Search

Ethnopharmacological relevance Adansonia digitata L . Baobab (Bombacaceae) solvent extracts have been reported to possess medicinal properties and are currently been used traditionally for the treatment of malaria and several other diseases and infection; however few reports exist in literature that provides supportive scientific evidence in favour of its medicinal use. Aim of the study This study investigated the efficacy of Adansonia digitata stem bark extract in offering protection against experimental malaria and also examined its remediation effect when administered after established infection. Materials and methods Weanling albino mice were used in the study. The mice were transfected intraperitonially with an inoculums size of 1× 10 7 of chloroquine susceptible strain of plasmodium berghei infected erythrocytes. Mechanisms of action of the extract were investigated by measuring the degree of tissue peroxidation and tissue antioxidant status. Severity of malaria was determined by measuring the serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and serum and tissue Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Results There was a significant increase in serum CRP, TNF-α concentrations and serum and tissue ALP activity in the control mice following Plasmodium berghei infection. All the treatment had effect on the growth of Plasmodium berghei parasites in mice. The extracts showed a significant dose dependent increase packed cell volume (PCV), percentage chemosupression/clearance and a significant decrease in percentage parasitemia at the two doses when administered after established infection. Methanolic extract (MEAD) at 400 mg/kg exhibited the highest chemosupressive activity. The extract significantly reduced the degree of tissue peroxidation, increased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. Administration of the extract after established infection reduced serum CRP and TNF-α concentrations and serum and tissue ALP activity. Conclusion Our study suggests that Adansonia digitata protects against Plasmodium berghei induced-malaria, and that administration of the extract after established infection reduced malaria progression.

A pot experiment was carried out to assess Cd uptake and accumulation efficiency of Sesbania sesban. Plants were grown in soil spiked with 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg Cd. After 120 days, plants were harvested and analyzed for Cd content. A steady increase in Cd accumulation with increasing metal concentration in soil was observed for all treatments. Accumulation of Cd was greatest in roots (86.7 ± 6.3 mg/kg), followed by stem (18.59 ± 1.9 mg/kg), and leaf (3.16 ± 1.1 mg/kg). Chlorophyll content declined with increasing Cd concentration, while proline and protein content increased as compared to control. At higher Cd levels, root, shoot length, and biomass were all significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.001). An increase in total protein along with greater A250/A280 value suggested an increase in metal-protein complexes. Considering the rapid growth, high biomass, accumulation efficiency, and adaptive properties, this plant could be used as a valuable tool for the phytoremediation of Cd contaminated soils.

Background: Bacteria produce antibiotic-degrading enzymes such as carbapenemases. Carbapenemases are a consortium of carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzymes such as metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) that gives Gram-negative bacteria the exceptional ability to degrade and render the carbapenems inefficacious. Aim: This study evaluated the antibiogram, multiple antibiotic resistance and occurrence of MBL-producing E. coli from cloacal swabs of poultry birds in a local poultry farm in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 40 cloacal swab samples from the cloacal region of poultry birds were bacteriologically analyzed for the isolation of E. coli. E. coli isolates were identified using standard microbiology techniques and the antibiogram of the isolates was determined using the disk diffusion technique. The multidrug resistance nature of the E. coli isolates was determined using multiple antibiotics resistance index (MARI) protocol while MBL production was phenotypically confirmed using the inhibition based assay. Results: A total of 29 (72.5%) E. coli isolates was recovered from the 40 cloacal swab samples. The E. coli isolates were highly resistant to imipenem (31%), meropenem (58.6%), ertapenem (75.9%), cefotaxime (55.2%), ciprofloxacin (89.7%), cefoxitin (93.1%). and ceftazidime (69.0%). MBL production was phenotypically detected in 3 (10.3%) E. coli isolates out of the 29 isolates of E. coli recovered in this study. The resistant E. coli isolates were multiply resistant to antibiotics in the class of fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and carbapenems; and they had a multiple antibiotic resistance of 0.4 on average. Conclusion: This presumptive study has shown that E. coli isolates of poultry origin produce MBL. The emergence and spread of drug resistant bacteria in the community can be contained if we use antibiotics rationally and find alternative measures for promoting animal growth without the use of antimicrobial agents.

