Male infertility has become a problem worldwide,and recent research has emphasized the development of more effective therapy options.Among natural compounds,rutin has been widely studied for its potential to treat dys...Male infertility has become a problem worldwide,and recent research has emphasized the development of more effective therapy options.Among natural compounds,rutin has been widely studied for its potential to treat dysfunction related to male infertility,including a reduction in sperm quality,spermatogenesis disruption and structural disruption in the testis.A thorough review of scientific literature published in several databases,including Google Scholar,PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus,was used to synthesize the present state of research on the role of rutin in male reproductive health.Rutin has been shown to possess antiapoptotic,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities,among others,which are crucial in the management of male infertility.Numerous investigations have shown that rutin protects against male infertility and have explored the underlying mechanisms involved.The present review,therefore,assesses the therapeutic mechanisms involved in male infertility treatment using rutin.Rutin was able to mitigate the induced oxidative stress,apoptosis,inflammation,and related physiological processes that can cause testicular dysfunction.展开更多
Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying...Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying birds that were randomly allotted to dietary treatments. The four experimental diets had five replicates each and three birds per repli-cate. Diet 1 contained 14% crude protein (CP), while diet 2 contained 15% CP, diets 3 and 4 contained 16% and 17% CP respectively. The experimental birds were fed for 10 weeks and the data collected were statistically analysed. Apparent variations recorded for all the performance characteristics such as Egg number, Hen-day production, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and weight gain were significantly different (p < 0.05). The best FCR value were recorded by birds fed 17% CP (3.45), while the highest weight gain mean value were also recorded by birds fed 17% CP value. Findings indicated a direct relationship between dietary crude protein values and performance.展开更多
Tapioca is a cassava-based food product made in the form of irregular lumps of partly gelatinized starch grits. Tapioca was enriched with varying proportions of soybean flour (0, 85% - 15%, 75% - 25%, 50% - 50%) to pr...Tapioca is a cassava-based food product made in the form of irregular lumps of partly gelatinized starch grits. Tapioca was enriched with varying proportions of soybean flour (0, 85% - 15%, 75% - 25%, 50% - 50%) to produce Soy-tapioca (ST). Nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of ST were determined by standard methods, while sensory evaluation was also carried out. Results showed significant increase in protein, fat and mineral contents of tapioca as the level of soy-substitution increased. There was a decrease in the cyanogenic potential and an increase in the level of trypsin inhibitor as soy-substitution increased. Tannin, phytic acid and oxalate contents of the soy-tapioca samples were below minimum levels of safety. ST (50% - 50%) was more nutrient dense than the other products, but ST (85% - 15%) was more accepted in terms of colour, taste and texture. ST suggests a safe, nutritious and acceptable food product that can enhance food and nutrition security among cassava consuming populations.展开更多
This paper investigates the tolerable sample size needed for Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Estimator to be used when there is presence of Multicollinearity among the exogenous variables of a linear regression model. A r...This paper investigates the tolerable sample size needed for Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Estimator to be used when there is presence of Multicollinearity among the exogenous variables of a linear regression model. A regression model with constant term (β0) and two independent variables (with β1 and β2 as their respective regression coefficients) that exhibit multicollinearity was considered. A Monte Carlo study of 1000 trials was conducted at eight levels of multicollinearity (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9 and 0.99) and sample sizes (10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 150, 250 and 500). At each specification, the true regression coefficients were set at unity while 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 were taken as the hypothesized value. The power value rate was obtained at every multicollinearity level for the aforementioned sample sizes. Therefore, whether the hypothesized values highly depart from the true values or not once the multicollinearity level is very high (i.e. 0.99), the sample size needed to work with in order to have an error free estimation or the inference result must be greater than five hundred.展开更多
Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult...Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult malnourished mice which were randomly assigned into four groups(n=8):A,B,C and D.Group A served as control,while the other groups served as the experimental groups.Animals in group A were fed malnourished diet ad libitum and given water liberally.Animals in group B were administered with 3-Nitropropionic acid(3-NP)(neurotoxin)only at 20 rag/kg body weight,group C were given only Garcinia kola extracts,and group D were pre-treated with Garcinia kola extracts at 200 mg/kg for seven days prior to administration of neurotoxin at 20 mg/kg body weight.After three days of neurotoxins administration in the relevant groups,the brains were excised and fixed in formal calcium for histological processing.Results:The study showed that hippocampal and cerebellar neurons of animals in group B exhibited some cellular degeneration and blood vessel blockage,which were not seen in groups A,C and D.Cresyl violet staining was least intense in group B than in groups A,C and D.Despite the fact that animals in group D has equal administration of 3-Nitropropionic acid concentration,there were no traces of neural degeneration as it was evidenced in group B.Conclusions:It is concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on the neurons of the hippocampus and cerebellum of malnourished mice.展开更多
This paper presents a Modified Power Series Method (MPSM) for the solution of delay differential equations. Unlike the traditional power series method which is applied to solve only linear differential equations, this...This paper presents a Modified Power Series Method (MPSM) for the solution of delay differential equations. Unlike the traditional power series method which is applied to solve only linear differential equations, this new approach is applicable to both linear and nonlinear problems. The method produces a system of algebraic equations which is solved to determine the coefficients in the trial solution. The method provides the solution in form of a rapid convergent series. The obtained results for numerical examples demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the method.展开更多
