bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety assessment of Spondias purpurea aqueous leaf extract (anacardiaceae): Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies in wistar rats
Authors: Oluwaiye Jonah , Shehu Aishatu , Aliyu Ibrahim Muazzamu , Kwanashie Helen Ochuko , Anafi Sherifat Bola , Ibrahim Abubakar 
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to assess the toxicological profile of aqueous leaf extract of S. purpurea (ALES) in Wistar rats. ALES was subjected to acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies which were conducted according to Lorke’s and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 408 guidelines respectively. The acute toxicity study was carried out in two phases within 48 hours. Sub-chronic (90 days) toxicity studies were conducted on 4 groups of rats each. The first group received 1mL/kg distilled water, Groups 2, 3 and 4 received ALES 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, steroids/triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract in rats was established to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Sub-chronic administration of ALES did not produce significant changes in body weights and relative organ weights of treated rats. Hematology results between control and treated groups for a 90-day period of administration of ALES were comparable, however there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in differential white blood cell at highest dose. Biochemical result, revealed a non-significant mean variations in levels of renal and hepatic parameters between the treated groups and their corresponding controls. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) dose dependent decrease in level of potassium and glucose for treated groups compared their respective control, also a non-dose dependent decrease in ALP at 500 mg/kg ALES group. Lipid parameters examined also showed a dose dependent decrease in cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL level, however the decrease was significant for triglyceride at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg treatment group compared to control. Additionally, in comparison to control a non-significant increase in HDL level was observed for treatment groups. The Histological result showed slight alterations in brain, liver, kidney, lungs and uterus intensified with an increase in the doses of the extracts administered. These findings suggest that Spondias purpurea leaf extract is relatively safe on acute administration. However, long term administration of higher doses could result in mild toxic responses. Therefore, caution should be taken in long term administration of the extract.
Potentials medicinal plants used in the treatment of Covid-19 symptoms
Authors: Umar Saifullahi , Abba Anas 
Published: August 2023

Plants still form the bases of traditional medicine system and that plant-based systems continue to play an essential role in healthcare for over 80% of the world population. An ethnomedicinal survey was conducted to document the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms in the Northern-Senatorial district of Kano. Information was generated from 26- traditional medicine practitioners, 50 herb sellers and 20-elderly people. The information collected were divided based on the symptoms treated by the medicinal plants. A total of 36-plant species belonging to 22 families were reported to be used in the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms. Plants from Poaceae, Myrtaceae Liliaceae, Lamiaceae and Combretaceae family had the highest number of species being used in the symptoms treatment. Leaves were reported to be the most frequent plant part used followed by bark, corn, bulb, whole plant and rhizomes. The survey revealed that the most prominent method of preparation used are decoction and infusion. Traditional medicine encourage prevention of symptoms and enhanced self-immunity against host of infections, hence the survey had documented information on medicinal plants, method of their prepations by the native people, traditional practitioners, herbalist of North-Senatorial district Kano, for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms.
Detection of biofilm formation in multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus among clinical isolates in Zaria metropolis, Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Garba Samira 
Published: August 2023

