International Journal of Scientific Research in Biological Sciences
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Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Among HIV Positive Patients Attending Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi Between 2013-2023
Get PDFTuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of HIV-related morbidity and mortality, with HIV serving as the strongest driver of the TB epidemic. HIV-positive individuals face rapid disease progression, higher TB treatment failure, and increased mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with TB/HIV co-infection at the HTC/Chest Clinic of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. A cross-sectional design was employed, targeting patients aged 10 years and above diagnosed with TB/HIV, enrolled in the CD4 club, and accessing ART services between 2013 and 2023. Using systematic random sampling, 80 participants were selected based on Cochrane’s formula. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, and regression in SPSS version 23, with significance set at p<0.05. Findings revealed a TB/HIV co-infection prevalence of 61.25%. Age, gender, and occupation were significantly associated with co-infection (p=0.00). Females showed a higher rate of co-infection (59.18%) compared to males (40.82%), reflecting the broader HIV burden among women, which predisposes them to TB by reactivating latent infection. Farmers (34.69%), drivers (24.49%), and officers (24.49%) recorded the highest prevalence, likely due to occupational exposure, diverse social contact, and limited awareness. The most affected age group was 31–50 years, aligning with the sexually active and economically productive population. Correlation analysis showed a modest association with age (r=0.131) but a strong link with sex (male r=0.954, female r=0.989) and occupation (r=-0.888). This study highlights the high TB/HIV co-infection burden in Benue State, particularly among women and individuals in high-contact occupations, underscoring the need for targeted interventions
Assessment of Local Pesticides Used by Farmers in Jorhat District
Get PDFThe indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has raised concerns about environmental degradation, human health risks, and the sustainability of agricultural practices worldwide. In the context of Jorhat District, Assam, local farmers rely on both chemical and traditional pesticides to combat pests and ensure crop productivity. The aim of this research is to determine the types, usage patterns, and impacts of local pesticides applied by farmers in five selected villages: No.2 Sonari Gaon, Sotai Bhakat Gaon, Kakojan (Bonpithaguri village), Sokai Khongiya Gaon, and Garumora. Data were collected through field surveys, structured interviews, and questionnaires filled by 100 farmers across the study sites
Diversity of edible wild Plants used by Local Communities in Kebridehar District, Southeast Ethiopia
Get PDFFluctuate seasonal conditions, increasing global warming, and insufficient production of staple foods in developing nations have led to a search for less expensive and alternative source of edible wild plants. In numerous rural regions of developing nations, edible wild plants have been crucial in improving the nutritional and food security of impoverished communities while also improving their general state of health. This study\u27s goal was to conduct an ethnobotanical analysis of wild edibles and their significance to the local community in Kebridehar district, Southeast Ethiopia. Purposive and random sampling was employed to gathering ethnobotanical data. Group talks, field observations, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather ethnobotanical data. The descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. In the study region, thirty distinct species of edible wild plants have been discovered. Based on parts of edibility, fruits accounted for 17 (56.67%) of the edible components, followed by roots 8 (26.67%) and leaves 4 (13.33%). According to preference ranking data, because of their sweet flavor, the leaves of Ficus sycomorus and Ziziphus mauritina are the most favored plant species. Even though Grewia pennicillata, Dobera glabra, and Moringa stenopetala are among the most well-known species of multi-purpose wild food plants, they are mostly exploited and endangered species as a result of human impacts. Anthropogenic activities like charcoal production, firewood collection, and fencing all played a momentous role in the reduction of these plants. In order to enhance local residents\u27 quality of life and promote sustainable forest management, conservation, value addition, and market linking strategies must be reinforced
Molecular interactions of Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and HPLC Characterization of Alstonia Boonei and Ficus Exasperata Leaves Methanol Extracts
