Table of Contents: Volume 3 (November 2004)


  • PHYSICS IN AGRICULTURE
    Authors: Dr. H. M Olaitan
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    Physics has always played a significant role in development and advancement in agriculture. Attempts will be made in this paper at examining and illuminating some applications of Physics in such areas as optimization of heat treatment techniques for delay in ripening of tomatoes, the application of magnetic resonance imaging in livestock and soil investigation; application of reflected and transmitted ultra sound energy in livestock investigation etc. These and other related issues shall be discussed in this paper.
  • MANIFESTATION OF PHYSICS IN YORUBA CULTURE
    Authors: Olaitan H. M.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The early Yoruba were intensely environmental and outdoor people. Hence through repeated observation and logical projection, they were able to understand and practice some aspect of fundamental physics. This paper aims to illuminate some of these elements and manifestation within the framework of contemporary physics.
  • ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE
    Authors: H. M. Olaitan
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The impact of electronics in agriculture cannot be ignored owing to the increase in vital use of electronics in such areas as radio-telemetry for remote scientific monitoring of livestock, global positioning system, (GPS) for identification of grazing area; hand-held data loggers for weed mapping and yield mapping, electronic control of agriculture equipment etc. The paper seeks to examine the above and related issues.
  • THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY
    Authors: Adekoya, Khalid Olajide
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Science, the area of knowledge based on the observation and testing of fact include the working into an ordered system, a base for new knowledge and a guide to way of getting it. Theology is the belief in the existence of a supernatural ruling power, the creator and controller of the universe who sees to the orderliness of the system. Both realms of knowledge are in search of truth either through experiment or faith. The impact of issues such as cloning, stem-cell research, spiritual and health, genetic engineering, at the interface of science and religion reverberates worldwide and across disciplines. The forces driving this impact are diverse from globalization of scientific culture, religion responses to the new scientific vision and ethical concern prompted by biotechnology and environmental threats. The offshore of these revolutionary questions exceed the conceptual limitation of any single disciple, so scientific and religious intellectuals must tear down the cultural wall that have served to quarantine their respective disciplines and address their challenges together. This paper examines the consonance between science and theology as the work and the word of God respectively.
  • HEAVY METAL POLLUTION OF SOKOTO ENVIRONMENT BY COMMERCIAL AND MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES
    Authors: F. W. ABDULRAHMAN
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    Soil samples from selected mechanic ,blacksmith battery chargers and local aluminium pot manufacturers workshos were collected and analyzed for heavy metals by colorimetric method. The results indicated high level of cadmium,lead and chromium above WHO safe limit. While the values of manganese,iron and zinc were within the safe limit. Health implications of these metal pollutants are discussed. Automobile engines uncontrolled usage of chemicals, radiations, mining, dumping of toxic waste, disposal of waste products resulting from industrial and commercial activities etc. All these have combined to create environment disruption (Joe,19979) Of all the natural resources, land is the most threatened by pollution .Numerous sources of pollution affect the quality of land, but domestic , industrial and commercial activities and wastes obtained from these sources are the most important.
  • ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA AGAINST FOOD SPOILAGE ORGANISMS
    Authors: Olasupo , N.A,1,Grillo, J.A,1 Obayori, O.S,1, And Smith S.I2.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    In a programme to source for local alternatives to chemical preservatives of food, a prelimnary in-vitro antimicrobial activities of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of caltropis procra leaves against some food spoilage organisms were determined. The test organisms were Staphylococcus aurreus,Escherichia coli, pseudomonas, Klebsiella,Salmonella, Klebsiella species) for both aqueous and ethanolic extract to 20mm (Pseudomonas spp) for hot ethanolic extract.The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranged from 1.09mg/ml (Salmonella spp) for the cold ethanolic extract to66.3mg/ml (Klebsiella spp) for the hot ethanolic extract. The lowest minimum bacteriocidal concentration (MBC) was 6.25 mg/ml (E. coli) for the cold aqueous extract and the highest was 50.0mg/ml (Salmonella spp) for the hot aqueous extract. The results indicated the efficacy of crude extracts of Calotropis procera in controlling the growth of food spoilage organisms.
