Aims: This study was aimed to isolate and characterize biosurfactant producing bacteria from Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon which are sinks for domestic and industrial waste waters and potential source of value added bioresources such as biosurfactants, hydrocarbon degraders and organisms with potential for biotechnological applications. Methodology and results: Physicochemical parameters of the two lagoon waters were analyzed using standard procedures. Bacteria were isolated using enrichment techniques on 1% Escravos light crude oil, palm oil and groundnut oil on mineral salt medium (MSM). Biosurfactant production by the isolates was assayed by hemolytic activity, oil spread test, blue agar test and emulsification activity. Isolates were identified using their colony morphologies and biochemical characteristics, while the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using multidisc. The physicochemistry of the lagoon water showed high nitrate content of 15.7 mg/L and 19.6 mg/L for Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon, respectively. Total hydrocarbon content (THC) of both lagoon waters was low, with values 0.53 mg/L for Mile 2 Lagoon and 0.44 mg/L for Ologe Lagoon. The predominant genera of bacteria identified include Micrococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stomatococcus and Moraxella. A total of 23 bacterial isolates were tested for hemolytic activity, of which 13 showed β-hemolysis which is presumptive for biosurfactant production, 5 showed α-hemolysis and the remaining 5 exhibited γ-hemolysis. Majority of the isolates were positive for oil spread assay and blue agar test (19) indicating production of anionic biosurfactant. The isolates showed good emulsification activity; AGG3 (67.7%), AGG1 (62.3%), AGG2 (60%), AGG4 (60%), MTP2 (56%), AGC4 (54%) and the least emulsification value of 23.3% for strain AGP1. Most of the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, perfloxacin and showed resistance to septrin and erythromycin. Conclusion, significance and impact of study This study showed that Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon are a potential source of biosurfactant producers with diverse emulsification properties and prospective industrial applications. This would have implication for economic empowerment, as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly clean-up technology in both locally and globally.
Surface-Active Agents ; Nigeria

Laboratories ; organization & administration ; standards ; statistics & numerical data ; Nigeria ; United Nations ; standards ; Veterinary Medicine ; organization & administration

The biological profile of a person is crucial in the forensic anthropology casework; and sexual dimorphism of the index and ring fingers makes them a vital tool for sex prediction. This study was undertaken to predict the sex of an individual from the index and ring finger lengths, and index-ring finger length ratio in the Ukwuani of Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional study involving all the indigenous Ukwuani secondary school students and members of staff within Ukwuani local government area that utilized 200 male and 200 female adolescents and 68 male and 83 female adults based on the systematic random sampling technique. The index and ring finger lengths were measured and the index:ring finger ratio calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistics version 23.0. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistics used were mean, standard deviation, t test, Pearson's correlation, and discriminant function analysis. Males showed statistically longer absolute finger lengths than females. The left index:ring finger ratio in adolescents was significantly greater in females than males, but the others were not. There were significant paired sample correlations in both age groups. There was no significant correlation between age and finger lengths, and ratios. The overall accuracy of the discriminant functions was higher and better for the finger lengths than for the finger ratios that were moderate. This study showed that the index and ring finger lengths can be used as tools to predict the sex of an individual using the discriminant function analysis in a medico-legal situation.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Discriminant Analysis ; Female ; Fingers ; Forensic Anthropology ; Humans ; Local Government ; Male ; Nigeria ; Sexism

OBJECTIVE: To determine the activities of oxidative stress markers and lipid profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study consisting of 50 PCOS patients and 50 healthy women of the same age range without any evidence of PCOS. The study measured the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (TAC); concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using standard spectrophotometric methods. Anthropometric indices were also assessed. P-values of <0.05 were taken to be statistically significant. RESULTS: There were significantly higher levels of MDA (P=0.002), lower activity of SOD (P<0.001), and lower TAC (P=0.001) in PCOS patients when compared with the controls. There were higher concentrations of TC (P=0.017) and LDL-C P=0.012) in PCOS patients than in controls. Significant differences were not observed between the 2 groups in terms of the activity of GSH-Px, as well as the concentrations of HDL-C and TG. The body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio were all significantly higher in PCOS patients. CONCLUSION: This study revealed higher levels of MDA, as well as lower activity of SOD and TAC, among PCOS patients. Furthermore, there were higher levels of TC and LDL-C among the PCOS patients. Hence, monitoring these parameters may improve the clinical management of PCOS.
Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies ; Cholesterol ; Female ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Malondialdehyde ; Nigeria ; Obesity ; Oxidative Stress ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference ; Waist-Hip Ratio