Exercise has well-characterized therapeutic benefits in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Most of the beneficial effects of exercise arise from the impact of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2(...Exercise has well-characterized therapeutic benefits in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Most of the beneficial effects of exercise arise from the impact of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2(Nrf2)activation of glucose metabolism.Nrf2 is an essential controller of cellular anti-oxidative capacity and circadian rhythms.The circadian rhythm of Nrf2 is influenced by circadian genes on its expression,where the timing of exercise effects the activation of Nrf2 and the rhythmicity of Nrf2 and signaling,such that the timing of exercise has differential physiological effects.Exercise in the evening has beneficial effects on diabetes management,such as lowering of blood glucose and weight.The mechanisms responsible for these effects have not yet been associated with the influence of exercise on the circadian rhythm of Nrf2 activity.A better understanding of exercise-induced Nrf2 activation on Nrf2 rhythm and signaling can improve our appreciation of the distinct effects of morning and evening exercise.This review hypothesizes that activation of Nrf2 by exercise in the morning,when Nrf2 level is already at high levels,leads to hyperactivation and decrease in Nrf2 signaling,while activation of Nrf2 in the evening,when Nrf2 levels are at nadir levels,improves Nrf2 signaling and lowers blood glucose levels and increases fatty acid oxidation.Exploring the effects of Nrf2 activators on rhythmic signaling could also provide valuable insights into the optimal timing of their application,while also holding promise for timed treatment of type 2 diabetes.展开更多
In this work, a radiological technique which simultaneously measures soil bulk density and water contents accurately and quickly in a non-destructive manner at different depths of the soil profile of the major soil se...In this work, a radiological technique which simultaneously measures soil bulk density and water contents accurately and quickly in a non-destructive manner at different depths of the soil profile of the major soil series of Central Southwestern Nigeria is developed. Undisturbed samples from Iwo, Ondo, Egbeda, Itagunmodi, Okemessi, Mamu, Origo and Jago soil series of Southwestern Nigeria were collected on monthly intervals from June 2006 to May 2007. Using gamma-ray energy pairs of 122 and 1112 keV;and 344 and 1408 keV obtained from europium-152 (152Eu) radionuclide, the attenuation coefficients for soil and water, μs, μw and consequently ρs and θv at varying soil depths of these series were calculated. Comparative gravimetric measurements of these soil parameters were carried out. Using the XCOM computer algorithm with the soil elemental concentrations obtained using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) technique, theoretical estimates of μs for the various soil series were obtained and compared with the experimental values. The result of the developed dual energy gamma-ray transmission technique was compared with the gravimetric measurement method and Pearson correlation coefficient (0.987, p s and (0.996, p θv. The results of the measurements showed that θv minima with values 0.1931, 0.1987, 0.2377, 0.2111, 0.1738, 0.1701, 0.2334, 0.2341 and minima ρs values of 1.21 g/cm3, 1.20 g/cm3, 1.02 g/cm3, 1.38 g/cm3, 1.12 g/cm3, 1.14 g/cm3, 0.64 g/cm3, 1.33 g/cm3 were obtained respectively for the soil series stated above in January. The maxima θv with values 0.3621, 0.4212, 0.3962, 0.3794, 0.3049, 0.2811, 0.4415, 0.4416 and maxima ρs values of 1.52 g/cm3, 1.67 g/cm3, 1.74 g/cm3, 1.69 g/cm3, 1.70 g/cm3, 1.68 g/cm3, 1.08 g/cm3, 1.54 g/cm3 occurred for these soil series respectively in July except for Mamu soil series which occurred in May. These correlated very well with the occurrence of the Dry and Rainy seasons in the study area. The results of the EDXRF analysis showed that maxima Iron, Fe concentrations of 5.0890 ppm at the depth of 90 - 120 cm into the soil profile, was obtained for Iwo series, 4.4691 ppm at 50 - 70 cm for Ondo, 6.3438 ppm at 15 - 30 cm for Egbeda, 6.6845 ppm at 30 - 50 cm for Itagunmodi, 5.0252 ppm at 90 - 120 cm for Okemessi, 3.4996 ppm at 30 - 50 cm for Mamu, 5.1191 ppm at 50 - 70 cm for Jago and 4.7193 ppm at 90 - 120 cm for Origo. Maxima Potassium, K concentrations of 2.9613 ppm at the depth of 50 - 70 cm, was obtained for Iwo soil series, 2.3315 ppm at 0 - 15 cm for Egbeda, 2.2763 ppm at 70 - 90 cm for Okemessi and 3.3636 ppm at 50 - 70 cm for Mamu. Maxima Ti concentrations of 1.4822 ppm at 0 - 15 cm was obtained for Ondo soil series, 2.5159 ppm at 15 - 30 cm for Egbeda, 1.8690 ppm at 90 - 120 cm for Itagunmodi, 2.2975 ppm at 15-30 cm for Okemessi, 1.6453 ppm at 0 - 15 cm for Jago and 1.0513 ppm at 30 - 50 cm for Origo.展开更多
Background:The increasing incidence of chemically induced infertility is both a social threat and a threat to the continuation of life itself.Treatment or management therapy is often expensive.This study investigated ...Background:The increasing incidence of chemically induced infertility is both a social threat and a threat to the continuation of life itself.Treatment or management therapy is often expensive.This study investigated the effects of acetone extract of a local plant(Curcuma longa)in a Wistar rat model of cimetidine‐induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction.Methods:Thirty‐five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats.After a phytochemical screening of an acetone extract of C.Longa,cimetidine and the extract at three doses,200,400 and 600 mg/kg,were orally co‐administered to the rats for 28 consecutive days.Comparisons were made(at P<0.05)against a control(2 mL/kg distilled water),a standard treatment group(cimetidine+50 mg/kg vitamin C),a toxic group(60 mg/kg cimetidine)and a group receiving extract alone.Results:Cimetidine administration was associated with deleterious alterations to sperm motility,sperm count and sperm viability,as well as derangements in the plasma levels of FSH,LH and testosterone(P<0.05).Both brain and testicular GSH and TBARS levels were significantly altered following cimetidine administration,and distortions were seen in the pituitary and testicular histoarchitecture.These changes were significantly normalized by co‐administration of graded doses of the extract,with an associated improvement of both pituitary and testicular histology.Conclusion:Acetone extract of C.Longa normalized cimetidine‐induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction in Wistar rats.This presents the extract as a potential nutraceutical choice against chemically induced reproductive toxicity.展开更多
Objective:To identify the knowledge and awareness level of human mpox viral infection among healthcare workers in southwestern Nigeria.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ekiti State,southwest Nigeria amo...Objective:To identify the knowledge and awareness level of human mpox viral infection among healthcare workers in southwestern Nigeria.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ekiti State,southwest Nigeria among 316 healthcare workers that were selected through a systematic random sampling.Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured,self-administered questionnaire.The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to find the association between the independent and dependent variables.The significance level was set at P-value<0.05.Results:Two hundred and twenty-two(70.3%)of the respondents were aged≤40 years,mean age(36±9)years,189(59.8%)were female,306(96.8%)were Christians,and 203(64.2%)were married.Three hundred and fourteen(99.4%)of the respondents were aware of mpox infection.Main sources of information about mpox were medical education(44.0%),radio/television(32.0%)and newspaper(21.0%).However,among those aware of the disease,209(67.0%)demonstrated poor knowledge levels.Longer than 5 years’experience of medical practice was the only significant predictor of higher knowledge level of the disease(OR 1.76,95%CI 1.01-3.06;P=0.046).Conclusions:Despite the high awareness level of mpox infection among healthcare workers,there still exists a huge knowledge gap.It is recommended that targeted intervention could be directed towards continuous medical education and simulation exercises on re-emerging infectious diseases like mpox to improve the knowledge of the healthcare workers.展开更多
