Vitamin and Mineral Compositions of Local Spices, Vegetables and Fish Wastes

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the vitamins and minerals content of some locally sourced ingredients such as fish liver oil, Baobab (Adansonia digitata) , Fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis), Cockcomb (Celosia spp), Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) leaves, Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aetiopica), Red pepper (capsicum frutenscen), Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevicae), rice bran, palm oil and colostrums. The results indicated that fish liver oil was the most potent source of vitamins A, D, E and B12 represented by 9x10 6 iu/100g, 48000icu/100g, 30mg/100g, and 40.5mg/100g, respectively. B-Complex vitamins were present among the spices and vegetables analyzed. Saccharomyces cerevicae was observed to a potent source of thiamin (9.4mg /100g) and niacin (41.8 mg / 100g). Capsicum spp and Telfaria occidentalis had ample amounts of riboflavin, thiamin and niacin. Rice bran had the highest amount of pyridoxine, 28.6mg/100g, while pantothenate was present more in the milk (8.2mg/100g) than other materials analysed. The mineral composition of the materials analysed showed that they have fairly uniform potency. Amaranthus cruentus was found to contain more mineral with 3.0, 1.4, 5.13, 1.10, 5.04 and 1.09% for copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg), respectively. The results of the analysis indicated that vitamins and minerals potencies of these ingredients can be harnessed for the production of vitamin and mineral premix for animal feed formulation.Keywords: HPLC, Minerals, Natural ingredients, Spices, Vegetables, Vitamin

Effects of administration of sertraline, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine on brain serotonin, liver enzymes and blood chemistry of rabbit

The chronic administration of sertraline, clozapine, amitriptyline and imipramine on brain serotonin, liver enzymes and blood chemistry of rabbits were investigated. Sixty rabbits were equally divided into 5groups and each group was intraperitoneally administered 2 ml of 0.5 mg of the respective drug/kg body weight/day) and saline as control for 28 days. After 28 days, the rabbits were sacrificed; blood taken, liver andbrain were excised. The concentration of total protein, serotonin, cholesterol and triglyceride in serum, liver and brain were determined. The activities of serum and liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartatetransaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase were also assayed. The serum serotonin and brain serotonin levels in rabbits administered the respective drugs were significantly (

Lactational Vitamin E Protects Against the Histotoxic Effects of Systemically Administered Vanadium in Neonatal Rats

Summary: The work investigated the protective role of lactational vitamin E administration on vanadium-induced histotoxicity. Three groups of Wistar rats, with each group comprising of two dams and their pups, were used in this study. Group I pups were administered intraperitoneal injection of sterile water at volumes corresponding to the dose rate of the vanadium (sodium metavanadate) treated group from postnatal day (PND) 1-14 while those in Group II were administered intraperitoneal injection of 3mg/kg vanadium from PND 1-14. Group III pups were administered intraperitoneal injection of 3mg/kg vanadium while the dam received oral vitamin E (500mg) concurrently every 72hours. The results showed that group II pups exhibited histopathological changes which included seminiferous tubule disruption of the testes characterised by vacuolar degeneration and coagulative necrosis of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells with reduction in mitosis, and areas of interstitial thickening with fibroblast proliferation. In addition, the lungs showed disruption of the bronchiolar wall and denudation of the bronchiolar respiratory epithelium while the liver showed hydropic degeneration and coagulative necrosis of the centrilobular hepatocytes. These histotoxic changes were ameliorated in the vanadium + vitamin E group. We conclude that lactational vitamin E protects against the histotoxic effects of vanadium and could be a consideration for supplementation in the occupationally and environmentally exposed neonates. However, caution should be taken in vitamin E supplementation because there is still equivocal evidence surrounding its benefits as a supplement at the moment.Keywords: Vanadium, Vitamin E, Histotoxicity, Antioxidant

Trace metal levels of drinking water sources in parts of Osun State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the portability of drinking water sources available to people in parts of Osun State, Nigeria, especially with respect to trace metal levels. The trace metal contents were determined over a period of six months covering both the rainy and dry seasons. Tap, well, stream and borehole water from five towns (Osogbo, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesha) in Osun State were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentrations of the metals analyzed range (µg/mL) as follows: Fe (0.18-0.30), Mn (0.33-0.37), Zn (0.11-0.14), Cu (0.05-1.0), Pb (0.01-0.03), Hg (Nd-0.03), As (Nd-0.03), Cd (Nd-0.04), Cr (0.02-0.05), and Ni (0.02-0.05) while the mean levels (ug/mL) were of the order: Hg (0.01) < Pb (0.02) = As (0.02) = Cd (0.02) < Ni (0.03) < Cr (0.04) < Cu (0.08) < Zn (0.13) < Fe (0.25) < Mn (0.36). The results indicated a significant correlation in the metal contents of the water samples from the various locations as well as the various water sources. The trace metals contents (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni) were below or equal to the limits set by WHO for drinking and domestic water while the toxic metals (Pb, Hg, As and Cd), recorded values higher than the safe limits set by WHO hence, the water sources are capable of constituting serious health hazards. Key Words:     Trace Metals, Water, Borehole, Well, Stream, Tap, Toxicit

