bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age estimation using orthopantomograms and Demirjian method among children attending dental clinics in western Kenya
Authors: Brian Ode , Opondo Immaculate , Adero Walter , Oyieko Willis , Marera Domnic
Published: October 2023

Background: Various methods have been used to estimate age in different populations among them being Demirjian which has widely  been utilized. However, in Kenya, there is hardly any approved method that can be used to achieve this purpose, hence the need to  determine the available methods for estimating the age of children in Western Kenya. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating  radiological age using Demirjian method among children attending dental clinics in Western Kenya.

Methods: The study adopted a cross- sectional descriptive design and used Yamane Taro (1967) formulae to find a sample size of 171 panoramic radiographs of children aged  between 5-17 years which were examined in order to determine the tooth maturity stages (A-H) for the first seven mandibular teeth on  the left side. Each maturity stage was then assigned a corresponding maturity score as per Demirjian conversion tables for boys and girls,  summed up and converted into dental age. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, standard error of mean was  presented in tables and graphs while inferential statistics such as linear regression was used to measure the deviation and test of  significance.

Results: The overall mean dental age was 8.16 ± 2.7 with a standard error of mean of 0.211. The female and male mean dental age deviated from the chronological age at ±2.22 years and ±1.68 years respectively at 95% Confidence interval.

Conclusion: In  conclusion, the study revealed an underestimation of the dental age from chronological age using Demirjian method among children of  African origin.
Restorative effects of Silymarin milk thistle on the liver following paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in adult albino rats
Authors: Ngetich Davis Kiprono , Korir Scolastica , Okoth Molly
Published: October 2023

Background: Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity has been on the rise worldwide and there is a need for restorative measures to  counter its effect. Silymarin milk thistle is an herb that has been used for the treatment of liver conditions. This current study aimed at  determining the restorative effects of silymarin milk thistle on the liver morphology and terminal body weight of paracetamol-induced  hepatotoxicity among albino rats.

Methodology: This study was conducted at Maseno University, and a posttest-only experimental  design was used. A total of 24 adult albino rats were randomly selected and grouped into four groups, each consisting of six albino rats. Positive control received (5 days of high-dose paracetamol 750mg/kbwt) and negative control received no drug intervention. Three  experimental groups received high-dose paracetamol for five days and were thereafter given varying doses of silymarin milk thistle (low- dose group: 200 mg/kbwt, medium-dose: 400 mg/kbwt and high-dose: 600 mg/kbwt) of silymarin milk thistle. Gross liver morphological  data and body weight were expressed as mean ± SEM. A one-way ANOVA analysis of variance was used to test the mean groups and a  post hoc test was used to test the difference between the mean groups. A p ≤ 0.05 was found to have statistical significance at a 95%  confidence interval.

Results: This current study found that there was a significant (p≤ 0.0001) increase in mean weight, volume, length,  and width of the liver in the high dose silymarin milk thistle group as compared to the positive control group. There was a significant (p≤  0.0001) reduction in the terminal mean body weight of the rats in the positive control group, low dose silymarin group and the medium  dose silymarin group respectively, as compared to the negative control group.

Conclusion: Silymarin milk thistle was found to have  restorative effects on the liver morphology and body weight following paracetamol toxicity at high dose.
Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions on Biology Classroom Environment and their Attitudes towards the Subject in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Antwiwaa , Budu George Brains , Kemetse Judith Kafui , Amponsah Kwaku Darko , Donkor Phyllis Bernice  Kwarteng
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to find out how pre-service teachers felt about their biology classroom environment and how they felt about biology. Two hundred and six (260) aspiring teachers from several Ghanaian science colleges of education took part in the study. The Attitude towards Biology Scale and the Biology Classroom Environment Scale were used to collect data. The study technique utilised to gather data is called a cross-sectional design. The data were analysed using means, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA across groups. The findings showed that pre-service teachers had a relatively good assessment of the environment in their biology classroom, with the categories of teacher support and involvement, cohesion, and research receiving the highest rankings. The pre-service teachers likewise had a mildly positive outlook on biology, scoring highest in the interest, significance, and enjoyment categories. Additionally, a strong positive association between pre-service teachers' attitudes toward biology and how they perceived their biology classroom setting was discovered. The results of this study indicate that fostering a good learning environment in biology classrooms may improve pre-service teachers' attitudes about biology.
Influence of Credit Risk Management on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Amira Edwin Ambetsa , Musiega Maniagi , Alala Benedict Ondiek
Published: October 2023

