bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of quantitative real-time PCR targeting <i>nuc</i> gene and culture-based plate count methods for quantification of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in raw cow milk
Authors: Tarekgne Enquebaher K. 
Published: August 2023

Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is caused by ingestion of enterotoxins produced by enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus when the cell population exceeds 5 Log CFU per gram/ml of food. The Objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of SYBR Green 1-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the nuc gene for the quantification of S. aureus in milk and to compare the assay with the plate count method. The qPCR and the plate count were applied for the quantification of S. aureus in 92 naturally contaminated and artificially spiked bulk milk samples. Optimized standard curves were generated as the qPCR employed the absolute quantification method. The qPCR assay discriminates S. aureus from other Staphylococcus species with a large difference in quantification cycle (Cq) (Mean S. aureus Cq = 13.83± 0.93; other staphylococci Cq= 30.34 ± 2.65). The standard curve showed 91 % amplification efficiency and 0.98 coefficients of correlation (R2 ). The detection and quantification limit of the assay was 18 copies of the nuc gene. The precision of the assay as expressed by standard deviation was 0.12 – 0.3 for intra-assay and 0.29 – 0.5 for inter-assay variability. In artificially contaminated milk, the R2 between CFU ml-1 and S. aureus cell equivalent (SCE) ml-1 was 0.95, which implies, the estimation of CFU ml-1 in raw milk by qPCR is possible. A statistically significant (p< 0.05) difference in S. aureus count was documented between qPCR and plate count. The average SCE (5.59 ±1.55 Log SCE ml-1) estimated by qPCR was one Log higher than CFU (4.46 ± 1.06 Log CFU ml-1) estimated by plate count. Furthermore, 28% of the samples with < 5 Log ml-1 S. aureus by plate count had > 5 Log ml-1 by qPCR. Hence, the qPCR is recommended for routine and research work for its advantage of rapid, sensitivity, and reliability. Further study on validation of the qPCR protocol in different food matrixes for quantification of foodborne pathogens and cost-benefit analysis of the assay is required.
Perception of school teachers towards integrating ict in senior secondary school curriculum: aftermath of covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Jude Uzodinma Ofoegbu , Kingsley Abang , Catherine Boniface Ekarika , N Bisong Nonso 
Published: August 2023

The study is aimed at determining the perception of school teachers’ towards integrating ICT in senior secondary school curriculum content delivery, aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic. The study adopted a survey research. The Population of the study consisted of all 310 Senior Secondary School teachers (78 males and 132 females) in Owerri municipal Council of Imo state. The sampling technique used is purposive since the population is small. The researchers designed an assessment questionnaire which was used for data collection. It has a reliability co-efficient of 0.83 determined through cronbach alpha. The data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation in answering the research questions while the hypothesis was analyzed using independent t-test analysis tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study showed that senior secondary school teachers have positive perception towards integrating ICT in senior secondary school curriculum content. It was therefore recommended among others that the government should speed up the expansion of its existing ICT and remote learning capacity in senior secondary school curriculum, especially for learners with disabilities who may need access to assistive technology. This is based on the fact that senior secondary school teachers have positive perception on the workability of ICT integrated curriculum in senior secondary school.
Antibacterial Effect of Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale Extracts on Some Clinically Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Bello A. B. , Suleiman A. , Atteh E. O. , Olutimanyin T. A. 
Published: August 2023

The ability of some pathogenic bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance has become a global health challenge, and there is an increasing rate of bacteria resistance against the available antibiotic drug. This study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of Allium sativum (Garlic) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extracts on clinical pathogenic bacteria. Four different concentrations (125mg/ml, 250mg/ml, 500mg/ml, and 1000mg/ml) of each extract were tested against the test organisms. The test isolates showed susceptibility to varying concentrations of the crude extracts. For aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Allium sativum, Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest susceptibility (16±0.8mm and 15.7±1.2mm), followed by Escherichia coli (13.7±1.2mm and 14±0.8mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14±0.8mm and 12±0.8mm) while Klebsiella pneumonia showed the least susceptibility of (11±0.8mm and 10±1.3mm). For aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Zingiber officinale, Staphylococcus aureus also showed the highest susceptibility (16±0.8mm and 15±0.8mm), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14±0.8mm and 12±0.8mm), Escherichia coli (13.7±1.2mm and 13±0.8mm) and the least was Klebsiella pneumonia at (11±0.8mm and 7±0.8mm). However, all the tested organisms were most susceptible to aqueous extracts of garlic and ginger but showed relatively lower susceptibility to ethanolic extracts of ginger. The minimum inhibitory concentration for garlic and ginger extract was 125mg/ml against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. The phytochemical screening showed the abundant presence of Tannins, Flavonoids, and carbohydrates in the extracts. This study has revealed that extracts of Garlic and Ginger have antibacterial properties against some pathogenic bacteria isolates. Therefore, this study encourages Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale to treat diseases caused by these pathogenic bacteria.
Effects of Mineral Composition of Different Wood Wastes in Ibadan on Proximate Composition of Lentinus Squarrosulus (Mont.)
Authors: Asonibare A. O. , Olasupo O. O. , Osunlaja O. A. , Oladipo A. D. , Olaoti-Laaro S. O. , Abdazeez A. O. 
Published: August 2023

