Government Area Of Plateau State Research Articles

Assessment of Existing Extension Services in Jos- South Plateau State, Nigeria

The study assessed existing extension services in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained mainly from primary source of information by the used of well-structured questionnaire and oral interviews, a total number of 109 farmers from four (4) communities in the study area were selected. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics The finding revealed that farming is a male dominated profession as 86.1% of the farmers are males while 13.9% are females, and are within the age range of 31-40 years (47.5%) while 76.2% of the farmers are married. And (38.6%) attend secondary school, also (45.5%) has 15 years and above farming experience. The study also revealed that method demonstration (73.3%), result demonstration (13.91%) and field meeting with farmer (6.9%) and field day (5.9%) are the available extension services in the area.

Dry Season Prevalence of Bovine African Trypanosomosis in parts of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

This study was carried out in 3 districts of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria to determine the current dry season prevalence of African trypanosomosis in cattle.Blood Samples collected aseptically from 721 cattle were examined for trypanosome species using Buffy Coat and Giemsa staining methods. Out of 721 cattle randomly selected, 37 were found positive for trypanosome infection. This represents 5.1% over all trypanosome prevalence. Young Cattle (>3yrs) had significantly higher prevalence (p 0.05). Among all trypanosome species found in all the 3 districts investigated, Trypanosoma vivax was more dominant (81.1%). However, there is a significant correlation (r = 0.209) between prevalences of infection in all the districts investigated. Cattle with poor body condition showed more trypanosome prevalence of 7.1% than the good body conditioned ones (4.2%) but there is no significant difference (p > 0.05) in their prevalence rates. The result of this study validates the presence of trypanosome infection in this study area. Hence, the need for continual surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of the status of animal trypanosomosis in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Phytochemical Composition, Anti-nutrient Properties and Antioxidant Potentials of Raw Hibiscus sabdariffa Seeds

Aims: This study was aimed at ascertaining the phytochemical, anti-nutrient and antioxidant potentials of raw seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS).
 Place and Duration of Study: Rivers and Anambra states, Nigeria, between January and April, 2017.
 Methodology: Dried seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa were gotten from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria. They were properly cleaned, sorted and ground into powder for analyses. Phytochemical constituents and anti-nutrients were quantified using a BUCK M910 Gas chromatography equipped with an on-column automatic flame ionization detector (GC-FID) under standard chromatographic conditions. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods, while in vitro enzymatic antioxidants were determined using standard protocols.
 Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of the following in their order of abundance: ribalidine>epicatechin>oxalate>catechin>saponin>sapogenin>kaempferol>tannin> lunamarine>rutin>anthocyanin>phytate>spartein. The anti-nutrient levels in the seeds of HS were: alkaloids (47.00 µg/ml; 39.20%), saponins (14.62 µg/ml; 12.19%), oxalates (14.06 µg/ml; 11.72%), tannin (4.79 µg/ml; 3.99%) and phytates (0.55 µg/ml; 0.46%). Antioxidant vitamins detected were vitamin A (2.76 ± 0.26 mg/kg), vitamin C (2.60 ± 0.07 mg/kg) and vitamin E (5.06 ± 0.30 mg/kg). Some in vitro enzymatic antioxidants were Catalase (26.71 ± 3.68 µmol/ml), Peroxidase (13.29 ± 1.72 µmol/ml), Glutathione reductase (24.43 ± 0.78 µmol/ml) and Superoxide Dismutase (0.88 ± 0.05 unit enzyme).
 Conclusion: Seeds of HS contain several phytochemicals which exist in great amounts, some of which may act as anti-nutrients that interfere with food absorption. Furthermore, HS seeds possess some antioxidant potentials which can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

A retrospective study of dog bite cases reported to some hospitals in Plateau State, Nigeria

