CRX-527 as a candidate adjuvant in a recombinant BCG-based malaria vaccine

Objective:To investigate the role of CRX-527,a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist,as the possible adjuvant for recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin expressing merozoite surface protein 1C(BCG-MSP-1C).Methods:The mice were immunized with BCG and BCG-MSP-1C in the presence and absence of CRX-527.The untreated mice(injected with PBS-T80 only)were the negative control.The ability of CRX-527 to enhance IgG and its subclasses,as well as IL-4 and IFN-γproduction in the serum and spleen supernatant was evaluated using ELISA.Results:Mice immunized with BCG-MSP-1C exhibited the highest production of IgGs,IL-4 and IFN-γafter third immunization.In addition,CRX-527 further promoted the production of total IgG and IgG subclasses as well as IFN-γand IL-4 in the serum and splenocytes of immunized mice.Conclusions:CRX-527 has the potential as an adjuvant candidate for the candidate vaccines.Further study is needed to verify appropriate dosage for immunization and its efficacy.

Open-Source Software Defined Networking Controllers:State-of-the-Art,Challenges and Solutions for Future Network Providers

Software Defined Networking(SDN)is programmable by separation of forwarding control through the centralization of the controller.The controller plays the role of the‘brain’that dictates the intelligent part of SDN technology.Various versions of SDN controllers exist as a response to the diverse demands and functions expected of them.There are several SDN controllers available in the open market besides a large number of commercial controllers;some are developed tomeet carrier-grade service levels and one of the recent trends in open-source SDN controllers is the Open Network Operating System(ONOS).This paper presents a comparative study between open source SDN controllers,which are known as Network Controller Platform(NOX),Python-based Network Controller(POX),component-based SDN framework(Ryu),Java-based OpenFlow controller(Floodlight),OpenDayLight(ODL)and ONOS.The discussion is further extended into ONOS architecture,as well as,the evolution of ONOS controllers.This article will review use cases based on ONOS controllers in several application deployments.Moreover,the opportunities and challenges of open source SDN controllers will be discussed,exploring carriergrade ONOS for future real-world deployments,ONOS unique features and identifying the suitable choice of SDN controller for service providers.In addition,we attempt to provide answers to several critical questions relating to the implications of the open-source nature of SDN controllers regarding vendor lock-in,interoperability,and standards compliance,Similarly,real-world use cases of organizations using open-source SDN are highlighted and how the open-source community contributes to the development of SDN controllers.Furthermore,challenges faced by open-source projects,and considerations when choosing an open-source SDN controller are underscored.Then the role of Artificial Intelligence(AI)and Machine Learning(ML)in the evolution of open-source SDN controllers in light of recent research is indicated.In addition,the challenges and limitations associated with deploying open-source SDN controllers in production networks,how can they be mitigated,and finally how opensource SDN controllers handle network security and ensure that network configurations and policies are robust and resilient are presented.Potential opportunities and challenges for future Open SDN deployment are outlined to conclude the article.

华东4个鹌鹑群体微卫星标记的遗传多样性检测(英文)

在DNA水平上检测了华东地区4个亲源关系不同的鹌鹑群体的3个微卫星座位遗传变异,每一位点均检测到4~5个等位基因,各位点的基因多态比例接近100%。为检测这一地区鹌鹑遗传多态性水平,估计了每个位点的基因杂合度和各群体的基因平均杂合度。结果表明:基因平均杂合度为(0.462 7±0.03)^(0.634 5±0.05),4个群体的平均值按由小到大排列分别为0.462 7、0.514 6、0.554 9和0.634 5,平均有效等位基因数为(1.868 8±0.12)^(2.798 1±0.43),平均多态信息含量为0.376 7~0.571 3,累积辨别力达到95.76%;聚类分析表明,华东地区鹌鹑群体间存在高水平的遗传变异,微卫星标记检测鹌鹑群体间的遗传多样性非常合适。