  • DETERMINATION OF POTENCY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF CASSIA ALATA AND AZADIRACHTA INDICA AGAINST FUNGAL DETERIORATION OF SOME STORED OF SOME STORED FOOD PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA
    Authors: Grillo, J.A, Asikong, B.E and Moro,D.D
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The paper highlights the potential of aqueous extracts of Cassia alata and Azadirachta indica as preservatives of foodstuffs. Different concentarations of aqueous estracts of both plants were tested in-vitro for antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus , Mucor sp, Saccharomyces sp and Rhizopus sp isolated from spoilt stored food commodities in Calabar ,Nigeria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) study revealed ,for C.alata 62.5mg/ml againt Apergillus sp, Mucor sp and 31.3mg/ml against Saccharomyces sp and Rhizopus sp.The minimum cidal concentration,on agar of C.alata was 125mg/ml for all test fungi.A.indica showed cidal effect at 125mg/ml against Aspergillus sp, Mucor sp and 62.5mg/ml against Saccharomyces sp and Rhizopus sp. The results present the efficacy of tested plant extracts in controlling the growth of the storages fungi.
  • COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SUGARS IN SELECTED NIGERIAN FRUITS
    Authors: Ojuawo R O,Ojekale A B and Ghaniyyu L O
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Ten different fruits,namely Apple (malus communis), Banana (musa sapientum), carrot (Daucus carota), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale ), Grape fruit (vitis venifera ), Mango (Mangifera indica), Africa star Apple (chrysophyllum Africnum), Bitter Orange (citrus Aurantium), Pineapple (Ananas comosus), Wall nut (Petracarpidium conphorum) were assessed in this study using thin layer chromatography for their different sugar contents. All the fruits assessed in this study contain glucose and fructose at varying con centration with Mangifera indica (Mango) having the highest concentrations of both sugars, 4.15% and 3.80% respectively, while grape fruit has the lowest value of 1.19% and 1.12% of each. Galactose was present in only three of the fruits, namely Apple,Grape fruit and orange, same with lactose, present in Pineapple, African star apple and Wall nut. Raffinose was present only in Apple and Pineapple. The findings of this study are discussed along their health and medical implications.
  • PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG PATIENTS PRESENTING GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS AT LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (LUTH)
    Authors: Ojuromi O T, Fagbenro � Beyioku A F and Ojo A S.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    This study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in patients with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections at the Lagos University teaching hospital (LUTH). Out of the 409 patients examined, 193 (47.2%) were infected. The infection rate was higher in males 104 (52.5%) than the females 89 (42.2%).The highest prevalence rate was found in age group (21-30) years, with 38 (60.3%) infected and the lowest rate was recorded in age group (61-70 )years, with 6 (33.3%) positive. Entamoeba histolytical and ascaris ranked hihest rate among the various groups most especially age group (21-30) years, with 21 (36.2% ) and age group (11-20)years with 19 (32.8%) . Giardia Lamblia had the higest prevalence among the age group (1-10)years with 10 (50.5%) positive. However, only one (1) patient was positive for cristosporidium infection. Mixed infecdtions was mainly found between E.histolytical Ascaris (14.8%). There was a statistically significant difference X2 = (P = 0.05) between the infected and uninfected patients . The study highlights the significance of formal � ether concentrations techniques ( FEC ) and the use of Zielhil � Nelsen carbon � fuschin on routine examination of stool samples to improve diagnosis .
  • EFFECTS OF ONCHOCERCAGUTTUROSA ON MINERAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE KIDNEY AND PLASMA OF MICE
    Authors: Adu O B, Awoneye O O,Ugochukwu C N, Magbagbeola O A and Elemo B O .
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    The effects of onchocerca gutturosa on concentrations of some minerals oin the plasma and kidney of mice was investigated. Thirty mice weighing 15-25g were divided into six groups. Group 1, 2, and 5 were infected with O.gutturosa microfilaria (2000-3000ms ); groups 2 and 3 were administered 150 �g/kg body weight of invermectin, 2 days of infections. Group 5 and 6 were administered 0.1% between 80n (Placebo) and served as controlled ( uninfected and untreated). The concentration of zince (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were determined in the plasma and kidney on days 1 and 14 post-treatment. On day 1, the uninfected and treated animals (groupn 3) had higher plasma zince and copper concentrations (103.29 � 0.33 and 253.00 � 0.97 �g/L respectively) compare to the uninfected and treated group (group 4) (101.65 � 0.66 and 241.90 � 1.93 �g/L respectively). The concentration of Mn and Fe were however lower than group 3 compared tp group 4. The infected and untreated group (group 1) had lower Zn, Cu and Fe concentration (37.05 � 0.33 �g/L and 91.32 � 0.23 �g/L respectively).