The management of credit risk in commercial banks determines the banks' financial performance, which predominantly influences the quality of the loan portfolio and the nature of credit administration programs as a whole. By ensuring that credit risk is effectively managed, the primary objective of credit risk management is to generate a high-quality, stable, large, and growing flow of net interest income for banks. This objective is achieved by ensuring that banks can meet the needs of their customers. This study determined the effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. The investigation was founded on the portfolio theory. The paradigm of Positivism served as the philosophical foundation for the investigation. The study incorporated both explanatory and longitudinal research designs into its methodology. The study's target population consisted of 32 Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study utilized panel data consisting of time series and cross-sectional data spanning a decade from 2010 to 2019. Using Eviews, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data, which was then presented in tables and figures. The study found out that Credit risk management had an insignificant negative relationship with Return on Equity (ROE) (F=87.02884, p<0.05) and Return on Assets (ROA) (F=118.1208, p<0.05). Arising from the study findings, it is observed that credit risk management has a negative effect on financial performance measure either in ROA or ROE, it is recommended that commercial banks should keep this parameter as minimum as possible so as not involve in loss making undertakings.
Collective Bargaining Agreements Implementation Approaches and Equity in Grade Promotion of Post-Primary Teachers in Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Mwani Livanze , Ejakait Epari , Ogenga Paul Akumu
Published: October 2023

The use of two different implementation approaches for the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement of teachers casted doubts on equity in promotion because each union had its own approach. Given that there were two unions at post-primary level, the purpose of this study was to compare equity accruable between them in Kakamega County. The objective was to determine the difference in equity in grade promotion of post-primary teachers between the use of scheme of service and the career progression guideline approaches based on Teacher Performance and Appraisal Development tool between 2017-2021. It was guided by a socialist economics of education theory. A comparative research design with a sample of 1,569 respondents from 5,923 was used. Systematic random sampling was used to select teachers in each union, purposive sampling for principals and saturated sampling for sub-county directors of education and union secretaries. Through piloting, content validity was enhanced with internal consistency reliability of 0.877. In data analysis, pairwise correlation established plausible interactions of variables at α = 0.05 with membership in Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers being statistically insignificant to promotion (p˃.05) through logistic regression analysis. A Gini coefficient 0.0001 found a statistically significant difference (p≤.05) between the two unions with an extra score in 2017, and teaching in extra-county and national schools reducing the odds of promotion to the next grade. It was concluded that promotion was marginally equitable in Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers than in Kenya National Union of Teachers with gini coefficients 0.0567 and 0.0698 respectively.
Influence of Teacher Appraisal Systems on Teacher Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Koibatek Sub County, Kenya
Authors: Kimosop Kiptoo , Atoni Rose , Chepsiror Esther
Published: October 2023

The study aimed at establishing the influence of teacher appraisal systems on teacher performance in public secondary schools in Koibatek Sub County, Kenya. The study sought to establish the extent to which teacher appraisal was conducted in secondary schools in Koibatek Sub-County. Vroom’s Expectance Theory guided the study. Concurrent mixed methods research design was used. The target population comprised of all principals, teachers and Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. Simple, stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. Questionnaire, in-depth interview guide, document analysis schedule and a lesson observation schedule were used to data collection. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations were computed while Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypothesis. Qualitative data were coded into relatedthemes and categories. The study findings indicated that the appraisal process was effective in schools. On teacher performance based on appraisal documents analyzed, teachers scored fairly well on co-curricular activities and lesson attendance. Majority of the teachers were found not having scheme of work and lesson plans. Records of work covered were not written by most teachers. Creativity and innovation were scored dismally by most teachers. Parental involvement and guidance and counselling are other areas which attracted low marks. It was established that there was a statistically significant relationship between teachers’ performance appraisal scores and teachers’ lesson observation scores. The study findings would benefit principals, teachers, DQASOs, TSC and MOE on teacher appraisal implementation. It was recommended that emphasis was to be made to teachers on their preparation towards lessons with regard to professional documents.
Family and School Connectedness and Teenage Pregnancy in Amansie Central District, Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Hubert Bimpeh , Kumah Paul Kwasi , Nimoh Michael
Published: October 2023

The general assumption is that young people require direction and support from the adult world to achieve milestones in life. When family and school are unable to meet these needs, adolescents seek out other means of meeting the needs which are often negative sources. The study that produced this paper was designed to find out if social connectedness in the family, the school and the peer group would be predictive of teen motherhood. The study involved a sample of 513 respondents who were made up of 170 teen mothers and 343 non-mothers. The questionnaire, which also served as an interview guide, was used to gather the data. The result indicated that of all the two forms of social connectedness only family connectedness, could predict early motherhood. That is, school-age teen mothers who were attached to family members tended to be less predisposed to early sex, thereby not becoming pregnant during their teens. It is therefore concluded that the stronger the family connectedness a teenage girl enjoys, the less likely it is that she will engage in early sex and become an early (teen) mother. Therefore, when family connectedness is promoted, teenage pregnancy would be controlled and teenage girls would stay in school. It is recommended to parents to establish close bonds of relationship with their teen girls, and then use that bond to constantly draw the teen’s attention to the negative consequences of early sex.
Ferritin/lymphocyte percentage ratio to predict the severity and mortality of COVID-19
Authors: YURT Nur SIMSEK , OCAK Metin
Published: October 2023