Lentinus squarrosulu (Mont.) is one of the cultivated indigenous edible mushrooms that are available in Nigeria. Recently, there has been growing crave to crop wild edible mushroom species that have potential economic values. Mushrooms can be an alternative source of protein especially for commoners in the society. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of mineral composition of five wood wastes- Triplochiton scleroxylon, Cordia milleni, Vitellaria paradoxa, Pouteria altissima and Anogeissus leiocarpa different wood wastes on L. squarrosulus (Edible Mushroom) cultivation for their consequences on the growth, yield and proximate analysis. Data obtained reveal Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of 11.59, composition of Magnesium (0.035 mg), Potassium (0.053 mEq/l), Manganese (0.0013 mg), Copper (0.00050 g/m3), Iron (0.00275 mol/L), Phosphorus (0.027 mmol/L), Organic carbon (32.10 mg/L C), Organic matter (55.3 t/ha) and total nitrogen (2.77 mg/L) contributed greatly to the high crude protein, fats and ash contents of mushroom cultivated on T. Scleroxylon. However, insignificant contents of sodium (0.2 mg), Calcium (0.2 mmol/L) and Magnesium (0.013 mg) in Pouteria altissima led to the general inadequate performance of L. squarrosulus in yields. The percentage fresh mean weight of L. squarrosulus ranged from 9.13 g – 19.00 g. The highest value was produced by T. scleroxylon followed by P. altissima, V. paradoxa, C. milleni while A. leiocarpa gave the least.
Use of Neem Leaf, Pawpaw Seed and Moringa Seed as Natural Coagulants for Surface Water Treatment
Authors: Adekitan A. A. , Oyewumi J. O. , Dada V. O. , Layi-Adigun B. O. , Raheem I. 
Published: August 2023

Access to save water is a serious issue affecting people of all ages for those living in remote communities where availability of improved water sources is limited; the quality of water and its treatment has become an increasing concern in developing nations like Nigeria, where proper treatment is lacking. The high cost of treated water makes most people in rural communities to employ readily available sources which are of low quality exposing them to water borne diseases. This study assessed the use of natural coagulants such as: Papaya, Sodom apple, Neem, Moringa oleifera, in the treatment of surface water. Physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis before and after treatment with each coagulants was carried out. Aluminum Sulphate was also used as a chemical coagulant. From the experiment Moringa seed was the best coagulant of all the seeds used to treat the water samples. The following parameters showed its result before and after treatment with Moringa oleifera: pH (7.6, 7.8), Total alkalinity (180, 126), Calcium hardness (156, 140), Calcium ion (62.4, 56), Magnesium hardness (14, 36), Magnesium ion (3.42, 8.78), Chloride (55, 62.8), Sulphate (50, 60), Silica (4, 2), COD (28.4, 4.13), Colour (50, 20), Turbidity (5.73, 3.98), Total solids (836, 696), Total suspended solid (642, 384), Total dissolved solid (194, 312), fell within the WHO guideline for drinking water except total hardness which is given as (170, 180). This could be as a result of high mineral content. The result obtained for the heavy metals and bacteriological analysis also showed that Moringa oleifera was the most active agent of all the coagulant used. Therefore, Moringa seed can be used conveniently as an alternative to Aluminum sulphate for the treatment of surface water for drinking purposes without causing detrimental effect on human health.
Nation Building and International Financings – A Legal Perspective
Authors: Onagoruwa Gabriel A. 
Published: August 2023

This article explores the challenges and opportunities for nation building in Nigeria in the context of the immediate aftermath of the 2023 elections, the twilight of the inauguration of the new administration, led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the urgent need to address the critical issues of infrastructure deficit, palpable poverty, and inadequate access to basic services.
The article discusses the importance of international financing as a critical source of funding for sustainable development and highlights the importance of aligning national financing objectives with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes the need for clear development plans, coordination of risk mitigation mechanisms, cooperation of multilateral financial institutions and national and subnational committees and agencies, transparent legal and regulatory framework, as well as a robust judicial process, to attract international lenders and ensure effective deployment of financing towards the achievement of national development priorities.
Assessment of Clinical Chemistry Parameters and Viral Load of Hepatitis C Virus among Patients Infected with Hepatitis B Virus Attending Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital (AE-FETHA), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Adesola E.A. , Chidiebube A.N. , Edwin I.E. , Filicita N.A. , Ikechukwu I.E. 
Published: August 2023

