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Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

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Volume. 9 Number 2 March 2003
Abstracts

Changes in activities of polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate, peroxidase, hydroperoxide and lipid levels during desiccation of Irvingia gabonensis (variety excelsa) seeds.

P. J. Nya, D. N. Omokaro and A. E. Nkang

Department of Botany, University of Calabar, Calabar, CRS Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Activities of peroxidase (POD), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), hydroperoxide and lipid contents were investigated during desiccation of cotyledonary tissues of Irvingia gabonensis at ambient temperature (26OC - 30OC), 35OC and 20OC. Activities of POD and PPO increased initially but declined in the latter desiccation period. However, loss of enzymic activity (POD and PPO) occurred generally at moisture content less than 20%. The hydroperoxide and lipid levels increased during desiccation irrespective of stage of seed development. Results suggest that seeds show peroxidation with drying, that is spontaneous oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Lipid peroxidation was very pronounced in Irvingia gabonensis seeds indicating the need for rapid drying at relatively high temperature in order to maintain seed quality.

Key Words: POD: Peroxidase; PPO: Polyphenol oxidase; RMC; Relative Moisture Content; Irvingia gabonensis

 

A preliminary survey of micro-organisms in the gut and pellets of a tropical millipede Doratogonus uncinatus attems (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae)

Mwabvu, T Biological Sciences Department, Midlands State University, Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Mswaka, A., Mlambo, G.,Biological Sciences Department, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare,Zimbabwe. Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Millipede gut microbiology and decomposition of faecal pellets over a period of eight weeks were studied in the laboratory. Bacterial numbers, carbon and nitrogen content, pH and weight loss were monitored. Heterotrophic bacteria were the most abundant and reached a peak in the first two weeks of decomposition. The amount of carbon was constant while ammonium nitrogen decreased from 1.51 % to 0.03 % after eight weeks. The pH of the pellets was slightly acidic and did not change much during the course of decomposition. A succession of micro-organisms was observed on decomposing pellets. Zygomycetes were replaced by Ascomycetes after 20 days of decomposition. Decomposition was significantly affected by temperature. The rate of decomposition was highest at 35oC.

Key words: decomposition, pellets, bacteria, fungi, succession

 

Effects of roasting and soaking on the proximate composition and functional properties of selected tropical legumes

Stanislaus U. Okorie* and Elizabeth C. Amaechi

Department of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Proximate composition and functional properties of roasted and soaked Afzelia africana “akpalata”, Brachystegia eurycoma “achi” and Detarium microcarpum “ofo” were studied. Result indicated no significant differences (P>0.05) in ether extract of the processed legumes but roasted B. eurycoma, A africana and D. microcarpum had the highest values. Also, no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the crude fibre and moisture contents of the three legumes. Control (raw) and soaked B. eurycoma and A. africana compared very well in ash contents but no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in the raw, roasted and soaked D. microcarpum legumes. Roasting and soaking improved the crude protein contents of B. eurycoma and D. microcarpum while there was a decrease in the protein contents of A. africana. Although, the swelling index of the processed B. eurycoma and D. microcarpum respectively compared favourably with their raw legumes, the soaked (2.16 ml/g) A. africana was significantly better than the raw (1.7 ml/g) and the roasted (1.50 ml/g) legumes in swelling index. Roasted and raw A. africana showed no significant difference in oil absorption capacity while the roasted (8.00 ml/H20/g flour) D. microcarpum was better than the soaked (7.00 ml/H20/g flour) and raw (6.10 ml/H20/g flour) in water absorption capacity. Least gelation concentrations for raw, roasted and soaked legumes were indicated as 12%, 8% and 12% (B. eurycoma). 18%, 16% and 14% (A. africana) and 6%, 4% and 6% (D. microcarpum) respectively. Roasting and soaking decreased the emulsion capacities of B. eurycoma, A. africana and D. microcarpum. The three processed legumes were significantly higher than their raw legumes in thermal gelation temperature.

Keywords: Roasting, soaking, proximate composition, functional properties, tropical legumes.

Response of microbial enzymes syntheses to toxicity of weathered and biodegraded oils.

I. O. Odokuma and G. C. Okpokwasili

Department of Microbiology, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The toxicity of eight weathered and biodegraded Nigerian crude oils to the biosyntheses of four bacterial enzymes were examined. The constitutive intracellular enzyme, nitritase was the most sensitive to all toxicants. Two extracellular inducibe enzymes tryptophanase and α-glucosidase were less, sensitive to the toxicants. These extracellular enzymes, however, were more sensitive than the intracellular inducible enzyme β-galactosidase. Inhibition of bacterial enzymes syntheses could be a useful, cheap, simple rapid ecotoxicity assay for monitoring oil pollution in the Nigerian environment.

