Ekerette Ekerette | University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. (original) (raw)

Papers by Ekerette Ekerette

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of intra and inter species variation in antioxidant composition and activity in marginalized Fonio millet (Digitaria spp.)

Journal of Cereals and Oilseeds, 2016

Fonio (Digitaria spp.) is a highly nutritious, health promoting and cheaply available cereal whic... more Fonio (Digitaria spp.) is a highly nutritious, health promoting and cheaply available cereal which is, however, marginalized in many parts of Nigeria, and research attention on the crop is yet to measure up to its usefulness as a dietary staple. In this study therefore, five accessions each of two common species (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) were assessed for intra and inter-species variation in antioxidant activities. Total phenols were higher (p<0.05) in D. iburua than D. exilis accessions (0.64 to 1.59 and 0.43 to 0.63 mg gallic acid equivalents g-1 specimen, respectively). D. iburua accessions scavenged 50% of stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with greater potency (EC 50 = 0.278 to 0.816 mg/mL) compared to D. exilis accessions (0.916 to 2.325 mg/ml). D. iburua accessions further showed higher (p<0.05) 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging potency (6.939 to 8.677 trolox equivalents) than D. exilis accessions (0.365 to 6.070 trolox equivalents). Total antioxidant capacity of D. iburua accessions ranged from 17.76 to 27.44 ascorbic acid equivalents, and was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of D. exilis (8.69 to 15.80 ascorbic acid equivalents). Correlation analysis revealed that antioxidant activity of the fonio accessions was significantly associated with their total phenols content, but had little association with extract yields. Taken together, the study results provide evidence that fonio grains contain useful antioxidants, which varied significantly within and across species. Optimum antioxidant benefits in fonio would be derived more from D. iburua than D. exilis. However, environmental influence on antioxidant activity of the crop could also be prevalent, given the observed significant variation among accessions of both species.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficient multiple shoot organogenesis in the African bush apple

African bush apple [Heinsia crinita (Afzel.) G. Taylor] is a threatened orphan crop with immense ... more African bush apple [Heinsia crinita (Afzel.) G. Taylor] is a threatened orphan crop with immense nutritional and medicinal value to many rural African communities. We developed an efficient system for the in vitro induction of direct multiple shoot organogenesis from different explants of the crop using combinations of two cytokinins (benzyl adenine - BA and thidiazuron - TDZ) and the auxin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Multiple shoot induction was most effectively achieved from hypocotyl and stem explants using 1.0 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA combination. In vitro-regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on hormone-free 0.5x MS medium and acclimatized to generate H. crinita plantlets, thus providing a strategy for in vitro conservation of this crop as well as a pathway for its genetic improvement via biotechnology.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic Relationship among Three Nigerian Chicken (Gallus gallus) Genotypes Based on Cytochrome b of Mitochondrial DNA

Asian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships among Phenotypic Traits of Giant African Land Snails in Western region of Nigeria

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2018

The relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata) of giant Africa... more The relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata) of giant African land snails, a highly relished source of protein in West Africa was studied. Three hundred (300) matured snails consisting of one hundred (100) each of A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata collected randomly from three locations in Western region of Nigeria were used to evaluate the relationships among phenotypic traits. The results of the mean body weight and shell traits (body weight, shell length, shell width, shell 'mouth' length and shell 'mouth' width) studied showed highly significant differences (P< 0.05). Phenotypic correlations among the pairs of traits showed positive, strong and highly significant (P< 0.01) correlation coefficients (r p). Similarly, the clustering of the phenotypic traits also showed that the three populations were divided into two major groups with A. marginata being more closely related to A. achatina than A. fulica. The body traits studied was grouped into one principal component with a total variability of 98.75%. This study revealed phenotypic differences among the species of snails used.

