Research Articles Biological Sciences

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A communal catalogue reveals Earth’s multiscale microbial diversity
(Nature Publishing Group, 2017-11-01) Osuolale, Olayinka; Thompson, Luke; The Earth Microbiome Project Consortium; Knight, Rob; Gilbert, Jack; Jansson, Janet; Ackermann, Gail; Kosciolek, Tomasz; Gibbons, Sean
Our growing awareness of the microbial world’s importance and diversity contrasts starkly with our limited understanding of its fundamental structure. Despite recent advances in DNA sequencing, a lack of standardized protocols and common analytical frameworks impedes comparisons among studies, hindering the development of global inferences about microbial life on Earth. Here we present a meta-analysis of microbial community samples collected by hundreds of researchers for the Earth Microbiome Project. Coordinated protocols and new analytical methods, particularly the use of exact sequences instead of clustered operational taxonomic units, enable bacterial and archaeal ribosomal RNA gene sequences to be followed across multiple studies and allow us to explore patterns of diversity at an unprecedented scale. The result is both a reference database giving global context to DNA sequence data and a framework for incorporating data from future studies, fostering increasingly complete characterization of Earth’s microbial diversity
A Comparative Study of Biosurfactant Synthesis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Clinical and Environmental Samples
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2012-02-15) Agwu, O. A.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Adebusoye, S. A.; Amund, Olukayode O.
Evaluation of emulsifying activities indicates that biosurfactants were produced by an environmental (strain EP1) and a clinical (strain CP1) species of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During growth on hydrocarbons, the organisms produced biosurfactants. Both strains grew luxuriantly on motor oil and readily synthesized abundant surfactants at the expense of easily metabolizable substrates. During a 12-day cultivation on motor oil, the organisms produced growth-associated extracellular surfactants with emulsification activities of 71 and 38% for EP1 and CP1, respectively. The generation times obtained for EP1 and CP1 were 1.74 and 2.66 days. The biosurfactants that could not be secreted on glucose were partially purified and putatively identified as rhamnolipids. The surface-active compounds present high emulsification activity and stability in the pH range of 3.0–10.0, temperature range of 4°C–100°C, and salinity range of 16–44% and are capable of stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions with several hydrocarbons. Typical emulsions produced were stable for several weeks. The results also showed that the biosurfactants were able to remove a significant amount of crude oil from contaminated soil; for instance, strain EP1 surfactant removed 54%, CP1 41%, detergent 42%, and water 30%. The rhamnolipids from these strains represent a new class of biosurfactants that have potential for use in a variety of biotechnological and industrial applications where extremes of pH, thermal, and saline conditions would have little or no effect on activity.
A study of bacteria from the digestive system of two advanced termites (Isoptera, Termitidae) in Nigeria
(1986) Amund, Olukayode O.; Yakubu, O. S.; Malaka, S. L. O.
1. The total heterotrophic counts of bacteria present in the digestive system of Macrotermes bellicosus Smeathman and Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri were carried out. 2. The populations of bacteria in the guts of workers were generally higher than in those of soldiers. 3. A total of nineteen bacterial strains belonging to four main genera, namely Cytophaga, Micrococcus, Bacillus and Sarcina were isolated; six of these organisms were capable of producing cellulose-digesting enzymes. 4. The possible role of these cellulolytic bacteria in termite nutrition was discussed.
A study of Microbial composition and Lignocellulose degradation in the mound soil of Macrotermes bellicosus Smeathman.
(1998) Amund, Olukayode O.; Onumonu, M. N.; Onawale, T. A.; Malaka, S. L. O.
Mound soil samples of Macrotermes bellicosus Smeathman and the adjacent soils were examined for total heterotrophic bacteria, yeasts, moulds, actinomycetes, nitrogen fixers and cellulose decomposers. There were higher populations of the various microbial groups in the mound soil than in the adjacent soils with the exception of yeasts. In the mound soil were Klebsiella, Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, and Bacillus. The yeasts were Candida, Rhodororula and Torulopsis, whilst the moulds were capable of utilizing lignin and cellulosic substrates for growth with the production of cellulolytic enzymes. Growth of Aspergillus oryzae and Mycelia sterilia on wood dust resulted in substantial weight loss, carbohydrate and lignin depletion of the wood residues. The significance of fungal delignification in relation to termite nutrition is emphasized and discussed.