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Bacterial Pathogens Isolated From Pregnant Women with Asymptomatic Bacteriuria at Tertiary Hospital in Northeastern Nigeria

Asymptomatic urinary tract infection among pregnant women is a common clinical episode that is frequently undiagnosed. A total of 200 clean-catch mid-stream urine (150 pregnant women and 50 non-pregnant women)were examined by microscopy and culture methods. Overall, the  prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 59.0% (118/200) and was significantly higher among pregnant (63.3%, 95/150) than non-pregnant (46.0%, 23/50) subjects (÷2 = 4.66, df = 1, p = 0.03). Tertiary education (72.6%, OR = 1.45, p = 0.014), third trimester (77.6%, OR = 1.39, p = 0.042), multi-gravidity (79.0%, OR = 1.41, p = 0.0017) and multiparity (75.9%, OR = 1.49, p = 0.03) were factors associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria in studied pregnant subjects. Of the 118 bacterial isolates, Klebsiella spp accounted for 39.8% (47/118), followed by S. aureus 22.9% (27/118), E.coli 19.5% (23/118), Proteus spp 9.3% (11/118) and P. aeruginosa 8.5% (10/118) (p < 0.0001). Antibacterial susceptibility test revealed that all bacterial isolates were susceptible to quinolones (ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin and ofloxacin). In addition to this, S. aureus was also susceptible to erythromycin. However, all bacterial isolates were resistant to readily available antibacterial drugs including augmentin®, cotrimoxazole, penicillin and cephalexin. In conclusion, prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in this study isconsidered to be high and the bacterial isolates were quinolones sensitive and resistant to other commonly used antibacterial drugs. Considering the clinical implications of untreated urinary tract infection, it is therefore advisable that routine urine culture may be adopted as part of antenatal care.Keywords: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, urinary tract infection, antimicrobial susceptibility, tertiary hospita

Paediatrician workforce in Nigeria and impact on child health

Objective: To determine the number and distribution of paediatricians in Nigeria. It also aims to determine the association between paediatrician workforce and under five mortality (U5MR) and immunization coverageacross the six geopolitical zones of the country.Methods: The part II fellowship examination pass list of the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College and the register and financial records of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria were searched for the purpose of the study. Using a structured questionnaire, personal and professional data was obtained frommembers at the 2011 Annual Paediatric Association of Nigeria Conference or via the Association’s website, email network and phone calls to Departments of Paediatrics in institutions (private and public) across the Country. Data on the paediatricians residing within Nigeria was then extracted from the comprehensive database and subsequently analyzed.Population data, mortality and immunization rates were obtained from the National Population Commission census and their most recent National Demographic health survey in Nigeria. Correlations were drawn betweennumber of paediatricians and U5MR and diphtheria-pertussistetanus(DPT) vaccine coverage.Results: There were 492 practicing paediatricians in Nigeria at theend of year 2011, comprising 282 (57.3%) males and 210 (42.7%)females; 476 (96.7%). Majority (84.7%) worked for the governmentwith 97% of them in hospital settings, mostly tertiary centres (344=88%). Lagos State had the highest number (85; 17.9%) of practicing paediatricians followed by the Federal Capital Territory with 37 (7.8%) paediatricians. More than two thirds of the paediatricians (336; 70.6%) were practicing in the southern part of the country. The average child:p a e d i a t r i c i a n r a t i o wa s 157,878:1for the country. TheNorth East zone had the highest chi ld- to-pa ediat r ician rat io (718,412:1) while South West had the lowest ratio (95,682:1).Higher absolute numbers of paediatricians in each zone were associatedwi th lower U5MR (Spearman ñ=-0.94, p=0.0048), accounting for 84% of the variability among zones. Higher ratios of child-to-paediatrician were significantly associated with higher U5MR (Spearman ñ=0.82, p=0.04,linear R2=0.73) and marginally with lower DPT coverage by geopoliticalzone (Spearman ñ=-0.77, p=0.07, linear R2=0.59).Conclusion: The study reveals that the number of paediatricians inNigeria is grossly inadequate with a huge child-to-paediatrician ratio.There is also an uneven distribution of the paediatricians with higher numbers in the southern states. Zones of the country with lower child-to-paediatrician ratios also experienced lower U5MR. There is a need to train more paediatricians in Nigeria and promote an even distribution of the paediatrician workforceKey words: Paediatrician, workforce, child-to-paediatrician ratio, under-5 mortality, immunization, childhealth, Nigeri

Mothers and childhood pneumonia: What should the focus of public campaigns be?