Research paper thumbnail of Computational Analysis of Evolutionary Relationship of a Family of Cold Shock Proteins in Ten Mammalian Species

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2017

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of a family of cold sh... more Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of a family of cold shock proteins (CSP) in ten mammalian species using bioinformatics tools and soft wares such as Genbank, FASTA, BLAST and MEGA 5. Sample: Twenty protein sequences of both RBM3 and CIRP proteins of some selected mammalian species were downloaded from NCBI database. Study Design: Computational analysis to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of the CSP was carried out by estimating the phylogenic relationship of CSP in the different mammalian species studied.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Giant African Land Snails Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) Markers

Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2018

The genetic diversity and relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marg... more The genetic diversity and relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata) of giant African land snails, a highly relished source of protein in West Africa were studied using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Thirty (30) snails consisting of ten (10) each of A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata were collected randomly from three locations in Nigeria for genetic diversity studies. DNA were extracted using CTAB methods with minor modifications and ten (10) ISSR primers were used for PCR-DNA amplification and bands were visualized under UV light using ethidium bromide. Data analyses were computed using power marker version 3.25, POPGENE version 1.32 and GenAlex 6.5 software. Results obtained revealed that the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.7139 to 0.9230, while percentage Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of CYP1B1 Gene Mutations Spectrum in Families with Open-Angle Glaucoma in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the commonest causes of blindness due to optic ... more Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the commonest causes of blindness due to optic nerves damage because of elevated intraocular pressure and it is the commonest form of glaucoma. We determined the frequency of CYP 1 B 1 gene mutations spectrum among families with open-angle glaucoma in Calabar. Methods: Ophthalmologists examined the recruited subjects to establish the diagnosis on patients.

Research paper thumbnail of A Pilot Study on Human CYP1B1 Gene Mutations in Three Cases with Primary Congenital Glaucoma in Calabar: Benefits for Disease Management

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 2018

Background: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is an inherited ocular congenital anomaly of the tr... more Background: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is an inherited ocular congenital anomaly of the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle, which results in optic nerve damage due to increase intraocular pressure if not properly managed. We explore CYPIBI gene mutations in three Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of 220 Mitochondrial DNA polymorphism as a measure of genetic diversity in African tilapia fish

Journal of Animal Science, 2019

This study focused on the assessment of genetic diversity in African tilapia fish (Oreochromis ni... more This study focused on the assessment of genetic diversity in African tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from two populations (Domita in South-South and Odeda in South-West, Nigeria) using the displacement loop (D-loop) and cytochrome B region of the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA). A total of 28 samples (15 from South-South and 13 from South-West) were used for the genetic analysis. DNA was extracted from the tissue of all the samples using Quik-gDNATM miniPrep kit. The D-loop region was sequenced for all samples from the two populations, while cytochrome b (cyt b) region of mtDNA was only sequenced for samples from South-South population Multiple sequence alignment was carried out using molecular evolutionary genetic analysis (MEGA) software before subsequent genetic analyses. There were 176, 162 and 144 polymorphic sites for D-loop of South-South, South-West and cyt b of South-South populations, respectively. Haplotype diversities (Hd) were 1.00 ± 0.024 and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Immune Response of Nigerian Chicken Genotypes to Salmonella and Newcastle Vaccines

Trends in Applied Sciences Research, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Phylogenetics and Molecular Divergence of Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis Species) Using Mitochondrial D-Loop and Cytochrome b Regions

American Journal of Molecular Biology, 2018

Understanding the level of genetic diversity in any population is an important requisite towards ... more Understanding the level of genetic diversity in any population is an important requisite towards strategizing measures for conservation and improvement of stocks. This study focused on the assessment of phylogenetics and molecular divergence of tilapia fish species obtained from two populations (Domita in South-South and Odeda in SouthWest , Nigeria) using the displacement loop (D-loop) and cytochrome b region of the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA). A total of 28 samples (15 from South-South and 13 from SouthWest) were used for the genetic analysis. DNA was extracted from the tissue of all the samples using Quik-gDNA TM miniPrep kit. The D-loop containing the hypervariable region was sequenced for all samples from the two populations, while cytochrome b (Cyt b) region of mtDNA was only sequenced for samples from South-South population. Chromatograms of the sequences were viewed and edited using Bioedit software. Multiple sequence alignment was carried out using molecular evolutionary genetic analysis (MEGA) software before subsequent genetic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the samples into two clusters based on population. Also, when the two mitochondrial regions were pooled together, they clustered into two major groups based on mitochondrial regions. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 37.32% variation within population and 62.68% variation among population with a significant fixation index of 0.627 (p < 0.05). The genetic distance inferred between D-loop regions of South-South and SouthWest populations was 0.243. Maternal lineage analysis revealed that the origin of tilapia fish How to cite this paper: Ekerette, E.E.,

