Providing Physical Fitness and Wellness for the School Children through School Health Programme

Today, inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle habits have eaten deep into the fabric of modern man’s life posing serious threat to good health.  To address this trend requires urgency in looking for means by which the awareness of man could be re-awaken towards ways by which an individual can be equipped with knowledge to improve his health by taking actions that guarantee better and healthier life. This paper therefore discussed physical fitness, wellness and their components in relation to how they could be provided for, through a well planned and implemented school health education programme for the school children to combat inactivity and negative lifestyle habits. It was concluded that a well planned, organized and funded school health programme can provide for physical fitness and wellness programme in the school system. Keywords: Physical Fitness, Wellness, School Health Programme, Lifestyle.

Effect of x-rays on the electrolyte concentration of bovine aqueous and vitreous humour

The eye interacts constantly with a wide range of physically occurring materials like x-rays, air pollutants and toxins. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of X-rays on the electrolyte concentration of bovine aqueous and vitreous humour. Aqueous and vitreous humours were obtained from the eyes of certified healthy cows freshly slaughtered in the government abattoir at Ikpoba Slope, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. These cows’ eyes were enucleated within 2 hours after the death of the animals, and the right eyes were separated from the left eyes. The aqueous humour (AH) and vitreous humour (VH) samples were collected using a 12ml syringe and a needle through scleral puncture made on the lateral canthus and the total extractable aqueous or vitreous humour aspirated from each eye separately. The eyes were transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Radiology Department where they were irradiated with X-rays machine (VARIAN Medical System model 93061 -7t). Before irradiation, the eyes were removed from ice and allowed to thaw for about 3 minutes. Determination of electrolyte concentration were determined using E110111 flame Photometer (Antex Diagnostics, Beijing, China). Results show that radiation had no statistically significant effect on the mean concentrations of cations and anions in both AH and VH in this study (p > {0.05}). It is therefore concluded that radiation had no statistically significant effect on the mean concentrations of potassium ion and chloride ion in both AH and VH.Keywords: X-rays, electrolyte concentration, Bovine humours, radiatio

Assessment of microbial quality and detection of extended spectrum β-lactamase genes in Gram-negative bacterial isolates of herbal mixtures commonly hawked in Sagamu metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: The use of herbal mixtures in the treatment of diseases is on the rise. Many of these herbal drugs are not produced under hygienic conditions and safety issues associated with herbal medicines may have an exacerbated impact in immunocompromised and elderly individuals. This study aimed to determine the microbial loads of locally prepared herbal mixtures and detect extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes  in any isolated Gram-negative bacteria pathogen. Methodology: Fifty local herbal mixtures were purchased randomly from three locations in Sagamu town (Sagamu market, Ita-Oba Road and Isale  Oko) in Ogun State, Nigeria. The mean total viable bacterial (MTVB), mean total coliform (MTC), and mean total fungal (MTF) counts were  determined by the plate count method. The bacterial isolates were streaked on differential bacteriological media while the fungi isolates were  grown on potato dextrose agar. The isolates were identified upon growth on culture media using conventional biochemical tests. Antibiotic  susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Phenotypic detection of ESBL was done by the  modified double disc synergy test followed by amplification detection of blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV genes with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)  assay. Results: Bacteria and fungi were isolated from 38 (76.0%) and 25 (50.0%) of the herbal samples respectively. Ten (20.0%) and 14 (28.0%) of the  samples had mean bacterial and fungal load that exceeded 105CFU/mL or g, respectively. Nineteen (38.0%) of the herbal samples analyzed had total  coliforms. Fifty-one isolates belonging to eight bacterial genera and 28 fungi isolates belonging to four fungal genera were obtained. Thirty-  two (62.7%) of the bacterial isolates were Gram-negative while 19 (37.3%) isolates were Gram-positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most  common bacterial isolate (33.3%) while Aspergillus species was the most prevalent fungus (60.7%). Sixteen (84.2%) S. aureus and 26 (81.3%) Gram- negative isolates were multidrug resistant, and 6 (18.8%) of 32 Gram-negative isolates were ESBL producers. ESBL-encoding genes were detected in  7 (27%) of the 26 multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria with TEM and SHV being the most prevalent 4 (14.8%) while CTX-M was identified in  only one isolate. Conclusion: This study reported the presence of microbial contaminants which exceeded the safety limits of 105 CFU/g according  to World Health Organization. The use of locally prepared herbal medicines poses a major health risk due to the lack of microbial quality standards.&nbsp

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract on intraocular and blood pressure of normotensive adults in Edo State, Nigeria

For centuries, Moringa Oleifera leaf is used in traditional medicine for common ailments in many countries of the world. Traditionally it is used in the treatment of systemic hypertension but there are very limited literature on its effect on ocular hypertension. Therefore this clinic based-observational study investigated the effect of graded doses of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract on intraocular and blood pressure of thirty normotensive adults, male and female aged 18 to 35 (mean age of 28.93 ±1.62) years. They were divided into three groups of ten participants in each group. Another group of ten normotensive adults, aged matched were used as a control group. Baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) of each participant were measured. Three different masked doses of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract labelled ‘E’, ‘F’, and ‘G’ were orally administered to groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively by a laboratory technician, while group 4 participants drank water only. Thereafter IOP and BP were measured at 30 minutes interval for the four groups until values returned to baseline. Results showed that Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract when administered orally has statistically significant (p<0.05) hypotensive effect on IOP and BP of the three experimental groups. The effect was dose-dependent and the maximum reduction in BP was at 60 minutes. This preceded the maximum reduction in IOP which occurred at 90 minutes, thereafter IOP and BP rose toward baseline values. Therefore Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract may be effective in the control of systemic and ocular hypertension.Keywords: intraocular pressure, blood pressure, Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract, normotensive adult

