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Now showing 1 - 5 of 9

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Access status: Open Access ,
Allellopathy as trait of invasiveness of sorghum halepense L. (pers) on germination and establishment of weedy grass species (rotteboellia cochinchinensis, eleusine indica (L) and ipomoea purpurea)
(Academic Journals, 2025-05) Masara, Polite; Musabayana, Zivanayi; Tembo, Lenon; Mathema, Ndabanye
Biology of alien plants contributes to invasiveness of both natural and agrarian ecosystems. Bio-assay experiments were set up at Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe, to evaluate allelopathy as traits of invasiveness of Sorghum halepense L. (Pers) on germination and establishment of grass species. The results indicated that germination rate, growth rate and dry matter accumulation was highly affected by S. halepense extracts. Seed germination was improved by dormancy-breaking treatments, with the highest germination rate attained using a combination of sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate. Equally, the lowest germination rate was observed in seeds treated with water and a 2% sodium hypochlorite solution. The greatest seedling growth was observed in seeds treated with sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate whereas the lowest growth rate was recorded in seeds treated using sodium hypochlorite. S. halepense extracts affected dry matter accumulation of all grass species tested. Rottboellia species had the highest seed germination rate of 90%, followed by Eleusine 88%, and Ipomoea species 66% being the least. The highest germination inhibition was observed in leaves when compared to extracts from stems, roots and flowers. In pot experiments, S. halepense leaves affected growth and dry matter accumulation. Results showed that S. halepense extracts affect germination and establishment of grass species. Key words: Allelopathy, germination dynamics, grass species.
Access status: Open Access ,
Formulating finger millet (eleusine coracana l.) and cowpea (vigna unguiculata) food blend for enhanced micronutrients for children below 5 years
(African Scholarly Science Communications Trust (ASSCAT), 2023-04) Chinyama, J.; Masamha, B.; Nyamadzawo, G.
Malnutrition of children under 5 years is a public health concern because it is the most vulnerable stage of child’s growth where its impact results in long term health conditions such as stunting, wasting, obesity and poor cognitive development. This study aimed at developing a Rapoko-Cowpea porridge blend to enhance dietary micronutrients among children below the age of 5 years and assess its sensory acceptability. A mixed methods research approach was adopted consisting of a quasi- experiment and a cross sectional survey. Vendors from Mbare market were clustered based on the source of their finger millet and cowpea grains (Masvingo, Murewa, Gokwe). A Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used with three treatments (blends) replicated three times. Proximate analysis was done using standard AOAC methods. Compared to cowpea, finger millet had the highest levels of carbohydrates (78.12g/100g), iron (8.7mg/100g), zinc (3.77mg/100g). Results also show that 75:25. Rapoko-Cowpea blend ratio had the ability to meet WHO daily nutrient requirements for children under the age of 5 years. Blend ratio of Rapoko: cowpeas (75:25) had the highest carbohydrates (69.41g/100g), protein (25.64g/100g), zinc (1.74mg/100g), iron (5.14mg/100g), energy (411.37kcal), and vitamins (0.11 mcg RAE) with RaCoB1 blend having the lowest nutrient composition. Results have showed that finger millet (Rapoko), cowpeas and RaCoB (Rapoko-Cowpea blend) blends have high macro and micronutrients (iron and zinc) to support daily nutritional requirements of children below the age of 5 years and may help in addressing malnutrition. Sensory evaluation was done with 100 panellists from the University of Zimbabwe and of the three blends, a 75:25 ratio was the most preferred (90.88%). Further studies need to analyse the effects of anti-nutritional factors, bioavailability of nutrients, shelf life of the food blend and commercialization potential of RaCoB blends. The government is therefore encouraged to provide agronomic support for increased productivity of small grains and pulses through improved research and extension. There is a need to develop a policy at national level that promotes blending of cereals and pulses as well as innovative small scale food processing initiatives through private-public partnerships. Keywords: Children under 5 years, Cowpea, food blending, Malnutrition, Micronutrients, Rapoko, Sensory evaluation
Access status: Open Access ,
Method Development and Validation for the Simultaneous Analysis of Miconazole Nitrate, Hydrocortisone and Chlorocresol in a Pharmaceutical Topical Cream by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography
(Wiley, 2026-12-10) Mukaratirwa‐Muchanyereyi, Netai; Chihiya, Pretty; Nyoni, Stephen
