Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of Theobroma cacao Linn. husk aqueous extracts

Background Theobroma cacao Linn. husks are considered agricultural wastes, but studies show that they exhibit natural compounds that may be used in alternative medicine. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potential of T. cacao husk aqueous extracts (TCE). Results A significantly higher glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) was shown by 10% TCE than the rest of the concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%) (P<0.05), and its activity is comparable with 5% Metformin (positive control) after 30 min, 60 min, 120 min and 180 min of incubation. The 7% TCE also showed significantly higher GDRI than the 5%, 3%, and 1% concentrations (P<0.05), and its activity is comparable with 5% Metformin after 60 min and 180 min of incubation. Moreover, 10% TCE exhibited a significantly higher glucose uptake percentage than the rest of the samples (P<0.05) and has activity comparable with 5% Metformin. The anti-inflammatory assay showed a significantly higher inhibition rate of 10% TCE than the rest of the concentrations (P<0.05), and its activity is comparable with 5% Diclofenac (positive control). The cytotoxicity assay showed that the percentage mortality of brine shrimps after 24 h of exposure to the different TCE samples is less than 50%. Conclusion This study concludes that T. cacao husk aqueous extract has potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties without being toxic to cells.

TOXICITY EFFECT OF RADIOGRAPHIC DEVELOPER EFFLUENT ON GIANT AFRICAN SNAIL (Achatina fulica)

Background: The decline in the population of snails, a source of protein of people living in the high forest zone due to environmental pollution and the hazard caused by the disposal of radiographic developer effluent into streams, bushes or forests and public sewer systems makes the assessment of the effect on giant African snails (Achatina fulica) from environmental pollution due to radiographic developer effluent very important. Materials and Methods: Ninety 5 months old, 12 months old and 24 months old giant African snails were randomly divided into 6 groups of 15 snails for each age group based on the dose of developer effluent to be administered. One group from each age group was designated the control and the remaining, the experimental group. Range finding test was performed at effluent concentrations of 100 %, 50 %, 25 %, 12.5 %, 6.25 %, 3.125 %, 1.6 % and 0 % (control) in 150 ml of distilled water. The effluent solution was administered on the feed and soil of the experimental snails only. Results: Behavioural changes occurred between 0.2 – 1.0 % concentration and mortality at 24 – 96 hours exposure to the effluent solutions. The percentage (%) mortality of the giant African snails increased as the effluent concentration increased from 0.2 - 1.0 % and at an increased exposure time of 24 – 96 hours. The estimated 96 hours LD for the 5, 12 and 24 months old giant African snails were 0.20 - 0.23, 0.23 - 0.25 and 0.30 - 0.26 respectively. Conclusion: Radiographic developer effluent is harmful to the giant African snails, with the % mortality increasing with an increase in concentration and exposure time to the developer effluent. Legislation is recommended to ensure the safe disposal of radiographic developer effluents into the Nigerian environment considering the importance of giant African snails (Achatina fulica) to the ecosystem and the economy.

Avoidance Response: A More Important Determinant of Population Immediate Decline in Guppy Fish (Poecilia Reticulata Peters, 1859) Exposed to Pesticides.

This study, investigated the ability of Paraquat (herbicide) and Dichlorvos (insecticide) to elicit avoidance response in population of Guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata and predict the population immediate decline (PID) of P. reticulata when exposed to both agro-chemicals. A 96-h forced system (FS) bioassay was each conducted in five duplicate systems, each with a control experiment. The avoidance response was examined using non-forced multi-compartmented static system (NFS). The guppies (n = 3 guppies per concentration of 6 compartments in quadruplet) were exposed to a gradient of Paraquat (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0 mg/L) and Dichlorvos (0, 1.6, 2.6, 3.0, 3.2 and 4.0 mg/L). Their distributions were examined at 20 min intervals for a 3-h period (n = 9 observation periods). The results from 96-h FS were does-dependent with highest percentage mortality being 85.7% for Paraquat and 78.6% for Dichlorvos in respective highest concentrations. The 3-h NFS exposure showed statistically significant concentration-dependent spatial avoidance. The P. reticulata avoided the lowest concentration of Paraquat (2.5mg/L) and Dichlorvos (1.6 mg/L) by 68.3% and 48.3% respectively. The avoidance increased significantly (p < 0.005) to 75%, for the highest concentrations of both test chemicals (15.0 and 4.0 mg/L). The 3-hr AC50 value revealed that the guppies were more sensitive to Paraquat (0.37 mg/L) than Dichlorvos (1.73 mg/L). The PID was driven by the avoidance behaviour (NFS) of the guppies rather than mortality (FS). The FS heretofore overestimate environmental risk assessment of contamination due to mandatory exposure of mobile organisms to contaminants. Rather than the traditional FS systems, NFS should be adopted and incorporated in typical bioassays for better predictive results.

