Mammal Species Composition in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Ini Local Government Area (ILGA) is the home of biodiversity, rich in many species of fauna and flora. However, anthropogenic activities carried out by the inhabitants of this area have been a threat to the ecosystem, thereby exterminating the wildlife resources. The data for this study were collected from in-depth interviews with hunters, bushmeat markets, bushmeat sellers, indirect and direct wildlife survey methods, and a semi-structured questionnaire was employed for the household survey. A multiple sampling technique was adopted. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to stratify the study area into six strata (clans). A proportional sampling technique was used to select 11 villages. In contrast, 60 household heads were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. The study revealed seventeen (17) species of mammal, which accounted for four orders, with Rodentia being the highest (47%). Most species (94%) had the conservation status of Least Concern (LC) based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Furthermore, illegal hunting and deforestation for agriculture and infrastructural development in the area have led to the loss of wildlife habitats. Thus, a great need for conservation and management practices to protect these vulnerable mammals and their habitats is needed. Hunting laws, afforestation, and reforestation programs should be implemented.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Civil Service of Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria: An Epidemic with an Unmatched Response

Background: Worldwide, the burden of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors is rising with devastating impacts on the productive workforce. In developing nations, it has further led to an unstable population pyramid as a result of premature deaths of her workforce leading to the continued tapering of the pyramidal apex. Inspite of this, many studies were conducted among the general population neglecting the local government civil servants who are seen as policy implementers. Therefore, the study assessed the pattern of CV risk factors in South-western Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 local government workers selected by multistage sampling technique from July to September 2017. A pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic and behavioural information. Lipid analysis, anthropometric, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose measurements were done according to protocols. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25;bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square. Level of significance was at 5%. Results: The mean age of respondents was 46.0 ± 6.7 years. The proportion of participants with good knowledge of risk factors was 57.7%. The proportion of respondent with hypertension, visceral obesity, general obesity, diabetes, smoking and physical inactivity was 40.4%, 35.0%, 52.2%, 38.2%, 5.8% and 75.8% respectively. The prevalence of elevated total cholesterol (↑TC), raised low-density lipoprotein (↑LDLc), low high-density lipoprotein (↓HDLc) and elevated triglycerides (↑TGs) was 55.4%, 85.0%, 70.4% and 3.1% respectively. There was a higher proportion of elevated total cholesterol (TC) and LDLc among female respondents (p = 0.002;p = 0.009). Senior cadre staff had a higher proportion of respondents with raised ↓HDLc and ↑TGs (p = 0.031;p = 0.036). Age was associated with hypertension and was highest among respondents in 45 - 54 years age category (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of CV risk factors was higher compared with other studies in Nigeria and Africa. The findings illuminated a poor response to the rising burden of CV risk factors despite interventions put in place. This underscores the need for holistic preventive and control strategies with a view to reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria.

Vitamin E modulates androgen receptor gene expression to attenuate ovarian dysfunctions in a rat model of dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of vitamin E in dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary in rats.Methods:Premature female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups,with 7 rats in each group.Group栺received corn oil(vehicle)and served as the control group;group栻received 0.2 mL of 0.06 mg/g DHEA in corn oil;group栿received 200 mg/kg vitamin E;group桇received DHEA plus vitamin E.All treatments lasted for 15 days,with DHEA administered subcutaneously,while vitamin E and corn oil were administered orally.After the experiment,serum samples and ovaries were harvested for biochemical,immunohistochemical,hormonal,and histological analysis.The ovarian mRNA expression of androgen receptor was analyzed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Results:The antioxidant and metabolic enzyme activity significantly decreased in the DHEA-treated rats compared to the control rats(P<0.05).Administration of vitamin E to DHEAtreated rats significantly decreased cytokines and malondialdehyde compared to the DHEA-treated rats.The histological analysis showed reduced atretic and cystic ovaries,increased E-cadherin and Bcl-2 expression,and reduced expression of Bax in the DHEAtreated rats co-treated with vitamin E.The mRNA expression of androgen receptor was upregulated in the DHEA-treated rats compared to the control rats.Conclusions:Vitamin E ameliorates the hyperandrogenic effect of DHEA-induced polycystic ovaries via metabolic,antioxidant,and anti-apoptotic pathways.