Miconazole/Hydrocortisone (HCA) cream is a pharmaceutical formulation developed as a combination of three major components (HCA, miconazole nitrate [MCN] and chlorocresol [CHL]). In some instances, reference monographs used for referencing the quantification of pharmaceutical molecules focus on individual analysis of molecules. Therefore, there is need to develop, optimize and validate methods that simultaneously separate constituents of a combined formulation. In this study, a method for the separation of HCA, MCN and CHL in miconazole/HCA cream was developed by investigating the effect of mobile phase, stationary phase, wavelength and gradient program on the separation of HCA, MCN and CHL in miconazole/HCA cream. A 10 mM ammonium acetate (AAC) buffer pH 5.0 was used. Acetonitrile was used as the organic modifier. An injection volume of 10 μL was used on a C18, 15 cm × 4.6 mm Zorbax. The optimum conditions for reverse phase liquid chromatography were obtained as follows: injection volume (10 μL), column temperature (30◦C), flow rate (1 mL/min), gradient elution program: 0 min, 60AAC:40ACN; 4 min, 60AAC:40ACN; 9 min, 5AAC:95ACN; 13 min, 5AAC:95ACN using a C18 stationary phase, UV detector, 5 μm stationary phase pore size and post run of 3 min
Access status: Open Access ,
A systematic review on health systems integrated approach towards elimination of HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis as public health threats in sub-Saharan Africa
(Pan African Medical Center for Public Information and Research (PAMJ-CEPHRI), 2026-04-14) Handireketi, Newten; Pisirai, Ndarukwa; Mindu, Tafadzwa; Chimbari, Moses John
Health systems (HSs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face significant challenges. Integrated HSs approach has been considered a feasible option for eliminating HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B (triple elimination). We performed a systematic review to determine the extent of utilisation of the integrated HSs approach towards triple elimination in SSA countries. We registered the systematic review protocol on PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251011221). We adopted Arksey and O'Malley's review methodology framework for article searching on databases: Medline (using PubMed interface), EMBASE and EBSCOHOST. Studies published from March 2015 to March 2025 were assessed by two reviewers independently. Joanna Briggs' checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies. Thematic analysis was performed, and results were reported according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. A total of 533 studies were identified from databases. Eighteen studies were fully reviewed. Five themes were developed: Effectiveness of HSs integration, Barriers to HSs integration, Facilitators for HSs integrated approach on triple elimination, Improved case detection, and Recommendations to HSs integration. All themes but one were developed from sub-themes that were built around six blocks of the health systems, according to the World Health Organization. Progress in the integrated approach exists. A fully integrated HSs approach for triple elimination remains unmet in SSA. Facilitators and barriers within the WHO's HSs building blocks can work for or against an integrated approach towards triple elimination, offering a roadmap for future efforts to strengthen HSs. Further enquiry into HSs integrated approach needs to be considered towards triple elimination.
Access status: Open Access ,
Valorization of corn husk waste: Xylooligosaccharides as a sustainable prebiotic enhance growth, gut health, and fillet quality in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
(Wiley, 2026-03-06) Chikwiramakomo, J.; Gufe, C.; Chari, T.A.; Jambwa, P.; Hamandishe, V.R
Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are advantageous prebiotics that promote sustainable aquaculture. The growth performance, gut microbiota, and fillet composition of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were investigated in relation to the prebiotic effects of corn husk-derived XOS, extracted using alkaline extraction and autohydrolysis. Following 2 weeks of acclimatization, 270 fish were split into three groups: control, 0.5% XOS, and 1% XOS, with three replicates per group. For 56 days, fish were fed twice a day. Final weight (83.9 g in 1% XOS vs. 44.5 g in control, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.1) and survival rate (94% in 1% XOS vs. 70% in control, p < 0.001) were both considerably increased by XOS supplementation. The feed conversion ratio dropped significantly from 2.69 (control) to 0.99 (1% XOS, p = 0.003). The nutritional quality of the fillet increased, with calcium levels more than doubling (2.6%–6.7%, p < 0.001) and protein content increasing by 35.6% (14.9% in control to 20.2% in 1% XOS, p < 0.001). A 36-fold increase in lactic acid bacteria (833 CFU/g in 1% XOS vs. 23 CFU/g in the control group, p < 0.05) and a decrease in coliforms were observed in the gut microbiota study, suggesting improved gut health. These results demonstrate that XOS derived from corn husks can serve as a sustainable feed additive improving fillet quality, shaping a favorable gut microbiota, enhancing fish development, and providing a viable substitute for antibiotic growth promoters in aquaculture.