Freedom to Grow: Improving Sow Welfare also Benefits Piglets

Piglet mortality, especially due to crushing, is a concern in pig production. While current systems use farrowing crates to reduce mortality, they present major animal welfare problems for the sow. This study investigated the effects of free lactation farrowing accommodation on the welfare of piglets born and reared in such accommodation when compared with conventional farrowing crates. Piglets were born to sows in one of two farrowing accommodation treatments and followed from birth to slaughter. Treatments were conventional farrowing crates (control, n = 24 litters) and free lactation pens, which were larger and allowed the sow freedom of movement both pre and post farrowing, (free, n = 22 litters) (675 total piglets). Individual weights were recorded from birth to slaughter. Hoof score was recorded at weaning. Behaviour was recorded during lactation and during the weaner stage. Pre-weaning percentage mortality was equal in treatments (free = 15.95 ± 2.31, control = 14.42 ± 2.15, p = 0.61). Final weight was influenced by treatment (p < 0.05) with pigs from free lactation pens significantly heavier at 114.73 kg compared to 110.82 kg for control pigs. Free pigs took fewer days than control pigs to reach the target weight of 105 kg (147.6 vs. 149.23 days). Throughout lactation, fewer instances of damaging behaviour (ear and tail biting) were observed in free pigs (p = 0.07). Improved growth rates and a decrease in damaging behaviours provide evidence to suggest that pigs from free lactation pens experience improved welfare when compared with control pigs.

THE USE OF ACTIVATED SEWAGE SLUDGE IN BROILER DIETS

The effect of dried activated sewage sludge on the growth and protein utilization of broiler was studied. The eight weeks feeding trial involving one hundred and eighty day-old broiler chicks, weighting 57.80 – 58.00g in a completely randomized design were fed three diets containing 0% (control), 10% and 15% dried activated sewage sludge. The dried activated sewage sludge was found to be high in protein and ash (24.24% and 41.80%) but low in either extract and fibre (3.0% and 3.50%) respectively. At the 10% level of inclusion in the diet, the activiated sewage sludge gave significantly (P < 0.05) better weight gains than the control and 15% levels of inclusion. The feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratios were also significantly (P < 0.05) better at 10% inclusion when compared with the control and 15% levels of inclusion. There was no incidence of enteritis and percentage mortality was statistically insignificant at 5% level.

Isolation, characterization, and bio-insecticidal efficiency of Ethiopian isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis against Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and tomato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Background Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and spore-forming microbial entomopathogen. The silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a worldwide important cryptic species causing serious economic damage to several vegetable crops including tomato. The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate the bio-insecticidal effects of locally isolated Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) against Galleria mellonella and Bemisia tabaci. Results Thirty-one isolates of Bt were obtained from 70 soil samples based on cultural characterization coupled with insecticidal crystal protein detection. All of the 31 bacterial isolates were pre-screened for their bio-insecticidal property against the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. larvae. Only 20 (64.5%) isolates were virulent to G. mellonella with a percentage mortality that ranged from 2.50 to 95%. The groEL gene sequences of all 20 entomopathogenic indigenous isolates displayed 99–100% similarity with Bt isolates. Bioassay evaluation of 12 selected isolates against 3rd to 4th nymphal instars of B. tabaci with spore-crystal suspensions of 1 × 109 spores/ml caused 0 to 31.25%, 0 to 57%, and 0 to 82.5% percentage mortality within 48, 96, and 144 h accordingly. Among isolates of Bt, isolate AAUDS-16 had the highest virulence, followed by the isolate AAUES-69D with LC50 values of 9.67 × 106 spores/ml and 1.16 × 107 spores/ml, respectively. The virulent isolates were tested for their growth response to a different temperature range between 15 and 40 °C. All isolates showed a maximum growth rate around 30 °C. Conclusions Bt isolates of AAUES-69D and AAUDS-16 displayed high insecticidal potential against B. tabaci nymphs and G. mellonella larvae, and showed a maximum growth rate in a wide range of temperature. High virulence and temperature-tolerant isolates should be important candidates for diverse insecticidal toxin studies.

Impact of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction

Background: People with diabetes have an increased prevalence of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) and experience higher morbidity and mortality after acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction than people without diabetes. Diabetes also appears to be a major cause of the higher rate of both short and long-term mortality observed in women hospitalized with acute MI compared to men. Objective of the study was to observe the impact of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on outcomes in MI.Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted on 200 patients from the age group more than 36 years and lesser than 95 years presented with acute myocardial infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI). Patients were divided into group A (Diabetics) and group B (non-diabetics). Investigations performed were FBS, RBS, HbA1c, CBC, LFT, RFT, lipid profile, ECG and echocardiography. Patients were followed up till discharge/death and all complications like arrhythmias, cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and re infarction were noted.Results: Majority of the 34.5% patients belongs to the age group of 56-65 years. No significant difference found between the subject population of the diabetic and non-diabetic group. The percentage of mortality in male patients was reported higher in the group having HbAlc level ≥7 (21.15%) in comparison to a group having HbAlc level <7 (6.15%) whereas in females the percentage of mortality was 11.63% in the group having HbAlc ≥7 , higher than the group having HbAlc level <7, 2.5%. Percentage mortality was higher in the patients having HbAlc >7, in both groups’ patients aged below 60 years 14.81% and 17.65% in the group of patients aged above 60 years.Conclusions: Higher HbAlc level significantly affects the outcome of MI patients. The percentage mortality due to MI was higher in male with aged above 60 years and having HbAlc level >7.

