":"The use of plant extracts to treat diseases in herbal medicine has the potential of causing toxic effects, though of natural origin, it may not be safe. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous and methanolic extract of Annona muricata stem bark consumption in normal rats. Fresh stem bark of Annona muricata (Sour soup) was collected, pulverized, extracted with distilled water or methanol (Aqueous or Methanolic extract). The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats per group, for aqueous or methanolic extract. Group 1 (control) rats were administered distilled water, while groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were administered 200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of aqueous and methanolic extract for 28 days. Liver function indices in the serum and histopathological evaluation of the organ were performed. ALT levels at 200 and 500 mg/kg in aqueous or methanolic extract were significantly (p<0.05) altered. Oral administration of aqueous extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the concentrations of total bilirubin and increased (p<0.05) total protein in a dose-dependent manner. The study showed that oral administration of aqueous or ethanolic extract did not have any deleterious effects on the liver architecture.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"13 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133942270","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303013
Adeyemi Awofala, O. Ogundele, F. Banjo, Mary Faleke
The study aimed to explore the lifestyle behaviours of women with varied parity and chronic disease statuses in Nigeria. This was a representative of women population in Ogun State in the southwest of Nigeria recruited between March and June 2022 using stratified sampling among the twenty (20) local governments in the three senatorial districts of the state. Data on parity, chronic diseases, health status, dietary patterns, and anthropometric and lifestyle factors were collected using validated questionnaires. A total of seven hundred and ninety (790) women over 18 years old (range: 18 –78) and average body mass index (BMI) of 25.9 ± 4.3 (range: 15.2 – 44.2) participated in the study. Parity rate and the prevalence of chronic diseases were 50.4% and 14.4%, respectively. Parity was associated with demographic factors as the participants, more of widows and of other ethnic descent, reported direct and inverse relationships of live births with age and level of formal education, respectively. In addition, women with chronic diseases were significantly more common in the younger age group (≤ 44 years) than in the older one (> 44 years) (32.2% vs. 4.7%; p < 0.05) and in those more likely to have separated. Moreover, whilst parity was associated with walking and consumption of foods including meat products, eggs and fruits, chronic disease was only associated with physical activity. Our findings reveal that women who are parous and / or with chronic diseases are characterized by higher BMI and more elevated health distress and health interference.
该研究旨在探讨尼日利亚不同胎次和慢性病状况妇女的生活方式行为。这是尼日利亚西南部奥贡州妇女人口的代表，于2022年3月至6月在该州三个参议院选区的二十(20)个地方政府中采用分层抽样方法招募。使用有效的问卷收集有关胎次、慢性病、健康状况、饮食模式、人体测量和生活方式因素的数据。共有790名18岁以上的女性(范围:18 - 78)，平均体重指数(BMI)为25.9±4.3(范围:15.2 - 44.2)参与了这项研究。胎次率和慢性病患病率分别为50.4%和14.4%。均等与人口因素有关，因为参与者，更多的寡妇和其他种族后裔，分别报告了活产与年龄和正规教育水平的直接和反向关系。此外，患有慢性疾病的女性在年轻年龄组(≤44岁)中比在年长年龄组(> 44岁)中更常见(32.2% vs. 4.7%;P < 0.05)，在那些更容易分居的人中。此外，虽然平价与步行和食用包括肉制品、鸡蛋和水果在内的食物有关，但慢性疾病只与身体活动有关。我们的研究结果表明，生育和/或患有慢性疾病的女性的特点是BMI更高，健康困扰和健康干扰更大。
{"title":"Population-based Survey of Lifestyle Behaviours of Women with Varied Parity and Chronic Disease Statuses in Nigeria: A Discriminant, Classification Analysis","authors":"Adeyemi Awofala, O. Ogundele, F. Banjo, Mary Faleke","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303013","url":null,"abstract":"The study aimed to explore the lifestyle behaviours of women with varied parity and chronic disease statuses in Nigeria. This was a representative of women population in Ogun State in the southwest of Nigeria recruited between March and June 2022 using stratified sampling among the twenty (20) local governments in the three senatorial districts of the state. Data on parity, chronic diseases, health status, dietary patterns, and anthropometric and lifestyle factors were collected using validated questionnaires. A total of seven hundred and ninety (790) women over 18 years old (range: 18 –78) and average body mass index (BMI) of 25.9 ± 4.3 (range: 15.2 – 44.2) participated in the study. Parity rate and the prevalence of chronic diseases were 50.4% and 14.4%, respectively. Parity was associated with demographic factors as the participants, more of widows and of other ethnic descent, reported direct and inverse relationships of live births with age and level of formal education, respectively. In addition, women with chronic diseases were significantly more common in the younger age group (≤ 44 years) than in the older one (> 44 years) (32.2% vs. 4.7%; p < 0.05) and in those more likely to have separated. Moreover, whilst parity was associated with walking and consumption of foods including meat products, eggs and fruits, chronic disease was only associated with physical activity. Our findings reveal that women who are parous and / or with chronic diseases are characterized by higher BMI and more elevated health distress and health interference.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"126 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123224836","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230309