Although not categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List, the African forest buffalo Syncerus caffer nanus is declining across its range. In Nigeria its distribution, abundance and status are virtually unknown. We conducted interviews with experienced hunters, and field surveys (linear and recce transects), to study the buffalo's distribution and ecology in the montane forests of Cross River State. General linear modelling indicated that the number of individuals varied significantly across survey areas and habitat types but not with the survey period, and there was no study area × study period interaction. Buffalo were found most commonly in mature and secondary forests. Given the species’ scattered distribution, fragmentation of its habitat, and the relatively low numbers observed, Nigerian populations require a separate, regional categorization on the IUCN Red List.

Among all approaches aimed at reducing poor mathematics achievement, adoption of appropriate methods of teaching appears to be more rewarding. In this study, improvised instructional materials were used to ascertain students’ geometry achievement at the upper basic education one. Two research questions were asked while two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. It adopted a quasi-experimental design of non-randomized pre-test post-test control group type. Carried out at Makurdi metropolis with a population of 1680 universal basic education (UBE) students. From this, 139 students were sampled from four schools out of the 22 UBE schools. Instrument of the study was Geometry Achievement Test (GAT). Research questions asked were answered using descriptive statistic of mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses formulated were tested using Analysis of covariance. The study found that students taught with improvised instructional materials improved on their geometry achievement. Also that both male and female student in the experimental group improved more on their geometry achievement than those of the control group. Recommendations such as encouraging mathematics teachers to use improvised instructional materials in their mathematics classroom were made among others. Relevant and adequate conclusions were also made.

This study assessed the level of contamination of the topsoil by Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd and Zn and the spatial distribution of these heavy metals around a cement factory. Thirty–eight composite soil samples were collected around the cement factory and subjected to nitric–perchloric acid digestion. Total metal contents of the soil were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) and the data generated were analyzed statistically. Spatial mapping of the distribution of heavy metals was done through the use of Inverse Distance Weighted technique (IDW) of ArcGIS 10. The results showed that the contamination domain of Cd was in the extreme domain while Pb and Cu levels in the soil were in the severe and moderate contamination domains. Zn and Cr posed no potential environmental hazard because of their low level in the soil. The spatial mapping of the heavy metals indicated Pb and Cu enrichment of the soil not only to come from cement production activities but also from vehicular activities while Cd enrichment of the soil was mainly from the cement production. Mapping of Zn and Cr distribution showed that their enrichments in the soil were from cement production activities. From these findings, it is highly recommended that environmental auditing of the cement production line be carried out to reduce the release of pollutants. It is also important that remediation activities be carried out on the soil to reduce the levels of Cd, Pb and Cu to avert potential ecological disasters.

Spatial patterns of land cover changes in the Omo-Shasha-Oluwa Forest Reserves were conducted on Landsat TM and ETM+ imageries of 1986 and 2002 using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Extent of tree plantation (Gmelina arborea) grew from about 145 sq. km in 1986 to about 322 sq. km in 2002 (122% increase). The natural forest declined from about 2569 sq. km in 1986 to about 2253 sq. km by 2002, while the non-forest areas increased by some 5% from 341 km2 in 1986 to about 490 km2 by 2002. Land cover pattern and its changes in the study area are linked to both natural and anthropogenic processes such as illegal logging, demand for soft wood for industries and expansion of settlements. The conversion of natural forest into monoculture plantations should be discouraged because they do not give room for biodiversity. Specific forestry and environmental laws and regulations that significantly address landscape changes in reserved and protected areas should be enforced to reduce activities that negatively affect the forest reserves. There is also the need to develop a wider and more integrated GIS system of the forest and other land resources in the country to assist different kinds of planning and management activities.