INFLUENCE OF BIRTH WEIGHT, YEAR AND PARITY ON PREWEANING MORTALITY IN YANKASA SHEEP

The influence of lamb birth weights, year of birth, and parity on pre-weaning death were observed in Yankasa sheep over a period of 4 years (1989-1992) in Misau, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Of the 150 lambs observed, birth weight fell into 4 categories; upto 1.5; 1.6-2.0; 2.1-23 and 2.6 -3.0 Kg, with percentage deaths in each being 33, 34,16 and 0, respectively. The overall mean birth weight was 23±0.03, and overall percentage mortality was 18%. Significant correlation (p < 0.05, r = 0.49) was observed between birth weights and deaths incidence. Significant year and parity differences existed in lamb birth weights (P.< 0.05). 90% of the ewes lambing were in their 1st parity, while 6% and 4% respectively were in the 2nd and 3rd parities. Mean birth weights were heaviest for lambs with ewes in their 2nd parity 2.6 (0.46), followed by those in their 1st parity 23 (0.27) and those in their 3rd parity 2.2(0.27). Percentage mortality increased with parity, being 14,27 and 50 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd parities respectively. Chi-square analysis showed no significant differences between the ratio of ram to ewe lambs, though ram lambs were significantly heavier than ewe lambs. Low lamb birth weight was found to be a major cause of pre-weaning mortality in Yankasa sheep in Misau, Nigeria.

Non-chemical based management of Tylenchulus semipenetrans, a major threat to the citrus industry

There is a vast variety of microbes available in soil performing diverse functions for plants including root colonization for protection against pathogens and nutrient acquisition. In the present study, efficacy of rhizospheric microbial strains and plant extracts were evaluated against citrus nematode for their nematicidal activity. Three different concentrations of plant extracts were evaluated in vitro, results depicts that 10% solution of Tagetes erecta (root) has given 46% the highest percentage mortality at 48hrs followed by Tagetes erecta (leaf) and Datura stramonium killed 41% and 37% nematodes respectively, similarly for 20% of plant extract in distilled water, the highest mortality rate was recorded for T. erecta (root) 68% followed by D. stramonium 47% and Acacia nilotica 44% at 48hrs of application. While using a higher concentration 30% of SS. the percentage mortality elevated multifold i.e. Marigold root has killed maximum 76% nematodes followed by Marigold leaves and Dhatura with mortality rate 69% and 58% respectively at 48 hrs of interval. While Eucalyptus killed lowest no of nematodes. Additionally, five bacterial isolates were evaluated for their nematicidal activity. Results indicated that for bacterial cell suspension, Pseudomonas putida has shown maximum mortality rate at 84% followed by Bacillus subtilis 73% & Pseudomonas geniculata 65% at 48hrs of interval. Similarly, in the 2nd set of experiment bacterial culture filtrates has exhibited promising results, maximum mortality rate was recorded for Bacillus spp. 81% followed by B. subtilis 76%, Ps putida 63%, after 48hrs of incubation. Moreover, an insight investigation of bacterial extracellular metabolites and plant extracts would enable researchers to develop purposeful products and compositions

Bioefficacy of Extracts of Hyptis suaveolens, Eugenia aromatica and Azadirachta indica as Field Protectants of Pawpaw Against Paracoccus marginatus Will. and Granara de Willink in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus is a small sized polyphagous invasive hemipteran bug that attacks several genera of host plants, causing considerable yield loss. Commonly used insecticidal control is being discouraged due to environmental and human health hazards. Information on the control of this pest with botanicals is scanty, therefore the control using selected botanicals was investigated. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of three botanicals: Hyptis suaveolens, Eugenia aromatica and Azadirachta indica were evaluated in screen cages (1.80×0.60×1.50m) for contact toxicity following standard procedures. Cypermethrin® (100 ml a.i ha-1) was used as a standard check. The secondary metabolites in the three plants were analyzed for saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids and cardinolides following standard procedures. Effective concentration was determined using probit analysis. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the botanicals caused adult mortality of P. marginatus. However, the difference in percentage mortality in aqueous extracts of A. indica (54.28±1.7), H. suaveolens (47.5±4.1) and E. aromatica (48.6±1.1) were not significant (P>0.05). Percentage mortality of ethanolic extracts of A. indica (87.40±4.8) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than both E. aromatica (74.40.16±2.4) and H. suaveolens (72.10.58±2.8). Concentration of the secondary metabolites varied in the botanicals with H. suaveolens having higher flavonoids (107.08mg/100g), cardinolides (46.06 mg/100g) and terpenoids (3.17mg/100g) while A. indica had higher saponins (10.33mg/100g) and phenols (1938.48mg/100g) while E. aromatica had comparatively higher alkaloids (0.59%). The LC50 ranged from 3.61mg/kg in A. indica, to 4.64mg/kg in E. aromatica and 4.52mg/kg in H. suaveolens. The ethanolic extracts of botanicals evaluated were more effective than the aqueous extracts and can serve as a substitute to the synthetic insecticides for the control of P. marginatus.