bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antioxidant Properties of Methanol and Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Geophila obvallata
Authors: Osafanme Iserhienrhien Lucky , Ngozi Okolie Paulinus 
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant properties of methanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Geophila obvallata using standard methods.
Materials and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant assays carried out were 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, Nitric oxide (NO•) radical scavenging activity assay, 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+) radical cation scavenging assay, ferric reducing properties and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays.
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, steroids, saponins, terpernoids and cardiac glycosides in both extracts. Relative to the aqueous extract, the methanol extract contained a higher amount of the secondary metabolites. However, both extracts exhibited appreciable and dose-dependent capacities for quenching DPPH, ABTS•+ and NO• free radicals, and potent ferric reducing ability to levels comparable to those of ascorbic acid. The crude methanol extract showed significantly increased (P<0.05) antioxidant activity than the aqueous extract.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the extract possesses strong antioxidant properties due to its content of phytochemicals, and provides scientific basis for its ethno medicinal applications.
Analysis of DNA Damage Biomarkers in Human Leukocytes by PAHs Exposure
Authors: Uribe-Hernández R. , Vega-Barrita M. L. , Uribe-Vega E. , Ramón-Gallegos E. 
Published: July 2019

Aims: To study the potential genotoxicity of two polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), exposed cultured human leukocytes in vitro using two types of biomarkers genotoxicity: DNA strand breaks (DNA-SB) and adduct formation (DNA-PAHs).
Study Design: Human leukocytes were exposed to toxic cultures with different concentrations of anthracene (ANT), phenanthrene (PHE) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) for 24 hours. Four toxic test groups, PAHs, control group, analytic blank group and standard fluorescence group were considered.
Place and Duration of Study: Laboratorio de Citopatología Ambiental, of Departamento de Morfología at Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, IPN; between february 2016 and july 2018.
Methodology: Human leukocytes cells were isolated and cell viability was previously verified by Trypan dye exclusion test. Firstly, the lethal concentrations with neutral red (NR50) assay for each one PAHs was obtained. Then sublethal concentrations range of these toxics for both biomarkers were used. In case of DNA fragmentation, a fluorochrome was used to mark DNA strandbreaks and isolation with alkaline solution finally determined with fluorescence spectroscopy. To test the formation of DNA-PAHs adducts, first of all they were isolated with a solvent system with polarity gradient and finally determined with fluorescence spectroscopy.
Results: PAHs with 3 aromatic rings showed lethal cytotoxicity, lower in case of the B(a)P with 5 aromatic rings. These results are in contrast with previously reported observations, in which non-adduct with DNA and DNA strandbreaks formation were detected with Anthracene and Phenanthrene while DNA adduction formation and DNA strandbreaks were produced in case of B(a)P.
Conclusion: Biomarkers may be used as suitable discriminants of genotoxic agents as well as of environmental pollutants with genotoxic potential and for application in studies of environmental risk assessment and in hazardous waste evaluation. The application of both genotoxic biomarkers, DNA strand breaks and production of adducts DNA-PAHs, as genotoxicity assays are quickly and accurate techniques for determining the carcinogenic potential of environmental samples.
Effect of Tramadol on Sperm Profile of Male Albino Rats
Authors: Esua I. S. , Uno U. U. , Ekaluo U. B. 
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim: Tramadol is a potent analgesic effective in the treatment of mild to severe pains. However, the use of the drug can pose a threat to other organs and systems. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of graded doses of tramadol on sperm profile of male albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups (A, B and C) using completely randomized design (CRD) with six rats in each group. Rats in group A served as the control group and were given just food and water while groups B and C were given tramadol at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) respectively, daily for the period of 65 days. The treatment was administered via oral gavage and at the end of the treatments, the rats were sacrificed. Immediately after sacrifice, a puncture was made in the epididymis with a sterile pin and examined for semen pH. The epididymes were processed for epididymal sperm motility, viability, count and sperm head abnormality.
Results: There was no significant difference in the weight of testes and semen pH. Sperm viability, sperm motility, sperm count and weight of epididymes significantly reduced (p<0.05) in tramadol treated animals when compared with the control. Results also indicated statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in sperm head abnormalities in rats treated with tramadol when compared with the control.
Conclusion: The results obtained from this study reveal that tramadol has negative effects on weight of epididymes, sperm count, sperm viability, sperm motility and sperm head abnormalities in male albino rat as mammalian models in a dose dependent manner.
Evaluation of the Effect of Action Bitters (Herbal Mixture) on Some Biochemical Indices of Albino Rats
Authors: Ogechi Nwachuku, Edna , Ibioku Elekima, 
Published: July 2019