Dog bite exposes victims to many potential zoonoses, particularly rabies which is feared because of its extremely high fatality rate of almost 100%. This study was carried out to evaluate the incidences of dog bite reported to some human hospitals in Plateau State, Nigeria and to provide data that will help in planning of rabies control programmes in the state. Information retrieved from the hospitals include date of bite, location of bite, age and sex of the victims for the period of January, 2007 to December, 2016. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and the results were presented in tables. A total of 884 dog bite cases were reported in 9 hospitals visited across the state; the highest cumulative number (85 cases) was reported in April followed by 84 cases in May and 81 cases in October. Furthermore, there were more male (53.39%) victims of dog bite than female (46.61%) victims as well as more adult (53.51%) victims than children (46.49%) below 15 years of age. It can be concluded from this study that there is a high incidence of dog bite cases in the state. The presence of two popular dog markets located in Jos South and Kanke Local Government Areas of Plateau state could possibly play a significant role in the high incidences of dog bite cases recorded in this study. Hospitals in Plateau State should endeavor to improve on their record keeping of dog bite cases as this will help health workers in planning of rabies control programmes.Keywords: Dog Bite, Hospital, Plateau State, Retrospective Study

Phytotoxicity of Cypermethrin Pesticide on Seed Germination, Growth and Yield Parameters of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

The experiment was carried out at Federal College of Forestry Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State to determine the phytotoxicity of cypermethrin pesticide on seed germination, growth and yield parameters of cowpea. Cypermethrin is popularly used by farmers as a means of treating seeds before planting to prevent insect, pest and birds attack. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) involving 5 treatments T0 as control (No cypermethrin used), T1 with 0.25% cypermethrin (0.25ml of cypermethrin in 99.75ml of water), T2 with 0.50% cypermethrin (0.50ml of cypermethrin in 99.50ml of water), T3 with 0.75% cypermethrin (0.75ml of cypermethrin in 99.25ml of water) and T4 contained 1.00% cypermethrin (1.0ml of cypermethrin in 99.00ml water). Data was collected on radicle length, plumule length, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, pod length and dry matter. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance using SPSS 23 and where significance was declared, Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate the means. The result of the research indicates that significance difference occurs in the radicle length (P<0.05) in which T1 has the highest mean value. The stem girth shows a significance difference with T0 having the highest mean value (7.32) at P<0.05. The result for the number of branches and the number of leaves shows significance difference with T0 having the highest mean values 39.15 and 101.65 respectively at P<0.05 level of significance. The yield parameters shows a significance difference for number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, pod length, as well as the total dry matter. The highest mean values for the yield parameters are observed in T0 with mean values 18.52, 18.53, 16.35 and 68.35 for number of seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, pod length and total dry mass respectively. Alpha amylase enzyme activity was observed to be higher at lower concentration of the cypermethrin (T1) on day 2 (2.75) but the increase in the enzyme activity tilted towards the highest concentration (T4) on day 3 and day 4 with mean value 2.70 and 3.10 at 5% level of significance.

Rural Ageds’ Awareness and Perception of Climate Variability in Kanke and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria

Rural Ageds’ Awareness and Perception of Climate Variability in Kanke and Riyom Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted Helminths and Associated Risk Factors among Elementary School Pupils in Dadin Kowa, Jos.

Background:Soil-transmitted helminths are intestinal parasites of humans transmitted through contaminated soil. They are considered neglected tropical diseases found mainly in areas with warm and moist climates where living condition and personal hygiene are poor.Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among primary school pupils in Kangang community of Dadin Kowa, Jos.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study of 136 elementary school pupils from three selected schools in Kangang community in Dadin Kowa of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State between April 2018 and June 2018. Stool samples were collected from all the consented participants in a sterile, universal sampling container prelabeled with the participant's identification number. The samples were analyzed within 2 h of collection using parasites concentration technique and microscopy. The results obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results:The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among the study population was 42.6%. Ascaris lumbricoides (25.7%) was the most common parasites, followed by Trichuris trichiura (10.3%). Hookworm infection was observed in 5.1%, while strongyloidiasis caused 1.5% of STHs. The male participants had a prevalence of 55.2% compared to the females who had a prevalence rate of 44.8%. Based on the schools where the participants were recruited, STHs was more prevalence among participant from KS school with rate of 51.2% followed by EBI school (40.0%), while LP school had the least infection rate of 38.1%.Conclusion:This study revealed the prevalence of STHs among school pupils in Kangang community of Dadin kowa, Jos, as 42.6%. A. lumbricoides was the most common STHs in the area. Males were more infected than females. Age and type of toilet used by the participant were found to be significantly associated with STHs infection.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Mucormycosis among Poultry Farmers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau

This research titled Incidence of Pulmonary Mucormycosis among Poultry Farmers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State was aimed at determining the number of Poultry Farmers who are infected with pulmonary mucormycosis. Sputum from 100 Poultr y Farmers was investigated by cultivation on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar containing antibiotics and examined for fungi. Fungal identification was carried out by direct microscopy and colony morphology using the Papanicolau stain, standard mycological stains and reagents. Consent was obtained from the participants and questionnaires were used to obtain their Bio - data. Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version - 25 software was used for Chi - Square and t - test analyses of the research findings. A total of 6 (6.0%) persons were infected with Mucor, other fungi were isolated in 14 (28%) of the farmers. Abnormal squamous epithelial cells were seen in 24 (48%) and inflammatory cells in 11 (22%) of farmers. Mucor was not isolated from the sputum of Pers ons with mean duration in years of poultry farming activities of 2.5 years and 6.5 years while those with 18.5 and 22.5 years had 2 (%) rate of infection each. Infection with mucor in relation to years of poultry farming was statistically significant,  2 (5) = 16.31, p ≤ 0.05. There was however no significant difference in abnormal substances found in the sputum of males (M = 4.61, SD = 2.05) and the sputum obtained from females (M = 4.33, SD = 1.83); t (109) = 0.742, p = 0.460. There is need for farmers t o regularly use face mask to avoid inhalation of dust. Environmental sanitation should be regularly carried out so as to reduce wastes which serve as breeding ground for fungi. There is also the need for Farmers to also engage in routine medical checkups.

FACTORS AFFECTING INDIGENOUS PROCESSING OF CASSAVA INTO FLOUR (Alibo) AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN SHENDAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the factors affecting of indigenous processing of cassava into flour (Alibo) among rural women in Shendam local government area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The study area was purposively selected and primary data were collected from randomly selected 120 respondents using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and production function. The results showed that all the respondents (100%) are small scale operators; about 47.50% have formal education, whereas 37.50% have non-formal education. It was further shown that 72.50% of the respondents have 1-10years of experience in indigenous processing of cassava into flour and about 60.83% of them are within the active age range of 21 – 40 years. Quantity of cassava tubers used and water for fermentation were significant at 95.00% level of significance while operating cost was significant at (p<0.01). Resource use efficiency results indicated that all resources used were inefficiently utilized. Cassava tubers used, labour and water were over utilized while operating expenses was underutilized. The main problems militating against traditional cassava processing in the study area include, among others are: high costs of transport, labour and processing implements; poor pricing of products and very small quantities of cassava used per processing. To achieve increased efficiency of local cassava processing in the study area, the study recommended the adoption of policies that will enable the processors improve on their education, grant them increased access to credit, improved processing technologies and increased quantity of cassava per processing operation.

A survey of viral diseases of livestock characterized by skin lesions in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

A survey on the status of viral diseases of livestock characterized by skin lesions was carried out between November, 2016 and March 2017 in Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered and suspected cases of Lumpy skin disease (LSD), Goat pox (GTP), Contagious ecthyma (CE) and Bovine papilloma (BP) were investigated. Samples collected were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The questionnaires were administered to livestock farmers (n=109), butchers (n=11) and livestock traders (n=13). The results indicated that majority of livestock farmers (94.50%), butchers (100%) and livestock traders (100%) were familiar with these viral diseases of livestock. Farmers in the study area also indicated that they had observed LSD (64.5%) and BP (7.34%) in cattle; GTP (67.9%) and CE (59.5%) in sheep and goats in the last 12 months. Data collated from the questionnaire survey showed these viral diseases of livestock also affect trade price with reduction of about 50-75% of real value of affected animals. The PCR result of samples collected from clinically diagnosed cases of orf shows that 3 out 4 samples analyzed were positive. Likewise, 1 out of 3 samples collected from clinically diagnosed cases of GTP were positive by PCR. The PCR results validate the respondents‘ feedback on the presence these viral skin diseases of livestock in study area. This report provides baseline epidemiological data on the status of these diseases of livestock and further investigation is needed to better understand the impact of viral skin diseases of livestock in Kanam LGA.Keywords: Survey; viral skin diseases; Kanam; Nigeria

