Archives-July 2024

The aquatic environment is continuously at the mercy of man's negative impact pollution activities. Three tropical species a: Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus), b: Croaker fish (Micropogonias undulates), c: Catfish (Bagrus bayad) of the fish usually available in Nigeria was purchased, analyzed for proximate and heavy metal composition. The aim of this study is to determine the proximate analysis and heavy metals composition in the three species of fish. The fish samples were cut into chunks using the ratio of 3:1 of HCl and HNO3 to digest it. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotoscopy (ICP-OES) was used for heavy metal quantification. The results of the proximate analysis for tilapia fish, Croaker fish and Catfish showed that the crude protein (17.29, 15.34, 11.03) %, ash content (0.88, 0.88, 0.97) %, total carbohydrate (CHO) (15.39, 11.08, 12.50) %, Crude lipid (7.28, 8.79, 10.35) %, and moisture content (59.18, 63.88, 65.17) % respectively. The estimated concentrations of heavy metals analysed for the Tilapia Fish, Croaker fish and catfish are Pb, Ba, Cr, Zn. The concentrations of the heavy metals determined are in order of Pb > Ba > Cr > Zn. The results of the proximate analysis obtained are in close argument with that in the literature which ranges from (0.065, 0.051, 0.051) % (0.046, 0.042, 0.042) %, (0.010, 0. 053, 0.007) % (0.028, 0.001, 0.041) % for crude protein, ash content, total carbonhydrate, and crude lipid respectively. In conclusion, the protein, lipid, CHO, fiber and moisture content in three (3) fish species Oreochromis niloticus, Micropogonias undulates, Bagrus bayad and the heavy metal determined varies among the different fish species and the highest percentage values for Pb, Ba, Cr and Zn are 0.061 %, 0.046 %, 0.053 % and 0.041 % respectively.

Improper disposal of wastewater is one of the major problems our societies are facing today. The high cost of treating waste produced by industries every day is very high, which makes it difficult for industries to treat their wastewater effectively before disposal or reuse. The aim of this research work is to characterize the adsorbent (carbide ash) and use it to remove the four different heavy metals (Cadmium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese) present in wastewater. The drying method was used for the carbide ash waste while the adsorption method was used for the wastewater treatment. The moisture content of the ash was determined, and analytical techniques was used to characterize the ash are Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microsco [FTIR, (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for the quantification of the untreated and treated wastewater. FTIR results showed the spectrum at 3218cm-1 (stretching vibration hydroxyl group), 1375.cm-1 (bending vibration of methyl group), 764.1 cm-1 ( presence of calcium oxide), scanning electron microscope (SEM) which shows the smooth morphology of carbide, X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified mineral composition (Portlandite Syn = 65 %, Lime = 24 %, Osumilite = 3.9 %, Quartz Syn = 2.8 %, Graphite-3R = 1 % and Anhydrite Syn = 3.1 %) of carbide ash sample, th ermogravimetric analysis (TGA) which shows the stability of carbide ash at decreased mass of 20 g when its temperature increased reaches 470 °C and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis which shows the pore sizes of 5.0783 e. The quantitative analysis of the adsorption treatment was carried out by the optimization of (dosage, time and pH). The result of the moisture content is (4.5 %). The results for the analysis for the optimized dosage for the four metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, and Co) are (80.71, 79.9, 99.89, and 80.29) %. The pH optimization for the four metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, and Co) are (81.09, 97.56, 75.58, and 85.47) % respectively and for the time optimization of the four metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, and Co) are (81.09, 81.0, 73.41, and 72.06) % respectively. In conclusion, this study proves that carbide ash is effective for the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, with removal efficiency of 99.8%.