Research paper thumbnail of PSIV-23 GENETIC DIVERSITY OF FRESHWATER CLAM (Egeria radiata) IN NIGERIA

Journal of Animal Science, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Morphological Variation in Wild and Cultured Populations of Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus)

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2017

Reliable estimates of morphometric traits are required for all traits of economic importance to p... more Reliable estimates of morphometric traits are required for all traits of economic importance to predict response to selection, choose various breeding plans, estimate economic returns and to predict breeding values of stocks for selection. The present study was aimed at assessing the morphometric variation of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from different populations. A total of two hundred samples from four populations that cut across two wild [Anantigha river (AN) and Ifiayong river (IF)] and two cultured [Unical fish farm (UN) and Domita fish farm (DM)] were used for the study with fifty samples from each population, respectively. A total of twenty morphormetric traits were measured on each fish. The data were transformed and subjected to multivariate analysis. Results obtained revealed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the morphometric traits of the different populations. Body weight was highest in the wild populations (AN =2.32 g; IF = 2.21 g). Correlation analysis revealed high and significant correlation coefficient between the measured traits, where the highest was observed from origin of the dorsal fin to the Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of Phenotypic Correlations and Body Weight Prediction of Two Ectotypes of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina maginata, Swain.) Based on Number of Whorls in Calabar, Nigeria

Asian Research Journal of Agriculture, 2017

Background: Giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) is a micro livestock with potential... more Background: Giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) is a micro livestock with potentials as a protein source especially among impoverished individuals. As such, it requires much research attention to fully unveil it genetic nature for possible improvements. Materials and Methods: Two hundred (200) snails consisting of one hundred (100) each of blackskinned ectotype and white-skinned ectotype were selected based on number of whorls from a population gathered in the wild within Cross River State for the study. Data collected on number of whorls from the two ectotypes of snails were used for predicting body weights from phenotypic traits. Results: The black-skinned ectotype body weight ranged from 0.70 g to 153.90 g, while the whiteskinned ectotype body weight ranged from 0.60 g to 72.10 g. The results obtained from the study showed positive, strong and very high significant correlation coefficients (p<0.001) between body weights and all body components measured based on 2 and 3 whorls for the two ectotypes of Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of tuberculosis in Calabar, Nigeria: A case study of patients attending the outpatients Department of Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, Calabar

Saudi Journal for Health Sciences, 2016

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), though a curable infectious disease, remains one of the leading ca... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB), though a curable infectious disease, remains one of the leading causes of death in adults. It is also a major public health concern in Nigeria. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence rate of tuberculosis among patients attending the out-patient Department of Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital Calabar. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out consisting of all documented cases of tuberculosis from January 2005 to April 2015. Results: Out of 20185 patients tested, a total of 5,004 cases of tuberculosis was recorded within the period of this study with a prevalence rate of 24.8%. The prevalence for each year during this study were as follows: 2005 (37.5%), 2006 (30.9%), 2007 (26.2%), 2008 (23.1%), 2009 (23.0%), 2010 (20.5%), 2011 (16.6%), 2012 (20.5%), 2013 (22.9%), 2014 (21.8%) and 2015 (44.6%). HIV co-infection was more prevalence in males than females, while majority of the disease site was pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The highest mortality was recorded in 2012 (18.2%). Within the ethnic groups assessed, the prevalence was higher among the Efiks. Conclusion: The prevalence of TB/ HIV co-infection and subsequent mortality within the years under study is traumatizing and thus requires prompt measures in combating the situation.

