Ife Journal of Science

Meeting the nutritional needs of sub-Saharan Africa by exploring the potentials of Ackee seed aril - (Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig. - Sapindaceae) in southwest, Nigeria

2024-08-28T07:33:27+00:00

Blighia sapida commonly known as ackee, is a relatively well-known, yet mostly underutilized fruit tree crop of West Africa. The main aim of this study was to ascertain the nutritive components of locally cultivated ackee fruit arils with a view to establishing their nutritive potential. Ackee fruit arils were collected from the tree stands in various field locations within Southwest Nigeria and subjected to phytochemical, Fourier TransformInfrared, and proximate analyses. Results show the presence of phenols, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids in varying degrees in the phytochemical screening. FT-IR spectroscopy of the aqueous and methanol extracts indicated the presence of amines, phenols, alcohols, alkanes, esters, and aldehydes. The proximate analysis result revealed the presence of high moisture content, ash content, crude protein and fats, and low crude fibre in the ackee fruit aril. The confirmed presence of these active functional groups and nutritive constituents in the fruit underscores the antioxidant properties and nutritive benefits of the plant. Further work needs to be done to determine how to best elucidate active principles from the ackee aril in order to explore their potential as food additives to solve the nagging dietary imbalance issues ravaging the world.

Effect of antioxidant protection against ultraviolet radiation and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli

2024-08-28T07:44:06+00:00

Antioxidants possess both biological and physiological properties for preventing damage to cells induced by ultraviolet radiation. The study was conducted to observe the effect of some antioxidants on the survival rate of non-pathogenic and pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli. Solutions of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E were incorporated into sterile Petri dishes containing a fixed amount of the inoculums, the population of the bacterium was determined, and then exposed to ultraviolet light at varying degrees of time. After exposure, Vitamin A reduced cell number at every exposure time, with the highest reduction observed after 20 minutes of exposure time, from 68 cfu/ml to 57 cfu/ml for clinical E. coli (E1), while environmental E. coli (E2) isolate cell reduction was 41 cfu/ml at 20 minutes observed at concentrations 100 mg/100 ml. For vitamin C at a concentration 100 mg/100 ml, E1 reduced to 8 cfu/ml at 20 minutes. At 100mg/100ml, Vitamin E reduced E2 colonies to 11 cfu/ml at 20 minutes. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates showed that E1 showed resistance to 62.5% of the antibiotics tested against, while E2 was resistant to 50% of the antibiotics. This study revealed that at higher antioxidant concentrations, bacterial cells tend to be protected against the effects of UV radiation at a shorter exposure time.

Evaluation of antibacterial, phytochemical screening and GCMS profile of Paullinia pinnata Linn. leaf extracts against clinical wound isolates

2024-08-28T07:59:11+00:00

This study investigated the antibacterial properties, phytochemical constituents, and mode of action of Paullinia pinnata extracts on clinical wound isolates, and spectral features of the most active fraction. The Paullinia pinnata leaf was subjected to ethanol extraction and resulting solvent extract' concentrated to crude extract (Pp CE) using rotary evaporator at 4 - 40 ^oC followed by fractionation with column chromatography. The antimicrobial effects of the extracts were determined against the test organisms using agar diffusion methods. Investigation of phytochemical constituents of Paullinia pinnata crude extract (Pp CE) and Paullinia pinnata ethyl acetate fraction (Pp EA) were carried out using appropriate methods. The constituents of the plant were further determined using GC-MS and FT- IR. The data obtained showed that the antibacterial activity of crude extract Pp CE, at a concentration of 35 mg/ml, had the highest zone of inhibition (22.00 mm) against Staphylococcus sp. (C1). The MIC and MBC recorded were 2.19 and 17.50 mg/mL respectively. Phytochemical screening of Pp EA detected alkaloid, terpenoid, saponin, phenol, carbohydrate, and resin as found in the Pp CE, but with additional cardiac glycoside and sterols. The Pp CE fraction attained appreciable rate of kill against representative strains, likely achieved by the antibacterial compounds present in the plant extract. The GC-MS revealed trans-13- Octadecenoic acid as the major constituent of Pp EA fraction at 23.25%. The FT-IR of the Pp EA fraction unveiled hydroxyl group, (C=O) carbonyl group of ketone/aldehydes and C-C skeletal vibrations. Thus, this study suggests that the Pp EA fractions possess some antibacterial activities and can be considered for development into therapeutic drugs.