蛋白/蔗糖酯界面作用对冰淇淋脂肪球低温失稳的影响

采用脱脂乳蛋白和大豆分离蛋白两种不同组成和结构的蛋白质构建冰淇淋乳液,通过分析蛋白质/蔗糖酯的红外光谱、脂肪球表面蛋白质吸附特性、zeta电位、粒径以及搅打凝冻后乳液的微观结构,研究蔗糖酯质量分数对两种蛋白乳液体系脂肪球低温失稳的影响;在最佳蔗糖酯质量分数条件下,采用大豆分离蛋白对乳蛋白进行不同比例的替代,探究不同蛋白组成对脂肪球低温失稳作用及冰淇淋特性的影响。结果表明:蔗糖酯与乳蛋白和大豆分离蛋白在脂肪球表面的界面作用存在复合和竞争性吸附两种作用机制。当蔗糖酯质量分数增加至0.3%时,蔗糖酯与蛋白质的界面作用主要以竞争吸附为主,此时两种蛋白冰淇淋乳液体系中,蛋白质在脂肪球界面的吸附量显著降低,脂肪球部分聚结失稳程度较高。在蔗糖酯质量分数为0.3%和不同蛋白质组成条件下,当脱脂乳蛋白与大豆分离蛋白的蛋白比例为7∶3时,更有利于脂肪球的低温部分聚结失稳,此时冰淇淋具有较高的膨胀率和最佳的抗融性。

Geochemistry and multivariate statistical evaluation of major oxides, trace and rare earth elements in coal occurrences and deposits around Kogi east, Northern Anambra Basin, Nigeria

The Cretaceous Mamu Formation coal samples located within the Northern Anambra Basin were collected, analysed and interpreted using multivariate statistical approach to determine the major, trace and rare elements association with a view to determine the source of the terrestrial rocks, palaeoweathering/climatic conditions and tectonic setting. The dominant oxides such as SiO2, A12O3, Fe2O3, TiO2 and CaO were identified in the coal to suggest terrigenous origin. The ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 of 4.8 suggests that the coal was formed from low land peat associated with freshwater continental marine or blackish water with low salinity as indicated by Sr/Ba and CaO + MgO/K2O + Na2。ratios. The major oxides also revealed stable condition of deposition, low degree of tectonic setting but constant subsidence in the basin. The condition of deposition was acidic in nature as indicated by TiO2/Zr plot. Based on the abundance of Zr, Zn, Ba, Ni, Co, Sr, V, and Y, moderate salinity, sub-oxic to oxic bottom water condition was prevalent and also indication of marine influence. Based on the ratios of La/Yb;La/Sm and Gd/Yb, LREE has higher enrichment than HREE. Humid climatic conditions were observed at the coal formation stage while weak laterization to kaolinization was also evidence.

The composition and diversity of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps under different intensities of forest disturbance

The positive ecological interaction between gap formation and natural regeneration has been examined but little research has been carried out on the effects of gaps on natural regeneration in forests under different intensities of disturbance.This study evaluates the composition,diversity,regeneration density and abundance of natural regeneration of tree species in gaps in undisturbed,intermittently disturbed,and disturbed forest sites.Bia Tano Forest Reserve in Ghana was the study area and three gaps each were selected in the three forest site categories.Ten circular subsampling areas of 1 m2 were delineated at 2 m spacing along north,south,east,and west transects within individual gaps.Data on natural regeneration<350 cm height were gathered.The results show that the intensity of disturbance was disproportional to gap size.Species diversity differed significantly between undisturbed and disturbed sites and,also between intermittently disturbed and disturbed sites for Simpson’s(1-D),Equitability(J),and Berger-Parker(B-P)indices.However,there was no significant difference among forest sites for Shannon diversity(H)and Margalef richness(MI)indices.Tree species composition on the sites differed.Regeneration density on the disturbed site was significantly higher than on the two other sites.Greater abundance and density of shade-dependent species on all sites identified them as opportunistic replacements of gap-dependent pioneers.Pioneer species giving way to shade tolerant species is a natural process,thus make them worst variant in gap regeneration.

Comparison of three PCR methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA and detection of cagA gene in gastric biopsy specimens

AIM:To comparatively evaluate PCR and other diagnostic methods (the rapid urease test and/or culture) in order to determine which of the three PCR methods (ureA,glmM and 26-kDa,SSA gene) was most appropriate in the diagnosis of Helicobacterpylori(Hpylori) infection and also to evaluate the detection of a putative virulence marker of H pylori,the cage,gene,by PCR in biopsy specimens. METHODS:One hundred and eighty-nine biopsy specimens were collected from 63 patients (three biopsies each) undergoing upper gastroduodenal endoscopy for various dyspeptic symptoms.The PCR methods used to detect H pylori DNA directly from biopsies were the glmM,26-kDa, ureA and then cagA was used to compare the culture technique and CLO for urease with the culture technique being used as the gold standard. RESULTS:Thirty-five percent of the biopsies were positive for H pylori DNA using the 3 PCR methods,while 68% of these were positive for the cagA gene.Twenty-four percent of the biopsies were negative for H pylori DNA in all PCR methods screened.The remaining 41% were either positive for ureA gene only,glmM only,26-kDa only,or ureA+glmM, ureA+26-kDa,glmM+26-kDa.Out of the 35% positive biopsies,41% and 82% were positive by culture and CLO respectively,while all negative biopsies were also negative by culture and cagA.Cag A+ infection was also predominantly found in H pylori DNA of the biopsies irrespective of the clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION:This method is useful for correctly identifying infections caused by H pylori and can be easily applied in our laboratory for diagnostic purposes.

