This study presents the calcareous nannofossils biostratigraphy of well 03, shallow offshore, Niger Delta, Nigeria using ditch cuttings samples analyzed for nannofossils to determine age, biozonation, and paleoecological interpretation. A quantity (5 g) each of the cuttings were subjected to standard smear slide preparation technique for nannofossils using Norland adhesive and the slides examined under light microscope at 1000 × magnification. Lithologically the studied sequences were composed of shale, siltstone / mudstone which are grey with intercalation of sandstones belonging to Agbada Formation. A fairly diverse 37 species of nannofossils assemblage was recovered. Two major nannofossil zones of Helicosphaera ampliaperta and Sphenolithus heteromorphus were delineated. Establishment of these zones aided the assignment of the early Miocene - late Miocene age range to the section. Paleoecology of the studied section reveals fluctuations between warm and cool climates evidenced from the variation in the assemblages of diagnostic species across the intervals, Sphenolithus heteromorphus predominates intervals 7900 – 12420 ft and the occurrence of Discoaster berggrenii between 9300 -9420 ft suggest intervals under warm climate conditions while Coccolithus pelagicus and coccolithus miopelagicus strives between 7000 -10780 ft, between 6670 -10980 ft, respectively indicating cooler environmental conditions.
Water imbalance limits growth and antioxidant production in plants. This study assessed varying concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4 g/L) of glycine betanine (GB) on growth, nutritional contents, and antioxidant production in beniseed under drought conditions. Plant height (49.40 cm), number of leaves (27), leaf area (231.93 cm2 ), specific leaf area (57.98 m2kg-1 ), and leaf area index (0.62 m2m-2 ) were higher in beniseed treated with 4g/L GB compared with lower concentrations of the osmolyte. However, the well-watered treatment improved significantly the relative growth rate (0.06 mgg-1day-1 ) and net assimilation rate (0.02 gm-2day-1 ). Chlorophyll-a (3.38 mg/g), chlorophyll-b (3.81mg/g) and total chlorophyll (7.20 mg/g) showed a significant increase in the plant under 3g/LGB. Moisture (91.07%), fat (2.74%), ash (3.55%), crude fiber (3.51%), and crude protein (4.47%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the treatments grown under 4g/LGB. The observation was consistent in sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as vitamin A, vitamin B5 and vitamin C. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.58 u/gt), APX (1.18 u/g), CAT (1.58 mg-1 ), GR (1.59 u/g), GST (14.07 mg-1 ) and SP (19.06 u/ml) were higher in the roots of beniseed grown under drought. Conclusively, beniseed grown under,3 and 4g/L GB improved growth attributes and nutritional contents while high antioxidant production was observed in the roots of beniseed droughted compared with other parts.
Savannas are prominent members of tropical terrestrial ecosystems. Leaf and branch litter fractions were sampled from ten isolated, natural tree stands of Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), Daniella oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch & Dalziel, Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.,Prosopis africana (Guill.&Perr.) and Vitellaria paradoxa (Gaertner) F.}, in the dry season. Litterfall samples were analysed for Calcium and Magnesium (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) (AAS), Potassium (Flame Photometry), Nitrate-nitrogen and Phosphate-phosphorus (Colorimetric titration). Results showed that branch litter fractions generally returned higher nutrient content than leaf litter. While, the eco-physiologically significant potassium, nitrate-nitrogen, and magnesium were top of the nutrient return spectrum across the litter fractions, with a prominent nutrient return magnitude in the form of K > NO3-N- > Mg > Ca > PO4 3 -P- . This indicates the biogeochemical significance of tree litter in tropical savanna ecosystems. Equally, the outcomes of this study indicate the ecological significance of tropical savanna tree cover in litterfall production, decomposition, as well as base content supply and cycling, for soil fertility.