BACKGROUND Most occurrences of type 1 diabetes cases in any population are sporadic rather than familial.Hence,type 1 diabetes among siblings is a rare occurrence.Even more rare is for three or more siblings to develo...BACKGROUND Most occurrences of type 1 diabetes cases in any population are sporadic rather than familial.Hence,type 1 diabetes among siblings is a rare occurrence.Even more rare is for three or more siblings to develop type 1 diabetes.In this report,we describe a case of a Nigerian family in which type 1 diabetes occurred in three siblings among four children with neither parent having diabetes.All three siblings are positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase and anti-islet cell antibodies.CASE SUMMARY There were four siblings(three males and one female)born to a couple without a diagnosis of diabetes.The eldest child(male)was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15,the second child(female)was diagnosed at the age of 11 and the fourth child(male)was diagnosed at the age of 9.All the siblings presented with similar osmotic symptoms and were diagnosed of diabetic ketoacidosis.All of them had markedly reduced serum C-peptide levels with high levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulinoma-associated protein-2 antibodies.We could not perform genetic analysis of HLA-DR,DQ and CTLA4 in the siblings as well as the parents;hence haplotypes could not be characterized.Both parents of the probands have no prior history of diabetes,and their blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were within normal ranges.The third child(male)has no history suggestive of diabetes,and his blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin have remained within normal ranges.CONCLUSION Although the occurrence of type 1 diabetes in proband siblings is uncommon,screening for diabetes among siblings especially with islet autoantibodies should be encouraged.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background:</strong> The outbreak of COVID-19 has continued to threaten the existence of the human race. The novelty and unstable epidemiologic pa...<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background:</strong> The outbreak of COVID-19 has continued to threaten the existence of the human race. The novelty and unstable epidemiologic pattern of the virus had generated so much concern among the global health experts. These concerns were found to be escalated among the frontline health care workers to the extent of impeding the timeliness of the response activities. To slow down the spread of the already established community transmission through the surveillance activities, the concern of the health workers at the community level needs to be addressed. Therefore, this study assessed the concern about COVID-19 pandemic among primary health workers in Oyo State, Nigeria. <strong>Methods:</strong> This was an online cross-sectional survey conducted among primary health care workers in Oyo State between March and April 2020. Using a two-stage sampling technique, we recruited 284 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire linked to the Google form was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25;bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of health workers’ concern at 5% level of significance. <strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of respondents was 45.0 ± 9.0 years. The proportion of the respondents who had good knowledge of COVID-19 was 52.5%. In the domains of concern, 66.9%, 53.2%, 51.4%, and 46.5% of the respondents expressed government-related, self-satisfaction related, work-related and social-status related concerns respectively. Male respondents were less likely to express concern about COVID-19 compared with their female counterparts (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.20 - 0.76). Nurses/midwives (aOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05 - 0.85) had lesser likelihood of expressing concern about COVID-19 while middle staff (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.18 - 5.39) and income earner of ≥N200,000 (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.34 - 3.92) had higher likelihood of expressing concern about COVID-19. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study highlights an average knowledge of COVID-19 among the respondents. Government-related and self-satisfaction related concerns were expressed by the majority of the Primary Health Care (PHC) workers. Now that the second wave of COVID-19 is moving with much more fatality across much of Africa, including Nigeria, it is therefore imperative to address these concerns through a holistic policy that addresses the welfare, safety and capacity building of the health care workers (HCWs).</span>展开更多
The ability of physical activity to ameliorate cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular health is well accepted,but many aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits are incompletely understo...The ability of physical activity to ameliorate cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular health is well accepted,but many aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits are incompletely understood.Exercise increases the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)through various mechanisms.This triggers the activation of Nrf2,a redox-sensitive transcription factor activated by increases in oxidative stress.Activation of Nrf2 mitigates oxidative stress by increasing the nuclear transcription of many antioxidant genes while also mediating additional beneficial effects through the cytoprotective nature of Nrf2 signaling.Understanding the transcriptional patterns of Nrf2 caused by exercise can help in the design of pharmacological mimicry of the process in patients who are unable to exercise for various reasons.展开更多
Background: Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for the indigenous communities of Ebocha-Obrikom. Access to safe drinking water, in particular, is critical to one’s health and, by extension, one’s i...Background: Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for the indigenous communities of Ebocha-Obrikom. Access to safe drinking water, in particular, is critical to one’s health and, by extension, one’s income and well-being. Underground wells are the primary supply of drinking water in the Niger Delta, and the groundwater is not always treated before consumption. As a result, water continues to be a vital environmental component that affects both humans and other life forms. Objectives: The aims of the research are to trace the sources and affecting factors of groundwater pollution via statistical and multivariate statistical techniques. Method: The investigation made use of standard analytical procedures. All sampling, conservation, transportation and analysis followed standard procedures described in APHA (2012). To prevent degradation of the organic substances, all obtained samples were transferred to the laboratory, while kept in an icebox. Results: The study reveals that the greater the number of principal components extracted the greater variation in geochemical composition of the ground waters. It indicated that 34 parameters were distributed into six (6) and nine (9) principal components (PCs) extracted for groundwater samples for both rainy and dry seasons, potentially suggesting the input of different pollutants from different sources. Gas flaring, mineral dissolution/precipitation and anthropogenic input are the main sources of the physicochemical indices and trace elements in the groundwater. Groundwater chemistry is predominantly regulated by natural processes such as dissolution of carbonates, silicates, and evaporates and soil leaching, followed by human activities. Climatic factors and land use types are also important in affecting groundwater chemistry. Conclusion: Greater efforts should be made to safeguard groundwater, which is hampered by geogenic and anthropogenic activities, in order to achieve sustainable groundwater development. As a result, communities are recommended to maintain a groundwater management policy to ensure long-term sustainability. The study is useful for understanding groundwater trace sources in Rivers State’s Ebocha-Obrikom districts. Such understanding would enable informed mitigation or eradication of the possible detri-mental health consequences of this groundwater, whether through its use as drinking water or indirectly through consumption of groundwater-irrigated crops. As a result, determining its primary probable source of pollution (MPSP) is critical since it provides a clearer and more immediate interpretation. Furthermore, the research findings can be used as a reference for groundwater pollution prevention and water resource protection in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.展开更多
