bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Population Growth on Deforestation in Nigeria: 1991 – 2016
Authors: Oyetunji P.O. , Ibitoye O.S. , Akinyemi G.O. , Fadele O.A. , Oyediji O.T. 
Published: March 2021

This study examines the effects of population growth on deforestation in Nigeria between 1991 and 2016. Anthropogenic factors especially population growth were identified to be the major forces responsible for deforestation in Nigeria. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test was used to establish stationarity among the variables and the Johansen cointegration test was used to establish a long run relationship between population growth and deforestation in Nigeria. Population growth was found to have a negative effect on the available forest cover in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends the development of rural areas, enactment of policies aimed at reducing population growth and sensitization to protect the available forest resources in Nigeria.
Keywords: forests, deforestation, population growth
Body Weight Determination and Histological Examination of Livers in Normal Rats Administered with Tamsulosin
Authors: Dikko M. , Sarkingobir Y. 
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate histopathology of livers and carry out body weight determination in normal rats administered with tamsulosin. Standard methods and procedures were used in this study. The results were revealed. Pertaining weight, at the 3rd , 6th and 8th weeks of the study, no significant difference (P>0.05) in weight was found in the group of rats treated with carvedilol (positive control), tamsulosin low dose (12μg/kg) and high dose tamsulosin (40μg/kg) compared to normal control group, respectively. Other inter-groups comparisons were not significantly different, respectively. Pertaining liver morphology, liver sections of groups revealed no significant histological lesions compared to the normal control group at the 6th and 8th weeks of the study, respectively. This study revealed that the tamsulosin cause no histopathological lesion, thus the drug might be safe to the liver and its biochemical processes.
Keywords: Tamsulosin, Liver, histopathology, weight, Wistar rats
Climate change adaptation and its implementation at national and international levels
Authors: Afinowi Olubunmi Ayodele 
Published: March 2021

Climate change adaptation is the second arm of climate change action and seeks to ensure that all countries tackle the impacts of climate change by addressing both social and geographical vulnerabilities. The article discusses adaptation and its application at national and international levels. It also examines adaptation to climate change as a developmental challenge and how the principles of sustainable development can aid climate change action. The article analyses relevant aspects of national and international instruments relating to climate change adaptation and spotlights the commitment of Nigeria and South Africa to climate change adaptation. The article finds that integrating sustainable development into governance helps adaptation and increases resilience against the impacts of climate change. The article also emphasizes the necessity of good governance, particularly protection of human rights, climate finance and effective land use governance, to ensure climate change adaptation. The article argues that climate change adaptation should be viewed more as a developmental, rather than an environmental, challenge. It further asserts that coordinated action, especially in relation to land use governance and sustainable development is required to ensure sustainable climate action. This is particularly so given that citizens of many developing countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, depend on land and its resources for social and economic development.
Keywords: Adaptation; Climate Finance; Good Governance; Nigeria; South Africa.
Optimization of Crude Oil Biodegradation of Fungi Isolated from Refinery Effluent Site using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Odili U.C. , Ibrahim F.B. , Shaibu-modagbe E.M. , Atta H.I. 
Published: March 2021

The activities involved in the production and exploration of crude oil has constantly polluted the environment. This study investigated the ability of an indigenous fungus to utilize petroleum hydrocarbon. Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize the effects of pH, microbial concentration (spores/ml), and contact time (days) on the crude oil removal efficiency in refinery effluent. Monocillium sp. was isolated and used for the treatment of refinery effluent due to its predominance in the contaminated soil. Twenty experimental runs were analyzed to determine the effect of pH, microbial concentration and contact time on the oil removal efficiency. From theexperimental results obtained, a maximum oil removal efficiency of 98.42 % was achieved at a pH of 6.5, contact time of 14 days, and a microbial concentration of 3 spores/ml. The results obtained showed the percentage of crude oil removal in the effluent sample increased with an increase in time. Optimization of the experimental result was achieved at a removal efficiency of 98.59 %, a contact time of 13.96 days, a pH of 6.85, and a microbial concentration of 3.01 spores/ml. The findings of this study revealed that Monocillium sp. is a viable hydrocarbon degrader, and can be used in the bioremediation of petroleum contaminated environments.