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ferritin/lymphocyte percentage ratio (FLPR) with clinical and radiological disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods This retrospective study was conducted with patients who had polymerase chain reaction positive results for COVID-19. We calculated FLPRs from laboratory tests taken during emergency clinic admission. The relationship between chest computed tomography (CT) scores, disease severity, and 30-day mortality with FLPR was evaluated.ResultsOur study included 309 patients. 30-day mortality occurred in 12.3% (n=38) of the patients. A statistically significant association was found between FLPR and clinical disease severity (p <0.001). In the post hoc analysis, the difference was caused by the critical and severe groups and FLPR was significantly higher in these groups. A significant correlation was found between CT scores and FLPR (r=0.496, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension, smoking, C-reactive protein (CRP), and FLPR levels were independent risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients. In the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, determined the predictive value and the optimal cut-off value of FLPR. The areas under the curve of WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, ferritin, CRP, FLPR were found 0.707, 0.233, 0.735, 0.878, 0.831, 0.924 (p<0.001), respectively. This analysis showed that the FLPR can predict 30-day mortality better than the other biomarkers in the comparison. When the optimal cut-off value of FLPR is 42.4, the sensitivity is 84.2% and specificity is 86.7%.Conclusion FLPR can be used as an independent biomarker of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19.
Comparative analysis of bamboo-based (Bambusa vulgaris) activated carbon produced through trioxonitrate (V) acid and potassium hydroxide
Authors: Akinbile C.O. , Epebinu E. M. , Olanrewaju O.O. , Abolude A.T.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Activated carbon (AC) is one of the numerous cost-effective inputs for treating wastewater in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and several materials have been used to produce AC with diverse results. One such material with a large potential is African Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), especially due to its availability. In this study, bamboo was carbonized and then activated using trioxonitrate (V) acid (HNO3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as activating agents. The AC was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technologies at 50 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, and 200 μm magnification. The SEM imagery results at 50 μm and 1500x magnification showed that the AC produced using KOH had the largest and most well-developed pore spaces hence maximum capacity to absorb contaminants compared to HNO3's AC and inactivated carbonated charcoal. The FTIR spectra peak analysis results also confirmed that KOH's AC had the highest number of functional groups on its surface and, therefore, enhanced its adsorption capacity.
Experimental investigation for fault diagnosis of a single stage worm gearbox using response surface methodology
Authors: Barshikar R. R. , Baviskar P. R.
Published: October 2023

Gearbox transmission system is a fundamental factor in the industrial applications. If gearbox stop working due to different faults, it may break normal machine operation and cause a production loss. This research paper focused on fault analysis of combination of worm wheel and bearing by using root mean square (RMS) and response surface method (RSM). Faults considered on outer race and inner race of worm wheel bearing, on worm wheel tooth. These faults and load were considered as an important independent factor to understand their effects on RMS response of worm gearbox. Worm gearbox experimental setup is for laboratory experimentation and RSM for analysis. Twenty-seven experimental trial conducted for three level of parameters based on design of experiment (DOE). Vibration based response measured in frequency domain and root mean square parameter extracted for the fault analysis. Box behnken design RSM is implemented to investigate independent parameters effect on output parameter i.e. RMS. The result shows that effect of faulty inner race bearing is more on worm wheel as compared to faulty outer race bearing and fault parameter influence RMS than load parameter.
Optimisation of synthesis parameters for Co-Mo/MgO catalyst yield in MWCNTs production
Authors: Buhari A. S. , Abdulrahman A. S. , Lawal S. A. , Abdulkareem A. S. , Muriana R. A. , Jimoh O. T. , Ibrahim H. K.
Published: October 2023

This study examined the impact of synthesis parameter on Cobalt-Molybdenum supported with magnesium oxide (Co-Mo/MgO) catalyst yield in production of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Wet impregnation was used to synthesis the Co-Mo/MgO bimetallic catalyst, while a catalytic chemical vapour deposition reactor (CCVD) was used for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Factorial and central composite design techniques were used to optimise the catalyst and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Thermogravimetric analysis/ Differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) were used to characterise the catalyst and MWCNTs that were produced. The Co-Mo/MgO catalyst had an optimal yield of 93.22%, 247.30 m2/g of specific surface area at 120 °C drying temperature, 16 g of mass support, and a 10-hour drying time. The maximum catalyst yield of 40.62% was obtained at calcination temperature of 500 °C and a holding period of 2 hours. The catalyst with the highest degradation temperature of 398.21 °C was observed at 600 °C, when calcined for 4 hours. It was discovered that the surface area of Co-Mo/MgO catalyst from the BET analysis under ideal conditions varied depending on the holding time. The XRD and SAED revealed the growth of CNTs of concentric graphene pattern with the Co-Mo/MgO catalyst.
Crab (Brachyura) shell acid and alkali treatments: Influence on thermal and structural properties of isolated acetamide-rich natural polymer
Authors: Gbenebor O.P , Odili C.C , Lawal G.I. , Adeosun S.O.
Published: October 2023

