Evaluation of Antibacterial Potential of Ethanol Fruit Peel Extract of Mangifera indica against Isolated UTI Pathogens

Effective use of antimicrobial agents for treatment/management of infectious diseases is decreasing due to emergency of multi-drug and cross resistant strains of pathogenic microbes. Medicinal plants are now increasingly used alone or as an adjunct in the management of infectious diseases as a result of their claimed efficacy and safety. This research focused on evaluating the antimicrobial potential of ethanol fruit peel extract of Mangifera indica against isolated Urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens. Urinary tract infection (UTI) bacterial strains (staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa) were isolated from midstream urine of infected students using standard procedures after which the isolated Urinary tract infection pathogens were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test by agar-well diffusion method (Cup plate method) and the mean diameter of growth inhibition zones (n=3) of the extract at different concentrations were compared against the controls (sterile water and ciprofloxacin). Ethanol fruit peel extract of Mangifera indica significantly and dose dependently inhibit the growth of all the isolated Urinary tract infection pathogens with E.coli exhibiting the highest inhibition zone ranging from 16.83 to 28.23 mm, this was followed by pseudomonas aeruginosa with inhibition zone of 24.33 mm and staphylococcus aureus least susceptible with 22.63 diameter of zone inhibition. Ethanol fruit peel extract of Mangifera indica demonstrated a dose dependent antimicrobial activity with more pronounced effect exhibited by E. coli suggesting that the extract is more effective against gram negative bacteria despite their permeability barrier, thus suggesting Mangifera indica fruit peel as a potential candidate for the management of bacterial infections especially those caused by gram negative organisms.

Adsorption of Nitrogen on Mn(II) Metal-organic Framework Nanoparticles

Adsorption of N2 on mixed ligand benzoic acid and 1, 10-phenanthroline ligands of Mn(II) metal-organic framework (MOF)–nanoparticles were demonstrated. The adsorption capacity and pore size distribution of the synthesized MOF were conducted experimentally by measuring the N2 adsorption isotherm at 77.3 K. The resulting data were fitted to Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), de Boer, Dubinin-Redusbkevich (DR), Banet-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), Horvath-Kawazoe (HK) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) models to describe the adsorptive behaviour of the synthesized nanoparticles. The DSC analysis shows the high chemical stability of this compound. The FT-IR measurement reports present the abundant of highly coordinated functional groups. And the adsorption properties evaluated by different adsorption models compared with existing adsorbent materials suggest Mn-MOF with good thermal stability, high surface area and pore openings, is a promising material for storing gases and energy because at low or high pressures, it can adsorb nitrogen gas due to its large openings.

Gastro-protective Effects of Honey in Male Wistar Rats

Honey is consumed as food and also used in the treatments of ailment. However, honey of various types exhibit varying properties. Their therapeutic effects are determined by whether the honey is multifloral or monofloral, and also on the variety of nectars the honey is derived from. Manuka and Tualang types of honey were observed to possess anti-ulcer effects. However, no such report is available for University of Ilorin honey. This study therefore aimed to determine the gastroprotective effects of University of Ilorin honey in Wistar rats using two laboratory models for inducing ulcer (HCl/Ethanol and Indomethacin). Twenty rats each were assigned to four groups for each model of ulcer. The rats were treated for 12 days with the administration of distilled water (control), cimetidine (100 mg/kg b.w.) and University of Ilorin honey (250 mg/kg b.w. in one group and 1000 mg/kg b.w in another group). The rats were fasted for 24 hours after the last treatment. Then, the ulcerogens were given orally. After four hours, the rats were sacrificed, gastric juice was collected and the stomachs were examined for ulceration. The results revealed that pre-treatment with University of Ilorin honey reduced gastric index from 6.80±0.20 (1000 mg/kg b.w. to 2.40±0.24 (control) P<0.05 and 7.20±0.37 (1000 mg/kg b.w.) to 3.20±0.37 (control) P<0.05 in HCl/Ethanol and indomethacin induced ulcer models respectively. There was no significant difference in ulcer index between the cimetidine administered rats and the honey administered group (1000 mg/kg bw.), but the honey group (250 mg/kg bw.) was less effective than the cimetidine group in the models used. Also, there were no changes in gastric acidity in all the groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, the results showed that University of Ilorin honey has protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract which is not due to alteration of gastric acidity.