Larvicidal efficacies and chemical composition of essential oils of Pinus sylvestris and Syzygium aromaticum against mosquitoes

Objective:To assess the chemical composition and mosquito larvicidal potentials of essential oils of locally sourced Pinus sylvestris(P.sylvestris)and Syzygium aromatkum(S.aromaticum)against Aedes aegypti(A.aegypti)and Culex quinquefasciatus(C.quinquefasciatus).Method:The chemical composition of the essential oils of both plants was determined using GCMS while the larvicidal bioassay was carried out using different concentrations of the oils against the larvae of A.aegypti and C.quinquefasciatus in accordance with the standard protocol.Results:The results as determined by GC-MS showed that oil of S.aromaticum has eugenol(80.5%)as its principal constituent while P.sylvestris has 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol,.alpha.,.alpha.4-trimethyl(27.1%)as its dominant constituent.Both oils achieved over 85%larval mortality within24 h.The larvae of A.aegypti were more susceptible to the oils[LC_(50)(S.aromaticum)=92.56 mg/L,LC_(50)(P.sylvestris)=100.39 mg/L]than C.quinquefasciatus[LC_(50)(S.aromaticum)=124.42 mg/L;LC_(50)(P.sylvestris)=128.00 mg/L].S.aromaticum oil was more toxic to the mosquito larvae than oil of P.sylvatris but the difference in lethal concentrations was insignificant(P>0.05).Condusioii:The results justify the larvicidal potentials of both essential oils and the need to incorporate them in vector management and control.

尼日利亚博尔努盆地沉积地层分布特征

利用博尔努盆地内23口探井的钻井、测井资料,借助于Excel、Petrel及Surfer等软件,确定了盆地Kerri-Kerri组、Gombe组、Fika组、Gongila组和Bima组及整个沉积地层的空间分布。对整个沉积地层空间分布研究发现,博尔努盆地共有3个主要坳陷(A、C、D)和1个构造高点B。坳陷A位于盆地东北部,坳陷C和D分别位于盆地东南部和西南部,构造高点B分隔坳陷A和坳陷C。Kerri-Kerri组、Gombe组、Fika组、Gongila组和Bima组在盆地广泛分布,但地层厚度存在变化;3口深层探井(Kadaru-1井、Herwa-1井及Kinasar-1井)仅钻揭Bima组上部层段(岩性为中—粗粒长石砂岩),对Bima组下部层段尚未钻遇。因此建议针对盆地内部的潜在含油气坳陷区开展深层钻探。

Larval habitats of mosquito fauna in Osogbo metropolis,Southwestern Nigeria

Objective:To determine the larval habitats of mosquito fauna and possible impact of land use/land cover changes on the epidemiology of mosquito-bome diseases in Osogbo metropolis,Southwestern,Nigeria.Methods:All accessible larval habitats were surveyed between May and September,2011in Osogbo metropolis while Land Use/Land cover of the city was analyzed using 2 Lansat Multispectral Scanner satellite imagery of SPOT 1986 and T.ANDSAT TM 2009.Results:A total of six species namely,Aedes aegypti,Aedes albopictus,Aedes vittatus,Anopheles gambiae complex,Culex quinquefascialus and Erelmapodite chrysogaster were encountered during the study.The occurrence and contribution of disused tyres was significantly higher(P<0.05)than the other habitats encountered,while there were no significant differences in the contribution of gutters/run-offs.septic tanks/drums,ground pools/open drains and discarded containers lo the breeding of mosquitoes(P>0.05).The accessible land use/land covered of the study area between 1986 and 2009 showed that the wet land coverage and settlement area increased from 0.19 lo 9.09 hectare and 1.00 to 2.01 hectare respectively while the forest area decreased from 60.18 to 50.14 hectare.Conclusion:The contribution of the habitats coupled with the increasing rale of flooded environment which could provide ample breeding sites for mosquitoes call for sustained environmental sanitation and management in Osogbo metropolis.

Proline and soluble sugars accumulation in three pepper species(Capsicum spp) in response to water stress imposed at different stages of growth

Drought is a major production constraint for major fruits and vegetable crops in the tropics. This study was conducted to in- vestigate the effect of limited water supply at three growth stages （vegetative, flowering and fruiting） on the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars in three pepper species. Seeds of the three pepper species, Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. annuum L. and C. frutescens L. were raised in a nursery and the seedlings were transplanted into seventy two plastic pots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates, 25 days after planting. Four water treatments, 200 mL of water supplied twice daily （W1）, once in every three days （W2）, once in every five days （W3）, and zero water supplied throughout growing period （W0） were imposed at three vegetative, flowering, and fruiting growth stages. Data were collected on relative water content, free proline and total soluble sugar. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan＇s multiple range test. Results show that the concentration ofproline and soluble sugar in leaves of the three pepper species were found to be remarkable at the different stages of growth in the stressed plants.

In vitro antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging evaluation of standardized extract of Costus afer leaf

Absolute methanol extract leaf of Costus afer was comprehensively investigated for free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant activities using battery of testing:1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)scavenging,hydroxyl radical scavenging,hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging,2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS)scavenging,nitric oxide inhibition,anti-lipid peroxidation,ferrous chelating potential,reducing power potential,total antioxidant capacity,cupric reducing antioxidant capacity CUPRAC and ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP).The content of phenol,flavonoid,cupric,anthocyanin were also investigated.The results suggest that the antioxidant potentials of the extract may be responsible for its medicinal potentials.Cell viability assay revealed that up to12g/ml of the extract is safe for Chang liver cell and no sign of toxicity was observed after the extract treatment of 2000 mg/kg in albino rats.

