Phytochemical Screening of Citrullus lanatus Leaf Aqueous Extract

¹Biu, A.A., ²Buratai, L.B. ²Onwuatogwu, J., ¹Mohammed, A. and ²Agada, N.O.

¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

E-mail:  biuvet@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus leaf was conducted in this study using standard procedures. The aqueous extract of C. lanatus leaf contained terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and ketoses in high concentrations(+++); tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, combined reducing sugars and reducing sugars were detected in moderate concentrations (++). Free and combined anthraquinones, monosacharrides, pentoses, soluble starch and saponins were not detected. Conclusively, the aqueous extract of C. lanatus in this study contains pharmacological components.

Induction of Microcytic-Hypochromic Anaemia in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Exposed to Sublethal Toxicity of 2, 3-Dichlorovinyl Dimethyl Phosphate (Sniper 1000EC) Under Laboratory Conditions

Abubakar, M.I¹ and Abdulsalami, S.A². 

¹Department of Biology, School of Sciences, College of Education, Zuba, Abuja, Nigeria. 

²Department of Biological Sciences, Crescent University, Sapon Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Email: a.midiog@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Microcytic-hypochromic anaemia was induced in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) at intervals of 1, 14 and 28 days.  Experimental fish were exposed to test water separately diluted with sub lethal concentrations of sniper 1000EC of 0, 0.27, 0.31, 0.41 and 0.55mg/L. A 28 days exposure to sublethal concentrations of the toxicant resulted in changes in heamatological parameters of the fish on the exposure days (1, 14 and 28). Blood dyscrasias attributable to microcytic- hypochromic anaemia  was observed with a significant (p<0.05) decrease in haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Neutrophils, eosinophil and basophil increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the toxicant.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Cyperus esculentus L. (Tigernut)on Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Testosterone, Sperm Count and Motility in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Agbai E.O¹. and Nwanegwo C.O².

¹Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University Elele, Rivers State Nigeria.

²Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.

E-mail: vivy4okey@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The effect of methanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus L. on follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and some sperm parameters in twenty four  adult albino male wistar rats. After six weeks administration of extract of Cyperus esculentus L., results showed statistically significant difference in LH levels at P < 0.05 between Group A (4.80 ± 1.04) compared with experimental Group B (5.70 ± 0.46), Group C (5.48 ± 0.27) and Group D (5.45 ± 0.37). FSH levels showed statistically significant difference at P < 0.05 between Group A (11.55 ± 0.46) compared Group D (15.20 ± 1.33). There was no statistically significant difference at P > 0.05 between Group A (11.55 ± 0.46) compared with Group B (11.30 ± 1.93) and Group C (11.08 ± 0.78). Testosterone levels showed statistically significant differences at P < 0.05 between Group A (3.30 ± 0.30) compared to Group B (3.75 ± 0.47), Group C (4.23 ± 0.34) and Group D (3.63 ± 0.63). The sperm count levels showed statistically significant differences at P < 0.05 between Group A (168.0 ± 4.54) compared to Group B (182 ± 4.94), Group C (174.25 ± 6.86) and Group D (176.0 ± 6.09). There was statistically significant difference at P < 0.05 between Group A (71.50 ± 1.55) compared to Group B (74.25 ± 1.54) and (76.25 ± 2.59). However, there was no statistically significant difference at P > 0.05 between Group A (71.50 ± 1.55) compared with Group C (68.50 ± 3.75). Results showed that methanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus significantly increased gonadotropins, testosterone and sperm parameters in a dose-dependent fashion.

In-Vivo Evaluation of the Effects of Physcia grisea Extract on Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphostase (ALP) Secretions in Albino Rats

¹Onuorah, Samuel I., ^2*Eze, Emmanuel I. and ³Ugwu, Godwin C.

¹ Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

² Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

³ Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

E-mail: emmaclems2003@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Blood samples from four (4) groups (A, B, C and D) of albino rats of four rats per group were analyzed for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) secretions. The analysis was carried out in two phases; phase 1 and phase 2. In phase one, which was the zero analysis, the weights of the animals were taken and the blood samples were collected and analysed. From the analysis, it was observed that there were secretions of ALT and ALP in the albino rats before administration. In the second phase of the analysis, the groups A, B, and C were orally administered 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg of P. grisea respectively while the control (group D) were administered tragacant solution which was the vehicle used. After three weeks of administration, the blood samples were collected for final analysis to check the effect of P. greasia on both ALT and ALP secretions. It was however observed that there was significant decrease (P>0.05) in ALT and ALP secretions except in group D that served as the control. This could therefore be deduced that P. grisea may have a hepato-protective ability if properly utilized.