Oxyphyllones A and B,novel sesquiterpenes with an unusual 4,5-secoeudesmane skeleton from Alpinia oxyphylla

Two novel 4,5-secoeudesmane sesquiterpenoids, oxyphyllones A （1） and B （2） were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 21） NMR spectra. These two compounds are the first example of naturally occurring sesquiterpenoids with a 4,5-secoeudesmane skeleton in the family of Zingiberaceae and oxyphyllone A （1） is the first 4,5-secoeudesmane type of 13-norsesquiterpenoid. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited no cytotoxicities against three cancer cell lines at 10 μg/mL. ？ 2009 Ning Hua Tan. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Yield and mechanical properties of veneer from Brachystegia nigerica

In an effort to find suitable wood from natural forest to meet the demand for veneer products, the yield and tensile strength of veneers produced from Brachystegia nigerica were investigated. Two trees of B. nigerica were separately selected from 10 different natural forest zones while two logs were obtained from each tree. The logs were debarked and steamed in a vat prior to rotary peeling and slicing for veneer production. The optimum steam temperature was determined by considering different temperatures： 50℃, 60℃, 70℃, 80℃ and 90℃ for 24 h. Thereafter, optimum steam time was determined at the optimum temperature by considering durations of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The average taper of 0.75 mm per 1.0 m length was recorded for B. nigerica, indicating that the logs were reasonably cylindrical; thereby its logs are good for the production of veneer. The yield ranged from 44% to 61% with an average of 52% of the log input. The tensile strength of the veneer was tested perpendicular to grain and both peeled and sliced veneers had the highest tensile strength between 70℃ and 90℃, suggesting that softening of wood polymers, especially lignin, is between 70℃ and 90℃. The optimum temperature and time for veneer production are 70℃ and 48 h, respectively. Commercial production of veneer from B. nigerica is feasible based on the yield and mechanical properties of the obtained veneer, thereby encouraging the expansion of the scope of its utilization.

Phenolic composition and inhibitory activity of Mangifera indica and Mucuna urens seeds extracts against key enzymes linked to the pathology and complications of type 2 diabetes

Objective:To investigate the phenolic compounds composition and the inhibitory activity of Mangifera indica(M.indica) and Mucuna urens(M.urens) seeds extracts against some key enzymes(-amylase,-glucosidasc and aldose reductase) implicated in the pathology and complications of type 2 diabetes in vitro.Methods:Reverse phase chromatographic quantification of the major flavonoids and phenolic acids in the seeds extracts was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection.The inhibitory activities of the seeds extracts against-amylase and-glucosidase were estimated using soluble starch and p-nitrophenylglucopyranosidc as their respective substrates.Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by the extracts was assayed using partially purified lens homogenate of normal male rat as source of enzyme;inhibition of Fe^(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation by extracts was tested in rat pancreas homogenate.Results:The chromatography result revealed that extracts of both seeds had appreciable levels of some major flavonoids and phenolic acids of pharmacological importance,including gallic acid,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,ellagic acid,catechin,rutin,quercitrin.quercetin and kaempferol.Extracts of both seeds effectively inhibited-amylase,-glucosidase and aldose reductase activities in a dose-dependent manner,having inhibitory preference for these enzymes in the order of aldose reductase>-glucosidase>-amylase.With lower half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC50)against-amylase,-glucosidase,and aldose reductase,M.indica had stronger inhibitory potency against these enzymes than M.urens.Extracts of both seeds also inhibited Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent pattern,with M.indica being more potent than M.urens.Conclusions:The results obtained provide support for a possible use of M.indica and M.urens seeds in managing hyperglycemia and preventing the complications associated with it in type 2diabetes.