Keywords: Response surface, optimization, bioremediation, hydrocarbon, removal efficiency, Monocillium sp.
Appraisal of Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection Losses in Nigerian Electricity Distribution System
Authors: Dodo U.A. , Nwohu M. N. , Abubakar I.N. , Dodo M.A. 
Published: March 2021

From a practical point of view, no power system is free of losses. Power system losses, especially in distribution systems are usually high and result in increasing the cost of operations to the electric utilities and the price tag of electricity to the consumers. Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses is a reliable parameter that reveals the true energy and revenue loss conditions of distribution systems. In this paper, mathematical models were developed for the determination of billing efficiency, collection efficiency, and ATC&C losses using Life Camp Area Office’s network of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc Nigeria, as a case study. The average billing efficiency, collection efficiency and ATC&C losses for the period under review were found to be 89.73%,84.80%, and 23.79% respectively. An understanding of appraisal of these losses is important to the power system Engineers, energy policy makers, and the power firms as it enables areas of high losses in the network to be identified, which will give room for credible investment plans and subsequent monitoring of the losses.
Keywords: ATC&C losses, billing, energy, distribution system, revenue
Effects of Tractorization and Organic Manure on Physical Properties of Sandy Loam Soil in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Dada P.O.O. , Musa J.J. , Olla O.O. , Ohu J.O. , Adewumi J.K. 
Published: March 2021

Soil compaction has effect on soil physical properties which could affect crop growth and yield. This study was conducted to determine the influence of incorporating organic materials and load application (tractorization) on the physical properties of sandy loamy soil in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Organic materials were cow dung, poultry and swine manure. Application rates of organic manures were 0 (control), 5 and 10 tonnes per hectare. Forty-five plots measuring 5 by 3 m were established in a complete randomized block experimental design with three replications making a total of 135 plots. Load application was done using an MF 435 tractor coupled with a 20-disc harrow at 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 passes. Penetration resistance, bulk density, gravimetric moisture content andporosity were determined using standard procedures. Penetrometer resistance at these passes were 392.2, 293.3, 285.0, 302.0 and 224.9 kPa respectively with significant differences between treatments (P≤0.05). Mean bulk density for the passes were 1.21, 1.26, 1.31, 1.27 and 1.29 g/cm3 respectively and bulk density increased with tractor passes. The effect of tractor passes, and manure incorporation rate did not have any significant effect on gravimetric moisture content. Poultry manure increased bulk density and penetrometer resistance on plots than swine manure and cow dung hence poultry manure at 10 t/ha can be incorporated on a sandy loam soil to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.
Keywords: Tractorization, organic manure, sandy loam, penetration resistance, bulk density
Occurrence and molecular detection of avian coronavirus in selected live bird markets, northwestern, Nigeria
Authors: Bitrus I . , Shittu I. , Meseko C.A. , Joannis T.M. 
Published: March 2021

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the most common highly infectious viral respiratory diseases of poultry having wide geographical distribution. Yet, little is known about the infection in the northwestern states of Nigeria. In this study, a total of 263 pooled cloacal and tracheal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy avian species (duck, dove, geese, guinea fowl, local chicken, ostrich, parrot, pigeon, peacock, and turkey). The samples were from nine live bird markets in three states (Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa) of northwestern, Nigeria collected from September through November 2017. Total RNAs were extracted directly from the swab samples and screened for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. An overall prevalence of 38.0% (100/263)was recorded. IB was detected in 70 % (7/10) of the avian species with prevalence of 100 % in dove, local chicken 45.9 %, duck 42.3 %, geese 26.6 %, pigeon 23.5 %, turkey 20.0 % and guinea fowl 6.2 %. Conversely, no detection was made from ostrich, parrot, and peacock. Widespread distribution of IBV was observed and evidence of subclinical infection in seven out of ten (70 %) of the avian species sampled. These avian species harbouring IBV may act as reservoirs with an influence on the ecology and epidemiology of the disease. Continuous surveillance and characterization of the different serotypes in avian species are recommended to inform the adoption of suitable vaccination strategy and control measures for the disease in Nigeria.
