bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
<i>Ex vivo</i> Inhibitory Activity of the Ethanol Root Extract of <i>Senna occidentalis</i> (Labaceae) on Isolated Rat Uterus
Authors: Nworgu Z.A.M. , Oyiana S.O. , Bafor E.E. 
Published: July 2020

The ex vivo activity of the ethanol root extract of Senna occidentalis (Labaceae) on isolated rat uterus was examined in order to determine its potential in the therapy of uterine related pathologies. The ethanol root extract of S. occidentalis was investigated on the isolated uterus of rats primed with diethyl stilboestrol (0.1 mg/kg) 24 h prior to the experiment. The extract (2.5 and 7.5 mg/mL) effect on ACh (0.1 – 1.0 μg/mL)– induced contractility, in the presence of atropine (0.12 μg/mL), propranolol (8 μg/mL), CaCl2 (in Ca2+-free medium) and in the presence of 100 mM KCl was examined. The extract significantly inhibited ACh-induced uterine contractions (P< 0.05) and CaCl2- induced uterine contractions (in Ca2+-free medium) (P<0.05) in a non-competitive but concentration-dependent manner. A rightward shift of the concentration-response curve was observed in all cases. However, a bell- shaped concentration-response curve was observed for CaCl2. The inhibitory effect of the extract on ACh-induced uterine contractions was unaffected by propranolol. The extract (0.1 - 0.4 mg/mL) also inhibited KCl- induced uterine contractions. The root extract of S. Occidentalis was shown to inhibit agonist-induced uterine contractions probably through interaction with voltage-operated calcium channels.
Keywords: Acetylcholine; Calcium; Propranolol; Ex vivo uterine activity; Senna occidentalis; Uterus
Assessment of Land Use and Vegetative Cover in Kano Metropolis (from 1975-2015) Employing GIS and Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Haruna M. , Ibrahim M.K. , Shaibu U.M. 
Published: July 2020

This study applied GIS and remote sensing technology to assess agricultural land use and vegetative cover in Kano Metropolis. It specifically examined the intensity of land use for agricultural and non agricultural purpose from 1975 – 2015. Images (1975, 1995 and 2015), landsat MSS/TM, landsat 8, scene of path 188 and 052 were downloaded for the study. Bonds for these imported scenes were processed using ENVI 5.0 version. The result indicated five classified features-settlement, farmland, water body, vegetation and bare land. The finding revealed an increase in settlement, vegetation and bare land between 1995 and 2015, however, farmland decreased in 2015. Indicatively, higher percentage of land use for non agricultural purposes was observed in recent time. Conclusively, there is need to accord surveying the rightful place and priority in agricultural planning and development if Nigeria is to be self food sufficient.
Keywords: Geographic Information System, Agriculture, Remote sensing, Land use, Land cover
Evaluation of Growth and Fruit Quality of Cucumber (<i>Cucumis sativus L.</i>) Irrigated with African Catfish Cultured Wastewater
Authors: Akinwole A.O. , Dauda A.B. , Oyewole E.B. 
Published: July 2020

This paper reports findings of an experiment carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the growth and fruits quality of cucumber grown in plots irrigated with African catfish cultured wastewater compared with those irrigated with ordinary well water. Six circular African catfish culture tanks and six cucumber planter boxes were used for this experiment, three each for the fish cum cucumber integrated system and the control system of cucumber irrigated with ordinary well water. The results of the research indicated that fish cultured wastewater had a better influence on the plant height, the number, length, and diameterof leaves, as well as the diameter and length of the fruits. Six experts, each independently assessed fruits from the two treatments for juiciness, sweetness, taste and crispiness. The fruits were assessed by experts who though were aware of the purpose of the evaluation, did not know the identity of fruits they were assessing. The fish effluent fertigated cucumber fruits had a higher mean score in juiciness, sweetness, taste and crispiness. Wastewater from the African catfish production system thus exhibits the potential for reuse in the production of cucumber plants as it had no negative effect on the organoleptic quality of cucumber fruit produced.
Keywords: Cucumis sativus, Fish, Growth, Yield, Wastewater.
Ex-Vivo Uterine Activity of Theobroma Cacao (Malvaceae) Aqueous Seed Extract and <i>Cymbopogon Citratus</i> (Poaceae) Aqueous Leaf Extract - A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Bafor E.E. , Omogiade G.U. 
Published: July 2020