Productivity of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) genotypes under Varying Population Densities

To investigate the influence of three population densities (88,000, 44,000, and 29,000 plants/ha) on the growth and yield of five cowpea varieties (IT97K-461, IT97K-568-18, IT98K-131-2, IT99K-1060 and IT99K-`245), a field experiment was conducted at Teaching and Research farm of Landmark University. Growth parameters such as germination count, plant height, and number of trifoliate leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, flower production dynamics and dry matter determination were measured, while harvest index, shelling percentage, number of seeds per pod, see weight pods per plant and grain yield were measured at harvest as yield components. Data were subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS Institute. Significant means were separated using Duncans Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. Results revealed that there were no constant trends in growth parameters response to population density. Plant height and flower production decreased with increased population density, while number of leaves per plant and dry matter increased with increasing population density. There was no appreciable effect of population density on branching. All these parameters were significantly (p≤0.05) affected with variety, while there was no significant (p≤0.05) interaction effect. Most yield components decreased with increasing population density while grain yield however, slightly increased with increasing population density. All yield parameter and grain yield significantly varied with variety, while there were no appreciable interaction effect. In conclusion, a population density of 88,000 plants /ha gives the highest growth and grain yield. While, variety, IT97-568-18 gives the higher growth and grain yield than other varieties studied.

Mixed Aqueous Surfactants Solution for Rapid Oil Extraction from Palm Kernel Seed

Adverse effects associated with the use of hexane or other similar organic extraction solvents for extracting oil from oilseeds have been a drive for alternative less toxic oil extracting solvents. This research focuses on oil extraction from grinded palm kernel using solution of mixed aqueous polyoxythylene (23) lauryl ether (BRIJ-35) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactants and sodium chloride (NaCl) as the electrolyte. Grinded Biomass was agitated in the solution of the mixed surfactant, allowing the extracted oil to be liberated from the seeds as separate phase from the aqueous phase. The effect of SDS concentration, NaCl concentration, contact time and liquid/seed ratio on oil yield was studied. The extracted oil was subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FT-IR) characterization to determine the functional groups present in the oil. At optimum conditions for the mixed aqueous surfactant extraction (0.2379 wt.% SDS, 0.5995 wt.% BRIJ-35, 0.3wt.% NaCl, 10 ml/g liquid/solid ratio, 25 min contact time at 25oC), an optimum 78% oil yield was obtained. In contrast, at 50oC for 24hr, an optimum of 81% and 82% oil yield were obtained respectively when hexane and petroleum ether were used as oil extracting solvents. Addition of BRIJ-35 and NaCl to the SDS solution improved the oil yield. Oil extracted using mixed aqueous surfactants, petroleum ether and hexane have the same functional groups indicating the surfactant does not affect the quality of the oil extracted.

Survey and Chemo-physiological Assessment of Biochemical Preservatives and Physicochemical Properties of plants used for preservation of fruits