Phosphorus (P) is an important precursor for nitrogen fixation as it initiates nodule formation and enhances rhizobium-legume symbiosis. This study was conducted to (i) evaluate the tolerance of cowpea landraces to low soil P and (ii) assess the correlation among agronomic traits under limited soil P conditions. A total of 420 cowpea genotypes were evaluated using a 20 × 21 alpha lattice design with two replications under high and low soil P conditions. Significant variations (p<0.05) were observed among the landraces under low P for all the measured traits indicating the presence of genetic variability and potential for crop improvement. Grain yield ranged from 58.7 kg/ha to 1488.0 kg/ha under low soil P. Low soil P significantly reduced grain and biomass yields of cowpea landraces compared to optimum conditions. Reduction in grain yield between the low and high P treatments ranged between 24% and 97%. ‘Red beans medium’ ‘Dan Misra_Zamfara’ and ‘Dan Zaria’ with the least yield reduction could serve as potential resources for the development of varieties tolerant to low soil P. Grain yield was significantly correlated with weight of 100 seeds (r= 0.25), the number of branches (r=0.14) and biomass (r=0.58), indicating that selection for these traits could be used as indirect selection metrics to increase grain yield under low soil P. The wide variability observed among the landraces for the measured traits suggests the availability of sufficient variability for genetic improvement for tolerance to low soil P.
Quality assurance and evaluation of medicines are paramount for monitoring the distribution of substandard and fake medicines in the drug supply chains and ensuring the desired therapeutic efficacy and safety to the patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate some quality parameters of seven brands of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (HCl) 500 mg caplets marketed in Kaduna metropolis. Identity, weight variation, disintegration, friability, thickness, diameter, and antimicrobial study were the conducted tests to assess the quality attributes and antimicrobial activity of the brands. The tests were performed according to official specifications. Ciprofloxacin HCl caplet samples were randomly purchased from pharmacy outlets and patent medicine stores. All the brands of ciprofloxacin HCl caplets complied with the official specifications for weight variation, disintegration, friability, thickness, and diameter tests. All the brands had shown disintegration time within 1 to 11 min, and friability value below 0.7%. For the antimicrobial study, the inhibition zone diameter (mm) produced by 5μg/mL concentration of each sample showed that all the samples satisfied the standard specifications. All seven brands of ciprofloxacin HCl caplets being marketed in Kaduna metropolis have demonstrated satisfactory physical quality attributes and antimicrobial activity, hence, the brands can be used interchangeably. The statistical analysis indicated significant differences in the assessed parameters between the brands (p > 0.05).
Diabetes is a leading cause of death and accounted for about 2 million deaths globally in 2019 alone. The disease is characterized by hyperglycaemia and protein glycation. This study was designed to examine the antidiabetic potential of Detarium microcarpum stem bark. The plant material was extracted into 70% methanol by cold maceration. The extract was concentrated in vacuo and partitioned into n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate soluble fractions. The crude extract and fractions were subjected to alpha-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The active fractions were subjected to a combination of chromatographic techniques, and the isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic data. In vitro alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and anti-glycation activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated. The crude extract, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous soluble fractions displayed potent alpha- glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 8.93±2.03, 24.67±1.32, 12.89±2.41 and 7.69±1.09 µg/mL, respectively. The isolated compounds were identified as methyl gallate, quebrachitol, catechin, catechin gallate, and gallic acid. The compounds all displayed potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Methyl gallate and catechin displayed the highest activity with IC50 values of 83.43±2.68 and 106.27±2. 98 μM compared to acarbose (377.75±1.34 μM). Catechin and catechin gallate displayed antiglycation activity with IC50 values of 108±0.30 and 576.34±22.92 μM, respectively. However, a catechin that displayed the highest activity produced about 50% of the antiglycation activity of rutin (54.59±2.20 μM) used as standard. Detarium microcarpum stem bark displayed alpha-glucosidase inhibition and the compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction showed protective effects against glucose-induced protein glycation