Keywords: Infectious bronchitis virus, Live bird markets (LBMs), Molecular detection, Nigeria, Poultry
Hypolipidemic Activity of Prosopis cineraria L (Druce) Fruit Extract and Molecular Modeling Study with Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR)
Authors: Jain PG , Surana SJ 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the hypolipidemic potential of the 70 % ethanol fruit extract of Prosopis cineraria (Fabaceae) (Et. PCF) in triton-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.Methods: Et-PCF was obtained by pulverizing whole dried fruits and extracting with 70 % ethanol. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups of six rats each. The groups were namely normal control, hyperlipidaemic control, standard drug-treated (simvastatin 4 mg/kg), and three Et-PCF (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, respectively)-treated groups. Apart from normal control, all other groups received a single dose of triton (200 mg/kg, i.p.) exactly 30 min after a dose of the standard drug and Et-PCF for the induction of hyperlipidemia. Twenty four hours after trito injection, hyperlipidemia was confirmed by collecting blood samples from all the rats and testing for serum lipid profile. Antioxidant activity, in the form of inhibition of lipid peroxidation, was determined along with chromatographic analysis. Moreover, molecular docking study of â-sitosterol (active constitute of PCF) was performed with Farnesoid X receptor.Results: Triton-induced hyperlipidemia group showed significant increase in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) , triglyceride, atherogenic index and decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), compared to normal control group. Et-PCF treated groups showed reduction in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL and LDL levels compared to triton treated control group. Extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduce serum cholesterol (p < 0.01) and serum LDL (p < 0.01). At the dose level of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg extract is effective to significantly reduce serum cholesterol (p < 0.05), triglyceride (p < 0.05), VLDL (p < 0.05), LDL (p < 0.05) and atherogenic index (p < 0.05) and these results are almost equivalent to those of standard drug simvastatin. Furthermore, antioxidant activity, i.e., IC50 of Et-PCF was 58.33 ±g/ml. Molecular docking score of â-sitosterol for Farnesoid X receptor was -8.32 kcal/mol, suggesting excellent binding conformation of Et-PCF to receptor molecules.Conclusion: The findings suggest that Prosopis cineraria may be beneficial for preventing hyperlipidaemic complications by its anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities.Keywords: Prosopis cineraria, Anti-hyperlipidemic activity, Simvastatin, Triton, Docking studies, Farnesoid X receptor
Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Elvitegravir-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhanced Solubility and Dissolution Rate
Authors: Kommavarapu P , Maruthapillai A , Palanisamy K 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To enhance the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of elvitegravir (EVG) by formulating the drug as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using solvent injection method.Methods: EVG-loaded SLNs were prepared by solvent injection method. Four different formulations of SLN were prepared using gelucire - 44/14 as lipid core in ethanol, soya lecithin as emulsifier, and polysorbate 80 as surfactant in the aqueous phase. The SLNs were characterized for various physical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity, release profile and entrapment efficiency.Results: The yield of SLNs was in the range 151.0 ± 2.4 to 199.1 ± 2.7 nm. Significant changes were observed in mean particle size (nm), Z - potential (mV) and polydispersity index (PDI) of the SLNs by varying the concentration of cryoprotectant. EVG – SLNs demonstrated a 800 – 1030-fold enhancement in aqueous solubility compared with plain EVG. The dissolution efficiency (DE) for SLNs was > 63 % in all cases and increased up to 83 % with increasing lipid load.Conclusion: Successful preparation and characterization of elvitegravir–loaded solid lipid nanoparticles by solvent injection method has been accomplished in this study.Keywords: Elvitegravir, Solid lipid nanoparticles, Cryoprotectant, Lipid load, Entrapment efficiency