There is a need to develop new drugs from natural products for the safe and effective management of female reproductive disorders. This research was therefore aimed at the investigation of two commonly consumed natural products on uterine function. The ex vivo uterine activity of Theobroma cacao aqueous seed extract and Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extract was investigated on non pregnant mouse uteri. The effect of T. cacao (0.1 mg/mL) and C. citratus (0.1 mg/mL) on spontaneous uterine contractility and in the presence of oxytocin (11.54 nM) was examined. This study showed that T. cacao elicited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the amplitude of spontaneous uterine contractions with no significant ch ange in the frequency, which was similarly observed with C. citratus leaf extract. An increase in amplitude and frequency of oxytocin induced uterine contractions was observed in the presence of T. cacao while with C. citratus there was a significant (p< 0.05) reduction in amplitude and non significant reduction in frequency of oxytocin induced uterine contractions. The uterotonic effect of both extracts in the absence of agonists observed maybe as a result of constituents with agonistic activity on intra cellular calcium. This study has shown that T. cacao and C. citratus could stimulate uterine activity and may therefore be useful in the management of uterine contractility disorders.
Keywords : Theobromacacao Cymbopogoncitratus , uterus, spontaneous contractions
Shell Growth Pattern and Percentage Flesh Yield of the West African Clam, <i>Galatea paradoxa</i> (Born, 1778) from Itu Creek, Niger Delta Nigeria
Authors: Akinjogunla V.F. , Moruf R.O. 
Published: July 2020

Shell Morphometry is a fundamental tool for the evaluation of phenotypic stocks. The shell growth pattern and percentage flesh yield of Galatea paradoxa from Itu Creek in Niger Delta were investigated using standard morphometric methods. The mean in centimeter (cm) of 9.71±0.09, 35.02±0.22, 23.21±0.12, 37.11±0.25, 29.31±0.16 and 7.32±0.04 were recorded for shell length, maximum width, maximum height, nacre length, nacre width and hinge length respectively. Mean live weight of 115.70±1.09 g, mean flesh weight of 37.91 ± 0.23g and mean shell weight of 66.82±0.97 g were recorded for this species. Galatea paradoxa showed negative allometric growth (b < 3) while the correlation coefficients (r) in all the shell variables were far below „1‟, indicating a week correlation between the parameters. About 19% of the live weight of the clam is made up of flesh by weight.
Keywords: Bivalve, Clam, Shell dimension, Niger Delta.
Brine Shrimp Cytotoxic and <i>Lemna minor</i> Phytotoxic Evaluations of the Methanol Extracts of the Leaves, Stem and Root Barks of <i>Sacrocephalus latifolius</i>
Authors: Ikpefan E. O. 
Published: July 2020

This work was aimed at evaluating the probable toxicity of the methanol extract of the leaf, stem bark and root of Sacrocephalus latifolius on Artemia nauplii and fronds of Lemna minor. The powder samples of the three morphological parts were independently extracted with soxhlet extractor apparatus using 95% methanol and were dried with aid of ritory evaporator at 40ºC. The extracts were subjected to biological activities involving brine shrimp cytotoxicity and Lemna minor test for phytotoxicity at 10-100 μg /mL respectively. The experiment was done in replicates of three. Concentration-dependent cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities were recorded for the extracts. The results revealed that extract of the leaves demonstrated significant cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities over the other parts of the plant. At 10μg/mL, the three extracts recorded little or no cytotoxic activity. However, at the maximum concentration of 1000 μg /mL, cytotoxicities of 66.67 and 3.33% were recorded for extracts of the leaf and root bark respectively, while the extract of the stem bark showed no activity. However, the LC50 of the leaf was 467.74μg /mL, and that of the other extracts were observed to be ˃1000μg /mL. The results for phytotoxicity followed a similar trend with the extracts of the leaf and root bark recording 52.96 and 23.33 % phytotoxicities respectively at 1000 μg /mL. Having shown a higher activity over the other extracts, the leaf extract of S. latifolius could serves as a natural alternative pesticide and weedicide.
Keywords: Sacrocephalus latifolius, phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, fronds, Artemia nauplii, Lemna minor
Synthesis and Characterization of Starch-Graft-Acrylamide Hydrogel for Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Musa H. , Musa Y. , Suleiman M. 
Published: July 2020