Keywords: Sensitivity, Response, Microbial Enzymes, Toxicity, Weathered crude oil, biodegraded crude oil.

 

Effects of tannins and polyphenols of some medicinal plants on bacterial agents of urinary tract infections

U.J.J Ijah and F.O. Oyebanji

Department of biological sciences, Federal University of technology P. M. B 65, Minna, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Five medicinal plants, Enantia chloranthia, Kigelia africana, Bridelia ferruginea, Trema nitems and Drypetes gossweilerri were screened for phytochemical components. The plants were found to contain tannins, phlobatannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, anthranoids, anthraquinones, saponins and polyphenols. The crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts as well as tannins and polyphenols of the plants were tested on some bacterial agents of urinary tract infections (UTI). The results revealed that the extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aerugosina, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp. and Escherichia coli to varying degrees. However, the ethanolic extracts showed greater degree of inhibitory activity on the organisms than the aqueous extracts. Similarly, the tannins and polyphenols inhibited S. aureus, Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp. and E. coli but had no inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the test bacteria varied but generally ranged between 3% and 7%. Mixing the ethanolic extracts of all five medicinal plants together resulted in lower MIC values for the organisms. The utilization of these plants for the manufacture of drugs for the treatment of UTI is highlighted.

Keywords: Tannins, polyphenols, bacteria, urinary tract infections

 

 

Influence of electrical conductivity on microorganisms and rate of crude oil mineralization in Niger Delta Ultisol

J. P. Essien, A. Y. Itah and S. I. Eduok

Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The effect of salinity on the population density of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms and oil degradation in a tropical ultisol was determined. Soils were simulated with 50gkg –1 of Qua Iboe Light (QIL) crude oil. Salt treatments included NaCI amendments to adjust the soil solution electrical conductivities (EC) to 40. 120 and 200 dSm-1. Treated soils were incubated at 28oC. Oil degradation was estimated from the gravimetric determinations of remaining oil. The result showed that amending the ultisol with crude oil stimulated the growth of oil degrading microorganisms, while salt concentration inducing an EC of 200 dSm-1 in oil amended ultisol resulting in a decrease in the amount oil mineralizd. A significant positive correlation was found between the number of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms and levels of oil mineralization at EC 40 dSm-1 (r= 0.980, p =0.05) and EC 120 dSm-1 (r=0.976, p= 0.05) except at EC 200 dSm-1 (r =0.855, p = 0.05). This is an indication that desalting of soils contaminated with oil and salts is required for a speedy bioremediation of an ultisol

Keywords: Electrical conductivity, crude oil, hydrocarbonoclastic microorganismineralization.

 

Effect of levels of bacillus spp as inoculum on ph and titratable acidity during controlled fermentation of soybean to dawadawa.

C.A. Emmanue-Ikpeme, A.O. Oguntude, C.O. Aworh

Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Effect of levels of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis used singly or in combination as inoculum on pH and titratable acidity (TA) development during soybean fermentation for dawadawa production were investigated. Soybean seeds were processed and then fermented with 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075% and 10% levels of B.subtilis and B. lichenformis inoculum in singles or in combination. The results showed that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in titratable acidity values at all the levels of B. subtilis and B. lichenformis used singly or in combination as inoculum. Fermentation time and inoculum levels as titratable acidity changes resulted in significant increase in titratable acidity. Fermentation of soybean with B. licheniformis showed that inoculum levels (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075%, 0.10%) used as titratable acidity changes were not significant (p<0.05). pH values increased significant (p<0.05) at all levels of Bacillus spp used singly or in combination. Fermentation time and inoculum levels (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075%, 0.10%) used for B. subtilis were significant (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the product quality attributes based on inoculum type and levels used as evaluated by sensory panelists. Therefore, dawadawa could be produced using either B. subtilis or B. licheniformis.

 

 

The influence of macronutrient deficiencies on chemical composition of dwarf green coconut (Cocu nucifera linn) seedling

B.O. Ejedegba and E. C. Onyeneke

Chemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for oil palm research (NIFOR) Benein City

ABSTRACT.