Spatial Distribution of Abattoir, Operators’ Health Status, Waste Management and Perceived Health Implication on the Consumed Meat

This study investigated spatial distribution of abattoirs, operators’ health status, waste management and perceived health implication on the consumed meat in two towns in Osun State Nigeria. It precisely examined the abattoirs’ spatial distribution, environmental health officers’ inspection, the medical checkup of the Abattoirs’ operators, type and adequacy of facilities and equipment for use and the health implication on the consumed meat. Survey research design was embraced for the study. Eighty respondents consisting of 60 abattoir operators and 20 consumers from each town making a total of 160 respondents were drawn for the study. Random sampling technique was used for selection.  Interview guide and self-constructed questionnaire validated by experts was used to collect the data, test retest method was also used for the reliability and was found reliable at 0.88 significant levels. The collected data were analyzed with percentages and inferential statistics of chi-square. A verbal interview with 20 consumers from each town was also used to investigate the health implication on the consumed meat. The findings showed that the abattoirs in the study areas were not evenly distributed, the environmental health officers’ inspection to the abattoir were very rare, the abattoirs’ operators rarely went for medical checkup, and the types of facilities and equipment used in the Abattoir were not adequate. The results also showed that diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea and stomach pain were perceived health implications on the consumed meat. The findings further showed that poor sanitation and the abattoirs’ health status will significantly influence the health of the consumers negatively in ile-ife and Modakeke town. The study recommends that enlightenment programmes by the 3 tiers of government should be mounted for the abattoir operators and environmental health officers’ should inspect the Abattoir regularly. Key Words: Spatial Distribution, Abattoir, Operators’ Health Status, Waste Management, Health   Implication, Consumed Mea

Microbiological and Parasitological Assessment of Vegetables Sold At Owena Ijesa Market Osun State, Nigeria

Vegetable can serve as a source of food and it can be contaminated by microorganisms and parasite which can serve as a source of diseases. Laboratory investigations were carried out on four different vegetable samples: Cochorus olitorius (Ewedu), Celosia argentea (Shoko), Daucus carota (Carrot), Brassica olerecea (Cabbage), purchased from retailers in Owena-Ijesa, Nigeria. Standard Microbiological and parasitological analysis were carried out. Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Proteus sp., Enterobacter sp., Salmonella sp., Enterococcus sp., Vibrio sp., Paenibacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia sp., Brevibacillus sp. and seven fungi Saccharomyces sp., Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichoderma harizianum, Mucor sp. and Fusarium sp. were isolated and identified from the vegetables. The highest total bacterial count was 8.0 × 104 and lowest fungal count was 1× 103 in cabbage. E. coli had the highest occurrence of 18.18% and was found on all marketed vegetable samples used in this study while P. aeroginosa, B. subtilis and B. brevis had the least occurrence of 3.03%. Saccharomyces sp, Penicillium sp, and Aspergillus niger had the highest occurrence of 20% while Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichoderma harizianum, Mucor sp. and Fusarium sp. had the least occurrence of 10%. This study showed the presence of organisms of health significance on retail vegetables, reduction of risk of human illness can be achieved through controlling points of potential contamination from handling, transportation, processing of raw vegetables and strict government laws banning the use of untreated fertilizer on farm produce

Lactobacillus sp and some fungi from termite nests on kolanut trees had mild antagonistic effects against pathogens isolated from paediatric patients

Background: Residents in a rural suburb of Akure jettisoned antibiotic treatment; sought alternative cure to rising incidence of paediatric infections in 2017 from local herbal dealers, with many residents claiming of better treatment response. We investigated these claims since the local herbal formula included kola nut barks and ground termites.Methodology: Microorganisms associated with termite nests on kola nut trees in the affected community were characterized and identified using standard techniques. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion was used to evaluate the susceptibility of the bacterial isolates to selected antibiotics. Plasmid profile of multiple antibiotic resistant bacterial isolates (MDRIs) was determined by the Birnboim and Doly method while post plasmid curing antibiotic susceptibility was performed on the MDRIs against the same selected antibiotics. The microorganisms were also evaluated for possible antagonistic effects against Salmonella sp, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from paediatric patients during the period of study using previously described methods.Results: Bacteria (Corynebacterium sp, Streptococcus sp, Acinetobacter sp and Lactobacillus sp) and fungal (Geotrichum condidum, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium fujikuroi) were isolated from the termite nests. The antibiotic susceptibility revealed that Corynebacterium sp and Streptococcus sp were multiply antibiotic resistant, and this was confirmed to be plasmid mediated based on plasmid analysis and curing. The Lactobacillus sp, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium fujikuroi and Geotrichum condidum exhibited mild antagonisms against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp and Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from paediatric patients.Conclusion: This study suggests that termite nests on kola nut trees contain microbes that possess antagonistic actions against pathogens from paediatric patients and that some bacteria associated with termite guts may pose significant risk of increased antibiotic resistance if implicated in human infections.Keywords: Termite nests, Resistance, Antagonistic microbes, Termites, Plasmid, Kola nut tre

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century