Background: Prompt administration of antibiotics to children with pneumonia significantly reduces the probability of death. However this requires early identification of such children in the community.In a country such as Nigeria with one of the highest pneumoniarelateddeaths, what do mothers know about pneumonia, and what should be the content of public campaign messages?Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to mothers  attending paediatric clinics of Lagos University Teaching Hospital seekingtheir knowledge about the definition, causes, risk factors and symptomsof childhood pneumonia.Results: One hundred and seven (107) consecutive mothers participatedin the study. The majority (97; 90.6%) had at least secondary education,were married (96; 89.7%) and professed to be either Christiansor Muslims (105; 98.1%). Prior to the study, 16 (15%) had notheard about pneumonia. About half of the participants correctly identifiedfast/difficult breathing as suggestive of pneumonia. Threequartersreported exposure to cold as the cause of childhood pneumonia. Minimizing exposure to cold and wearing warm clothes were thetwo commonest reported ways of preventing pneumonia (75.8% and49.5% of the mothers respectively); in contrast hand washing, exclusivebreastfeeding and limiting exposure to sick persons with cough and catarrhwere the least mentioned. The proportion of mothers who correctlyidentified fast/difficult breathing as suggestive of pneumoniawas similar irrespective of educational status or source of pneumoniainformation.Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of childhood pneumonia is low. Publiccampaigns on pneumonia should focus on raising awareness aboutgerms as cause of pneumonia, immunization, hand washing and exclusivebreastfeeding as potent preventive strategies and fast/difficult breathing as a feature of pneumonia

Community knowledge, attitude and practice of childhood immunization in Southwest Nigeria: Data from a Paediatric Association of Nigeria town hall meeting

Background: Vaccine preventable diseases account for 22% of under-five deaths in Nigeria and poor knowledge and attitude have been responsible for non-vaccination of children. This study aimed to assess the knowledge,attitude and practice of childhood immunization among community members in Ile-Ife.Methods: Quantitative data (using an interviewer-administered questionnaire) was collected from a convenience sample of 36 adultresidents who attended a town hall meeting with the PaediatricAssociation of Nigeria. Two focus group discussions were also conductedamong sub-samples of male and female respondents.Results: The mean age of respondents was 43.2 ± 11.9 years with amale to female ratio of 1:0.7. Most had secondary education (63.9%)and had children (91.7%). Most of the respondents understood whatimmunization was and knew the benefits but were unaware of severalof the specific types of immunization. There were erroneous beliefs about the contraindications for immunization and mothers were entrusted with the sole responsibility of getting children immunized. Although most of therespondents had immunized their children, they identified laziness ofmothers, negative attitude of health workers and logistics problemsat facilities as barriers to patronage of immunization services.Conclusion: This study identified knowledge gaps and negative attitudestowards childhood immunization. We therefore recommend a community-wide health education intervention with emphasis on substantial male involvement in immunizations and improvement inimmunization service delivery.Key words: Community, knowledge, attitude, childhood immunization

Anti-malarial activity of Holarrhena antidysenterica and Viola canescens, plants traditionally used against malaria in the Garhwal region of north-west Himalaya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The increasing number of multidrug-resistant <it>Plasmodium </it>strains warrants exploration of new anti-malarials. Medicinal plant research has become more important, particularly after the development of Chinese anti-malarial drug artemisnin from <it>Artemisia annua</it>. The present study shows evaluation of anti-malarial effects of two plants commonly used against malaria in the Garhwal region of north-west Himalaya, in order to discover the herbal-based medicine.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p><it>In vitro </it>anti-plasmodial sensitivity of plant extracts was assessed using schizont maturation and parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. Cytotoxic activities of the examined extracts were determined on L-6 cells of rat skeletal muscle myoblast. The 4-day test for anti-malarial activity against a chloroquine sensitive <it>Plasmodium berghei </it>NK65 strain in Swiss albino mice was used for monitoring <it>in vivo </it>activity of plant extracts.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Chloroform extract of <it>H. antidysenterica </it>(HA-2) and petroleum ether extract of <it>V. canescens </it>(VC-1) plants significantly reduced parasitaemia in <it>P. berghei </it>infected mice. The extract HA-2 showed <it>in vitro </it>anti-plasmodial activity with its IC₅₀value 5.5 μg/ml using pLDH assay and ED₅₀value 18.29 mg/kg in <it>P. berghei </it>infected Swiss albino mice. Similarly petroleum ether extract of <it>V. canescens </it>(VC-1) showed <it>in vitro </it>anti-plasmodial activity with its IC₅₀value 2.76 μg/ml using pLDH assay and ED₅₀15.8 mg/kg in <it>P. berghei </it>infected mice. The extracts coded as HA-2 at 30 mg/kg and VC-1 at 20 mg/kg exhibited parasite inhibition in mice: 73.2% and 63.0% respectively. Of these two plant extracts, petroleum ether extract of <it>V. canescens </it>was found slightly cytotoxic.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present investigation reflects the use of these traditional medicinal plants against malaria and these plants may work as potential source in the development of variety of herbal formulations for the treatment of malaria.</p