The influence of macro nutrient deficiencies on chemical composition of Dwarf green coconut seedling was studied in the Nursery site of NIFOR substation Abak for a period of 15 (fifteen) months. Reduction in magnesium improves protein content while reduction of nitrogen, magnesium and potassium reduces height and girth of shoots. Elimination of magnesium also leads to reduction in the concentration of chlorophyll. starch and sugar concentrations improved with nitrogen and potassium but decreased with were more pronounced in roots than shoots in all cases.

Key words: Macronutrient effect on dwarf green coconut.

 

 

Evaluation and characterization of the seed oils of Trichosanthes cucumerina (snake gourd) and Ricinodendron heudelotii (honey plum)

V. S. Ekam

Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The estimation of the chemical composition and physical properties of the seed oils of Trichosanthes cucumerina and Ricinodendron heudelotii using standard methods of analysis showed that the seed of T. cucumerina and R. heudelotii have high oil content (46.3±4% and 42.5±5% respectively). Assessment of the physical constants revealed that Ricinodendron heudelotii had a low heat of combustion (12.9 ± 3kcal/g) when compared to that of Trichosanthes cucumerina (32.8 ± 4kcal/g). The refractive indices at 400C, boiling point, smoke point and flash points were high in the two oils. Their relative densities were high and their melting points were low. From the chemical parameters, the high ester value and saponification values of T. cucumerina and R. heudelotii qualifies them to be used in industries for soap making, while the high iodine value for R. heudelotii (158.8 ± 8gI/100g oil) qualifies it as a drying oil and suggest possible usefulness in the paint industry. Their percentage free fatty acid and acid values were low suggesting increased stability and usefulness in nutritional and industrial applications.

Key Words: seed oil, chemical composition, Trichosanthes cucumerina, Ricinodendron heudelotii.

 

Electrosynthesis and characterization of conducting polypyrrole doped with alkylsulfonate anion

K. Anuar, A. A. Halim, A. R. Mohd. Zaki, Z. Zulkarnain, K. Dzulkefli,

 A. B. B. Nita Salina and H. N. M. E. Mahmud

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies,

Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

 E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The preparation of polypyrrole conducting polymer in aqueous medium by electrochemical method containing several alkylsulfonate dopants such as methylsulfonate (C1), butylsulfonate (C4), octylsulfonate (C8) and dodecylsulfonate (C12) are reported. The prepared polymer films were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis. The conductivity of the prepared films was found to increase with the increase of carbon number of alkylsulfonate dopant. The results of Infrared and elemental analysis show that the alkylsulfonate dopants were incorporated in the polypyrrole structure. It has been observed from cyclic voltammetry analysis that lighter dopants produced more current suggesting that the movement of the dopants in and out of the polymer surface is much more flexible than that of the cases for heavier dopants.

Keywords. Conducting polymer, polypyrrole, alkylsulfonate dopant, electrochemical polymerization, cyclic voltammetry.


In vitro effects of anti malarial drug pyrimethamine - sulphadoxine and activated charcoal on rat ileal smooth muscle.

A. Nwafor

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Port Harcourt.

ABSTRACT

The mechanical responses of the gastrointestinal tract to anti malarial drug primethamine-sulphadoxine (fansidar) and /or activated charcoal (A/C) were investigated using isolated rat ileal smooth muscle. Fansidar (5.0x10-2 to 4.5x101 M) elicited concentration-dependent relaxation of the gut smooth muscle. ACh inhibited fansidar induced relaxation, while atropine potentiated action of fansidar. Although the mechanism of action of fansidar is not clear, it is plausible that the effect of fansidar might be direct on the smooth muscle or indirect via neurotransmitter release. The gut vascular smooth muscle exhibited two distinct modes of signaling in the presence of A/C and fansidar: incubation with drug followed by A/C (5 minutes later) significantly (p <0.05) reduced the relaxation responsiveness of the tissue as well as the concentration of the drug compared with the situation when activated charcoal was followed by drug. Fansidar concentration (EC50) before and after the application of activated charcoal was 2.0x100 M and 1.5x100 M; these elicited respectively, 59% and 41% relaxation of the smooth muscle. These studies show that fansidar relaxes gut smooth muscle, and immediate administration of activated charcoal after drug ingestion reduced the mechanical responsiveness of the smooth muscle to drug. These features may render activated charcoal a unique therapeutic agent in ameliorating the toxicological effects of drugs/poisons in the gastrointestinal tract. There was no detectable difference in the inherent rhythmic spontaneous activity of the ileal smooth muscle in the presence or absence of activated charcoal (2.5x10-4 to 1.25x10-2 M).

