Phenotypic and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Studies of Proteus mirabilis Isolates from Fresh Water Fishes in FCT, Abuja-Nigeria

Our study was carried out to determine the phenotypic characterization antimicrobial susceptibility of Proteus mirabilis from fish in FCT, Abuja using isolation, selective plating, preliminary observation, complete biochemical method and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The biochemical tests conducted includes include Citrate Utilization test, Triple Sugar Iron test, Urea test, Methyl Red test, Indole test, and Voges Proskauer test. The isolates were confirmed by MicrobactTMGNB24E identification kit (Oxiod, UK). A total of 400 fish samples were bought in the market from three area council of the FCT. The result of the study showed overall prevalence rate of (13) 3.25% of Proteus mirabilis isolates. Distribution based on Area councils showed that AMAC had higher prevalence rate of 4.81%, while Bwari had 2.99% and Gwagwalada with 2.57% prevalence. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the modified single disc diffusion method. From the antimicrobial susceptibility testing done it was discovered that Proteus mirabilis are resistant to Amoxyclav (100%), Erythromycin (92.3%), Tetracycline (92.3%) and Ceftriaxone (23.1%). However, the isolates were susceptible to Ofloxacin (100%), Netillin (92.3%), Levofloxacin (92.3%), Ceftazidime (76.9%), Co-trimoxazole (69.2%) and Gentamicin (61.5%). Since Proteus mirabilis sources of zoonotic diseases and can potentially be dangerous to humans and other animals, our research was able to isolate it from fresh water fish sold in the Federal Capital Territory. This makes public health awareness of the risks associated with Proteus mirabilis in Nigeria necessary.

Early Treatment Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fracture Non-Union in Adults: Comparative Study of Plating versus Interlocking Nailing

Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3rd of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.

The Timing of Primary Neurosurgical Repair and Wound-Site Infection in Children with Myelomeningocele

Background: The optimal time to closure of a newborn with a myelomeningocele has been the focus of a number of evaluations. The Timing of primary surgery has received significant attention due to its relationship to repair-site infection that can lead to increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. It is on this basis that recommendations have utilized 48 - 72 hours post birth as ideal time of closure. This is not only prevent infection at the site but also prevent ventriculitis and neural structure damage. We therefore, hypothesized an increase in wound infection rates in those patients with delays in myelomeningocele repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 103 children with myelomeningocele treated between 2016 and 2023. At discharge the patients were followed up at the post-operative clinic visit 2 weeks later. Children were assigned to 1 of 2 groups, those who underwent primary neurosurgical repair within 72 hours of delivery (Group 1) and those undergoing repair after 72 hours (Group 2). We compared the infection rates. Results: 103 children who underwent myelomeningocele repair were identified, with a median time from birth to treatment of 1 day. Eight (7.8 %) patients were noted to have post-repair surgical site complications. There was no significant difference in rates of infection between Group 1 and Group 2 repair times. The presence of infection was associated increased length of stay when compared to neonates without infection. Conclusion: In children with myelomeningocele, the timing of primary neurosurgical repair appears not to have a significant impact on surgical site infection. Closure of the spinal lesion within the first 72 hours of life may be more favorable for neural damage prevention. These results suggest that early myelomeningocele repair may not impart significantly on the rate of wound-site infection.

Detection of Verocytotoxigenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>O157 Serotype in Dairy Products in Abuja, Nigeria

Ruminants are recognized as healthy carriers of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (VTEC) organisms and as such most dairy products may provide these bacteria with favourable conditions for their growth. A cross sectional study was conducted to detect the occurrence of VTEC O157 in dairy products in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Raw milk, Nunu and yoghurt were analyzed using standard cultural and biochemical procedures to isolate typical E. coli. Isolated E. coli samples were sub-cultured into plates of sorbitol MacConkey and Cefixime Tellurite-Sorbitol MacConkey agar. Isolates that are sorbitol negative were further characterized using commercially procured latex agglutination test kits. A total of 367 samples were analyzed out of which 3 tested positive for VTEC O157 (108 of raw milk-1 (0.93%);127 of Nunu-2 (1.57%) and 132 of yoghurt-none). There was no significant association (p > 0.05) between season and infection with VTEC O157 in dairy products. Dairy products remained a potential vehicle for VTEC O157 infection.

Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Two Hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

In this study, the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the National Hospital was determined. A total of two hundred and fifteen (215) clinical isolates were examined, of which 60% were E. coli and 40% K. pneumoniae respectively. The isolates were collected from various samples namely: Stool, Urine, Pus, High Vagina Swab, Sputum and Wound swab. Out of these isolates, 54 of K. pneumoniae were screened to be ESBL negative and 32 as ESBL positive isolates, while 88 and 40 E. coli were also screened as ESBL negative and ESBL positive isolates respectively. These represent 37.9% of all K. pneumoniae isolates and 31.25% of E. coli isolates respectively. The prevalence of ESBL among the species was not however statistically different (p > 0.05). Multiple resistance in these isolates was common and there is the need for routine screening of ESBL in our hospitals to guide rational and effective use of antibiotics.

A Cross Sectional Sero-Study of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Serotypes in Apparently Healthy and Diarrhoeic Cattle in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

It is reckoned worldwide that verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) serotypes are important food borne pathogens causing severe health problems in humans. A cross sectional epidemiological study was carried out to determine the prevalence of VTEC serotypes (O157 and non O157) in both apparently healthy and diarrhoeic cattle in Abuja, FCT. A total of 718 faecal samples collected from abattoirs and cattle herds from Abuja, FCT representing 381 from apparently healthy and 337 from diarrhoeic cattle were analyzed. Primary isolation of typical E. coli was done using Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar and performing biochemical tests. Samples were further analyzed using Cefixime, Tellurite-Sorbitol McConkey (CT-SMAC) agar to identify sorbitol and non sorbitol fermenting E. coli. Further characterization of both the sorbitol fermenting and non sorbitol fermenting E. coli was done using commercially procured latex agglutination test kits from Oxoid, United Kingdom. The prevalence of VTEC O157 in apparently healthy cattle was 1.84% and 2.96% for diarrhoeic cattle while the prevalence of non O157 VTEC was 3.67% and 7.12% for apparently healthy and diarrhoeic cattle respectively. There was no strong association (p > 0.05) between faecal consistency and infection with VTEC O157. A strong association (p < 0.05) however existed between faecal consistency and infection with non-O157 VTEC. Diarrhoeic cattle appear likely to be more affected. The implication of the study is that individuals in contact with cattle such as veterinarians, abattoir workers and cattle herdsmen are at risk of exposure to VTEC and proper hygienic control measures should be adopted.

Early on Set Presbyacusis in Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Background: Presbyacusis is a major cause of hearing loss among seniors. The condition attracts attention following the prediction of World Health Organization that elderly population is expected to hit 1.2 billion by 2025 out of which more than 500 million of them will suffer from sensorineural hearing loss(SHL) worldwide. The studies have shown that this begins to reflect on audiograms as from the third decade, mainly in the high frequencies. Aim/objective: This study evaluated the early on-set presbyacusis at Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal capital territory-Abuja. Method: It was a multi-stage sampling, prospective, cross-sectional study done in FCT, Abuja. Participants from age 20 years and above were recruited into the study after signing informed consent. The presumed risk factors as highlighted in the questionnaire were screened out. Results: Two hundred and two participants were recruited into the study, out of which twelve were excluded from the analysis on account of various exclusion criteria. The age range of the participants was 20 to 79 years, with an average age of 54.8 ± 5.6 years. One hundred and fourteen (60.0%) males and seventy-six (40.0%) females participated in the study. The commonly reported associated symptom was tinnitus. About 32.0% of the participants had moderate sensorineural hearing loss. However, the prevalence of presbyacusis was 28.2% for age below 65 years and 78.8% for 65 years and above. The cumulative prevalence was 54.2%. Conclusion: The study has shown that presbyacusis occur as early as the third decade of life, possibly subclinical before age 65 years. The prevalence was 28.2% before age 65 years and 78.8% from age 65 years, there was a steady increase in percentage of participants with SNHL from age 20 years, and a significant sudden increase from 65 years was observed with a sloping tracing at high frequency.

