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vol. 39
1-10
EN
In this study, wild edible mushroom collected from Rivers and Imo state Nigeria were evaluated for heavy metals and dietary intake risks assessment. Four species of edible mushrooms were collected each in Imo (Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Lenziles betulina and Grifola polypilus frondosa) and River state (Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus tuber-regium, Lenziles betulina, Auricularia aurucula) and metals extracted using HNO3 before analysis using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) in Varian AA 240 FS apparatus. Results showed that all metals showed concentrations lower than the permissible limits of World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) while Pb was not detected in all samples analyzed and Cd in samples collected from Rivers state. However, Cd was only detected (0.003 mg/kg) in one sample (Lenziles betulina) collected from Imo state. Fe exceeded recommended values in Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lenziles betulina in Imo State. Bioaccumulation factors for all mushrooms were generally low (< 3). However, the potential tolerable weekly intake and target hazard quotient values for the four mushroom species were usually extremely low except for Fe (2.24) in Lenziles betulina. Consumption of mushrooms from these areas might pose no potential risk in terms of heavy metals except for Fe content in Lenziles betulina from Rivers state. However, in general, it can be concluded that the consumption of the studied mushroom species from all sites does not present any health risk arising from their regular consumption.
EN
Rice is the principal crop of the Chhattisgarh State. It covers 66% of all cultivable land and is mostly grown within the kharif cropping season. To increase sustained productivity without decreasing soil quality, algal bio fertilizers are widely used in the State. Hence, the culture of cyanobacterial bio fertilizers has been started on a regional basis. This includes survey, isolation and screening of stress-tolerant cyanobacteria. Thus, this study concerns the characterization of physical and chemical properties of soil collected from Mahasamund districts of Chhattisgarh state with respect to the biodiversity of cyanobacteria.
EN
The microorganism associated with cassava fermentation for producing Abacha was investigated using four different Farms in Owerri (Obinze, Umugwuma, Urata and Orji) as sample collection areas. Four of the cassava tubers that harvested, were washed, cooked and soaked with water after cutting to produce Abacha, which was then fermented using standard microbiological methods. The wastewater was subsequently sampled. All the samples A, B, C, and D showed significant bacteria growth after application of NA, MRS, PDA. In the study, six bacteria and fungi isolates were identified: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus spp, Candida spp., Aspergillus spp. and Bacillus spp. Results showed that the total heterotrophic bacteria count of the sample varies within 8.0×1010 to 2.5×1012 and total fungi count (TFC) ranges from 6.6×109 to 9.6×109. The study also showed that Lactobacillus spp. and Escherichia coli had the highest prevalence occurrence of 75.00% (P < 0.05), while Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces spp., Bacillus spp. and Candida spp. had a percentage occurrence of 50.00%, respectively. There is, therefore, urgent need for public enlightenment on public health implications, need for proper hygiene, as well as need for strategies for preventing and controlling the microorganisms which do not play a role in the fermentation of cassava for Abacha production.
EN
The objective of this study was accomplishes a knowledge survey of the Bororo indigenous on the mammals of natural occurrence in their territory, Meruri village, who is located in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil, in the Savannah biome, and also the relationship of the indigenous with these wild animals. As method for collect the data were used open and semi-structured interviews. Twenty-two indigenous were interviewed, both genres and different ages. The interviewees mentioned 37 species of mammals and they showed wide ecological knowledge regarding these animals. Such relationships are complex, being evidenced a mythical interaction between the man and the elements of nature. The oral transmission of knowledge occurs across generations.
EN
This investigation seeks to determine the antibiotic-producing potential of bacteria in inhibiting the growth of other organisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The bacterial isolates were identified using standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical characterization. These were further screened for their antibiotic-producing potential using the Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) media. The identified bacterial isolates had a mean viable count ranging between 1.38×106 / 1,380,000 cfu/ml and 1.52×106 / 1,520,000 cfu/ml. Micrococcus roseus, Brevibacterium species, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus anthracis, and Bacillus cereus were the predominant bacterial isolates. Nonetheless, the antibiotic test revealed that Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus anthracis showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, whereas Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis showed zones of inhibition against E. coli. This study shows that Bacillus species have the potential to produce antibiotics and can be used to control microbial growth in the future.
EN
A contamination of the natural environment is the main problem of the contemporary world. Heavy metal ions are environmentally persistent toxins. A lead-related pathologies (including neurological, hematological, reproductive, circulatory, and immunological pathologies) are the direct result of the oxidative effect of the lead on tissues and cellular components and the generation of reactive oxygen species that decrease level of the available sulfhydryl groups, the antioxidant reserves, can cause nucleic acids damage and initiate lipid peroxidation in cellular membrane. Through binding to thiol groups of allosteric proteins, lead ions can provoke allosteric transition between active and inactive forms. The exposure to heavy metal ions is a direct factor in high mortality rate among amphibians. These animals can become indicators of environmental pollution. The main aim of this paper is to review and summarize the results of performed studies concerning physiological, biochemical and immunological changes in anuran amphibians exposed to the effects of lead ions.