Oluwafunminiyi Obaleye, O. Adeyemo, E. Osibote, Omeyiza Ibrahim
Leaves and essential oils for therapeutic purposes are important traits in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). In this study, the genetic diversity of ten C. citratus accessions collected around Nigeria was investigated using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Also, we determined the chemical content of C. citratus essential oil. In this study, the essential oil was extracted using hydro-distillation and the constituents of the oil were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The markers produced a total of 47 alleles with a mean PIC value of 0.73 in the accessions. The cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major groups showing genetic relatedness between the accessions: LG07, LG03 and LG01 are the closest members, while LG08 is very distant from the other accessions. In addition, the factorial analysis categorized the ten accessions into four quadrants, which have some similarities to the dendrogram grouping. GC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of 18 compounds. Essential oils of LG02 and LG03 had a citral content of 49.38 % and 66.47 %, respectively. These results revealed the genetic diversity among the accessions evaluated that can be used to maximize the use of genetic resources of C. citratus varieties.
{"title":"Chemical Analysis of Essential Oil and Genetic Diversity Using ISSR and SSR Markers in Cultivated Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Accessions","authors":"Oluwafunminiyi Obaleye, O. Adeyemo, E. Osibote, Omeyiza Ibrahim","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230309","url":null,"abstract":"Leaves and essential oils for therapeutic purposes are important traits in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). In this study, the genetic diversity of ten C. citratus accessions collected around Nigeria was investigated using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Also, we determined the chemical content of C. citratus essential oil. In this study, the essential oil was extracted using hydro-distillation and the constituents of the oil were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The markers produced a total of 47 alleles with a mean PIC value of 0.73 in the accessions. The cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major groups showing genetic relatedness between the accessions: LG07, LG03 and LG01 are the closest members, while LG08 is very distant from the other accessions. In addition, the factorial analysis categorized the ten accessions into four quadrants, which have some similarities to the dendrogram grouping. GC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of 18 compounds. Essential oils of LG02 and LG03 had a citral content of 49.38 % and 66.47 %, respectively. These results revealed the genetic diversity among the accessions evaluated that can be used to maximize the use of genetic resources of C. citratus varieties.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115245919","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303017
F. Mukah, G. Osuagwu, R. Onyia, C. Ugwumba
Hydro-priming is an important seed treatment technique for rapid seed germination. Cola species exhibits long and uneven germination. Hence this study was aimed at investigating the effect of hydro-priming durations on the germination and seedling growth of Cola parchycarpa and Cola rostrata. Five treatments (hydro-priming durations of 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours) were used and the experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 replicates each. In C. parchycarpa, mean seed germination time of 40.50 days was observed only at 0 hour while there was no germination at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of hydro-priming. In C. rostrata, there was a significant increase in the germination time as the hydro-priming duration increased from 0 h (13.83 d) to 48 h (45.00 d) with decreased germination percentage, while at 72 and 96 h of hydro-priming, germination failed to occur. There was no significant difference at P<0.05 in the seedling growth parameters of C. rostrata at the different hydro-priming durations. Hydropriming of C. parchycarpa and C. rostrata seeds before planting is not recommended for these two Cola species as it result in embryo death of the seeds.