BACKGROUND: Despite growing concern over occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) such as grain dust and diesel exhaust, information about the exposure level and health implications among workers in small-scale milling enterprises in developing countries like Nigeria has not been adequately documented. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust and effect on lung function among grain millers in food markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. METHODS: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design with a comparative approach. Sixteen grain milling shops each were randomly selected from two major food markets in Ibadan metropolis for indoor PM₁₀ and PM(2.5) monitoring. Seventy-two respondents each were proportionately selected from grain millers and shop owners for forced expiratory volume in one second and peak expiratory flow rate tests. RESULTS: The PM(2.5) concentrations for both market locations ranged between 1,269.3 and 651.7 μg/m³, while PM₁₀ concentrations were between 1,048.2 and 818.1 μg/m³. The recorded concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline limit of 50 μg/m³ and 25 μg/m³ for PM(2.5) and PM₁₀, respectively. As compared with control group (2.1 L), significantly lower forced expiratory volume in one second value (1.61 L) was observed among the exposed group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate value (186.7 L/min) was recorded among the exposed group than the control group (269.51 L/min) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to grain dust and diesel exhaust accentuated respiratory disorders with declines in lung functions amongst grain millers. Improved milling practices and engaging cleaner milling facilities should be adopted to minimize exposure and related hazards.
Developing Countries ; Dust ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Lung ; Nigeria ; Occupational Exposure ; Particulate Matter ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vehicle Emissions ; World Health Organization

The spate of unidentified human remains as a result of kidnapping, killings, and so forth was the reason for this study. The purpose of this study was to measure the crown and cusps of each of the permanent maxillary first two molars to determine discriminant score and functions among Urhobo people of Nigeria. All Undergraduates of the Delta State University, Abraka, who are pure breeds Urhobo, form the study population. Three hundred and six subjects (171 males and 135 females), with mean age 22.88±3.34 years, participated in the study, which is based on the simple random sampling technique. All four crown widths and the four cusps of the maxillary first two molars were measured in millimeter, from a prepared study models of dental stone, and crown area, crown and cusps indices were calculated. The level of sexual dimorphism was also calculated for each parameter. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data while inferential statistics were used to ascertain significant sexual differences and to determine discriminant scores and functions. Statistical significance was fixed at P≤0.05. Crown and cusp dimensions of the first two permanent maxillary molars exhibited statistically significant sexual dimorphism. The highest percentage of sexual dimorphism was crown area of maxillary second molar (9.08%), followed by first molar (7.85%). Next, were metacone, paracone, disto-buccomesio-lingual, and mesio-buccodisto-lingual widths. The overall sex discriminatory precisions of the various parameters in the maxillary first two molars are good. The findings of this study are of relevance in forensic anthropology.
Adult ; Crime ; Crowns ; Forensic Anthropology ; Homicide ; Humans ; Male ; Molar ; Nigeria ; Sexism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare wound healing complications following the use of either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures for skin closure in cleft lip repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria. Sixty subjects who required either primary or secondary cleft lip repair and satisfied all the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomized into two groups (Vicryl group or Nylon group). The surgical wounds in all subjects were examined on 3rd, 7th, and 14th postoperative days (POD) for presence or absence of tissue reactivity, wound dehiscence, and local wound infection. RESULTS: Hemorrhage, tissue reactivity, wound dehiscence, and local wound infection were identified as wound healing complications following cleft lip repair. The incidence of postoperative wound healing complications on POD3 was 33.3%. Tissue reactivity was more common throughout the evaluation period with the use of an absorbable (Vicryl) suture compared to a non-absorbable (Nylon) suture, although the difference was statistically significant only on POD7 (P=0.002). There were no significant differences in the incidences of wound dehiscence and infection between the two groups throughout the observation period. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of wound dehiscence and surgical site wound infection following the use of either Vicryl or Nylon for skin closure during cleft lip repair. However, more cases of tissue reactivity were recorded in the Vicryl group than in the Nylon group on POD7. Particular attention must be paid to detect the occurrence of wound healing complications, most especially tissue reactivity, whenever a Vicryl suture is used for skin closure in cleft lip repair.
Cleft Lip* ; Hemorrhage ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Incidence ; Nigeria ; Nylons ; Polyglactin 910 ; Skin* ; Surgery, Oral ; Sutures* ; Wound Healing* ; Wound Infection ; Wounds and Injuries*