Key words: Anti- malarial drug fansidar, activated charcoal- dual signaling, relaxation             smooth muscle, ileum. Running tile: The effect of fansidar and activated charcoal on smooth muscle preparation.

 

Phytochemical screening and mineral composition of chewing sticks in South Eastern Nigeria.

D. E. Okwu and O. Ekeke,

Department of Chemical Sciences Michael Okpara, University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Phytochemical screening of the stems of Garcinia kola, Dennettia tripetala, Acioa barteri, Dialium guineense, Maesobotrya barteri, Mallotus oppositifolius and Psidium guajava which are commonly used as chewing sticks in southern Nigeria revealed the presence of bioactive compounds comprising saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. The major, minor and trace elements in these chewing sticks were determined. The chewing sticks contained calcium (0.30-1.00%), magnesium (0.06-030%), phosphorous (0.10-0.38%), potassium (0.21-0.39%) and sodium (0.03-0.20%). The concentration of fluoride ranged from (0.02-0.11ppm), copper (0.02-0.14ppm), iron (2.86-5.14ppm), zinc (0.31-0.57ppm), manganese (0.00-0.26ppm) and lead (0.00-0.11ppm). Chewing sticks when used without tooth paste is very efficient, effective and reliable in cleaning the teeth of many people in Southern Nigeria, The teeth of the users of chewing sticks are usually strong, clean, fresh and devoid of dental plaques and carries. These results indicate the basis for the preventive and protection of the teeth against caries and plaques by the samples used.

Key Words: Bioactive compounds, chewing sticks, Mineral composition, Dental plaques.

 

High performance liquid chromatographic (hplc) separation of some fatty acids as naphthyl methly derivatives using resin supported 1-naphthalene methanol as the derivatization reagent

G.O. Adewuyi : Department of Chemical Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

O. R. Idowu, Department of Pharmacology, Division of Experiment Therapeutics, Wallter Reed Army Institute of Research

Washington, D.C. 2030 –5100 and

O.A. Adeyemi Department of Chemical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Cation exchange resin in the sulphonyl chloride form was prepared by reacting cation exchangers in the sodium form with calculated amount of phosphorus pentachloride by refluxing. The sulphonyl function on the resin serves as an anchor through which naphthalene methanol moiety was bonded to the imobile resin backbone. The resin supported 1-naphthalene methanol was subsequently employed to derivatize some fatty acids. The reagent imparted fluorescence property on the final derivatives. These derivatives were obtained in pure form and simply isolated by filtration. The derivatives absorbed UV-radiation strongly at 254nm and direct HPLC analysis was found possible without interference from excess reagent; This indicated that the resin supported 1-naphthalene methanol may be employed for heterogeneous on-line pre-or post column derivatization of fatty acids. To whom correspondence should be addressed

Keywords: Resin, Moiety, Derivative, Fluorescence, Heterogeneous

 

 

Determination of trace metal levels in used lubricating oil in aqueous medium using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Adewale Abiodun Oladipo and Adewale Taorid Adesiyan*

Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Nigeria.

* Author for Correspondence, Department of Geology.

ABSTRACT

Used lubricating oil samples from a 125 kVA diesel power generator were put into aqueous solution by carbornization using fuming H2SO4 followed by heat - assisted digestion in a mixture of Caro’s acid (peroxymonosulfuric acid) and concentrated H2SO4. Flame atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) analysis of the resulting solutions revealed a linear increase of Mg, Zn and Cr concentrations with the time of running the machine. This is consistent with the normal wear of the moving parts of a machine and the loss of quality of the lube oil with time. This trend is further confirmed by the result of analysis of fresh lube oil samples from the same batch. Unlike the other metals, Cu concentration was found to remain practically constant in both used and unused samples, indicating this element as an additive or a contaminant in the oil. This digestion method was found to be fast (6 samples digested within 1 hour) and effective in eliminating wear particle size effects commonly encountered in this sort of study. An excellent precision was also achieved (up to 0.2 %) through the obvious elimination of chemical interferences and viscosity - induced inaccuracies often associated with direct AAS analysis of oil samples.

KeyWords: Lube Oils, Wear Metals, Peroxymonosulfuric Acid, Aqueous Solutions, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

 


Urea fragments drug treated human erythrocytes by externalization without temperature increase

A. Nwafor

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, University of Port Harcourt.

