International Journal of Scientific Research in Biological Sciences
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Phytochemical Screening and Anti-fungal Activity of Annona senegalensis Pers Leaves and Stem Bark
Get PDFAnnona senegalensis is an indigenous traditional medicinal plant found in Kebbi State, where dermatophytosis is becoming one of the major health challenge. The Annona senegalensis leaves and stem bark were obtained from Yauri L.G.A while, the fungal species namely; Microsporum cani, Epidermophyton flocossum, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentographytes, Sporortrix schehenkii, Candida albican, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were sourced from General Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi subjected to phytochemical screening and antifungal activities using standard methods at concentrations of 200, 300 and 400mg/ml. From the results obtained on phytochemical screening of Annona senegalensis leaves and stem bark extracts (aqueous and methanol) indicates presences of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavanoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, tannins and gum/mucilages which are antidermatophytic. Among all the fungal test organisms, Candida albicans showed significant zone of inhibitions (44.0%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes with less inhibitions zone (24.0%) in leaves extracts. While in stem bark extracts visible growths inhibitions Aspergillus flavus had the highest visible inhibition of (33.0%), Trichophyton rubrum (28.0%), Aspergillus niger (30.0%), Candida albicans (27.0%), Microsporum cani (21.0%), Sporotrix schehenkii (21.0%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes had the lowest (18.0%). In both extracts used Epidermophyton flocussum show resistance in which observed with (00.0%) percentage. The bioactive compounds presences in Annona senegalensis leaves and stem bark extracts (methanol) reveals its anti-fungal potentials against the test fungi when properly applied. These indicates the ability of the plant extracts to be used ethno-medicinally as viable antifungal in the treatment and management of dermatophytosis which may help to provide less cost and affordable treatment of dermatophytes infections in the study area and world at large.
 
Bacteriological examination of children diagnosed of meningitis in Lagos, Nigeria
Get PDFBacterial meningitis results from an inflammation of the meninges of the brain by bacteria and bacterial products which is characterized by high prevalence in neonates and children. Patients at risk for bacterial meningitis include newborns, people in developing countries and those already infected with Gram-negative bacilli. This study was carried out to isolate, identify and characterize bacterial pathogens associated with cerebrospinal meningitis in children as well assess their antibiotic resistant patterns. A total of 318 samples were collected for bacteriological analysis at the children emergency wards of two hospitals for 24 months. All children diagnosed of meningitis were enrolled after obtaining informed consent from their parents. Aliquots of cerebrospinal fluids were collected by attending physician after lumbar puncture. Microscopy and culture, CSF protein and CSF glucose analyses were done. Of 318 samples analyzed, eighty two Gram stains indicated the presence of bacterial cells, 36 only of which had positive culture. Relationship between glucose and protein levels with Gram staining of CSF was observed. Bacteria were identified with standard microbiological methods included: Streptococcus species (12), Staphylococci (8), Acinetobacter iwoffi (6), Escherichia coli (4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4) and Serratia rubidala (2). Most previously dominant organisms in bacterial meningitis were not isolated. Male patients were more predisposed to bacterial invasion with a higher number of cases in those less than one year. The routine use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid probes will surely provide rapid and definitive diagnosis of meningitis.
 
Inter-State Heterogeneity of The Burden of Novel Coronavirus Disease In India: An Analysis of the Correlating Factors
Get PDFThe number of cases of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in India has been increasing since March 2020. However, a significant inter-state heterogeneity is evident. The present study was aimed at analysing the various factors that could correlate with this heterogeneity. This analytical cross-sectional study included the COVID-19 related data of various Indian states as on 14th Oct 2020. Data of the demographic factors and other infectious diseases were extracted from various websites. Correlation between these factors and COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths was assessed (Pearson’s correlation coefficient). After a check for multi-collinearity, a stepwise linear regression analysis using R software was done for the final model of confirmed cases as well as deaths due to COVID-19. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between COVID-19 cases and deaths due to dengue while COVID-19 deaths demonstrated correlation with number of chikungunya cases and deaths due to dengue. The linear regression analysis gave the final model explaining COVID-19 deaths with total population, population density, other infectious diseases, average minimum temperature, and population above 60 years. The present study highlights a possible association between COVID-19 epidemiology and population density as well as with other infections like chikungunya, dengue, and malaria in India. Number of COVID-19 deaths are also related to population above 60 years. Knowledge of these related factors will help in prediction of health care need of states and better management of pandemic.
 