Assessment of Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Landuse/Landcover Change Drivers in Abuja, Nigeria

Landuse/Landcover(LULC)changes are recognised as some of the major causes of environmental problems like land degradation and climate change.To achieve sustainability,we need to properly understand such changes in order to have adequate information that will enable us to design and implementing measures to mitigate their negative impacts.Doing this particularly requires a proper understanding of how stakeholders perceive the changes in general and their drivers in particular.Unfortunately,not much is known for many areas about the perspective of landuse stakeholders on drivers of LULC changes.This paper reports the results of a study conducted to examine the perceptions of different landuse stakeholders on drivers of LULC changes in Abuja Federal Capital Territory,Nigeria.Questionnaire survey was utilised,involving 514 households across four settlements,2 rural(Karshi and Orozo)and 2 urban(Nyanya and Karu)towns in the territory,which were complimented with Focus Group Discussions were conducted.The results obtained showed that urban dwellers are largely aware of drivers of changes in socio-economic drivers(physical development on lands,more commercial complex development and more institutional development).Rural dwellers are largely aware of environmental drivers of LULC changes(bush burning,livestock overgrazing,collections of wood and medicinal plants,and agricultural expansion).It was concluded that there is the need to bring about a harmonisation of the perceptions of LULC change drivers by the rural and urban dwellers so as to bring about a common front understanding and responding to LULC changes in the study area.

Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data of Part of Gwagwalada Abuja Nigeria for Potential Mineral Targets

This study analyzes aeromagnetic data over a section of Gwagwalada in Abuja.The data were obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency acquired at 100 m terrain clearance.The study area spans longitudes 7.0875 E to 7.1458 E and latitude 8.9625 N to 9.0 N(about 27 km^(2)).The dataset was reduced to the equator(RTE)and downward continued by 50 m.Analytic signal filter was applied on TMI-RTE grid to detect the edges of the magnetic bodies present.The structure was observed to trend NE-SW.The CET lineament map reveals intersections such as junctions and corners on the map.This revealed structure liable for potential mineralization zone.Euler deconvolution technique applied over the transformed dataset ascertain the location and depth of the structure,having a maximum depth of about 421 m and a minimum of about 59 m.Variation in magnetic depth and susceptibility contrast is specified by the gridded SPI depth map.

Structural Exploration of Aeromagnetic Data over Part of Gwagwala­da,Abuja for Potential Mineral Targets Using Derivatives Filters

Aeromagnetic data are consistently used for economic interest targeting and geological mapping.Besides solving problems that are concerned with the basement,the method has become a useful tool in exploring minerals,hydrocarbons occurrence,groundwater investigations,and geothermal potentials.This study analyses aeromagnetic data from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency acquired at 100 m terrain clearance over a section of Gwagwalada in Abuja.The study area spans longitudes 7.0875°E to 7.1458°E and latitude 8.9625°N to 9.0°N(about 27 km^(2)).After a reduction to the equator(RTE)transformation,the data is downward continued by 50 m.Different filters are applied to outline area of alteration associated to mineral deposit.Regional geologic structures trend NE-SW.The application of vertical derivatives(FVD and SVD)to the RTE grid enhanced shallow structures which trend NE-SW.Horizontal gradients along the X-and Y-directions enhance geological contacts attributable to blind faults.The Tilt derivative(TD)accentuated fault lines which trend NE-SW.

Analysis of the Process Parameter in Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit for a Refining and Petrochemical Company in Nigeria

The aim of this study is to generate operational data that can be used to improve the production capacity in the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) in a Refinery and Petrochemical Company. This will aid in tackling the daunting challenge of unavailability of operational data that can be used to better understand and improve production capacity and ensure maximizing catalyst utilization. In addition, it addresses the challenges of analysis and control of the FCCU process due to its very complicated and little-known hydrodynamics, complex kinetics of both reactions of cracking and coke burning, strong interaction between the reactor and regenerator, and numerous operating constraints. Aspen HYSYS version 8.0 was used in modeling the cracking process using parameters extracted from the operating manual of the FCCU in the refinery. The operational data was used to compare the simulated effect of stepwise input in feed and reactor plenum temperatures as well as stepwise increase in reactor length on yield, catalyst-to-oil-ratio and catalyst regeneration. An optimum flow in naphtha was obtained by the interaction of the inlet crude flow rate, riser height, and temperature this optimum was supported by the study of the interaction of these parameters when, catalyst to oil ratio was set as the dependent parameter. The inferences drawn from the results are that the reactor plenum temperature of 560&#8451;and a riser length of 27 m are recommended for optimum performance that ensures lasting effect of an efficient catalyst activity.