ABSTRACT

Application of an appropriate amount of urea or urea with drug into a suspension of human erythrocytes in microcapillaries incubated with or without crenating or cup-forming drug in 5mM Hepes buffered saline, pH 7.4, at room temperature (25oC), resulted in the incorporation of urea into the membrane and induction of cell shape change of echinocytic type and fragmented the cells by externalization without causing haemolysis. The time to completion of urea induced cell fragmentation by externalization phenomenon was not influenced by drug concentration. It is suggested that urea was not an alternative to heat for the study of drug membrane interaction when cytoskekeleton are reduced. Based on these results, the effects of exposure of human erythrocytes to urea environment are discussed.

Keywords: urea- therapeutic use; fertilizer production environment, human erythrocytes, Running title: Erythrocyte shape change induced by urea.

 

 

Optimum size distribution of sorghum grist for brewing purposes

Benjamin R. Etuk and Ifreke S. Akpan

Department of Chemical/Petroleum Engineering

Department of Brewing Science and Technology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The effect of particle size distribution of malted sorghum grist on extract yield and lautering performance was assessed. Sorghum grist particle size evaluation was carried out by sieve analysis after milling. The malted sorghum grist with proportions of coarse, fine, and flour particles in the ratio of 0.36: 0.25: 0.39 respectively gave good results in terms of extract yield and filtration rate. The values of 103.05% and 1.42 x 10-4 m3/s were obtained for extract yield and filtration rate respectively.

Keywords: Size distribution, Filtration rate, Brewing


Geothermal gradients in the Niger Delta basin from continuous temperature logs

O. Akpabio,

Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

J. E. Ejedawe,

Exploration Department, SPDC, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

 J. O. Ebeniro

Department of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

 and E. D. Uko

Department of Physics, University of Science and Tech, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Subsurface temperatures obtained from continuous temperature logs in 260 wells allowed to stabilize for several months were used in determining the geothermal gradients in the Niger Delta. Regional gradients are lowest (0.82oC/100m) at the central part of the Delta and increases both seaward and northward up to 2.62oC/100m and 2.95oC/100m respectively in the continental sands of the Benin formation. In the marine paralic deposition, geothermal gradients range from 1.83oC/100m to 3.0oC/100m at the central portions. The highest values of 3.5oC/100m to 4.6oC/100m are seen northwards while intermediate values of 2.0oC/100m to 2.5oC/100m are recorded seaward. The thermal gradients are clearly influenced by the lithology or rate of sedimentation in the area. Regions of low thermal gradients correspond with areas of high sand percentage, primarily because sands are better conductors than shale and therefore show as low thermal gradients. There is a continuous but non-linear relationship between geothermal gradients and depth, from less than 1.0oC/100m in the continental sands through 2.5oC/100m in the marine paralic section to 5.0oC/100m in the continuous shaly section.

Key words: Geothermal gradient, temperature, sand percentage, heat flow

 

 

Comparison of two views on the structure of ionospheric currents

C. A. Onwumechili and P. O. Ezema

C. A. Onwumechili, 4813 Lackawanna Street, College Park, Maryland 20740,U.S.A.

P. O. Ezema, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

There are two views on the structure of ionospheric currents, here symbolized as VIEW 1 and VIEW 2. The essential difference between them is that VIEW I supports the existence of two ionospheric current layers in the dip equatorial zone as measured by many rockets (Onwumechili,1992b,c). Contrary to the rocket measurements, VIEW 2 believes that ionospheric currents in the dip equatorial zone flow in only one current layer. This paper presents 11 relevant experimental results for explanations by VIEW 1 and VIEW 2 side by side. After reviewing many papers on related topics and judging the performances of the two views, it emerges that VIEW 2 is conjectural and has feasibility problems. On the other hand, VIEW 1 is based on observational results, and it simply and naturally explains the experimental results.

Key words: ionospheric currents, current layers, magnetic dip equator, abnormal phase quiet days, counter equatorial eletrojet.

 

 

Modelling and characterisation of transistors

S.F. Akande and B.J. Kwaha. Department of Physics, University of Jos, Jos.

A.M. Batu, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

ABSTRACT

Models and characterisation of active devices that control the flow of energy operating within and outside the active region of the operating domain are presented. Specifically, the incremental charge carrier and Ebers Moll models of the bipolar junction transistor are presented and the parameters of electrical behaviour of the device at the terminals were measured and analysed. The parameters determined could be employed to evaluate input and output impedances, current, voltage and power gains of the device at appropriate operating points. The measured parameters compare favourably with published manufacturers’ data to within 5%.

Keywords: Modelling Bipolar Junction Transistor


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