Trace metal contamination of paddy soil can be of major health concern due to the potential risk involved in metal transfer along the food chain. This study investigates the level of some trace metals in paddy soil and rice and estimates the risks to humans via dietary intake of brown rice among the local population. Bulk concentrations of Cd and Zn (3.72 and 389.2 mg/kg, respectively) in the paddy exceeded the recommended limits for agricultural soils. However, pollution index showed moderate pollution for only Cd that was anthropogenic in origin in the paddy soil. Concentrations of Cu in rice shoot (4.18 mg/kg) and brown rice (3.57 mg/kg) were below the recommended FAO/WHO limits, whereas contents of Cd, Zn and Pb in the brown rice exceeded the limits by multiples of 15.7, 2 and 19.8, respectively. Transfer factor of trace metals in both rice shoot and grain showed the same trend: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb, and cluster analysis indicated grain Cd content to be directly accumulated in rice grain via root uptake. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of Pb in adults exceeded the FAO/WHO tolerable daily intake (TDI) whereas in children, EDI of Cd and Pb exceeded the TDI by several folds. The hazard quotient for non-cancer effects in adults and children subpopulations was 2.60 and 11.93, respectively, and Cd was the main contributing factor. Therefore, contamination of brown rice from the field by Cd and Pb poses great non-cancer health risks to both adults and children subpopulations, though children are at greater risks.

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside drug, used for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Despite its potency against bacterial infections, its clinical use is limited owing to nephrotoxicity effect. However, the study investigated the nephroprotective effect of fatty acids from ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera seeds (EEMOS) against gentamicin-induced kidney injury in rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats, 100–160 g, were divided into 5 groups as follows: Group 1 (control), 5 rats, received 0.2 ml/100 g/day of propylene glycol orally for 28 days. Group 2, 10 rats, received 100 mg/kg/day (i.p) of gentamicin (GENT) for 8 days. Group 3–5, 10 rats each, treated with EEMOS orally for 28 days at graded doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively after GENT treatment. Twenty four after treatment, five rats from each group were sacrificed. The remaining 5 rats were sacrificed after 2 weeks recovery period from the drugs. The result showed that GENT elicited polyuria, elevated plasma creatinine, urea, and lower plasma electrolytes and creatinine clearance levels. Measurements of 24 h urinary output demonstrated marked decrease in creatinine and potassium levels in the GENT-treated group, whereas sodium level remain unchanged. Also, GENT caused significant decrease in superoxide dismutase and an increase in malondialdehyde levels in the kidney of the rats. Histopathological examination revealed evidence of necrosis of the kidney. Treatment with EEMOS significantly ameliorated the alterations caused by GENT in the plasma, urine and kidney homogenate of the rats. Hence, the mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids present in EEMOS were responsible for its renoprotective ability.

The production of metallic nanoparticles is greatly increasing due to its wide range of applications in agricultural formulations. The present pot experiment investigated the uptake of Zn from nano-zinc oxide (n-ZnO)-amended soil at 300, 600 and 1000 mg n-ZnO/kg concentrations, and its effects on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in tomato tissues and fruits respectively. Results showed that root uptake of Zn increased with increasing n-ZnO concentrations. The enzyme activity showed that n-ZnO, through the generation of H 2 O2 and induction of oxidative stress, significantly reduced the activity of stress-controlling enzymes (APX and SOD) in the root. Conversely in leaves, despite alteration in chlorophylls in the early growing stage, APX activity was only significant at 1000 mg n-ZnO/kg) while SOD activity was enhanced at all treatments. CAT activity was significantly reduced, unlike in the roots where CAT activity was significantly enhanced. Contents of total phenols, flavonoids, β -carotene and lycopene in fruits were significantly reduced by at least 4.8% while ascorbic acid was promoted at low n-ZnO treatments. In conclusion, the toxic effect of n-ZnO on stress enzymes was prominent in tomato roots, and there was also inhibitory effect on induction of non-enzymatic antioxidants in the tomato fruits.

Anatomical studies were carried out on the leaves, stems and roots of Amaranthus hybridus subjected to irrigation of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% concentrations of pharmaceutical effluents to identify the responses of this plant to the treatment. Leaf structures of A. hybridus showed no significant change due to the effect of the effluents. Significant reduction was observed in the trichome density and number of epidermal cells at the adaxial surface as from the 20% effluent concentration upward (p A. hybridus with varied modifications from 20% effluent concentration upward at both leaf surfaces. Vessels and phloem cells in the stems and roots of A. hybridus were seriously affected by the effluent. Vessel walls were thickened and their width reduced significantly as from 20% effluent concentration upward while phloem cells experienced progressive loss of structural integrity from the same concentration (20%) upward in both the stems and roots. This study showed that the pharmaceutical effluents have toxic effect on A. hybridus and the effects were more pronounced as from 20% concentration.