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is relatively safe, although renal toxicity has been reported. In Nigeria, there is insufficient data on renal toxicity among patients on TDF. This study assesses TDF-associated tubular dysfunction among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients at a hospital in Nigeria. METHODS: In this cohort study, 104 adult HIV patients were recruited with a simple random technique from the outpatient clinic. Biochemical indices of renal function were estimated from serum and urine at the 16th and 24th week after an initial assessment at baseline. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline proteinuria or glycosuria between TDF and non-TDF groups. Mean baseline urine and serum parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the TDF group, all urine parameters differed significantly between baseline and 24th week values (P < 0.001). After 16 weeks, mean urine phosphate and urine uric acid increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 2.97 mg/dL and 50.9 mg/dL, respectively, in the TDF group. The rise in mean urine glucose from baseline to the 24th week was more marked in the TDF than the non-TDF group (0.25 vs. 0.07 mmol/L). Higher mean differences in urine albumin were also recorded in the TDF group from baseline to the 24th week. CONCLUSION: Indicators of tubular dysfunction were markedly higher among patients on the TDF-based treatment regimen. Biomarkers of tubular dysfunction could be useful for detecting pre-symptomatic nephrotoxicity before marked reduction of glomerular filtration rate in HIV patients on TDF.
Adult ; Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Biomarkers ; Cohort Studies ; Fanconi Syndrome ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Glucose ; Glycosuria ; HIV* ; Humans* ; Nigeria* ; Proteinuria ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Tenofovir ; Uric Acid

BACKGROUND: Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) has been widely used as a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in occupationally exposed workers. The objective of this study is to investigate the concentration of urinary 1-OHP among charcoal workers as subjects and non-charcoal workers as controls. METHODS: Early morning urine samples were collected from 68 persons (25 charcoal workers in Igbo-Ora, 20 charcoal workers in Alabata, and 23 non-charcoal workers) who volunteered to participate in this study. 1-OHP determination in urine samples was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography after hydrolysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean urinary 1-OHP concentration (μmol/mol creatinine) among charcoal workers at Igbo-Ora and Alabata and non-charcoal workers were 2.22 ± 1.27, 1.32 ± 0.65, and 0.32 ± 0.26 (p < 0.01). There existed a relationship between respondent type and 1-OHP concentration. Charcoal workers were 3.14 times more at risk of having 1-OHP concentrations that exceed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists guideline of 0.49 μmol/mol creatinine than non-charcoal workers (relative risk = 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–5.8, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Charcoal workers are exposed to PAHs during charcoal production and are at risk of experiencing deleterious effects of PAH exposure. Routine air quality assessment should be carried out in communities where charcoal production takes place. Assessment of urinary 1-OHP concentration and use of personal protective equipment should also be encouraged among charcoal workers.
Charcoal* ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Creatinine ; Humans ; Hydrolysis ; Nigeria* ; Occupations ; Personal Protective Equipment ; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic* ; Statistics as Topic ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: In light of the dramatic spread of Ebola virus in some parts of Africa and the 2014 outbreak in Nigeria, a study was conducted to evaluate bushmeat dealers' knowledge and attitudes about zoonotic infections and the risk of transmission to humans. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a community in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria. Hunters (n=34) and bushmeat traders (n=42) were interviewed. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to generate the data. The Fisher exact test was used to evaluate the significance of differences between these groups. RESULTS: Only 11.8% of the hunters, as compared to 35.7% of the traders, had no knowledge of possible causes of zoonotic infections (p < 0.05). However, 64.7% of the hunters, compared to 38.1% of the traders, were ignorant regarding the responsibility of public health personnel and veterinarians (p < 0.05), and 76.5% of the hunters compared to 42.9% of the traders were ignorant regarding the existence of zoonoses in Nigeria (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between these groups regarding the risk of contracting an infection from ectoparasites (p < 0.05). The attitudes of respondents towards zoonotic diseases did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness about zoonotic diseases was low in this area, underscoring the need for interventions.
Africa ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Ebolavirus ; Humans ; Nigeria* ; Public Health ; Risk Factors* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Veterinarians ; Zoonoses*