水浸是种子快速萌发的重要处理技术。可乐种萌发时间长且不均匀。因此，本研究旨在探讨不同水浸时间对可乐和可乐种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。试验采用完全随机设计(CRD)，每组6个重复，5个处理分别为0小时、24小时、48小时、72小时和96小时。在水浸后的24、48、72和96 h，种子萌发时间均为40.50 d。水浸时间从0 h (13.83 d)增加到48 h (45.00 d)，萌发时间显著延长，发芽率下降，而在72 h和96 h时萌发失败。不同水浸时间下，云杉幼苗生长参数无显著差异(P<0.05)。对于这两种可乐品种，不建议在播种前对其种子进行水浸处理，因为水浸会导致种子的胚胎死亡。
{"title":"Consequences of Hydro-Priming Cola parchycarpa K. Schum. and Cola rostrata K. Schum. Seeds","authors":"F. Mukah, G. Osuagwu, R. Onyia, C. Ugwumba","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303017","url":null,"abstract":"Hydro-priming is an important seed treatment technique for rapid seed germination. Cola species exhibits long and uneven germination. Hence this study was aimed at investigating the effect of hydro-priming durations on the germination and seedling growth of Cola parchycarpa and Cola rostrata. Five treatments (hydro-priming durations of 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours) were used and the experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 replicates each. In C. parchycarpa, mean seed germination time of 40.50 days was observed only at 0 hour while there was no germination at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of hydro-priming. In C. rostrata, there was a significant increase in the germination time as the hydro-priming duration increased from 0 h (13.83 d) to 48 h (45.00 d) with decreased germination percentage, while at 72 and 96 h of hydro-priming, germination failed to occur. There was no significant difference at P<0.05 in the seedling growth parameters of C. rostrata at the different hydro-priming durations. Hydropriming of C. parchycarpa and C. rostrata seeds before planting is not recommended for these two Cola species as it result in embryo death of the seeds.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123745962","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303015
F. Mukah, G. Osuagwu, M.D Ogbu, R. C. Nnamani, L. Ugwu
Cola rostrata and Cola parchycarpa are under-utilized indigenous kola plants, known as achicha by the Igbo natives in Nigeria, whose fruit pulps are edible and tasty. The proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals constituent of the fruit epicarp, fruit pulp and seed of C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa were evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The results revealed that C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa fruit pulps contained high moisture contents (56.56 % and 58.83 %) and carbohydrates (31.30 % and 55.39 %) respectively. They also contained vitamins and minerals that are required for nutrition in humans and animals. However, C. rostrata fruit pulp had higher concentrations of magnesium (80.36 mg/100g), calcium (170.31 mg/100g), vitamin A (54.53 mg/100g), vitamin C (21.41 mg/100g) and vitamin E (4.25 mg/100g), while C. parchycarpa had higher concentrations of all the phytochemicals screened. These phytochemicals, if explored further, can be implored in the treatment of certain ailments. The fruit pulp can be recommended for individuals who suffer from calcium deficiency while the seed and fruit epicarp could be used in the formulation and fortification of animal feeds due to the substantial nutrient deposits in them as revealed by this study.
{"title":"Combination of Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium Does not Alter Blood Glucose, Lipids and Cytokines of Female Rats","authors":"F. Mukah, G. Osuagwu, M.D Ogbu, R. C. Nnamani, L. Ugwu","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303015","url":null,"abstract":"Cola rostrata and Cola parchycarpa are under-utilized indigenous kola plants, known as achicha by the Igbo natives in Nigeria, whose fruit pulps are edible and tasty. The proximate, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals constituent of the fruit epicarp, fruit pulp and seed of C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa were evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The results revealed that C. rostrata and C. parchycarpa fruit pulps contained high moisture contents (56.56 % and 58.83 %) and carbohydrates (31.30 % and 55.39 %) respectively. They also contained vitamins and minerals that are required for nutrition in humans and animals. However, C. rostrata fruit pulp had higher concentrations of magnesium (80.36 mg/100g), calcium (170.31 mg/100g), vitamin A (54.53 mg/100g), vitamin C (21.41 mg/100g) and vitamin E (4.25 mg/100g), while C. parchycarpa had higher concentrations of all the phytochemicals screened. These phytochemicals, if explored further, can be implored in the treatment of certain ailments. The fruit pulp can be recommended for individuals who suffer from calcium deficiency while the seed and fruit epicarp could be used in the formulation and fortification of animal feeds due to the substantial nutrient deposits in them as revealed by this study.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127176066","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303014
E. E. Imarhiagbe, E. Oriakhogba, A. Osayande
Global focus is currently on water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) due its public health and environmental significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene status of Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets in Benin City. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the WaSH status of the markets. Physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of borehole water samples at the spare parts markets were investigated adopting standard analytical procedures and pour plate techniques respectively. Findings revealed that the pH values of Uwelu and Evbareke ranged from 5.28 - 5.29 and 4.78 - 5.11 respectively. The highest concentration of chloride was observed in Evbareke samples (49.70 mg/l) while that of nitrate and BOD5 were 2.06mg/l in Evbareke and 0.88mg/l in Uwelu respectively. Comparing the value recorded in this study with WHO recommended standard which is 0.01-0.015mg/l, the mean value for Evbareke spare-parts market exceeded the recommended limit for lead at 0.02±0.025 mg/l. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 3.1 - 4.4 × 102 cfu/ml and 3.1 - 2.9 × 102 cfu/ml (Evbareke). The total coliform counts in Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets ranged from 4 - 9 MPN/ml and 0 - 20 MPN/ml. The array of bacteria isolates was Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus spp. Findings from this study suggest the urgent need to improve water safety, sanitation and hygiene policy of these studied popular automobile spare-parts markets in Benin City, Edo State.