Exoskeleton of crab comprises a dominating mineral (calcium carbonate, CaCO3), protein and a natural polymer (chitin). Chemical treatments have been employed at different instances to isolate pure chitin from different sources. It is thus necessary to investigate how this treatment will influence the features of chitin isolated from the same source (crab). In this study, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) were separately used to demineralize crab shell particles and this was followed by deproteinization with 0.4 and 1.2 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 100 °C. Results showed that chitin properties were influenced by concentrations of reagents. Fibrils of different forms and surface appearance were observed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The highest crystallinity index of 71% was possessed by chitin extracted using 0.4 M HCl and NaOH while 65.5% remained the least displayed by chitin extracted with 1.2 M HCl and NaOH. This trend was similar for chitin’s thermal stability where Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results informed that using the highest concentrations of 1.2 M HCl and NaOH provided chitin with 80.12 kJ/mol activation energy. On the other hand, 112.54 kJ/mol was calculated for chitin isolated with the minimum demineralization and deproteinization reagents used in this study.
Effects of parasites on growth pattern of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Omi Dam, Omi, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State
Authors: Olubiyo C.K , Audu P.A. , Adang L.K. , Olubiyo G.T.
Published: October 2023

The study was carried out using 506 Clarias gariepinus specimens over a period of one year, from Omi Dam (Latitudes 8o34’N – 8o38′N, Longitudes 6o37′E – 6o42′E) Omi, Kogi State, Nigeria. Standard methods were used to determine length-weight relationship, condition factor, and parasitic infestation of the fish in the dam. Generally, fish growth for non-parasitized fishes was positively allometric and condition factor is >1.5, while parasitized fishes had negative allometric growth and condition factor is <1.The negative allometry for parasitized shows the fish weight decreases less quickly than the length while positive allometry for non-parasitized fish mean the fish weight increases than the length of the fish. The effect of parasites in the life of parasitized C. gariepinus was found to probably be a major factor responsible for the loss of weight in parasitized fishes and this affected morphometric values(b) in which body weight was an index.
Essential oil compositions and antioxidant activity of the fresh leaves of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd from Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmoye A.O. , Ibikunle A.A. , Sanyaolu N.O. , Ogundare S.A. , Yussuf S.T. , Hashimi M.A. , Onajobi I.B.
Published: October 2023

Essential oils from the fresh leaves of Talinum triangulare (100 g) growing along Ijesha road, Ago Iwoye, Ijebu north local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria were obtained by hydrodisitllation in an all-glass clevenger type apparatus and the chemical constituents determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the essential oils was tested with 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The yield of the essential oils was 0.060% (v/w). A total of thirteen constituents representing 100% of the essential oil were identified from the GC-MS analysis. The major components of T. triangular eessential oil were γ-terpinene (26.34%), dlimonene (16.08%), β-pinene (13.91%), β-bisabolol (12.62%), cyclotrisiloxane hexamethyl (8.18%) and caryophyllene (5.65%). Monoterpenes (61.30%), sesquiterpenoids (14.14%), sesquiterpenes (11.72%) and organosilicon (12.84%) were the classes of compounds identified from the essential oil. The leaves essential oil of T. triangulare displayed potent antioxidant activity with percentage inhibition values of 51.886, 54.209, 58.447, 62.137 and 66.648 at varying concentrations. T.triangulare exhibited the highest inhibition (66.648) at concentration of 0.5 mg/mL as against the standard of 70.36 at similar concentration which also makes it a good antioxidant agent.
Perception of arable crop farmers on agro-forestry practices in selected local government areas in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Oke O. S. , Ajala A.O. , Adeoye A. S., , Odediran F.A. , Olawale O.O. , Adara C. T.
Published: October 2023

This study examined the arable crop farmers’ perception on Agroforestry practices in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from two hundred and forty (240) respondents. Descriptive and ordinal measured statistics were used in data analysis. The results showed that 93% of the respondents were educated, whereas, 59.2%, 62.9 and 72.9% of the respondents were married, male and Christians respectively and made up of farmers with age bracket between 31 – 50 years old, majority of the respondents had household size between 6 and 10 persons.The study also showed that respondents who cultivated less than 1 ha of farmland were 49.6% whilethose that had no access to formal credit were (84.2%). The results from Likert scale on farmersperception based on the mean scores of (3.0) showed that 67.9% of the respondents affirmed thatAgroforestry practices was profitable and favourable. However, the major constrains to Agroforestrypractices in the study area based on the average mean score of 2.5 were fire outbreak with severityindex of 3.10, non-availability of seeds/seedlings (2.81), time consuming (2.65), Pest/rodents anddiseases (2.64), whereas , land tenure and long gestation period had mean severity index of 2.6%and 2.59% respectively. Conclusion drawn from the study is that the agroforestry systems was analternative agricultural practices adopted by some arable crops farmers to increase their incomeand forest products in the study area, while incident of fire out-break should be checked to preventloss of crop, land and farmers income.
Bioremediation of a crude oil contaminated soil using water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Authors: Agu G. E. , Hart A. I.
Published: October 2023