Preparation and Characterization of a Complex of Paeonol and Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Chen C , Xu X , Li Y , Ma H 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To improve the solubility of paeonol in water by complexing with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and also to characterize the physicochemical properties of the complex.Methods: The complex of paeonol and HP-β-CD was prepared by freeze-drying method. Its physicochemical properties were studied by phase-solubility method, ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV), infrared spectrometry (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC).Results: The phase-solubility results showed that paeonol formed a 1:1 stoichiometric complex with HP-β-CD while UV and IR spectra suggested that HP-β-CD and paeonol in the complex interacted by a non-covalent bond. SEM and XRD indicate that the heat stability of paeonol was significantly improved by complexing with HP-β-CD.Conclusion: Paeonol can be efficiently complexed with HP-β-CD to form a complex by freeze-drying method. The aqueous solubility and heat stability of paeonol is significantly improved by complexation HP-β-CD.Keywords: Paeonol, Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, Complexation, Aqueous solubility, Heat stability
Role of Glycol Chitosan-incorporated Ursolic Acid Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang X , Lu X , Geng W , Qu G , Zhou Z , Jiang L , Li Y , Chen X , Nie L 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ursolic acid (UA)-incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles on inhibition of human osteosarcoma.Methods: U2OS and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells were transfected with ursolic acid (UA) incorporated glycol chitosan (GC) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry was used to measure drug contents in nanoparticles at 365 nm with empty GC vehicles as blank. Bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) method was employed to determine protein concentration. Identification of apoptosis and necrosis in osteosarcoma cells was performed by propidium iodide and FITC-annexin V reagents, respectively. FAC Scan flow cytometry was used to analyse apoptotic cells.Results: Among the range of UA concentrations tested, the minimum effective concentration was 10 μM with half inhibitory concentration IC50 of 25 μM. In U2OS cells, treatment with 10 and 25 μM UAinduced apoptosis in 5.89 ± 3.90 and 60.54 ± 5.40 % cells, respectively, compared to 2.05 ± 1.01 % cells for control. In Saos-2 cells, exposure to 10 and 25 μM UA induced apoptosis in 9.86 ± 8.89 and 47.54 ± 14.5 % cells, respectively, compared to 1.79 ± 0.23 % for control cells. Western blot analysis revealed translocation of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins from mitochondria to cell cytosol. Increase in UA concentration from 10 μM to 25 μM led to increase in the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase and decrease in the number of cells in S and G2/M phases. These results confirm that UA transfection arrests cell cycle in G0/G1 phase in human osteosarcoma cell lines.Conclusion: UA transfection resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, Ezh2 expression inhibition, and apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway due to decrease in membrane potential and release of cytochrome C, as well as cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase.Keywords: Osteosarcoma, Cell cycle arrest, Palliation, Glycol chitosan, Ursolic acid
Inhibitory Effect of Berberine on Zeste Homolog 2 (Ezh2) Enhancement in Human Esophageal Cell Lines
Authors: Chen S , Chen X , Li Y , Zhang F , Yang S , Mo KL , Mo X , Ding Y 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the inhibitory effect of berberine treatment on enhancement of zeste of homolog 2 (Ezh2) expressions in KYSE450 human esophageal cancer cells.Methods: Transwell motility chambers were used to analyze cell migration and invasion. Bio-Rad protein assay was used for the determination of protein concentration. Chemiluminescence with ECL system was employed for the detection of protein bands as per the manufacturer’s protocol. Staining was carried out with Alexa-Fluor 647 mouse anti-BrdU antibody. Flow cytometry was performed after adding DAPI. Annexin-V/DAPI staining and flow cytometry were used for the quantification of apoptotic cell death. Total RNA was isolated from KYSE450 cells using an RNA isolation kit.Results: Berberine-induced inhibition of Ezh2 expression led to inhibition of cell proliferation by G1 phase cell cycle arrest and induced anti-invasive properties of KYSE450 cells in Boyden chamber assays. There was 92 % reduction in invasive tendency of KYSE450 cells following treatment with berberine. Histone methylation inhibitor, 3-deazaneoplanocin A (DZNep), also led to a similar effect on cell proliferation of KYSE450 cells. Berberine treatment also resulted in strong transcriptional reduction of the AXL receptor kinase. The results of qRT-PCR and FACS analyses showed significant inhibition of AXL mRNA and protein expression in KYSE450 carcinoma cells after treatment with berberine.Conclusion: Berberine may be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma.Keywords: Berberine, Histone methylation inhibitor, Anti-invasive, Cell proliferation, Human Esophageal cancer
Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Produced by Contaminated Soil Bacteria using Wastewater and Glucose as Carbon Sources
Authors: Munir S , Jamil N 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To isolate polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-producing bacterial strains from contaminated soil using industrial wastewater and glucose as carbon soured by Macrogen sequencing. Two different sources, namely, glucose and wastewater were used to ces.Methods: The strains were isolated and identified as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Exiguobacterium and Stenotrophomonas using biochemical tests and further confirmevaluate and compare the use of wastewater as a carbon source for PHA production. The biomass obtained was analyzed by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) to identify the presence of PHA in it. Afterwards, PHA extraction was carried out and then gas chromatography (GC) performed to identify PHA monomers.Results: Utilization of glucose resulted in the production of PHB, while wastewater yielded copolymers poly-3 hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyvalerate P(3HB-co-3HV) due to its content of volatile fatty acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, which led to the production of different types of polymers. The maximum PHA production was 41 ± 0.22 % obtained for Stenotrophomonas (SM03) using 2 % glucose as carbon source while for wastewater, maximum production was achieved by the Pseudomonas strain (SM01).Conclusion: Wastewater is produced in large quantities daily during various activities and therefore can be used as a cheap carbon source for the production of valuable products such as PHA.Keywords: Polyhydroxyalkanoates, Wastewater, Glucose, Pseudomonas strain, Stenotrophomonas
Pharmacological basis for medicinal use of Ziziphyus nummularia (Rhamnaceae) leaves in gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Hussain Sayed Muzahir , Khan Aslam , Khan Arif-ullah , Qazi Neelum Gul , Ali Fawad 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To explore the pharmacological basis for the folkloric use of Ziziphus nummularia for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal spasm.Methods: Ziziphus nummularia crude extract (Zn.Cr) was investigated for antidiarrheal activity (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg) in terms of reduction diarrhea droppings as well as for antisecretory activity (300 and 1000 mg/kg) in castor-oil induced model in mice. The effect of the extract on potassium chloride (KCl, 80 mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum tissues were was also examined. Furthermore, the antiulcer properties of the extract was assessed in an ethanol-induced gastrointestinal ulcer model.Results: Zn.Cr (50 – 1000 mg/kg) exhibited protective effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea (p <0.05, p < 0.01 vs saline group) and intestinal fluid accumulation (p < 0.001 vs. castor oil group) in mice. In isolated rabbit jejunum model, Zn.Cr concentration-dependently (0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 3 mg/mL) caused relaxation of spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions, similar to verapamil. Calcium antagonistic effect was indicated, as pretreatment of intestinal tissues with Zn.Cr (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) produced a rightward shift in Ca2+ concentration-response curves, with suppression of maximum contraction. In ethanol-induced gastric ulceration assay, Zn.Cr (300 and 1000 mg/kg) caused52.5 and 93.6 % inhibition, respectively (p < 0.001 vs. saline group).Conclusion: These results reveal that Ziziphus nummularia possesses anti-diarrheal, anti-secretory, anti-spasmodic and anti-ulcer actions, mediated possibly through voltage-gated Ca2+channel blockade.Keywords: Ziziphus nummularia, Anti-diarrheal, Anti-secretory, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-ulcer