Lafia Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research
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Prevalence of Malaria among Patients in Selected Health Centres in Otukpo, Benue State.
Get PDFMalaria remains a serious public health concern in many nations, including Nigeria. The present study is a hospital based cross-sectional study and was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria among patients in selected health centres in Otukpo, Benue State. Two hundred (200) samples were examined. Three millilitres (3mL) of venous blood was collected aseptically from each respondent and dispensed into an EDTA bottle. smears of the blood were made on grease-free clean slides and stained subsequently. The smears were examined under the microscope using X40 and X100 objective lenses for morphological features of Plasmodium spp. Statistical analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Person’s chi-square was used to determine association between variables at 95% confidence level. A p value less than or equal to 0.05 (p≤0.05) was considered to be indicative of a statistically significant relationship. Findings of the present study revealed a prevalence of 76.5% (n=153, N=200) for malaria parasites in the studied area. The prevalence of malaria parasite revealed a statistically significant difference with respect to location; St. Veronica’s clinic had the highest isolation rate (91.2%, n=31, p<0.05). The prevalence of malaria parasite (77.5%, n=69; p>0.05) showed female preponderance over male subjects. Patients >59 years (old adults) had the highest prevalence of malaria (100%, n=2; p>0.05). There is no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of malaria parasite with respect to gender and age. The high prevalence of malaria parasite in the study calls for concern
On the QSPR Models of some Anti-Malaria Drugs using some Reversed Degree-Based Topological Indices
Get PDFA topological index is a real number obtained from the chemical structure of a molecular graph that can be used to predict the physiochemical and biological properties of chemical compounds like drugs and benzene structures. This study aimed at proposing a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model for some physiological and biological properties of some anti-malaria drugs. Some reversed-degree-based topological indices of the molecular graphs of these drugs were computed; hence, a linear regression model analysis of these indices with the empirical values of the said properties of these drugs was carried out and presented. It was found that the topological indices computed for the said drugs have a good correlation with these physicochemical properties
Antibacterial potentials and DNA study of cobalt(II) complexes containing aminophenol Schiff base moiety
No full textThe present study was carried out to investigate the effect of substituent groups on the antibacterial activities of 2-aminophenol Schiff bases and their cobalt (II) complexes. Development of new compounds with potential effects against pathogenic organisms has become necessary due to the increase in microbial resistance reported for existing antiseptics and disinfectants. In line with this, new cobalt (II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from 2-aminophenol and p-substituted benzaldehydes were synthesized. The compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR and electronic absorption spectroscopy. Results indicate that all metal complexes had a 1:2 metal ligand ratio with magnetic moments characteristic of tetrahedral geometry around the metal ion. The Schiff bases and their metal complexes were screened for in-vitro antibacterial activities against 6 human pathogenic bacteria usually found around the hospitals and homes; Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 19582), Bacillus cereus (10702), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Kribsella pneumonia (ATCC 10031) with ampicillin used as the reference compound. DNA binding study using calf thymus DNA revealed intercalative mode of activity. The result showed that Schiff bases exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms while Schiff base metal complexes exhibited higher antibacterial activity when compared to ampicillin. Our results indicate that these complexes can be employed as active ingredients in development of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Salmonella typhi Isolated from Hostel Tap Water of a Tertiary Institution in Makurdi
Get PDFTyphoid fever is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar typhi. This study was undertaken and the aim of the study is to ascertain the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of Salmonella typhi. Isolation of Salmonella typhi strains from a total of 20 tap water samples which was from 4 different hostels in University of Agriculture, Makurdi was done by standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. The strains isolated were examined for their susceptibility to ten antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. The highest susceptibility was to Tarivid and Streptomycin (65%), followed by Amoxicillin (50%), Gentamycin (40%), Septrin (30%), the drug with the highest resistance was Pefloxacin (100%), Sparfloxacin (65%), intermediate resistance in Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol (40%). In the hostels Block A isolates recorded the highest susceptibility to antibiotics while Block C had the least, but there was no significant difference in their mean (P > 0.05). This study indicates that the hostel water supply is contaminated with Salmonella typhi strain and these strains are becoming increasingly resistant to Ciprofloxacin and other quinolones. Therefore, improvements in public sanitation facilities, vaccinations, availability of portable water for safe drinking, and rational use of antibiotics are some recommended ways of preventing antibiotics resistance in Salmonella typhi
Students’ Attitude and Gender as Determinants of Colleges of Education Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry
Get PDFThe study examined students’ attitude and gender as determinants of Colleges of Education students’ academic achievement in chemistry. Three research questions were answered and three hypotheses were also tested. A correlation survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study made up of all NCE III chemistry students (1,581) in the North East, Nigeria. A sample size of four hundred and twenty (420) NCE III chemistry students was obtained through multi-stage sampling procedure. An adapted structured questionnaire of Students Attitude Scale, SAS that made up of 2 clusters was used for data collection. A chemistry achievement tests (CAT) was also conducted. The instrument reliability test was done using Cronbach Alpha and index is 0.884 found to be valid and reliable. Data analysis was done using Pearson’s product moment correlation and ANOVA to test the hypotheses at 5% level of significance. The findings showed a significant relationship between students’ positive attitude to chemistry and their academic achievement in chemistry. It was on this note that, a recommendation is made among others factors that NCE chemistry lecturers should make their teaching approaches more stimulating and interesting as to produce a positive attitude from students to chemistry courses and towards their chemistry lecturers. Thereby, create a better learning ability in them for a high academic achievement in chemistry at Colleges of Education
Thermal and Structural Analysis of Airborne Magnetic Data of part of Nasarawa State, Nigeria: Implication for Geothermal Energy Exploration