A study of tannic acid degradation by soil bacteria.
(Science Alert, 2007) Ilori, Matthew O.; Adebusoye, Sunday A.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Oyetoran, Bodunde O.
A tannin-degrading strain of Bacillus sp. AB1 was isolated from a garden soil by enrichment. This organism was able to utilize 1% (w/v) tannic acid-a gallotannin at 30°C and pH below 4.5 in a defined mineral medium where the acid was the sole source of carbon and energy under 96 h. Growth resulted in increase in OD concomitant with gradual decrease in pH of the culture medium. Analysis of the culture fluid by paper chromatography revealed glucose and gallic acid as major metabolites of tannic acid degradative pathway. Mineralization of tannic acid was informed when none of the metabolites was recovered after 96 h of incubation. The degradation potential of this isolate could be exploited for the production of tannase, improvement of livestock production and also detoxification of tannery effluents at extreme acidic conditions.
Acenaphthene biodegradation and structural and functional metagenomics of the microbial community of an acenaphthene-enriched animal charcoal polluted soil
(Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2021-02) Salam, Lateef B.; Obayori, Oluwafemi S.; Ilori, Mathew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.
Animal charcoal from skin and hides cottage industries indiscriminately disposed in run offs and drainage channels harbors hazardous constituents that are mutagenic and toxic, and thus require bio-based ecofriendly depuration strategies. A microbial consortium (FN7) from an animal charcoal polluted site enriched with acenaphthene was structurally and functionally characterized via illumina next generation sequencing and annotation of their putative ORFs, and also studied for ability to degrade acenaphthene. Structurally, FN7 metagenome consists of 7 phyla, 13 classes, 38 orders, 49 families, 67 genera, 68 species, and 45 strains, respectively. The dominant phylum, class, order, family, genus, species, and strain in the metagenome are Proteobacteria (48.9%), Actinobacteria (31.8%), Actinomycetales (28.0%), Enterobacteriaceae (18.9%), Paracoccus (12.9%), Bacillus cereus group (13.5%), and Methylobacterium radiotolerans JCM 2831 (22.4%). The microbial consortium in the metagenome degraded 59.68% (29.84 mg l−1) and 89.16% (44.58 mg l−1) of the initial concentration of acenaphthene (50 mg l−1) in 14 and 21 days. Functional annotation of the putative ORFs of the metagenome using KEGG KofamKOALA, NCBI's conserved domain database, BacMet, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene-ANNOTation (ARG-ANNOT) revealed the detection of hydrocarbon-degradation genes including salicylaldehyde dehydrogenase and catechol 1,2 dioxygenase involved in acenaphthene degradation, resistance genes for mercury, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and several others, and antibiotic resistance genes for 15 antibiotic classes such as β-lactam, colistin, aminoglycoside, among others. This study revealed that members of FN7 metagenome are equipped with requisite gene batteries and could be veritable bioresources for in vitro biodegradation as well as on-site bioremediation of animal charcoal polluted sites.
Aerobic Degradation of Di- and Trichlorobenzenes by Two Bacteria isolated from Polluted Tropical Soils.
(Pergamon, 2007-01-01) Adebusoye, Sunday A.; Picardal, Flynn W.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Fuqua, Clay; Grindle, Nathan
Two polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs)-degrading bacteria were isolated by traditional enrichment technique from electrical transformer fluid (Askarel)-contaminated soils in Lagos, Nigeria. They were classified and identified as Enterobacter sp. SA-2 and Pseudomonas sp. SA-6 on the basis of 16S rRNA gene analysis, in addition to standard cultural and biochemical techniques. The strains were able to grow extensively on dichloro- and trichlorobenzenes. Although they failed to grow on tetrachlorobenzenes, monochloro- and dichlorobenzoic acids, they were able to utilize all monochlorobiphenyls, and some dichlorobiphenyls as sole sources of carbon and energy. The effect of incubation with axenic cultures on the degradation of 0.9 mM 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 0.44 mM 1,2,3- and 0.43 mM 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene in mineral salts medium was studied. Approximately, 80–90% of these xenobiotics were degraded in 200 h, concomitant with cell increase of up to three orders of magnitude, while generation times ranged significantly (P < 0.05) from 17–32 h. Catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activities were detected in crude cell-free extracts of cultures pre-grown with benzoate, with the latter enzyme exhibiting a slightly higher activity (0.15–0.17 lmol min1 mg of protein1) with catechol, suggesting that the meta-cleavage pathway is the most readily available catabolic route in the SA strains. The wider substrate specificity of these tropical isolates may help in assessing natural detoxification processes and in designing bioremediation and bioaugmentation methods.