Experimental and computational studies on corn-silk doped molecular imprinted polymer for the sequestration of crystal violet from aqueous solution

2024-08-28T08:07:28+00:00

The capabilities of corn-silk doped molecularly imprinted polymer (CSDMIP) and its non-imprinted counterpart (CSDNIP), prepared using styrene as a functional monomer, in the adsorption of crystal violet (CV) dye were tested. The polymers were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorbent potency in the dye removal was investigated by varying the effect of pH, time, dye concentration and temperature. A good removal efficiency of CV in the range of 95-99% was achieved for the imprinted polymer. 2 Correlation coefficient R value was the criterion in order to select the best kinetic and isothermal models. Pseudo-second-order model displayed a better fitness for kinetics data compared to the Elovich, Weber-Morris and pseudo-first order models. Likewise, Freundlich isothermal model depicted a better fit for the adsorption 2 data for CV dye, demonstrating R values of 0.9998 and 0.9999 for both CSDMIP and CSDNIP, respectively. The adsorption process was described as spontaneous and exothermic attributable to the negative o o thermodynamic parametrical values of DG and DH . In comparison to other selected adsorbents, CSDMIP^-1 was found more efficient with Langmuir adsorption capacity of 181.82 mgg . In addition, the CSDMIP had an interestingly high reusability potential of ˃97% up to the sixth cycle. Computational study employed to validate the experimental analysis, gave a good result. Applicability of the developed adsorbent in real textile wastewater gave over 83% efficiency, suggestive of a promising adsorbent for the sequestration of CV from solution.

Antimalarial activity of caffeine, orally administered with a lipid-based formulation in a Murine model

2024-08-28T08:37:40+00:00

Despite Caffeine being known essentially for its psychoactive properties, an attempt was made in this study to investigate its potential antimalarial activity considering that it's an alkaloid and that the malaria parasite is a purine auxotroph. In the baseline experiment, caffeine was administered at three doses (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) once daily in suppressive and curative models. The observed chemosuppression activity was comparable to that of chloroquine (CQ) in both experiments. In the baseline suppressive experiment, a chemosuppression of 70.39% for CQ (at 10 mg/kg) was observed, while caffeine had 78.90%, 80.73% and 81.95% at the respective doses. However, the survival index estimated based on the rate of survival of the experimental animals for 28 days post infection, was very low (33%, 29% and 43% respectively, and the same trend was observed in the baseline curative experiment). This initial result showed that caffeine had potential as an antimalarial agent relative to the standard drug, chloroquine, and the lipid-based formulation must have played a role in ensuring that the caffeine had enhanced bioavailability. A follow-up experiment was conducted in which the caffeine was administered twice daily (at 20 mg/kg) in suppressive and curative experiments. The observed chemosuppression in the suppressive test (with twice daily administration), showed that caffeine at 20 mg/kg had similar antiplasmodial activity with chloroquine (10 mg/kg). Both had chemosuppression of 53.6% and 54.36%, respectively and a survival index of 100% was recorded for both compounds. The curative experiment that followed (also with twice daily administration) further showed that caffeine compares favourably with chloroquine. Caffeine exhibited 45.92%, 72.00%, 69.87% chemosuppression as compared to chloroquine with 20.97%, 65.64%, 60.95% for 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment respectively. Caffeine's survival index was very high and much better than what was observed in the once daily administration experiment. A survival index of 93% was observed in the twice daily administration curative experiment against the 53% survival index observed in the once daily curative experiment. It is assumed that apart from the fact that the lipid-based oral delivery system ensured that the caffeine was effectively absorbed, bypassing liver first-pass, the twice daily administration also helped to sustain large concentrations of the caffeine in the blood to offset the rapid clearance that caffeine is known for.