Get PDFThis study presents the results of thermal and structural analysis of airborne magnetic data of part of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study area is characterised by a complex geological setting, with numerous faults and fractures that may control geothermal activity. The Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) of the study area was analysed using various techniques, including spectral analysis, Analytic signal (AS), Center for Exploration Targeting (CET), First vertical derivative (FVD), and second vertical derivative (SVD). The results of the CET, FVD, and SVD reveal a complex geological structural pattern, with numerous faults and fractures that may be related geothermal activity, trending majorly NE-SW direction. The AS map distinguished regions of high, intermediate, and low amplitude anomalies within the study area. The thermal analysis evaluated Curie point depth (CPD), geothermal gradient (GG), and heat flow (HF). Estimated values of CPD, GG, and HF range from 10 to 22.65 km, 25 to 55 °C/km, and 60 to 140 mW/m2, respectively. Feasible HF for geothermal resources were observed at the mid-portion of the northern region, corresponding to Mada, Nasarawa Egon, Akwanga, and at the western and south-eastern edges, covering Udeni and Keana. The delineated major structures in NE-SW direction might serve as migration conduits and channels for crustal HF within the study area. The results of this study have significant implications for geothermal exploration in the study area, and suggest that further investigation is warranted to determine the feasibility of geothermal energy production
Anti-diabetic Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Ziziphusspina-christi on Alloxan Induced Albino Rats
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of an ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Ziziphus spina christi on alloxan-induced diabetic rats using standard analytical procedures. Fifteen Albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of three rats. The groups included a normal uninduced rats as control group, a diabetic untreated group as the diabetic control, a group treated with a dosage of 150mg/kg body weight, a diabetic group treated with metformin as the standard drug, and another treatment group. The levels of liver marker enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (60.7±3.25) and aspartate transaminase (69.5±1.84), as well as liver function parameters like total protein (7.47±0.02), were found to be higher in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control and other treatment groups. However, in all the treatment groups, there was a significant decrease observed in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. The level of kidney function markers such as blood creatinine (1.58±0.07) and blood urea (43.50±0.86) were significantly (p˃0.05) higher in the diabetic control group when compared to the normal control. However, significant (p˃0.05) reductions in blood creatinine and blood urea were observed in all the treatment groups. The presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and cardiac glycosides in the ethanolic extract of sidr leaves were probably responsible for the anti-diabetic activities of the plant extract. In conclusion, the antidiabetic effect of ethanolic extract of sidr as observed in this study may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Virtual Temperature in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates the diurnal and vertical variations of virtual temperature (Tv) and ambient temperature (T) from 2013 to 2023 in Ilorin. Data analysis reveals that Tv peaks between 1200 and 1400 hours daily, influenced mainly by relative humidity and inversely by temperature changes, with no significant pressure impact. At the planetary boundary layer, Tv and T exhibit marginal differences, converging higher in the troposphere due to diminishing specific humidity. Temporal trends indicate a surface temperature increase of 0.065 degrees and a Tv increase of 0.016 degrees over the past decade. While no simple linear correlation between Tv and relative humidity was found, seasonal patterns suggest potential underlying correlations. This highlights the complex interplay of atmospheric variables in influencing virtual temperature and underscores the need for further investigation into seasonal effects
Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Fungal Isolates Associated with Otomycotic Patients in Lafia
Get PDFThis study assessed the fungal pathogens associated with otomycosis and their antifungal profile. A cross-sectional study was done to collect, examine and culture 177 exudate swabs from patients presenting with otomycosis at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital for three months. Fungal isolates were identified using their morphological and microscopic structure and characteristics. Mycological assessments showed that 20.90% were positive for fungal agents. Males (70.27%) had more positive cases than females (29.73%). Age group 31-40 had the most predominant number of cases (49.95%) than any other age group. A. niger (51.35%) was the most predominant, followed by Candida spp. (32.43%), while A. flavus (16.22%) was the least prevalent. The month of May had the most positive cases (16; 43.24%), and March had the least (24.32%). Antifungal assay showed varied susceptibility of the isolates to the antifungals. A. flavus showed no resistance to Itraconazole. However, multiple drug resistance was observed amongst the samples, with A. niger showing high resistance to ketoconazole and fluconazole. This study showed that A. niger, A. flavus and Candida spp. are etiological agents associated with otomycosis in Lafia. Caution also needs to be taken in managing this infection as multiple drug resistance was also observed
Occurrence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Hospital
Get PDFCandida is the leading cause of infection among pregnant women. This study was aimed to determine the occurrence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolated from apparently healthy pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Bingham University Teaching Hospital. High vaginal swab was inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Gram staining was carried out. Candida isolates were sub- cultured on Himedia CHROM Candida differential agar and identified according to their color, morphology, and appearance. Disc antifungal susceptibility test was carried out using standard protocols. The occurrence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in this study was 42.5%. In this study, Candia albicans was the most predominant Candida species (51.2%) isolated. Pregnant women within the age range of 20-24 years had the highest infection occurrence of 100% while the lowest occurrence of the infection (25%) was observed among women within the age range of 40-44 years. There was a significant relationship between age and VVC infection (P>0.05). In relation to trimester, pregnant women in the second trimester had a high infection rate of 87.5% while women in the third trimester had the least occurrence rate of 10.9%. There was a significant relationship between vulvovaginal candidiasis infection and trimester (P>0.05). All Candida species were resistant to the antifungal drugs tested except for Candida kefyr which was susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment among pregnant women receiving antenatal care can reduce the infection and prevent complications during childbirt