Aerobic Degradation of Naphthalene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene and Chrysene Using Indigenous Strains of Bacteria Isolated from a former Industrial Site
(SENRA Academic Publishers, British Columbia, 2013) Nwinyi, Obinna C.; Picardal, Flynn W; An, Thuy T; Amund, Olukayode O.
Four bacterial strains were isolated from a former industrial site contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants for decades. The isolation was done using naphthalene as sole source of carbon and energy during the enrichment. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses of the four isolates (OC1, OC2, OC3, and OC4) assigned the strains to the genus, Enterobacter (OC1) and Pseudomonas (OC2, OC3, and OC4). The degradation and growth behavior of the four isolates was investigated on naphthalene, fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene. All the strains utilized naphthalene, fluoranthene, chrysene but pyrene partially, as sole sources of carbon and energy. The time course studies using relative concentration > 100ppm, >115ppm, > 89ppm and > 12 ppm for naphthalene, fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene respectively, resulted in rapid exponential increases in cell numbers and concomitant disappearance of the test substrates. Naphthalene was degraded between the range of 25 % and 99%, while chrysene degradation ranged between of 35 and 69%, pyrene 4 - 21% and fluoranthene 7 -19 %. Our results suggest that contaminated, former industrial sites contain a capable microbial community that may be used for bioremediation of the site.
Air microflora study of selected offices In Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin
(ABSTRACTS OF THE 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, AUGUST 25-28 2019, UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS, 2019-10) Osuolale, O.; Ekpemiata, E.; Odiwe, A.
Introduction Indoor environments are factors that do impact health. Air quality of indoor environments is a main factor affecting human health, well-being and productivity. A main problem of indoor air quality which people hardly pay attention to is the effect of the presence of diseases causing microorganisms. Methods: The indoor air microflora of 40 staff’s office in Elizade University was studied taking into consideration the number of occupants in the offices, gender, age, the number of windows, temperature, relative humidity and pressure, to know the microbial load and the type of organisms present. Isolation of microbes was done using the settle plate method, using Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacterial isolation and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for fungal isolation. The NA and SDA agar plates were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 hours for bacteria and 25 ° C for 3 days for fungi. Results: Bacterial counts ranged from 12 cfu/m 3 – Numerous and fungal counts ranged from 1 cfu/m 3 – Numerous. Bacterial isolates were purified from the nutrient agar and further identification of bacteria was done by coagulase test, catalase test and gram staining. While for fungal identification, lactophenol test was done. The CDC MicrobeNet was used to confirm the isolates. The bacteria identified found were Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Micrococcus spp., Rhodotorula spp. and Streptococcus spp., while for fungi Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Rhodotorula spp. were identified. Conclusion: While it is generally known that indoor microorganism can be potentially a health hazard, there is no agreed upon level of airborne organism that signifies contamination for indoors and no health-based guidelines exist. In absence of guidelines it is recommended that more indoor study need to be done to understand the dynamics of airborne organisms in Nigeria from which health-based guidelines can be developed.