  • EFFECT OF ONCHOCERCAGUTTUROSA INFECTION OF PLASMA METABOLITES IN MICE
    Authors: Adu O. B., Nwosu O. C., Osanebi B. E. , Magbagbeola O. A
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Plasma concentration of glucose, total protein and albumin in mice, experimentally infected with Onchoceragutturosa and treated with ivermectin, were compared with plasma metabolites in five other groups. The animals were grouped as follows: Group 1- infected but not treated; Group 2- infected and treated; Group 3t treated; Group 2 - infected and treated; Group 3 � not infected and treated; Group4 4 � not infected and not treated; Group 5 � infected but given placebo; Group 6 � not infected and given placebo. Microfilaria of O. gutturosa from ligament of cattle was inoculated subcutaneously into animal in group 1, 2 and 5. Treatment with 150�g/kg body weight of ivermectin was carried out 48hrs post-inoculation. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 1 and 14 post-treatment. On day 1, there was 2-4 fold increase in glucose concentration in all groups. By day 14, plasma glucose concentration was further increased in group 2,3,4 and 6, but lowered in groups 1 and 5. O. gutturosa infection lowered plasma glucose concentration in mice. This however increased with ivermectin administration. in uninfected animals, ivermectin had no appreciable effect. Plasma protein concentration remained largely unchanged among the different groups on day 1. By day 14 however, ivermectin treated group (group 2 and 3) had lower protein concentration (20.53�1.08 and 19.05�1.90 respectively) compared to the untreated and placebo groups (14.32�0.02 and 46.14�1.28). plasma protein concentration was not affected by infection. Plasma albumin concentration was also unaffected by O. gutturosa infection throughout the study. Ivermectin however, reduced albumin concentration in both infected and uninfected mice
  • CORRELATING BEAM RADIATION WITH SUNSHINE DURATION FOR SOME CITIES IN NIGERIA
    Authors: Boyo A. O, Boyo H. O, Adegboye K. A
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Monthly average of daily beams radiation on a horizontal surface have been correlated with bright sunshine duration for five locations in Nigeria. The sunshine duration correlation below gives the best fits for the five cities Hb/Ho = bo (S /SO) where Hb is the monthly Beam Radiation, Ho is the extraterrestrial solar Radiation, S is the sunshine Hour and SO is the day Length. It was found that bo is a constant that is period and region dependent. The monthly estimates of Beam radiation using the relation above shows that for the five cities R.M.S.E (Root Mean Square Root Error) is within 2-5% and M.B.E(Mean Bias Error) ranges from 1-2%
  • DESIGN OF A PROTOTYPE SOLAR TENT DRYER
    Authors: BOYO A.O, OYEKAN M.T
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The design and test of a solar tent dryer leads to the understanding of how best we can obtain a dried commodity under solar drying technology. Local materials are used in the construction. The rates of moisture lost by commodity during drying are determined such that drying rated curves are constructed. The solar tent dryer has been used to achieve a high quality of product without any contamination by dust and infestation by insects and with the retainments of the commodity nutrients.
  • ANALYISIS OF ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF IRON C;AY BASED COMPOSITE RESISTORS
    Authors: BOYO A.O, AKOMOLAFE T.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    A polynomial fit was used in analysing the electrical properties of iron clay based composite resistor. The resistors were produced from natural materials taken from three cities in the south-west of Nigeria (Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos), and fabricated by a compaction method. The pressure of the mould = 1.00 � 0.02 � 107N/m2. The resistors have a constant thickness of 3.5mm and varying lengths ranging from 3.00mm to 10.00mm. Comparison of variation of resistance with iron content, length, temperature for three cities, varies from location to location depending upon the weight of the iron, temperature and length. Plots o graphs were made of resistance variations with temperature, length and iron content. A polynomial fit is done on the histogram in order to compare the graphs. A computer program was used to find the best-fit equation to describe these curves. The simplest that gave the satisfactory fit was a polynomial of the general form R=a0+a1T+a2T2. The best-fit curve of temperature/resistance for all the cities is (even at different latitude and longitude) the polynomial fits of degree 10. The best-fit curve of length/resistance for all the cities at different latitude and longitude if the polynomial fits of degree 7. But at higher temperatures of 1000?�C, the polynomial fit is linear (R=m*L+c). The interesting thing about iron composition/resistance curve is that even at different latitude and longitude, the polynomial fits of degree 6 give a satisfactory fit for all the curves. The result of the comparison done on the three cities by plotting a histogram of variation of resistance with temperature, percentage weight of iron and length, fitting a plolynomial can be explained by, the mode of control for the amount of impurity and defects present in the resistor for each city. Also on the composition, size, colour, etc of thr clay .The Ekotedo Ibadan clay is light brown, inorganic with some sands and trace of gravel � with trace of mica. The Ojota Lagos clay is reddish brown, laterite, inorganic, sandy clay. Ijaye Abeokuta gray, inorganic, mucaceons, salty clay with some sands and the fall in resistance and increase in temperature is mainly attributed to the removal of structural defects, which enhances the formation of more physical continuous structure.