Hepatitis A and B are the most common causes of chronic hepatitis infections globally. This study aims at evaluating the clinical chemistry parameters of Hepatitis C virus among individuals infected with Hepatitis B virus attending Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data such as demographic, laboratory and clinical data were collected from the hospital. Blood samples were also collected from 480 consented individuals for the screening and the presence of HBsAg was detected. Some chemistry analyses were performed to unveil the level of their immune responses using laboratory standard procedures. Of a total 480 consented patients screened, 101 individuals were reactive to hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Data obtained in our study showed an overall percentage prevalence of 45 (male patients, 24.8, and female patients 75.2). In analysis of HCV-IgM, the higher percentage was noticed among the male individuals infected with hepatitis B virus (20 %) and female subjects with 13.2 %. The IgG was higher among male subjects with 16 % and female patients with 14.5 % while patients of 52-62 years of ages had high percentage of 50 each for both IgM and IgG. Occupation was also considered as a demographic factor and farmers presented higher percentage among the occupations observed, there was a significant difference between the parameters observed in respect to their occupations (p < 0.05). Results of chemical analyses of patients positive for HCV showed higher viral load among the male counterparts and alanine aminotransferase level is higher for patients between the ages of 19-29 years. Meanwhile, increase in creatinine level was noticed among the businessmen. Conclusively, hepatitis B and C viruses are global challenges and require immediate attention.
Bioactive components in ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus rind using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy.
Authors: Akintunde O G , Lairbe O C , Abakpa S A V , Thomas F C , Akinloye O A , Ajibola E S 
Published: August 2023