Laboratory-scale studies were carried out using a nutrient formula produced from Pistia stratiotes plant to achieve bioremediation of crude oil impacted loamy soil. This study assessed the efficacy of powdered Pistia stratiotes as potential bio stimulant in the remediation of crude oil contaminated soil using three test treatments (20ml, 60ml and 100ml) at three test concentrations (20g, 40g and 60g) of nutrient and a control (0g). The remediation process was monitored by assaying the total hydrocarbon content (THC) and soil pH before and after amendment with the powdered P. stratiotes for 90 days. The result showed increase in soil pH and THC in comparison with the control due to soil contamination by crude oil. However, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in soil pH and THC with the introduction of powdered P. stratiotes at different concentrations. Contaminated soil amended with 40g of P. stratiotes had the highest THC loss of (30%) on the final day of remediation. In a 90 day study, the control set-up had its total culturable heterotrophic bacterial population of the P. stratiotes recipe increase from 1.4×107 Cfu/g to 2.8×107 Cfu/g, while the total culturable heterotrophic fungal count in the P. stratiotes treatment ranged from 7.0×104 Cfu/g to 4.0×104 Cfu/g. Statistical analyses showed significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 level for the two conditions (Pistia stratiotes nutrient treated soil and control). The total culturable hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria in P. stratiotes treated polluted soil increased from 1.0×106 Cfu/g to 6.8×105 Cfu/g, while the total culturable hydrocarbon utilising fungal counts increased significantly from 1.9×104 Cfu/g to 4.8×104 Cfu/g for P. stratiotes treatment. The results from this research demonstrated that powdered P. stratiotes is an effective agent that can be used to decrease the pH of contaminated soil and improve soil properties, hence aids in remediating a crude oil contaminated soil.
Treatment of abattoir wastewater using Moringa oleifera seed and snail shell in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Anele B. C. , Okerentugba P. O. , Stanley H. O. , Immanuel O. M. , Ikeh I. M. , Ukanwa C. C. , Okonko I. O.
Published: October 2023

The practice of discharging abattoir wastewater into a receptacle without treatment is most likely to alter its physicochemical and microbiological properties. Against this background, this study is aimed at determining the efficacy of Moringa oleifera and snail shells as bio-coagulants for treatment of abattoir wastewater using the jar. The mean values of monitored physicochemical parameters were electrical conductivity (1227.7), total organic carbon (224.4%), biochemical oxygen demand (362.3 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (1001.5g), total dissolved solids (462.5 mg/l), total suspended solids (1562.5) mg/l and turbidity (190.6 NTU). The mean total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) for untreated wastewater was 1.4 x 108 CFU/ml, total coliform count (TCC) was 5.6 x 105 CFU/ml, and total fungal count (TFC) was 1.6 x 102 CFU/ml. After treatment, the biocoagulants caused 82.5-84.2% reduction in EC, TOC (59-88.3%), BOD (90.8-93.7%), COD (94.4-95.3%), TDS (89.6-91.9%), TSS (93.3-94.5%) and turbidity (80.8-84.5%). The bio-coagulants were able to remove 92.2-95.4% of Zn, Pb (97-97.5%), Cr (97.2-98.8%) and Cd (86.7-89.3%). After treatment with the bio-coagulants, THBC dropped from 4.7 x 103-5.3 x 102 CFU/ml to 8-10 CFU/ml on day 6, TCC dropped from 4.2 x 102 – 6.7 x 10 CFU/ml to 5-7 CFU/ml on day 6 while TFC dropped from 1.1 x 102 - 1.5 x 10 CFU/ml to 2-4 CFU/ml on day 6, representing approximately 99.9% reduction in microbial load. Thus, the bio-coagulants were as good at removing pollutants in water as alum, but with the added advantages of being natural, cost-effective, and readily available.
Comparative assessment of biofertilizer potentials of fungal and rhizobacterial isolates
Authors: Agu G.C. , Ezaka E. , Ejigbo E.A. , Adesuyi A.A. , Aforijiku S. , Odunjo T.E. , Mosaku C.O. , Arogundade A.F. , Agoi P. O. , Arasi S. O.
Published: October 2023