In this research, starch was extracted from fresh sweet potato and was used to prepare starch-g-acrylamide hydrogel using free radical polymerization method with potassium per sulphate and N’N-Methylene bisacrylamide as initiator and cross-linker, respectively. The swelling capacity and pH sensitivity of the synthesized hydrogel were investigated in solutions of various pH (1-12). The drug loading and release experiment was also carried out using promethazine (PMZ) as the model drug at 25oC and 37oC, respectively while the release study was carried out in an enzyme-free simulated gastric intestinal fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). The result showed a 905% swelling at pH 11, suggesting increased swelling capacity at higher pH values. Drug loading result indicated 99% of the drug was entrapped by the hydrogel as confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometry. SIF and SGF Simulation indicated a 24% and 9% drug release for the first ten hours. At the end of 48 hours the release was 96% and 89%, respectively indicating the hydrogel released more promethazine in SIF than in SGF. The results obtained in this work suggest that starch-graft-acrylamide hydrogel is a potential vehicle for oral drug delivery.
Keywords: Starch, Acrylamide, Hydrogel, Drug delivery.
Antinociceptive Effect of the Ethanol Leaf Extract of <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> Linn in Albino Rats
Authors: Sodipo O.A. , Yakubu J. , Dungus A.M. , Wampana B. 
Published: July 2020

Balanites aegyptiaca is a medicinal plant that has been used in a variety of folk medicines in India and Africa for the treatment of different ailments such as syphilis, jaundice, liver and spleen problems, epilepsy, yellow fever. This research aimed at investigating the phyt ochemical constituents, acute toxicity, anti inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the ethanol extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (EEBA) leaves. The plant material was extracted using ethanol as solvent. The dried ethanol extract was screened for the presence of phytochemicals; Acute toxicity (LD50) was determined using Lorke’s method while anti inflammatory and antinociceptive activities were evaluated using hot plate and tail immersion methods in albino rats. Results of the study revealed that phyto chemical constituents such as flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins and glycosides were found in the EEBA, intraperitoneal LD 50 of 2154 mg/kg shows the substance is non toxic. The EEBA produced significant (p <0.05) and dose dependent anti inflammatory and a ntinociceptive activities at all test doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg). The presence of the phytochemicals detected might be responsible for the demonstrated anti inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in the plant extract.
Keywords: Phytochemical, Anti inflammatory, Antinociceptive , Balanites aegyptiaca
Screening and Selection of <i>Cryptococcus Neoformans</i> Using Urease Activity and Temperature Range
Authors: Oghomwenakhin E.A. , Eboigbe L. 
Published: July 2020

Pigeon dropping has been known to be a reservoir for Cryptococcus neoformans. In this research, attempt has been made to screen and select for this life threatening organism using temperature (thermotolerance) and urease test sequentially. Fourteen (14) samples from pigeon droppings were collected from three markets in Benin City. Isolates obtained from these samples were subjected to urease and temperature test. The results showed that 10 isolates that were positive for temperature were equally positive for the urease tests, with highest growth rate 37°C recorded for samples obtained from New Benin (NB3). This experiment demonstrates the possibility of isolating C. neoformans at minimum temperature of 37°C thermotolerance and urease activity tests. Pathogenicity studies are recommended to further understand host – pathogen relationships.
Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans, Pathogenic, Urease, Thermotolerance, Isolates
Shilajit: An organic powerhouse
Authors: Thakkar S. , Laddha K. 
Published: July 2020