Research paper thumbnail of Differentiation in Growth of Body Components Between Two Ectotypes of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata S.) Based on Number of Whorls in Calabar, Nigeria

Asian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative assessment of annual wormwood and local accessions of bitter leaf for antioxidant composition and activity

Spatula DD - Peer Reviewed Journal on Complementary Medicine and Drug Discovery, 2015

Aim: To evaluate ethanol extracts of two anti-malarial herbs from Asteraceae family, annual wormw... more Aim: To evaluate ethanol extracts of two anti-malarial herbs from Asteraceae family, annual wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.), for antioxidant composition and activity. Methods: Aerial leaves from both herbs were sampled at flowering stage, extracted with 95% ethanol and resulting crude extracts evaluated for antioxidant composition and activity using selected assay systems. Results: Extract yield from annual wormwood doubled the mean yield from four bitter leaf accessions studied, while its total phenol content (5.19 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents/ 1 g dry weight) was nearly ten folds (p

Research paper thumbnail of Potential of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds in Mitigating Aspartame-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Model

Research Journal of Medicinal Plant, 2016

Aspartame (ASP) consumption has been reported to implicate oxidative stress and antioxidant suppl... more Aspartame (ASP) consumption has been reported to implicate oxidative stress and antioxidant supplements from plant origin are one of the safest ways of averting their effect in the body. The current study was aimed at ascertaining the ability of aspartame (ASP) to induce oxidative stress in rats as well as assessing the potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds extracts in averting the aspartame induced oxidative stress. This was done using sperm parameters and biochemical assays such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP x), catalase, melonaldehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate (ALP). Forty eight sexually matured male albino rats were divided into six groups (A-F) with eight rats in each group. Group A served as the positive control and received physiological saline. Group B served as the negative control and were administered with 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of aspartame (ASP). Rats in group C were administered with 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+500 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of ginger extracts while rats in group D were administered with 1000 ASP+1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of ginger extracts. On the other hand, rats in group E received 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+500 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of watermelon seed extracts while rats in group F received 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of watermelon seed extracts. The result revealed that administration of ASP reduced sperm viability, sperm count and increased sperm head abnormalities significantly (p<0.05) while sperm motility was not affected by ASP administration in the rats. Superoxide dismutase and GP x levels were increased significantly by ginger and watermelon seeds extracts. Although ginger extract reduced more of lipid peroxidation (MDA), watermelon seeds extract increased the activities of SOD, GP x and reduced AST, ALT and ALP in the liver of rats at 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., than the extract of ginger. Thus, the extracts of these two medicinal plants are possible antioxidant reservoir and may provide reliable solution in averting oxidative stress pathologies.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating the Prevalence of Five Genetic Traits of Simple Inheritance in Association with the Distribution Pattern of ABO and Rhesus Phenotypes among Families in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Medical Sciences(Faisalabad), 2015

is an International, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original article in experime... more is an International, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original article in experimental & clinical medicine and related disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biophysics, bio-and medical technology. JMS is issued eight times per year on paper and in electronic format.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative Study of Egg Quality Traits of Black-Skinned and White-Skinned Ectotypes of Snails (Archachatina marginata) Based on Four Whorls in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Biological Sciences, 2015

The comparative study of egg quality traits of black-skinned and white-skinned ectotypes of snail... more The comparative study of egg quality traits of black-skinned and white-skinned ectotypes of snails (Archachatina marginata) based on four whorls were studied using sixty adult snails. The snails were managed in captivity for three months using hutches, embedded with steriled, loamy soil to generate eggs for the study. Egg quality traits evaluated include number of eggs laid, egg weight, length and width. The snails were divided into two mating groups, black-skinned x blackskinned and white-skinned x white-skinned ectotypes of snails. Data collected were subjected to t-test. Results showed that the black-skinned ectotype laid 112 eggs from 13 clutches, while the white-skinned ectotype laid 98 eggs from 11 clutches. The results of the egg quality traits analyzed showed high significant differences (p<0.05) between the two ectotypes of snails based on four whorls. The results of the phenotypic correlation of the egg quality traits also revealed a highly significant (p<0.001) mean number of egg, mean egg weight, length and width between the two ectotypes of snails. The highly and positive correlation between the egg quality traits could suggest that there are direct relationships between the traits and selection for one trait leads to improvement of the other trait. It is recommended that snails with 5, 6 and 7 whorls should be used for analysis of egg quality traits since the number of whorls are yet to be used as a standard for estimating the age of snails.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of intra and inter species variation in antioxidant composition and activity in marginalized Fonio millet (Digitaria spp.)