Pollution and degradation of soil due to continuous use of chemical fertilizers has led to the screening of microorganisms for use as bio-fertilizer by reason of their cost effectiveness and eco friendliness. This work investigated the ability of microorganisms to enhance crop growth using Zea mays as a case study. Pantoea eucaria, Bacillus wiadmanii and Aspergillus flavus isolated from rhizosphere of maize and identified molecularly were tested. Soil samples were obtained from Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor plantation, Ibadan. Ability of the isolates to produce growth promoting factors were assessed using pikovskaya, Alecksandrouv and glucose nitrogen free media before inoculated into the seed of the maize. Three pots in replicates, each contained 5 kg of soil were seeded. Isolates were applied separately and in combination with two controls. They were allowed to stand for six weeks under green house conditions, agronomic parameters were measured at interval. Result showed ability of the isolates to solubilized Phosphorus, potassium and fix nitrogen. Pantoea eucaria and Aspergillus flavus had P-solubilization index of 1.02 and 0.551 respectively. Indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid production was observed for Bacillus wiadmanii (2.6 mg/l) and Aspergillus flavus (F1) (0.56mg/l) respectively. Height (260 cm) was observed in seeds with NPK fertilizer, (206 cm) for seeds treated with the two bacteria, seeds with Bacillus wiadmannii had the least. The leaf area was not significantly different (P≤0.05) at different treatment. Plant biomass for NPK fertilizer seeds (118.91g) while the control was 35.32g. The isolates tested can be useful in the formulation of fertilizers, their utilization would help to reduce loss of soil fertility and pollution resulting from continuous use of chemical fertilizers.
Screening of bacteria isolates from earthworm cast for antibacterial activities
Authors: Nwankwo I. U , Edward K. C. , Udensi C. G.
Published: October 2023

The healthy operation of the soil ecosystem is significantly influenced by earthworms. Various medical treatments have included the use of earthworms. This study isolated and screened bacterial species from earthworm cast for antibacterial activities. Two (2) bacteria species were isolated from the earthworm cast by culturing on starch casein agar using pour plate techniques. The isolates were identified as Streptomyces and Actinomadura species while the test isolates include Klebsiella specie, Salmonella shigella and Staphylococcus aureus strains. This study revealed that Streptococcus and Actinomadura metabolite exhibited variable degrees of antimicrobial activities against the test isolates. The highest in-vitro antimicrobial activity is (12.0mm) was exhibited by the Streptococcus metabolite at the highest concentration of 100mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, while the least antimicrobial activity (8.0mm) was exhibited at the concentration of 80mg/ml and 40mg/ml against Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Actinomadura metabolite was effective against Staphylococcus aureus at the highest concentration of 100mg/ml. However there was significant difference observed in antibacterial activity of the metabolites when compared to the standard antibiotic (Gentamicin) (p<0.05). From the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test result, Streptococcus metabolite demonstrated greater activity on Salmonella specie at the range of 3.12mg/ml and a lower activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella specie at the range of 12.5mg/ml each. The Actinomadura metabolite demonstrated greater activity on Salmonella species at the range of 1.56mg/ml. Based on the findings of this research, earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) is a good source of antibacterial agents that can be identified and extracted as source of cheap medicines to control serious infections.
Assessing the spatial pattern of public primary schools in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Abdulkarim , Daukere Bitrus Eniyekenimi , Jamilu Idris , Yahaya Ishaya Kuku
Published: October 2023

Education is one of the most significant investments a nation can make in its citizens that can address poverty and inequality in the nearest future. This study sought to assess the spatial pattern of public primary schools in Moro Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara  State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to look at the geographic distribution and the level of inequality of the public primary  schools in the study area. The number, names and addresses of public primary schools were obtained from the unit of the planning,  research and statistics department of Moro Local Government Education Authority (MGLEA) while the data on the geographic location of  the public primary schools were gotten via GPS device (Mreno 120, Garmin). Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and  Lorenz curve were used to assess the distribution of public primary schools in the study area. These data were also analyzed using  Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA) to derive the spatial pattern of public primary schools in the area. Findings revealed that there are one  hundred and fifty six (156) public primary schools in Moro LGA. Findings further revealed that Malete had the highest percentage of  public primary schools with 10.3%, followed by Megida with 9.6% while Ajanaku and Pakunma had the least public primary schools, with  1.9% and 2.6%, respectively. The NNA result of the spatial pattern of public primary schools produced a clustered pattern at 0.01%  significance level with the Nearest Neighbour Ratio (NNR) of 0.86 and a Z-Score of -3.39. The paper consequently recommends that Moro  LGC should liaise with the Kwara state government and other relevant stakeholders in order to ensure that the allocation of primary schools is distributed equitably throughout the LGA for easy accessibility.
Comparative antibacterial efficacies of the extracts of Enantia chlorantha (Awopa) on selected clinical isolates
Authors: Kamoldeen Ajijolakewu Abiodun , Toyosi Ajide-Bamigboye Nimat , Yetunde Omotunde Munirat , Abiodun Ayoola Saheed
Published: October 2023

