Proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions of seeds of Allanblackia floribunda, Garcinia kola and Poga oleosa from Nigerian rainforest

Evaluation of the proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions of seeds of three tree species was carried out at the University of Agriculture, Umudike. Mature fruits of Allanblackia floribunda, Garcinia kola and Poga oleosa were collected from the rainforest at Umudike and Oban National Park. The seeds were extracted from the fruits and washed with distilled water. Plant seeds were put in a labeled and numbered envelope. The envelopes were put into an oven set at 60°C for 6 h. Seeds of each plant species were milled and separately put in air-tight numbered sterile bottles. The bottles were stored in a refrigerator set at 4.0°C. Samples for proximate, phytochemical and mineral compositions were collected for the bottles. The moisture content ranged between 9.98 and 12.10% while the dry matter ranged between 87.80 and 90.44%. Of interest was the high percent oil content (>60.0%) of both A. floribunda and P. oleosa. Each seed had between 25.36 and 75.38% carbohydrate. The high concentration of carbohydrate in G. kola seeds justified the acceptability of the seeds as edible seeds by many people. However, the seeds contained some quantity of lead, cadmium and chromium. This research work recommends that little quantities of these seeds should be taken periodically to minimize the adverse effects arising from consuming large quantities of the seeds.Key words: Proximate, oil, Poga oleosa, Allanblackia floribunda, phytochemical

A comparative study of the influence of heavy metals on soil and crops growing within quarry environment at Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria

A comparative study of the influence of heavy metals on soils and crops grown within quarry environment at Akamkpa, Cross River State was conducted in 2009 year. The study area was delineated into3 zones P1, P11, P111 based on the intensity of exposure to tailings, wind speed, wind direction and distance from the quarry. The selected sample distances were (0km, 1km and 3km as control). Soil sample with the depth of (0-15cm), cassava leaves and, fluted pumpkin leaves were collected separately from each of the sampling area and analyzed for chemicalcharacteristics. The concentration of heavy metals Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Mn, Fe and Cu in the leaves samples of fluted pumpkin and cassava in sample position (P1) were (25.26± 0.58, 15.54± 0.75, 14.28± 1.23, 18.05±0.20, 42.25±0.10, 87.22±0.40 and 28.14±0.71)mg/kg for fluted pumpkin and (23.41±0.50, 11.25±0.11, 10.78±0.23, 12.25±0.60, 38.25±0.05, 75.28±0.40 and 26.51±0.15)mg/kg for cassava leaves respectively. The values of these heavy metals Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Mn, Fe and Cu of soils in zone (P1) were (12.26±0.86, 5.75±0.50, 3.25±1.84, 8.25±1.24,14.29±0.25,125.0.85±0.05 and 5.67±0,98)mg/kg respectively.  The values of heavy metals in plant species were significant (P<0.05) higher than values of the soils in sample position. Similar trend was recorded in zones P11 and P111. The high concentrations of trace metals recorded in the leaves of the plant species may be due to bioaccumulation and biomagnifications of those metals in plant. The decrease in concentration of these metals in the soil may be as a result of losses due to leaching, harvest of agricultural products, volatilization and soil pH.. Thecorrelation between heavy metals in the soil and the relationship with the soil factors showed that some metals correlate significantly and positively with other metals while some do not. It is concluded that quarry activities in Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State has a significant impact on the level of heavy metals on crops around the area. This is a matter of great concern in view of the environmental and health implication, since man and livestock depend on these plant species for food

Prevalence and predisposing factors to birth fractures and brachial plexus injuries seen in a tertiary hospital in Calabar, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Birth injuries may occur even with the best standard of care, and even more in the presence of certain fetal, maternal and delivery related factors. In this study we sought to determine the prevalence of birth injuries and investigate the predisposing factors of birth fractures and nerve palsies.METHOD: This was a hospital-based Epidemiological study conducted between January 2014 – December 2016 and all patients with birth injuries were recruited into the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to parents or guardians after giving informed consent. Relevant data regarding maternal morbidity, birth weight, parity and mode of delivery was collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. Significant statistical inference was set at 0.05. Ethical approval was given by the institutional ethics and research committee.RESULTS: Forty-six patients were recruited into the study. Seventy six percent were referred within a week after birth. Male to female ratio was 1:1.1. Thirty-two (60.9%) had fractures while 14 (39.1%) had brachial plexus injuries. Twenty-seven (58.7%) were delivered by a midwife and one was delivered by a traditional birth attendant. Fourteen of the mothers (30.4%) were primipara while 13 were grandmultipara. Seventeen of the patients (37%) had a birth weight >4kg. Most mothers delivered in a secondary health facility (43.5%) while 5 (10.9%) delivered at home. Only 8 (17.4%) had cesarean section. Birth through cesarean section was significantly associated with lower risk of fractures and peripheral nerve palsy (p=0.04).CONCLUSION: Fractures were the commonest injury seen. Cesarean section had the lowest rate of birth fractures andnerve palsies.KEYWORDS: Birth injury, Trauma, Orthopedic related, Birth fractures, Birth palsy

Skin Cancers Among Albinos at a University Teaching Hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: A Retrospective Review of 64 Cases.