Journal of Cereals and Oilseeds, 2016

Fonio (Digitaria spp.) is a highly nutritious, health promoting and cheaply available cereal whic... more Fonio (Digitaria spp.) is a highly nutritious, health promoting and cheaply available cereal which is, however, marginalized in many parts of Nigeria, and research attention on the crop is yet to measure up to its usefulness as a dietary staple. In this study therefore, five accessions each of two common species (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) were assessed for intra and inter-species variation in antioxidant activities. Total phenols were higher (p<0.05) in D. iburua than D. exilis accessions (0.64 to 1.59 and 0.43 to 0.63 mg gallic acid equivalents g-1 specimen, respectively). D. iburua accessions scavenged 50% of stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with greater potency (EC 50 = 0.278 to 0.816 mg/mL) compared to D. exilis accessions (0.916 to 2.325 mg/ml). D. iburua accessions further showed higher (p<0.05) 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging potency (6.939 to 8.677 trolox equivalents) than D. exilis accessions (0.365 to 6.070 trolox equivalents). Total antioxidant capacity of D. iburua accessions ranged from 17.76 to 27.44 ascorbic acid equivalents, and was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of D. exilis (8.69 to 15.80 ascorbic acid equivalents). Correlation analysis revealed that antioxidant activity of the fonio accessions was significantly associated with their total phenols content, but had little association with extract yields. Taken together, the study results provide evidence that fonio grains contain useful antioxidants, which varied significantly within and across species. Optimum antioxidant benefits in fonio would be derived more from D. iburua than D. exilis. However, environmental influence on antioxidant activity of the crop could also be prevalent, given the observed significant variation among accessions of both species.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficient multiple shoot organogenesis in the African bush apple

African bush apple [Heinsia crinita (Afzel.) G. Taylor] is a threatened orphan crop with immense ... more African bush apple [Heinsia crinita (Afzel.) G. Taylor] is a threatened orphan crop with immense nutritional and medicinal value to many rural African communities. We developed an efficient system for the in vitro induction of direct multiple shoot organogenesis from different explants of the crop using combinations of two cytokinins (benzyl adenine - BA and thidiazuron - TDZ) and the auxin, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Multiple shoot induction was most effectively achieved from hypocotyl and stem explants using 1.0 mg/L BA + 0.1 mg/L NAA combination. In vitro-regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on hormone-free 0.5x MS medium and acclimatized to generate H. crinita plantlets, thus providing a strategy for in vitro conservation of this crop as well as a pathway for its genetic improvement via biotechnology.

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic Relationship among Three Nigerian Chicken (Gallus gallus) Genotypes Based on Cytochrome b of Mitochondrial DNA

Asian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships among Phenotypic Traits of Giant African Land Snails in Western region of Nigeria

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2018

The relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata) of giant Africa... more The relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata) of giant African land snails, a highly relished source of protein in West Africa was studied. Three hundred (300) matured snails consisting of one hundred (100) each of A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata collected randomly from three locations in Western region of Nigeria were used to evaluate the relationships among phenotypic traits. The results of the mean body weight and shell traits (body weight, shell length, shell width, shell 'mouth' length and shell 'mouth' width) studied showed highly significant differences (P< 0.05). Phenotypic correlations among the pairs of traits showed positive, strong and highly significant (P< 0.01) correlation coefficients (r p). Similarly, the clustering of the phenotypic traits also showed that the three populations were divided into two major groups with A. marginata being more closely related to A. achatina than A. fulica. The body traits studied was grouped into one principal component with a total variability of 98.75%. This study revealed phenotypic differences among the species of snails used.