This paper examines the functional and the significant role of metaphors in literary works. It discusses the centrality of metaphors as a dominant literary device consciously deployed by Femi Osofisan to project the theme of oppression, dehumanization, social injustice and poverty in his plays. The paper focuses on the use of animal and predatory metaphors in Osofisan’s plays to launch an offensive literary attack on the rich and the ruling elite in the society who use their privileged positions to brazenly oppress and brutalize the poor and the downtrodden. The paper, on the other hand, examines the appropriate use of animal metaphors to enlighten and educate the poor on their precarious condition as preys in the hands of the carnivorous ruling class. Finally, the paper discusses the settings and the titles of Osofisan’s plays, the quest motif and the traditional modes as metaphors for oppression.

Background Individuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of becoming victim of a crime or other forms of aggression. Research has revealed several possible risk factors (e.g. impaired social cognition, aggression regulation problems, assertiveness, self-stigma, self-esteem) for victimization in patients with a psychotic disorder. To address these risk factors and prevent victimization, we developed a body-oriented resilience training with elements of kickboxing: BEATVIC. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Methods/Design Seven mental health institutions in the Netherlands will participate in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BEATVIC training or the control condition: social activation. Follow-ups are at 6, 18 and 30 months. Short term effects on risk factors for victimization will be examined, since these are direct targets of the intervention and are thought to be mediators of victimization, the primary outcome of the intervention. The effect on victimization will be investigated at follow-up. In a subgroup of patients, fMRI scans will be made before and after the intervention period in order to assess potential neural changes associated with the effects of the training. Discussion This study is the first to examine the effectiveness of an intervention targeted at victimization in psychosis. Methodological issues of the study are addressed in the discussion of this paper. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN21423535 . Retrospectively registered 30-03-2016.

The aim of the study was to assess the metal pollution of the soil around two crude oil flow stations in the Niger Delta, Nigeria and perform the ecological geochemistry of soil. Soil samples were collected by systematic random sampling around the flow stations in Kokori and Kolo Creek, Niger Delta Nigeria. The concentrations of Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd in the soil were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after wet-digestion in acid mixture of HNO3 + HCl + H2O2. Mean concentration values of Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd in the soil of both Kokori and Kolo Creek were higher in some cases by several orders of magnitude than the Control values except for Ni in Kokori and Pb in Kolo Creek. The levels of Index of geo-accumulation (I-geo) were no pollution to low pollution except Cr in Kolo Creek that indicates strong pollution. Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) also indicates the soil of Kokori and Kolo Creek to be of moderate and high levels of pollution respectively with Zn majorly contributing to the pollution status in Kokori while Cr, Zn and Ni are the major pollutants in Kolo Creek. However, a different pollution pattern was observed in the single potential ecological risk assessment of metals in the soil. Cd and Cr in Kokori and Cr, Cd and Ni in Kolo Creek portend ecological risk with the following patterns; Cd = Cr > Zn = Pb = Ni and Cr > Cd = Ni > Zn = Pb respectively. Comprehensive potential ecological risk (RI) assessment indicated low potential ecological risk for Kokori and Kolo Creek; and the major contributors are Cd, Ni and Cr. Therefore, there is urgent need to remediate these metals that could pose ecological risk so that further buildup would be prevented, and avert any potential harm to ecological functioning of the areas.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of different concentrations of cadmium and lead on the growth and productivity of Arachis hypogaea and Glycine max. Seeds were sown on soils irrigated with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40ppm concentrations of cadmium and lead. Growth and productivity indices were recorded at the 8th week of growth and the elemental contents of the seeds produced were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The data generated were subjected to One-Way Analysis of Variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that both lead and cadmium treatments had toxic effects on various growth indices and productivity of Arachis hypogaea and Glycine max. Increasing the concentrations of the metals (lead and cadmium) to 40 ppm, significantly (p

This study investigated the effect of crude oil-contaminated soil on the germination and growth performance of Abelmoschus esculentus, a widely cultivated vegetable crop in Nigeria. The experiment was conducted in the Screen House, under controlled environmental conditions. The seedling emergence percentage, heights and girths were studied to determine the growth performance of the crop in crude oil-contaminated soil. The result of the investigation revealed that the crude oil-contaminated soil affects the growth performance of Abelmoschus esculentus L. as hindered germination, reduced heights and girths were observed in the crop planted in treated soil and this adversely and severely affects the crop agronomic growth and development and probably its yield. Therefore, contamination of agricultural soils with crude oil should be avoided and public awareness should be created on the detrimental effects of crude oil pollution in our terrestrial ecosystem. Innovative and environmental-friendly remediation strategies should be carried out on our agricultural soils that have been grossly polluted by crude oil exploitation and exploration.