Fibularis tertius is a variant muscle of the leg that inserts in the foot. It has been implicated in providing clues to the evolution of upright posture in man. This work investigates the prevalence of fibularis terti...Fibularis tertius is a variant muscle of the leg that inserts in the foot. It has been implicated in providing clues to the evolution of upright posture in man. This work investigates the prevalence of fibularis tertius muscle in the African population, using south-western Nigeria as a sample population. The percentage prevalence of fibularis tertius muscle in the population studied is 63%, with higher prevalence in males compared to females. The muscle was however observed to present itself more on the right limb than on the left. Fifteen percent (15%) of the subjects had fibularis tertius muscle only on the right foot. Six percent (6%) had the muscle on the left foot only, 52% had it on both feet and 27% did not have the muscle on any of their foot. A unique surface positioning of the fibularis ter-tius tendon was also observed in all the subjectsstudied. These findings may provide contributions to the clinical evaluation of the muscle.展开更多
The importance of public audit is their ability to satisfy the citizenry that transparency and accountability of government operations help to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.However,full information has not b...The importance of public audit is their ability to satisfy the citizenry that transparency and accountability of government operations help to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.However,full information has not been provided about the Nigeria public audit.The study critically examined internal control environment situation of public audit in Nigeria.Through observation,the study discovered a significant impact of internal control environment on public audit practices.The study concluded Nigeria public audit information relevance depends on the strength of internal control environment.To strengthen public audit quality,the study recommends a review of existing practices and research on collaboration of policy-makers;academia,private and public audit sector so that citizenry can enjoy the benefit of audit creation.展开更多
The teres minor and infraspinatus muscles bear a close anatomical relationship in the posterior aspect of the scapula and constitute part of the rotator cuff muscles. Although there are only occasional reports of vari...The teres minor and infraspinatus muscles bear a close anatomical relationship in the posterior aspect of the scapula and constitute part of the rotator cuff muscles. Although there are only occasional reports of variations of the rotator cuff muscles, this paper reports the first combined occurrence of triple-tailed teres minor and infraspinatus muscle possessing two distinct parts, infraspinatus major and minor which are of clinical and sporting importance. Aberrant variations of rotator cuff muscles need to be brought to the knowledge of radiologists, surgeons and anatomists.展开更多
Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria soils are continuously and intensively cultivated, resulting in soil quality degradation, carbon stock depletion, accelerated soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion. Effects of lan...Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria soils are continuously and intensively cultivated, resulting in soil quality degradation, carbon stock depletion, accelerated soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion. Effects of land use change on soil carbon stocks (SOC) are of concern regarding greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and sustainable crop production, because there is a need for food sufficiency while conserving the environment. Also, managing soils under intensive use and restoring degraded soils are top priorities for a sustained agronomic production while conserving soil and water resources. Hence, this study;“Tillage, Desmodium intortum, fertilizer rates for carbon stock, soil quality and grain yield in Northern Guinea Savanna” is aimed at devising possible mitigating measures for soil quality degradation, carbon stock depletion and impoverished crop yields using Zea mays as test crop. The study was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in split-split plot arrangement with four replicates. The four main tillage and Desmodium intortum combination treatments were: 1) Maize −without Desmodium + Conventional tillage (MC), 2) Maize + Desmodium live-mulch incorporated and relayed + Conservation tillage (MDIC), 3) Maize + Desmodium in no-tillage system (MDNT), 4) Maize + Desmodium in strip tillage (MDST). The main treatment plots were each divided to accommodate four (4) rates of N (60, 80, 100 and 120 kg·ha−1) as sub plots, while the N rate plots were further divided to accommodate three (3) rates of P (6.6, 13.2, and 26.4 kg·ha−1) as sub-subplots. Findings support that Desmodium intercrops with Maize treatments (MDIC, MDNT, and MDST) resulted in increased organic carbon contents in 2013, with MDNT resulting in significantly higher organic carbon content (7.37 g·kg−1 in 2012 and 8.37 g·kg−1 in 2013) than the other treatments. Also, zero tillage practice (MDNT) sequestered significantly higher carbon stock (18.06 t C ha−1), followed by minimum tillage (MDIC) that sequestered 15.99 t C ha−1 than the other treatments. Highest grain yield of 2.61 tha−1 under MDIC and MDNT was followed by MDST and least under MC. Total score of soil quality assessment gave least score values of 13 under MDIC and MDNT;thus best soil quality (SQ1) was ascribed to the minimum tillage with D. intortum intercrop and relayed (MDIC) and Zero tillage with D. intortum (MDNT) treatments. Maize Strip cropped with D. intortum treatment (MDST) was ranked SQ2.展开更多
Obtaining rapid access in emergency situations for infusion of IV fluids, blood and blood products or medications is vital in using various methods. These include venopuncture, intraosseous infusion, percutanous centr...Obtaining rapid access in emergency situations for infusion of IV fluids, blood and blood products or medications is vital in using various methods. These include venopuncture, intraosseous infusion, percutanous central venous access and peripheral venous cut-down. We report a case of a 30-year-old woman who developed severe obstetric hemorrhage and had peripheral venous cut-down that was complicated by bilateral femoral osteomyelitis. This is a rare occurrence and this case report shows the need for strict adherence to safety precautions to prevent complications such as that from the procedure.展开更多