Research paper thumbnail of Computational Analysis of Evolutionary Relationship of a Family of Cold Shock Proteins in Ten Mammalian Species

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2017

Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of a family of cold sh... more Aims: This study was carried out to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of a family of cold shock proteins (CSP) in ten mammalian species using bioinformatics tools and soft wares such as Genbank, FASTA, BLAST and MEGA 5. Sample: Twenty protein sequences of both RBM3 and CIRP proteins of some selected mammalian species were downloaded from NCBI database. Study Design: Computational analysis to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of the CSP was carried out by estimating the phylogenic relationship of CSP in the different mammalian species studied.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Giant African Land Snails Using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) Markers

Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research, 2018

The genetic diversity and relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marg... more The genetic diversity and relatedness among three populations (A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata) of giant African land snails, a highly relished source of protein in West Africa were studied using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Thirty (30) snails consisting of ten (10) each of A. achatina, A. fulica and A. marginata were collected randomly from three locations in Nigeria for genetic diversity studies. DNA were extracted using CTAB methods with minor modifications and ten (10) ISSR primers were used for PCR-DNA amplification and bands were visualized under UV light using ethidium bromide. Data analyses were computed using power marker version 3.25, POPGENE version 1.32 and GenAlex 6.5 software. Results obtained revealed that the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.7139 to 0.9230, while percentage Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of CYP1B1 Gene Mutations Spectrum in Families with Open-Angle Glaucoma in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the commonest causes of blindness due to optic ... more Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the commonest causes of blindness due to optic nerves damage because of elevated intraocular pressure and it is the commonest form of glaucoma. We determined the frequency of CYP 1 B 1 gene mutations spectrum among families with open-angle glaucoma in Calabar. Methods: Ophthalmologists examined the recruited subjects to establish the diagnosis on patients.

Research paper thumbnail of A Pilot Study on Human CYP1B1 Gene Mutations in Three Cases with Primary Congenital Glaucoma in Calabar: Benefits for Disease Management

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 2018

Background: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is an inherited ocular congenital anomaly of the tr... more Background: Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is an inherited ocular congenital anomaly of the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber angle, which results in optic nerve damage due to increase intraocular pressure if not properly managed. We explore CYPIBI gene mutations in three Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of 220 Mitochondrial DNA polymorphism as a measure of genetic diversity in African tilapia fish

Journal of Animal Science, 2019

This study focused on the assessment of genetic diversity in African tilapia fish (Oreochromis ni... more This study focused on the assessment of genetic diversity in African tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from two populations (Domita in South-South and Odeda in South-West, Nigeria) using the displacement loop (D-loop) and cytochrome B region of the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA). A total of 28 samples (15 from South-South and 13 from South-West) were used for the genetic analysis. DNA was extracted from the tissue of all the samples using Quik-gDNATM miniPrep kit. The D-loop region was sequenced for all samples from the two populations, while cytochrome b (cyt b) region of mtDNA was only sequenced for samples from South-South population Multiple sequence alignment was carried out using molecular evolutionary genetic analysis (MEGA) software before subsequent genetic analyses. There were 176, 162 and 144 polymorphic sites for D-loop of South-South, South-West and cyt b of South-South populations, respectively. Haplotype diversities (Hd) were 1.00 ± 0.024 and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Immune Response of Nigerian Chicken Genotypes to Salmonella and Newcastle Vaccines

Trends in Applied Sciences Research, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Phylogenetics and Molecular Divergence of Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis Species) Using Mitochondrial D-Loop and Cytochrome b Regions

American Journal of Molecular Biology, 2018

Understanding the level of genetic diversity in any population is an important requisite towards ... more Understanding the level of genetic diversity in any population is an important requisite towards strategizing measures for conservation and improvement of stocks. This study focused on the assessment of phylogenetics and molecular divergence of tilapia fish species obtained from two populations (Domita in South-South and Odeda in SouthWest , Nigeria) using the displacement loop (D-loop) and cytochrome b region of the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA). A total of 28 samples (15 from South-South and 13 from SouthWest) were used for the genetic analysis. DNA was extracted from the tissue of all the samples using Quik-gDNA TM miniPrep kit. The D-loop containing the hypervariable region was sequenced for all samples from the two populations, while cytochrome b (Cyt b) region of mtDNA was only sequenced for samples from South-South population. Chromatograms of the sequences were viewed and edited using Bioedit software. Multiple sequence alignment was carried out using molecular evolutionary genetic analysis (MEGA) software before subsequent genetic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the samples into two clusters based on population. Also, when the two mitochondrial regions were pooled together, they clustered into two major groups based on mitochondrial regions. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 37.32% variation within population and 62.68% variation among population with a significant fixation index of 0.627 (p < 0.05). The genetic distance inferred between D-loop regions of South-South and SouthWest populations was 0.243. Maternal lineage analysis revealed that the origin of tilapia fish How to cite this paper: Ekerette, E.E.,