Follow-Up Care of HIV-Positive Pregnant Women in North Central Nigerian: A 15-Year Review

Background: Pregnant women bear the greatest burden of people living with HIV in the West Africa sub-region, and the country requires continuous optimal follow-up care for their disease after delivery. Documentation of such very important services is rarely done in this high-burden environment, and hence the present study. Method: A 15-year retrospective review of medical records of HIV-positive pregnant women who attended antenatal care services from January 2006 to December 2020 at the prevention of the mothers-to-child transmission unit of the health facility was carried out to document the HIV service provided at the unit, and the follow-up care at the adult HIV special treatment clinic for the continuation of their HIV treatment. Results: Of the 1245 HIV-positive pregnant mothers reviewed during the period, 702 (56.4%) were between the ages of 26 - 35 years, 1043 (83.8%) were on HIV treatment before their index pregnancy, 202 (16.2%) were diagnosed of HIV infection during their last trimester and labor, while 878 (70.5%) continued their HIV services at adult HIV special treatment clinic after delivery. The predictors of continuous care include: maternal parity with [OR] 0.51 (0.35 - 0.73), p = 0.02, time of presentation in trimester with [OR] 1.54 (1.15 - 2.06), p = 0.003, duration on antiretroviral therapy [OR] 2.14 (1.57 - 2.9) p Conclusion: The high rate of optimal follow-up care of HIV-positive mothers after delivery in the adult special treatment clinic in this study speaks of the preparedness and good supportive services provided to these mothers in the health facility. However, the high rate of loss to follow-up among this cohort of women requires a more focused intervention during their postpartum period for a better outcome.

An Assessment of the Relationship between Built Environment and Socioeconomic Factors with the Incidence of Meningococcal Meningitis in Kaduna Urban Area, Nigeria

Meningococcal meningitis is an airborne disease that has been a threat to human life in many regions of the world, especially in West Africa. The disease has caused permanent physical impairment to some of its victims and many lives have been lost due to the disease. Factors that are associated with the incidence of the disease which are geographically referenced include built environment, geographical location and climatic conditions. Others are socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study established the relationship between built environment and socioeconomic factors with the incidence of the disease. Data that were used include the incidences of the disease from 2007 to 2011, housing conditions, population density, number of house ownership, employment, income level, and the number of hospitals, schools and refuse dumps. Neighborhoods were used as the unit of analysis in the study. The method of analyzing the data includes factor analysis and some statistical techniques in Geographical Information System such as the Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The findings of the study reveal the spatial variations of the incidence of Meningococcal meningitis in Kaduna Urban Area (KUA). The study recommends that there should be strict observance of the development control regulations especially at the high density residential neighborhood. The model can also be used for other communicable disease to ensure the health of the public.

Heavy Metal Levels and Ecological Risk in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soils from Okpare-Olomu, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Crude oil spills have inflicted extensive disruption upon the Niger Delta ecosystem, resulting in crop loss and severe environmental damage. Such spills exacerbate heavy metal concentration within soil due to the presence of metallic ions. The Okpare-Olomu community has borne the brunt of crude oil pollution from illicit bunkering, sabotage, and equipment malfunction. This study targets an evaluation of ecological hazards linked to heavy metals (HMs) in crude oil impacted agriculturally soils within Okpare-Olomu in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. In this study, 24 topsoil samples were obtained from areas affected by crude oil pollution;the heavy metal content was evaluated through atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration ranges for HMs (mg/kg) in soil were: 24.1 - 23,174 (Cu);0.54 - 37.1 (Cd);9.05 - 54 (Cr);12 - 174 (Ni);18.5 - 8611 (Pb);and 148 - 9078 (Zn) at a soil depth of 0 - 15 cm. Notably, metal concentrations were recorded to be above permissible World Health Organization limits. Predominantly, Zn and Pb recorded higher heavy metal concentration when compared to other heavy metals analysed, notably at sampling points PT7 through PT24. Zinc and Pb contamination exhibited highly significant contamination factors, and contamination severity was evidenced across all sample points, signifying a grave risk level. Pollution load indices indicated pervasive extreme pollution levels. Geoaccumulation indices signaled moderate to strong pollution, mainly by Pb and Zn. Ecological risk assessments revealed variable levels of heavy metal contamination, from low to very high, with potential ecological risk reflecting markedly elevated levels. This study underscores the imperative for soil remediation to rectify ecological imbalances in agriculturally affected soil constituents.

