2019

Population dynamics studies reveal the fluctuations in an organism’s population over time, in relation to prevailing climatic conditions; thus providing a fundamental background for evaluating and determining appropriate control strategies for adoption. This study in Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria has revealed that C. sordidus population experiences a gradual build-up with onset of rains (early March), and attain peaks between May and early November.

Paspalum scrobiculatum and Azonopus compressus were used to study the accumulation and deposition of lead in tissues of roots, rhizomes and leaves, as well as their impact on changes in the anatomy of their tissues. Four (4) kg of air dried soil was measured into Four (4) kg perforated plastic buckets. Waste engine oil was added to Four (4) kg different soil samples to obtain different concentrations on weight basis: 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 7% and 10% v/w oil-in-soil and allowed to stand for seven days before transplanting. The plants were harvested after 8 weeks of transplanting.

Malaria infestation in Nigeria is still worrisome, hence, the need for new antimalarial agents. This study, therefore, investigates the antiplasmodial activity of the ethanolic extract and flavonoid fraction of the stem of P. amarus in the blood, brain, liver and pancreas of Plasmodium berghei (chloroquine sensitive NK65 strain) infested mice.

Knowledge of the chromosome morphology of a species is valuable in detecting chromosomal abnormalities, taxonomy and evolution. Despite this, chromosomal studies on rabbits is scarce in Nigeria. This study presents a description of the chromosome morphology of Oryctolagus cuniculus from Ilorin, Nigeria. Two male and one female samples received intraperitoneally 0.01% colchicine (1ml/100g body weight). The chromosomes were investigated by examining the metaphase chromosome spreads obtained from the bone marrow of the femur and humerus.

The ability of Digitaria horizontalis and Eluesine indica grass species to phytoremediate waste engine oil contaminated soil was investigated. Four (4) kg of air dried soil was measured into four (4) kg perforated plastic buckets. Waste engine oil was added to four (4) kg different soil samples to obtain different concentrations on weight basis: 0 % (control), 2 %, 4 %, 7 % and 10 % v/w oil-in-soil and allowed to stand for seven days before transplanting. At the end of 8 weeks of transplanting, the plants were harvested.

This study was undertaken to investigate the ethanolic extract of the leaves and seeds of P. guineense for its bioactive constituents using GCMS. The shade dried and pulverized leaves and seed were extracted with absolute ethanol by Soxhlet method to obtain a crude extract. The GCMS analysis was carried out on a GC; Clarus 500 Perkin Elmer System comprising of a AOC-20i Autosampler interfaced with a Mass Spectrometer. The result shows different peaks indicating the presence of thirty and thirty-eight phytochemical compounds in the leaves and seeds respectively.

The aim of this study is to ascertain the effects of different fat type ketogenic diet on some cardiovascular biomarkers in rat models. Forty Wistar albino rats were grouped into four and fed three types of ketogenic diets made of coconut oil, olive oil and butter. Ketogenic diets resulted in significant (P<0.05) weight loss. Total cholesterol in rats treated with coconut oil showed a significant increase (P<0.05) while those treated with butter showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) when compared with control.

Lichens are widely used as biomonitors of environmental pollution, few lichen studies have been used to assess environmental quality in Nigeria. Managed and natural areas within Benin City metropolis and adjourning areas were investigated using lichen diversity to determine the ecosystem health status in four sites: Urban, Peri-urban, Rural and the Reference site. Lichen colonies obtained in triplicates per site from 10 mature trees (>60cm ghb) were collected and identified using standard keys and manuals.

Bottled water is water that is intended for human consumption and is sealed in bottles or other container with no added ingredients except that it may contain safe and suitable fluorides. The sale and consumption of bottled water continues to grow rapidly in most places in Nigeria and is of public health concern. This study was designed to assess the physical and chemical quality of bottled drinking water sold in retail outlets in Benin City.

Members of the genus Echinops are now widely used in treating brain disorders, ophthalmic problems, chronic fever, pains in the joints and inflammations. They are aphrodisiac and are used for treating pregnant women. The Nigeria species have not been discovered in this way. The plants are therefore being suggested to our scientists, chemists and agriculturists for possible screening for drug development. Cytomorphological studies on 4 taxa distributed in 3 species of the Echinops have been studied.