Ficus platyphylla Del. Holl and Ximenia americana L. are medicinal plants used in the treatment of several diseases. This study was designed to investigate their effects on some markers of hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into four (4) groups of six (6) rats each. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were treated with distilled water, F. platyphylla, X. americana, and a mixture of F. platyphylla and X. americana extracts, respectively. LD50 showed that all three extracts are not toxic even at values as high as 5000 mg/kg body weight. A dose of 250 mg/kg body weight was administered orally daily for twenty-one (21) days, after which blood samples were collected in a clean container and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. The serum obtained was used for biochemical analysis. Markers of hepatocellular injury specifically, ALT, AST, albumin, total bilirubin, and protein, were assayed accordingly. The activity of ALT showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in group 4 with the control. In AST, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between group 4 and the control group. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in total bilirubin across the groups when compared to the control, there is no significant difference in total protein between group 3 and the control group. For albumin, group 4 was not significantly (p>0.05) different from the control. These findings illustrated that aqueous extracts of X. americana and F. platyphylla are not hepatotoxic and may, therefore be considered safe for consumption as medicinal plants
Bryophytes have gained recognition as an exceptional source of novel natural products, including secondary metabolites with intriguing biological activities. This study explored the antibacterial potential of bryophytes (Calymperes erosum and Racopilum africanum) as sources of novel natural products with significant biological activities. The antibacterial properties of these moss plants' powder and methanol extracts were evaluated against six bacterial strains using the agar-well diffusion and broth-dilution methods. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various compounds, including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and phenols, with Calymperes erosum exhibiting higher levels of these phytochemicals. Remarkably, the bryophyte powder exhibited more significant antibacterial efficacy compared with the methanol extracts. Particularly, Calymperes erosum powder at 1000 mg/ml demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli (80 mm) and Salmonella typhi (32 mm). However, no inhibition was observed when both moss plant powders were tested against Plesiomonas shigelloides at various concentrations. The results were compared with standard antibiotic discs, and all test organisms displayed sensitivity to Racopilum africanum (MIC < 0.1 mg/ml) and Calymperes erosum (MIC 1 mg/ml). This study suggests the potential of Calymperes erosum and Racopilum africanum powders as sources for future antibacterial drug development, highlighting their value in pharmaceutical research.
Geophysical investigation using 2-D imaging was conducted along Ganaja road, Lokoja to ascertain how resistivity technique can be used to delineate resistivity variations within the subsurface and determine which zone(s) may pose a danger to the highway. Wenner array was used to obtain a profile at each location on the highway with the aid of ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 taking the measurements. The acquired field data were processed and inverted using a 2D modelling inversion algorithm (Res2DINV@ software) and surfer@18 software. Resistivity values with their respective depths were delineated across the entire profiles in the tudy area: Profile A, Profile B, Profile P and Profile R (456 Ωm – 5.02Ωm, depth 2.65 -3.98m, 21.80 Ωm – 53.2 Ωm, depth of 0-3.98 m, 4.65 Ωm – 15.83 Ωm to a depth of 3.98 m and 3.50 Ωm – 61.80 Ωm, depth of 3.98 m) respectively. Results revealed the presence of low resistivity values materials suggestive of clay at several portions of profiles A, B, P and R. Increased sandy clay contents account for the low resistivity values causing differential settlement suspected to be responsible for the failure. It is suggested that portions containing the sandy clay should be excavated to a depth of 4–6 meters and rebuilt with competent materials.
The brown seaweed (Dictyota ciliolataa Sonder ex Kutzing) has been identified as a valuable source of anionic polysaccharides with remarkable biological properties that may render them suitable for application in aquaculture. In this study, the chemical composition of D. ciliolata polysaccharides (DCP) was analysed using spectrophotometry and HighPerformance Anion-Exchange Chromatography/ Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD). The result showed that DCP had a total carbohydrate content of 56.56 ± 1.17 %, sulphate content of 4.58 ± 0.26 %, uronic acid content of 6.54 ± 0.26 %, and protein content of 7.31 ± 0.24 %. HPAEC-PAD revealed that DCP composed of fucose (27.16 ± 4.27 mg/l), galactose (11.47 ± 1.38 mg/l), arabinose (11.88 ± 1.24 mg/l) and glucose (1.64 ± 0.07 mg/l). DCP was non-toxic to carp leukocytes at dosages ≤ 50 µg/ml but was found to induce cell proliferative activity. Cellular antioxidant assays showed that DCP did not disrupt glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities in carp leukocytes cells when compared to the control. However, a decrease in malondialdehyde levels in carp leukocytes cells indicated that DCP did not induce oxidative stress. Therefore, DCP is a promising antioxidant source that could be effectively utilised in enhancing the health status of cultured fish species.
