Comparison of the performance of horizontal and vertical flow constructed wetland planted with Rhynchospora corymbosa.

Treatment performance of horizontal flow (HF) and vertical flow (VF) constructed wetland planted with Rhynchospora corymbosa were compared. The average porosity of the CW beds were 0.55, hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 days, hydraulic loading rate (HLR) and Organic Loading rate were 0.058 m/day and 3.96 (g·BOD/m2·day), respectively with a volumetric flow rate of 0.14 m3/day. The pollutant concentration of graywater before and after its introduction to the CWs was measured using standard sampling and analyses methods. The mean removal efficiencies (RE) for HF and VF CWs were BOD, 35% and 35.4%; COD, 61.9% and 56.7%; TN, 87% and 92%; TP, 95% and 65%; TSS, 86% and 59.6%; pH, 8.8% and 12.8%, respectively. The graywater was highly contaminated in terms of nutrient and organic load. The mean values of the parameters tested for different CWs were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). This comparative study favored HF over VF Constructed wetland with HF found to be a viable alternative for graywater treatment for organics, nutrients and suspended solids removal. The result provided insight into the performance of CWs planted with R. corymbosa.

Coffee consumption attenuates insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rats fed on high-sucrose diet.

Several epidemiological evidences indicate that consumption of coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) however; there is dearth of experimental data to support these observations. Given that associations do not necessarily infer causality, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of coffee consumption on glucose regulation, T2DM and the probable mechanisms of action, using an animal model. The effect of coffee (2-fold dilution) by oral gavage on normal and high sucrose-solution (HSS) fed (30 % w/v) rats was evaluated. The results showed that consumption of coffee significantly increase glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (p<0.05) along with significant improvement in SOD and GSH activities. In addition, lipid indices such as TG and LDL as well as the lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) were markedly reduced (p<0.05) in rats fed with coffee compared with that of the HSS fed rats. These findings suggest that coffee consumption improves insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance in HSS-fed rat possibly via inhibition of oxidative stress.

Antifertility effect of calcium channel blockers on male rats: association with oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: Calcium ions are vital in many biologic processes including a variety of enzymatic reactions, activation of excitable cells, coupling of electrical activation to cellular secretion, haemostasis, bone metabolism and sperm functions. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) appear to have a reversible anti-fertility effect on male rats which does not occur through inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis. While the effects of CCB on male reproductive function have been investigated, less information is available regarding other reproductive indices and the underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, the involvement of oxidative mechanisms in the adverse manifestation induced by CCB on male reproductive functions is investigated in this study. METHODS: For this purpose, lipid peroxidation; enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reduced; epididymal sperm count, motility; histopathology of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate glands; and reproductive performance were determined. RESULTS: CCB administration in rats causes significant oxidative stress in the male reproductive milieu in term of increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and a concomitant decrease in catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione enzyme activities in the testes. In addition, CCB treatment significantly decreased the sperm count, sperm motility, fertility index, implantation count, and litter size in this study. CONCLUSION: There is substantial evidence that CCB induces significant oxidative stress in the testes, which appears to be responsible for the adverse effects of decreased sperm count and motility ultimately leading to reduced fertility in rats.

Effect of nifedipine on reproductive functions in male rats.

BACKGROUND: After life itself, fertility is probably the most highly prized human possession. Yet, while medical treatment of the individual naturally demands priority, relatively little attention is paid to the effects of treatment on reproductive function. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, on sperm functions and identify the possible mechanism of action. METHODS: Twenty four (24) male rats weighing 150-170 g were divided into three groups of eight rats each. Group 1 (control) received distilled water; Group 2, received nifedipine 0.57 mg/kg; and Group 3, received 0.57 mg/kg and serve as a recovery group. Treatment was done orally and it lasted for 30 days. Animals in Group 3 were allowed another 30 days after drug withdrawal for recovery. Sperm count, motility, morphology and serum testosterone level were evaluated. The testes were removed, weighed and prepared for histological studies. RESULTS: The weight of the testis and epididymis were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with administration of nifedipine. There were significant decreases (P < 0.05) in epididymal sperm count and motility. Serum testosterone levels remained unchanged in treated rats. The histological section of the testis showed no biologically meaningful change compared with control tissue. CONCLUSION: Nifedipine appears to have a reversible deleterious effect on sperm functions in rats which is not mediated by ta change in testosterone secretion.

Effect of pre-dehulling treatments on the composition of seeds of the legume Afzelia africana and its potential use in pastries.

Flour was prepared from seeds of Afzelia africana dehulled by different treatments and used to replace 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% wheat flour in biscuits and doughnuts. The composition and water and oil absorption properties of the flour blends were evaluated. The biscuits and doughnuts made from each flour blend were evaluated organoleptically. The composite flour containing the highest proportion (50%) of A. africana seed flour contained the highest levels of protein and fat, exhibited the highest water absorption property but the lowest oil absorption capacity. Sensory scores showed high overall acceptability for products with a 10-30% level of substitution.