{"title":"Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Status and Water Qualities Using Physicochemical and Bacteriological Indices at Automobile Spare-Parts Markets in Benin City, Nigeria","authors":"E. E. Imarhiagbe, E. Oriakhogba, A. Osayande","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303014","url":null,"abstract":"Global focus is currently on water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) due its public health and environmental significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene status of Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets in Benin City. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the WaSH status of the markets. Physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of borehole water samples at the spare parts markets were investigated adopting standard analytical procedures and pour plate techniques respectively. Findings revealed that the pH values of Uwelu and Evbareke ranged from 5.28 - 5.29 and 4.78 - 5.11 respectively. The highest concentration of chloride was observed in Evbareke samples (49.70 mg/l) while that of nitrate and BOD5 were 2.06mg/l in Evbareke and 0.88mg/l in Uwelu respectively. Comparing the value recorded in this study with WHO recommended standard which is 0.01-0.015mg/l, the mean value for Evbareke spare-parts market exceeded the recommended limit for lead at 0.02±0.025 mg/l. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 3.1 - 4.4 × 102 cfu/ml and 3.1 - 2.9 × 102 cfu/ml (Evbareke). The total coliform counts in Uwelu and Evbareke spare parts markets ranged from 4 - 9 MPN/ml and 0 - 20 MPN/ml. The array of bacteria isolates was Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp. Klebsiella sp. and Staphylococcus spp. Findings from this study suggest the urgent need to improve water safety, sanitation and hygiene policy of these studied popular automobile spare-parts markets in Benin City, Edo State.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"73 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127121820","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303012
I. Obuekwe, O.S. Odemwingie
Waste human hair causes environmental problems such as flooding, as a result of clogged drainages. It slowly breaks down over time to yield macro and trace minerals that are eventually returned to nature. Pleurotus ostreatus is cultivated worldwide, and it’s known to grow on several carbon and nitrogen sources. This study assessed the growth of P. ostreatus using potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with Waste Human Hair Broth (WHHB). The growth of P. ostreatus mycelium was studied for 15 days on PDA supplemented with different concentrations of WHHB (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% v/v) which was obtained by modified hydrolysis technique. Subsequent P. ostreatus growth was analysed using 0 and 100% v/v WHHB in grain spawn for 5 days. The physicochemical parameters and nutrient content of WHHB was analysed using standard methods, and mycelia growth was measured using standard methods. WHHB had a pH of 7.20 ± 0.02, temperature of 25oC and Protein content of 421.33 ± 3.06 mg/dL. Mycelia growth diameter and growth rate were significantly higher (p < 0 .05) in the 100% v/v WHHB relative to the control (0% v/v WHHB) after 15 days, and mycelium in 100% v/v WHHB grew luxuriously during spawn production after 5 days relative to 0% v/v WHHB. The pH and temperature values reported are optimal for the growth of P. ostreatus. Higher growth in WHHB is attributed to protein, macro and micro nutrients availability in the broth. The presence of nutrients in WHHB allowed for improved mycelium growth in the 100% v/v WHHB.
