EFFECT OF Cucurbita Pepo ON PROTHROMBIN TIME AND PLATELET COUNT IN HEPARIN-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIC ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Agbai E.O¹ and Nwanegwo C.O¹

¹Department of Human Physiology,

Madonna University Elele, Rivers State Nigeria.

²Department of Human Physiology

College of Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

We studied the effect of methanolic extract of Cucurbita pepo seed and shell on prothrombin time and platelet count in heparin-induce thrombocytopenia in twenty albino wistar rats and in four control rats. After administration of extract of Cucurbita pepo seed, results showed a statistically significant difference in PT of Group A (38.25 ± 4.97 s) compared to CONT (34.0 ± 7.29 s), Group B (32.75 ± 4.55 s), and Group C (36.50 ± 3.01 s) at P < 0.05. There was statistically significant difference in PC between Group A (31.25 ± 5.10 x 10⁹/L) compared to CONT (159.0 ± 4.21 x 10⁹/L), group B (141.75 ± 4.13 x 10⁹/L) and Group C (154.75 ± 3.43 x 10⁹/L) at P < 0.05. The result of extract of Cucurbita pepo shell showed a statistically significant difference in PT of CONT (34.0 ± 7.29 s) compared to Group A (38.25 ± 4.97 s) compared to Group B (32.75 ± 4.55 s), Group C (39.00 ± 4.08 s) and Group D (46.50 ± 5.07) at P < 0.05. There was also statistically significant increase in Group D (46.50 ± 5.07) at P < 0.05 compared to Group B and C respectively.   Results showed statistically significant difference in platelet count (PC) between CONT (159.0 ± 4.21 x 10⁹/L) compared with Group B, C and D respectively at P > 0.05, (31.25 ± 5.10 x 10⁹/L, 66.50 ± 8.59 x 10⁹/L and 75.75 ± 13.55 x 10⁹/L). These results suggest that methanolic extract of Cucurbita pepo seed shortens the PT after prolonged by heparin and increased PC after heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, whereas the extract of cucurbita pepo seed did not have any positive effect on PT and PC.

BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH Clarias gariepinus and Heteroclarias (BURCHELL, 1822) FINGERLING FED Musca domestica LARVA

Akinyemi, A.A.

Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management

University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

E-mail: adeoluakinyemi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

In Nigeria, with the present economic depression, cost of fish diets is increasing daily not just because of inflation but because most of the feedstuff used in preparing fish diets face serious competition from man as food. Live food organisms are important for the growth of fish during culture especially at their early stages of development (fry and fingerling stages). Bacteria on the other hand, are responsible for many fish diseases especially those associated with environmental stresses such as poor handling. This study therefore examined the bacteria associated with Clarias gariepinus and Heteroclarias fingerlings fed with Musca domestica larva. Eighty fingerlings of C. gariepinus of an average weight of 2.3gm were obtained from a hatchery in Abeokuta Ogun State. Droppings of poultry (100%) were collected in jute bag from University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, poultry farm for maggot production. The harvested larva were then fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings. The microbiological analysis was then carried out on the fingerlings fortnightly. The results revealed the presence of micro-organisms in the fish species examined. 41 samples (76%) were affected with bacteria while 13 samples (24%) had no growth. The species of bacteria present in the fish were Enterobacteria species, Escherichia coli and Proteus species. These microorganisms are either of pathogenic, food poisoning, food spoilage or of epidemiological importance.

PREVALENCE OF HUMAN GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITES IN

BIU, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

*Biu, A.A., Kofur, I. and Mohammed .A.

Department Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology,

University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail:  biuvet@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Coprological study of gastrointestinal helminths of Biu Local Government residents was conducted between 2001 and 2002 using sedimentation, formol-ether concentration and floatation techniques. Of the 100 stool samples examined, 20(20.0%) harboured various species of gastrointestinal helminths. Hookworm infection was the most prevalent 10(50%) followed respectively by Schistosoma mansoni 6(30%); Hymenolepis nana 3(15%) and Ascaris lumbricoides 1(5%). The prevalence of the gastrointestinal helminths however, varied according to the age of the people examined with those aged between 7-24 years being most commonly infected 13(24.5%) compared to >24- 36, and >36- 50 ages with 5(15.1%) and 2(14.2%) respectively (p<0.05%). Similarly, females had a higher prevalence of 8(20.5%) compared to their male counterparts with 12(19.6%) (p>0.05).