Attenuation of oxidative stress and hepatic damage by some fermented tropical legume condiment diets in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Objective:To investigate the modulatory effect of fermented legume condiments diet on oxidative stress in streptozotocin(STZ) induced diabetic rats.Methods:Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups with six animals in each group.Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ(35 mg/kg b.w.).After being confirmed diabetic,the rats were fed with fermented Bambara groundnut.Locust bean and Soybean diets for 14 days.The plasma was obtained after 14-day treatment and analyzed for hepatic damage marker enzymes(AST,ALT and ALP) and in vivo antioxidant indices.Results:The diabetic untreated rats showed elevated (P【0.05) levels of AST,ALT.ALP and malondialdehyde with reduced activities of glutathiones -transferase,catalase as well as plasma reduced glutathione,vitamin C and total protein content.However,treatment of diabetic rats with lermenled legume condiments diets for 14 days significantly(P【0.05) reversed the above parameters towards normalcy,suggesting their modulation of oxidative stress,which mav be due to their high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity.Conclusions:The attenuation of oxidative stress and protection of hepatic tissue damage by the legume condiment diets in STZ induced diabetic rats compare favourably with that of metformin,a well known oral hypoglycemic drug.

饵料中添加维生素C对非洲鲶鱼幼鱼生长和营养利用效率的影响(英文)

通过研究非洲鲶鱼(Clarias gariepinus)的生长和营养利用来探讨其维生素C的需求量。平均体重为6.02g±0.4g的鲶鱼幼鱼被放置在60cm×45cm×45cm的玻璃缸中,每缸10条鱼,每个处理设3个重复。5组饵料中粗蛋白的含量均为40%,并测定且其基础饲料中维生素C的含量。在第1、2、3、4和5组中,其饵料中维生素C多聚磷酸酯的添加量依次为0(对照)、50、100,150和200mg/kg。每天用这些饵料喂鱼两次,分别在格林尼治时间的9:00和16:00喂食。鲶鱼幼鱼每周称重一次,以便进行统计分析。通过其生长和营养利用效率进行生物学评估。结果表明,特定生长率、食物转换率、蛋白质效率和食物效率在所有组中彼此间都有显著差异。综合所有实验结果看,添加维生素C多聚磷酸酯150mg/kg的第4组,幼鱼的生长和营养利用效率最好。

Gastroenterology in developing countries:Issues and advances

Developing countries shoulder a considerable burden of gastroenterological disease. Infectious diseases in particular cause enormous morbidity and mortality. Diseases which afflict both western and developing countries are often seen in more florid forms in poorer countries. Innovative techniques continuously improve and update gastroenterological practice. However, advances in diagnosis and treatment which are commonplace in the West, have yet to reach many developing countries. Clinical guidelines, based on these advances and collated in resource-rich environments, lose their relevance outside these settings. In this two-part review, we first highlight the global burden of gastroenterological disease in three major areas： diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis B, and Helicobacter pylori. Recent progress in their management is explored, with consideration of future solutions. The second part of the review focuses on the delivery of clinical services in developing countries. Inadequate numbers of healthcare workers hamper efforts to combat gastroenterological disease. Reasons for this shortage are examined, along with possibilities for increased specialist training. Endoscopy services, the mainstay of gastroenterology in the West, are in their infancy in many developing countries. The challenges faced by those se^ing up a service are illustrated by the example of a Nigerian endoscopy unit. Finally, we highlight the limited scope of many clinical guidelines produced in western countries. Guidelines which take account of resource limitations in the form of ＂cascades＂ are advocated in order to make these guidelines truly global. Recognition of the different working conditions facing practitioners worldwide is an important step towards narrowing the gap between gastroenterology in rich and poor countries.

Characterization of cobalt ferrite-supported activated carbon for removal of chromium and lead ions from tannery wastewater via adsorption equilibrium

In this experiment,cobalt ferrite-supported activated carbon(CF-AC)was developed and characterized via the wet impregnation method for the removal of Cr and Pb(II)ions from tannery wastewater.Batch adsorption was carried out to evaluate the effect of experimental operating conditions(pH of solution,contact time,adsorbent dose,and temperature),and the removal efficiencies of Cr and Pb(II)ions by the developed adsorbents were calculated and recorded for all experimental conditions.These variables were estimated and reported as removal efficiencies of 98.2%for Cr and 96.4%for Pb(II)ions at the optimal conditions of 5,0.8 g,80 min,and 333 K for pH,adsorbent dose,contact time,and temperature,respectively.The equilibrium for the sorption of Cr and Pb(II)ions was studied using four widely used isotherm models(the Langmuir,Freundlich,Dubinin-Radushkevich,and Temkin isotherm models).It was found that the Freundlich isotherm model fit better with the coefficient of determination(R2)of 0.9484 and a small sum of square error of 0.0006.The maximum adsorption capacities(Qm)of Pb(II)and Cr adsorbed onto CF-AC were determined to be 6.27 and 23.6 mg/g,respectively.The adsorption process conformed well to pseudo-second order kinetics as revealed by the high R2 values obtained for both metals.The thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of Cr and Pb(II)ions onto CF-AC was spontaneous,feasible,and endothermic under the studied conditions.The mean adsorption energy(E)values revealed that the adsorption mechanism of Cr and Pb(II)by CF-AC is physical in nature.The results of the study showed that adsorbent developed from CF-AC can be efficiently used as an environmentally friendly alternative adsorbent,for removal of Cr and Pb(II)ions in tannery wastewater.