Isolation, characterization of ethanol-tolerant yeast from decaying oranges and pineapples for the production of bioethanol: A waste management option

2024-08-28T09:13:34+00:00

The increase in population has led to a high demand for petroleum, a nonrenewable fossil fuel; excessive use of which results in global warming causing health and environmental problems. Therefore, there is a need for urgent replacement with renewable energy such as Bioethanol. The study focuses on isolating, identifying, and confirming ethanol-tolerant yeasts from decaying oranges and pineapples obtained from local markets within the Ibadan Metropolis. Standard morphological, biochemical, analytical profile index (API), and physicochemical tests were carried out on the yeasts and ethanol produced respectively. The fruits were crushed, juice extracted and yeasts isolated with Yeast Extract Agar (YEA) and screened for ethanol, NaCl, and antibiotics tolerance. The brix level, titratable acidity, pH, and specific gravity of the ethanol produced were determined during fermentation from day zero to fourteen. The yeasts isolated were Candida valida, Pichia meri, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluveromyces fragilis, and K. marxianus. The pH and TTA were monitored from day 0 to day 14, a decrease in pH from 4.57 to 3.07 and an increase in TTA from 0.03 to 0.51 was observed as fermentation progressed. There was a significant reduction in reducing sugar level (brix) from 1.10 to 0.20; and specific gravity from 1.036 on day 0 to 1.005 on day 14. The lower the specific gravity, the higher the alcohol content. This means that the alcohol content increases as the specific gravity reduces. Moreover, the pH and the specific gravity reduced, and the ethanol content increased with fermentation time. This research concluded that decaying oranges and pineapples can serve as substrates for isolating of ethanol-tolerant yeasts and producing bioethanol, thus presenting a viable waste management solution.

Classification, geotectonic setting, and mineralization potential of the minor intrusion in the eastern margin of Igarra Schist Belt, southwestern Nigeria

2024-08-28T09:22:35+00:00

Petrographic and geochemical studies of the minor intrusion that occurs as sill in the eastern boundary of the Igarra Schist Belt with the granite-gneiss of the migmatite-gneiss complex were undertaken to classify it and determine its tectonic setting and mineralization potential. Petrographic study and geochemical classification revealed that the sill is microgranitic in composition, comprising an aggregate of medium grained microcline and quartz, and accessory actinolite, possibly formed by the alteration of hornblende. The geotectonic setting showed that the sill is orogenic, probably derived from the same upper mantle magma that got contaminated by crustal materials as Igarra batholith. A study of its mineralization potential revealed the microgranite to be intensely sheared being heavily brecciated, and contains quarts, quartzo-feldspathic and pegmatite veinsfeatures that predisposed it for mineralization. The average contents of Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cu and Fe are much higher than their average abundances in standard granites and could host iron oxide-copper -gold (IOCG) deposit with Ag, Au, Bi, Cu and Fe ore minerals.

Integrated geophysical and geological study of critical structural relationships influencing the occurrence of thrust systems, mega folds and strike-slip faults in southern Nigeria shield

2024-08-28T09:32:48+00:00

The understanding of the structural complexity and development of the Ifewara- Zungeru strike slip fault with other associated tectonic features, such as the Mega Oreke-Okegbo and Okemesi fold, the doubly plunging fold structures and the adjacent thrust belt is yet to be appraised in any publication. These features extend over an area of more than 800 square km and the different aspects of such regional intraplate strike-slip fault and associated structures are fully comprehended with Google Terrain Map and aeromagnetic data interpretation. This study aims to elucidate the critical structural relationships and overprinting relationships influencing the occurrence of the regional strike-slip faults, the folds and the thrust systems. The research provides detailed structural information about the mega Oreke-Okegbo fold and the adjacent thrust duplexes. The former was simply referred to as a shear zone, while the thrust duplexes have not been fully described in terms of nature and implication. The research proposes to produce illustrations and data compilations that will contribute to our knowledge of these structures and the potentiality of the associated mineral resources in this area.

Nutrient release and loss from leafy biomass of two agroforestry tree species through leaching under laboratory conditions

2024-08-28T10:22:45+00:00

No Abstract

Investigation into the curative potential of dietary vitamin c supplementation on atrazine toxicity: behaviour and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles (Burchell, 1822)

2024-08-28T11:06:11+00:00

Atrazine is one of the most widely used pesticides in Nigeria. Several studies have shown the toxic effects of this herbicide on aquatic organisms, such as fish. Thus, it is critical to identify mitigation options to protect the health of fish, particularly commercially important aquaculture species exposed to atrazine from agricultural runoffs. -1 This study investigated the toxic effects of 10, 20, and 30 µg L of atrazine on the behaviour and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles and the curative potentials of dietary Vitamin C supplementation. The fish samples were taken weekly from different tanks to determine the specific growth rate, condition factor, and behavioural pattern following sub-chronic exposure to atrazine. The exposed fish groups showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in their specific growth rate (SGR) and condition factor with increasing concentrations of atrazine. Atrazine exposure also resulted in behavioural anomalies, including erratic swimming, clinging to the water surface, loss of equilibrium, lethargy, and skin discolouration. Co-exposure with Vitamin C did not significantly improve the growth performance or ameliorate the observed behavioural impairments. Therefore, findings from this study indicate that atrazine interferes with the behaviour and growth performance of C. gariepinus juveniles. However, the antioxidant property of Vitamin C supplementation in the fish diet did not significantly mitigate the toxicity of atrazine in the exposed fish.