Masa is a cereal based snack made from rice, maize or millet. It is popularly consumed in the northern regions of Nigeria. The objective of this work was to assess the nutritional and sensory properties of the rice-Ma...Masa is a cereal based snack made from rice, maize or millet. It is popularly consumed in the northern regions of Nigeria. The objective of this work was to assess the nutritional and sensory properties of the rice-Masa, enriched with soybean and crayfish. The enriched rice-Masa produced were labelled sample A (100% rice), sample B (rice: soybean blend (80:20), sample C (rice: crayfish blend (80:20) and sample D (rice: soybean: crayfish (80:10:10). The proximate and mineral composition was evaluated according to standard methods. Anti-nutrient content was also determined. Sensory evaluation was carried out to assess the acceptability of the enriched rice-Masa. The chemical analysis showed that protein, fibre, iron, zinc and vitamin A and beta carotene contents were highest in sample D with values 8.35 (±0.08) g/100g, 1.08 (±0.02) g/100g, 2.82 (±0.03) mg/100g, 4.20 (±0.03) mg/100g, 602.3 (±1.28) μg/100g and 420.2 (±0.98) μg/100g respectively, while calcium was highest in sample C with a value of 27.34 (±0.06) mg/100g. Moisture and ash contents increased from 47.4 (±0.50) g/100g to 50.9 (±0.80) g/100g and 0.40 (±0.01) g/100g to 1.15 (±0.01) g/100g respectively, while carbohydrate and energy contents decreased from 28.1 (±0.03) g/100g to 21.9 (±0.04) g/100g and 308.42 kcal/100g to 285.64 kcal/100g respectively. The sensory evaluation showed that with regards to taste, aroma, texture and overall acceptability, the sample enriched with soybean was more preferred to that enriched with crayfish, or a combination of both. Enrichment of Masa could contribute to improvement of nutritional status if promoted as a nutritious, healthy indigenous snack not only where Masa is already widely consumed, but also in other parts of Nigeria where it has not found wide acceptance.展开更多
文摘Male infertility has become a problem worldwide,and recent research has emphasized the development of more effective therapy options.Among natural compounds,rutin has been widely studied for its potential to treat dysfunction related to male infertility,including a reduction in sperm quality,spermatogenesis disruption and structural disruption in the testis.A thorough review of scientific literature published in several databases,including Google Scholar,PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus,was used to synthesize the present state of research on the role of rutin in male reproductive health.Rutin has been shown to possess antiapoptotic,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities,among others,which are crucial in the management of male infertility.Numerous investigations have shown that rutin protects against male infertility and have explored the underlying mechanisms involved.The present review,therefore,assesses the therapeutic mechanisms involved in male infertility treatment using rutin.Rutin was able to mitigate the induced oxidative stress,apoptosis,inflammation,and related physiological processes that can cause testicular dysfunction.
文摘Four diets were formulated to study the influence of varying crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, serum and haematological characteristics at the first phase of laying cycle of sixty Bovan Nera laying birds that were randomly allotted to dietary treatments. The four experimental diets had five replicates each and three birds per repli-cate. Diet 1 contained 14% crude protein (CP), while diet 2 contained 15% CP, diets 3 and 4 contained 16% and 17% CP respectively. The experimental birds were fed for 10 weeks and the data collected were statistically analysed. Apparent variations recorded for all the performance characteristics such as Egg number, Hen-day production, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and weight gain were significantly different (p < 0.05). The best FCR value were recorded by birds fed 17% CP (3.45), while the highest weight gain mean value were also recorded by birds fed 17% CP value. Findings indicated a direct relationship between dietary crude protein values and performance.
文摘Tapioca is a cassava-based food product made in the form of irregular lumps of partly gelatinized starch grits. Tapioca was enriched with varying proportions of soybean flour (0, 85% - 15%, 75% - 25%, 50% - 50%) to produce Soy-tapioca (ST). Nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of ST were determined by standard methods, while sensory evaluation was also carried out. Results showed significant increase in protein, fat and mineral contents of tapioca as the level of soy-substitution increased. There was a decrease in the cyanogenic potential and an increase in the level of trypsin inhibitor as soy-substitution increased. Tannin, phytic acid and oxalate contents of the soy-tapioca samples were below minimum levels of safety. ST (50% - 50%) was more nutrient dense than the other products, but ST (85% - 15%) was more accepted in terms of colour, taste and texture. ST suggests a safe, nutritious and acceptable food product that can enhance food and nutrition security among cassava consuming populations.
文摘This paper investigates the tolerable sample size needed for Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Estimator to be used when there is presence of Multicollinearity among the exogenous variables of a linear regression model. A regression model with constant term (β0) and two independent variables (with β1 and β2 as their respective regression coefficients) that exhibit multicollinearity was considered. A Monte Carlo study of 1000 trials was conducted at eight levels of multicollinearity (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9 and 0.99) and sample sizes (10, 20, 40, 80, 100, 150, 250 and 500). At each specification, the true regression coefficients were set at unity while 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 were taken as the hypothesized value. The power value rate was obtained at every multicollinearity level for the aforementioned sample sizes. Therefore, whether the hypothesized values highly depart from the true values or not once the multicollinearity level is very high (i.e. 0.99), the sample size needed to work with in order to have an error free estimation or the inference result must be greater than five hundred.
文摘Objective:To assess the neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Garcinia kola on neurotoxin administered malnourished mice adopting histological procedure.Methods:The study was carried out using thirty-two adult malnourished mice which were randomly assigned into four groups(n=8):A,B,C and D.Group A served as control,while the other groups served as the experimental groups.Animals in group A were fed malnourished diet ad libitum and given water liberally.Animals in group B were administered with 3-Nitropropionic acid(3-NP)(neurotoxin)only at 20 rag/kg body weight,group C were given only Garcinia kola extracts,and group D were pre-treated with Garcinia kola extracts at 200 mg/kg for seven days prior to administration of neurotoxin at 20 mg/kg body weight.After three days of neurotoxins administration in the relevant groups,the brains were excised and fixed in formal calcium for histological processing.Results:The study showed that hippocampal and cerebellar neurons of animals in group B exhibited some cellular degeneration and blood vessel blockage,which were not seen in groups A,C and D.Cresyl violet staining was least intense in group B than in groups A,C and D.Despite the fact that animals in group D has equal administration of 3-Nitropropionic acid concentration,there were no traces of neural degeneration as it was evidenced in group B.Conclusions:It is concluded that Garcinia kola has protective effects on the neurons of the hippocampus and cerebellum of malnourished mice.
文摘This paper presents a Modified Power Series Method (MPSM) for the solution of delay differential equations. Unlike the traditional power series method which is applied to solve only linear differential equations, this new approach is applicable to both linear and nonlinear problems. The method produces a system of algebraic equations which is solved to determine the coefficients in the trial solution. The method provides the solution in form of a rapid convergent series. The obtained results for numerical examples demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the method.
