African Journals Online
Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Volume 8 No 4 September 2002

GENERATION OF A XENOPSIN -MMUNOREACTIVE PEPTIDE BY PEPSINIZATION OF BOVINE MILK.

NNENNA FRANK-PETERSIDE,

Department Of Microbiology, Faculty Of Science, University Of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Rivers-State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to examine the possible generation of a Xenopsin immunoreactive peptide by pepsinisation of bovine milk. Bovine milk, trypsinised and pepsinised bovine milk, were all assayed for Xenopsin immunoreactivity (XP-IR). XP-IR was present only in pepsinised bovine milk Analysis of pepsinised bovine milk by gel permeation chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, both resolved a single peak of immunoreactivity with identical chromatographic characteristic to synthetic Xenopsin. These data indicate the generation of a Xenopsin immunoreactive peptide by the action of pepsin on a putative precursor(s), present in bovine milk. The acidic environment of the gastric lumen provides the suitable conditions required for this process. It is possible that this peptide, thus generated, might play a part in the switching off of the gastric induced gastric acid release which occurs in the stomach and also in the release of antral gastrin and pancreatic peptides, glucagon, insulin and pancreatic polypeptide. These two mechanisms are of great significance in the infant whose sole diet consists of milk.

Key Words: Xenopsin,pepsinisation, bovine milk.

The microbial flora of the different gut regions of the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L) (Orthoptera :Pyrgomorphidae)

By

Idowu, A. Babatunde and Edema, M. Olayinka

Department of Biological Sciences,

University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

E-mail: [email protected] 

The microbial flora of the gut regions and gut contents of the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus instars was studied using the pour plate technique. The gut sections (Fore-, mid-, and hind-gut) harboured a variety organisms mainly bacteria, fungi and mould. Yeasts species isolated were Candida, Saccharomyces and Pichia spp. Aspergilus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Rhizopus spp. Both gram positive and gram negative bacteria were isolated. The gram negative bacteria isolated were mainly rods and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae including Proteus, Alcaligenes, Escherichia and Serratia. These species were more widely distributed in and more frequently isolated from the gut regions and their contents than the gram positive bacteria which were represented by Sreptococcus, Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus species. Gram positive bacteria were isolated from the gut extracts of the 3^rd and 4^th instars but were found in some of the gut regions of the 6^th and adult instars. Mould population decreased gradually as the grasshopper was moulting from the 3^rd to adult instars. Ranking according to microbial load was adult> 6^th >4^th >3^rd, a reflection of their gut capacity since the microbes were part of the diet. The number and types of microbes in the gut regions of these instars are similar but significantly different in terms of total microbial load (P>=0.05). The results of this study could provide a lead into the proper understanding of the physiological processes involved in the digestion of plant materials by the insect.

Keywords: Z.variegatus, microbial, bacteria, mould, yeast ,gut

NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA ENHANCED BIOREMEDIATION OF A CRUDE OIL POLUUTED SOIL

L. O. Odokuma and M. N. Ibor

Department of Microbiology, University of PortHarcourt, PortHarcourt.

ABSTRACT

The use of nitrogen fixing bacteria to enhance bioremediation of a crude oil polluted soil was investigated in a 56-day study period. Soil pH ranged between 5.3 - 6.8. Soil moisture content ranged between 10-30%. Counts of heterotrophic bacteria ranged between 4.5 x 10⁶ - 6.0 x lO⁷Cfu/g. Counts of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria ranged between 2.5 x 10⁶ - 2.0 x lO⁷ Cfu/g. Levels of total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and hydrocarbons decreased with time during the study period except in the kill control cell. The highest percentage loss of crude oil (84%) was recorded in cells, which contained seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris (White beans) and 5g slurry of Bacillus polymyxa. Cells in which 5g slurry of Anacystis (Chroococcus) sp., 5g slurries each of Azotobacter sp., Bacillus polymyxa and Anacystis (Chroococcus) sp. were applied, recorded 56% and 80% losses of crude oil respectively. Cells in which 5g slurry of Azotobacter sp., 5g slurries each of Azotobacter sp. and Bacillus polymyxa were applied, recorded 80% loss of crude oil. The fertilizer (NPK 15:15:15) treated cell showed a 64% loss of crude. The cell containing fertilizer (NPK 15:15:15) with seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris, and the cell containing fertilizer NPK 15:15:15 with 5g slurry of Anacystis (Chroococcus) sp showed 64% and 72% losses of crude oil respectively. The cell in which all treatment options were applied showed 56% loss of crude oil. The cell in which tilling alone was employed showed 72% loss of crude oil. The kill control cell recorded the least percentage loss of crude oil (24%) at the end of the study period. Results indicate that at 0.05 (95%) level of significance, there is a significant difference between nutrient level arising from treatment option and hydrocarbon level in soil samples. Thus the % losses of crude oil recorded in treatment cells were due to treatment options applied (at 95% level of significance) The results indicated a higher bioremediation rate when nitrogen-fixing bacteria were used instead of when inorganic nutrient (fertilizer) were applied.

