Pro-ulcerogenic activity of sodium arsenite in the gastric mucosa of male wistar rats

Background: The gastrointestinal tract is constantly exposed to various protective and aggressive factors from food and the environment. Recent studies have shown that environmental factors, including heavy metal exposure and diet may alter gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Arsenic (extensively available in the form of oxides or sulfides or as a salt of iron, sodium, calcium, copper, etc) is a major contaminant of soil, air as well as various water sources used for human and industrial activities, making it a huge public health burden. The present study was designed to characterize gastrointestinal alterations induced by sodium arsenite (SA) exposure.Methods: Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 16) in two separate studies. Groups I and 2 received distilled water and indomethacin (40mg/kg, p.o) respectively while groups 3 and 4 animals received 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg SA respectively for two weeks prior to administration of indomethacin. In the first study, gastric acid secretion (GAS) was studied using the continuous perfusion technique. In the second study, animals were sacrificed after indomethacin administration. Ulcer was assessed based on macroscopic appearance of the stomach using an ulcer score scale. Each excised stomach was thoroughly cleaned and small sections were taken for histological analysis. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and differences considered significant at p<0.05.Results: Basal GAS was 0.08 ± 0.004 mEq/L in control rats. Indomethacin increased GAS significantly (0.14 mEq/L). The effect of indomethacin was augmented in rats with prior exposure to SA in a dose-dependent manner (0.17±0.01 and 0.26±0.02 mEq/L respectively). In the second study, SA significantly increased mean ulcer score, parietal and mucous cell counts when compared with the unexposed groups. Moderate epithelial erosion with infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as decreased intraglandular mucin and mucous secreting cells were observed in the stomach tissues of sodium arsenite treated rats.Conclusion: It is suggested that sodium arsenite potentiates gastric ulceration during indomethacin induced ulceration by increasing basal gastric acid secretion, increased parietal cell counts with extensive damage to the mucous secreting cells thereby distrupting the cyto-protecting ability of the stomach.Keywords: Sodium arsenite, gastric ulcer, gastric acid secretion, parietal cell coun

From cassava to gari: Mapping of quality characteristics and end-user preferences in Cameroon and Nigeria

User's preferences of cassava and cassava products along the value chain are supported by specific root quality characteristics that can be linked to root traits. Therefore, providing an evidence base of user preferred characteristics along the value chain, can help in the functional choice of cassava varieties. In this respect, the present paper presents the results from focus group discussions and individual interviews on user preferred quality characteristics of raw cassava roots and the derived product, gari, ‐ one of the major cassava products in Sub Saharan Africa ‐ in major production and consumption areas of Cameroon and Nigeria. Choice of cassava varieties for farming is mainly determined by the multiple end‐uses of the roots, their agricultural yield and the processing determinants of roots that support their major high‐quality characteristics: size, density, low water content, maturity, colour and safety. Processing of cassava roots into gari goes through different technological variants leading to a gari whose high‐quality characteristics are: dryness, colour, shiny/attractive appearance, uniform granules and taste. Eba, the major consumption form of gari in Cameroon and Nigeria is mainly characterized by its textural properties: smoothness, firmness, stickiness, elasticity, mouldability. Recommendations are made, suggesting that breeding will have to start evaluating cassava clones for brightness/shininess, as well as textural properties such as mouldability and elasticity of cassava food products, for the purpose of supporting decision‐making by breeders and the development of high‐throughput selection methods of cassava varieties. Women are identified as important beneficiaries of such initiatives giving their disadvantaged position and their prominent role in cassava processing and marketing of gari

Family dynamics and sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in a rural community in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Family characteristics could contribute to the burden of adolescent sexual problems in Nigeria, especially in the rural communities where cultural values are strongly upheld. Previous studies had not considered the relationship between the spectrum of family characteristics and adolescent sexual behaviour. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between family dynamics and sexual behaviour among in-school adolescents in a rural community in southwest, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using cluster sampling method to select 373 students from 5 public schools. Asemi structured interviewer-assisted questionnaire was used to obtain information on a spectrum of family factors such as family structure, consistency, stability, functionality etc., and sexual behaviour. Sexual behaviour was determined using sexual experience in the preceding 12-months and use of condom at last sexual intercourse. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test at p=0.05.Results: Mean age was 16.2±1.5 years and 61.7% were females. Above half (56.0%) were from functional family, 86.3% lived with both parents. 66.7% of their parents were married and living together, 60.4% received social support and 38.6% were from polygamous family setting. About one-fifth were sexually active and of these, 45.1% had sex 12 months preceding the survey and 52.1% used condom in the last sexual intercourse. Adolescents from poorer family (p =0.001) and those with inadequate social support (p=0.001) were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour.Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour was commoner among in-school adolescents from poor family and those with inadequate social support. Interventions to address family-related determinants of risky sexual behaviour are hereby advocated among policy makers

Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)(1-4). Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)(5-8). Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 x 5-km(2) pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children.Peer reviewe

Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1,2,3,4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5,6,7,8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 × 5-km2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children

Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99 of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1�4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5�8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 � 5-km2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80 coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children. © 2020, The Author(s)