Skin cancers are a major risk associated with albinism and are thought to be a major cause of death in African albinos. The challenges associated with the care of these patients are numerous and need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to outline the pattern and treatment outcome of skin cancers among albinos treated at our centre and to highlight challenges associated with the care of these patients and proffer solutions for improved outcome. This was a retrospective study of all albinos with a histopathological diagnosis of skin cancer seen at Bugando Medical Centre from March 2001 to February 2010. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 64 patients were studied. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The median age of patients was 30 years. The median duration of illness at presentation was 24 months. The commonest reason for late presentation was financial problem. Head and the neck was the most frequent site afflicted in 46(71.8%) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histopathological type in 75% of cases. Surgical operation was the commonest modality of treatment in 60 (93.8%) patients. Radiotherapy was given in 24(37.5%) patients. Twenty-seven (42.2%) of the patients did not complete their treatment due to lack of funds. Local recurrence following surgical treatment was recorded in 6 (30.0%) patients. Only thirty-seven (61.7%) patients were available for follow-up at 6-12 months and the remaining patients were lost to follow-up. Skin cancers are the most common cancers among albinos in our environment. Albinism and exposure to ultraviolet light appears to be the most important risk factor in the development of these cancers. Late presentation and failure to complete treatment due to financial difficulties and lack of radiotherapy services at our centre are major challenges in the care of these patients. Early institution of preventive measures, early presentation and treatment, and follow-up should be encouraged in this population for better outcome

Skin cancers in albinos in a teaching Hospital in eastern Nigeria - presentation and challenges of care

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Albinism is a genetic disorder characterized by lack of skin pigmentation. It has a worldwide distribution but is commoner in areas close to the equator like Nigeria. Skin cancers are a major risk associated with albinism and are thought to be a major cause of death in African albinos. Challenges faced in the care of these patients need to be highlighted in order to develop a holistic management approach with a significant public health impact. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of skin cancers seen in Albinos, and to highlight problems encountered in their management.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Case records of albinos managed in Imo state University teaching Hospital from June 2007 to May 2009 were reviewed. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>In the period under review, albinos accounted for 67% of patients managed for primary skin cancers. There were twenty patients with thirty eight (38) lesions. Sixty one percent of the patients were below 40 years. Average duration of symptoms at presentation was 26 months. The commonest reason for late presentation was the lack of funds. Squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest histologic variant. Most patients were unable to complete treatment due to lack of funds.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Albinism appears to be the most important risk factor in the development of skin cancers in our environment. Late presentation and poor rate of completion of treatment due to poverty are major challenges.</p

Source Evaluation and Trace Metal Contamination in Benthic Sediments from Equatorial Ecosystems Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques

race metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) concentrations in benthic sediments were analyzed through multi-step fractionation scheme to assess the levels and sources of contamination in estuarine, riverine and freshwater ecosystems in Niger Delta (Nigeria). The degree of contamination was assessed using the individual contamination factors (ICF) and global contamination factor (GCF). Multivariate statistical approaches including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and correlation test were employed to evaluate the interrelationships and associated sources of contamination. The spatial distribution of metal concentrations followed the pattern Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd>Ni. Ecological risk index by ICF showed significant potential mobility and bioavailability for Cu, Cu and Ni. The ICF contamination trend in the benthic sediments at all studied sites was Cu>Cr>Ni>Cd>Pb. The principal component and agglomerative clustering analyses indicate that trace metals contamination in the ecosystems was influenced by multiple pollution sources

High ANC coverage and low skilled attendance in a rural Tanzanian district: a case for implementing a birth plan intervention

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, more than 90% of all pregnant women attend antenatal care at least once and approximately 62% four times or more, yet less than five in ten receive skilled delivery care at available health units. We conducted a qualitative study in Ngorongoro district, Northern Tanzania, in order to gain an understanding of the health systems and socio-cultural factors underlying this divergent pattern of high use of antenatal services and low use of skilled delivery care. Specifically, the study examined beliefs and behaviors related to antenatal, labor, delivery and postnatal care among the Maasai and Watemi ethnic groups. The perspectives of health care providers and traditional birth attendants on childbirth and the factors determining where women deliver were also investigated. METHODS: Twelve key informant interviews and fifteen focus group discussions were held with Maasai and Watemi women, traditional birth attendants, health care providers, and community members. Principles of the grounded theory approach were used to elicit and assess the various perspectives of each group of participants interviewed. RESULTS: The Maasai and Watemi women's preferences for a home birth and lack of planning for delivery are reinforced by the failure of health care providers to consistently communicate the importance of skilled delivery and immediate post-partum care for all women during routine antenatal visits. Husbands typically serve as gatekeepers of women's reproductive health in the two groups - including decisions about where they will deliver- yet they are rarely encouraged to attend antenatal sessions. While husbands are encouraged to participate in programs to prevent maternal-to-child transmission of HIV, messages about the importance of skilled delivery care for all women are not given emphasis. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing coverage of skilled delivery care and achieving the full implementation of Tanzania's Focused Antenatal Care Package in Ngorongoro depends upon improved training and monitoring of health care providers, and greater family participation in antenatal care visits