An ecological impact assessment of crude-oil spills was carried out on the environment of an oil-rich community in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Samples of the topsoil (0−15 cm), subsoil (15−25 cm) and the dominant species Gamba grass ( Andropogon gayanus ) were collected using the transect method from the point of spills. The samples were also collected from an unimpacted location (control). The samples were wet-digested and the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while the physico-chemical properties of the topsoil were determined by standard methods. The data were subjected to Student t test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis, and the models for pollution assessment were employed to assess the pollution status of the soil and plant species. The results showed that concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn in the topsoil exceeded international standards at close proximity to point of spills (0−200 m), while Cd concentrations exceeded the international standard at all the locations. Only Cd exceeded the international standard in the subsoil. Contamination ( P i ) and integrated pollution ( P c ) indices of the topsoil showed reducing trends from the point of pollution, and locations at 0 m and 100 m exhibited high P c , while those at 200 m showed moderate P c by all metals. The levels of Pb and Cd in the diagnostic species exceeded the World Health Organization limits and the pollution load index (PLI) portrayed severe contamination. In conclusion, the impact of crude-oil spills in the area was significant; soil remediation is important to avert ecological and human health disasters. Moreover, these findings will be useful for designing strategic measures for environmental control in the area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.71.3.12474

Consistent control of blood pressure requires that patients with hypertension follow medication regimen and lifestyle modification. However, many patients fail to adhere to treatment recommendations resulting in less than optimal treatment. While most studies have focused on medication adherence and its associations among hypertensive patients seen in the hospital setting, little is known about this in the community. Knowledge of this will aid clinicians and health policy makers in designing community-based intervention programme to improve medication adherence in the populace. A cross-sectional communitybased study carried out among individuals known to be hypertensive for more than 3 months and on antihypertensive medications. Modified version of the hypertension fact questionnaire and the 8-item Morisky Medication Assessment Scale was used to assess knowledge and adherence to medication respectively. Complete data was available for 252 participants. This included 143 (56.7%) males and 109 (43.3%) females with a mean age of 56.6 ± 12.7 years. Blood pressure control was optimal in 33%, good knowledge of hypertension was found in 52% while only 31.8% were adherent to prescribed medications. Duration of hypertension from time of diagnosis, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and total number of pills swallowed per time were found to independently correlate with medication adherence, albeit negatively. Education program and use of single pill combination regimen can be effective in promoting adherence to medication in our population.

Late adverse reactions (LAR) to contrast media (CM) are defined as reactions occurring 1 h to 1 week after exposure. In view of more prospective studies of LAR and new data about their pathophysiology, the Contrast Medium Safety Committee (CMSC) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) reviewed the literature on LAR and updated their guidelines. LAR after CM include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, itching, skin rash, musculoskeletal pain, and fever. Skin reactions are well-documented LAR to CM with an incidence of approximately 2%–4% after nonionic monomers. LAR are commoner by a factor of three to four after nonionic dimers. The commonest skin reactions are maculopapular rashes, erythema and skin swelling. These reactions are T cell-mediated immune reactions, and the diagnosis may be confirmed using skin tests (patch or delayed reading intradermal). The main risk factors for LAR are a previous reaction to contrast medium, a history of allergy, and interleukin-2 treatment. Most skin reactions are mild or moderate and self-limiting. Management is symptomatic and similar to the management of other drug-induced skin reactions. To reduce the risk of repeat reactions avoidance of the relevant CM and any cross-reacting agents identified by skin testing is recommended.