Researchers and health scientists are challenged by the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance which has necessitated the need for the  discovery of novel antimicrobial agents. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of the bark of Enantia chlorantha (Awopa) based  on extractions using selected polar and non-polar solvents (Aqueous, Dichloromethane, Petroleum ether, and N-hexane). Antimicrobial  activities were investigated against six clinical isolates (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus,  Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) via the agar well diffusion assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)  and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were also determined by the macro broth dilution method. The phytochemical  components of the extracts were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The dichloromethane extract of E. chlorantha expressed the  highest antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms with K. pneumonia being the most susceptible with (21.50 mm zone of inhibition) at a concentration of 50mg/mL; while C. albicans was the least susceptible organism with 3.00 mm zone of inhibition at concentration of 500mg/mL. On the other hand, extract from the petroleum ether expressed no antimicrobial activities, based on the absence of the zones of inhibition around the cultures of the respective organisms. Mainly the Dichloromethane and aqueous extracts of  E. chlorantha expressed varying organism-dependent MIC on the test isolates. While the lowest MIC of dichloromethane extract was  expressed on S. aureus at 6.25mg/mL; the highest MIC (50mg/mL) was exerted on C. albicans. Phytochemical screening of the extracts  revealed the presence of glycosides, oxalates, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenol, triterpenes, saponin and phytate; while  terpenoid was not found in all the plant’s extracts. Findings in this study suggest that the bioactive ingredients of E. chlorantha barks  could be best extracted by polar solvents which are evident in the superior antimicrobial activities of dichloromethane and aqueous  extracts. The non-polar solvents such as n-hexane and petroleum ether are poor extractant, thus necessitating the need to carefully  select suitable solvent for the extraction of any plant’s bioactive compounds.
Comparative study of Schistosoma heamatobium between Kudogi and Dokomba villages in Lavun Local Government of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Y.D. , Sulaiman L.A. , Abdul N.B. , Ibrahim N.J.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTUrinary schistosomiasis is a human disease cause by trematodes(fluke) of genus schistosoma and species Schistosomaheamatobium. The prevalence study of urinary schistosomiasiswas carried out to determine the incidence of the organismbetween the two villages of Lavun local government area of Nigerstate. A total of 259 urine samples were collected from the twovillages of which 78 are from Dokomba and 181 are from Kudogi.Sedimentation technique was used for laboratory analysis of theurine samples. Sediment from each sample was placed on a cleanslide and observed under light microscope. The overall prevalencepercentage of Schistosoma heamatobium in both villages is 66.9%.The prevalence percentage from the two villages shows slightdifferences, that is 67.9% from Dokomba and 66.4% from Kudogi.The result also shows that Dokomba account for 55% of the eggsfrom the infected participant while Kudogi account for 44.8%. Thegender analysis shows that male are more infected from the twovillages with a prevalence percentage of 67.4% and that of femaleis 65.2. 80% of the eggs are from male while only 19.9% are fromfemale. The study revealed that participant within the age group of6-11 has higher prevalence of 72.9 and intensity of 50% and closelyfollowed by age group of 12-19 with 70.9% prevalence and 23.2%intensity. The age group 20-35 has lowest prevalence of 56.4%while age group 36 and above have least intensity. From theprevalence percentage, the study revealed high incidence of thepathogens in the two villages with Dokomba slightly account forhigher percentages hence the need for mass chemotherapy andprovision of social amenities in the two villages.
Therapeutic effect of Sijunzi decoction on ulcerative colitis: A study based on in vitro functional experiments
Authors: Zhang Guobao , Li Wei
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) against ulcerative colitis (UC) in vitro, and to unravel the probable mechanism of action.Methods: SEC-6 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in order to establish an ulcerative colitis model, and then treated with SJZD. CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate cell viability, while cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to assess inflammation factors, viz, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, whereas the expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2 and peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptors (PPARs) were evaluated by Western blot.Results: SJZD doses of 80 and 160 mg/L increased cell viability in LPS-induced SEC-6 cells, while Bcl2 and Bax expressions were regulated, and apoptosis inhibited at these doses (p < 0.05), indicating that SJZD attenuated cell apoptosis. Inflammation was also repressed by SJZD, based on the reduced expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SJZD significantly increased PPARα level, thus enhancing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis as well as inhibiting inflammation (p < 0.05).Conclusion: SJZD lowers cell damage, and inhibits cell apoptosis and inflammation through the activation of PPARα pathway, thus suggesting that SJZD is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Procyanidin A1 acts as an antioxidant stressor in gestational diabetes
Authors: Zhu Mengni , Liu Liping