EN
Hallucinogenic Solanaceae plants like Datura, Brugmansia, Mandragora, Hyoscyamus, Scopolia and Atropa have been present in human life since the antiquity. Their active ingredi- ents – atropine and scopolamine – except of being useful as medicines, induce hallucinations. Psychoactive properties of mentioned plants were noticed by the ancients. The plants were said to cause insanity, dementia and death but also to evoke prophesying. In the Middle Ages, they were used as constituents of the renowned witches flying ointments. There were a couple of myths surrounding Solanaceae plants, nevertheless their medical potential was known. They are used also nowadays as antispasmodic and antiemetic drugs. Hallucinogenic Sola- naceae plants were used also by shamans from America and Africa. Not only have their ther- apeutic properties been appreciated, but also their hallucinogenic potency has played a gigan- tic role in traditional initiations. Tropane alkaloids extracted from some of the Solanaceae are toxic and may cause decease when overdosed. It is estimated that even a dose of 100 mg of atropine or scopolamine is lethal for adults and about ten times lower for children. Some of the mentioned plants are of interest to young people who have their first experience with hallucinogenic drugs of abuse. However, unpleasant adverse effects and high toxicity often make the first experience the last.
EN
Excess boron in soil is often found in dry agricultural areas and is one of the factors limiting crop yields. Polysaccharide-based biostimulants can mitigate the harmful effects of environmental stresses on plants. I performed this study under controlled greenhouse conditions to understand the response of pepper plants under boron stress to treatment with water-soluble chitosan (WSC). I watered plants with 50 or 100 mg/l WSC and 1.5 mM boric acid solution. As a result of WSC application at both concentrations, plants were taller and had more leaves and greater leaf length, width, relative chlorophyll content, and fresh aboveground weight compared with the control. Plants exposed to boron stress had fewer leaves, a lower relative chlorophyll content, and leaf blade damage indicative of boron toxicity. At the same time, boron-exposed plants showed a marked increase in the leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and boron contents. Applying WSC at both concentrations modulated boron stress in plants by improving plant growth; reducing boron accumulation in leaves; and increasing the available nitrate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents in the substrate.
EN
Excessive exploitation of fish resources with the use of fishing gear that is not selective and not eco-friendly will have an impact on the sustainability of capture fisheries, and cause damage to fish resources and marine ecosystems. The mini purse seine is a fishing gear that is most widely used by fishermen in the sea of the north coast of Java. Research was undertaken the Nusantara Fisheries Port (PPN), Pekalongan. The purpose of this research is to analyze the level of eco friendliness of mini purse seine fishing based on the main catch, which is (Decapterus spp.). The research method used a survey method at PPN Pekalongan and follows the operation of 3 units of mini purse seine working the fishing ground on the North Coast of Central Java, in January-February 2018. Data taken included total catches, catch composition, diversity index and the size of the fork length. Data analysis used the proportion of the main catch and by-catch, as well as the proportion of fish worth catching and not catching. The results showed that the mini purse seine fishing gear caught 6 species with a total catch of 35,633 with a weight of 4,600 kg. The main catch is 51%, compared to 49% by-catch. The length of the main catch fish worth catching is 46% of all fish measured. Diversity index value is 1.42 (high diversity), based on a research mini purse seine operated in the the Java Sea. The results of our work indicate that mini purse seine fishing is not eco friendly - as seen from the criteria of catch composition.
EN
This paper investigated the extraction of edible oil from the pulp of avocado fruit by means of the cold process. Avocado pear fruit was collected washed, peeled, de-stoned, blended, and heated at 60 °C for 90 mins and then malaxed. No chemical solvent was introduced, as the blending of the pulp required only the addition of water. The process involves centrifuging the Avocado pulp via a laboratory centrifuge at 7000 rpm for 15 mins. While the solid pulp remained in the bottom, the liquid (oil-water mixture) floated on top. The mixture was dried for an hour using a heating mantle and then filtered using filter paper to remove the suspended pulp particles. A dark greenish brown oil was thus obtained with a yield of 6.3 %. The physicochemical properties of the oil in terms of acid value, saponification value, ester value, % FFA, % glycerine, specific density and moisture content were found to be 23 mg KOH/g oil, 199.7 mg KOH/g oil, 176.7 mg KOH/g oil, 11.5%, 9.66%, 1.19 g/L and 75%, respectively. This process is devoid of the use of any reagent and hence, is suitable for consumption. The process requires limited labour and low temperatures, thus its nutrients, flavour, and richness are safeguarded and the product retains its healthy properties.