Stability Analysis of SIQS Epidemic Model with Saturated Incidence Rate

A SIQS epidemic model with saturated incidence rate is studied. Two equilibrium points exist for the system, disease-free and endemic equilibrium. The stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium exists when the basic reproduction number R0, is less or greater than unity respectively. The global stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium is proved using Lyapunov functions and Poincare-Bendixson theorem plus Dulac’s criterion respectively.

Adsorption of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution Using Steam-Activated Carbon Produced from <i>Lantana camara</i>Stem

This study investigated the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) present in wastewater onto the activated carbon produce from Lantana camara stem. The agricultural material (Lantana camara stem) was carbonized at 300°C for 2 h, ground and steam-activated. The Steam-Activated Lantana camara (SALC) stem carbon was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometry before and after adsorption. Batch model experiments were conducted at 20°C to study the effects of pH, agitation time, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration of methylene blue. The equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetics were investigated. The FTIR bands at 3500, 2500, 2196 and 1682 cm-1 were shifted to 3646.3, 3030, 2822, 1709.05 cm-1 after MB adsorption. Similarly, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the average pore size on the activated carbon was 20 μm. The Methylene Blue (MB) uptake increased with the increase in pH. Similarly, the dye adsorption increased as contact time increased, and reached equilibrium at 60 minutes. The removal of the dye increased when the dosage was increased from 0.5 - 2.0 g·L-1, at different dye concentrations (50 - 200 mg·L-1). The percentage removal decreased with increasing initial dye concentration for SALC. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.989) while the experimental data fitted very well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.99). This study suggests that adsorbent prepared from Lantana camara stem can be used effectively for the adsorption of methylene blue in wastewater.

Antidiabetic effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed on biomarkers of diabetes-induced nephropathy in rats

Objective:To investigate antidiabetic effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed(TECOSE)against biomarkers of diabetes-induced nephropathy in rats.Methods:Powdered seed(500 g)of TECOSE was extracted with 5 L of 100%methanol for 72 h followed by concentration of filtrate.Diabetes was induced in rats with 75 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal streptozotocin.The rats were randomly divided into five groups(n=5 in each group)namely group A-normal control,group B-diabetic control,groups C,D and E were diabetic rats treated with 500 mg/kg body weight TECOSE orally,7 mg/kg body weight metformin orally and subcutaneous 0.3 IU/kg body weight Humulin^R,respectively.All rats were treated once daily for 2 weeks.Blood samples and urine were collected for biochemical estimations.Kidney was harvested for histomorphological studies.Results:TECOSE(500 mg/kg body weight)significantly(P<0.05)reduced blood sugar levels as effective as metformin and insulin.The plant extract also significantly(P<0.05)reduced levels of serum urea,creatinine and uric acid,proteinuria,ketonuria,hematuria and glycosuria while it significantly(P<0.05)increased glomerular filtration rate.Histomorphological study of the kidney of untreated diabetic rats showed features suggestive of glomerulosclerosis and tubular necrosis while that of treatments with TECOSE extract,metformin and insulin showed near normal histoarchitectures.Conclusions:Streptozotocin at 75 mg/kg body weight induces diabetic nephropathy in rats and TECOSE possesses potentials to prevent diabetic renal damage.

The microstructural effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola(Linn) on the hippocampus and cerebellum of malnourished mice

Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult malnourished mice which were randomly assigned into four groups(n=8):A,B,C and D.Group A served as control,while the other groups served as the experimental groups.Animals in group A were fed malnourished diet ad libitum and given water liberally.Animals in group B were administered with 3-Nitropropionic acid(3-NP)(neurotoxin)only at 20 rag/kg body weight,group C were given only Garcinia kola extracts,and group D were pre-treated with Garcinia kola extracts at 200 mg/kg for seven days prior to administration of neurotoxin at 20 mg/kg body weight.After three days of neurotoxins administration in the relevant groups,the brains were excised and fixed in formal calcium for histological processing.Results:The study showed that hippocampal and cerebellar neurons of animals in group B exhibited some cellular degeneration and blood vessel blockage,which were not seen in groups A,C and D.Cresyl violet staining was least intense in group B than in groups A,C and D.Despite the fact that animals in group D has equal administration of 3-Nitropropionic acid concentration,there were no traces of neural degeneration as it was evidenced in group B.Conclusions:It is concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on the neurons of the hippocampus and cerebellum of malnourished mice.