Antimicrobial resistance are associated with several virulence factors such as biofilm. The biofilm formation ability of S. aureus complicates effective therapeutic management of infections.
In this research, we intend to observe biofilm formation in S. aureus using two in vitro phenotypic methods: tissue culture plate and Congo red agar as well as biofilm associated genes Ica A B & D and 16SrRNA. A total of 150 presumptive coagulase positive staphylococcal isolates from all specimens (blood, urine, high vaginal swab, wound swab, ear swab, endocervical swab) submitted to the microbiology laboratory of the selected hospitals were collected. Seventy-three (73) or 48.7% of the isolates were identified as coagulase positive Staphylococcus using microbiology standard methods (tube coagulase test, growth on mannitol salt agar & Dnase agar). Using microgen staph identification kit, the isolates were further characterized into various Staph spp. Disc agar diffusion method was used for eleven (11) antibiotics susceptibility test while vancomycin screening agar and BMD (Broth Micro dilution) MIC test was used for vancomycin susceptibility evaluation. Indirect observation of biofilm was performed using congo red agar (CRA) and Microtitre plate assay method. PCR and sequencing were conducted on the isolates to molecularly detect the presence of 16SrRNA, IcaA, IcaB, IcaD genes.
Susceptibility of S aureus (21%) isolates tested against 12 different categories of antibiotics shows 4(27%) not multidrug resistant (MDR), 7(47%) were MDR and 4 (27%) were extensively drug resistant (XDR). High percentage (74%) of Multiple antibiotic resistant index at ≥0.3 suggested that the isolates originated from an environment where antibiotics are often used. Biofilm assessment of MDR S aureus isolates revealed that 9(82%) and 11 (100%) of the isolates were biofilm formers using Congo Red Agar method and Microtiter plate assay respectively. All isolates amplified with 16SrRNA primer signifying all are S. aureus, 100% of the isolates amplified with IcaA, 90% isolates amplified with IcaD, and 50% isolates amplified with IcaB. We can conclude that there is high prevalence of Biofilm forming S. aureus strains in the hospitals studied. This result should be born in mind by clinicians while prescribing medication for S. aureus positive conditions. Hospital managements should be proactive in preventing the preservation of the biofilm formers in their hospital environment through adequate sanitary and disinfection protocols. It is also necessary for clinician to note that nitrofurantoin, linezolid and vancomycin were most effective against the biofilm producing S. aureus and microtitre plate assay method was observed to be most reliable assay in the study of biofilm.
Pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala [annonaceae]) seed inhibits uterine contractions via blockade of intracellular calcium release and extracellular calcium influx in ex vivo studies
Authors: Uchendu Adaeze , Bafor Enitome 
Published: August 2023

Dennettia tripetala (DT) is a tree found in rain forest belt of Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. The seed is commonly used in preparing food for mothers after delivery because it is believed to play a role in postpartum uterine contraction. There is however no scientific evidence validating this claim. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effects of DT seed on non-pregnant and pregnant uterus using mouse model.
The dried seeds of DT were macerated in methanol and the effects of DT extract were investigated on uterus tissues isolated from non-pregnant and pregnant mice. DT extract was examined on spontaneous uterine contraction, contractions induced by oxytocin, and high potassium chloride (KCl)-induced depolarization. Its effect was also evaluated on calcium ion (Ca2+) release from internal stores.
The DT extract suppressed spontaneous uterine contractility in both pregnant and non-pregnant uterus in a concentration-dependent manner. It significantly inhibited uterine contractions elicited by high KCl and oxytocin-induced contractions in both pregnant and non-pregnant uterus. The extract also inhibited uterine contractility induced by oxytocin in the Ca2+-free medium in pregnant and non-pregnant uterus.
The study has provided scientific evidence that DT seed extract has uterine relaxing effect in both pregnant and non-pregnant mouse uterus possibly by blocking intracellular Ca2+ released and influx of extracellular Ca2+. The result has shown that DT has no benefit in reducing the risk of post-partum hemorrhage, however, it may have potential benefits in management of dysmenorrhea and preterm labour in non-gravid and gravid uteri respectively.
Aphrodisiac Effects of an Ethanolic Root Extract of Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. fimbriatum (Kafupa) on Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Kamwela Moses , Ezeala Christian , Prashar Lavina 
Published: August 2023

