Chemical evaluation of winged beans (Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus), Pitanga cherries (Eugenia uniflora) and orchid fruit (Orchid fruit myristica)

The proximate, mineral and sugar compositions of winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), Pitanga Cherries (Eugenia uniflora) and Orchid Fruit (Orchid fruit myristica) and physico-chemical properties of their oils were determined using standard methods. All the samples were found to be rich in proteins (winged beans 33.83 %, pitanga cherries 14.71 % and orchid fruit 17.96 %). Each of the samples also had a considerably high amount of carbohydrate (22.30 %, 38.55% and 26.45 % in winged beans, pitanga cherries and orchid fruit, respectively). Orchid fruit had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) fat content of 34.36 % as compared to 17.51 % found in winged beans, and 15.62 % in pitanga cherries. Winged beans had the highest crude fiber (12.23 %) while orchid fruit had 6.03%and pitanga cherries had 9.77%. Winged bean and orchid fruit had similar (P > 0.05) water content, which is significantly different from pitanga cherries. Iron, cadmium, lead and manganese were absent in all the samples. Copper and calcium were absent in pitanga cherries. Pitanga cherries had the highest composition (g/100g) of sugar, winged beans ranked next, while orchid fruit had low sugar content. The peroxide values of the oil of the various samples ranged between 11.41 and 12.91 meq/kg, while the saponification values ranged between 182.58 and 191.05 mgKOH/g. The unsaponifiable matter was very low in pitanga cherries compared with winged beans and orchid fruit. The acid value rangedbetween 0.71 and 2.82 mg/KOH/g while iodine value ranged between 91.15 and 144.57. The refractive index ranged between 1.465 and 1.474 in all the samples. Based on the results of this study, winged beans could be useful in the formulation of infant formula, pitanga cherries in the production of fruit jam and as a flavour in food drinks, because of its sugar contents, while orchid fruit—which has very high oil content—could be used as a spice

Distribution of heavy metals in fish organs, associated water and sediment from Ero Dam, Ekiti State, Nigeria

An investigation into the distribution of lead, manganese, copper, zinc, mercury, iron, chromium and cadmium in the sediment, water and the organs of Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Citharinus citerus obtained from Ero Dam in Ikun-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria was undertaken. This was done to ascertain the presence of these metals in the three matrixes and to determine the bioaccumulation factors of these metals in the organs of these fishes. The three matrixes were differently digested and analysed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck 200). Hg was determined via cold vapour generation. The levels of the metals in water were very much lower than their corresponding concentrations in the sediment. In the same vein, concentrations of the metals in the fish organs were higher than those recorded for the water except Cu and Mn that showed slight variations. The most concentrated metal in the organs of the four fish species was Zn which recorded concentrations (mg/kg) ranging from 7.36±0.03 in the head of Clarias gariepinus to 8.12±0.13 in that of Citharinus citerus. In Clarias gariepinus, Cr, Cd and Hg were only detected in its gills. On the contrary, all the metals were detected in the organs of Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia zillii. Zn, Mn and Fe were the three most abundant metals in the organs of these fishes. The highly toxic metals (Pb, Cd and Hg) in this determination were either not detected or detected at low levels. It is obvious from this work that Zn was bioaccumulated most in the organs of each fish. It is certain that heavy metals are present in Ero dam but in low concentrations. This calls for constant monitoring because as industries are established in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the level of heavy metals in this dam may increase.Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, Citharinus citeru

Effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum G. on biochemical and haematological parameters of albino Wistar rats

The effect of oral administration of the leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum G. on biochemical and haematological parameters were investigated in albino rats for 16 days. The extract did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05) on the plasma concentrations of total bilirubin, albumin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), reticulocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). The concentration of the platelets was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) at 1000 mg/kg body weight, while white blood cell (WBC) was significantly increased at 500 mg/kg body weight. The doses significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plasma levels of AST, ALT, total protein, glucose and creatinine while urea was significantly increased. While the extract significantly increased the lung, brain and liver-body weights, the kidney, heart, testis, spleen and epididymis-body weights were not significantly affected. The result suggests that the leaf extract of C. albidum contains antiplatelet and hypoglycemic properties and exhibited selective organ toxicity to the rats

Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation from Telecommunication Base Stations on Microbial Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance

We aimed to investigate the effects of radiofrequency radiation from telecommunication on bacteria diversity and antibiotic sensitivity of surrounding bacteria micro-flora. In all cases of bacteria isolated, results indicated that radiation majorly influences and selected bacteria of specific morphology (rod-like, gram positive and spore formers) belonging to the genera Bacillus, Clostridium, Corynebacterium and Sporosarcina. Spore formation have been associated with prevention of DNA damage, this suggest that radiation may imposes stress detrimental to various non-spore forming, gram negative bacteria of nonrod morphology. The antibiotic resistance pattern indicated resistance above 50% in three of the ten common antibiotics tested with the highest of 96% recorded against zinnacef, followed by amoxicillin (70%) and ampiclox (56%). The highest resistance recorded was attributed to Bacillus spp while lowest resistance was recorded in Corynebacterium. The two largest groups of isolates; Bacillus and Clostridium have been reported as human pathogens and found to be multidrug resistant. © JASE

Pattern of Urine Toxicology Screening in a Lagos Psychiatric Hospital

Toxicology screening has clinical and forensic applications in evaluating severe or life-threatening symptoms in patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of intoxication or overdose. In both acute psychiatric and medical settings, urine toxicology has been found helpful in detection of substances of abuse. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of substance use as detected by urine toxicology screening amongst patients at a psychiatric facility in Lagos Nigeria. A Total of 1555 subjects made up of males (1480) and females (75) were screened using the one step multi-6 drug test panel immunoassay for qualitative detection of Methadone, Methamphetamine, Benzodiazepine, Cocaine, Morphine and Tetrahydrocannabinol. 927 (59.6%) subjects were positive with one or more drugs passing the concentration cut off. Tetrahydrocannabinol (42.3%) and Benzodiazepine (49%) were found to be predominant in the population studied. This study shows the most common psychoactive substance used in this environment is cannabis and also, the significant agreement between clinical diagnosis and urine toxicology screening.Keywords: Urine screening, Toxicology, Substance use, clinical diagnosi

Utilization of sun-dried on-farm generated poultry litter as a feed resource for growing-finishing pigs

Forty eight (48) growing-finishing pigs (36.11 ± 1.26 kg) were allotted to three dietary treatment groups of 0, 33.33 and 66.67% sun-dried on-farm generated poultry litter (SOPL) as a replacement for 30% maize in diets of growing-finishing pigs on weight basis to assess its implication on the chemical composition of the feed, growth performance and blood chemistry of the pigs. Each treatment was replicated four times with 4 pigs/replicate in a completely randomized design. The diets were formulated to contain 16 - 19% crude protein and the pigs housed in concrete floored pens containing feeding and watering troughs for the duration of the study. The results obtained in this study revealed some numerical differences in the crude protein and fibre contents of the SOPL diets over the controldiet. Increases were also recorded in the acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) fractions of the diets as a result of the replacement levels of SOPL. Daily weight gains and the efficiency of feed utilization of the growing pigs were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by the graded levels of SOPL. Replacement of maize with 33 and 66% SOPL resulted in 10.4 -20.9% reduction in the cost of feed/kg. This in turn resulted in 15 - 25% reduction in the cost of feed required for an additional kg gain/pig when the graded levels of SOPL was fed to the pigs. An increased level of up to 66% SOPL resulted in a depression (P < 0.05) in the values of packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cells (WBC) while the hemoglobin, serum glucose, urea, creatinine and glutamate pyruvate transaninase values of the pigs across the groups were unaffected (P > 0.05). However, variations recorded in the values of the red blood cells (RBC) and alkaline phosphatase did not follow any particular trend. The values of the serum total protein, albumin and cholesterol values increased significantly (P < 0.05)

Evaluation of four apicultural products for hive colonization by honey bees (Apis mellifera adansonii) (Hymenoptera: apidae) and pre-colonization pests