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of action bitters on some liver and renal function indices of Albino rats.
Study Design: Experimental rats were divided into two groups A and B. Group A (control rats) consist of 10 rats and were not given herbal drugs while group B (treated rats) consist of 25 rats and were treated orally with 0.68 ml/kg of Action Bitters on a daily basis for 30 days.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria within a period of four months (July 2018 – October, 2018).
Methodology: A total of 35 male albino rats weighing an average of 0.18 kg were separated into two groups namely A and B. Group A had 10 rats and were used as control while Group B had 25 rats and were treated as the test group. Group A rats were fed normally while Group B received water, rat feds and Action Bitters. The action bitters were administered orally using galvage tube at a dose of 0.68/kg bodyweight. After 30th day of treatment, blood samples were collected for analysis of serum Electrolytes, Urea, Creatinine, AST, ALP and ALT. The biochemical parameters were analysed statistically using GraphPad Prism 5.03 version.
Results: Results of renal indices obtained showed that control rats had values of 9.567±6.396, 74.59±40.93, 153±25.67, 111.7±20.23 and 5.767±1.819 for Urea, Creatinine, Potassium, Sodium and Chloride respectively while the treated rats had 11.72±6.142, 122.9±82.16, 152.8±27.57, 116.6±24.98 and 6.156±1.843 for Urea, Creatinine, Potassium, Sodium and Chloride respectively. More so, when liver enzymes were considered, control rats had values of 134.2 ± 52.07, 35.44± 13.82 and 169.2± 71.92 for AST, ALT and ALP respectively while treated rats had values of 139.4 ±44.6, 35.39± 14.39 and 196.9± 65.92 for AST, ALT and ALP respectively. The comparison of control rats and treated rats showed no significant differences in the biochemical indices considered at P=.05.
Conclusion: The study indicated that Action Bitters did not induce any obvious biochemical derangement in liver and renal indices at a dose of 0.68ml/kg bodyweight.
Haematinic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Lophira lanceolata Leaves in Phenylhydrazine-induced Anaemia in Wistar Rats
Authors: Osafanme Iserhienrhien Lucky , Duniya Sheneni Victor , Chukwuemeka Nweje-Anyalowu Paul , Mercy Oguche , Adejoh Idakwoji Precious 
Published: July 2019

Aim: The haematinic activity of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves was investigated using rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia.
Methods and Results: Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were analysed as indices of anaemia. Following phenylhydrazine administration to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 8 days, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the haematological parameters was observed indicating anaemia. However, treatment with graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaves produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in the RBC count, Hb concentration and PCV time- and dose- dependently.
Conclusion: It was concluded that Lophira lanceolata leaves possess haematinic activity, making it useful in the management of anaemia.
Effects of Food-Chain Mediated Metal Exposures on Lipid Profile in Rats
Authors: Ovie Richard Omonigho , Asagba Samuel Ogheneovo 
Published: July 2019

Aims: To evaluate the effect of Cd and As on lipid profile in rats by using an experimental food-chain to imitate the natural food-chain of fish to rat.
Study Design: Toxicity of Cd and As was first induced in fishes through an artificial habitat; the fishes after 1 month of exposure were killed and used as source of protein in formulating rat feed. In this way, the natural food-chain of fish to rat was mimicked as the rats get the toxic metals in their fish diets.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, from June 2016 to September 2018.
Methodology: Adult male rats weighing between 100–150 g were fed with formulated rat feed that has Cd/As (at a dose of 0.4 mg/100 ml) contaminated fish as source of protein. Control group comprises of rats that were not given metal contaminated fish as food. The rats were fed for 3 months after which they were sacrificed and the plasma and vital organs obtained for investigation of lipid metabolism function.
Results: Biochemical analysis on lipid profile status was made after 90 days of inoculation. A significant increment (p≤0.05) in plasma and organ concentrations of Cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), lipoprotein of low density (LDL), and lipoprotein of very low density (VLDL) was seen in the rats given these metals in diet in comparison to control, while plasma and organ lipoprotein of high density (HDL) concentrations declined.
Conclusion: These results infer that cadmium and arsenic produces reactive oxygen compounds that are toxic to man, hence calls for caution and further studies.
Proximate Analysis and Phytochemical Profile of Brachystegia eurycoma Leaves
Authors: O. Ududua Uyoyoghene , Monanu Michael O. , Chuku Lawrence C. 
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study investigated the proximate and phytochemical composition of Brachystegia eurycoma leaves.
Methods: Crude ethanol extract of B. eurycoma leaves was obtained by cold extraction method. AOAC method was used for proximate analysis. Phytochemical profiling was done with qualitative phytochemical evaluation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analytical method. Matching and interpretation of the spectral was done with the National Institute standard and Technology (NIST05) library.
Results: The proximate analysis result showed B. eurycoma leaves to be abundant in param­eters evaluated in the order of 31.47±0.43% Carbohydrate > 15.15±0.04% Ash > 14.45±0.15 crude fibre > 13.83±0.32 protein > 13.14±0.22 moisture > 1.97±0.01 fat. Qualitative phytochemical analysis detected alkaloid, saponin, tannin, diterpenes, phenol, quinine, flavonoid, protein, xanthoprotein and cardiac glycoside in the leaves of B. eurycoma. GC/MS data showed that the prevailing volatile bioactive compounds in ethanol leaf extract of B. eurycoma were 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose (13.23%), cis-9-Hexadecenal (10.40%), Desulphosinigrin (10.34%), Phytol (7.58%), Hydroquinone (7.23%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (6.61%), Oleoyl chloride (6.10%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (5.89%), Hexadecanoic acid, (2.97%), Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-(1.94%), Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) (1.92%).
Conclusion: The result of this preliminary investigation reveals the potentials of B. eurycoma leaves as candidate for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries.
Activity Coefficient of Solution Components and Salts as Special Osmolyte from Kirkwood-Buff Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Udema Ikechukwu Iloh , Onigbindec Abraham Olalere 
Published: July 2019