Background: Ocimum fimbriatum Briq. var. fimbriatum is used traditionally in Zambia for its aphrodisiac effect, but there is no scientific evidence to support this use. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the aphrodisiac effects of the plant's root extract in rats.
Study Design: This was an experimental study in which sixty Wister rats (30 males and 30 females) were separated into 5 groups of 12 rats and treated with different doses of the extract.
Methods: The root extracts were administered at single oral doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg to 30 male rats. Distilled water and sildenafil served as controls. Female rats were treated with 0.1 mg/kg diethylstilbesterol and paired to the male rats.Mounting frequency, intromission, ejaculation, and latency periods were monitored using recording cameras. Recordings were analyzed visually and expressed as mean ± standard error.
Results: The root extract produced significant dosedependent increases in mounting, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies and latency periods, compared to negative controls. The 400 mg/kg dose produced highest number of mounts (31.33 ± 0.49, p= 0.001), intromissions (24.17 ± 0.60, p= 0.001) and ejaculations (7.67 ± 0.33, p= 0.001) compared to negative controls. At this dose, latency periods for mounting (3.00 ± 0.37min, p= 0.001) and intromission (2.1 ± 0.32 min, p= 0.001) were shortest, while the latency periods for ejaculation (6.33 ± 0.56 min, p=0.001) were longest.
Conclusion: Root extract of Ocimum fimbriatum exerted significant aphrodisiac effects in rats and justifies traditional use of the plant. Further studies are required to elucidate the active principles and mechanisms involved in this effect.
PRODUCCIÓN DE FORRAJE, COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA Y PRODUCCIÓN DE GAS IN VITRO DE MAÍCES HÍBRIDOS AMARILLOS CULTIVADOS EN MÉXICO
Authors: Roblez Jimenez Lizbeth Esmeralda , Morales Osorio Andres , Ruiz Perez Jose A , Gutierrez Martinez Maria de Guadalupe , Gonzalez Ronquillo Manuel 
Published: August 2023

<p>Maize is the most important forage in feed cattle, due to its higher energy content, however, it is characterized by its wide range of varieties and the possibility of generating a large quantity of final products. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the forage yield, chemical composition and in vitro gas production as fresh and hay of a local yellow criollo maize and six varieties of yellow hybrid maize (HIT13, CML460, PIONER, COPPER, CDMO80001 and CLO80902). Fresh and dry yield did not show differences between treatments (P&gt;0.05), their chemical composition (g / kg DM) showed differences (P ˂ 0.05) for the protein content by various storage methods ranging from 59.87 to 59.61 g kg<sup>-1</sup> DM per conservation method, NDF ranged from 591 to 686 g kg<sup>-1</sup> DM by variety and by the method ranged from 619 to 639 g kg <sup>-1</sup> DM, ADF ranged from 298 to 345 g kg<sup>-1</sup> DM by variety and 317 to 340 g kg<sup>-1</sup> DM by conservation method; ADL ranged from 58 to 41 g kg<sup>-1</sup> DM by variety and 41 to 57 g kg<sup>-1</sup> DM by conservation method, in vitro gas production there were no differences (P&gt;0.05) between varieties and conservation method. It is concluded that according to the results obtained, the varieties studied show the same forage yields in both hay and fresh, chemical composition, and in vitro gas production.</p>
CROP YIELDS ALONG THE TOPOSEQUENCE OF TERRACED ANDOSOLS IN NAROK, KENYA
Authors: Ruto Alice Chepkemoi , Gachene Charles , Gicheru Patrick , Mburu David , Khalif Zeinabu 
Published: August 2023

<p>The principle objective of terracing is to reduce runoff and soil loss but it also contributes to increasing the soil moisture content through improved infiltration. A field experiment was conducted in Suswa, Narok County during the short and long rain seasons of 2013-2015 to assess the effect of terracing on crop yields. A randomized complete block design was used with maize and beans as the test crops. The study examined maize plant height, leaf area index (LAI), above ground biomass yields, number of bean pods and grain yields in the upper (U), upper middle (UM), middle (M), lower middle (LM) and lower (L) terrace, slope positions with farmers’ fields where terraces were not maintained were used as the control. The results showed that yields were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in L&gt;LM&gt;UM&gt;M&gt;U, with values ranging from 7.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup> to 3.0 t ha<sup>-1</sup> for maize and 1374 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> to 306 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> for beans. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were also observed according to cropping patterns with CP2 on average recording the highest (803 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) bean yields and CP4 (control) the lowest (576 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) in season I. CP3 had the highest (4.97 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) maize yields compared to CP4 (3.25 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) in season II. From the results of the study, it was possible to conclude that soil conservation measures and cropping patterns implemented at Suswa increased crop yields and the technology should be promoted for improved livelihoods.</p>
FERTILITY AND TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON IN OXISOL UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN SAVANNAH OF PIAUÍ, BRAZIL
Authors: Araújo Fernando Silva , Leite Luiz Fernando Carvalho , De Souza Zigomar Menezes , Torres Jose Luiz Rodrigues , Costa Antônio Samuel Henrique Brito , Ferreira Antônio Hosmylton Carvalho 
Published: August 2023