Alkaline extracted cyanide from cassava wastewater and its sole induction of chromosomal aberrations on Allium cepa L. root tips
(Taylor and Francis Online : Environmental Technology, 2021-04) Ogunyemi, Adewale; Abayomi, Akeem A.; Opawale, Rachael O.; Samuel, Titilola A.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Babajide, Alo
Cassava, a staple crop in Nigeria, processed by numerous factories in rural and sub-urban locations is known to contain some level of cyano compounds. Lack of stringent environmental regulations on management of cassava wastewater (CWW) from cassava processing factories had led to its indiscriminate discharge on the environment. CWW samples were obtained from cassava processing factories from selected states (Lagos (A), Oyo (B), Ogun 1 (C1), Ogun 2 (C2) and Cross River (D)) in Nigeria to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of extracted cyanide from the wastewaters. The cyanide was hydrolyzed via chemical degradation utilizing 1.25 M NaOH and subsequently titrated using silver nitrate with p-dimethylaminobenzalrhodamine as indicator. Further, in order to explore the potential toxicity of this pollutant present in the effluent, a battery of short-term biological assay (Allium cepa chromosomal aberration test) was used. Bulbs with roots of Allium cepa L. were treated with different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%) of CWW, and after 48 h the root tips were processed for cytological studies by the aceto-orcein squash procedure. The results revealed that cyanide concentrations on re-fluxing were in the range of 1.0 mg/L and 1.3 mg/L. All concentrations induced a number of chromosomal aberrations in the root tip cells. The mitotic index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration. The cytotoxic effects showed strong concentration dependent root growth inhibition with EC50 values of 30, 20, 37, 43 and 22 % for A, B, C1, C2 and D, after 72 h. The findings thus indicate that alkali treatment is very efficient in degrading the cyanide content of CWW and has shown that the combination of physico-chemical analysis along with the sole toxicity assessment could provide valuable information about the sole toxicity of cyanide as a chemical pollutant present in the cassava effluent.
Alkaloid extracts from Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) inhibit phosphodiesterase‐5, arginase activities and oxidative stress in rats penile tissue
(Wiley, 2019-04-11) Omojokun, Olasunkanmi S.; Famurewa, Akindele J.; Jaiyeoba, Oluwademilade A.; Oboh, Ganiyu; Agbebi, Oluwaseun J.
The erectogenic potential of alkaloids extracted from Bitter leaf (Vernonia amyg‐ dalina) and Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) was investigated in this study. Fresh leaves obtained from Bitter leaf and Black night shade were air‐dried, pulverized, and extracted for alkaloids. The inhibitory potential of the alkaloid extracts on arginase and phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) activities in rats penile tissue was determined in vitro. The antioxidant properties were also evaluated and the constituent alkaloids quantified using GC‐MS. The alkaloid extracts inhibited arginase (0–30.51 μg/ml) and PDE‐5 (0–133.69 μg/ml) activities in a concentration‐dependent pattern. Similarly, the alkaloid extracts inhibited Fe2+‐induced lipid peroxidation in rats penile tissues, scavenged DPPH, OH, and NO radicals as a function of concentration. GC‐MS char‐ acterization revealed over 20 alkaloid compounds. The inhibition of PDE‐5‐, argin‐ ase‐, pro‐oxidant‐induced lipid peroxidative‐, and free radicals‐scavenging activities by the alkaloids is suggestive of putative mechanisms underlying their therapeutic use for managing erectile dysfunction in folklore medicine. Practical applications Alkaloids extracted from Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) were characterized and investigated by standard procedures for inhibi‐ tory action against key erectile dysfunction‐linked enzymes and antioxidant activity. The alkaloids inhibited erectile dysfunction‐linked enzymes (arginase and PDE‐5) and showed considerable antioxidant activity in a concentration‐dependent manner. In view of this, we suggest the application of these results in the development of erec‐ tile dysfunction drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, with probable minimal or no adverse effect.
Alterations of Na+/K+-ATPase, cholinergic and antioxidant enzymes activity by protocatechuic acid in cadmium-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in Wistar rats
(Elsevier, 2016-07-13) Adefegha, Stephen A.; Oboha, Ganiyu; Omojokuna, Olasunkanmi S.; Adefegha, Omowunmi M.