Background: There has been different interpretation of kosmotropes and chaotropes without concern for the physicochemical characteristics of the macromolecule and for the link between Hofmeister phenomena with solution structure. The objectives of this research are: 1) To investigate different ways of determining activity coefficient and activity of ionic osmolyte 2), to present a common theoretical basis for the interaction between reaction mixture components and Hofmeister phenomena and 3) determine the preferential interaction parameters and the Kirkwood-Buff integrals.
Methods: A major theoretical research and partly experimental.
Results and Discussion: Some equations in literature gave different values of activity coefficient and activity of solution components. The preferential interaction by binding is positive with ethanol only and at its higher concentration in the presence of ideal solution of different concentration of calcium chloride. There was positive m-value with ethanol. It was negative m-value in the presence of preferentially binding species, calcium ion and ethanol as against the excluded chloride ion. There was negative and positive change of solvation preference and interaction parameter due respectively to ethanol only and a mixture of it and the salt.
Conclusion: Selected equations in literature may not give the same values of activity coefficient and activity of solution components. The presence of stabilising osmolyte, salt, and ethanol may not always yield positive m-values. The sign of the change of solvation preference with either binary or ternary mixture of osmolytes and, the cognate interaction parameter, may be a better indicator of the stability of a macromolecule. The kosmotropes and chaotropes may be cationic or anionic and their deficit or otherwise around the macromolecule and consequence, depend largely on net charge on the macromolecule at a given pH.
Biochemical Studies on Coumarin Derivatives as Antioxidant and Antitumor Agents
Authors: Mohammed F. Z. , EL-Deen I. M. , Tmamm A. S. 
Published: July 2019

Background: Coumarin derivatives have attracted intense interest in recent years, because they have anti-tumor, antioxidant activities, and induce apoptosis.
Aims and Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the antitumor and anti-oxidant activities of new Coumarin derivatives: N-(P-chlorophenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin-3-yl carboxamide and Ethyl 7-hydroxycoumarin-3-yl ester against in vivo tumor model.
Methodology: the toxicity for the synthesized compounds was determined. The anticancer and anti-oxidant activities were studied by evaluation the viability of tumor cells, life span prolongation, and estimation of antioxidants.
Results: Our compounds exhibited significant anti-oxidant activity towards Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells by reduction the MDA and NO concentration (p<0.001) compared to the positive control group. Whereas significantly increase in the G. peroxidase activity (p<0.001) in treated groups compared to the positive control group. Anticancer agent kills tumors by induction of apoptosis that showing significantly increases in Caspase-3 and Bax activity compared to positive control group.
Discussion: The compound N-(P-chlorophenyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin-3-yl carboxamide is better than Ethyl 7-hydroxycoumarin-3-yl ester compound because of the nature of the halogen atom (a chlorine or a bromine atom) in the ‘meta’ position of the phenyl ring relative to the ester oxygen atom of 2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran- 3-carboxylate led to a better anti-tumor effect than that observed in the absence of any substituent.
Combined Antioxidant Recovery Properties of Fruit Juice Extracts of Cucumber and Water Melon on Lipid Profile and Gonadal Steroid Levels of Cadmium Induced Testicular Damage on Male Albino Rats
Authors: Anacletus F. C. , Nwakaku B. , Nwauche K. T. 
Published: July 2019