Dysphagia is a frequent reason for consultation. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the current reference examination for the exploration of dysphagia when endoscopy is normal with negative esophageal biopsies. This is a retrospective single-center study including 231 patients presenting dysphagia with normal upper digestive endoscopy and negative esophageal biopsies benefited from HRM. The diagnosis was retained based on the Chicago 3.0 classification. We used a HRM unisensor catheter and the MMS 9.5 sofware for interpretation. Our study included 231 patients, 126 (54.54%) of whom were women. Mean age was 43.9 years (extremes 18- 94 years). MHR was pathological in 186 cases (80.51%). It revealed achalasia in 121 patients (65.05%): achalasia type I in 25 patients (20.66%), type II in 86 patients (71.07%) and type III in 10 cases (8.26%). HRM showed others esophageal motility disorders corresponding to scleroderma in 20 patients (10.75%), ineffective motricity in 33 patients (17,7%), oesogastric junction obstruction in 7 cases (3.7%), jackhammer oesophagus in 2 cases (1,07%), oesophageal spasm in 3 cases (1.61%). HRM was normal in 45 patients (19.48%).High-resolution esophageal manometry represents an undeniable advance in the diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders in patients with dysphagia and normal endoscopy. The most common primary motor disorder is achalasia type II.

When solar cells are used for space applications, there are exposed to different types of energetic particles such as protons and electrons. Those energetic particles create defects in the base of the solar cell and lead to the degradation of the performances of the solar cell. Three mainly phenomenon observed in silicon solar cells exposed to 1 MeV electron irradiation are decrease in diffusion length, removal of majority charge careers and enlargement of Space Charge Region (SCR). These three phenomenon lead to the type conversion of the base of solar cell and an anomalous behavior of the short-circuit current for a certain value of the fluences. In the present study, theoretical approach is used to investigate the impact of decrease in diffusion length, removal of majority charge careers and enlargement of SCR on the anomalous behavior of the short-circuit current and type conversion of the base.The electric parameters are studied under AM 1.5 for different fluences of 1 MeV electrons.It was found that, defects responsible for the anomalous behavior of the short-circuit current could appear for different values of the fluences and that, the type conversion of the base is caused by the removal of the majority charged carriers and decrease in diffusion length while the anomaly observed in the evolution of the short-circuit current is caused by the widening of the SCR.

Mangrove plants and their associated micro fauna have been a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites, though only limited antimicrobial screening of this chemo-diversity source has been reported. In this study, unidentified endophytic fungi BBMS and BBMAV were isolate from the bark of black mangroves obtained from the coastal forest of Ayensu estuary. The endophytes were cultured in static medium made of 3%(w/v) malt concentrate and 6%(w/v) glucose in distilled water. The fungi were cultured for 8 weeks and harvested. Ethyl acetate extraction of the filtrate followed by drying on a rotary evaporator afforded 1.20 g and 1.05 g of BBMS and BBMAS respectively. TLC studies and GC-MS analysis indicated that the extracts contained interesting secondary metabolites. A bioassay of the extracts was carried out on human pathogen and cocoa infesting microbes. The bioassay results indicated that the extracts were active against all the test organisms. ABTS and DDPH free radicals scavenging activities were also tested with the extracts. The results indicate that the extracts of the fungal isolates exhibited high potency of antioxidant activity.

This study analyses the production cost and profitability of paddy cultivation in Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India. It categorizes farmers into two groups based on their farm size. The research aims to identify factors affecting production cost and profitability variations between the two groups. The study intends to examine the performance of paddy in Bhandara districts during the period 2023 to 2024. The secondary data on pertaining to area, production and productivity were collected from the various Government published sources i.e. Statistical Abstract of Maharashtra State, District Socio-economic Review, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Maharashtra. The results of the study indicate, at overall period, the growth rate of area was positively significant at 1 per cent level of significance in Bhandara district. This study can inform policymakers and agricultural extension services on strategies to improve paddy production efficiency and profitability for small and large farmers in Bhandara district.