Ecological Study about Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca Fascicularis Raffles) As Potential Tourism Spot in Kalisalak, Kebasen, Banyumas, Indonesia
Get PDFKalisalak is the name of the sub-district in Kebasen District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The region of Kalisalak consisted of plain area and hills region, and one of the villages named Karangbanar Village. This particular village has a religious spot named “Makam Kramat Karangbanar or Mbah Agung Religious Tomb” that has not been developed by the government, it would potentially be a tourism spot so with that being said it needs some development especially when it comes to long-tailed macaques. This study is to comprehend the ecological study of long-tailed macaques within Karangbanar Village. The methodology is through the survey method. To recognize the diversity of plantations, trees, saplings, to analyze those objects with an Important Value Index (IVI). To comprehend the population of long-tailed macaques, through census, and the daily activity, with descriptive analysis. Also, proximate analysis to arrange the feeding quality. The result of environmental factors in Karangbanar Village is covering the temperature, humidity, wind velocity, topography, plant diversity that supports a sustainable life of long-tailed macaques. The result of proximate analysis of leaves as frequently daily food covers the melinjo leaves, sohan-sohan leaves, and nagasari leaves because they highly consisted of protein and fiber.
 
Morphological and Histopathological Study of the Liver of Three Species of Syrian Birds (Tyto Alba, Turdus Merula, and Carduelis Spinus)
Get PDFThe current research was conducted to study histopathologically and morphologically the liver of three species of Syrian birds (Tyto alba, Turdus merula, and Carduelis spinus). The results showed that the liver occupies the upper right part under the heart from the thoracic abdominal cavity. Its color ranges from pinkish red to dark red. Its weights ranged between 0419-4.453 g depending on the type studied. A thin capsule surrounds the liver cosisting of fibrous connective tissue , divides the liver into two main lobes (right and left) that differ in size and shape of the edges and the presence of the secondary lobes. The histological study of the liver showed that the barriers between the lobules are not clear in the studied species, but the beginning of these septa was clear to the blackbird. In both owls and Eurasian siskin birds, the liver tissue is chordate, while this tissue is reticulated in the blackbird, with an observation of the beginning of the chordal alignment of multifaceted cells, with spherical near-central nuclei containing one or two nuclei. The blood sinuses are abundant. The adipocytes were observed around the sinuses, as well as, the Kupffer cells were found within the lumen of the endothelial boundaries. The portal space (hepatic triad) appeared clearly within the liver tissue of the owls, but the matter differs in both Eurasian siskin and the blackbird as they have a semi-portal distance (which means divergence among each artery, vein, and bile duct).
 
Soy-Dawadawa Production by Traditional Spontaneous Fermentation inside Pieces of Jute Sack
Get PDFSoybean is a highly nutritious legume that is easy to cultivate and process, which can provide a suitable substitute for African locust bean in the production of dawadawa, a widely consumed condiment in the West African region. Traditional spontaneous fermentation of soy-dawadawa using jute sack was carried out to study the effect on the microorganisms implicated and the activities of enzymes involved in the process. The total microbial count of the microorganisms involved in the fermentation increased with fermentation time (72 hr). The only microorganism isolated was Bacillus subtilis, without identifying any lactic acid bacteria nor fungi. The pH of the fermenting soybean rose from 6.60 to 8.04, in an alkaline fermentation process. Moisture content in the fermenting bean exhibited significant increase until 48 hr of fermentation, after which it declined. The crude fibre content displayed an irregular pattern over the fermentation period. Crude protein in the soy-dawadawa significantly increased with fermentation time, which increased digestibility of the soybean. The ash content showed no regular pattern across fermentation period, while the crude lipids content reduced significantly with fermentation period. The carbohydrates content showed no significant change from 0 hr to 24 hr but increased significantly at that point to the end of fermentation. Protease activity increased from 0.006297 mg/ml/min (0 hr) to 0.013524 mg/ml/min (72 hr) to explain the observed increase in the protein content. Lipase activity rose from initial 0.262674 mg/ml/min and ended at 1.759916 mg/ml/min which shows direct relation to the reduction in the crude lipid content. Trypsin inhibitors in the soybean dropped with fermentation time with the values at 32.31 % (0 hr) and 11.58 % (72 hr). Fermentation time had influence on the fermentation parameters. Fermentation of soy-dawadawa in jute sack led to an improvement in the overall nutrition and digestibility of the soybean.
 