Key words: - Nitrogen fixing bacteria, Bioremediation, Crude oil, Polluted soil, Fertilizer.

STUDIES ON THE LONGITUDINAL PROFILE OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF ABA RIVER, NIGERIA

Microbiology and Biochemistry Unit

Department of Science Laboratory Technology

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana

P.M.B. 1007 Afikpo

Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

The longitudinal profile of the bacteriological quality of Aba River at six sampling stations (UP, UW, AB, CW, RL and DS) along the river course was studied. There was an upstream – downstream bacterial variations (P < 0.05) with UP showing initial lower counts (log₁₀ 3.08 cfu m1^-1), while the maximum was observed at DS (log₁₀ 5.60 cfu m1^-1). Three stations: UW, AB and DS showed increase in heterotrophic bacterial counts throughout the six months study period (Feb – July). Stations CW and RL showed decrease in bacterial counts after the third-month (April) of the investigation. Ten bacterial genera were isolated and the most prevalent in all the stations included Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli and Micrococcus sp. Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus faecalis, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Bacillus sp. and Clostridium perfringens were not detected in UP station. Of all the sampling stations, AB and DS showed the greatest variation of isolates followed by CW and RL. Station AB showed the highest coliform counts (1.26 x 10³ MPN 100m1^-1) while the lowest was observed at UP (24 to 70 MPN 100m1^-1). The high bacterial and or coliform counts obtained along the course of the river depicts the public health risk associated with the domestic use of the river water and the need to plan an adequate pollution control strategy for Aba River.

KEY WORDS: Longitudinal profile, Aba River, bacterial variation, bacteriological quality, pollution control strategy.

EFFECT OF ROASTED LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA LEAF MEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

A.C. OKONKWO, L. J. ISAAC, A.J. EBERESO, B.I. UMOH AND O. O. USORO

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO

NIGERIA

The effect of graded dietary levels of roasted Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (RLLM) on performance of broiler chickens was studied. Three hundred and twenty broiler chickens, 4 weeks of age, were randomly allotted to four dietary levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of RLLM in iso nitrogenous diets. The RLLM replaced soya bean meal at those levels. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Results indicated that there were no significant (P>0.05) treatment effects on average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ration. Eviscerated weights, breast, drumstick and thigh, wing, neck, gizzard, liver and bile, hear and spleen weights as percent of live weight were also not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Results showed that substituting RLLM for soyabean at 5, 10 and 15% of the diet was not beneficial in reducing the total cost of proudcution. Based on the data obtained, further studies using higher levels of RLLM in broiler fed are recommended.

KEY WORDS: Roasted Leucacena leucocephala leaf meal, broiler chickens, carcass characteristics.

ISOTHERMAL VAPOUR-LIQUID EQUILIBRIA DATA OF METHANOL + PROPAN-2-OL, METHANOL + 2 – METHYL PROPAN-2-OL AND PROPAN-2-OL + 2-METHYLPROPAN-2-OL BINARY MIXTURES AT 333.15K

Oforka, N.C And *Aniemeka, M.I.K.

Department Of Pure And Industrial Chemistry,

University Of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

*Department Of Chemistry

Rivers State University Of Science And Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The vapour-liquid equilibria (VLE) data of methanol + propan-2-ol + 2-methylpropan-2-ol binary mixtures are investigated at 333.15k, using gas chromatographic technique. For binary mixtures, the total pressure, the compositions of the components in the vapour phase are obtained from the instrument and these data are then used to calculate the second virial coefficients of pure components to account for the deviations of these mixtures from ideal solution behaviour. The excess Gibbs free energies of mixing for these binary systems are then determined. The y-x plots reveals that the mixtures methanol + propan-2-ol and methanol +2-methylpropan-2-ol deviate strongly from ideal solution behaviour. The excess Gibbs free energies (G^E) of mixing for these binary systems are negative quantities, confirming negative deviations from ideality. Minimum G^E value of 450 J.mol^-1 is obtained for methanol + 2-methylpropan-2-ol mixtures at 0.45 mole fraction of methanol. Methanol + propan-2-ol mixtures exhibit a minimum G^E value of 100 J mol^-1 at 0.5 mole fraction of methanol. The least minimum G^E value of 15 J. mol^-1 is obtained for propan-2-ol +2-methyl propan-2-ol mixtures at 0.5 mole fraction of propan-2-ol. The consistency of these data is verified using Wilson's model for calculating G^E values. The calculated change in Gibbs free energies (G^E_calc) obtained were in good agreement with the experimentally determined G^E values.