Research paper thumbnail of PSIV-23 GENETIC DIVERSITY OF FRESHWATER CLAM (Egeria radiata) IN NIGERIA

Journal of Animal Science, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Morphological Variation in Wild and Cultured Populations of Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus)

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology, 2017

Reliable estimates of morphometric traits are required for all traits of economic importance to p... more Reliable estimates of morphometric traits are required for all traits of economic importance to predict response to selection, choose various breeding plans, estimate economic returns and to predict breeding values of stocks for selection. The present study was aimed at assessing the morphometric variation of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) from different populations. A total of two hundred samples from four populations that cut across two wild [Anantigha river (AN) and Ifiayong river (IF)] and two cultured [Unical fish farm (UN) and Domita fish farm (DM)] were used for the study with fifty samples from each population, respectively. A total of twenty morphormetric traits were measured on each fish. The data were transformed and subjected to multivariate analysis. Results obtained revealed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the morphometric traits of the different populations. Body weight was highest in the wild populations (AN =2.32 g; IF = 2.21 g). Correlation analysis revealed high and significant correlation coefficient between the measured traits, where the highest was observed from origin of the dorsal fin to the Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of Phenotypic Correlations and Body Weight Prediction of Two Ectotypes of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina maginata, Swain.) Based on Number of Whorls in Calabar, Nigeria

Asian Research Journal of Agriculture, 2017

Background: Giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) is a micro livestock with potential... more Background: Giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) is a micro livestock with potentials as a protein source especially among impoverished individuals. As such, it requires much research attention to fully unveil it genetic nature for possible improvements. Materials and Methods: Two hundred (200) snails consisting of one hundred (100) each of blackskinned ectotype and white-skinned ectotype were selected based on number of whorls from a population gathered in the wild within Cross River State for the study. Data collected on number of whorls from the two ectotypes of snails were used for predicting body weights from phenotypic traits. Results: The black-skinned ectotype body weight ranged from 0.70 g to 153.90 g, while the whiteskinned ectotype body weight ranged from 0.60 g to 72.10 g. The results obtained from the study showed positive, strong and very high significant correlation coefficients (p<0.001) between body weights and all body components measured based on 2 and 3 whorls for the two ectotypes of Original Research Article

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of tuberculosis in Calabar, Nigeria: A case study of patients attending the outpatients Department of Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, Calabar

Saudi Journal for Health Sciences, 2016

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), though a curable infectious disease, remains one of the leading ca... more Background: Tuberculosis (TB), though a curable infectious disease, remains one of the leading causes of death in adults. It is also a major public health concern in Nigeria. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence rate of tuberculosis among patients attending the out-patient Department of Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital Calabar. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out consisting of all documented cases of tuberculosis from January 2005 to April 2015. Results: Out of 20185 patients tested, a total of 5,004 cases of tuberculosis was recorded within the period of this study with a prevalence rate of 24.8%. The prevalence for each year during this study were as follows: 2005 (37.5%), 2006 (30.9%), 2007 (26.2%), 2008 (23.1%), 2009 (23.0%), 2010 (20.5%), 2011 (16.6%), 2012 (20.5%), 2013 (22.9%), 2014 (21.8%) and 2015 (44.6%). HIV co-infection was more prevalence in males than females, while majority of the disease site was pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The highest mortality was recorded in 2012 (18.2%). Within the ethnic groups assessed, the prevalence was higher among the Efiks. Conclusion: The prevalence of TB/ HIV co-infection and subsequent mortality within the years under study is traumatizing and thus requires prompt measures in combating the situation.