The knowledge of bioactive compounds present in a plant can be helpful in utilizing it for a medicinal purpose in life. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus rind (CLR) was done to identify bioactive compounds and selectivity or abundance percentage in ethanol extract of CLR. The extract was obtained by fractionating crude ethanol CLR extract in order of increasing polarity, n-Hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and ethanol. The GC-MS analysis was carried out on GC system comprising Gas Chromatograph interfaced to Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) instrument. The bioactive compounds obtained were compared with database of spectrum of known components stored in the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry library. The GC-MS analysis of ethanol extract of CLR revealed the presence of androst-4-en-9-thiocyanomethyl-11-ol-3,17-dione a steroid which is a precusor for androgen and estrogen production. As well as cyclooctasiloxane hexadecamethyl and octasiloxane hexadecamethyl in which both of them contain silicon an essential trace element for collagen and bone formation .The presence of these compounds validates the use of ethanol extract of CLR as a good antioxidants, antibacterial agents and stimulant in precursor of male reproductive hormone production. The ethanol extract of CLR can be of great value in ethno-veterinary practice.
Physicochemical, Biochemical and Genotoxic Profile of Subchronic Exposure of Wister Rats to Treated Crude Oil Exploration Water
Authors: Bakre A.G. , Layemo K.A. , Olayemi J.O. , Vikosen E.N. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Crude oil exploration water is the major waste product generated from petroleum exploration and production activities and is known to be a complex composition of numerous hazardous chemicals, including large quantities of heavy metals, inorganic, and organic substances and naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs).
Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the physicochemical, biochemical and genotoxic profile of subchronic exposure of Wister rats to treated crude oil exploration water (TCOEW).
Materials and Methods: Fifty rats were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, with ten rats per group, and treated with five concentrations (1%, 5%, 10% and 20%) of TCOEW. Each TCOEW concentration was administered for 90 days ad-libitum as normal drinking water to each group, while the control group was given tap water. Blood, liver, kidney, thymus, spleen and femoral bone of the animals were collected at the end of exposure for biochemical and histological assessments. The pH, conductivity, and turbidity were carried out on-site, while other physicochemical parameters were determined using standard laboratory methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α 0.05.
Results: Treated crude oil exploration water caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in RBC, PCV and Hb while other hematological and biochemical parameters showed no difference. Also, TCOEW cause a significant increase in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) in genotoxicity test and no major lesion were seen in the histopathology studies. Treated Crude Oil Exploration Water does not comply with FEPA standards of produced water due to high conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solid of the sample. The marked increase in micronuclei polychromatic erythrocyte formation (MNPCE) showed that TCOEW might be genotoxic and this could be responsible for the significant increase RBC, parked cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) observed.
Conclusion: Although TCOEW does not totally meet FEPA standard for effluent discharge, it has mild genotoxic effect.
Evaluation of Processing Methods for Formulated Tablets of <i>Loranthus micranthus</i>
Authors: Kwari J.H. , Olowosulu A.K. , Oyi A.R. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Loranthus micranthus is one of the many plants that has documented evidence of safety and efficacy in the management of many ailments and widespread use in almost every part of Nigeria. It is desirable to formulate it into a suitable dosage form for use by the populace.
Objectives: The research was aimed at formulating the aqueous leaf extract of L. micranthus into a tablet dosage form by wet granulation and direct compression methods.
Methods: For wet granulation method, maize starch, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and acacia were used as binders for the formulations each was used at 2, 3, 4 and 5 % w/w concentration in the tablet. The direct compression method involved the preparation of an extract containing material (ECM). Microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatnised starch, starlac and spray dried lactose were used as filler binders for the direct compression. All the formulated tablets were assessed by comparing the crushing strength-friability ratio (CSFR) and the disintegration time (DT) to select an optimum formulation that meets both mechanical and release properties.
Results: Using wet granulation method, maize starch and gelatin (at 3 %w/w) binder concentration as well as gelatin at 2 %w/w binder concentration produced the optimal formulations. The tablets formulated by direct compression all disintegrated within 10 min and below with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) tablets disintegrating at 7 min. In dissolution studies, all the optimized formulations released more than 70 % of the extract within 40 min with MCC releasing up to 98 % in 30 min.
Conclusion: Direct compression of the extract containing material produced improved tablet formulations than the wet granulation method.
Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used in the Management of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Gegele I. B. , Ajayi T.O. , Attah A.F. , Moody J.O. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent illness in older men. It is a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged and blocks the ease of urine passage out of the bladder. Around 50% of the male population develops symptoms of BPH around 51- 60 years of age. Current therapeutic management options come with undesirable side effects like weight gain, dizziness, and impotence, hence, the need to source for safer alternatives initiated by the acquisition, recording, and preservation of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants.
Objective: This study aims to preserve indigenous knowledge by documenting medicinal herbs in use as therapy for BPH.
Materials & method: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the study areas through interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. Respondents included elderly members of the communities, herbalists, and practitioners of traditional medicine. Quantitative ethnobotany index (Use value index) and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data.
Results: 50 respondents were interviewed, 64% were Herb sellers, 22% TMPs, Others 14%. 37 plants belonging to 24 plant families were mentioned in the survey. Methods of preparation of recipes mentioned includes: maceration (37%), decoctions (52%), juice (7%), infusions and paste/powder (4%). Method of administration were majorly oral route. The plant family Fabaceae (19%) had the highest representation. This was followed by the families Annonaceae (8%), Euphorbiaceae (6%), Curcubitaceae, Menispermaceae, Combretaceae, Apocynaceae and Rutaceae with 5% each. Other plant families represented 42% of the total number of plants mentioned.
Conclusion: The study areas are endowed with abundant flora which serves as a repository for researchers in the quest to develop less toxic drugs with little or no side-effect for the management of BPH
Microbial Contamination, Antimicrobial Activities of <i>Dissotis rotundifolia</i> Leaf: A Common Ethnomedicine for Ocular Diseases
Authors: Usanga V.U. , Agbo N.L. , Kalu M.E. , Ude U.A. , Azi S.O. 
Published: August 2023

Backgroud: Direct leaf extracts of Dissotis rotundifolia are commonly used in rural settings including Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria as traditional medicine for the treatment of eye injury and related diseases with limited information on the scientific basis of the microbiological quality/safety of the extract.
Objective: This study investigated the microbial quality, antimicrobial effects of D. rotundifolia direct leaf extract.
Materials and Methods: The extracts were evaluated for microbial contamination and stored for 5 days with daily screening for microbial quality. Antimicrobial test was assessed by agar diffusion at various concentrations against five clinical isolates namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii and Candida species. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined.
Results: The findings of the study showed that D. rotundifolia fresh direct extract was not contaminated by any pathogenic bacteria or fungi until after 2 days of storage. The fresh extract was significantly (p < 0.05) more contaminated with Aspergillus flavus (20%) and Aspergillus niger (80%) whereas Aspergillus niger was the only contaminant in the dry extract up to 5 days of storage. The extract significantly (< 0.05) inhibited the growth of all test organisms with zone of inhibition varying between 4mm (S. Pneumoniae) to 15mm (Candida species). MIC for Candida species was observed at 500mg/ml and 200mg/ml for other test organisms while MBC was 500mg/ml for other test organisms.
Conclusions: The findings of this study are supportive of the use of D. rotundifolia extract in the treatment of bacterial-related ocular diseases and inflammation.