Evaluation of the Microbial Quality of ‘Nono’ Sold in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: To assess the microbial quality and safety or otherwise of ‘nono’ sold to the public for consumption.
 Study Design: A cross sectional study design was employed for the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State is the study area. The study lasted between May 2017 and June 2018.
 Methodology: Questionnaire was administered to 300 ‘nono’ sellers and subsequently, 300 ‘nono’ samples were randomly collected (30 samples collected at intervals) from 10 markets and the samples were transported to central diagnostic laboratory of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State for laboratory analyses of the samples using serial dilution and spread-plate technique.
 Results: Results showed that majority (86.0%) of the respondents depends on selling ‘nono’ as the only source of income, and 75.7 % of them had no formal education. An overall mean total bacterial count (TBC) of 6.09 Log10cfuml-l was recorded from all the samples. Majority of the ‘nono’ samples collected from the different markets had significantly higher bacterial count than the recommended level of 5.0 Log10cfuml-1 set by the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) for a minimum acceptable level of bacterial count in milk and milk products. Bacteria isolated were Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with overall prevalence of 52.7%, 43.0%, 10.0%, 8.3%, 5.0%, and 16.3% which recorded overall mean counts of 4.37, 3.56, 0.83, 0.69, 0.41 and 1.30 Log10cfuml-1, respectively. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp. and Candida spp. isolated from the products had an overall prevalence of 25.7 % and overall mean fungal count of 2.13 Log10cfuml-1. A statistically significant (P<0.05) difference was established among the means of the microbial groups.
 Conclusion: Microbiological safety of ‘nono’ sold in Mangu is not guaranteed as at time of study possibly as a result of unhygienic practices during ‘nono’ production and product contamination from the vendors.

Prevalence of African trypanosomosis in cattle and sheep in Bassa local government area of Plateau State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State was carried out on 462 animals (361 cattle and 101 sheep) purposively selected. Blood samples were examined for trypanosomes and the packed cell volume was determined. Biconical traps were set to catch biting flies which were later dissected. The body condition scores of the selected animals were also noted. Out of the 462 blood samples examined, 22 (4.8%) tested positive for trypanosomes. Sheep had higher trypanosome prevalence of 6.9% than cattle 4.2%. The most prevalent species encountered was Trypanosoma vivax (86.4%) followed by T. brucei (13.6%). Trypanosoma vivax was also more predominant in cattle 13 (86.7%) than sheep 6 (85.7%). White Fulani and Red Bororo cattle had 4.2% and 0.0% prevalence, respectively while Yankasa sheep, the only sheep breed sampled, had 6.9%. Male cattle and sheep were more infected with the prevalence rates of 5.0% and 7.4%, respectively than their female counterpart (3.6% for cattle and 6.8% for Sheep). Young cattle (< 3yrs) and sheep (≤ 2yrs) had higher trypanosome infection rates of 5.4% and 9.4% than the adult cattle (≥ 3yrs) and sheep (>2yrs) having the prevalence rates of 3.1% and 4.2% respectively. Poor body conditioned animals had higher trypanosome prevalence (7.3%) than the good body conditioned ones (3.8%). Age, sex, breed and body condition score of animals examined did not influence the infection rate of trypanosome species (p>0.05). The mean PCV ± standard deviation of infected animals (21.73 ± 4.81) was significantly lower than non-infected animals (26.89 ± 4.37) p < 0.05.The study revealed an overall relative low fly density of 0.39 flies/trap/day and flies dissected were negative for trypanosome infection. This present study revealed trypanosome and their vectors are present in the study area. Therefore, improved Veterinary extension services and education should be implemented.Keywords: Bassa, Cattle, Sheep, Prevalence, Trypanosomosis