This article deals with the use of shilajit as fertilizer for enhancing the growth of plants and thereby helping in the process of cultivation of new crops and thus in the agriculture science. Often times I get the question, “How do I prevent my plants from getting sick?” The answer is simple, and that is through plant immunity. In short, there are two primary factors that contribute to plant immunity: Adequate Mineral Nutrition and Absorption of nutrients. Both factors are met by the use of shilajit as fertilizer. Due to the chemistry of this mineral origin fertilizer, all growth factors are provided to plants and correct absorption of nutrients take place when shilajit is used as fertilizer. In this article, we will discuss the traditional concepts, origin, types, Phytochemistry, odour, ayurvedic characters and biological effects of shilajit as fertilizer which makes it the powerhouse of plant immunity and use as organic natural fertilizer for agriculture and cultivation.
<i>In vivo</i> antimalarial activity of methanol extracts and fractions of <i>Brachystegia eurycoma</i> and <i>Mondia whitei</i>on chloroquine-resistant <i>Plasmodium berghei</i>
Authors: Owolabi A. A. , Fadare D.A. , Ogbole O.O. , Ajaiyeoba E.O. 
Published: July 2020

Malaria remains a major public health problem in the tropics. According to WHO estimates, sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry a disproportionately high share of global malaria burden. Oxidative stress plays significant role in malaria pathogenesis. Recently, there is increasing effort to develop more potent antimalarials from plant source. Brachystegia eurycoma and Mondia whitei are used locally for malaria treatment. Medicinal plants used in therapy quite often possess antioxidant activities as a result of its inherent phytoconstituents. The phytochemical composition of Brachystegia eurycoma and Mondia whitei were qualitatively examined. The antioxidant activities of the methanolic extracts of the leaves of two medicinal plants were determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay. The Brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) and Lorke‘s acute toxicity study were used to estimate their toxicities; while Peter‘s 4-day chemosuppresive test was employed to evaluate their antimalarial activities. The flavonoid and saponins content were particularly high in both plants. Using ascorbic acid as reference (IC50 9.26 μg/mL), the antioxidant IC50 values of B. eurycoma and M. whitei were 11.14 μg/ mL and 19.81μg/mL respectively; the BSLA LC50 were 1.8 mg/mL and 1.2 mg/mL; acute toxicity LD50 were 5000 mg/kg and 4500 mg/kg. Brachystegia eurycoma showed stronger daily average antimalarial activity (62.0 %) than Mondia whitei (39.3%), the standard drug, chloroquine, was 85.4%. The chloroform fraction of Brachystegia eurycoma was the most active with (65%) daily average suppression. This suggests that the extracts of leaves of the plants have good antioxidant activities, are non-toxic and supports their antimalarial use in ethnomedicine.
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of <i>Waltheria Indica</i> Linn whole plant
Authors: Rafiu B. , Lawal I.O. , Olaniyi M.B. 
Published: July 2020

Waltheria indica is a promising medicinal plant belonging to family Malvaceae, which many biological activities of the solvent extracts of its various parts have been scientifically evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the minerals, crude fibre and fat contents, the phytochemical constituents as well as the antioxidants activity of the powder sample of W. indica whole plant. Fresh sample of whole W. indica plant was collected and airdried at room temperature. The mineral constituents were determined by spectrophotometry. The crude fibre, fat contents and the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical compositions were determined using standard analytical procedure. The antioxidants activity was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays. The mineral analysis results revealed the presence of micro and macro nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and manganese among others which are within the acceptable health range. The values (23.8%; 0.15%) obtained for both crude fibre and fat contents were reasonable. The qualitative phytochemical screening established the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones and phenol. Steroids are in abundance while Cardiac glycosides are absent. The quantity of alkaloids (1.9%), saponins (1.4%), flavonoids (3.1%) and tannins (17422μg/GAE) are in appreciable amount which may be responsible for its various activities. W. indica showed good inhibitory scavenging activity and better reducing ability compared to ascorbic acid. The results obtained from this study provide further scientific evidence to support the ethno-medicinal information on the uses of W. indica in the treatment of various health issues.
Phytochemical screening, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and <i>in vitro</i> antiplasmodial analysis of <i>Senna siamea</i> leaves as antimalarial, Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Daskum A.M. , Chessed G. , Qadeer M.A. , Ling L.Y. 
Published: July 2020