Get PDFAlstonia boonei is a well-known plant whose components are high in bioactive chemicals such echitamidine, boonein, lupeol, ursolic acid, loganin, N- formylechitamidine and b-amyrin, with triterpenoids and alkaloids accounting for a large fraction of the total bioactive compound while Ficus exasperata Vahl. (F. exasperata) sometimes known as "Sandpaper Leaf Tree" because of the coarse surface of its leaves, is utilized for the management of various diseases, and as a result, research supporting traditional uses are expanding According to reports, F. exasperata leaves have anti-ulcer, oxytocin inhibiting, anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, hypolipidemic, anti-candidal, insecticidal, hypoglycemic, and pesticidal propertie. The leave of Ficus exasperata\u27 and Alstonia boonei were dried in a laboratory environment devoid of direct sunlight till completely dry, after which they were extratec using methanol and then rotaroy evaporated to collect the extracts. Both the GC-MS and HPLC analyses revealed the presence of some biochemically useful hydrocarbons while the molecular docking results revealed the potential usefulness of some of these compounds as medicinal compounds as a result of the binding energies
Exploring the Diversity of Genus SCYTONEMA (Agardh ex Bornet & Flahault 1887) in rice field soils of Chhattisgarh, India
Get PDFCyanobacteria constitutes a diverse group of prokaryotes. Their strong adoptive tolerance in extreme environmental conditions have rendered them ubiquitous. The taxonomic complexity of cyanobacteria has hindered an accurate assessment of their true biodiversity which is evident from the fact that the reported diversity encompasses only the traditional cyanobacterial genera. Due to that taxonomic ambiguity arises from pronounced morphological plasticity, ecological flexibility, and extensive heterogeneity, all of which contribute to persistent confusion in cyanobacterial classification. The present paper discussing about morphological feature of four species of genus Scytonema (Agardh ex Bornet & Flahault 1887) which were recorded from rice field soils of Chhattisgarh State. Physiological parameters like pH, electrical conductivity and soil type were also considered, which shows that reported species were preferred in alkaline soil and high Electrical conductivity and Dorsa and Kanhar soil.
Agar-Based Biodegradable Plastic: A Sustainable Alternative to Petroleum- Derived plastics
Get PDFPlastic pollution is a primary environmental issue, leading to the seeking for sustainability. This research inquires the possibilities of bioplastics, including agar-based bioplastic, where ethanol is utilizing as a plasticizer, to develop an eco- friendly and flexible, degradable substance. Agar, a natural polysaccharide extracted from red algae, promotes as a remarkable biodegradable polymer. To tackle this issue, ethanol serves as a plasticizer to enhance flexibility and mechanical strength by altering the internal configuration of the agar matrix. The bioplastic was formed by dissolving agar in warm water, contained ethanol, and allowing the mixture to cool and form into thin sheets. The findings indicated that ethanol increased the material\u27s elasticity, while keeping its environmentally friendly characteristics. It also offered minimal resistance to water, a frequent drawback in bioplastics. Additionally, decomposition tests verified that the bioplastic degrades naturally, positioning it as a promising substitute for synthetic plastics. This research emphasizes the promise of agar bioplastic with ethanol as a plasticizer for uses such as packaging and single-use products. Later studies may enhance the pattern and explore the methods for large-scale production. By assuming biodegradable materials, we can minimize plastic waste and protecting the environment as well
Proximate and Mineral Composition Analysis of the Dried Edible Portion of Diospyros Mespiliformis (African Ebony) Fruit
Get PDFThis study aims to determine the proximate and mineral composition of the dried edible portion of Diospyros Mespiliformis (African Ebony) fruit, an underutilized wild fruit widely consume in Northern Nigeria. The nutritional value of the fruit remains largely unexplored, despite its accessibility in the region where cultivated fruits are scarce due to limited irrigational infrastructure. Proximate analysis was conducted to assess ash content, crude fiber, moisture, carbohydrates and protein levels, while also mineral contents analysis focused on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) levels, among others. Findings from this research provide essential nutritional information, potentially aiding in converting malnutrition and promoting the health benefits of dried Diospyros Mespiliformis within local communities. This study highlight the nutritional viability of wild fruits as affordable, nutritional alternatives to cultivated varieties, especially in low resources settings