Physicochemical and Sensory Quality Assessment of ‘Nono’ Sold In Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Physicochemical and Sensory Quality Assessment of ‘Nono’ Sold In Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

A comparison of pitfall traps and hand-picking techniques for studying macroathropods abundance in vegetable plots and the influence of abiotic factors on their abundance in Jos, Nigeria

Soil macroarthropods are important components that sustain the health and quality of agro-ecosystems for improved agricultural productions though are influenced by abiotic components of the environment. Macroarthropod collections vary across traps due to the fact that some traps can stand for a long time while others such as handpicking cannot. However, traps may be used as a rapid assessment tool to generate checklists for macroarthropod species present in an area within a very short time. To this end, a study on the comparison of pitfall traps and hand-picking techniques for studying macroathropods abundance in vegetable plots and the influence of abiotic factors (temperature and pH) on their abundance in Jos, Nigeria was carried out from August to October, 2014. Pitfall traps and hand-picking techniques were used to collect macroarthropods from six different vegetable plots in three selected villages in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Soil temperature was recorded in the field while soil samples were obtained from a 7.5 cm depth for measurement of soil pH in the laboratory. A total of 3,346 macroarthropods were collected and pitfall traps had 2,780 (83.08%) while handpicking technique recorded 566 (16.92%). There was a significant difference (P = 0.0076) in the mean abundance of macroarthropods between sampling techniques. Macroarthropods abundance and species richness in relation to vegetable plots varied significantly (P < 0.0001). There was a positive association between pH and macroarthropod abundance (r = 0.13) while temperature did not influence the abundance (r = -0.08). Although, pitfall trap is a passive collector of macroarthropods, it is still a more efficient and preferred sampling techniques for ground crawling arthropods. Farmers should ensure that their soil pH is well maintained at alkaline level so as to influence macroathropods abundance in vegetable plots and ensure robust productivity.

An impact evaluation of two rounds of mass drug administration on the prevalence of active trachoma: A clustered cross sectional survey.

IntroductionWe investigated the impact of two round of mass drug administration on trachoma prevalence in Plateau and Nasarawa States of Nigeria. The mass drug administration was conducted as a component of the SAFE Strategy, a combination of interventions recommended for the global elimination of blinding trachoma.MethodsThe study consisted of a two-stage cross-sectional clustered sample survey in which 3990 people from 793 households were screened for clinical signs of trachoma.ResultsOf the total 3990 people examined, 1530 were children, of which 808 (53%) were boys and 704 (47%) were girls. The impact of intervention as measured by the changes in overall prevalence of follicular trachoma were as follows: At baseline the overall prevalence of follicular trachoma among children 1–9 years of age was 6.4%, 95% CI [5.8, 7.0]; the overall prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in the total population was 0.20%, 95% CI [0.16, 0.25]. At follow up, the overall prevalence of follicular trachoma among children 1–9 years of age was 3.4%, 95% CI [1.9, 4.9]; the overall prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in the total population was 0.20%, 95% CI [0.00, 0.05]. The highest statistically significant reduction (96%) in follicular trachoma prevalence was observed in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State from baseline prevalence of 13.6%, 95% CI [9.7, 17.5] to follow-up prevalence of 0.5%, 95% CI [0.0, 1.5] and the lowest reduction (58%) in follicular trachoma prevalence was observed in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State from baseline prevalence of 15.8%, 95% CI [9.3, 22.3] to 6.6%, 95% CI [1.6, 11.6], (p<0.05).ConclusionA significant reduction in the overall prevalence of follicular trachoma was achieved after two rounds of mass drug administration. In the absence of significant activities pertaining to facial cleanliness and environmental sanitation components of the SAFE strategy in the intervention areas, the observed deep reductions in prevalence could mainly be attributed to mass drug administration. Therefore, two rounds of mass azithromycin administration may be as effective as guideline-recommended three or more rounds in reducing active trachoma prevalence but findings should be replicated in more robustly designed studies.