The antioxidant protective effects of fruit juice of cucumber and watermelon on lipid profile of cadmium induced toxicity on male albino rats was investigated. Forty male rats were divided into eight groups. Group NC served as normal control group while group PC was positive control that was not treated but induced with cadmium. Groups I to VI received high dose and low dose of juice of Cucumber and Watermelon respectively. Excluding the normal control group, other groups were fed with lard 14 days before treatment commenced. Doses of 0.8 mg/kg-high dose and 0.4 mg/kg-low dose for cucumber and watermelon respectively. At the 4th and 6th week, biochemical parameters were assayed. Results revealed that the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglyceride significantly (P˂0.05) were decreased compared to positive control but HDL was increased in treatment groups compared to positive control. Pretreatment with cucumber and watermelon juice indicated that total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglyceride significantly (P˂0.05) were decreased compared to positive control but HDL was increased in treatment groups compared to positive control. The result also revealed an increase in testosterone levels in treated groups after 4 weeks of administration of whole extract of cucumber and watermelon when compared to their week 2 values. Testosterone level in positive control was also reduced significantly from 1.5±0.14 ng/ml to 0.46±0.31 ng/ml. Histological evaluation of the testes of normal control group revealed that the interstitium was intact with leydig cells present and maturing germ cells embedded in normal seminiferous tubules while the other groups that were induced with cadmium only showed morphology of testes with empty seminiferous tubules and consolidated interstitial spaces.
Effect of Variable Viscosity on Natural Convection Flow Between Vertical Parallel Plates in the Presence of Heat Generation/Absorption
Authors: Kabir Tada M. , Ajibade Abiodun O. 
Published: July 2019

The present article was aimed at investigating the effects of variable viscosity on natural convection flow between vertical parallel plates in the presence of heat generation/absorption. The nonlinear differential equations governing the flow were solved using Homotopy perturbation method. The impacts of the several governing parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles are presented graphically and values of skin friction, rate of heat transfer, mass flux and mean temperature for various values of physical parameters are presented through tables. In the course of computation, it was revealed that viscosity ontributes to decrease velocity and hence reduced resistance to flow. It was also discovered that as the heat generation increases, fluid temperature and velocity increase, while it decrease with the increase in heat absorption. Finally, it was concluded that the skin friction on both plates increase as viscosity increases.
Protein Fractions, Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Flour and Oil from the Shea Caterpillar Cirina butyrospermi Vuillet Consumed in Northern Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Koffi Djary Michel , Cissé Mariame , Koua Gisèle Ahou 
Published: July 2019

Aims: The present study was aimed at evaluating the physicochemical and functional properties of flours and oil from the Shea Caterpillar Cirina butyrospermi Vuillet, one of the most widely eaten insects in the Northern Côte d’Ivoire as alternative protein source.
Methodology: Fresh C. butyrospermi larvae were collected from Vitellaria paradoxa trees in the different regions producing shearbutter in northern Côte d’Ivoire. The larvae were oven dried and ground to obtain crude flour. Flours and Oil extracted from this insect was analysed for physicochemical properties and fatty acid constituents using standard methods.
Results: The chemical composition revealed that it contains crude protein about 60.09%, crude fat 22.23%, ash 3.71% and total carbohydrate 6.69%. These results suggest that C. butyrospermi larvae can be used in human diet to prevent undernourishment due to protein. Albumin and glutelin constitute the main part of protein fractions. The defatted flour showed good functional properties such as water and oil absorption capacity (77.96 and 150.00% respectively), dispersibility (70.90%), wettability (5 min) and foam stability (50.05%). As regards oil, it exhibited good physicochemical properties as saponification and stability. Fatty acids profile reveals that the unsaturated fatty acids accounted for 49.33% of the total fatty acids, whereas the saturated fatty acids constituted 49.83% of the fatty acids.
Conclusion: C. butyrospermi larvae could be considered as valuable source of protein and oil accounting for more than 80% of nutrients. Its flour exhibits some good functional properties making it suitable for many food product formulations. Compared with oils which have been reported of high quality, C. butyrospermi oil has potentials that could be exploited for nutritional and pharmaceutical purposes.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Patients of Psychiatric Hospital Rumuigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Eze N. C. , Abah A. E. , Ezeoru D. O. 
Published: July 2019

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients of psychiatric hospital Rumuigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria between June to September, 2017. Stool specimen were collected and analyzed from 203 patients for ova, larvae or cysts of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Of these, 78 (38.4%) were infected. Five parasitic infections were identified of which Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence (39.7%). Others included hookworm (8.4%), T.trichuria (4.4%) and 2 protozoans: Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%) and G. lamblia (3.0%). The occurrence of these parasites varied significantly (p< 0.05). Patients suffering from Schizophrenia had the highest prevalence of infection 33 (78.6%) followed by patients with Substance Abuse Disorder 11(37.9%), while the least prevalence was found among patients suffering from Anxiety disorder. Parasitic infection was most frequent among patients aged 18-27 years and higher among males 45 (47.9%) than the females 33 (30.3%).Prevalence of these parasitic infections varied significantly among sexes and age groups. This study has documented a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite amongst the mentally challenged in our society, re-emphasizing the need for intermittent de-worming among all the patients.