Improving the hydraulic and mechanical properties of a degraded paleustult: Potential of combined application of poutry manure and Portland cement

2024-08-28T11:24:56+00:00

Physical deterioration of soil poses threat to sustainable agricultural land use and there is the need for proactive management measures to address it. Despite research indicating the benefit of using cement to enhance soil properties, there is a dearth of scientific information on its co-application with organic manure. Therefore, influence of sole and combined applications of poultry manure (PM) and Portland cement (PC) on soil aggregation, hydraulic conductivity (K) and strength was investigated. The treatments consisted of factorial -1 combinations of PM and PC applications at four levels (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g kg soil) in three replicates to a Typic Paleusult in a screen house. The aggregate stability, K (6, 2 and 0.5 cm suctions) and strength were determined -1 using standard methods. Poultry manure applied at the rate of 5 g kg increased soil macro-aggregate stability -1 (combined total of 40.17%) and the near saturated hydraulic conductivity (0.83 cm day ) of the soil while PC -1 - significantly increased both soil properties (combined total of 38.71% and 0.61 cm day , respectively) at 2.5 g kg ¹ -1 rate. Soil strength peaked when PM (0.57 kPa) and PC (0.60 kPa) were applied at 10 and 5 g kg , respectively. The combination of PC and PM significantly increased macro-aggregate stability and soil strength although the PM limited the potential of the PC to strengthen the soil. The treatments showed potential in improving the soil aggregate stability, near saturated hydraulic conductivity and strength of the degraded soil with little to moderate agronomic limitations.

Remediation potential of (Pleurotus ostreatus and Eisenia fetida) on some heavy metals contents of crude oil polluted soil in Rivers State

2024-08-28T11:40:34+00:00

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Eisenia fetida (earthworm) and Pleurotus ostreatus (mushroom) in remediating heavy metals in soil polluted with crude oil at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% over six months. Standard chemical methods measured heavy metal contents, revealing that levels of Lead, Iron, Chromium, and Cadmium increased with higher crude oil concentrations. Lead levels rose from 0.39 mg/kg at 0% to 19.6 mg/kg at 10%, while Iron ranged from 26.1 to 3.27 mg/kg. After three months, mushrooms reduced heavy metals more effectively than earthworms, which showed minimal reduction at both three and six months. At 10% crude oil pollution over six months, mushrooms reduced Lead by 90%, Iron by 95%, Chromium by 75%, and Cadmium by 64%. Earthworms reduced lead by 70%, Iron by 60%, Chromium by 68%, and Cadmium by 54%. The study concluded that while both P. ostreatus and E. fetida supported soil remediation, P. ostreatus was more effective.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of volatile oils ofAllium cepa bulb and Carica papaya leaf against Balanogastris kolae infestation on stored Kolanuts

2024-08-28T11:51:53+00:00

This study investigated the phytochemicals present in the hexane extracts of red Allium cepa bulbs and Carica papaya leaves and the insecticidal activity of their essential oils against Balanogastris kolae. Saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, and cardiac glycosides were found in the hexane extracts of A. cepa bulbs and C. papaya leaves. The GC-MS analysis of these essential oils showed that the most abundant compounds in A. cepa oil were the aromatic compounds, which was about 32% of the whole constituents, followed by about 26% organosulfur compounds. In the C. papaya leaf oil, β-Bisabolene (9.3201%), Linalool (2.0773%) and Limonene (1.6953 %) were prominent. The contact toxicity assay showed that the insecticidal activity of essential oil of C. papaya leaf were stronger than that of A. cepa bulb at lower concentrations because after 24 hours of exposure to treatments, percentage mortality of B. kolae was higher in C. papaya, ranging from 65.27 (5% concentration) to 87.50 (15% concentration) compared to that of A. cepa which ranged from 8.06 (10% concentration) to 73.31 (20% concentration). Both A. cepa and C. papaya oil have no fumigant property as there was no statistical difference in percentage mortality across all the treatments.