Determination of Heavy Metals Concentration in Some Herbs Commonly Consume in JOS North And JOS South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Determination of Heavy Metals Concentration in Some Herbs Commonly Consume in JOS North And JOS South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria.

Assessment of Properties of Fadama Soils in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State

Assessment of Properties of Fadama Soils in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State

Prevalence Study of Gastrointestinal Helminth in Domestics Dogs (Canis Familiaris) Slaughtered in Selected Abattoirs in Plateau State, Nigeria

Being that dogs are domestic animals to man, they are also consumed as meat. This study therefore aimed to determine the presence of gastrointestinal helminth of dogs in the two Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria namely Jos South and Pankshin and also to identify possible risk factors of zoonosis. Gastrointestinal content of 228 slaughtered dogs in abattoirs were selected randomly from Unguwarkare in Jos South and Kurum, in Pankshin LGAs. Samples were conveyed to the parasitological division of the National Veterinary Research Institute (N.V.R.I) Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria for analysis. The Post-mortem Differential Parasite Counts procedure as described by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was used for the analysis. Of the total 228 feacal samples analysed, 138 (60.53%) were positive for at least one of the intestinal parasites. Among the gastrointestinal helminth, Taenia pisiformis, Dipylidium caninum and Echinococusgranulosus were the cestodes recorded with prevalence of 36.84%, 12.72% and 1.75% respectively. Nematodes recorded were Ancylostoma caninum (3.51%), Toxocaracanis (4.83%) and Trichurisvulpis(0.88%). However, from the 114 samples collected from Unguwarkare study area, 77(67.54%) were positive for the various intestinal helminthes which include Taenia spp. (42.98%), D. caninum (1316%) and E. granulosus (2.63%). As for the nematodes, A. caninum, T. canis and T. vulpis recorded 3.51%, 2.63% and 0.88% prevalences respectively. The parasites recorded from the remaining 114 samples analysed at Kurum include 28.95% T. pisiformis, 12.28% D. caninum and 0.88% E. granulosus while the nematodes recorded wereT. Canis (7.02%), A. caninum (3.51%) and T. vulpis (0.88%). The study revealed the presence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminthes in dogs in the study areas with highest infection rate recorded at Unguwarkare in Jos South LGA compared with those of Kurum community of Pankshin LGA. Therefore, the general public in the said areas are at high risk of being infected with any of the zoonotic parasites.

Intestinal schistosomiasis among some inhabitants of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Central Nigeria

Human schistomiasis is endemic and still remains a public health problem in Nigeria. Most reported cases of the disease have focused mainly on the urinary form with the intestinal form less reported.. Thus 600 fresh stool samples from consenting individuals in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State an endermic foci of schistosomiasis were collected and fixed in 10% formol-saline solution and processed using the Kato-katz technique. Prevalence of infection between ages and gender were tested using Chi-square (x^2) while one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in analyzing data relating to occupation. Association between infection and occupation was assessed by the independent student t-test. Freshwater snails were sampled using a scoop net and pair of forceps. Infection was significantly higher in younger than older individuals (P

Proximate Analysis and Mineral Composition of Jatropha curcas Seeds Obtained from Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State of Nigeria

The chemical evaluation of Jatropha curcas (Barbados nut) seeds was carried out to analyze and characterize the chemical composition of Jatropha curcas seeds for mineral content. Various analytical techniques have been used to breakdown the mineral and fat and protein content. The result of the proximate composition was shown to be moisture (4.00%), ash (6.00%), fat (40.00%), fibre (8.00%), protein (27.65%) and carbohydrate (18.35%). The ascorbic acid content was found to be 5.16%. The result of the elemental composition of Jatropha curcas seeds shows the presence of Na (54.03 ppm), Al (15.68 ppm), Mg (166.23 ppm), P (5.08 ppm), Ca (1.81 ppm), K (79.89 ppm), Fe (112.03 ppm), Pb (0.10 ppm), Zn (63.23 ppm) and Cd (0.04 ppm). This study revealed that Jatropha curcas seeds have low moisture, high fat and protein content. This suggests that J. curcas can be good source of minerals, if it is detoxified.