A Pragmatic Template for Quadcopter Development

This article presents a pragmatic quadcopter development template for parcel delivery in Nigeria. The quadcopter is equipped with a camera, parcel pouch and wireless telecommunication to capture live events and send them back to the control station for real-time delivery feedback. The study also discusses the design methodology adopted as a conceptual design approach vital to product development, it encompasses information gathering and identifying the problem, creating the solutions systematically and eventually evaluating and developing a concept for the drone and its attributes and presenting clear results for design calculations.

Effects of Wastewater Discharge on Heavy Metals Pollution in Fadama Soils in Kano City, Nigeria

Objective To present the results of a research project on 6 heavy metals （Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cr） at 30 Fadama fields scattered around Kano. Methods Following a reconnaissance conducted, 30 representative Fadama lands being irrigated with wastewater were selected from zones of the city under residential, industrial, commercial, and mixed but largely residential landuses. Five additional Fadama lands not being irrigated with wastewater were selected to serve as control. Using grid sampling procedure, soil samples were selected from 0-15 cm and 20-30 cm depths and analyzed for the above listed heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. T-test was used to compare the mean values of the metals for the Fadama lands under different landuse zones with those of the control. Results Analyses of the soil data collected showed that the metals were concentrated in higher amounts in the lower （20-30 cm） than the upper （0-15 cm） depths, which was an indication of downward movement of the metals in profile of the soils. In the two soil depths, Zn was generally the most abundant, followed by Cr, then Pb, Cu, and Cd while Hg was the least. The Fadama soils in areas of mixed landuses with industrial as the dominant ones maintained the highest concentrations of the various metals. Conclusions These results indicate clearly that the Fadama soils are significantly polluted by industrial and household wastewater and that there is a particular threat from Cr and Pb pollution. There is also evidence that the metals are accumulating at lower layers of the soil profile, suggesting that not only plants and soil, but even water bodies could be under the threat of heavy metal pollution in the area.

Lead Accumulation in Surface Soils and Components of Balenites Aegyptica Specie in a Katsina Urban Area, Nigeria

The main objective of this paper is to assess the impact of various vehicular traffic densities on lead (Pb) accumulations in some environmental components in Katsina, a semi-arid urban area of Nigeria. Methods This was achieved by collecting and analyzing samples of surface soils, fruits, kernels, leaves, and barks of Balenites aegyptica from locations of different vehicular traffic densities in the area, and analyzing them for lead, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results The results obtained revealed that the Pb concentration in the high, medium, low, and zero traffic density areas are, 75, 53, 35, and 12 μg·g-1 respectively for the fruit pulp. They are also16, 13, 8, and 6 μg·g-1 for fruit kernel and 44, 28, 17, and 9μg·g-1 respectively for leaves. For tree barks, the values are 138, 97, 64, and 18 μg·g-1 respectively while for under-tree-canopy soil samples the mean values are 99, 74, 44, and 17 μg·g-1. In the case of outside-canopy soil samples, the mean values are 113, 91, 50, and 18 μg·g-1 respectively for the various classes of vehicular traffic density. Conclusion These results indicate a strong influence of vehicular traffic density on Pb emission into surrounding atmosphere and its subsequent precipitation on soil and components of B. aegyptica specie in the area. Of all the samples, tree bark should be the best index of assessing Pb pollution in the area, as it maintains the closest contact with the surrounding atmosphere. Since Pb has no known lower limit for human tolerance, there is an urgent need for Pb pollution control in the area to be effectively enforced.