Research paper thumbnail of Differentiation in Growth of Body Components Between Two Ectotypes of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata S.) Based on Number of Whorls in Calabar, Nigeria

Asian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative assessment of annual wormwood and local accessions of bitter leaf for antioxidant composition and activity

Spatula DD - Peer Reviewed Journal on Complementary Medicine and Drug Discovery, 2015

Aim: To evaluate ethanol extracts of two anti-malarial herbs from Asteraceae family, annual wormw... more Aim: To evaluate ethanol extracts of two anti-malarial herbs from Asteraceae family, annual wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.), for antioxidant composition and activity. Methods: Aerial leaves from both herbs were sampled at flowering stage, extracted with 95% ethanol and resulting crude extracts evaluated for antioxidant composition and activity using selected assay systems. Results: Extract yield from annual wormwood doubled the mean yield from four bitter leaf accessions studied, while its total phenol content (5.19 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents/ 1 g dry weight) was nearly ten folds (p

Research paper thumbnail of Potential of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds in Mitigating Aspartame-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Model

Research Journal of Medicinal Plant, 2016

Aspartame (ASP) consumption has been reported to implicate oxidative stress and antioxidant suppl... more Aspartame (ASP) consumption has been reported to implicate oxidative stress and antioxidant supplements from plant origin are one of the safest ways of averting their effect in the body. The current study was aimed at ascertaining the ability of aspartame (ASP) to induce oxidative stress in rats as well as assessing the potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds extracts in averting the aspartame induced oxidative stress. This was done using sperm parameters and biochemical assays such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP x), catalase, melonaldehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate (ALP). Forty eight sexually matured male albino rats were divided into six groups (A-F) with eight rats in each group. Group A served as the positive control and received physiological saline. Group B served as the negative control and were administered with 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of aspartame (ASP). Rats in group C were administered with 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+500 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of ginger extracts while rats in group D were administered with 1000 ASP+1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of ginger extracts. On the other hand, rats in group E received 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+500 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of watermelon seed extracts while rats in group F received 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., ASP+1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of watermelon seed extracts. The result revealed that administration of ASP reduced sperm viability, sperm count and increased sperm head abnormalities significantly (p<0.05) while sperm motility was not affected by ASP administration in the rats. Superoxide dismutase and GP x levels were increased significantly by ginger and watermelon seeds extracts. Although ginger extract reduced more of lipid peroxidation (MDA), watermelon seeds extract increased the activities of SOD, GP x and reduced AST, ALT and ALP in the liver of rats at 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., than the extract of ginger. Thus, the extracts of these two medicinal plants are possible antioxidant reservoir and may provide reliable solution in averting oxidative stress pathologies.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating the Prevalence of Five Genetic Traits of Simple Inheritance in Association with the Distribution Pattern of ABO and Rhesus Phenotypes among Families in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Medical Sciences(Faisalabad), 2015

is an International, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original article in experime... more is an International, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original article in experimental & clinical medicine and related disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biophysics, bio-and medical technology. JMS is issued eight times per year on paper and in electronic format.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative Study of Egg Quality Traits of Black-Skinned and White-Skinned Ectotypes of Snails (Archachatina marginata) Based on Four Whorls in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Biological Sciences, 2015

The comparative study of egg quality traits of black-skinned and white-skinned ectotypes of snail... more The comparative study of egg quality traits of black-skinned and white-skinned ectotypes of snails (Archachatina marginata) based on four whorls were studied using sixty adult snails. The snails were managed in captivity for three months using hutches, embedded with steriled, loamy soil to generate eggs for the study. Egg quality traits evaluated include number of eggs laid, egg weight, length and width. The snails were divided into two mating groups, black-skinned x blackskinned and white-skinned x white-skinned ectotypes of snails. Data collected were subjected to t-test. Results showed that the black-skinned ectotype laid 112 eggs from 13 clutches, while the white-skinned ectotype laid 98 eggs from 11 clutches. The results of the egg quality traits analyzed showed high significant differences (p<0.05) between the two ectotypes of snails based on four whorls. The results of the phenotypic correlation of the egg quality traits also revealed a highly significant (p<0.001) mean number of egg, mean egg weight, length and width between the two ectotypes of snails. The highly and positive correlation between the egg quality traits could suggest that there are direct relationships between the traits and selection for one trait leads to improvement of the other trait. It is recommended that snails with 5, 6 and 7 whorls should be used for analysis of egg quality traits since the number of whorls are yet to be used as a standard for estimating the age of snails.