Poverty and lack of access to health facilities had necessitated the less privileged to depend on herbal remedies to treat a number of diseases including malaria. The successes recorded from the discovery of novel antimalarials from plant sources had paved the way for the search of antimalarial compounds from traditional pharmacopeia. Phytochemical analysis as well as GC-MS analysis of crude leaves extract of Senna siamea was conducted, with a view to identifying compounds with biological activities. Further antimalarial assessment of the crude extracts was also performed in an in vitro assay. The phytochemicals; phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, alkaloid and flavonoids were detected from hexane and methanol extracts. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of Saponins specifically, triterpenoids (Lupeol, α-amyrin), Sesquiterpene (Octadecane), Diterpenes (Eicosane), Esters of pthalic acids (Diethyl phthalate) Squalene, α-Tocopherol (a fat soluble Vitamin E) and hexadecanoic acid butyl ester. A dose dependent suppression of parasite growth was observed for all extracts, with methanolic extract showing less antimalarial potency (IC50= 3.74 μg/mL) when compared to the hexane extract (IC50=4.349 μg/mL). Extracts and compounds detected from the leaves of this plant could be used as novel lead compounds to develop new drugs.
Keywords: Phytochemical analysis; GC-MS; antimalarial; Senna siamea; medicinal plants.
Morphological and molecular characterization of endophilic Anopheles gambiae complex, in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Bassey B.E. , Opara K.N. , Usip L.P. 
Published: July 2020

Malaria is still regarded as a major public health problem in sub-Saharan African countries. Anopheles mosquitoes have been implicated as the major malaria vectors. However, species abundance, composition and distribution vary between different ecological zones. This study investigated the composition and distribution of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled bi-weekly from 15 randomly selected houses each from three communities in the study area by pyrethroid spray capture (PSC) method. Adult Anopheles species were identified morphologically and sibling species were further subjected to species- specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typing. A total of 269 female Anopheles species were caught between July and December, 2015. The study indicated significant (p<0.05) abundance of Anopheles gambiae siblings, with An. gambiae s.s recording 219(81.41%) followed by An. arabiensis 32(11.90%). A proportion of the samples were unidentified 18(6.69%). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the distribution of A. gambiae complex over the period of the study with a peak in September 89(33.01%). Anopheles mosquitoes were more abundant in Itu Oma 120(44.66%) than West Itam 98(36.43%) and East Itam 51(18.96%). The study also recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher rate of blood engorged female Anopheles (54.05%). This finding showed that An. gambiae s.s was the predominant malaria vector in the area and also, the incidence of malaria been likely to increase during the wet season. Therefore, vector control must be carried out in these communities to reduce the number of these indoor biting mosquitoes. This study therefore, will be useful as baseline data to help design strategies for malaria control in Itu Local Government Area and also facilitate the success of the ongoing effort on the malaria control programme in the State.
Keywords: Malaria; Anopheles, morphological; molecular; characterization; Akwa Ibom; Nigeria.
Susceptibility of <i>Anopheles gambiae complex </i>to carbamates and organophosphate insecticides in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udoidung N.I. , Opara K.N. , Okodi P.D. , Ekpo N.D. , Atting I. 
Published: July 2020

Rapid emergence in insecticide resistance among malaria vector populations to commonly used public health insecticides poses a challenge to current malaria vector control strategies and interventions in sub- Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the susceptibility status of female An.gambiae s.l to Propoxur (0.01%) and bendiocarb (0.1%) (carbamate) and pirimiphosmethyl (0.25%) (organophosphate) insecticides in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The larvae of An. gambiae s.l were collected from natural water bodies and other potential breeding sites from different sites in Uyo Metropolis. Insecticide susceptibility bioassays were performed according to the World Health Organization standard operating procedures on 2-3 days old, sugar-fed but none blood fed female Anopheles mosquitoes. Post exposure mortality after 24 hours and knockdown values for KDT50 and KDT95 were calculated. Knock-down at 1 hour insecticide exposure ranged from 94 % to 100 %. Mortality after 24 hours post exposure was 100% for all insecticides except Propoxur which was 98 %. There was high variability in KDT50 and KDT95 values (in minutes) with propoxur (4.337 and 15.620), Bendiocarb (9.523 and 20.996) and pirimiphosmethyl (39.908 and 61.722) respectively. Adopting the WHO criteria, the mosquitoes were not resistant to any of the insecticides tested. The results therefore showed that vector control campaigns employing the use of any of these insecticides in the study area would not be compromised. However, there is need for continued monitoring to ensure early detection of resistance.
Keywords: Anopheles gambiae; insecticide susceptibility; Uyo; Akwa Ibom State; Nigeria.