  • INHERITED HAEMOGLOBIN DISORDERS-HAEMOGLOBINOPATHIES
    Authors: O. T. F ABANIKANDA, A. O. LEIGH
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    There are two main groups og haemoglobinopathies; structural variant and thalassaemia. Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder of the blood,caused by a defective gene which produces abnormal haemoglobin S (Hb S). A total of 22,730 individuals were sampled and free haemoglobin alleles (A, C and S) were identified in the studies. Genotypic frequencies of 68.88%, 3.15%, 24.29%, 0.58%, 0.88% and 2.22% were recorded for the AA, AC, AS, CC, SC and SS genotypes respectively. The allelic frequencies were 0.8260, 0.0260 and 0.1481 for the A, C and S alleles respectively. The observed genotypic frequencies from most of the geopolitical zones and the entire study significantly (P<0.05) deviated from the hypothesised frequencies under Hardy Weinberg Equilibrum.
  • STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RHESUS BLOOD GROUP
    Authors: A.O. Leigh and O.T.F. Abanikanda
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Rhesus D factor is of serious clinical significance if a pregnant woman is negative, and her partner is positive, because it may result in Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), Hyperbilirubinaemia or Etthroblastosis faetalis, due to Mother-Foetus Rhesus incompatibility. Of the 22,414 individuals sampled 92,50 percent are Rhesus positive and 7.50 percent are Rhesus negative. In entire sample, almost 53 percent of the individuals are estimated to be homozygous Rhesus positive (DD), while close to 40 percent are heterozygous (Dd), and 7.5 percent are Rhesus negative (dd). The highest frequency of the D allele was recorded in the North East, while the highest frequency of the d allele was recorded in the South South geopolitical zones.
  • ESTIMATING ALLELIC FREQUENCES OF THE ABO BLOOD GROUP PUSING EMALGORITHM
    Authors: O.T.F. Abanikanda, A.O. Leigh and *D.J. Balding
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    Four phenotypes are discernible for the ABO blood groups, though there are six genotypes present. Data for this analysis were collected from eight reputable government health facilities across all the local government areas of Lagos State. A total of 22,926 records comprising of 23.33%, 20.35%, 4.21% and 52.11% of the A,B,AB and O blood groups respectively was used in this study. The allelic frequency estimates was 0.1486, 0.1313 and 0.7201 for the A, B and O alleles respectively. The data was further decomposed into the respective geo-political zones of the subject to determine if there is variation across the six geopolitical zones. The observed phenotype frequencies were compared to the hypothesized phenotype frequencies in each of the zone and the entire study. With the exception of the entire study and south west zone, all the five other zones did not significantly (P>0.05) deviate from expected frequencies in Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium
  • EFFECT OF GARLIC EXTRACT (ALLIUM SATIVUM) ON SERUM ENZYME LEVEL OF TRYPANOSOME INFECTED ALBINO RATS.
    Authors: O.OFajana, O.G Raimi, O, O, Ogunriola and S, N Oku.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The serum enzyme level of trypanosome infected rats treated with garlic extract was monitored for six days after the inoculation of Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The serum level of alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) were determined. The level of ALT,AST,and ALP were found to be higher above the 3.36U/L,12.25U/L and 15.0U/L respectively obtained in the uninfected group. The level of these enzymes although higher in the infected and treated group when compared with the infected and untreated but decrease as the length of days increase unlike in the untreated group in which the level of the enzymes continues to increase as the day increases except for ALP where there was significant fluctuation at the third day of inoculation. The decrease in the level of the enzymes in the treated group is taken as the curative effect of garlic against Trypanosomiasis. There is a significant difference in the mean level of the enzymes assayed between the infected and untreated group and the infected and treated group.
