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Background: Kidneys exposure to toxins can cause injuries, leading to their functional impairments. Traditionally, plants have been used for the treatment of renal disorders and numerous medicinal plants have been tested for their nephroprotective effects, in such cases as gentamicin (GM) and cisplatin (Cisp)-induced nephrotoxicity. This study assessed the ability of Acalypha wilkesiana's extract to counteract its toxic effect based on the biochemical, histological and proinflammatory cytokines components in rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=4 each) and administered the following treatments: a) normal control (1 mL/kg body weight normal saline from days 1-10); b) nephrotoxin (GM 120 mg/kg, days 2-7; or Cisp 7 mg/kg on day 3); c) standard drug (120 mg/kg Silymarin plus GM or Cisp, days 1-10); and, d) extract groups (100 or 250 mg/kg, days 1-10 plus GM). Blood samples were collected and subjected to hematological and biochemical evaluations while kidney tissue samples were examined for histopathological alterations, pro- and antioxidants, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Treatment of the rats pre-exposed to GM or Cisp with the extract decreased the serum creatinine, urea and MDA levels. The GST and GPx levels were also restored in rats. Glomerular atrophy with tubular epithelial necrosis induced by either nephrotoxin was restored to near normal. The expression of COX-2 following the administration of either nephrotoxin was reversed after treatment with the extract. Conclusion: The A. wilkesiana extract exhibited significant nephroprotective property, which could potentially be regarded as a promising alternative to the management of renal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous ex-vivo and in vivo investigations have established immunopotentiating property of Khaya senegalensis and Cedrela odorata gums; however the safety of the use of this gum combination in chicken has not been described. Hence this study evaluates the haematological profile of chickens vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine delivered through the oral and ocular routes using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents. 252 one-day old chickens were grouped gum-vaccine oral (GVOR), vaccine oral (VOR), gum-vaccine ocular (GVOC), vaccine ocular (VOC), gum oral (GOR), gum ocular (GOC), no-gum-no-vaccine but challenged (NGNV/C), no-gum-no-vaccine unchallenged (NGNV/U). They were vaccinated on days 21 and 42 and challenged day 84. Blood samples were collected before first vaccination and at selected intervals afterwards. Analysis was done using one way ANOVA with P<0.05 considered significant. Packed cell volume, total white cell count, heterocyte-lymphocyte ratios and platelet count varied insignificantly (P>0.05) throughout the period of observation across groups with no observable derangements. Hence, the absence of derangement in haematological indices from this study suggests that the dilution rate recommended from the ex-vivo study is safe for administration of Newcastle disease vaccine in chickens irrespective of the routes of delivery.

Gaseous emission, particulate emission, biological molecules and other harmful substances discharge into the atmosphere from dumpsite environment. The carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) content of the gaseous emission from different platforms and offsets of the Awotan dump site were measured. P Sense CO2 Meter AZ 7755 was used to measure the level of carbon dioxide gas, temperature and relative humidity. K60 Gas detector was used to measure the level of methane (CH4) gas and Pm 2.5. Thermo-scientific MIE pDR 1500 PM monitor was used to measure the particulate matter on the dumpsite. The CO2 levels (697±28.84 - 502±2.19) were above the minimum permissible levels of ASHRAE of 400ppm for all platforms at the dumpsite. CH4 levels range (73.33±3.32 - 18.33±4.27) was above the methane explosive limits (MEL) of 15% for all Platforms, however the level at 25m and 50m offsets (14.83±4.11 - 13.83±2.48) was below the MEL for 75m and 100m offsets. PM2.5 levels were lower in the morning and peaked in the afternoon at Platform 5, 6 and 9 locations with values of 62.76±6.03, 63.9±11.37 and 32.06±3.89 respectively which is not within the WHO minimum permissible limit of 25µg/m3. There was a significant positive correlation between CO2 and CH4 (r=0.7558, p=0.028) but no significant correlation between CO2 and other meteorological parameters (temperature and humidity) (r=-0.1309, p=0.67and r=0.09644, p=0.754). The carbon dioxide and methane content of the gaseous emission from the Awotan dump site are potential health hazard, hence the need for an engineering design that will reduce the quantum of the emission thereby reducing the hazard.