SNP Variety of UMOD Gene in Patients with Hypertension Disease in Hilla Province
Get PDFA major risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses, hypertension—also known as high blood pressure—is shaped by both environmental and hereditary elements. Recent research have shown several genetic variations linked to hypertension, among which the rs13333226 variant found in the Uromodulin gene (UMOD). This paper explores the biological relevance of Uromodulin, consequences of the rs13333226 variation, and possible function in hypertension. Fifty blood samples in all came from diabetic patients visiting the Diabetes Center at Merjan Teaching Hospital in Babylon, Iraq. Five samples in all were also gathered to act as a control group. PCR magnificues DNA taken from blood samples. The SOD2 gene was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method then applying the DNA single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method. The single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique thus verified the genuineness of these DNA polymorphisms. The findings show several haplotypes seen in SOD2. The findings showed that in the sick group the DNA polymorphism distribution was 84% and 16%; in the control group it was 70% and 30%. Understanding hypertension depends much on the rs13333226 variation on the Uromodulin gene. Clarifying the link between this variation and blood pressure control would help scientists open the path for better risk evaluation and focused treatments in the control of hypertension. Complete knowledge of the consequences of this variation and its possible influence in cardiovascular health depends on ongoing research
Study of Efflux Pumps in Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria and the Investigation of Plant Extracts as Potential Inhibitors
Get PDFAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rising global health concern, as bacteria continue to develop resistance to antibiotics through time. A very common resistance process in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is the efflux pump system that pumps antibiotics and other toxic substances out of the bacterial cell. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria have efflux pumps, with gram-negative organisms having all types of efflux pumps. The chemical efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) exist, but toxicity at higher doses restricts their utilization, emphasizing the search for plant-based alternatives. The objective of the study was to determine the presence of efflux pumps in MDR strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae using the Ethidium Bromide (EtBr)-agar cartwheel assay and investigate the role of certain Indian plants in inhibiting the efflux pump activity. The extracts obtained from the plants such as Tagetes erecta (Marigold), Mangifera indica (Mango) and Allium sativum (Garlic) were screened for their potential as a source of natural EPIs. Antibacterial action of these extracts was evaluated using agar cup and broth dilution assays to determine the Minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations of the potential extracts. The study illustrated that Garlic and Marigold plant extracts have the potential to be employed as MDR bacterial efflux pump inhibitors
Exploring the Medicinal Mushroom Diversity of Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India
Get PDFMushrooms play important roles in the environment and have medicinal potential, especially in traditional practices. In India, people utilise wild mushrooms for both food and medicinal purposes, which is the primary focus of ethnomycology. Telangana has various ecosystems that can support important medicinal fungi; however, there are few studies on this topic in the area. This study records the diversity of medicinal mushrooms in the Mahabubnagar district and captures traditional knowledge about their use. Fourteen mushroom species were recorded in the survey. They were classified into eleven families and five orders. This classification shows their importance in terms of shape, habitat, nutrition, medicine, and toxicity. Agaricus campestris, Auricularia fuscosuccinea, Daldinia childiae, Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma curtisii, Podoscypha petalodes, Schizophyllum commune and Xylaria hypoxylon showed strong antitumor and immune-modulating effects. Conocybe tenera has psychoactive and neuropharmacological Potential. Auricularia fuscosuccinea and Tremella mesenterica displayed anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activity. Other mushrooms like Bovista longispora, Podoscypha petalodes and Podaxis pistilaris, and Trametes villosa showed antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Non-edible fungi such as Xylaria hypoxylon are known to produce bioactive compounds exhibiting cytotoxic and anticancer properties. More research is necessary to unlock the potential of wild mushrooms for drug development and traditional medicine