Four apicultural products (honey, bee wax, slum gum and propolis) were evaluated for their potentials to attract the African honey bee (Apis mellifera adansonii) colony into artificial hives and their effect on infestation by apicultural insect pests. Ten grammes each of propolis, bee wax and slum gum and 10 ml of honey were applied at the flight entrance, walls of the hives and on the top bars. Data were collected on type and number of pre-colonization pests, hive colonization, colony weight gain, weight of matured harvested combs and weight of extracted honey from the harvested combs. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using analysis of variance and means were separated with Tukeys’ HSD at 5% level of probability. Slum gum-baited hives were the first to be colonized (10 days post hive installation) (DPI), followed by bee wax (26.5 DPI). Bee wax however had the highest percentage hive colonization (66.67%) which was not significantly (P>0.05) different from 33.33% observed in other apicultural products. Weight gain on weekly basis did not follow a regular pattern for 2-10 weeks after colonization (WAC); but at 12-16 WAC, hives baited with bee wax had the highest weekly weight gain. In terms of total harvest, the performance of the different baiting materials was as follows: slum gum > bee wax > honey > propolis. However, percentage honey yield was highest in hives baited with bee wax and lowest in propolis-baited hives. The two pests encountered at the pre-colonization stage were waiver ant (Oecophylla longinuda) and sugar ant (Camponotus consobrinus). O. longinuda was significantly (P<0.05) highest (17.33) in honey baited hives than any other baiting material at 2 DPI. Slum gum and honey attracted more sugar ants at 2-4 DPI than bee wax. At 3 DPI, O. longinuda was significantly (P<0.05) higher in slum gum than bee wax; but the later performed better with significantly lower level of pre-colonization pest infestation.Keywords: pest, wax, honey, propolis, slum-gu

Vaccines and immunization: The past, present and future in Nigeria

Vaccines are arguably the most important public health tools available today. Since the successful eradication of smallpox with the use of the vaccine, many vaccines have become available to man. Of great importance to public and child health are the vaccines against the so-called six killer diseases of childhood-measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis. In the last 2 decades, effective vaccines against the major causes of pneumonia, another childhood killer, have become available. Data from many parts of the world including African countries have shown the benefits of the pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines. The scientific world is still searching for appropriate candidate vaccines for malaria and HIV infection. Despite the availability and effectiveness of many vaccines, the benefits to a country is highly dependent on a viable and sustainable health system which include adequate financing, dynamic and motivated workforce, strong partnerships and effective community participation. If well deployed, available vaccines as elucidated in this discourse can accelerate the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria and many other developing countries.Key words: Vaccines, Immunizations, Nigeria

Influence of Family Size, Household Food Security Status, and Child Care Practices on the Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Fertility pattern and reproductive behaviours affect infant death in Nigeria. Household food insecurity and poor care practices also place children at risk of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of family size, household food security status, and child care practices on the nutritional status of under-five children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 423 mothers of under-five children and their children in the households selected through multistagesampling methods. Food-insecure households were five times more likely than secure households to have wasted children (crude OR=5.707, 95 percent CI=1.31-24.85). Children with less educated mothers were significantly more likely to be stunted. The prevalence of food insecurity among households in Ile-Ife was high. Households with food insecurity and less educated mothers were more likely to have malnourished children (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[4]: 123-132)

Daycase urology at Ibadan, Nigeria: A ten year review

Introduction: The objective of the study was to report the extent of urological surgeries performed as day cases in a major tertiary hospital in Ibadan and document the outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all urologic patients treated at the day- case theatre between January 2000 and December 2009. The parameters evaluated were: age, diagnosis, type of surgery/ procedure, anaesthesia administered and the rank of the surgeon. Day case endoscopic procedures as well as prostate biopsies were excluded from the study. Results: In total, 1292 patients were managed, 290 (22.4%) were children aged between 5 days and 15 years while 1002 (77.6%) adults aged between 17 years and 91 years. The majority of the procedures were carried out by the senior registrars (1169 cases, 90.5%) and consultants were involved in 123 cases (9.5%). General anaesthesia was primarily used in children (158 children vs. 4 adults), while local anaesthesia was used only in adults. 131 (45.2%) children had no anaesthesia for circumcision. The most common procedures performed in adults were varicocelectomy (426 cases, 42.5 %), orchidectomy (332 cases, 33.1%), testicular biopsy (120 cases, 12.0%). While in children male circumcision (231cases, 79.7%) was the main procedure performed. Conclusion: The day-case theatre is still suitable for day case urologic procedure in our setting. The common procedures are varicocelectomy, orchidectomy, and open testicular biopsy in the adults. While in children, male circumcision is commonly carried out