EN
This study aims to compare the morphometric characteristics of Nerita albicilla and Patella nigra and to determine the allometric relationships between the shell weight, shell length, fresh weight, dry weight, tissue weight and shell weight. A total of 200 of Nerita albicilla and Patella nigra were collected along the coasts of Zamboanga City Bay, Western Mindanao, Philippines. Nerita albicilla has the highest mean ± SD in width (1.59 ± 0.19 mm), fresh weight (2.59 ± 0.15 g), tissue weight (1.26 ± 0.83 g), dry weight (2.38 ± 0.55 g) and shell weight (2.19 ± 0.11 g). The fresh weight of Nerita albicilla was strongly related with the shell length. The shell width of Patella nigra was slightly correlated with shell weight. There was slight correlation between the shell width and shell weight and these can be attributed to the developmental, environmental and abiotic factors that highly contribute to the morphology of the gastropods. The calcium carbonate content suspended in the environment has major effect in the shell composition and is directly related with the shell weight. Nutrition is also a major contributory factor in the weight of the shells.
EN
ABSTRACT The Lamiaceae plant species Ocimum gratissimum is the subject of this experiment. Three common pathogenic bacteria were used to test the antibacterial activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem of Ocimum gratissimum. They underwent tests against Shigella species, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each extract was evaluated for its antibacterial properties, minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The plant extracts were given at various concentrations of 250 mg/mL, 125 mg/mL, 61.5 mg/mL, and 31.2 mg/mL in order to assess their antibacterial activities against the chosen bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. The outcomes demonstrated that while both plant stem extracts inhibited the organisms, the ethanolic stem extract was superior to the aqueous counterpart in terms of its effectiveness. The range of the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) was 3.96 mg/mL to 31.25 mg/mL. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the stems of Ocimum gratissimum possess antibacterial properties on par with those of the plant's leaves. The low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) further suggest a potent antibacterial action against the pathogens, especially when it comes to the ethanol extracts. As a result, Ocimum gratissimum extracts may be utilized to treat infections linked to the test organisms, establishing the plant's status as a natural antibiotic and a necessary ingredient in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
EN
The study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and the content of total phenolic and flavonoid in the methanolic extract from stem bark, root, and leaves of Rhizophora mucronata from Karangsong, Indramayu Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined according respectively to Folin-Ciocalteau method, and aluminium trichloride method. The methanol extract from stem bark of R. mucronata contained secondary metabolite such as phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and saponin. The stem bark of R. mucronata showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content and possessed a higher antioxidant activity (IC50 84.80 µg·m/L) than that of root (IC50 166.95 µg·m/L) and leaves (IC50 90.51 µgmL1). Total phenolic and flavonoid content in the stem bark of R. mucronata were 131.91 ±1.7 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 902 ±0.7 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively.
EN
Studies were carried out to investigate cultivation of some indigenous edible mushrooms in Anambra State. The most suitable substrates for cultivation of Pleurotus tuberregium and Volvariella volvacea were also investigated. Spawn of V. volvacea was obtained from the Department of Life Science, University of Benin, Edo State and sclerotia of P. Tuberregium purchased from Eke Awka Market, Anambra State were used for this study. Plantain leaves and oil palm bunch wastes were substrates employed for V. volvacea whereas topsoil was used for P. tuberregium cultivation. The methods used were site preparation, substrate preparation, soil preparation, sclerotia preparation, cultivation of sclerotia, irrigation, spawn cultivation and harvesting of mushrooms. Means were analyzed statistically using (ANOVA) to test for significance. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests (DMRT).The highest number of fruit bodies of V. volvacea, 312.68 was obtained from plantain leaves on day 2 after primordial emergence whereas the least, 21.00 was recorded from oil palm bunch wastes on days 6 and 14, respectively. The highest number of P. tuberregium, 61.58 was recorded on day 12 after primordial emergence while the least, 20.49 was recorded on days 7, 13 and 14, respectively. All the three substrates utilized for cultivation of mushrooms in this study supported their growth and development. Plantain leaves supported fast colonization and produced high yield fruit bodies of V. volvacea. The ability to use agricultural wastes for cultivation of mushrooms will boost food production for ever increasing population.
EN
The diversity of birds is directly correlated with the structure of the forest. Any interfering with the vegetation produces direct effects on the avifauna through the increase, decrease, or alternation of two key attributes: food and shelter. Thus, the composition of life in the forest is altered as changes occur in vegetation that directly interferes with the population structure of the avifauna, be those changes natural or anthropic. This study was realized in fragments of the Amazon Rainforest, and the main objective was to analyze the behavior of frugivorous and omnivorous birds in three different stages of ecological succession. In forest environments where a vertical stratification of resources occurs, these species are distributed occupying a in a high diversity of trophic niches. The diversity and density of the frugivorous and omnivorous birds in the forest fragments in medium and advanced stage of ecological succession could be directly correlated not only with the structure of the forest, but also to the fact that these birds feed almost exclusively on abundant and easy to find food sources - shrub and tree fruit of certain vegetable species that are naturally abundant in the rainforest understory layer.