尼日利亚西南部奥孙河沿线黑蝇Simulium damnosum Theobald complex的形态分类研究(双翅目：蚋科)(英文)

黑蝇Simulium damnosumsensu lato是由多个姊妹种组成的复合体,这些种在生态学和盘尾丝虫病的传播方面各不相同。本文对奥孙河沿线的尼日利亚西南部森林区域的黑蝇S. damnosum s.l.复合体的组成以及成虫的形态学特征进行了研究。本研究所用的黑蝇S. damnosum s.l.成虫标本来源于奥孙河沿线的3个区,分别是Osun Eleja,Osun Ogbere和Osun Budepo。标本采集通过人体诱捕的方式,采集时间从2008年2月至2009年6月上午7:00到下午6:00,每两周采集1次。通过观察成虫的翅毛簇(wing tufts)和其他形态特征,对其进行分类研究。结果表明:存在同域分布的森林种和稀树草原种。在奥孙河沿线3个区内,森林种为优势种,占总捕获量的99.18%,而稀树草原种仅占0.82%;森林种和稀树草原种在多度上存在显著差异(P<0.05)。所捕获的所有稀树草原种的翅毛簇均为灰白色,而捕获的森林种的翅毛簇颜色存在显著差异(P<0.05)。为了更清楚地揭示该地区黑蝇S. damnosum s.l.的物种组成,建议进行更深入的研究。

Equilibrium, Kinetic and Thermodynamics Studies of Adsorption of Aniline Blue from Aqueous Media Using Steam-Activated Carbon Prepared from <i>Delonix regia</i>Pod

The adsorption capacity of steam activated carbon prepared from Delonix regia pods SADRC for adsorption of Aniline Blue (AB) from aqueous solution was investigated under various experimental conditions. Batch study was conducted to assess the potential of the activated carbon for the removal of Aniline Blue from aqueous solution. Activated carbon prepared from Delonix regia pods was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometry before and after adsorption. The FTIR, spectra of SADRC pod before and after Aniline Blue adsorption were compared to study the impact of the Aniline Blue on the activated carbon developed from the Delonix regia pod. The stretching vibration band at 2169.54 cm-1 may be due to strong CN, while the stretching vibration band at around 1580 - 1650 cm-1 may be due to C=C stretching vibration. The bands around 1350 and 426.49 cm-1 are due to C-N and –SO3H group, respectively;this further suggests that some functional groups may be present on the surface of the carbon due to the low temperature of carbonization (300°C) of the adsorbent. Equilibrium isotherm studies were carried out by varying the following four parameters: initial concentration of Aniline Blue dye solution, solution pH and adsorbent dose. The equilibrium data obtained were more fitted to Langmuir than Freundlich isotherm models. The correlation coefficient value (R2) of the pseudo first order kinetics ranged from 0.08 to 0.85 while the R2 of the pseudo second order kinetics ranged from 0.963 to 0.997 at all the temperatures and initial concentrations considered. This suggests that the adsorption kinetics of Aniline Blue onto SADRC can be represented with pseudo second order kinetic model. This study showed that Delonix regia pod could be effectively used as an adsorbent for the removal of Aniline Blue from aqueous solutions over a wide range of concentration and temperature.

An Improved Algorithm for the Solution of Generalized Burger-Fishers Equation

In this paper, an improved algorithm for the solution of Generalized Burger-Fisher’s Equation is presented. A Maple code is generated for the algorithm and simulated. It was observed that the algorithm gives the solution with less computation. The solution gives a better result when compared with the numerical solutions in the existing literature.

Possible Bornu Basin Hydrocarbon Habitat—A Review

An attempt is made in this article to examine and assess the possible petroleum habitat in the Bornu Basin, which is the Nigerian portion of the Mega-Chad Basin that has been found to host oil and gas in commercial quantities in Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The presence of three of the fundamental geological factors (source rock, reservoir rock and seal/trap) for commercial hydrocarbon accumulation was assessed in the light of existing information. Available geochemical information reveals that the shales of the Bima, Gongila and Fika Formations in the Bornu Basin contain sufficient organic matter for hydrocarbon generation. Limited existing geochemical data suggest that the quantity and quality of the organic matter in the shales vary widely with the TOC of most samples ranging from 0.54 wt% - 1.25 wt% and the HI from 11 - 173.80 mg/g in intervals with Tmax in the range of 365°C - 519°C. In addition, the kerogen type is predominantly type III with minor type II, thus suggesting a predominant gas prone basin. Possible reservoir rocks occur as sand/sandstone beds within the Bima, Gombe, and Kerri-Kerri, as well the Gongila Formation which also contains much shale and limestone. Both stratigraphic and structural trapping conditions exist in the Bornu Basin. The structural traps were presumably formed during the widespread Santonian tectonic inversion that affected the entire Mega-Chad Basin. It is suggested that deeper drilling into the sands and sandstone of the untested Bima Formation that could host hydrocarbon of commercial quantities, as evidenced by the discoveries at deeper depths in the neighbouring Termit Basin, was desirable.