THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC FACTORS ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOSQUITOES IN PHYTOTELMATA

O.J., Afolabi and I.S., Ndams

Department of Biology, Salem University, Lokoja

Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

jideafo@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Climatic factors have been associated with abundance and distribution of mosquito-borne diseases in many parts of the world, especially in warm and tropical climatic regions. The main objective of this research is to determine the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes in phytotelmata in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. The sites were in three locations with five replications of Delonix regia including the control. Habitat evacuation method as described by Service (1993) was used to sample mosquito larvae and pupae in all the locations. The pre-adults collected were concentrated on a fine sieve in a white enamel bowl and later identified into specie level using X50 microscope and Hopkins manual. The Volume of water was measured using measuring cylinder and temperature was measured in situ using portable thermometer. T-test analysis of the results showed significant difference between the larvae and pupae population (p<0.05) with population of larvae (74.5%) higher than that of the pupae (25.5%). Two –way ANOVA showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the percentage composition and distribution of pre-adults with highest population (29.8%)) recorded in August and lowest population (4.2%) recorded in October. Two –way ANOVA of the species compositions showed significant difference (p<0.05) with Aedes aegypti having the highest percentage composition (48.8%) and Toxorhynchite brevipalpis having the lowest percentage composition (1.2%). The temperature range in which breeding was found is 24.7^oC -28.3^oC. In conclusion, the composition and distribution of mosquitoes in this habitat is significant enough to be of socio-economical and medical importance. Therefore we recommend that the phytotelmata should be considered in any mosquito-borne disease control programmes and tree that support mosquito breeding should not be planted closed to residential areas.

Keywords: Phytotelmata, climatic factors, Delonix regia, Aedes aegypti, Zaria.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND SOME PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DRY MATTER SAMPLES OF FERMENTED AND UNFERMENTED GROUNDNUT(Arachis hypogaea L.) SEED, PUMPKIN(Curcubita pepo L.) SEED AND PULP.

Wakshama, P.S¹; Akueshi, C.O² and Ali, B.D¹.

¹Departmment of Biological Sciences, Adamawa State University, Mubi

²Department of Plant Science and Technology, University of Jos, Jos

Comparative studies on the proximate compositions of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) seed, pumpkin(Curcubita pepo)seed and pulp and some physical characteristics were carried out to determine the effect of fermentation on these materials using the traditional method. Crude protein was determined by Micro-Kjeldahl techniques, ash by the Ranjhan and Krisma method;  fat  using the Saxhlet Extraction Apparatus, crude fibre by the Trichloroacetic Acid method and carbohydrate was calculated by summing up the results of the other components and substracting it from hundred. Results indicated that crude protein increased in the fermented products of groundnut and pumpkin seeds, fat contents increased in all the fermented products, ash showed increase in both fermented pumpkin products while crude fibre recorded an increase in the fermented pumpkin pulp only. This shows that fermentation helps siugnificantly, in improving the nutritive values of these products.

Keywords: Groundnut seed, Pumpkin seed and pulp, fermentation, condiments, physical characcteristics.

COMPARATIVE MICROBIAL ASSAY IN RELATION TO SEASONAL VARIATION IN SELECTED CLINICAL LABORATORIES IN ZARIA

Shiaka, G.P., Yakubu, S.E. and Olonitola, O.S

Department of Microbiology

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

email: petergs10@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Microbial contaminants of the indoor environment of two clinical microbiology laboratories of a private (Lab A) and a government (Lab B) owned hospitals in Zaria were investigated within the dry season: January and March, and wet season: July and September in the year 2007. The highest and lowest bacterial concentration were obtained in the 4^th week 16.0×10³cfu/ml in lab A and 0.09 x 10³cfu/ml in the 1^st week of sampling in wet season in the same laboratory. The fungal count was highest in Lab B: 4.0×10³cfu/ml and lowest: 0.09×10³cfu/ml in the fifth week of sampling in dry season. The bacterial mean concentration was highest in Lab B: 7.70 x 10³cfu/ml in dry season and lowest in wet season in lab A: 2.61 x10³cfu/ml. The fungal mean concentration in Lab A was the highest while the lowest was found in Lab B: 1.06×10³cfu/ml. there was a significant correlation between fungal counts in Lab A’s dry and wet season at 0.05 using pearson correlation (2-tailed) and also between fungal counts in wet season of lab B. However, no significant correlation in bacterial counts.The level of microbial concentration in this study is moderate but can be potentially allergic or infectious. This is a further justification for safety practices in clinical laboratories irrespective of seasons.