KeyWords: VLE, Spectrometric, Deviation, Excess, Ideality.

HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC AND HYPERTRIGLYCEROLEMIC EFFECTS OF CHRONIC CYANIDE INTOXICATION IN RABBITS.

N.P. OKOLIE

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science

University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154

Benin City Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The effect of chronic cyanide toxicity on liver and serum lipoprotein profiles was investigated in New Zealand White rabbits using a combination of gravimetric and colorimetric procedures. Two groups of three-month-old rabbits (6 per group) were fed either pure growers mash or growers mash containing 400ppm inorganic cyanide for 42 days. Initial and weekly estimation of serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols were carried out on both groups. Same parameters were estimated in liver on termination of feeding.

Results showed that the cyanide treatment led to significant decreases in serum total cholesterol and serum HDL cholesterol while serum triacylglycerols were significantly increased (p<0.05). However, while the cyanide group had significantly raised liver triacylglycerols (p<0.05), liver total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased relative to controls (p<0.05). These results suggest that chronic cyanide exposure exerts hypocholesterolemic and hypertriacylglycerolemic influences in rabbits probably due to impairment of hepatic lipoprotein metabolism.

KeyWords: Cyanide toxicity;hypocholesterolemia, hypertriacylglycerolemia, rabbits.

Cadmium uptake by Telfairia occidentalis Hook f.(Cucurbitaceae) grown in Cadmium – polluted soil

*Wegwu, M. O.; +Obute, G. C. and ^Osuji, L. C.

* Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt PMB 5323,

Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

+ Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of

Port Harcourt PMB 5323 Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

^ Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of

Port Harcourt PMB 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Five seedlings of locally purchased Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (fluted pumpkin) were cultivated in cadmium polluted soils. Leaves of the plant were plucked after 5 weeks of growth from five replicate treatments and an untreated control. These leaves were air-dried, digested and analyzed spectrophotometrically for cadmium. Fifty milligrams per litre (50mg/l) dilution of stock solution of cadmium had mean level of accumulation ( S. E.) of 2.28 1.49 mg/kg while 15 mg/L and 4.5 mg/L gave cadmium levels of 1.96 1.60 mg/kg and 1.25 0.01 mg/kg respectively. Crude protein yields of 86.66 3.30 mg/kg, 87.70 1.89 mg/kg and 88.89 1.93 mg/kg were obtained for the replicate treatments of 50mg/L and 4.5mg/L cadmium respectively. Anova tests showed that the differences between cadmium levels accumulated for control and treatment plants were significant (no overlap in standard error) at 5% level of probability. There were no such significant differences (P 0.05) for the amount of crude protein yields when the control was compared to the treatments. T. occidentalis therefore poses a threat of cadmium poisoning to the population of the Niger Delta Area where the vegetable is commonly grown and consumed.

Keywords: polluted soils, Cadmium, Anova Test, Niger Delta, T. Occidentials

THE ABILITY OF RAW AND PROCESSED COWPEAS TO SUPPORT GROWTH IN WEANLING WISTAR STRAIN RATS

Z.M. OFUYA

Department of Human Physiology,

College of Health Sciences, P.M.B. 5323, University of Port Harcourt,

Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The ability of raw and processed (boiled and autoclaved) cowpeas (vigna anguiculala walp.) to promote growth in female weanling wistar rats was studied with the hope that they can be used as a component of weaning food. The result showed that all the test diets supported growth as indicated by the weight gain in the rats. The raw and processed cowpea diets caused a slight pancreatic enlargement. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (96.8%) of the control group of rats fed a casein-maize starch diet was significantly higher (P< 0.01) than that of the other test diets. Energy Digestibility (DE) for the control diet was 97.58%, whereas that for the various cowpea diets ranged from 87.4 + 0.44 – 88.88 + 0.88%. The digestibility of starch in the rats fed raw and autoclaved cowpeas was 99%. Nitrogen was poorly digested (83.33 2.5 – 84.75 1.2%) in all the test diets while digestibility in the control diet was 93.4%. Based on these results, cowpeas promoted growth in rats and possibly can contribute to the energy and protein needs of the weanling infant if properly processed.