Tree cropping has been known to bring about changes in edaphic component among other components of the ecosystem through their interactions with the soil and soil faunas. Premised on this, this study assessed the effects of sole cropping of teak and intercropping of cocoa and kola on the soil fertility status. The study was carried out using stratified-randomed sampling technique for the study plots in all the sampling sites. Three sampling sites consisting of four (4)-4oo m2 sampling plots each were established in which vegetation and some soil parameters were assessed. Results analysis showed that the synergistic interaction of leaves decomposition of cocoa and kola improved the organic matter content of the soil under the cocoa/kola site. Considerable improvement in soil fertility was enjoyed in the cocoa/kola site due to the large girth sizes and basal area of trees present in the cocoa/kola site while soil under the sole cropping of teak was impoverished. The degradation effects was due to the high rate of nutrient uptake of the teak, organic matter content was high in the forest site (9.12%) and cocoa/kola site (7.34) while the least was in the teak site (3.04%). A very strong correlation existed between organic matter content and some vegetation parameters.

The study assessed the concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Cd in rhizosphere and tissues of A. hybridus and C. olitorius grown on a dumpsite converted to farmland by plant and 0-15 cm depth soil samples which were air-dried, digested and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Some physiochemical parameters that affect transport of soil nutrients into plant tissues were analysed using standard methods. The pH of the rhizosphere soil of C. olitorius was 6.71 and the soil of A. hybridus was slightly alkaline in nature with pH 7.75. The rhizosphere of A. hybridus had the highest concentration of Pb (123.20±90.04 mg/kg) and Cd (0.63±0.63 mg/kg) while Cr was highest in the rhizosphere of C. olitorius (36.57±8.61 mg/kg). The result showed total and bioavailable metal concentrations in the soils were in the order of Pb > Cr > Cd. The order of metal uptake varied with vegetable crop. Metal concentration in tissues of A. hybridus followed the order of Pb > Cr > Cd while C. olitorius was Cr > Pb > Cd. Concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr exceeded the maximum permissible limit in soil and within allowable limit in the tissue. C. olitorius had transfer factor (TF) 1. The study concluded that the dumpsite converted to farmland is highly contaminated with Pb, Cr, and Cd and highly accumulated by the vegetables. Keywords : Heavy metals, dumpsite, Transfer factor, vegetables.

Summary Retrieval of the terrestrial moisture storage dataset from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite remote sensing system is possible when the catchment of interest is of large spatial scale. These dataset are of paramount importance for the estimation of the total storage deficit index (TSDI), which enables the characterization of a particular drought event from the perspective of the terrestrial moisture storage over that catchment. Incidentally, the GRACE gravity signal over the 13,000 km 2 Upper Assiniboine River Basin on the drought-prone Canadian Prairie is so poor therefore making the computation of the total storage deficit index for this basin infeasible. Consequently, the estimation of the terrestrial moisture storage from other reliable sources becomes imperative in order to enable the computation of the TSDI over this basin. This study explores the utilization of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, a physically based, spatially distributed hydrologic model to simulate the total moisture storage over the Upper Assiniboine River Basin which was then employed in the estimation of the TSDI over this basin for subsequent characterization of the recent Prairie-wide drought. Interestingly, the temporal patterns in the computed TSDI from the VIC model reveal a strong resemblance with the same drought characterization undertaken over the larger adjacent Saskatchewan River Basin, which was accomplished utilizing terrestrial moisture storage from the GRACE-based approach. Additionally, these independent techniques employed in the characterization of the last Prairie drought over the two adjacently situated basins resulted in similar drought severity classification from the standpoint of the total moisture storage deficits over these basins. This study has therefore shown that in the computation of the total storage deficit index over small-scale catchments during anomalous climatic conditions that propagate extreme dryness through the terrestrial hydrologic systems, simulations of the total water storage from a structurally sound model such as the VIC model could be resourceful for the computation of the monthly total storage deficit index if no constraint is placed on the availability of accurate meteorological forcing.

The concentrations of 15 elements and heavy metals in the stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis were determined using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer . The anti-anemic activity was done using the changes in hematological parameters (PCV, RBC and Hb) influenced by phenylhydrazine HCL (80 mg/kg) and malaria parasites-induced anemia. Results shows Cd, Ni, Mo, Cr and Br were in the range of 0.021–0.94 mg/g, while Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu and Hg were in the range of 1.50–7.24 mg/g. The elements with very high concentration were Ca, K, Sr, Mn, and Cl and were in the range of 10.5–774.3 mg/g. Remarkable anti-anemic activity was obtained with PCV of 40–48%, RBC count of 81 -155 x10 4 and Hb value of 57-66 g/dL after treatment compared with 30% PCV, 67 x10 4 RBC count and 36.5 g/dL Hb value obtained for the untreated control animals. Our results suggest that H. madascariensis stem bark extract constituents’ exhibit anti-anemic activity.