Background: This study assessed the possible protective mechanisms of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: Male wistar strain rats weighing between 150–160 g were purchased and acclimatized for two weeks. The rats were divided into seven groups of seven each; NC group received normal saline, CAD group received 6 mg/kg of Cd-solution, CAD + PSG group received Cd-solution and prostigmine (5 mg/kg), CAD + PCA-10 and CAD + PCA-20 groups received Cd-solution and PCA (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) respectively, PCA-10 and PCA-20 groups received 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg PCA each. Animals were administered normal saline, Cd and PCA daily by oral gavage for 21 days. After which the animals were sacrificed, the brain excised, homogenized and centrifuged. The activities of enzymes (Na+/K+-ATPase, cholinesterases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and levels of oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione) linked to neurodegeneration were subsequently assessed. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) alterations in the enzyme activities and levels of oxidative stress markers were observed in CAD group when compared to the NC group. However, the activities of the enzymes were reversed in CAD + PSG and CAD + PCA groups. Conclusions: PCA may protect against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity by altering the activities of Na+/K+- ATPase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness ofWeather Information Dissemination among Farmers and Policy Makers
(Sustainability, 2022-03-27) Sansa-Otim, Julianne; Nsabagwa, Mary; Osuolale, Olayinka O.; et, al
The changing environment, climate, and the increasing manifestation of disasters, has generated an increased demand for accurate and timely weather information. This information is provided by the National meteorological authorities (NMAs) through different dissemination channels e.g., using radios, Televisions, emails among others. The use of ICTs to provide weather information is recently gaining popularity. A study was conducted in three countries, namely Nigeria, Uganda, and South Sudan to assess the efficiency of an ICT tool, known as “Weather Information Dissemination System”. The study involved 254 participants (Uganda: 71; South Sudan: 133; and Nigeria: 50). The collected primary data were first quality controlled and organized thematically for detailed analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to provide quantitative analysis as well as content scrutinized for qualitative analysis. The results showed that there is a need for timely weather information to plan farming activities such as planting and application of fertilizers and pesticides as well as to manage flood and drought by the water sector and disaster management. Results further showed that the majority of the respondents have access to the technology needed to access weather and climate information. The respondents who received weather information from NMAs noted that the forecast was good. However, they further noted that there is more room for improvement especially with making the forecasts location-specific, ensuring mobile access is adequate in all regions, provision of weather information by SMS (in countries where this service is currently unavailable) and improved timing of the weather information. Finally, uncertainty about the accuracy of weather information and the weather information not meeting specific needs are key barriers to people’s willingness to pay for it (Uganda: 33.3%; South Sudan: 46.1%; and Nigeria: 33.3%). Improved collaborations between the NMAs, ICT service providers, policymakers and farmers will facilitate an effective approach to weather information access and dissemination. Innovative sensitization approaches through the media houses will enable better understanding of weather products and utilization, and access to enabling ICTs would increase access to weather forecasts
An immunoinformatics approach for the design of a multi-epitope subunit vaccine for urogenital schistosomiasis
(PeerJ, 2020-10-02) Onile, O.S.; Fadahunsi, Adeyinka I.; Adekunle, Ameerah A.; Oyeyemi, Bolaji F.; Anumudu, Chiaka I.
Discovery of T and B memory cells capable of eliciting long-term immunity against schistosomiasisis is important for people in endemic areas. Changes in schistosomes environment due to developmental cycle, induces up-regulation of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) which assist the parasite in coping with the hostile conditions associated with its life cycle. This study therefore focused on exploring the role of HSPs in urogenital schistosomiasis to develop new multi-epitope subunit vaccine against the disease using immunoinformatic approaches. The designed subunit vaccine was subjected to in silico antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity and physicochemical parameters analysis. A 3D structure of the vaccine construct was predicted, followed by disulphide engineering for stability, codon adaptation and in silico cloning for proper expression and molecular protein–protein docking of vaccine construct in the vector against toll-like receptor 4 receptor, respectively. Consequently, a 493 amino acid multi-epitope vaccine construct of antigenicity probability of 0.91 was designed. This was predicted to be stable, non-allergenic in nature and safe for human use.