文摘Exercise has well-characterized therapeutic benefits in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Most of the beneficial effects of exercise arise from the impact of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2(Nrf2)activation of glucose metabolism.Nrf2 is an essential controller of cellular anti-oxidative capacity and circadian rhythms.The circadian rhythm of Nrf2 is influenced by circadian genes on its expression,where the timing of exercise effects the activation of Nrf2 and the rhythmicity of Nrf2 and signaling,such that the timing of exercise has differential physiological effects.Exercise in the evening has beneficial effects on diabetes management,such as lowering of blood glucose and weight.The mechanisms responsible for these effects have not yet been associated with the influence of exercise on the circadian rhythm of Nrf2 activity.A better understanding of exercise-induced Nrf2 activation on Nrf2 rhythm and signaling can improve our appreciation of the distinct effects of morning and evening exercise.This review hypothesizes that activation of Nrf2 by exercise in the morning,when Nrf2 level is already at high levels,leads to hyperactivation and decrease in Nrf2 signaling,while activation of Nrf2 in the evening,when Nrf2 levels are at nadir levels,improves Nrf2 signaling and lowers blood glucose levels and increases fatty acid oxidation.Exploring the effects of Nrf2 activators on rhythmic signaling could also provide valuable insights into the optimal timing of their application,while also holding promise for timed treatment of type 2 diabetes.
文摘In this work, a radiological technique which simultaneously measures soil bulk density and water contents accurately and quickly in a non-destructive manner at different depths of the soil profile of the major soil series of Central Southwestern Nigeria is developed. Undisturbed samples from Iwo, Ondo, Egbeda, Itagunmodi, Okemessi, Mamu, Origo and Jago soil series of Southwestern Nigeria were collected on monthly intervals from June 2006 to May 2007. Using gamma-ray energy pairs of 122 and 1112 keV;and 344 and 1408 keV obtained from europium-152 (152Eu) radionuclide, the attenuation coefficients for soil and water, μs, μw and consequently ρs and θv at varying soil depths of these series were calculated. Comparative gravimetric measurements of these soil parameters were carried out. Using the XCOM computer algorithm with the soil elemental concentrations obtained using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) technique, theoretical estimates of μs for the various soil series were obtained and compared with the experimental values. The result of the developed dual energy gamma-ray transmission technique was compared with the gravimetric measurement method and Pearson correlation coefficient (0.987, p s and (0.996, p θv. The results of the measurements showed that θv minima with values 0.1931, 0.1987, 0.2377, 0.2111, 0.1738, 0.1701, 0.2334, 0.2341 and minima ρs values of 1.21 g/cm3, 1.20 g/cm3, 1.02 g/cm3, 1.38 g/cm3, 1.12 g/cm3, 1.14 g/cm3, 0.64 g/cm3, 1.33 g/cm3 were obtained respectively for the soil series stated above in January. The maxima θv with values 0.3621, 0.4212, 0.3962, 0.3794, 0.3049, 0.2811, 0.4415, 0.4416 and maxima ρs values of 1.52 g/cm3, 1.67 g/cm3, 1.74 g/cm3, 1.69 g/cm3, 1.70 g/cm3, 1.68 g/cm3, 1.08 g/cm3, 1.54 g/cm3 occurred for these soil series respectively in July except for Mamu soil series which occurred in May. These correlated very well with the occurrence of the Dry and Rainy seasons in the study area. The results of the EDXRF analysis showed that maxima Iron, Fe concentrations of 5.0890 ppm at the depth of 90 - 120 cm into the soil profile, was obtained for Iwo series, 4.4691 ppm at 50 - 70 cm for Ondo, 6.3438 ppm at 15 - 30 cm for Egbeda, 6.6845 ppm at 30 - 50 cm for Itagunmodi, 5.0252 ppm at 90 - 120 cm for Okemessi, 3.4996 ppm at 30 - 50 cm for Mamu, 5.1191 ppm at 50 - 70 cm for Jago and 4.7193 ppm at 90 - 120 cm for Origo. Maxima Potassium, K concentrations of 2.9613 ppm at the depth of 50 - 70 cm, was obtained for Iwo soil series, 2.3315 ppm at 0 - 15 cm for Egbeda, 2.2763 ppm at 70 - 90 cm for Okemessi and 3.3636 ppm at 50 - 70 cm for Mamu. Maxima Ti concentrations of 1.4822 ppm at 0 - 15 cm was obtained for Ondo soil series, 2.5159 ppm at 15 - 30 cm for Egbeda, 1.8690 ppm at 90 - 120 cm for Itagunmodi, 2.2975 ppm at 15-30 cm for Okemessi, 1.6453 ppm at 0 - 15 cm for Jago and 1.0513 ppm at 30 - 50 cm for Origo.
文摘Background:The increasing incidence of chemically induced infertility is both a social threat and a threat to the continuation of life itself.Treatment or management therapy is often expensive.This study investigated the effects of acetone extract of a local plant(Curcuma longa)in a Wistar rat model of cimetidine‐induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction.Methods:Thirty‐five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats.After a phytochemical screening of an acetone extract of C.Longa,cimetidine and the extract at three doses,200,400 and 600 mg/kg,were orally co‐administered to the rats for 28 consecutive days.Comparisons were made(at P<0.05)against a control(2 mL/kg distilled water),a standard treatment group(cimetidine+50 mg/kg vitamin C),a toxic group(60 mg/kg cimetidine)and a group receiving extract alone.Results:Cimetidine administration was associated with deleterious alterations to sperm motility,sperm count and sperm viability,as well as derangements in the plasma levels of FSH,LH and testosterone(P<0.05).Both brain and testicular GSH and TBARS levels were significantly altered following cimetidine administration,and distortions were seen in the pituitary and testicular histoarchitecture.These changes were significantly normalized by co‐administration of graded doses of the extract,with an associated improvement of both pituitary and testicular histology.Conclusion:Acetone extract of C.Longa normalized cimetidine‐induced pituitarytesticular dysfunction in Wistar rats.This presents the extract as a potential nutraceutical choice against chemically induced reproductive toxicity.