<p>The intensive use of natural resources for food production has ruptured the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. In this context, this study aimed to quantify chemical attributes of Oxisol under five management systems: 1 = conventional tillage (CT); 2 = no-tillage system with millet (NT + M); 3 = crop–livestock integration system with soybean (CL + S); 4 = CL with pasture (CL + P); and 5 = native forest (NF). The following soil depths were studied: 0.00–0.05, 0.05–0.10, and 0.10–0.20 m; and the following traits were quantified: total organic carbon (TOC), soil acidity (pH), soil potential acidity (H + Al) and soil fertility (Ca, Mg, P and K). All treatments modified soil chemical attributes in comparison to NF (p &lt;0.01). The highest phosphorus and potassium levels were observed under CL + S at all evaluated depths. The NT + M treatment increased Ca and Mg levels in layers 0.0–0.05 and 0.10–0.20, whereas CL + S increased base addition (BA), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation (BS) levels in layer 0.05–0.10 m. Finally, both CL systems improved soil chemical quality, increased surface TOC and carbon stock in depth.</p>
CARBON STOCKS AND STOCK CHANGES IN AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES: A REVIEW
Authors: Agevi Humphrey , Onwonga Richard , Kuyah Shem , Tsingalia Mugatsia 
Published: August 2023

<p>Trees on farmlands and agricultural lands play a crucial role in small holder farmers’ livelihoods in addition to carbon regulation through carbon sequestration. These trees have received much attention recently due to their contribution to climate change mitigation through carbon storage. Quantification of carbon stocks in these trees has always proven difficult due to the spatial extent of these trees and methodological difficulties encountered during measurement. This paper reviews a number of studies done in quantification of biomass and soil carbon stocks in agroforestry within tropics. Most appropriate method employed in determination of carbon stock changes is through use of allometric equations. The equations use parameters like diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown area which can be measured during field inventory. DBH has always proven to be the best parameter to be used in the equation since it is easy to measure and it does not need expensive equipments. Apart from trees, soils in agricultural lands have the capacity to store carbon and help mitigate effects of climate change. It then identifies the gap that future research can be done for accurate carbon quantification.</p><p> </p>
ORGANIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF WATER RESOURCE USERS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN THE SOUTHERN RANGELANDS OF KENYA
Authors: Jawuoro Stanley Odhiambo , Koech Oscar Kipchirchir , Karuku George Njomo , Mbau Judith Syombua 
Published: August 2023

<p>Water insecurity is a threat to pastoral livelihoods and sustainability. The Water Act of Kenya, 2002, created the Water Resource Users’ Associations (WRUAs) to enhance water resource conservation access at the local level. Nevertheless, environmental degradation has increased in recent times, further exacerbating water crisis and threatening livelihoods. This study sought to assess the status of community based water resource conservation in the Southern rangelands of Kiserian, Kajiado County, Kenya. Kiserian WRUA members were purposively sampled for this survey. Data was mainly collected through administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also conducted to validate the data obtained from the questionnaire. Chi-square and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 20. Results indicated that access to information on water conservation and training were significantly associated, with membership to the WRUA (χ<sup>2</sup>=0.56, p≤0.05) and (χ<sup>2</sup>=0.71, p≤0.05), respectively. Majority (79.5%) of the Kiserian WRUA members had participated in tree planting within the catchment. Half (50%) of the WRUA members were mainly motivated to join the association because of perceived benefits like improved access to water at lower prices and participation in catchment protection. The main challenges facing the WRUA were inadequate funding from the government and other stakeholders (93.2%) and lack of support from county leadership (34.1%). It was concluded that WRUAs, especially in the rangelands of Kajiado, Kenya, played a key role in catchment conservation and water access for resilient livelihoods among pastoralists. This study therefore recommends awareness to increase WRUA membership and allocation of sufficient funding from the government and other related stakeholders to WRUA conservation activities, if catchment conservation for improved water access in the area is to be realized. </p><p><strong> </strong></p>
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIFUNGAL POTENTIAL OF THE Richardia brasiliensis (Gomes) ETHANOLIC EXTRACT
Authors: Matias Rosemary , Canale Fernanda Sollberger , Corrêa Bianca Obes , Bono José Antônio Maior , Oliveira Ademir Kleber Morbeck de , Dourado Doroty Mesquita , Roel Antônia Railda , Rivero-Wendt Carla Leticia Gediel , Pedrino Denise Renata 
Published: August 2023