  • STUDIES ON THE AGGLUTININS FROM THE HEMOLYMPH AND MUSCLE TISSUE OF SEA CRAB CALAPPA RUBRODULATTA
    Authors: Oladimeji S. O.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Agglutinin were isolated from the hemolymph and muscle tissue of sea crab (calappa rubrodulatta) and purified over a SE-sephadex gel (cation exchanger). This was followed by gel filtration using sephadex G200 gel. The agglutinins from the two tissues were found to be similar to those previously studied in other invertebrates. The agglutinins reacted with purified peanut Arachis hypogea forming a precipitin line in an immunodiffusion assay. The hemolymph and muscle tissue extract have molecular weight of 45.7 and 64 kilodattons (kda) sub units respectively on a dissociating gel electrophoresis
  • THE PREVALENCE OF DRUG RESISTANT SALMONELLA TYPHI IN HOSPITALIZED THYPHOID FEVER PATIENTS IN LAGOS METROPOLIS
    Authors: Okiki P.A and Moro D.D
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Investigation was carried out on the prevalence of Salmonella Typii in stools of hospitalized thyphoid fever patients in Lagos metropolis. Studies were carried out between January and December 2003. Four hundred and thirty four patients were hospitalized and treated for thyphoid fever in the ten hospitals during the period of this study. The incident of thyphoid fever was slightly higher in wet season than the dry season (51.25% and 48.75% respectively). Male patients hospitalized were 58.12% as against 41.88% females. There was a negative correlation with age (r=0.96;p<0.01). Stool samples from patients were analysed bacteriologically S. typhi was isolated from 42.5% of the stool samples. The isolated S. typhi showed a varied degree of resistance (10-90%) to 15 common antibiotics, but 100% susceptibility to chloramphenicol and amoxicillin. Other organisms isolated from the stool samples included Escherichia Coli (23.8%), Salmonella species (12.3%), Shigella species (29.0%), Klebsiella species (5.5%) and Proteus species (11.5%).
  • CONCURRENT INFECTIONS OF SOME PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND PARASITES IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED OF GASTROENTERITIS IN YABA, LAGOS, NIGERIA.
    Authors: Moro D.D, Okiki P.A, Grillo J.A and Raheem T.Y
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    Bacteriological and parasitological analysis were carried out on 200 stool samples from patients diagnosed with gastroenteritis who were referred to the clinical diagnostic unit of Nigerian Institute Of Medical Research from hospitals/clinics in Yaba, Lagos. The ages of the subjects ranged between 1 and 60 years and the age group with the highest frequency was the 21-30 years (40%). Bacteriological studies showed that 86% of the stool samples had six different bacteria genera. The isolates and their incidence were Escherichia Coli (51%), Pseudomonas spp (10%), Proteus spp (9%), Klebsilla spp (8%), Salmonella spp (6%) and Shigella spp (2%). Of the 174 that had parasites, 70 (40.2%) had Ascaris Lumbricoides, 20 (11.5%) had ova of Trichuris Trichura, 12 (6.9%) had Ancylostoma duodenale, 4 (2.3%) had Taenia spp, while 68 (39.1%) had trophozoites and / or cysts of Entamoeba histolytica. Thirteen percent of the stool samples had concurrent infection of E. coli and Ascaris lumbrocides, 11% had E. coli and Entemoeba histolytica, and 4% had Salmonella spp and Ancylostoma duodenale while only 2% had Proteus spp and Ascaris Lumbricoides. Similarly, 5.75% of the 174 with intestinal parasites had mixed infection of Ascaris Lumbricoides and Trichirus trichura, 19% had both Ascaris Lumbricoides and Entamoeba hystolytica while others had one parasite each. Measures aimed effective diagnosis and treatments of cases of gastroenteritis are recommended.