The rate at which agricultural produce such as fruits are being infected by pests or spoilt as a results of lack of appropriate natural preservatives posed threat to food security and safety in many communities of Ogun State. However, there is need for study that can evaluate natural preservatives and physicochemical properties of some plants. In the present study, survey of indigenous plants commonly used for preservation of fruits was conducted using one hundred structured questionnaires randomly administered on fruit-sellers to elicit information on spoilage as threat affecting sales of fruits in Abeokuta. Also, biochemical constituents and physicochemical properties in the leaves of most plants used for fruits preservation were determined using standard procedure. Data were analysed using Statistical Analysis System. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Nauclea latifolia, Chromolaena odorata, Psidium guajava, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera and Aloe vera were the plants commonly used for preservation of fruits in the study area. Fruit spoilage (84.0%) was the major threat affecting the sales of fruits in Abeokuta. Saponin (0.68±0.03 mg/100g) and terpenoid (0.22±0.08 mg/100g) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in A. indica leaves as well as alkaloid (16.49±0.01 mg/100 g) in M. oleifera leaves. Also, phenol (0.41±0.02 mg/100g) and flavonoid (0.71±0.09mg/100g) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in C. odorata and A. vera leaves. Phytate (0.35±0.01 mg/100 g) and oxalate (0.32±0.03 mg/100 g) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the leaves of C. odorata. Furthermore, specific gravity of M. oleifera leaves (0.98±0.05) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with leaves of other plants. Iodine value (81.65±0.03 mg/100 g) and acid value (22.72±0.07) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Aloe vera leaves. The study revealed that spoilage was the major challenge facing the sales of fruits in Abeokuta. Also, leaves of the plants contained high proportions of natural preservatives and physicochemical properties. Spoilage was the major challenge facing the sales of fruits, however, leaves of the plants contained high amount of preservative and physicochemical parameters that could be adopted for preservation of fruits.

Resource Partitioning in the Sunbird Species Found in Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State

Competition occurs when individuals or different species are vying for the same resource which is in limited supply. Two complete competitors cannot coexist indefinitely, therefore competitors must differ to some degree in their resource use. The research was carried to investigate how resources are partitioned among the species of sunbirds found in Federal College of Forestry, Jos. Opportunistic sightings along a 200m transect was used for observation. Sunbirds were observed using binoculars between 6:30 – 8am and by 4:30 – 6pm. Six transects were purposively selected in the study area. Sightings along a 200m transect was used to observe; species of sunbird, sex of individual sunbird species, species of flowering plant visited by the sunbird species, activity or behaviour performed by the sunbird (probing, insect hunting, roosting, perching etc.) and duration of activity. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and post hoc test was used to analyse the data obtained. Results showed that forty-three (43) plant species were utilised by the four (4) sunbird species found in the study site with Corymbia torelliana and Hamelia patens having the highest number of visit. These four sunbird species observed were; Scarlet-chested sunbird, Variable sunbird, Green-headed sunbird and the Copper sunbird. Mean number of plants visited shows that Green-headed sunbird visited more plants than the other three species (28.89) which was highly significant (p=0.001). Copper sunbird spent the highest foraging time (67.71) which showed no variation with the other species (p=0.516). Females of the sunbird species visit more plants species and spent more time foraging as compared to the males although there was no variation (p= 0.984 and p= 0.906 respectively). The activities of the males (perching, hovering, probing, feeding) was higher than that of females and had a high level of significance (p=0.001). Callistemon citrinus, Corymbia torelliana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Hamelia patens, Parkia biglobosa and Ziziphus mucronata were utilised by all the sunbird species. Scarlet-chested sunbirds spent more time probing which aids pollination of plants in the study site and hence ecologically important to the plants found in the study site.

Bird Species Abundance and Diversity in Montane Forest Research Station, Jos, Plateau State