文摘Objective:To identify the knowledge and awareness level of human mpox viral infection among healthcare workers in southwestern Nigeria.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ekiti State,southwest Nigeria among 316 healthcare workers that were selected through a systematic random sampling.Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured,self-administered questionnaire.The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to find the association between the independent and dependent variables.The significance level was set at P-value<0.05.Results:Two hundred and twenty-two(70.3%)of the respondents were aged≤40 years,mean age(36±9)years,189(59.8%)were female,306(96.8%)were Christians,and 203(64.2%)were married.Three hundred and fourteen(99.4%)of the respondents were aware of mpox infection.Main sources of information about mpox were medical education(44.0%),radio/television(32.0%)and newspaper(21.0%).However,among those aware of the disease,209(67.0%)demonstrated poor knowledge levels.Longer than 5 years’experience of medical practice was the only significant predictor of higher knowledge level of the disease(OR 1.76,95%CI 1.01-3.06;P=0.046).Conclusions:Despite the high awareness level of mpox infection among healthcare workers,there still exists a huge knowledge gap.It is recommended that targeted intervention could be directed towards continuous medical education and simulation exercises on re-emerging infectious diseases like mpox to improve the knowledge of the healthcare workers.
文摘BACKGROUND Most occurrences of type 1 diabetes cases in any population are sporadic rather than familial.Hence,type 1 diabetes among siblings is a rare occurrence.Even more rare is for three or more siblings to develop type 1 diabetes.In this report,we describe a case of a Nigerian family in which type 1 diabetes occurred in three siblings among four children with neither parent having diabetes.All three siblings are positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase and anti-islet cell antibodies.CASE SUMMARY There were four siblings(three males and one female)born to a couple without a diagnosis of diabetes.The eldest child(male)was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15,the second child(female)was diagnosed at the age of 11 and the fourth child(male)was diagnosed at the age of 9.All the siblings presented with similar osmotic symptoms and were diagnosed of diabetic ketoacidosis.All of them had markedly reduced serum C-peptide levels with high levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulinoma-associated protein-2 antibodies.We could not perform genetic analysis of HLA-DR,DQ and CTLA4 in the siblings as well as the parents;hence haplotypes could not be characterized.Both parents of the probands have no prior history of diabetes,and their blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were within normal ranges.The third child(male)has no history suggestive of diabetes,and his blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin have remained within normal ranges.CONCLUSION Although the occurrence of type 1 diabetes in proband siblings is uncommon,screening for diabetes among siblings especially with islet autoantibodies should be encouraged.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background:</strong> The outbreak of COVID-19 has continued to threaten the existence of the human race. The novelty and unstable epidemiologic pattern of the virus had generated so much concern among the global health experts. These concerns were found to be escalated among the frontline health care workers to the extent of impeding the timeliness of the response activities. To slow down the spread of the already established community transmission through the surveillance activities, the concern of the health workers at the community level needs to be addressed. Therefore, this study assessed the concern about COVID-19 pandemic among primary health workers in Oyo State, Nigeria. <strong>Methods:</strong> This was an online cross-sectional survey conducted among primary health care workers in Oyo State between March and April 2020. Using a two-stage sampling technique, we recruited 284 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire linked to the Google form was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25;bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of health workers’ concern at 5% level of significance. <strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of respondents was 45.0 ± 9.0 years. The proportion of the respondents who had good knowledge of COVID-19 was 52.5%. In the domains of concern, 66.9%, 53.2%, 51.4%, and 46.5% of the respondents expressed government-related, self-satisfaction related, work-related and social-status related concerns respectively. Male respondents were less likely to express concern about COVID-19 compared with their female counterparts (aOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.20 - 0.76). Nurses/midwives (aOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05 - 0.85) had lesser likelihood of expressing concern about COVID-19 while middle staff (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.18 - 5.39) and income earner of ≥N200,000 (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.34 - 3.92) had higher likelihood of expressing concern about COVID-19. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study highlights an average knowledge of COVID-19 among the respondents. Government-related and self-satisfaction related concerns were expressed by the majority of the Primary Health Care (PHC) workers. Now that the second wave of COVID-19 is moving with much more fatality across much of Africa, including Nigeria, it is therefore imperative to address these concerns through a holistic policy that addresses the welfare, safety and capacity building of the health care workers (HCWs).</span>
文摘The ability of physical activity to ameliorate cardiovascular disease and improve cardiovascular health is well accepted,but many aspects of the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits are incompletely understood.Exercise increases the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)through various mechanisms.This triggers the activation of Nrf2,a redox-sensitive transcription factor activated by increases in oxidative stress.Activation of Nrf2 mitigates oxidative stress by increasing the nuclear transcription of many antioxidant genes while also mediating additional beneficial effects through the cytoprotective nature of Nrf2 signaling.Understanding the transcriptional patterns of Nrf2 caused by exercise can help in the design of pharmacological mimicry of the process in patients who are unable to exercise for various reasons.
文摘Background: Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for the indigenous communities of Ebocha-Obrikom. Access to safe drinking water, in particular, is critical to one’s health and, by extension, one’s income and well-being. Underground wells are the primary supply of drinking water in the Niger Delta, and the groundwater is not always treated before consumption. As a result, water continues to be a vital environmental component that affects both humans and other life forms. Objectives: The aims of the research are to trace the sources and affecting factors of groundwater pollution via statistical and multivariate statistical techniques. Method: The investigation made use of standard analytical procedures. All sampling, conservation, transportation and analysis followed standard procedures described in APHA (2012). To prevent degradation of the organic substances, all obtained samples were transferred to the laboratory, while kept in an icebox. Results: The study reveals that the greater the number of principal components extracted the greater variation in geochemical composition of the ground waters. It indicated that 34 parameters were distributed into six (6) and nine (9) principal components (PCs) extracted for groundwater samples for both rainy and dry seasons, potentially suggesting the input of different pollutants from different sources. Gas flaring, mineral dissolution/precipitation and anthropogenic input are the main sources of the physicochemical indices and trace elements in the groundwater. Groundwater chemistry is predominantly regulated by natural processes such as dissolution of carbonates, silicates, and evaporates and soil leaching, followed by human activities. Climatic factors and land use types are also important in affecting groundwater chemistry. Conclusion: Greater efforts should be made to safeguard groundwater, which is hampered by geogenic and anthropogenic activities, in order to achieve sustainable groundwater development. As a result, communities are recommended to maintain a groundwater management policy to ensure long-term sustainability. The study is useful for understanding groundwater trace sources in Rivers State’s Ebocha-Obrikom districts. Such understanding would enable informed mitigation or eradication of the possible detri-mental health consequences of this groundwater, whether through its use as drinking water or indirectly through consumption of groundwater-irrigated crops. As a result, determining its primary probable source of pollution (MPSP) is critical since it provides a clearer and more immediate interpretation. Furthermore, the research findings can be used as a reference for groundwater pollution prevention and water resource protection in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
文摘Fibularis tertius is a variant muscle of the leg that inserts in the foot. It has been implicated in providing clues to the evolution of upright posture in man. This work investigates the prevalence of fibularis tertius muscle in the African population, using south-western Nigeria as a sample population. The percentage prevalence of fibularis tertius muscle in the population studied is 63%, with higher prevalence in males compared to females. The muscle was however observed to present itself more on the right limb than on the left. Fifteen percent (15%) of the subjects had fibularis tertius muscle only on the right foot. Six percent (6%) had the muscle on the left foot only, 52% had it on both feet and 27% did not have the muscle on any of their foot. A unique surface positioning of the fibularis ter-tius tendon was also observed in all the subjectsstudied. These findings may provide contributions to the clinical evaluation of the muscle.