Conclusion: C. papaya leaf and A. cepa bulb essential oils can be used as a bio-insecticide (contact toxicity) against B. kolae, as they compared favourably with synthetic insecticide, 2, 2 - Dimethyl dichloro vinyl phosphate (DDVP). This is the first report on the use of the essential oils of A. cepa bulbs and C. papaya leaf against Balanogastris kolae.

Production of β-fructofuranosidase fromAspergillus flavus IBK-02 using orange peel as a low-cost substrate: Optimization through response surface methodology

2024-08-28T12:03:32+00:00

β-fructofuranosidases have wide applications in diverse industrial sectors such as the food, confectionary, and pharmaceutical industries. This study was aimed at the optimization of β-fructofuranosidase production from a filamentous fungus, under submerged fermentation condition, using orange peel as a low-cost substrate. Fungi were isolated from decaying orange fruit and screened for β- fructofuranosidase production. The fungal strain with the most appreciable enzyme production was identified as Aspergillus flavus IBK-02 by the sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA. β-fructofuranosidase production from the selected fungus was optimized using the conventional one-at-a-time approach by studying the effect of each of the medium parameters incubation period, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, pH, and temperature on the enzyme production. Also, the influence of four independent parameters (initial pH, temperature, inoculum concentration, and orange peel concentration) on β-fructofuranosidase production was studied using the Box 2 Behnken Design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The coefficient of determination (R ) obtained was 0.9600 showing that the quadratic model used for the prediction was significant (P>0.05). At the end of the experiment, the optimal levels of the four significant variables (initial pH, temperature, inoculum concentration, and orange peel concentration) were 6, 35 ^oC, 2.0% v/v, and 2% w/v, respectively, which produced 122.48 U/mL β-fructofuranosidase. The enzyme production increased by about 5-fold in the optimum fermentation medium condition by RSM compared with the medium optimized through the onefactor-at-a- time approach. This study has revealed that the statistical process development for the production of β-fructofuranosidase from A. flavus IBK-02, using orange peel as a low-cost substrate, could be used for industrial and biotechnological applications.

Ameliorative and protective effects of a mixture of Aframomum melegueta, Syzygium aromaticum, AND Xylopia aethiopica on aflatoxicosis in broiler chicken

2024-08-28T12:19:24+00:00

Spices have been used since time immemorial for various purposes. This study investigated the biochemical and histological effect of a mixture of three spices (Aframomum melegueta, Syzygium aromaticum, and Xylopia aethiopica) commonly employed for various therapeutic activities on biochemical and histological derangements brought about by feeding broiler chickens with aflatoxin- contaminated diet. Twenty-five 6-week-old chickens were randomly placed in five groups containing five birds each. Birds in Groups I, II, and III were the normal, negative, and positive controls while groups IV and V were treated groups. The Chickens were sacrificed on the th 29 day. Tissues and organs were excised for biochemical and histological analyses. The results showed that consumption of an Aflatoxin B1-contaminated diet resulted in decrease in the concentrations and activities of bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, plasma ALT and AST, SOD, GPx, CAT, TC, TAG, VLDL, and LDL and decrease of liver ALT and AST, kidney ALP and GSH in the tissues and organs with respect to the control group. Histological analyses of the liver and kidney showed that Aflatoxin B1 caused architectural disruptions in the organs and tissues. However, all the metabolic derangements as well as structural alterations in livers and kidneys were ameliorated/ restored in both pre-treated and post-treated groups without causing any apparent distress to the birds. It is suggested that the inclusion of these spices in the diet of chickens has the potential for the prevention and management of aflatoxicosis.

Association of angiotensinogen rs699 single nucleotide polymorphism and pre-eclampsia in Lagos, Nigeria: A case-control study