  • OCCURRENCE OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ON INANIMATE SOURCES OF SOME WARDS IN LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL
    Authors: B. O. Opere, D. D. Moro, Akanji R. F
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    One hundred and twenty swabs taken from surfaces most touched by patients and healthcare providers in 6 (3 medical and 3 surgical) wards of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) were analysed bacteriologically. Seventy five percent of the samples had bacteria, 12 of which had two or more bacteria. Seven different bacteria species were recovered. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently encountered constituting 38.46% (40), coagulase negative staphylococcus and Escherichia coli constituted 17.31% (8) each, Klebsiella aerogenes 11.54% (12), Enterobacter aerogenes 7.69% (8), Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4 each constituting 3.85% of the total bacterial isolates. The female surgical ward had the highest level of bacterial contamination (100%), while the male surgical ward had the lowest contamination of only 40%. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion technique showed that resistance of the isolates to most commonly used antibiotics was alarming and calls for serious concern. We concluded that inanimate sources are contributing to the high incidence of nosocomial infections.
  • DESIRED FAMILY SIZE AND SEX OF CHILDREN IN A SAMPLE OF NIGERIAN POPULATION.
    Authors: Adekoya Khalid Olajide and Ojo Yetunde Omolayo
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    In 2001/2002 academic sessions, sex ratio data and preferences for family size and for permutation and combination of children were provided by 644 Nigerian students at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. For the present and parental generations combined, the secondary sex ratio was estimated to be 101 males: 100 females. In the projected families, preferences for family sizes resulted in an average of 3.86 children per family. The most preferred family consisted of three children- a 2mlf combination in a mfm order. Also expressed was a strong preference for permutations of sexes, resulting in a male child as first-born followed by an alternation of settings. A greater preference for male children was indicated by the combined sex ratio of 120 males:100 females for the preferred families. Family size is the critical variable in population growth and the factors influencing family size include sex composition. The implication of this as related to health is discussed. Key Words: Sex Secondary Ratio, Combinations, Permutations, Sex Order, Family Size, Natural Selection.
  • PREVALENCE OF ALBINISM AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN TWO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
    Authors: Adekoya Khalid Olajide and Alao Babajide Adeyemi.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    Private primary and secondary schools in Orile-Iganmu and Coker Local Government Area of Lagos state were examined for complete albinism. Most of the albinos had yellowish hair color and only 1 had brown hair color. Only 1 type of eye-color similar to oculocutaneous albinism was detected in all the albinos. Thirty-four schools were visited and 7 albinos were found. 6 albinos were found in the sample of 13,166 (1 in 2,194) in primary school, while only one was observed at secondary level in a sample of 3,359 (1 in 3,359). There was no statistical difference between the samples of primary and secondary schools but significant difference occurred between the two sexes. The frequency of the trade in the sample is 1 in 2,361 or 42 in 100,000. Key Words: Albinism, Oculocutaneous, Ocular Hypopigmentation, Nystagmus, Photophobia.
  • PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF SOME LOCAL MEDICINAL PLANTS PARTS OF ALBINO RATS
    Authors: null
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The study was to evaluate the apparent safety and potential hazards of medicinal plants parts. Psidium guajava leaves, Eugenia aromatica-cloves, Distemonanthus benthmianus_stem bark Zingiber officinales fruits, Piper guineese berry and Cymobopogon citratus leaves aqueous extracts and juices were screened for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannis, glycosides-both cazrdiac and cyanogenic, saponins and reducing sugars. The extracts were administered orally to albino rats for a consecutive period of 14 days and 5 serum enzymes Glutamate-Oxaloacetate Transaminase, Glutamate-Pyruvate Transaminase, Alkaline-Phosphatase, Acid Phosphatase and Lactase Dehydrogenase activities were evaluated. It was discovered that the plant part were constituted of various phytochemicals, some of which have been known to have deleterious effects. However, the result of their effect of the serum enzymes did not reveal any appreciable difference between neat and extract-administered rats. (p>0.05) for all the enzymes studied. The implications of this was discussed with a view to forestall abuse in the use of medicinal plants (chronic administration) and to exercise restraint on the efficacy of extracts as remedy in compromised organ in pathologic conditions. Keywords: Phytochemical Screening, Medicinal Plants, Serum Enzymes.
  • FOOD, FEEDING HABITS AND TROPHIC INTERRELATIONSHIP OF FOUR MORMYRID SPECIES IN LOWER BENUE STATE
    Authors: Jimoh A. A. and Anetkhai M. A
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The study was conducted to investigate the diet of four mormyrid species in the lower Benue River using frequency of occurrence and point methods Mormyrid rume , M.delicious and H,bebe occidentals were omnivorous while M .macropthalmus was predacious. Aquatic insects were the most prominent food in all the species except in H.bebe occidentalis that it was allochthomnous plant food.