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the mechanism and effect of Procyanidin A1 (PCA1) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods: Human trophoblast cell line HTR-8/Svneo was treated with 25 mM glucose for 24 h, and the effect of PCA1 on HTR-8/SVneo cell viability and proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay and EdU proliferation kit. The expression of BAX, Bcl-2, cleaved Caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 was determined by western blotting. Cell apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/ PI staining. Cellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by ROS assay kit while superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) were determined by the corresponding assay kits. The effect of PCA1 on Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was evaluated by determining the expression of Keap1, Nfr2, and HO-1.Results: Procyanidin A1 (PCA1) increased the viability of high glucose (HG) -induced HTR-8/SVneo cells and promoted cell proliferation. Furthermore, PCA1 significantly inhibited HG-induced BAX, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 expression, resulting in further reduction in HG-induced cell apoptosis. High glucose (HG) induced a significant increase in intracellular ROS levels, and this HGinduced oxidative stress was inhibited by PCA1. Furthermore, PCA1 activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and this was responsible for its proliferative, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidative effects.Conclusion: Procyanidin A1 promotes proliferation, and inhibits apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by high glucose in trophoblast cells by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Therefore, it is a potential drug for the treatment of GDM.
Osmidrosis lotion affect ApoD and ABCC11 mRNA levels in axillary osmidrosis patients
Authors: Chen Bin , Xie JiFeng , Ding KeKe , Gong ChunRong
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the potential role of osmidrosis lotion in alleviating axillary osmidrosis (AO).Methods: Forty patients were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). Patients were treated via topical application of Lithargyrum, Sophora flavescens Alt., or Cortex dictamni, or osmidrosis lotion, for 40 min over a three-month period. Total skin RNA was extracted from samples using TRIzol while total platelet RNA was treated with DNase I, followed by quantification using NanoDrop and Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer.Results: Lithargyrum, Sophora flavescens Alt. and Cortex dictamni significantly inhibited the mRNA expressions of ApoD and ABCC11 in AO patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, osmidrosis lotion produced the best down-regulating effect on mRNA expressions of ApoD and ABCC11 in AO patients.Conclusion: The suppressive effect of these natural remedies may be beneficial in the development of non-surgical therapy for AO and therefore would be worth further investigation.
Short-term and long-term efficacies of combined use of irbesartan and calcitriol for the treatment of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Li Laming , Li Laming , Jiang Yan
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of irbesartan plus calcitriol in the treatment of IgA nephropathy, and its effect on inflammatory injury and complement systemMethods: Differences in renal function, inflammatory response, immune function, complement factor levels, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions between IgA nephropathy patients treated with irbesartan (control, n = 50) and those treated with irbesartan + calcitriol (study group, n = 50) after 2 and 12 months, were retrospectively analyzed. As treatment progressed, protein in 24-h urine, and creatinine and BUN in both groups were gradually reduced.Results: The serum levels of complement factors C1q and C3 in both groups gradually increased, while C4 level gradually decreased. Relative to pre-treatment, at 2- and 12-months post-treatment, serum levels of C1q and C3 in both groups were raised, while C4 level decreased (p < 0.05). Relative to control, serum C1q and C3 in the study group were raised, while C4 level was decreased (p < 0.05). Relative to the control group, total treatment effectiveness in the study group increased at 2- and 12- months post-treatment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the control and study groups during the treatment.Conclusion: Treatment with irbesartan + calcitriol significantly improves renal function in patients with IgA nephropathy, reduces inflammatory response, and improves immune function and clinical effectiveness with high safety profile. More clinical trials should be carried out to validate the findings of this study.
Clinical efficacy of Gushukang Jiaonang in osteoporosis and its effects on bone metabolism in patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Lu Zengpeng , Zhao Zhangkai , Sun Qibin , Zhao Yuping , Li Jinyi , Yao Xingzhang , Zhang Tuanzhuang
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Gushukang Jiaonang in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and its effect on patients' bone metabolism based on its use in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 108 patients with osteoporosis discharged from the North Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from January 2021 to January 2023. Patients were divided into study group (n = 54) and control group (n = 54). Control group received oral calcitriol and calcium tablets, while study group orally received calcitriol and calcium tablets and Gushukang Jiaonang capsules in addition. Clinical symptom improvement scores, bone mineral density, serum phosphorus and calcium, and blood alkaline phosphatase levels were compared between the groups.Results: After treatment, total amino terminal prolonging peptide of collagen I in the blood of study group was significantly higher than before treatment (p < 0.05). Osteocalcin was significantly increased before and after treatment in the two groups (p < 0.05). Vitamin D levels were significantly increased before and after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Gushukang Jiaonang provides patients with efficient, comprehensive and precise prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It also promotes positive disease regression, which in turn contributes to increase in bone mineral density in individuals. Long-term investigations with a larger population size, more indices as well as multicenter control should be carried out to provide sufficient theoretical basis for use in clinical practice.