2024-08-28T12:54:56+00:00

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that endangers the lives of bpth mother and child. Gene polymorphisms of Angiotensinogen have been shown to be associated with hypertension and since pre-eclampsia is basically hypertension in pregnancy, there might be a genetic correlation. Angiotensinogen rs699 (AGT rs699) polymorphism affects spiral arteries in the uterus and controls blood pressure. Various association studies of SNP for pre-eclampsia have yielded conflicting results. This study investigated the association of AGT rs699 and ascertain the socio-medical factors with pre-eclampsia amongst gestating women in Lagos, Nigeria. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from Health Research and Ethical committees. Thirty-eight (38) preeclamptic (P) and 39 normotensive (N) pregnant women from a selected maternity hospital were recruited for this study. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and present medical conditions were assessed using questionnaires. Blood samples were collected and AGT rs699 was genotyped. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, chi-square, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data obtained (p <0.05). The mean age and weight of women with pre-eclampsia were higher in preeclamptic women with no significant difference (P = 32.43 ± 5.76, N = 30.97 ± 4.54, and P =79.04 ± 10.28, N = 76.82 ± 15.35 respectively). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Systolic blood pressure (SBP), and Proteinuria were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients. Surprisingly, the incidence of AGT rs699 was significantly higher in 2 normotensive (82%) women than in preeclamptic women (17%) (X =29.150, p = 0.00001). A significant correlation was observed between AGT rs699 and SBP in normotensive patients (r2 = 0.201, p=0.003) and a negative correlation in preeclamptic patients. In contrast, AGT rs699 was negatively related to DBP with no statistical difference in both the normotensive and preeclamptic groups. In addition, no correlation nor significant differences were observed between AGT rs699 and the weights of the preeclampsic and normatensive women. In conclusion, this study revealed a negative significant association between preeclampsia and AGT rs699 among cases and the control population studied.

Antimicrobial property of Distemonanthus, Zanthoxylum, Morinda, and Moringa species on potato (Solanum tuberosum) postharvest bacterial tuber rot

2024-08-28T13:09:53+00:00

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a very important crop globally with a high value for human nutrition. Its productivity in Nigeria is hindered by bacterial rot disease, which is commonly managed with synthetic pesticides despite its detriment to humans and the environment. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of four botanicals (Distemonanthus benthamianus, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Zz), Morinda lucida, and Moringa oleifera (Mo) in vitro against four postharvest potato tuber rot-causing bacteria. One hundred rotted tubers were collected from four markets viz: Bodija, Sabo, and Apata, Ibadan (Oyo State), and Garki (Abuja). Three concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500mg/ml) of methanol extract of each of the botanicals were evaluated against the rot bacteria. The antimicrobial property of the most effective explant in vitro was evaluated in vivo against the rot bacteria. Four bacteria (Erwinia carotovora (Ec), Clavibacter species, Bacillus subtillis, and Pseudomonas syringe pv. Phaseolicola) were isolated and identified to be responsible for the potato rot. The severity of rot induced by the bacteria ranged between 39.77 and 46.34%. Distemonanthus benthamianus extract (at 500- 1500mg/ml) significantly (p<0.05) produced the highest antibacterial property in vitro against the four bacterial isolates, followed by Zz whereas the other explants showed no bacteriotoxic property except Mo against Ec only at 1500mg/ml. Distemonanthus benthamianus, next to Erythromycin (antibiotics), produced higher inhibition zones (5.0±0-9.3±3.1mm) on all the bacteria isolates than all other explants and significantly inhibited rot development in potato in vivo. The high antimicrobial potential of D. benthamianus against postharvest bacterial tuber rot of potato suggests a safe biopesticide for postharvest potato disease management

Radiological risk assessment in drinking water: evaluation of radon concentrations in Ondo town, southwestern Nigeria

2024-08-28T13:44:42+00:00

Radon exposure is a significant public health risk, accounting for 3-14% of all lung cancer cases. Radon exposure is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in smokers and the first among nonsmokers. This study evaluates radon concentrations and assesses the annual effective doses of radon via ingestion and inhalation in drinking water sources in Ondo town. For this purpose, forty samples of groundwater used for drinking were analyzed for radon concentration using RAD7 alpha spectrometry. Activity concentrations of radon in Ondo town ranges from 0.41 to 5.57 Bql^-1 with an average value of 1.94 Bql^-1 . The mean concentration of radon is -1 substantially lower than the United State Environmental Protection Agency suggested limit of 11.1 Bql^-1 . The annually effective dosage for ingestion for infants (10.28 µSvy ), children (3.78 µSvy ) and adults (4.96 µSvy ) and inhalation (0.005 µSvy ) were below the action level value of 0.1 mSvy suggested by World Health -1 Organization and 3-10 mSvy proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The data and results from this study could serve as a guide for future policies guiding the development, operation, and preservation of groundwater resources in the investigated region.