KEY WORDS: Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), Apparent Digestibility of dry matter, Energy, Protein and starch.

COMPARISON OF IN SITU AND LABORATORY GAMMA - RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF TERRESTRIAL GAMMA RADIATION IN IBADAN, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA

Arogunjo, A. M.; Farai, I. P. and Jibiri, N. N.

A.M. Arogunjo, Deparetment of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State

I.P. Farai, Deparetment of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State

N.N. Jibiri, Deparetment of Physics, Ogun State University, Ogun State

ABSTRACT

In situ - ray spectroscopic method of measeruments, using the calibration factor by Zombori et al, and laboratory method for soil samples were carried out in Ibadan, SW Nigeria. The average specific activities of ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th in the soil were 299.0 16.5 Bqkg^-1, 40.0 5.8 Bqkg^-1 and 95.0 7.8 Bqkg^-1, respectively, by in situ measurements, while for the laboratory measurements, the specific activities were found to be 355.0 19.7 Bqkg^-1 for ⁴⁰K, 31.0 5.9 Bqkg^-1 for ²³⁸U and 63.0 7.5 Bqkg^-1 for ²³²Th. Statistical analysis using F- hypothesis test of microsoft excel 5.0 analysis toolpak gave F-values to be 0.32, 0.52 and 0.00, respectively, which indicated that the radionuclides were not site dependent. The comparison shows a correlation of 0.65, 0.59 and 0.63 respectively, for ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th.

Key words : gamma - ray; calibration; soil; activity; radionuclide

MODEL FOR PREDICTING PROPORTION OF DIESEL FUEL AND ENGINE OIL IN DIESEL ADULTERATED SAE 40 ENGINE OIL SAMPLE

SUNDAY E. ETUK, LOUIS E. AKPABIO AND SAMUEL D. EKPE

Viscosity of diesel adulterated SAE 40 engine oil at varying proportions of the mixture is presented. Regression, variation of intercept and the power parameters methods are used for developing polynomial and power law functions for predicting proportion of either diesel or engine oil in diesel adulterated SAE 40 engine oil sample.

KeyWords : SAE 40 engine oil, diesel, viscosity, adulterated.

ROLE OF THE AMBIENT MAGNETIC FIELD B IN THE LONGITUDINAL VARIATION OF EQUATORIAL ELECTROJET

C. A. ONWUMECHILI and P. O. EZEMA

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.

A review of studies of longitudinal variations of equatorial electrojet (EEJ) intensity confirms evidence of the longitudinal variation from POGO satellites data. This shows major peaks of EEJ intensity at 100^oE and 190^oE with a subsidiary peak at 190^oE. The connection between EEJ intensity and the ambient magnetic field B has been probed with regression and power law analyses. These reveal no statistically significant relationship between the intensity of EEJ and B, and their fittings of observations are poor. Comparison of the longitudinal profile of B along the dip equator with average longitudinal profile of the zonal electric field E_y at the dip equator proves that on the average E_y is not independent of longitude as was assumed by earlier workers. It has been suggested that Joule heating of the atmosphere which depends on the square of B produces perturbations of ionospheric drift velocity, and that the perturbations contribute to the longitudinal variation of EEJ intensity.

Keywords: ambient magnetic field, equatorial electroject magnetic signature, longitudinal variation of equatorial electroject current.

TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF TRANSPORT COEFFICIENTS OF `SIMPLE LIQUID' BELOW 1 K

Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Temperature variation of transport coefficients of liquid argon below temperature of 1 K (in reduced unit) for system of 500 atoms interacting through a Lennard-Jones 6-12 potential using classical molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations has been investigated. The study carried out at two densities, * = 0.60 and * = 0.95. Result shows erratic variations of the shear viscosity in the two lattices structures.

Key Words: Temperature effect, face centred, simple cubic, transport properties, simple liquid.

ALTERNATIVE COOLANT TO SOLUBLE OIL INMACHINING A MILD STEEL MATERIAL .

A.O. Ologunleko, *A.S. Adekola, and S.B. Adejuyigbe

A.O. Ologunleko, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State

A.S. Adekola, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State

S.B. Adejuyigbe, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State

This paper presents the use of soybean as an alternative to soluble oil in machining a mild steel material. A detailed comparison of soluble oil and soybean oil as coolants was carried out. The coefficient of correlation (r) of soybean oil when computed was found to be 0.5, a value that fall in the range of moderate correlation. The performance of the coolant-lubricant was evaluated from its effects on mild steel. In this regard the performance of soybean oil was found to be moderate and may, in the alternative, be used as a cutting fluid.