{"title":"The Growth of Pleurotus ostreatus Using Potato Dextrose Agar Supplemented with Waste Human Hair Broth (WHHB)","authors":"I. Obuekwe, O.S. Odemwingie","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.202303012","url":null,"abstract":"Waste human hair causes environmental problems such as flooding, as a result of clogged drainages. It slowly breaks down over time to yield macro and trace minerals that are eventually returned to nature. Pleurotus ostreatus is cultivated worldwide, and it’s known to grow on several carbon and nitrogen sources. This study assessed the growth of P. ostreatus using potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with Waste Human Hair Broth (WHHB). The growth of P. ostreatus mycelium was studied for 15 days on PDA supplemented with different concentrations of WHHB (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% v/v) which was obtained by modified hydrolysis technique. Subsequent P. ostreatus growth was analysed using 0 and 100% v/v WHHB in grain spawn for 5 days. The physicochemical parameters and nutrient content of WHHB was analysed using standard methods, and mycelia growth was measured using standard methods. WHHB had a pH of 7.20 ± 0.02, temperature of 25oC and Protein content of 421.33 ± 3.06 mg/dL. Mycelia growth diameter and growth rate were significantly higher (p < 0 .05) in the 100% v/v WHHB relative to the control (0% v/v WHHB) after 15 days, and mycelium in 100% v/v WHHB grew luxuriously during spawn production after 5 days relative to 0% v/v WHHB. The pH and temperature values reported are optimal for the growth of P. ostreatus. Higher growth in WHHB is attributed to protein, macro and micro nutrients availability in the broth. The presence of nutrients in WHHB allowed for improved mycelium growth in the 100% v/v WHHB.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127588903","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}
Pub Date : 2023-03-31DOI: 10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230306
O. Igharo, E. Oloyede
Drosophila melanogaster serves as an important research model organism in the fields of genetics and developmental biology. Recent studies have indicated the use of Drosophila in a number of other studies such as metabolic, nanotoxicological and immunological studies. Rearing of fly in the laboratory condition is an important task to work with this organism. To maintain the growth and development of the flies where the components of the food play important roles, this is done by mixing the compounds with fly food in proper concentration. Drosophila used in various toxicological or metabolic studies often involve oral intake of various nanoparticles, pathogens and molecules to study metabolism. This present study aimed at investigating the survival rate, total antioxidants capacity and malondialdehyde levels in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to bronze borne soil sample. A comparative cross-sectional study was matched in the parameters, the work was carried out on bronze borne soil sample collected from various locations; Igun foundry site, environmental and University of Benin to check the total antioxidant and malondialdehyde level, the methods employed was Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Kinetic method (MDA/TBARS). Data were analysed using T test at 0.05 and were represented with the reference range. The result obtained showed that total antioxidant capacity was high in factory bronze soil sample compared to other soil samples which indicate high oxidative stress in Drosophila exposed to it. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde shows no significant variation and value. From the study it was observed that the level of total antioxidants capacity (marker for oxidative stress) was significantly higher and malondialdehyde (marker for lipid peroxidation) in Drosophila melanogaster was significantly lower when exposed to bronze borne soil sample. The survival rate of Drosophila melanogaster decreased with exposure to the concentration of bronze borne soil sample with high level of oxidative stress.
{"title":"Survival Rate, Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde in Drosophila melanogaster Exposed to Bronze Borne Soil Samples in Benin City, South-South Nigeria","authors":"O. Igharo, E. Oloyede","doi":"10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26538/africanscientist.24.1.20230306","url":null,"abstract":"Drosophila melanogaster serves as an important research model organism in the fields of genetics and developmental biology. Recent studies have indicated the use of Drosophila in a number of other studies such as metabolic, nanotoxicological and immunological studies. Rearing of fly in the laboratory condition is an important task to work with this organism. To maintain the growth and development of the flies where the components of the food play important roles, this is done by mixing the compounds with fly food in proper concentration. Drosophila used in various toxicological or metabolic studies often involve oral intake of various nanoparticles, pathogens and molecules to study metabolism. This present study aimed at investigating the survival rate, total antioxidants capacity and malondialdehyde levels in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to bronze borne soil sample. A comparative cross-sectional study was matched in the parameters, the work was carried out on bronze borne soil sample collected from various locations; Igun foundry site, environmental and University of Benin to check the total antioxidant and malondialdehyde level, the methods employed was Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Kinetic method (MDA/TBARS). Data were analysed using T test at 0.05 and were represented with the reference range. The result obtained showed that total antioxidant capacity was high in factory bronze soil sample compared to other soil samples which indicate high oxidative stress in Drosophila exposed to it. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde shows no significant variation and value. From the study it was observed that the level of total antioxidants capacity (marker for oxidative stress) was significantly higher and malondialdehyde (marker for lipid peroxidation) in Drosophila melanogaster was significantly lower when exposed to bronze borne soil sample. The survival rate of Drosophila melanogaster decreased with exposure to the concentration of bronze borne soil sample with high level of oxidative stress.","PeriodicalId":358730,"journal":{"name":"African Scientist","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126833792","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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