VIRUS FREE PLANTLETS PRODUCTION OF SWEET POTATO (Ipomea batata (L.) Lam) THROUGH TISSUE CULTIVATION AND MERISTEM CULTURE

¹Benisheikh, A.A.G, ²Zainab .M. Aliyu, ³Zainab Tamus, ⁴Abdullahi Audu and ⁵Mala Modu

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

²Deparment of Biological Science

Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

³Department of Basic Studies

Mohmet Lawal College of Agriculture Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

⁴Department of Agricultural Technology

Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

⁵Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Virus  free  sweet  potato  plantlet  production   were  investigated through meristem culture of sweet potato plantlets meristem was isolated  from  field  grown  runner  tip  explants  and  cultured  on modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium containing auxin (2,4- D) and  cytokinins  (KN,  BA,  BAP)  was  used  to cultivate  meristem culture and tissue culture of sweet potato (Ipomea batata (L.) Lam) in vitro. Concentration of sucrose was at 3% w/v level. The pH media was adjusted to 5.7 before the addition of agar 8% w/v, meristems with 2-3 leaves primordial were dissected out aseptically and inoculated to the media (various levels of hormones  and in different combinations),  then incubated at 27 + 20C under light intensity of 2000-3000 lux in the culture room. Treatments include 2,4-D and BA at levels of 1mg/L and 0.25 mg/L, respectively  with GA3, (0.1 mg/L) produced better plantlet, but higher levels of 2,4-D with KN (2.5 mg/L) induced the meristems to form callus. After having DAS- ELISA test the in vitro grown plantlets were being used for massive micro propagation. Visual evaluation of the morphological trails of the meristem culture derived plants showed normal and free from various diseases. Gross yield was obtained in meristem derived plants over their source plants.

Table of Contents

Host Plant Infection by Botrytis cinerea affects the Interaction between Aphids Laboratory Accounting as a Tool for Management

Udeajah, V.N, and Nworie A                                                                                                    1-17

The Relevance of Simple Anthropometric Parameter of Body Mass Index (BMI)

in Assessing Nutritional Status of Secondary School Students in

River State, Nigeria

Bienonwu Emmanuel Osemeke                                                                                               18-24

Foot Length Ratios Compared to Stature in a Mixed Gender, Non Pathological

Sample

Lilian Ebele Chris-ozoko                                                                                                          25-32

Microbial Contamination of Water Stored in Earthen Pots within University

of Agriculture Environs

Akande, T., Agbulu C.O                                                                                                           33-51

A Study on Antibacterial Activities of Aloe vera Leaves, Stems and

Roots on Some Selected Organisms

Etusim, P.E., Okafor, E.E., Nwachukwu, N.C., Melariri, P.E., and Ogbonnaya C.I.                     52-59  

GIS Analysis of the Growth Distribution of Typhoid Fever Cases in Lagos State

(A Case Study of All General Hospitals in Each

Local Government Area of Lagos State)        

Omogunloye O.G., Qaadri J.A., Oladiboye O.E and Omogunloye H.B.                                                60-74

Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Activities of Gynandropsis gynandra

(Spider flower) and Buchholzia coriacea (Musk tree) (FAM: Capparidaceae)

on Some Common Fungal Isolates

Ogunmefun O.T. and Ajaiyeoba E.O.                                                                                       75-85

A Study on the Toxicity of the Ethanol Extract of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil

on Simulium Larvae

Etusim, P.E, Uwom, K.U, Melariri, P.E, Ibeh, O.O and Ogbonnaya, C.I                                     86-91

Influence of Rainfall and Salinity on the Spawning Cycle of Nematopalaemon

hastatus in River Nun Estuary, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta.

Ngodigha S.A, Digha O.N. and Adeyemo A.                                                                            92-101

Intestinal Nematode Parasites amongst School Children Attending Some Primary

Schools in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Kalu M.K, Eugene C.N, Ifeanyi A.O                                                                                          102-110

and their Parasitoids

Yahaya, S.M. and Fellowes, M.D.E                                                                                            111-123

Studies in Biopesticidal Potential of Ethanol Extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides

(LAM) Zepernick & Timleron Callosobruchus maculatus  FInfestation in Stored

Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp

Mohammad G. and Patience N.E.                                                                                           124-131

THE EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL EXPLOITATION ON FOOD PRODUCTION AND THE HEALTH OF OLOIBIRI IN HABITANT BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

1Digha O.N. and 2David O.
1Department of Geography
Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education Sagbama, Bayelsa State
2Department of Educational Management Rivers State
University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.
E-mail: dighaopaminda@yahoo.com, okilodavid@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study examined the effects of oil exploration and exploitation
activities on food production and the health of the inhabitants of
Oloibiri environ in Bayelsa State. Two objectives and two hypotheses
were generated. The hypotheses were tested at 0.5 significant level of
probability. A sample of 390 people from three communities were
randomly selected. The data-set were selected using the effects of oil
exploration activities on human health and food production determinant
questionnaire (EDEHFO), designed and used to elicit the data for the
study. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the data
analysis with the aid of the statistical package for social sciences
(SPSS). The results based on the first hypotheses which states that
there is a significant difference in food production resulting from oil
exploration and exploitation activities are accepted. Since F-cal (0.25)
< F-Crit (3.00) at 2 and 689 degree of freedom at 0.05 level of
significance – by and large the results indicates a negative impact on
the environment of the study area.