The purpose of this study was to examine the current state of intentions regarding regular health examinations among older adults and to identify the factors influencing these intentions. The study participants were individuals over 65 years old in Keelung City. Data were collected through self-designed structured questionnaires and individual interviews conducted by questionnaire interviewers. T-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson product-moment correlation were used to analyze the current state and influencing factors of the intention to undergo periodic health examinations. The study subjects were individuals over 65 years old in Keelung City. The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the intention to undergo regular health examinations based on sex (t=2.32, P<.02). Education level also showed a significant effect (F = 4.150, P < .001), with higher education levels associated with a greater intention to undergo periodic health examinations compared to those who were illiterate. Marital status significantly influenced the intention for periodic health check-ups (F=3.22, P< .05). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference related to economic status. The study found that greater access to health information was associated with a stronger intention to undergo regular health examinations among the subjects. Therefore, promoting health information about regular health examinations is crucial for the elderly in the community.

Due to urbanization, population growth and modern lifestyle plastic was extensively used in the second half of the 20th century and became indispensable for humans of the 21st century. Plastic particles of less than 5 mm in diameter termed microplastic, due to indiscriminate use and mismanagement are found in all the environmental compartments (air, water, soil, food chain) and reach human food. Sewage sludge, plant composts, and food waste composts containing nutrient-rich soil amendments contain microplastic particles. The most common types of plastic polymers present in composts are polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyester (PET), cellulose, polyurethane and nitrile fibre. When these organic composts are amended with the cultivated soil the plastic particles are accumulated in the plant roots and travel to shoot and crop yield i.e. fruits, vegetables, rice, etc. Microplastic particles enter human organisms mainly by ingestion (water, seafood, non-seafood, salt, honey, sugar, drinks, fruits and vegetables), inhalation (air), and dermal contact (personal care products, face washes, hand cleaners, toothpaste, and facemask). Accumulation of the microplastic particles in the human body causes several health problems such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, respiratory toxicity, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Accumulating organic compounds associated with plastic manufacturing ( bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenone, nonylphenol, polyphenol, PFAS and phthalates) also have negative human health effects. Phthalates act as endocrine gland disrupters. Pathogenic, non-pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria form a biofilm on microplastic surfaces intake of such microplastic particles poses a serious challenge to Doctors. This work summarizes the concentration of microplastic in compost, food wastes, sewage, and the human food chain and their impact on plant growth and human health.

Alzheimer’s patients are experiencing a continuous increase around the world, highlighting the challenge of ensuring consistent quality of care for all patients. This project is studying the daily care needs of Alzheimer’s patients and medical care providers. It aims to address this challenge by creating a mobile application to follow up on the daily health developments of Alzheimer’s patients and record them through care providers. The care aims of this project is to highlight the development of a mobile app, which based on scientific and medical sources, aims to help Alzheimer’s disease care providers to render their services in a modern, easy, and effective way. This app is also designed to help save time, money, and effort. As a result, this project has several specific objectives it seeks to achieve including the design, facilitation of use, quality improvement, and support services for care providers and doctors.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread and advancing condition that disrupts renal function, yet its influence extends beyond the kidneys. In this article, we investigate the complex interplay between CKD and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), highlighting the often overlooked and diverse digestive disorders that affect CKD patients. We conducted a study involving 506 CKD patients admitted between January 2008 and January 2024. Our findings revealed that 89% of these patients experienced various gastrointestinal symptoms, with upper GI bleeding and vomiting being the most prevalent. These symptoms could stem from the accumulation of urea and metabolic waste products or from dialysis-related effects. Endoscopic examinations uncovered abnormalities in 85.6% of cases, primarily in the stomach and bulb, with congestive gastro-bulbaritis emerging as the predominant lesion. Our findings indicate a potential correlation between the severity of renal failure and the likelihood of upper gastrointestinal lesions. In summary, CKD significantly impacts the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a spectrum of symptoms and potential complications, including underreported upper gastrointestinal tract injuries. Early detection through upper GI endoscopy and prompt management are crucial in mitigating morbidity and mortality among CKD patients. This study underscores the importance of heightened awareness and vigilance in managing the intricate interplay between CKD and the gastrointestinal tract, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.