Keywords: Airborne, Bacteria, Concentration, Fungi and Laboratory.

RESISTANCE PATTERN OF UROPATHOGENIC STAPHYLOCOCCAL STRAINS ISOLATED FROM OUTPATIENTS IN A NIGERIAN HOSPITAL

Funmilola A. Ayeni¹*, Osagie Omoregie ¹ and Misan Olley²

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University Okada

²Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital Okada

ABSTRACT

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a global problem which results in difficulty in treatment. This study determined antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci isolated from urogenital tracts of humans with a presumptive diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI).  Forty five urogenital samples (endocervical swab, high vaginal swab and urine) were obtained from outpatients at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital between April and May, 2010. They were processed for isolation of Staphylococcus sp. Colonies in pure culture were identified by biochemical reactions and tested for susceptibility to 9 antimicrobials using disk agar diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by macrodilution method. Ten isolates of staphylococci were obtained (22% of the total samples). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent species (70%). All the isolates were multidrug resistant with each isolate exhibiting resistance to at least 5 antimicrobials. All the isolates had 100% resistance to nitrofurantoin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, augmentin, and ceftriazone. All coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp. strains were susceptible to doxycycline while S. aureus strains were relatively susceptible to TMP/SMX. The study reports the alarming antimicrobial resistance of members of the Staphylococcus genus isolated from human urogenital tract. There should be strict control in the use of antibiotics for chemotherapy of staphylococcal infections to reduce the organism’s resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

Keywords:-Resistance, antibiotics, uropathogens, multidrug resistance.

EXERCISE AND SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: WHAT HAS BEEN KNOWN SO FAR?

Auwal Abdullahi

Department of Physiotherapy

Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

email: therapistauwal@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Clinical studies in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) reported severe decrements in cognitive functions and reduced cerebral blood flow or cerebral glucose utilization rate compared with age matched healthy counterparts. These derangements produce the clinical symptoms of AD. However, exercise has been widely reported to induce a number of growth factors: BDNF, IGF-1 and VEGF which enhance brain health through neurogenesis, plasticity and angiogenesis. Yet, the saddest point is that, despite this breakthrough in clinical sciences, only few of these patients benefit from this intervention. Therefore, a literature review like this is very necessary to delineate the rationales and effectiveness of exercise intervention in Neurodegenerative conditions like the Alzheimer’s disease.

ANTIBIOTICS ACTIVITIES AGAINST BACTERIAL ISOLATES IN SPUTUM SPECIMENS OBTAINED FROM SELECTED PATIENTS WITH RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

*Ohieku, J.D. and **Nnolim, M.I.

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration,

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

E-mail: joni.dav@hotmail.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Many respiratory diseases and infections are often associated with sputum production. The knowledge of the role of pathogenic bacteria in sputum specimens and their susceptibility trends are essential in designing a comprehensive treatment plan for the desired clinical outcomes to be achieved.  Most patients with these conditions often initiate self medication with antibiotic therapy at sub-optimal levels prior to seeking medical interventions, a practice that has encouraged bacteria resistance. A retrospective study to assess pathogenic bacteria in clinical sputum specimens of patients with chronic cough, respiratory diseases and infections attending clinics at the university of Maiduguri Teaching hospital was conducted. A total of 326 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from patients between March 2006 and November 2007. Alpha-haemolytic streptococci the predominant organisms accounted for 59% followed by Klebsiella spp (26%). Proteus spp was the least isolated agent being (2%).  Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli each accounted for 3% but α-haemolytic Staphylococcus amounted to about 5% of total bacterial isolates while about 2.5% cases were recorded with Staphylococcus aureus. Their susceptibility results vary with the tested antibacterial agents but α-haemolytic streptococci and proteus spp indicated total resistance to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and nalidixic acid. Partial resistance of α-haemolytic streptococci, Pseudomonas spp and Escherichia coli were recorded against all antibacterial agents. Low resistance trends to the fluoroquinolones were observed with most organisms except α-haemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp which showed high resistance to norfloxacin. Our study indicated that resistance is widespread but the fluoroquinolones appeared to show higher activities against most pathogenic bacteria isolates in sputum specimens.