Annotating unknown species of urban microorganisms on a global scale unveils novel functional diversity and local environment association
(Elsevier: Environmental Research, 2021-09) Wu, Jun; Danko, David; Osuolale, Olayinka O.; et, al
In urban ecosystems, microbes play a key role in maintaining major ecological functions that directly support human health and city life. However, the knowledge about the species composition and functions involved in urban environments is still limited, which is largely due to the lack of reference genomes in metagenomic studies comprises more than half of unclassified reads. Here we uncovered 732 novel bacterial species from 4728 samples collected from various common surface with the matching materials in the mass transit system across 60 cities by the MetaSUB Consortium. The number of novel species is significantly and positively correlated with the city population, and more novel species can be identified in the skin-associated samples. The in-depth analysis of the new gene catalog showed that the functional terms have a significant geographical distinguishability. Moreover, we revealed that more biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) can be found in novel species. The cooccurrence relationship between BGCs and genera and the geographical specificity of BGCs can also provide us more information for the synthesis pathways of natural products. Expanded the known urban microbiome diversity and suggested additional mechanisms for taxonomic and functional characterization of the urban microbiome. Considering the great impact of urban microbiomes on human life, our study can also facilitate the microbial interaction analysis between human and urban environment.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Fitness Machines in Selected Fitness Centers at Akure and Elizade University in Ondo State Nigeria
(Science domain, 2019-03-14) Fadare, Olalekan S; Durojaye, Bilikis O
Aim: This study seeks to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from surfaces of fitness machines at fitness center located at Elizade University and Akure town. Methods: Samples were collected from the different site of gym equipment including thread mill (handle, floor), bicep bench (handle), bike (handle, paddle), cruncher (handle, elbow) using sterile swab stick moistened with sterile buffered physiological solution. The swab sticks were immediately transferred to the laboratory for analysis. Standard microbiological techniques were used to identify the bacterial isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates was determined by using standard antibiotics discs. Results: Out of the 31 isolates identified, Staphylococcus aureus 12(38.7%) was the predominant bacteria followed by Bacillus spp. 11(35.5%), Klebsiella spp. 4(12.9%), E. coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 2(6.45%) and Enterococcus spp. 1(3.23%). The susceptibility profile showed that all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin (AM) and Augmentin (AU), Staphylococcus spp. isolated from different surfaces shows different susceptibility pattern to the used antibiotics, while Bacillus spp. Klebsiella spp. and E. coli also confer resistance to more than one commonly used antibiotic. Conclusion: The results showed the occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in which their presence on the equipment surfaces could easily be transmitted between users and to the environment generally. The spread of these potential pathogenic microorganisms in the fitness center can be prevented through frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer as well as daily cleaning of equipment surfaces before and after activities with disinfectants.
Anticholinesterase and Antioxidative Properties of Aqueous Extract of Cola acuminata Seed In Vitro
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014-11-18) Oboh, Ganiyu; Akinyemi, Ayodele J.; Omojokun, Olasunkanmi S.; Oyeleye, Idowu S.
Background. Cola acuminata seed, a commonly used stimulant in Nigeria, has been reportedly used for the management of neurodegenerative diseases in folklore without scientific basis. This study sought to investigate the anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from C. acuminata seed in vitro. Methodology. The aqueous extract of C. acuminata seed was prepared (w/v) and its effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase activities, as well as some prooxidant (FeSO4, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and quinolinic acid (QA)) induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain in vitro, was investigated. Results. The results revealed that C. acuminata seed extract inhibited AChE (IC50 = 14.6 μg/mL) and BChE (IC50 = 96.2 μg/mL) activities in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, incubation of rat’s brain homogenates with some prooxidants caused a significant increase in the brain malondialdehyde (MDA) content and inhibited MDA production dose-dependently and also exhibited further antioxidant properties as typified by their high radicals scavenging and Fe2+ chelating abilities. Conclusion. Inhibition of AChE and BChE activities has been the primary treatment method for mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, one possible mechanism through which the seed exerts its neuroprotective properties is by inhibiting cholinesterase activities as well as preventing oxidative-stress-induced neurodegeneration. However, this is a preliminary study with possible physiological implications.
Arsenicosis in bladder pathology and schistosomiasis in Eggua, Nigeria
(Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2018-06-02) Bakare, Shukurat O. Bakarea; Adebayo, Adewale S.; Awobode, Henrietta O.; Onile, O.S.; Agunloyeb, Atinuke M.; Isokpehic, Raphael D.; Anumudu, Chiaka I.
