| African Scientist Journal

Preservative Potentials of Ocimum basilicum Essential OilLoaded Chitosan-Alginate Complexes on Tomato Fruits

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a highly perishable fruit, susceptible to microbial spoilage and enzymatic degradation leading to significant post-harvest losses. Rise in the global demand for safe and healthy food with minimal synthetic preservatives has raised the need for natural preservatives. The preservative potential of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil (BEO) essential oil loaded chitosan- alginate coating on fresh tomato fruits was investigated.

AuthorName(s)

Muinat Olayinka Lambe

Silifat Olaide Abdullateef

Jubril Olayinka Akolade

Abdullahi Sulyman

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Survey of Termites along Yenagoa-Imiringi-Otuoke Axis of Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria

Termites are very useful in tropical ecosystems as they contribute greatly to decomposition of organic matter, nutrients recycling, and to soil improvements and fertility. However, they also constitute very significant negative impacts to man and society worldwide, owing to their devastations on crops, forestry and to household and public resources.

AuthorName(s)

Richard Uzakah1

Timothy Epidi

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Compositional Pattern and Human Exposure Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Fine Dust from Indoor Environments in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Indoor fine dusts in residential buildings, public buildings and vehicles from Port Harcourt, Nigeria were assessed for their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations, compositional patterns, and human exposure risks. The PAHs in the dust samples were quantified by gas chromatograph equipped with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after extraction by ultra-sonication with hexane/dichloromethane/acetone and cleaned up on a silica gel/alumina column.

AuthorName(s)

Michael Kambi

Leo C. Osuj

Mudiaga C. Onojake

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Organochlorine Pesticides in Soils of Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsites in Delta State: Spatial and Seasonal Variations, Potential Risks and Sources

This study assessed the spatial and seasonal variations, potential risks and sources of organochlorine pesticides in municipal solid waste dumpsites (MSWDs) in Delta State. Soil samples were obtained from twenty-seven MSWDs in Delta State. Soil samples were extracted with hexane/dichloromethane and cleaned up in a column of silica gel and florisil. The OCPs in the extracts were quantified with a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The ∑20 OCPs levels in the soils varied between 0.74 and 7.29 ng g-1for the dry season and from 0.09 to 9.47 ng g-1 for the wet season.

AuthorName(s)

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Histological Changes in the Heart and Aorta of the Adult Wistar Rat Following Exposure to Cement Dust

The heart is a vital organ of the body that pumps blood through the aorta and its branches which provide blood flow to all organs and tissues of the body. Any injury causes distortion of the smooth functioning of the cardiovascular system. This study investigated the histological changes in the heart and aorta of Wistar rats following exposure to cement dust. Twenty-four (24) Wistar rats weighing between 250 g and 280 g were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats per group.

AuthorName(s)

Ehi-Omosun

Mabel Bilu and Olise

Nkechi Augustina

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Taxonomic Significance of Leaf Epidermal Attributes of some Herbaceous Species of Euphorbia L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Nigeria

Foliar epidermis of six species of Euphorbia Linn. in Nigeria was studied with the aim of ascertaining reliable characters for easy identification, delimitation and indicating relationships among species. Light microscopy was employed to evaluate leaf surface features such as shape of epidermal cell, stomata and trichome and their distribution frequency. Epidermal shapes are variable i.e. polygonal, irregular and undulate. Stomatal complex types include anomocytic, anisocytic, paracytic, diacytic were encountered. Diacytic stomatal complex was observed only in E. heterophylla and E.

AuthorName(s)

Sanusi Ajoke Saidat

Aina Sulaiman Adebisi

Ashidi Joseph Senu

Omotoye Olorode

Feyisola Roseline Tolulope

Adewusi Kayode Matthew

Oluwabiyi Bolatito Adetoro

Okechukwu Olaitan Chinenye

Senjobi Comfort Titilayom

Akinloye Akinwumi Johnson

Ajiboye Olujoke Florence

Agbolade Oluwaseun Anuoluwapo

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Various parts of Moringa oleifera ameliorate Phenylhydrazine-Induced Spleen toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

The toxicity of sickle cell anaemia maintenance drugs makes medicinal plants viable alternatives. The protective roles of Moringa oleifera (MO) parts (Bark, flower, leaf, root and seed) against phenylhydrazine (PHZ) induced spleen toxicity and oxidative stress in rats were carried out. Splenomegaly was observed in anaemic rats and was reversed by M. oleifera parts, particularly the flower and roots. The M.

AuthorName(s)

Adedayo T. Olukanni

Joseph B. Minari

Joy Okpuzor

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Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Cymbopogon citratus on Cement Dust-Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis in Adult Wistar Rats

Inhalation of cement dust is the most important cause of respiratory diseases among people with cement dust related occupations such as cement factory and transporting workers, construction labourers, brick masons, concrete finishers, plasterers, steel erectors et cetera. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus on cement dust-induced lung damage in the adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing between 240 g and 270 g were divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats per group.

AuthorName(s)

Mabel Bilu Ehi-Omosun

Victor Damilola Olotu

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Effects of Black Seed Oil on Oxidative Stress Parameters and Gingival Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Diabetes and Periodontitis-Induced Rats

Using diabetic and periodontitis-induced rats, the effects of black seed oil on oxidative stress parameters and gingival expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase were examined in this study. Eight groups of forty eight were created. Rats from Group I were used as the Control group; they had unrestricted access to typical rat diet and were not given any medications. NS oil was given to the rats in group II in addition to their standard rat chow and water. In Group III animals, diabetes was induced without treatment.

AuthorName(s)

Abdulwasiu A. Busari

Osuvwe Clement Orororo

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Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of a Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Collection Revealed by SSR Markers and Fruit Morphology

Studies on genetic diversity, population structure, and cross-transferability have chosen the simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker as their preferred marker. This study examined the genetic diversity and population structure of 22 Capsicum spp. collection accessions (C. annuum, C.