GPH-International Journal of Applied Science

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Juice Ameliorative Hematological Effects in Lead Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

2025-01-26T06:33:04+00:00

Hematological parameters are essential clinical indicators of health status, which are of great research interest. Our study attempts an assessment of the possible ameliorative hematological effects of Turmeric and Cucumber juice in lead induced toxicity using male Wistar rats as models. Experimental animals were acclimatized for 2 weeks and were subsequently randomly distributed into five groups made up of five rats per group. Lead toxicity was induced through a single daily oral administration of 2.25mg/kg body weight of lead in all rat groups except groups1 and 7 for 28 days and were treated as follows: Group 1: Control; animals in this group had free access to tap water and normal rat chow at will. Group 2: Pb only; animals in this group received 2.25mg/kg bw of lead acetate only. Group 3: Pb + TUM; rats in this group got 1ml of Turmeric juice only following induction of lead toxicity. Group 4: Pb + CUC; animals in this group were given 1ml of Cucumber juice only following induction of lead toxicity. Group 5: Pb + TUM + CUC; animals in this group received 1ml of Turmeric and 1ml of Cucumber juice following induction of lead toxicity. Group 6: Pb + bioferon; animals in this group received 0.23ml/kg body weight dose of bioferon following lead induced toxicity. Group 7: Bioferon Only; animals in this group received 0.23ml/kg body weight dose of bioferon only. All administrations were orally carried out once a day in the morning hours (between 8am-9am) using oral cannula. On day 29, experimental animals were anesthetized using diethyl ether and blood samples taken via cardiac puncture for serum erythrocyte parameters (PCV, Hb and RBC) and total WBC and PLT counts determination. Assayed parameters were assessed using a reflotron produced by Boehringer Mannhein. Predictably, administration of 2.25mg/kg bw of lead acetate to group 2 (Pb Only) rats produced a significant reduction (p<0.05) in PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC and PLT counts when compared to group 1 (Control) rats. This is suggestive of a possible deleterious effect of lead acetate at the administered dose. However, administration of 1ml each of turmeric and cucumber juice respectively significantly increased (p<0.05) the above parameters amongst groups 3 (Pb + TUM) and 4 (Pb + CUC) rats when compared to group 2 (Pb Only) rats with turmeric showing a better effect. Significantly higher (p<0.05) values of PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, and platelet counts were observed amongst group 5 (Pb + TURM + CUC) rats co-administered 1ml each of both turmeric and cucumber juice, compared togroups1 (Control), 2 (PbOnly), 3 (Pb + TUM) and 4 (Pb + CUC) rats. Indicating a possible greater hematopoietic effect of the combined administration of both juices compared to single administration of either juice. Our findings suggest a possible synergistic effects of the juices on haematological indices when combined following lead administration in experimental rats.

Particulate matter and carbon dioxide gas concentrations and their effects on meteorology: a case study using Benghazi City, Libya

2025-02-05T09:12:16+00:00

The main aim of this work is to assess the spatiotemporal variation of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) during the monitoring period from February 2023 to December 2023 and to determine the level concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. The station that was used in this work named AirVisual Outdoor monitor; this station recorded the parameters every five minutes. The data obtained from these stations are air quality index (AQI), temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction. The results showed the air quality index (AQI) in February, May, October and November periods is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups (level 3), People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children are considered sensitive and therefore at greater risk, the rest of periods are classified as moderate air quality (level 2). The highest values of PM1 and PM2.5 were recorded in the February period while the highest value of PM10 was observed in the May period. According to the classification and source of air pollution, the atmosphere contained mixed particles (fine and coarse particles) during all periods. The February period was affected by anthropogenic pollution and the rest of the periods were affected by mixed to natural pollution (dust source). In general, Benghazi city is more affected by natural pollution than anthropogenic pollution. Most of the meteorological parameters were positively correlated with PMs, which reflect that an increase in meteorology is associated with an increase in PMs. The May period recorded the highest value of CO2 424 ppm, May period is usually the period in which each year the highest CO2 levels are recorded because the plants will close their stomata to prevent water evaporation and reduce photosynthesis efficiency. At this time, human activities become more and more frequent, which eventually leads to an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Globally the CO2 concentration in May 2022 was recorded 421 ppm by the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. In May 2023 was recorded 424 ppm, an increase of about 3 ppm degrees from last year, this increase caused the new rise in global warming caused by human activities.

Soil Erosion Vulnerability Areas in Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria

2025-02-17T18:41:13+00:00

This study assesses soil erosion vulnerability in Mubi North and South Local Government Areas using multi-criteria decision analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS). The research classifies erosion susceptibility into four categories: Not Vulnerable, Marginally Vulnerable, Vulnerable, and Highly Vulnerable, with spatial analysis highlighting affected locations. Findings indicate that steep slopes, sparse vegetation, and high rainfall intensity contribute to high erosion vulnerability, while lowland areas with gentle slopes experience less erosion. Validation techniques, including confusion matrix, kappa statistics, and ROC curve, confirm the model's accuracy. The study underscores the need for effective land management strategies to mitigate soil erosion.

Prevalence of Eye Diseases in Agbor, Ika L.G.A, Delta State

2025-02-18T10:15:42+00:00

Diseases that cause visual impairment are known to significantly alter the quality of life of the individual but public awareness could help subjects seek intervention and prevent avoidable blindness.Prevalence estimates indicate the burden of visual impairment at a defined location at a point or period. Accurate prevalence estimates are needed to plan for availability of health care services, associated monetary costs, and quality of life connected with having the condition. This study aimed at determination of the prevalence of eye diseases in Agbor, Ika L.G.A, Delta State, Nigeria.The study was descriptive and simple random technique was used for selection while the sample size was one 940 patients. Patients who visited the Ophthalmology Department (including the Optometry Unit) within a period of one year, represented the study population while patients diagnosed of eye disease were recruited as sample size.Study showed the prevalent of the eye disease in the following order, Bacterial conjunctivitis (19.30%)> cataract (16.56%)> glaucoma (10.83%)> astigmatism (10.59%)> hypertensive retinopathy (10.59%)> allergic conjunctivitis (6.10%)> presbyopia (5.60%)> myopia (4.73%)> foreign body (4.23%)> uveitis (3.36%)> retinopathy (2.74%)> maculopathy (1.62%)> chorioretinitis (1.25%)> hyperopia (1.00%)> diabetic pterygium (0.62%)> corneal Abrasion (0.50%)> aphakia (0.37%). Furthermore,the percentage of occurrence calculated revealed that eye diseases were more prevalence in females (51.52%) when compared to males (48.44%) in present study. Conclusively, the awareness of the prevalent of eye diseases within Agbor community revealed that conjunctivitis is the most prevalent.