This study was undertaken to investigate and document the floristic diversity of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) main campus with a view to assess the numbers of plant species and the areas where they are found. Different vascular plants were enumerated through line transect sampling methods and direct on-site field observations. In all taxa studied, there were 269 documented vascular plant species from 215 genera and 72 families, including 84 herbs (31.23%), 83 trees (30.85%), 61 shrubs (22.68%), 19 vines (7.06%), 13 lianas (4.83%), 5 geophytes (1.86%) and 4 epiphytic plants (1.49%). The most diverse of the 72 identified families were Fabaceae (34 species), Euphorbiaceae (21 species), Malvaceae (19 species), Asteraceae (16 species) and Poaceae (12 species). Of the 269 plant species studied, 97.03% were angiosperms, 1.11% were gymnosperms and 1.86% were Pteridophytes. Native species outnumbered exotic species, indicating that native species are more likely to establish in disturbed areas than cultivated and exotic species. Anthropogenic activities have greatly altered the vegetation of FUNAAB campus. The floristic diversity can be improved by controlling the indiscriminate felling of plant taxa and other anthropogenic activities that can result in the depletion of the vegetation. Given the current rate of infrastructure development in the study area, adequate steps should be taken to protect the biodiversity, particularly plants that are available on campus in order to prevent extinction and preserve the environment. Autecological research, afforestation, seed- collection and avoidance of plant harvest are all encouraged. The unsustainable utilization of the flora should be discouraged.
The consumption of meat is of great importance as it provides a good source of proteins and a significant amount of essential trace elements to the body. However, contamination of meat and meat products with heavy metals is becoming a serious threat to food safety and public health. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the concentration of some heavy metals in the muscles and entrails of free-ranged cattle, sheep, and goats. A total of sixty (60) fresh samples of muscles, liver, kidney, small intestines, and stomach of free ranged cattle, sheep, and goats were collected from abattoirs of different goldmine communities of Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru, and Talata- Mafara Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, Nigeria. The samples were digested using 10 mL of a mixed 70% high-grade concentration of HNO3 and 65% HCl (4:1 v/v); the mixture was heated until dense fumes disappeared forming a clear transparent solution and diluted to 50 mL with deionized water. Actual concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, As, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined using a Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES). Results indicate goat liver had the highest mean concentration of lead, arsenic, cobalt, and manganese (12.43± 0.31, 14.25±0.32, 3.47± 0.86, and 12.68± 0.92 mg/kg respectively), and the kidney had the highest concentration of copper and zinc (10.08±0.61 and 24.16±1.30 mg/kg respectively). Sheep kidneys had the highest bioaccumulation of cadmium and nickel (7.75± 0.65 and 2.08±0.10 mg/kg respectively) while chromium was observed to accumulate mostly in cattle muscles when compared with all other organs analysed. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for all the metals analyzed were below 1.0, but the risk indices for carcinogenicity (TR) predictably suggest exposed individuals were most likely to develop the disease. Therefore, intensive public health awareness of the risks associated with the consumption of heavy metal-contaminated meat should be prioritized.