Periplanata americana and Blatella orientalis (L) (Dictyoptera, Blattidae) as Vectors of Bacterial Pathogens in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

¹Biu, A.A., ²Gulani, I.A., ¹Mohammed, A., ¹Konto, M., ¹Fadimatu, M. and ³Hafsat, S.A.

¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

²Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

³Department of Veterinary Public Health & Preventive Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail:  biuvet@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Cockroaches are found to be associated with human dwellings worldwide thereby; affecting public health through their habits which makes them ideal mechanical carriers of several pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, helminths, protozoa and fungi. This study was conducted to isolate and identify bacteria from external surfaces and digestive tract of 50 Cockroaches collected around human dwellings in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. Colonial morphology and biochemical characterization revealed that cockroaches harboured Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Streptococcus faecalis, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aerugenosa, on their cuticle and intestinal contents. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were indicated by diameter of inhibition zone in millimetres. Complete resistance was observed with floxapen, ampicillin and erythromycin for Gram positive isolates, and ampicillin and ampicillin/cloxacilin for Gram negative isolates. However, pockets of resistance were observed for cephalexin, cotrimoxazole, amoxicilin, clindamycin and ofloxacin for Gram positive bacteria, and tetracycline, norfloxacin, amoxicillin, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime and gentamicin for Gram negative bacteria. In conclusion, cockroaches in Maiduguri harbour pathogenic bacteria which showed resistance to antimicrobial agents.

Comparative Studies on the Prevalence of Coccidiosis in Indigenous (Gallus- Gallus domesticus) and Exotic Breeds (Layers) in Benisheikh Town, Borno State

1A.A.G. Benisheikh, 2Isyaka Tom, 3Zainab .Y. Thamus, 4Kyari .A. Sanda and 5Biu. A.A.

¹North-East Zonal Biotechnology Centre of Excellence, University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

²Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

³Department of Basic Sciences, Mohamet Lawal College of Agriculture, Maiduguri, Borno State.

⁴Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

⁵Department of veterinary Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

E-mail Address: abbaganabenisheikhali@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted to determine the comparative studies between Gallus-gallus domesticus and exotic breeds of chickens and prevalence of coccidiosis in Benisheikh Town, Borno State. A total of 211 chickens were examined in four wards of Benisheikh town. Sixty (60) chickens were examined from North (Lawanti ward), 70 chickens from South (Ajari ward), 37 chickens from West (Mallamti ward), 44 chickens from East (Kasula ward) respectively. 211 chickens surveyed consists of 106 (50.2%) were Gallus-gallus domesticus and 105 (49.8%) were exotic breeds. 122 (57.8%) were between 12 and 36 months (Adults) while 89 (42.2%) were between greater than 18 months (medium). There was however, no statistical difference ages (x2 = 0.60, df = 1, p = 0.44). One hundred and thirty 130 (61.6%) of the chickens had coccidian parasite in their sample. Coccidiosis infection of these 74 (35.1%) were males while 56 (26.5%) were females but the difference was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.005). infection rate was higher among the Gallus-gallus domesticus 32 (38.8%) than the exotic breeds 48 (22.8%) and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The identification of coccidiosis based on their morphometry and region of intestine affected by coccidian species revealed that, E. tenella, E. nacatrix, E. brunetti, E. maxima measured 19 x 22.6, 14.2 x 16.7, 21.7 x 26.8 and 22.6 x 29.3 microns respectively. With E. tenella found in schizont and oocyst in ceca, E. nacatrix found in small intestine oocyst, intestine mucosa, E. brunetti in intestinal wall thicked, and E. maxima found in blood flecks in exudate as their region of intestine affected sites respectively. These findings may be useful to evaluate the infection potential when considering control programs in Benisheikh town and its vicinity.

Trends in Diagnostic Imaging Workload and Utilization in a Teaching Hospital

Arimie C.O.D.