Indigenous Knowledge Meets Science: A Saponin Phytochemical Screening of Folk Medicines Used for Treating Cough and Colds in Cagraray Island, Philippines
Get PDFShortcomings on access to quality health care professionals and facilities caused the locals of Cagraray island to rely on folk medicines for treating cough and colds. These illnesses were often treated by the ingestion of antibacterial medicines, expectorants, and antitussives. Saponin, an antibacterial chemical and expectorant, exists in some plant extracts in a form of phytochemical. This study screened the saponin content of folk medicines in Cagraray island used for treating cough and colds. Field immersion through survey and interview was conducted to 8 folk healers considered as key informants of the study. Saponin Foam Test was administered for 3 trials to the prescribed 9 folk medicinal herbs to test the levels of saponin and subjected for quantitative analysis. The screening test revealed the presence of the phytochemical saponin in varying quantities across tested medicinal herbs. This was supported by ANOVA indicating significant difference in the levels of saponin from different folk medicinal herbs tested [F (8, 18)=122.47, p<0.05]. The result concluded a strong link between science and indigenous knowledge by proving the potentiality of the folk medicines to treat cough and colds. Nonetheless, the research recommends to further study the phytochemical contents of the identified medicinal plants, with or without saponin, to testify the truthfulness of their healing effect and toxicity levels.
 
Acute Effect of Cadmium Chloride on the Histological Structure of Liver in Japanese Quail Coturnix coturnix japonica
Get PDFCadmium is one of the most dangerous heavy metals for its long life and its acute and chronic effects. The current research aims to identify the effect of acute exposure to cadmium chloride on the histological structure of the liver in one of the economic birds, which is the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica. The study included two groups, a control group, and an experimental group. The birds of the experimental group were dosed to a concentration of 50mg/kg for four continuous days. The birds were sacrificed 4,15,30,60 days after the start of the experiment. The results of the histological examination of the liver showed the emergence of many lesions in the four periods, to varying degrees between them. Among the most prominent of these is the appearance of necrosis, vacuolation, hemorrhage, ballooning swelling, congestion, infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as enlargement of the sinuses and Kupffer cells hyperplasia. The study concluded that the cadmium chloride causes much tissue damage to the body of the quail bird and that it is necessary to take into account not to be exposed to this element to maintain its economic value.
 
Mycoses Infection in Some Fresh Water Carps of Tarai Region of Balrampur
Get PDFFungal infection (Mycoses) are one of the most common deceases found in all fishery ponds because spores of aquatic molds are found in fresh waterbodies and create stress in the cultured fishes. The objective of the present research work was to examine the fungal infection in the indigenous carps viz. Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Labeo calbasu and Cirrhinus mrigala. These fishes were collected from fresh waterbodies of Balrampur during July, 2019 to June, 2020. The result of present investigation revealed that (i) about 30% indigenous carps inhabiting in the local waterbodies of Balrampur were infected with fungal diseases (ii) the intensity of fungal infection varies from host to host, species to species and season to season and (iii) Achlya sp., Aspergillus sp., Allomyces sp., and Saprolegnia sp. were found to be virulent for indigenous carps.
 
A Comparative Study of Kraits (Squamata: Elapidae: Bungarus) Found in West Bengal, India
Get PDFA collective data on kraits (genus Bungarus) showed the presence of six different species of kraits in West Bengal, India. The recorded krait species are- Common Krait or Indian Krait (B. caeruleus), Banded Krait (B. fasciatus), Wall’s Krait (B. walli), Greater Black Krait (B. niger), Lesser Black Krait (B. lividus) and North-eastern Hill Krait (B. bungaroides). There was a constant debate over the existence of some of those species, and some misconceptions too, but based on the recent data collected from various authentic sources as well as based on our field study, it is confirmed that six species of kraits are available, although their distribution differs significantly. The unique pattern of envenomation and subsequent symptoms of krait bite are the major reasons to understand the kraits in depth. This study is mainly aimed to prepare a comparative data on the general morphology with special reference to their identifying features and distribution in West Bengal.