INTESTINAL NEMATODE PARASITES AMONGST SCHOOL CHILDREN

ATTENDING SOME PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MBAITOLI LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE, NIGERIA.
Kalu M.K1, Eugene C.N, Ifeanyi A.O1
1Department of Animal and Environmental Biology,
Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
2Department of Pest Management Technology,
Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State Nigeria.
E-mail: kalumangkalu@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Intestinal parasitosis remains an important public health problem in
underdeveloped and developing countries. Intestinal nematode parasites
comprise an important group of human endoparasites that infect mostly
school age children. This research was carried out to determine the
prevalence of intestinal nematode parasites (INP) in children attending
two primary schools in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State,
South-Eastern Nigeria. Two hundred feacal samples from 200 school
children were examined using direct smear. The overall infected
samples were 85(42.50%), comprising 43(21.50%) females and
42(21.00%) males. Three intestinal nematode parasite species were
indentified: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm.
When ranked by proportion, parasite loads were found as follows:
Ascaris lumbricoides (67.06%), hookworm (27.06%) and Trichuris
trichiura (21.18%). Statistical analysis indicates a significant difference
(p>0.05) in prevalence of the parasites with Ascaris lumbricoides having
the highest rate of prevalence. There were single and double infections
in the study. We conclude that there is a pronounced intestinal
nematode parasitic burden amongst school children in Mbaitoli Local
Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Therefore, regular de-worming
exercise with appropriate antihelminthes, education on personal hygiene
and other health campaign programmes if carried out in the rural areas
will improve the health status of school children.

INFLUENCE OF RAINFALL AND SALINITY ON THE SPAWNING CYCLE OF Nematopalaemon hastatus IN RIVER NUN ESTUARY,

BAYELSA STATE, NIGER DELTA.
1Ngodigha S.A, 2Digha O.N. and 3Adeyemo A.
1&2Bayelsa State College of Education, Okpoma,
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
3Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island,
Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
E-mail: sabinaingodigha@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Spawning pattern of Nematopalemon hastatus in River Nun Estuary,
Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta was studied for one year. Samples
were collected from artisanal shrimpers operating along the estuary on
a monthly basis and stored in 9% formalin for laboratory analysis. The
N. hastatus in each monthly sample were observed for gravity, using a
hand lens. There was a colour change in the eggs from light orange to
dark brown with maturation. Eggs in different stages of maturation
from light orange to dark brown were observed in the samples all year
round, comprising both rainy and dry seasons. Main spawning observed
was between July and September. The peak spawning activity occurred
in September while the lowest was between November and December.
Largest satus with eggs measured 14mmCL (carapace length) and the
smallest 7mmCL. Statistical analysis to test the level significance of
gravid N. hastatus between seasons showed that more spawners were
landed during the rainy season than the dry season. Spawners are
usually caught before they have the chance to lay their eggs and this
could lead to a reduction in the reproductive process, resulting in a
decrease in biomass. It is therefore pertinent to introduce management
strategies involving, fisheries scientist, fisheries managers and the
shrimpers.

A STUDY ON THE TOXICITY OF THE ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Moringa oleifera SEED OIL ON Simulium LARVAE

Etusim, P.E1, Uwom, K.U1, Melariri, P.E2, Ibeh, O.O3 and Ogbonnaya, C.I4
1Unit of Medical Parasitology, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology,
Abia State University, Nigeria
2Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria South Africa
3Simulium Research Laboratory, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology,
Abia State University, Nigeria.
4Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, Nigeria.
E-mail: etusimp@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Different control measures have been targeted against vectors of
diseases, and attempts relied heavily on the use of such synthetic
pesticides. Unfortunately, the repeated use of synthetic insecticides
has disrupted natural biological control system. The development of
resistance and human health concerns has led to a search for
alternative control measures. To test the toxicity of the ethanol
extract of Moringa oleifera seed oil on Simulium larvae, larvae of
Simulium were used for larvicidal bioassay. 120 larvae were released in
plastic containers. 20 for every set of experiment, with two replicates
for each concentration of Moringa oleifera seed oil. 200ml of water was
used, after which the oil extract was introduced. A total of 100%
mortality was recorded in 0.1ml and 0.2ml treatment levels, showing an
excellent toxicity on the larvae sampled. The result of this study
suggests that the plant extract can act as larvicide against Simulium
larvae in breeding sites.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF Gynandropsis gynandra (Spider flower) and Buchholzia coriacea

(Musk tree)
(FAM: CAPPARIDACEAE) ON SOME COMMON FUNGAL ISOLATES
1Ogunmefun O.T. and 2Ajaiyeoba E.O.
1Department of Biological Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti
2Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
E-mail: yinkatayo_08@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the phytochemical and antifungal studies of two
members of the Capparidaceae family which are Gynandropsis
gynandra and Buchholzia coriacea. These two plants were screened for
the presence of their active constituents. The leaves and the stem
were screened separately. The antifungal activities of the leaves and
stem were tested using Aspergillus niger, Penicillum sp., Candida
albicans, Fusarium oxysporium and Aspergillus flavus. The activity of
the extract at 200mg/100ml (0.02g/10ml) of methanol was compared
with methanol as the control and Tioconazole as reference standard.
The result of the antifungal assay of the plant extracts justifies
their use in traditional medicine.