Keywords: Coolant, Lubricant, Machining and correlation

EARTHQUAKE TRIANGLE

J. B. YERIMA

Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The dimensions of the earthquake triangle have been studied in detail using relations involving only one measurable quantity called surface wave magnitude. These relations were derived by the elimination of subjective parameters (intensity and frequency) from known standard empirical relationships for the Horn of Africa and Ethiopian earthquakes. The results show that the foal depth lies in the range 16.41 H_y41.79km representing 100% shallow focus earthquakes. This agrees well 99% shallow earthquakes original observations made on macroscopic scale as compared to only 44% (34.28H_o469.83 km) obtained from analysis of teleseismic data carried out by previous investigators.

Keywords: earthquake(s), triangle, magnitude, teleseismic, focus.

STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO NIGERIAN ROCKS

O.Ojo and B.M.Olaleye

Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Supare granite deposit and Itakpe iron ore deposit of Nigeria were studied in order to evaluate their strength characteristics. Two types of tests were conducted: (i) the uniaxial compressive strength test and (ii) the point load strength and index test.

The results from the investigation show among others that (i) supare granite has a higher strength indices (ii) the effect of moisture on tensile and compressive strengths of Itakpe iron ore is greater than that of Supare granite (iii) drilling and blasting operations are the most appropriate excavation techniques for the two locations and (iv) economical blasting operation can be achieved at the two locations when the rock massif has a higher level of water saturation.

Keywords: Strength, compression, point load, saturation.

IMPACT OF LIGHTNING ON SOME SECTORS OF ECONOMY IN ANAMBRA STATE OF NIGERIA

AKPAN U. E. AND AMAONYE, J. ,

Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo

The survey of impact of lightning on some sectors of economy in Anambra state of Nigeria has been investigated for a period of twelve years (1990 – 2001). This was done through verbal interviews and administration of questionnaires in the twenty-one Local Government Area of the State. The study shows that an average of 800 cases of lightning related destructions were observed yearly between 1990 and 2001. This destruction cuts across eight economy sectors of the state namely: human life, buildings, agricultural products/farmland, transportation, electrical and telecommunication installations, animals and domestics appliances. This high rate of destruction suggests the seriousness with which effort should be intensified towards minimizing it.

Key words: Lightning and Impact.

CURRENT SYSTEMS EQUATORWARD OF Sq CURRENT FOCUS.

C. A. ONUMECHILI and P. D. EZEMA.

Department of Physics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Department of Physics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The horizontal magnetic field, SPMF(H), superposed on the monthly mean Sq(H) to compose the diurnal profile of Sq(H) on a given quit day, has been found to be complex. Its complex diurnal pattern varies from day to day and can be different at two stations on the same longitude. However, the pattern has been found to be normally very similar at all the stations in the equatorial electroject (EEJ) zone and very similar at all the stations in the worldwide part of Sq(WSq) zone outside the influence of the EEJ. If the intensities of the EEJ and the WSq current systems vary independently, 9 possible categories of SPMF in the EEJ zone vis-à-vis the WSq zone are expected to occur. All the 9 possible categories have been found and only the one category in which a quiet day is not substantially different from the monthly mean Sq has occurred preferentially. In particular, variations of the intensities of the EEJ and WSq current systems in phase and in antiphase respectively are found to occur with equal frequency. It is therefore concluded that the intensities of the EEJ and WSq current systems vary independently. This explains the results on the lack of correlation between the amplitudes of Sq(H) in the EEJ zone and the WSq zone. The particular types of SPMF that cause abnormal phase quiet days (APQDs) in the EEJ zone and in the WSq zone respectively are also found. It has been known that the APQDs in the EEJ zone are caused by the type of SPMF that arises from counter equatorial electrojet (CEJ) while the APQDs in the WSq zone are caused by SPMF that is generated by the single vortex current, (SVC) system. Therefore the complexities of the diurnal profiles of Sq(H) and SPMF(H), even on a very quiet day after correcting for Dst, are caused by the interactions of the magnetic fields of the following current systems; the EEJ current system periodically modulated by the lunar current system in accordance with lunar phases and occasionally modulated by the CEJ-like current system on the one part; and the WSq current system occasionally modulated by the SVC system on the other part.

Keywords: ionospheric currents, superposed magnetic fields, complex changes.