EN
This study aimed to assess family planning and the associated risk factors among women attending maternity centers in Akure metropolis. Four maternity centers (Basic Health Center Familusi (Zone 5), Basic Health Centre Oke-Aro, Basic Health Centre Orita Obele and Comprehensive Health Centre Arakale) were randomly selected to participate in the study. Quantitative methods, which include the use of questionnaires were utilized to collect data for the study. The data was coded, entered and analyzed using the SPSS software program. The results showed that majority of the participants are between the ages 31-35 years of age. It was further observed that religion played a vital role in determining the child spacing in marriages. Higher side effect of family planning was noted among people practicing different family planning methods. The side effects include excessive weight gain as complained by 43 participants, 24 participants complained of vomiting whenever they take the drug and 42 complained of excessive heavy flow during their mensuration. These showed that most of the respondent believed that child control methods have side effects and this might be an important reason why most people in the community avoid the methods. To further increase awareness and improve mother to child care in the study area, government and religious leaders should be encouraged to educate the people on child spacing and family planning.
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EN
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has affected millions of people worldwide, leading to a global health crisis. Sleep is a critical aspect of our health, and disruptions to it can have negative impacts on our immune system and overall well-being. Studies have shown that COVID-19 can lead to sleep disorders, such as insomnia, hypersomnia, and sleep apnea. The virus can directly affect the central nervous system and respiratory system, leading to changes in sleep patterns. Additionally, factors such as stress, anxiety, and isolation can exacerbate sleep disturbances in individuals with COVID-19. Treatment options for sleep disorders in COVID-19 patients include improving sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications. Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and sleep disorders is crucial for effective management of COVID-19 patients' overall health and well-being.
EN
Crop raiding activities of primates around Kainji Lake National Park (Borgu Sector), Nigeria was investigated with the use of questionnaires, complemented with field survey focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered to representatives of households in four selected support zone villages. Group discussions were then conducted in the villages. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, frequencies and charts. We found that crop raiding and animal depredation were sources of conflict in Kainji Lake National Park (Borgu Sector). The primates raiding farmlands identified by the farmers were Olive Baboon (Papio anubis), Patas monkey (Erthrocebus patas), green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) and other primates that could not be identified by the farmers. The largest percentage of raiding (40%) was perpetrated by Papio anubis, followed by Patas monkey (35%) and the least by Green Monkey (2%). The result showed that maize was the most commonly ranked crop of seasonal harvest that was lost. Moreover, an estimated 3-5 50 kg bags of seed were being destroyed in the planting season. The most effective strategy the local communities used in preventing crop damage was watch guarding (70%). Other methods were fencing (60%), hunting (45%), scare crow (36%) and toxic chemical (5%). The mitigation measure advocated by nearly all respondents (57%) was the killing of destructive wildlife species, irrespective of conservation significance. Measures must put in place to educate these communities about wildlife conservation and to prevent wanton killing. The communities should also be compensated for their loss, as this will lead to positive attitudes to wildlife conservation.
EN
Oxidative stress is known top-lay an important role in the development and pathogenesis of several chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Exposure to poisons and toxicants results in the generation of pro-oxidant which eventually cause dysfunction in enzymatic activities and defect in the DNA, resulting to alteration in the expression of genes the induction of oxidative stress is by far associated with modern life styles which include the consumption and exposure to chemicals which are used to preserve and process food. Hence, this review provides insight to the relationship between reactive oxygen species and some chronic disorders. That is the contribution of reactive oxygen species to the pathogenesis of some diseases.
EN
Kamchatka berries contain many valuable organic and mineral compounds. However, the ripe berries are not very firm and have low transport resistance. We aimed to study the effect of chitosan solutions of different molecular weights on the growth, yield, and quality of Kamchatka berries. Chitosan with lower molecular weights, 3 and 12 kDa, stimulated plant growth, while those with molecular weights above 50 kDa reduced plant growth compared with control shrubs. Chitosan 125 and 500 kDa increased Kamchatka berry yield. In addition, chitosan 125 kDa increased fruit weight throughout the yield period. Fruit sprayed with chitosan 3, 5, and 50 kDa were dark in colour at harvest. Chitosan 3, 5, 12, and 50 kDa increased fruit/skin resistance to mechanical damage. Finally, chitosan 3, 5, 50, and 950 kDa increased average fruit firmness. Overall, we recommend higher molecular weight chitosan to increase yield and lower molecular weight chitosan to increase firmness and resistance to damage.
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