Antimicrobial activity and molecular reactivity of phenylthiosemicarbazones containing the Thiophenyl Nucleus and their Cu(ii) complexes

2024-08-28T14:10:28+00:00

The antimicrobial activity and molecular reactivity of two phenylthiosemicarbazone ligands containing the thiophenyl nuclues (L & L ) with their Cu(II) complexes have been investigated. The thiosemicarbazone ligands 1 2 were obtained by condensing 4- phenylthiosemicarbazone with 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde and 3-methyl-2- thiophene carboxaldehyde respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the ligands and the metal complexes were evaluated using gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. In addition the compounds were further characterised with various global molecular reactivity descriptors using DFT calculations. The compounds exhibited mild inhibition against the bacterial strains, especially Staphylococus aureus and Escherichiia coli. In addition, the activity of the uncomplexed thiosemicarbazones became enhanced upon chelation with Cu(II) ions. The DFT studies showed that ligand L is more reactive than L and the energy gaps for the complexes were 1 2 0.936 eV and 1.103 eV for [CuL ] and [CuL ] respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that the copper(II) 1 2 complexes are soft molecules having higher molecular reactivity, high electro-optic responses and low kinetic stability than their respective ligands.

Setting conservation priorities for mimosoides of medicinal importance in Northern part of Katsina State, Nigeria

2024-08-28T14:43:58+00:00

Katsina State is experiencing rapid desertification, primarily caused by factors like habitat destruction from human-made disasters such as military operations against insurgents, conversion of land for housing due to population growth, and extensive logging for fuel and construction purposes. These factors are significantly endangering the diversity of medicinal plants in the region. In this study, an attempt was made to document the ethnobotanical knowledge, cultural importance and vulnerability index of some highly utilized Mimosaceae species of Katsina with a view of proposing conservation priorities. Semi-structured questionnaire method was employed to obtain information on the cultural utilization of the species from purposively identified respondents. Results revealed that 12 Mimosoid species are utilized for seven (7) cultural purposes (medicine, fuel, technology, fencing, ornamental, ink production and tanning). Cultural Importance Index revealed that the species are mostly used for medicinal purpose and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) revealed that Vachellia nilotica is the most widely used species for that purpose. Leaves appeared to be the most frequently used plant's organ and medications were mostly prepared as decoction while oral was the most common route of administration. Vachellia sieberiana had the highest Vulnerability Index followed by Vachellia nilotica, Vachellia seyel and Senegalia hockii. Conservation efforts toward protecting these species from becoming lost are strongly recommended.

Response surface methodology approach of inducing amylolytic enzymes from Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua grains

2024-08-28T15:01:30+00:00

In this study, amylolytic enzymes were induced and extracted from the grains of Digitaria exilis (Acha) and Digitaria iburua (Iburu) which are underutilized African cereals. These findings can aid in determining the suitability of enzymes from the grains as a suitable alternative to enzymes from other tropical cereals. Whole grains of Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua (100 g) were steeped in water and water containing phosphate salt for 24 h at room temperature and germinated in a locally constructed malting chamber for six (6) days. The most appropriate pH and temperature conditions for the induction of amylolytic enzymes in the grains were selected based on the central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM). The amylolytic activities of crude extracts from harvested malts of D. exilis and D. iburua were measured by assaying the reducing sugar released from starch the using dinitrosalicylic acid method and soluble proteins were quantified by the Bradford method. The highest amylolytic enzyme activities were 17,948 and 24,337 units/mg protein for D. exilis and D. iburua respectively on day two (2) of the malting process. RSM showed that the maximum induction of amylolytic activity in grains of D. exilis and D. iburua was achieved by steeping in water containing phosphate salt at pH 6.5 and temperature of 22.5°C.The study concluded that grains of D. exilis and D. iburua were rich sources of amylases and could be of valuable for various biotechnological applications through studies of their physicochemical properties.

Evaluating unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a tropical soil amended with organomineral fertilizer at various time scales in a screenhouse in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

2024-08-28T15:09:23+00:00

No Abstract

Review of amylase production by microorganisms and their industrial application

2024-08-28T15:15:41+00:00

The enzyme amylase is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of starch into sugars. There are three different kinds of amylase: gamma, beta, and alpha. It has been reported that microbes produce all the three types of amylase. Microbial amylases derived from fungi and bacteria are primarily employed in a variety of sectors and have enormous potential application in industries. This review documents the application of microbial amylase across different industries.