Functional roles of taurine,L-theanine,Lcitrulline,and betaine during heat stress in poultry

Heat stress(HS)is an important environmental stress factor affecting poultry production on a global scale.With the rise in ambient temperature and increasing effects of global warming,it becomes pertinent to understand the effects of HS on poultry production and the strategies that can be adopted to mitigate its detrimental impacts on the performance,health,welfare,immunity,and survival of birds.Amino acids(AAs)have been increasingly adopted as nutritional modifiers in animals to ameliorate the adverse effects of HS.They are essential for protein synthesis,growth,maintenance,reproduction,immunity,stress response,and whole-body homeostasis.However,HS tends to adversely affect the availability,transport,absorption,and utilization of these AAs.Studies have investigated the provision of these AAs to poultry during HS conditions,and variable findings have been reported.Taurine,L-theanine,and L-citrulline are non-essential amino acids that are increasingly gaining attention as nutritional supplements in HS animals.Similarly,betaine is an amino acid derivative that possesses favorable biological properties which contributes to its role as a functional additive during HS.Of particular note,taurine is negligible in plants,while betaine,L-theanine,and L-citrulline can be found in selected plants.These nutrients are barely found in feed ingredients,but their supply has been shown to elicit important physiological roles including anti-stress effects,anti-oxidative,anti-inflammatory,gut promoting,and immunomodulatory functions.The present review provides information on the use of these nutritionally and physiologically beneficial nutrients as functional additives to poultry diets during HS conditions.Presently,although several studies have reported on the positive effects of these additives in human and murine studies,however,there is limited information regarding their utilization during heat stress in poultry nutrition.Therefore,this review aims to expound on the functional properties of these nutrients,their potentials for HS alleviation,and to stimulate further researches on their biological roles in poultry nutrition.

Effect of WO3 Nanoparticle Loading on the Microstructural, Mechanical and Corrosion Resistance of Zn Matrix/TiO2-WO3 Nanocomposite Coatings for Marine Application

In this study, for marine application purposes, we evaluated the effect of process parameter and particle loading on the microstructure, mechanical reinforcement and corrosion resistance properties of a Zn-TiO2-WO3 nanocomposite produced via electrodeposition. We characterized the morphological properties of the composite coatings with a Scanning Electron Microscope （SEM） equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer （EDS）. We carried out mechanical examination using a Dura Scan hardness tester and a CERT UMT-2 multi-functional tribological tester. We evaluated the corrosion properties by linear polarization in 3.5% NaCl. The results show that the coatings exhibited good stability and the quantitative particle loading greatly enhanced the structural and morphological properties, hardness behavior and corrosion resistance of the coatings. We observed the precipitation of this alloy on steel is greatly influenced by the composite characteristics.

Fusarium wilt of banana:Current update and sustainable disease control using classical and essential oils approaches

Fusarium species were reported to produce biofilms.Biofilms are superficial societies of microbes bounded and endangered by being situated or taking place outside a cell or cells.The most destructive fungal diseases caused by phytopathogens are as a result of biofilms formation.Fusarium wilt of banana(Panama disease)is caused by a soil-borne pathogen called Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense.Fusarium oxysporum occurs in a form of a species complex(FOSC)which encompasses a crowd of strains.Horizontal genetic factor transfer may donate to the observed assortment in pathogenic strains,while sexual reproduction is unknown in the FOSC.Fusarium wilt is a notorious disease on several crops worldwide.Yield loss caused by this pathogen is huge,and significant to destroy crop yields annually,thereby affecting the producer countries in various continents of the world.The disease is also resistant to various synthetic chemical fungicides.However,excessive use of synthetic fungicides during disease control could be lethal to humans,animals,and plants.This calls for alternative eco-friendly management of this disease by targeting the biofilms formation and finally suppressing this devastating phytopathogen.In this review,we,therefore,described the damage caused by Fusarium wilt disease,the concept of filamentous fungal biofilms,classical control strategies,sustainable disease control strategies using essential oils,and prevention and control of vegetables Fusarium wilt diseases.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among students of a Nigerian University