Cissus populnea is a plant whose medicinal benefits have been well but there is a dearth of studies on subacute toxicity of any part of the plant. The aim of the study is to ascertain the subacute toxicity of the aqueous stem extract of C. populnea in Wistar albino rats. Forty animals (20 males and 20 females) grouped into 8 groups (n=5) (4 males, 4 females) were used. The animals were treated with daily oral doses (125mg/kg, 250mg/kg, and 500mg/kg) of the extract for 28 days, while the control groups received distilled water. The animals were weighed at 7-day intervals. After the test period, the animals were anaesthetised. Blood samples were taken for haematological and biochemical analysis, the organs were harvested and weighed. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the weight of the control groups and all the treated groups. Treatment with the various doses of the extract did not cause any significant (p>0.05) changes in the relative organ weight, biochemical parameters, red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and white blood cell count of the experimental animals. Oral administration of the aqueous stem extract of C. populnea in the doses used in this study caused no observable toxic effect on the experimental animals.
Microalgae remain one of the most diverse unicellular autotrophic organisms which are mostly photosynthetic, and because of high demands for animal feed, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, potential sources like microalgae are explored. This research aimed to explore the potential of microalgae; Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella as sources of nutraceuticals in a controlled environment. Carotenoids, antioxidant vitamins, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds were determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometer and protein using the Kjeldahl method. The results obtained revealed that both Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella contain significant (P < 0.05) amounts of antioxidant vitamins and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds and chlorophyll were significantly higher in both Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana (P < 0.05). Dunaliella contains more carotenoids (8.43 ± 0.52 mg g-1DW) in comparison with Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella sorokiniana (0.124 ± 0.004 g-1DW) and (0.087 ± 0.04 g-1DW), respectively. Carotenoids have been linked to improved immunity, reduced oxidative stress, and improved cardiovascular health. Similarly, vitamins have been linked to the prevention of numerous diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, while chlorophyll and flavonoids have been linked to improve liver function and reduced inflammation, respectively. The present study suggests that Chlorella and Dunaliella could be used as efficient and cost-effective sources of nutraceuticals.
Mulberry silkworm is a monophagous insect that derives all its nutritional needs from mulberry leaves. Thus, nutrition plays an important role in the growth and development of silkworm which ultimately impacts the economic traits. The present study evaluated the effect of less utilized specie in Vigna genera (Vigna subterranea) on rearing performance and cocoon traits of mulberry silkworm (Race: AC1 × AJ1). Aqueous solution of V. subterranean seed powder supplemented leaves at 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% were fed to the fifth instar larvae while the control was treated with just water. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design in four replicates. The result showed that V. subterranean supplemented leaves led to better larval growth and consequently reflected in improved cocoon traits as there is a significant length increase in the treated group than the control (2.50±0.2). The cocoon (1.29±0.05) and pupal (1.01±0.04) weight observed for 10% treatment was significantly higher than what was obtained in the other treatments and the control group (1.13±0.07; 0.87±0.06). Thus, it can be inferred that Vigna subterranean at 10% concentration can be used in mulberry leaf supplementation in sericulture.
This study investigated the effects of cinnamon supplementation in preventing high-fat diet-related diseases in Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats weighing an average of 120 g were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats in each group as follows; Groups A and B were respectively maintained on a standard diet and high-fat diet. Groups C and D were fed 2% cinnamon-supplemented HFD and 5% cinnamon-supplemented HFD respectively, while groups E and F were fed a 2% cinnamon-supplemented standard diet and 5% cinnamon-supplemented standard diet respectively. Weight changes, organ to body weight ratio, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profile were determined. The groups fed cinnamon-supplemented diets had lower body weight gain in comparison with the groups fed non-supplemented diets. All the groups fed either cinnamon-supplemented standard diets or cinnamonsupplemented high-fat diets had significantly (p<0.05) lower serum insulin concentration and computed HOMA-IR when compared with the group fed high-fat diet. No Significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in organ to body weight ratio and lipid profiles. It is concluded that the supplementation with cinnamon reduces the increase in weight and improves insulin sensitivity in rats exposed to a high-fat diet. However, a longer duration may be required to ascertain the possible effects of the cinnamon supplements on blood lipids.