Background: Chronic schistosomiasis and arsenic exposure through drinking water are some of the risk factors for bladder cancer. To determine the association of schistosomiasis and arsenicosis with bladder pathologies, 122 individuals from Eggua in southwest Nigeria were recruited for this study. Methods: Prevalence of schistosomiasis was determined by urine microscopy and PCR. Total urinary arsenic concentration and arsenic levels in three different water sources in the community were assessed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Bladder pathologies were investigated by ultrasonography. The data collected were evaluated with chi-square (χ2) and ANOVA tests to examine the relationships among demographic factors, infection, bladder pathologies and urinary arsenic concentrations. Results: The prevalence and mean intensity of schistosomiasis were 21.3% and 20.7 eggs/10 mL urine, respectively. Arsenic concentration in two of the water sources, River Yewa (0.46 mg/L) and borehole (0.52 mg/L), were above the WHO standard (0.01 mg/L); and the mean concentration in urine samples, 1.17 mg/L, was also above the WHO standard (0.2 mg/L). There was no evidence of an association between bladder pathology and arsenicosis, or between schistosomiasis associated-bladder pathology and arsenicosis (p=0.66). Conclusions: Arsenicosis is a public health concern in the study population. At the moment no clear roles are envisaged for it in the development of bladder pathologies or urinary schistosomiasis-associated bladder pathologies in Eggua.
Assessing knowledge and practice of cholera prevention and management procedures among primary health care workers in a Southwestern State, Nigeria
(Afr. J. Med. Med. Sci, 2019) Abbas, G.; Obembe, T.A .; Bankole, O.T.; Ajayi, I.O.
Introduction: Cholera outbreaks in Nigeria have been characterized by unusually high mortality (CFR>1%), indicating that systems presently in place for prevention, detection and management of cholera are weak. Given that inadequate health worker performance has been a problem in resource-limited settings and poor health worker knowledge has been implicated in poor health status in developing nations, it is imperative that the knowledge of primary health care (PHC) workers on cholera prevention and management procedures be assessed from time to time. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, data collected from 286 PHC workers across four local government areas of Oyo State. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire with sections eliciting responses to questions on general knowledge of cholera, prevention methods, knowledge and practice of safety procedures among health workers. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to present the data and test for statistical associations between categorical variables at 5% level of significance respectively. Results: Nurses (35.05%) constitute the highest proportion of health workers compared to doctors (8.7%). The mean age of respondents was 38.02 ± 9.48 years with the majority of respondents between 30-49 years. Majority (83.6%) do not know the cholera alert threshold. Overall, 45.1% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of cholera prevention and management measures. Very few (28.0%) of the respondents had undergone any form of training on cholera outbreak in the past year. More workers aged 40 - 49years knew the cholera alert threshold compared to other age groups (p=0.033). Conclusion: Results from this study show that health workers at the primary level in Oyo State still lack adequate knowledge of general cholera prevention and management procedures. More training and re-training of health workers with regards to management of cholera is desirable to reduce the mortality rates within the selected area
Assessment of bacterial degradation of lignocellulosic residues (sawdust) in a tropical estuarine microcosm using improvised floating raft equipment
(Elsevier, 2015-10-01) Buraimoh, Olanike M.; Ilori, Matthew O.; Amund, Olukayode O.; Michel Jr, Frederick C.; Grewal, Sukhbir K.
In situ and laboratory studies were carried out to determine the ability of bacterial strains isolated from a tropical lagoon to degrade lignin and carbohydrate components of sawdust, with a view to abating the impact of sawdust pollution on these ecosystem. A floating raft system was designed and fabricated to carry out the in situ biodegradation studies over a period of 24 weeks. Nine bacterial strains identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as species of Streptomyces, Bacillus and Paenibacillus isolated from the lagoon were used as seed organisms. In the in situ study, 59.2% of sawdust was depleted at the rate of 1.175 x 10-4 gd-1 cm-3 by the bacterial isolates, whereas the lignin component of the sawdust decreased by up to 82.5% at the rate of 1.80 x 10-5 gd-1 cm-3. The maximum decrease in carbohydrate content was 85% at the rate of 2.192 x 10-7 gd-1 cm-3. In a similar experiment under laboratory conditions, total weight losses ranging from 26 to 51% in the wood residues were observed.

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