Histological changes and antidiabetic activities of Icacina trichantha tuber extract in beta-cells of alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate the antidiabetic,hypolipidaemic activities and histopathological changes ofIcacina trichantha(I.trichantha)tuber extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats.Methods:In the present study,80%methanol extract of I.trichanthatuber was tested on alloxan induced diabetic rats.They were randomly grouped into control(distilled water and glibenclamide)and experimental(200,400 and 600 mg/kg body weight).Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 160 mg/kg body weight of alloxan.Blood glucose levels weremeasured using blood glucose test strips with AccuCheck Advantage II glucometer at 1,3,6,and 24 h on the first day and 1 h after treatment on Day 7,14 and 21.Blood samples were collected and centrifuged to separate serum for estimation of lipid profile and other biochemical parameters.Histopathological changes in diabetic rats pancreas were also studied after extract treatment.Results:Daily oral administration ofI.trichanthatuber extract(200,400,and 600 mg/kg bodyweight)and glibenclamide(2 mg/kg)showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level(P<0.01)as well as improving liver,kidney functions and hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes.The extract had a favourable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas in alloxan induced diabetes.Conclusions:I.trichanthatuber extracts posses antidiabetic activities as well as improve liver and renal profile and total lipids levels.I.trichanthatuber extracts also have favourable effects to inhibit the histopathological changes of the pancreas in alloxan induced diabetes.

Comparative Larvicidal Property of Leaf Extract of Chromolaena odorata L (Composidae) and Chlopyrifos (Organophosphorus Compound) on Simulium Larvae

To assess the phytochemical properties of Chromoleana odorata in the control of blackflies to help check the problem of environmental pollution from the use of chemical insecticides. Methods Dried pulverized leaves of Chromolaena odorata （100 g） were soaked in distilled water for 24 hours and the extract was filtered, marc pressed and evaporated over water bath. Stock solution of the dried mass （1 g） was concentrated by dissolving in 100 mL of water. Serial dilutions （100 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/L, and 0.001 mg/mL） of both the extract and Chlopyrifos （organo phosphorus） were prepared and toxicity was tested on the larvae of Simulium species. Results The chemical compound recorded 100% larval mortality at all concentrations while the plant extract recorded 100% larval mortality in three （100, 10, and 1 mg/mL） of its diluent concentration. The percentage of larval mortality by chemical compound and plant extract was statistically insignificant （t = 0.2456, P〉0.05）, but the mortality rate was significant within 30 rain interval of exposure time （t= 3.756, P〈0.05）. The LCs0 of the plant extract was determined at about 0.001 mg/mL concentration. This showed that the plant extract had an appreciable larvicidal property close to that of the chemical compound. Conclusion This result indicates the usefulness of plant materials in the control of obnoxious insect vectors of mn. It also opens additional approach to the management of environment from toxic chemicals that are non-biodegradable and cause environmental imbalance in the ecosystem.

Therapeutic effects of Byrsocarpus coccineus root bark extract on bacterially and chemically induced diarrhea in the Wistar albino rat(Rattus norvegicus domestica)

Background : Diarrhea can be caused by pathogenic microorganisms and chemicals. In view of this, Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum and Thonn(Connaraceae) was used to treat diarrhea induced by castor oil or bacteria in Wistar albino rats. Methods : Qualitative and quantitative analyses of an aqueous root back extract of B. coccineus were made and the acute toxicity, antidiarrhea properties, and in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of the extract were investigated in rats. Results : The phytochemical analysis of the root bark extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloid, saponins, tannins, and phenols. The quantitative analysis showed that saponins formed 10.6% of the extract, tannins 7.6%, flavonoids 6.2%, phenol 5.8% and alkaloids 4.4%. A dose limit of 5000 mg/kg was safe to use in the rats. At a dose of 100 mg/kg, the extract decreased distance travelled by activated charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract, frequency of defecation, and number of unformed faeces caused by castor oil-induced diarrhea, and led to 74.96% inhibition of the diarrhea effects. Escherichia coli and Salmonella pullorum were susceptible to higher concentrations of the extract with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3125 mg/m L. E. coli-infected rats showed depression, weight loss, anorexia, diarrhea, and weakness, which was ameliorated by the extract on day 2 post treatment. Observed congestion, cellular infiltration and necrosis of the liver, intestine and kidney following infection were improved by the extract. Conclusion : B. coccineus extract can be used in the treatment of anaemia, and castor oil-and E. coli-induced diarrhea in rats.