Euphorbia convolvuloides is used in traditional medicine to treat bacterial infection, peptic ulcers and asthma among others. The aim of this research is to isolate and characterize the antibacterial constituent(s) from the aerial parts of E. convolvuloides. The ethyl acetate fraction of E. convolvuloides was subjected to column chromatography using a combination of silica gel and sephadex LH-20, which led to the isolation of colorless and yellowish crystalline substance coded EAF1 and EAF5A, respectively. Spectral analysis (1D-NMR) of the isolated compounds and comparison with the literature data indicated EAF1 to be lupeol and EAF5A, to be betulinic acid. In conclusion, the two triterpenoidal compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of E. convolvuloides aerial parts are known for their range of biological effects which include anti-bacterial activity.
The presence of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in the soil is essential for increasing the availability of nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is necessary for plant growth. The development of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) was examined in this work in relation to the inoculum of phosphate solubilizing bacillus from three previously obtained PSB. Sorghum plants were injected with the Bacillus strains under carefully monitored circumstances for 28 days, and several growth metrics were evaluated and compared to control groups, including shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weights, and root fresh and dry weights. Selected Bacillus species were tested for their ability to solubilize phosphate in agar and broth medium supplemented with tri calcium phosphate (TCP). Using 16S RNA amplicon sequencing, the three isolates (DN1, K1, and K3) were further characterized. With percentage similarity values of 98.65%, 85.37%, and 99.67%, respectively, isolates DN1, K1, and K3 were determined to be Bacillus subtilis, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Bacillus cereus, respectively. According to the findings, Bacillus subtilis increased shoot length by 36.39%, Bacillus cereus by 32.34%, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus by 31.27%. The results suggest that utilizing PSB could be an eco-friendly method to enhance sorghum yield and contribute to food security.
Malaria remains a threat to human life and a burden to the global economy due to the emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Thus, the development of an effective anti-malarial drug is required. CN005M and MeCN05M were evaluated. Wister rats were grouped into two groups (n=6) and administered 10 mg/kg bw of CN005M or MeCN005M. Plasma was analyzed using HPLC. CN005M volume of distribution (34.96 ± 7.04) was non-significantly (P > 0.05) changed when compared to MeCN005M (27.33 ± 0.08). CN005M and MeCN005M Mean Retention Time resided non-significantly (P > 0.05) for a period of 9.90 and 12.77 h respectively in the body. Cmax value of CN005M (0.42 μg/mL) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared to the equivalent dose of the MeCN005M (0.24 μg/mL). CN005M (0.50 h) significantly (P < 0.05) reached Tmax sixteen (16) fold faster compared to MeC005M (8.00 h). There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in drug clearance and increased last measurable plasma concentration in MeCN005M when compared to CN005M. The results indicate MeCN005M has a lower Cmax with an extended Tmax, with a low toxicity threshold and sustained efficacy. MeCN005M may provide the benefits of reducing the required dose and frequency while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Ultrasonography has played remarkable roles in diagnosing the acute abdomen because of its high diagnostic accuracy, affordability, availability; and safety profile relative to other imaging modalities. This study sought to determine the diagnostic performance markers: sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic accuracies for Clinical and Ultrasonographic diagnoses by comparing both with standard surgical/ Histopathological findings. This was a 1-year prospective comparative study on patients with clinical suspicion of acute abdomen who were evaluated clinically and with Ultrasonography before surgical or conservative treatment. The final diagnoses were established after surgery and histopathology. The data were analyzed using computer software- statistical package for social Sciences, SPSS statistics (IBM corporation, Chicago, IL, USA 2015) version 22. This study found final diagnoses were established in 139 patients through surgery and histology. Out of these, Ultrasonography correctly diagnosed 127 (91.4%) patients while Clinical evaluations were diagnostic in 103 (74.1%) patients. The overall diagnostic performance markers for Ultrasonography were significantly higher than those of clinical impression with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 90.6%, 91.8%, 95.4%, 91.3%, and 91.4% respectively. The corresponding clinical diagnostic performance markers were: 78.5%, 69.8%, 72.3%, 76.3%, and 74.1% respectively. This study showed that Ultrasonography is a highly valuable imaging modality in the diagnostic evaluation of acute abdomen, and is recommended as a modality of choice in our environment.