The essence of this paper is to undertake an investigation of the recent Canadian Prairie drought by employing total water storage anomalies obtained from gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) remote sensing satellite mission. In order to successfully retrieve average terrestrial water storages from gravity measurements, a necessary procedure is to undertake the transformation of the GRACE geopotential spherical harmonic coefficients into spatially varying time series of geopotential heights that were subsequently converted into water equivalent amounts. These obtained GRACE-based total water storages were thereafter validated using storages estimated from the atmospheric-based water balance P - E computation in conjunction with the measured streamflow records for the Saskatchewan River Basin at its Grand Rapids outlet in Canada. Interestingly, the results from this study corroborate the potential of GRACE-based technique as a veritable tool for the characterization of the 2002/2003 Canadian Prairie droughts. Especially, this approach would prove resourceful for other regions globally where soil moisture availability is sparing or worst still, inexistent thereby making such studies impossible.

Acanthospermum hispidum (Asteraceae), used ethnomedically in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and fever, was evaluated for antiprotozoal activities such as trypanocidal and antiplasmodial effects. This study was carried out to investigate the anti-trichomonal potential of the plant. The air-dried leaf was extracted successively with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol using the soxhlet extraction method. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the most active extract was carried out using the vacuum liquid chromatographic technique for antitrichomonal activity using Trichomonas gallinae in vitro. The ethyl acetate extract (A3) was the most active extract with LC50-LC90 values of 0.58-1.06 and 0.58-1.05 mg/ml at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Subfraction C7 had the highest antitrichomonal activity with 0.25-0.66 and 0.25-0.54 mg/ml at 24 and 48 h, respectively comparable to the activity of metronidazole at 0.20-0.39 and 0.16-0.36 mg/ml at 24 and 48 h, respectively. A . hispidum possessed antitrichomonal activity which resided in the chloroform portion of the ethyl acetate extract of the plant. Keywords: Trichomonas gallinae , vacuum liquid chromatography, antiprotozoal African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(11), 1303-1307

Dietary uptake of heavy metals through the consumption of vegetables grown on polluted soil can have serious human health implications. Thus, the study presented in this paper investigated the bioaccumulation and associated dietary risks of Pb, Zn, and Cd present in vegetables widely consumed in Nigeria, namely amaranth and jute mallow, grown on soil irrigated with polluted water from Asa River. The study found that the soil was polluted with Zn, Pb, and Cd with Pb and Cd being contributed by polluted river, while Zn was from geogenic sources. The metal concentration in amaranth and jute mallow varied in the order of Zn > Pb > Cd and Zn > Pb ≈ Cd, respectively. Jute mallow acts as an excluder plant for Pb, Cd, and Zn. Consequently, the metal concentrations in jute mallow were below the toxic threshold levels. Furthermore, non-cancer human health risk of consuming jute mallow from the study site was not significant. In contrast, the concentrations of Pb and Cd in amaranth were found to be above the recommended safe levels and to be posing human health risks. Therefore, further investigation was undertaken to identify the pathways of heavy metals to amaranth. The study found that the primary uptake pathway of Pb and Cd by amaranth is foliar route, while root uptake is the predominant pathway of Zn in amaranth.

Background Scoparia dulcis Linn (Scrophulariaceae) together with other medicinal plants serve as antisickling remedies in Africa. This study was aimed at investigating the antisickling activity of the leaves of the plant as well as establishing the toxicological profile. Method Chemical tests were employed in phytochemical investigations. Evaluation of the antisickling activity involved the inhibition of sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling of the HbSS red blood cells obtained from confirmed sickle cell patients who were not in crises. Concentrations of the crude extract and its fractions were tested with normal saline and p-hydroxybenzoic acid serving as controls. Acute toxicological evaluation was carried out in mice while 30-day assessment was done in rats. Results Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Percentage sickling inhibitions of the aqueous methanol extracts of S. dulcis were significant all through the period of assay p