<p>The objective of this work was to evaluate the fungicide potential of the <em>Richardia brasiliensis</em> plant extract or its fractions on <em>Lasiodiplodia theobromae</em> and <em>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</em>, as well as the isolation and identification of substances present in these fractions. For both the crude and ethanolic extracts, the plants’ aerial part was fractionated and the hexane fractions and ethyl acetate were separately subjected to columns of silica-gel leading to isolation of steroids and triterpene acids respectively. One- and two-dimensional <sup>1</sup>H-NMR and <sup>13</sup>C-NMR spectral analyses were used for structural elucidation. Concentrations of 10; 20; 40; 80; 160 µg 100mL<sup>-1</sup> ethanolic extract, hexane fractions and a pure isolated substance (oleanolic acid) with 5 µL of DMSO were utilized for antifungal activity evaluation. Spectral analysis allowed identification and isolation of <em>β</em>-sitosterol and a mixture of <em>β-</em>sitosterol and stigmasterol. For fungicide action, the hexane and acetate or pure fractions provided reduction of the mycelial growth of <em>C. gloesporioides</em>, at the 160 μg100 mL<sup>-1</sup> concentration. For <em>L. theobromae</em>, the acetate or pure fraction and the ethanolic extract were highlighted in the concentrations of 80 and 160 μg100 mL<sup>-1</sup>. From the results of the evaluation of fungicide potential of the R<em>. brasiliensis</em> extract and its fraction against the fungi <em>C. gloeosporioides</em> and <em>L. Theobromae</em>, as well as the chemical insulation of the substances involved, it can be noted that this weed contains potential fungicidal substances and especially the isolated triterpenes are promising for use in formulations in the control of these pathogens.</p>
NYMPH CONTROL OF Mahanarva andigena WITH Metarhizium anisopliae IN GREENHOUSE AND FIELD CONDITIONS IN PASTAZA, ECUADOR
Authors: Valle Segundo Benedicto , Puertas Ana , Iparraguirre Miguel , Caicedo Willan , Uvidia Hernán , Carrera Karina 
Published: August 2023

<p class="Default">The efficacy of four native isolations of <em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em> in the control of <em>Mahanarva andigena</em> nymphs in greenhouse and field was evaluated. In both conditions, the treatments were: four native isolations: T1: MT-51 (01), T2: P-50 (01), T3: T-63 (01) and T4: F55 (01); a commercial strain T5: Metazeb and T6 control treatment. In a greenhouse, 30 days old sugar cane seedlings were used, each one was infested with 10 fourth instar nymphs and subsequently sprinkled with 15 mL of a suspension of 1x10<sup>8</sup> conidia/mL<sup>-1</sup> for each isolation, the commercial strain at a dose of 2x10<sup>12</sup> conidia/ha<sup>-1</sup> (300 g of commercial product/ha<sup>-1</sup>) and the control treatment (sterile distilled water + agral 90). In greenhouse mortality was recorded for seven days and the corrected and confirmed mortality was determined. In the field, the treatments were sprayed at the same concentrations. The effectiveness of the treatments was determined at 7 and 14 days after the application, with the Henderson-Tilton formula. In the greenhouse treatments, T1, T2 and T3 caused high percentages of confirmed mortality, with values of 71.11, 67.5 and 54.45%, respectively, higher than the commercial strain, and in the field at 14 days, the application of treatments T1 and T2, reached an efficiency of 73.08 and 69.68%, higher than other treatments. These results demonstrate that the T1 isolations: MT-51 (01) and T2: P-50 (01) in greenhouse and field induced a high mortality of <em>M. andigena</em> nymphs, so they are the most promising for use as control biological agents of this insect pest in the cultivation of sugar cane.</p>