文摘The importance of public audit is their ability to satisfy the citizenry that transparency and accountability of government operations help to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.However,full information has not been provided about the Nigeria public audit.The study critically examined internal control environment situation of public audit in Nigeria.Through observation,the study discovered a significant impact of internal control environment on public audit practices.The study concluded Nigeria public audit information relevance depends on the strength of internal control environment.To strengthen public audit quality,the study recommends a review of existing practices and research on collaboration of policy-makers;academia,private and public audit sector so that citizenry can enjoy the benefit of audit creation.
文摘The teres minor and infraspinatus muscles bear a close anatomical relationship in the posterior aspect of the scapula and constitute part of the rotator cuff muscles. Although there are only occasional reports of variations of the rotator cuff muscles, this paper reports the first combined occurrence of triple-tailed teres minor and infraspinatus muscle possessing two distinct parts, infraspinatus major and minor which are of clinical and sporting importance. Aberrant variations of rotator cuff muscles need to be brought to the knowledge of radiologists, surgeons and anatomists.
文摘Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria soils are continuously and intensively cultivated, resulting in soil quality degradation, carbon stock depletion, accelerated soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion. Effects of land use change on soil carbon stocks (SOC) are of concern regarding greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and sustainable crop production, because there is a need for food sufficiency while conserving the environment. Also, managing soils under intensive use and restoring degraded soils are top priorities for a sustained agronomic production while conserving soil and water resources. Hence, this study;“Tillage, Desmodium intortum, fertilizer rates for carbon stock, soil quality and grain yield in Northern Guinea Savanna” is aimed at devising possible mitigating measures for soil quality degradation, carbon stock depletion and impoverished crop yields using Zea mays as test crop. The study was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in split-split plot arrangement with four replicates. The four main tillage and Desmodium intortum combination treatments were: 1) Maize −without Desmodium + Conventional tillage (MC), 2) Maize + Desmodium live-mulch incorporated and relayed + Conservation tillage (MDIC), 3) Maize + Desmodium in no-tillage system (MDNT), 4) Maize + Desmodium in strip tillage (MDST). The main treatment plots were each divided to accommodate four (4) rates of N (60, 80, 100 and 120 kg·ha−1) as sub plots, while the N rate plots were further divided to accommodate three (3) rates of P (6.6, 13.2, and 26.4 kg·ha−1) as sub-subplots. Findings support that Desmodium intercrops with Maize treatments (MDIC, MDNT, and MDST) resulted in increased organic carbon contents in 2013, with MDNT resulting in significantly higher organic carbon content (7.37 g·kg−1 in 2012 and 8.37 g·kg−1 in 2013) than the other treatments. Also, zero tillage practice (MDNT) sequestered significantly higher carbon stock (18.06 t C ha−1), followed by minimum tillage (MDIC) that sequestered 15.99 t C ha−1 than the other treatments. Highest grain yield of 2.61 tha−1 under MDIC and MDNT was followed by MDST and least under MC. Total score of soil quality assessment gave least score values of 13 under MDIC and MDNT;thus best soil quality (SQ1) was ascribed to the minimum tillage with D. intortum intercrop and relayed (MDIC) and Zero tillage with D. intortum (MDNT) treatments. Maize Strip cropped with D. intortum treatment (MDST) was ranked SQ2.
文摘Obtaining rapid access in emergency situations for infusion of IV fluids, blood and blood products or medications is vital in using various methods. These include venopuncture, intraosseous infusion, percutanous central venous access and peripheral venous cut-down. We report a case of a 30-year-old woman who developed severe obstetric hemorrhage and had peripheral venous cut-down that was complicated by bilateral femoral osteomyelitis. This is a rare occurrence and this case report shows the need for strict adherence to safety precautions to prevent complications such as that from the procedure.
文摘Masa is a cereal based snack made from rice, maize or millet. It is popularly consumed in the northern regions of Nigeria. The objective of this work was to assess the nutritional and sensory properties of the rice-Masa, enriched with soybean and crayfish. The enriched rice-Masa produced were labelled sample A (100% rice), sample B (rice: soybean blend (80:20), sample C (rice: crayfish blend (80:20) and sample D (rice: soybean: crayfish (80:10:10). The proximate and mineral composition was evaluated according to standard methods. Anti-nutrient content was also determined. Sensory evaluation was carried out to assess the acceptability of the enriched rice-Masa. The chemical analysis showed that protein, fibre, iron, zinc and vitamin A and beta carotene contents were highest in sample D with values 8.35 (±0.08) g/100g, 1.08 (±0.02) g/100g, 2.82 (±0.03) mg/100g, 4.20 (±0.03) mg/100g, 602.3 (±1.28) μg/100g and 420.2 (±0.98) μg/100g respectively, while calcium was highest in sample C with a value of 27.34 (±0.06) mg/100g. Moisture and ash contents increased from 47.4 (±0.50) g/100g to 50.9 (±0.80) g/100g and 0.40 (±0.01) g/100g to 1.15 (±0.01) g/100g respectively, while carbohydrate and energy contents decreased from 28.1 (±0.03) g/100g to 21.9 (±0.04) g/100g and 308.42 kcal/100g to 285.64 kcal/100g respectively. The sensory evaluation showed that with regards to taste, aroma, texture and overall acceptability, the sample enriched with soybean was more preferred to that enriched with crayfish, or a combination of both. Enrichment of Masa could contribute to improvement of nutritional status if promoted as a nutritious, healthy indigenous snack not only where Masa is already widely consumed, but also in other parts of Nigeria where it has not found wide acceptance.
