Search results for: Mfoniso I. Udonkang

Authors: Anietie M. Archibong, Mfoniso I. Udonkang, Aniekan-Augusta O. Eyo, Dianabasi K. Udo

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease marked by hyperglycaemia which often leads to several complications despite treatment with orthodox medicines. Medicinal plants have been shown to have anti-diabetic properties. The study aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous crude leaf extract of Sterculia tragacantha on the pancreas of Alloxan-induced diabetic Sprague dawley rats. Sixty-two male rats (150-180g weight) were used. The mean lethal dose (LD50) was determined with 32 rats using Lorke’s method. Thirty rats comprising six groups of five animals each: Group I (negative control), Group II (Alloxan-induced-diabetic-non-treated), Group III (diabetic-5mg/kg/day Glabenclamide-treated), Group IV (diabetic low dose 44.72 mg/kg), Group V (diabetic given medium dose 89.44 mg/kg), and Group VI (diabetic given high dose 134.16 mg/kg) of extract were given for 14 days orally. The fasting blood sugar levels were measured at baseline, 24/72 hours, and 7/14 days. Formalin-fixed-paraffin wax-embedded pancreases were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and anti-insulin antibody. The LD50 was 447.21 mg/kg. The body weights (p=0.511) and pancreas weights (p=0.103) were not affected by the extract. The extract decreased the fasting blood glucose levels on day 7 (p=0.015) and day 14 (p=0.001). The pancreas in Group I and IV were normal. Groups II, III, and V had hypertrophied islets, while VI had atrophied islets with fibrosis. Group III had scanty beta cells. Aqueous leaf extract of Sterculia tragacantha had moderate toxicity, anti-diabetic properties, and minimal pathological effect on the pancreas. The low dose of the extract is safer for administration.

Keywords: Alloxan, Diabetes mellitus, pancreatic beta cells, Sterculia tragacantha

Procedia PDF Downloads 0

Authors: Mfoniso Udofia Aka

Abstract:

A seismic refraction and resistivity survey was conducted in Ini Local Government Area, South-South Nigeria, to evaluate the structural setting and groundwater potential. The study involved 20 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) using an ABEM Terrameter with a Schlumberger array and a 400-meter electrode spread, analyzed with WinResist software. Concurrently, 20 seismic refraction surveys were performed with a Geometric ES 3000 12-Channel seismograph, employing a 60-meter slant interval. The survey identified three distinct geological layers: top, middle, and lower. Seismic velocities (Vp) ranged from 209 to 500 m/s in the top layer, 221 to 1210 m/s in the middle layer, and 510 to 1700 m/s in the lower layer. Secondary seismic velocities (Vs) ranged from 170 to 410 m/s in the topsoil, 205 to 880 m/s in the middle layer, and 480 to 1120 m/s in the lower layer. Poisson’s ratios varied from -0.029 to -7.709 for the top layer, -0.027 to -6.963 for the middle layer, and -0.144 to -6.324 for the lower layer. The depths of these layers were approximately 1.0 to 3.0 meters for the top layer, 4.0 to 12.0 meters for the middle layer, and 8.0 to 14.5 meters for the lower layer. The topsoil consists of a surficial layer overlaid by reddish/clayey laterite and fine to medium coarse-grained sandy material, identified as the auriferous zone. Resistivity values were 1300 to 3215 Ωm for the topsoil, 720 to 1600 Ωm for the laterite, and 100 to 1350 Ωm for the sandy zone. Aquifer thickness and depth varied, with shallow aquifers ranging from 4.5 to 15.2 meters, medium-depth aquifers from 15.5 to 70.0 meters, and deep aquifers from 4.0 to 70.0 meters. Locations 1, 15, and 13 exhibited favorable water potential with shallow formations, while locations 5, 11, 9, and 14 showed less potential due to the lack of fractured or weathered zones. The auriferous sandy zone indicated significant potential for industrial development. Future surveys should consider using a more robust energy source to enhance data acquisition and accuracy.

Keywords: hydrogeological, aquifer, seismic section geo-electric section, stratigraphy

Procedia PDF Downloads 40