Forest is the most significant habitat for birds by supporting around 75% of all bird species while only 45% of all bird species have adapted to humans modified habitats. The research was conducted in the Montane Forest Research Station, Jos, Plateau State, in other to determine the abundance, diversity and effect of habitat types on bird’s species diversity. Fifteen transects of 200m were laid in the three habitat types (riparian forest, farmland and residential area) using stratified random sampling method. The data collected were analysed using R console. Shannon Weiner diversity index was used to analyse species diversity while generalized linear model was used to determine the effect of the habitat variables on bird species diversity. The result showed a total number of 1466 individual birds belonging to 17 families and 60 bird species were sighted. The abundance of birds was highest in riparian forest (2252), farmland (1732) and Residential area (1094) with no significance difference (p=0.177). Species richness was higher in the riparian forest (57), farmland (49), and the residential area (44). It also revealed that bird diversity index was highly significant. Riparian forest had the highest diversity (4.77), and the species were more evenly distributed (0.6) as compared to the other habitat types. The higher the number of trees and canopy cover the higher the diversity of species as was observed in the riparian forest where forest species that weren’t seen in the other habitats were found. The farmland and residential areas also hold a considerable number of some generalist bird species due to some patches of vegetation found in the habitat. Therefore, conservation efforts should be directed towards keeping vegetation intact in human dominated areas, as it serves as repository for bird species which are ecologically important. Hence, planting trees (economic, fruit and ornamental) should be encouraged.

Crude Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Its Fractions: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Antiplasmodial Activity

Malaria is a global problem, as treatment failure has hampered the efficacy of most anti-malarial medications. The goal of this study was to see if stem bark extract from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides had antiplasmodial properties that could be used to treat both susceptible and resistant parasites. The stem bark of Z. zanthoxyloides (500g) was crushed and extracted with ethanol. The extract was tested for antiplasmodial activity in vitro against the chloroquine-sensitive (CQS) strain NF54 and chloroquine-resistant strains (CQR) K1 of P. falciparum, as well as in vivo against the CQS(NK65) strain of P. berghei at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract was performed. The crude extract had an in vitro activity of 1076.4 56.4 and 1315.1 121.6 ng/ml against chloroquine sensitive and resistant parasites, respectively while standard drugs (chloroquine and artesunate) were 10.94 nM (3478.92 ng/ml) and 9.24 nM (3215.52ng/ml) for CQS and 310.68 nM (98796 ng/ml) and 10.94 nM (3650.52 ng/ml) for CQR respectively. At Day 7, mice treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw crude extract had parasite densities of 1159, 928, and 869 parasites/ µl, respectively (compared to positive control that had 123 parasites /µl). In vitro antiplasmodial activity was best in the K2, K4, and K6 fractions (IC50 were 6670, 6890, and 6480 ng/ml), but in vivo antiplasmodial activity was best in the K4 fraction (1183 parasites/ µl).The stem bark extract of Z. zanthoxyloides have remarkable antiplasmodial activity against both chloroquine sensitive and drug resistant P. falciparum supporting it ethnomedicinal use in malaria treatment.The extract of Z. zanthoxyloides has promising antiplasmodial activity and could be used to generate therapeutic leads against the multidrug-resistant K1 strain of P. falciparum, in addition to providing an alternative allopathic antiplasmodial medication.

Effects of water acidification on immune responses of the gercacinid, Cardiosoma armatum (Herklots, 1851)

The biological response to chemical pollutants reflects the acid–base status of an aquatic ecosystem. The gercacinid, Cardiosoma armatum (75±0.1 g) was exposed to acidified waters to evaluate the effects on its immune parameters. The crabs were exposed to pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.8 (control) for 28 days. The hematological parameters of control crabs and crabs exposed to varied doses of acidified water indicated a marked reduction. Significant (p<0.05) higher alkaline phosphatase and albumen were obtained in pH 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 compared to control; other values were mostly similar to control. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) (252.61±0.06 min/mg pro) was recorded in control group, while highest CAT activity (2.08±0.16 min/mg protein) was recorded in crabs exposed to pH 4 treatment. Furthermore, the control group's SOD activity was significantly higher than the exposed groups. With a lower pH, the quantities of malondialdehyde increased substantially and were significantly different from the control group. While these findings demonstrate that changes in pH have limited impact on energy use, decreasing immune system conditions show that C. armatum is susceptible to pH variations and may be influenced in aquaculture, where a pH drop is more prominent.