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The study was undertaken to characterize cellulose produced by microorganisms isolated from the soil. Cellulolytic bacteria and fungi were isolated from soil samples collected from ten different locations within Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Organisms were grown in a minimal medium containing carboxymethylcellulose for the production of cellulolytic enzymes. Endoglucanase activity of culture filtrates which represents the crude enzyme was determined using DNS reagent. Bacillus subtilis was identified using molecular technique; and fungal isolates by macroscopic and microscopic methods. Bacillus subtilis, Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus niger and Pénicillium italicum showed relatively high cellulose activity with diameter of clearance zone of 10, 8, 9, and 10mm respectively, and were used in the fermentation process. The endoglucanase activity of the crude enzymes ranged from 1.64 to 1.74lUmF1. Optimum activity was obtained at temperature range of 30 to 70°C, pH between 3 and 9 and substrate concentrations of 1 to 5%. This study showed that highly cellulolytic fungi and bacteria that can be used in lignocellulosic ethanol production are available in the environment. A further study might discover a novel organism that could be modified genetically for improved cellulose activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine how well anaesthetists in Nigeria determine the need for transfusion based solely on physiological variables and estimated blood loss. To determine the incidence of inappropriate blood transfusion. Anaesthetists in our hospital determine when to transfuse patients based solely on clinical acumen. This may result in inappropriate transfusion especially in this subregion where blood donors are scarce and risk of transmission of infection high. All surgical patients requiring blood transfusion were prospectively studied over 3 months. Transfusion was based solely on the discretion of the attending anaesthetist. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured prior to transfusion and 24 h postoperatively. Appropriate transfusion was defined as blood transfusion at Hb < 8 g dL−1 or 10 g dL−1 in the elderly and those with medical comorbidities. The trigger for transfusion was documented as well as estimated blood loss. Thirty-four patients were studied. The mean pretransfusion Hb was 8·09 ± 2·45 g dL−1 (range 4·6–14·2). Twenty-one patients (61·8%) had appropriate blood transfusion. The commonest transfusion triggers were clinical pallor (82·4%), excessive blood loss (76·4%), delayed capillary refill (55·9%) and severe hypotension (50%). The use of near patient monitoring devices might further improve blood transfusion practice in this setting where donor blood is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]