  • ACUTE TOXICITIES OF SELECTED HERBICIDES ON JUVENILES OF OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS(TREWAVAS)
    Authors: null
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    Bioassay tests were carried out to determine acute toxicities of two commonly used herbicides, paraquat and Rhonil on juveniles of Oreochromis niloticus. Symptoms of toxicities
  • STUDIES ON PRODUCTION OF YOGHURT FROM COWPEA BY LACTIC ACID FERMENTATION
    Authors: N. A. Olasupo
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract |
    Yoghurt-like products were prepared from cowpea and fermented by Lactobacillus casei and Streptococci lactis isolated from ?Nono? (Hausa), a natural yoghurt commonly taken in the Guinea Savanna Zone in West Africa.The effect of variations in incubation periods (0-36hrs) on the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the cowpea milk, showed an increase in the growth of the organism up to 12hrs of incubation and a decrease in number thereafter. The effect of variations in incubation periods (0-36hrs) on the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the cowpea milk, showed an increase in the growth of the organism up to 12hrs of incubation and a decrease in number thereafter. The effect of heat treated milk showed that the percentage of titrable acidity reduced continuously for Lactobacillus casei and Streptococci lactis in the milk heated to 60 and 80�C. The raw milk had the highest % titrable acidity and lowest pH. The percentage titrable acidity of the milk increased with addition of simple sugars such as glucose, sucrose, lactose and maltose. Sensory evaluation test performed on the yoghurt gave an acceptable flavor, desireable body and texture. However, the cowpea yoghurt (Commercially ?Fan? yoghurt) but the attributes were scored with an acceptable range.
  • EFFECT OF SALINITY ON GROWTH OF DACTYLOCTENIUM AEGYPTIUM (L) AND TALINUM TRIANGULARE (JACQUILLD)
    Authors: Adu A. A.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    The salinity tolerance of the grass Dactyloctenium aegyptium, a cumulative halophyte was compared with that of Talinium triangulare, a glycophyte. Experiments were carried out to test the potentiality of D.aegyptium as to its use as a biological soil desalinizer and reclamation species in Nigeria. Based on the response of T.triangulare to salinity, it was found that it had significant stimulation of growth (dry weight) as sea water concentration increased (0-20% sea water). From 30-50% sea water growth was suppressed. This is the same pattern that D.aegyptium had, showing that there was a relationship between them that enhances the growth of T.triangulare, a glucophyte in a saline environment. In terms of ion relations, D.aegyptium was found to be a cumulative halophyte as there was accumulation of K+, and reduced uptake of Na+ and Cl- at low sea water concentration. Also, there was decrease in water content as salinity increased. T.triangulare had low rate of accumulation of Na+ and Cl- at 0-20% sea water and the rate of accumulation was significantly higher at 30-50% sea water. The results are discussed in relation to the habitat and ecology of the species as well as the use to which D.aegytpium can be put to use as a biological desalinizer to increase the yield of T.triangulare in a saline waste land.
  • CHANGES IN NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF IRISH POTATOES (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) UNDER DIFFERENT TORAGE CONDITIONS TO PREVENT SOFT ROT CAUSED BY ERWINA CAROTOVORA (JONES) HOLLAND
    Authors: Oke O. A., Oladunjoye R.
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
  • BINDING AND STORAGE PROTEINS FOR ESSENTIL TRACE ELEMENTS
    Authors: John B. Adekalu
    Publication Year: November, 2004
    Abstract | PDF
    There is mounting evidence that specific proteins in the body and cellular fluids bind or act as storage molecules for essential trace elements. These proteins play significant roles in the metabolism, storage and transportation of these micronutrients from their sites of absorption in the gastro-intestinal tract to the tissues and cells of the body requiring them for metabolism. The major proteins involved in iron metabolism are ferritin and transferrin. Ferritin is an iron storage molecule while transferrin is a transport protein. The proteins associated with zinc metabolism include albumin, metallothionein and cysteine-rich intestinal protein (CRIP). Albumin is mainly a transport protein for zinc in the circulation while metallothionein plays a role in the metabolism and transportation of the micronutrient in the circulation and within the cells. CRIP, however, is probably only a saturable intracellular zinc transport protein. Caeruloplasmin is a copper transport molecule in the plasma, and likewise is albumin which serves as a vehicle for its movement to different tissues. Manganese binding proteins have been reported in the mucosa cells of the intestine while selenium containing protein, Seleniprotein P, has been identified in the plasma.