Department of Radiology

University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

E-mail: codarimie@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Diagnostic imaging is an invaluable tool of diagnosis in medicine. Despite its value, diagnostic imaging equipments are expensive and difficult to maintain. To that extent, there is increasing concern among health policy planners that the growth in utilization of high-technology procedures, such as diagnostic imaging procedures, is a major factor responsible for the rapid growth in health care costs. Hence, it was the purpose of this study to determine the trends in workload and utilization rates of diagnostic imaging in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria between January 2010 and December 2012. Data comprising records of attendance of patients to the hospital clinics, the number of diagnostic imaging procedures, and workload measured in Relative Value Units (RVU) for the respective imaging modalities for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 were analyzed. The results show that Conventional radiography is the most widely used imaging modality constituting over 50% of the total diagnostic imaging in the three year period. Ultrasound Scanning (USS) is the second most used modality (over 40%) followed by CT (over 2%), MRI (over 1%) and Mammography (less than 1%). In 2010 the overall diagnostic imaging utilization rate was 908.6 (@ 909) examinations per 10,000 patients. In 2012 the rate was 732.6 (@ 733), representing a 19.4% decrease over 3 years. It was concluded that some of the imaging modalities were not utilized optimally and did not justify government spending on them particularly, MRI, and Mammography although, it was established that equipment breakdowns contributed significantly to this trend.

Some Toxic Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy

Nwozor C.M.

Department of Physiology

Anambra State University, Uli Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

E-mail: corneliusnwozor@gmail.com

ABSTRACT Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved the heath conditions of those living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). This has encouraged more HIV-positive patients to be enrolled into care. Problem of side effects exists. Some of these side effects are mild and transient; few are serious and life-threatening. There are short term and long term adverse effects. Some short term effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, mild central nervous system syndrome of lethargy or confusion. Long term toxicities include; myositis, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, and hepatic steatosis. Severe adverse effects have contributed to non-adherence and have caused some patients to delay therapy. Physicians need information on toxicities of ART in order to appropriately weigh the option of second line drugs. HIV- positive patients should be well informed in order to allay anxiety and fear, thereby helping them to adjust to a more tolerable regimen. In conclusion, the numerous benefits of antiretroviral therapy such as decreased risk of progression to AIDS and improvement in physical and mental health far outweigh some adverse effects that may

Evaluation of Hemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) at Different Trimesters of Pregnancy Among Women in Elele, Rivers State

Agbai E.O¹., Nwanegwo C.O¹., Ofoego U.C²., Nwodo F.N². and Nwokoroku U¹

¹Department of Human Physiology

²Department of Human Anatomy

^1&2Madonna University Elele, Rivers State.

E-mail: vivy4okey@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) in 150 pregnant women booked out-patients for routine antenatal care at Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MUTH) Elele, Rivers State and healthy non-pregnant women in Enugu town, Enugu State were used in this study. 2 ml of venous blood each was drawn from 150 pregnant women and 50 non-pregnant women (age; 20-45 years). 50 pregnant women (first trimester, 0-12 weeks), 50 pregnant women (second trimester, 13-26 weeks) and 50 pregnant women (third trimester, 27-41 weeks); blood samples were taken from the antecubital fossa vein by venopuncture in the morning and collected in EDTA bottle. The hematological values were determined within standard 2 hours of collecting the sample. The PCV was estimated using the microhaematocrit method and hemoglobin was estimated using the Sahlis method. Data showed that PCV was statistically significant difference at P < 0.05 between non-pregnant (36.17 ± 0.34) compared to first trimesters (30.46 ± 0.12), second trimesters (28.18 ± 0.23) and third trimesters (31.34 ± 0.24). There was no statistically significant difference at P > 0.05 between first trimesters (30.46 ± 0.12) compared with third trimesters (31.34 ± 0.24). The result on Hb showed statistically significant difference at P < 0.05 between non-pregnant control group (12.82 ± 0.19) compared to first trimesters (11.35 ± 0.12), second trimesters (9.46 ± 0.12) and third trimesters (11.72 ± 0.14). There was also no statistically significant difference at P > 0.05 between first trimesters (11.35 ± 0.12) compared with third trimesters (11.72 ± 0.14). Results showed a decrease in PCV during first trimester and a decrease in Hb during the second trimester suggesting that women at these groups are at risk of poor pregnancy outcome.