Keywords: Antibacterial agents, Multi-drugs resistant, pathogens, Sensitivity and resistance, Sputum Specimens,

TRACE ELEMENT NUTRITION IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD: A REVIEW

Kiri H. Jaryum¹, Olukemi Dayok², Ishaya E. Daniang² and Ishaya Y. Longdet¹

¹Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

²Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Plateau State Polytechnic, Bukuru, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Several elements are required for the nutritional well-being of animals and humans. The trace elements recognized currently as dietary essentials are arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, fluorine, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, Silicon, vanadium and zinc. Aluminium, cadmium, lithium, lead and tin are thought to be dietary essentials also, but the evidence is less extensive than for the other elements listed. A dietary deficiency of any of the trace elements will produce the specific symptoms because each element serves a specific function(s). Trace element malnutrition is now a rapidly growing public health problem among nearly all poor people in many developing nations. This pernicious but preventable human health crisis calls for an awareness for the developing world to not only focus on the production of staple food but also food of high nutritional quality and diversity to satisfy a balanced diet for all people thereby ensuring healthy and productive lives.  The food chain remains the major pathway through which the trace elements enter the human body. With the exception of iron and iodine, information on trace element intakes in developing countries is limited because of paucity of data on the trace elements content of local staple foods. Substitution of trace element values for staple foods grown in Western countries is not advisable because the trace elements content of plant-based foods tend to reflect the trace element levels of the local soil

IN-VIVO EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF Gongronema latifolia ON ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST) AND BILIRUBIN SECRETIONS IN ALBINO RATS

¹ Ugwu Godwin Chigozie and ² Eze Emmanuel Ikechukwu

¹ Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

² Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

E-mail: godtech4real@yahoo.com; emmaclems2003@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Blood samples from four groups of albino rats with four rats per group were analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin secretions. The analysis was carried out in two phases; phase 1 and phase 2. In phase one, which is the zero analysis, the weights of the animals were taken and the blood samples were collected through the nostril after an ocular puncture to analyse for AST and Bilirubin secretions. In phase 2, group A, B, and  C were administered 500 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg of G.latifolia leaf extract while the control (group D) were administered only tragacant solution. After three weeks of administration, their blood samples were collected using the same method to monitor the effects of the extract on both AST and bilirubin secretions. The results showed that there was a 25 % increase in weights of the rats and a decrease in the values of AST and bilirubin secretions in the rats except in the control that were not administered the extract. This means that G. latifolia leaf extract may have healing effects on the liver. Keywords: Leaf extract, Gongronema latifolia, Aspertate Aminotransferase, Bilirubin

APPLICATIONS OF GAMMA MODEL IN AGE DURING PREGNANCY AND MALARIA INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

¹Adarabioyo, M. I., ²Ojiezeh, T. I and G. N. Amahia³

¹Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer/Information Systems, Achievers University, Owo,

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria

³Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to determine the probability distribution of the age at pregnancy and malaria infection in south western Nigeria. The samples studied consisted of eighty-eight (88) and seventy-seven (78) pregnant women who were already infested of malaria parasites at  University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, respectively. Some descriptive measures were used to examine the main properties of the distributions for each location and combine. The frequency polygons were obtained to determine the underlying distribution. The distributions were negatively skewed; a departure from normality. Beta distribution was estimated and one of the parameters was found to be out of bound (LUTH: α = -1404.27,β = 1358.13, OAUTH: α = -1342.85, β = 1299.95, COMBINE: α = -1204.26, β = 1156.63). The parameters of the Exponential distributions were not significant. Gamma model was fitted for each location and combine. The estimates were significant at 95% level of significance.  Parameters’ tests reveal that there is no significant difference between the parameters from the two locations. This implies the samples from the two locations could have come from the same population.

Key Words: Probability, Malaria, Pregnancy, Gamma, Beta, exponential, Model