Objective:To investigate the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection among the undergraduate students of Nasarawa state University,Keffi,Nigeria.Methods:A total of 200 serum samples were collected from undergraduate students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi,and 100μL of each serum was aseptically transferred to the specimen well of an H.pylori antigen kit(Clinotech USA).The 2 distinctive red lines apearing in the control and test regions of the kit after 10 minufes indicated positive reaction.Results:Of the 200 students sampled, 108(54%) were seropositive.Analysis of seroprevalence of H.pylori revealed the correlation between infection prevalence and age.The infection prevalence was 45.5%among students aged 18-20,rose to the peak of 85.7%adults aged 31-40,dropped to 66.7%among those 41-50 years old,and continuously went down to 28.6%in the 51-year-old and above populaion.There was a statistically significant difference(using Chi-square) with respects to gender,age and type of infection(symptomatic or asymptomatic seropositive infection)(P【0.0S).Conclucions: Community Health Personnel should be aware of this microorganism as a potential cause of illness in children.Furthermore,the mode of transmission and possible means of controlling the bacterial infection among students or a community is of public health concern and requires further study.

Nutrient composition,mineral content and the solubility of the proteins of palm weevil,Rhynchophorus phoenicis f.(Coleoptera:Curculionidae)

Adult (ADS) and larva stages of palm weevil Rhynchophorus phoenicis were analyzed for their nutritional potentials using proximate and mineral contents as indices. The early larva stage (ELS) contains the highest moisture content of 11.94% while ADS has the least value of 4.79%. The late larva stage (LLS) has the highest protein content of 10.51% while ADS contains 8.43%. Ash content is highest in ELS with a value of 2.37% and lowest in ADS with a value of 1.43%. ELS and LLS have the highest (22.14%) and lowest (17.22%) fibre contents respectively. The values of potassium, magnesium and iron in ELS were (455.00±21.21), (60.69±2.57) and (6.50±3.40) mg/kg while LLS recorded (457.50±10.61), (43.52±1.37) and (6.00±1.10) mg/kg and ADS recorded (372.50±24.75), (53.31±1.88) and (22.90±3.70) mg/kg. Chromium, phosphorus, nickel, calcium, lead, man- ganese and zinc were also detected. Copper was not detected in any of the samples. In all the developmental stages the protein solubilities were pH dependent with the minimum protein solubilities occurring at acidic pH while the maximum protein solu- bilities occurred at alkaline pH.

Prevalence,intensity of infection and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis in preschool and school aged children in Guma Local Government Area,Nigeria

Objective:To determine the prevalence and intensity of infection and the risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis in pre—school and school aged children in Cuma Local Government Area of Benue State,Nigeria.Methods:Urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters was employed to process urine specimens and to determine presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine.Questionnaires were also administered to children to collect information on socio-demographic data and water-contact activities.Results:An overall prevalence of 55.0%(165/300)was recorded out of the 300 urine samples examined.Prevalence of infection varied between 36.0%-64.0%with a significant difference(X^2=11.59,P=0.041)between the different communities visited.Males were more infected(60.6%,103/170)than females(47.7%,62/130)with a significant difference(X^2=4.95,P=0.026).The age-related prevalence showed higher prevalence(70.5%,36/52)in the 11-15 year old children than that in the 1-5 year old ones(44.9%,53/118).A significant difference was observed in the prevalence between the age groups(X^2=10.56,P=0.014).The prevalence of light intensity of infection(1-49 eggs/10 mL of urine)(86.6%)was significantly higher than that of heavy intensity of infection(5=50 eggs/10 mL of urine)(13.3%)in the area(t=16.48,P=0.000).Water contact activities of the children revealed that children that were involved in irrigation and those that went swimming in water bodies were observed to be at higher risk of becoming infected with urinary schistosomiasis in the area with odd ratios(risk factors)of 2.756(1.334-5.693)and 2.366(1.131-4.948)respectively at P<0.05 level.Conclusions:The study revealed the hyperendemicily of urinary schistosomiasis in the preschool and school aged children in Guma Local Government Area.It is therefore recommended that praziquantel should be administered to children in the area and systematic epidemiological studies should be undertaken in the whole Local Government Area and the State at large to discover new foci of infection.