Histological changes in the heart of rats fed diet containing Mondia Whitei

This study investigates the effects of Mondia Whitei on the heart of rats. Sixteen adult Wistar rats (151.67 ± 2.89 grams) were involved. They were divided into four groups: a control (A) and three test groups (B, C and D). For 3 weeks, group A (control) received normal feed (growers mash), while test groups B, C, and D, received graded doses of Mondia Whitei (4.5; 9.0; and 13.5g respectively) in feed daily. Histological investigations revealed that Mondia  Whitei induced severe fibrillolytic changes with pale staining hypertrophic myofibres, extensive myocardial necrosis, inflamatory cell infiltration, and oedema, in a dosage-duration-dependent manner. These results suggest therefore, that Mondia Whitei has cardio-toxicity potentials and as such, there is a need to regulate the inclusion of Mondia Whitei in consumable products.Keywords: Mondia whitei, cardiac infarction, cardio-toxicity, myocardial necrosis

The incidence of hepatic infarction in rats fed with graded doses of Carica Papaya seeds

This study investigates the sub-acute and chronic effects of graded doses of carica papaya seed-treatment on the liver of rats. The study involved 15 Sprague Dawley rats (95.0 ± 10.0 grams) within the ages of 7 ± 1weeks. They were divided into three groups: A (control; n = 5), B= (Test 1; n = 5) and C= (Test 2; n = 5). Test Groups B and C were fed with same doses of powdered Carica papaya seed (6 grams) but for 3 weeks (group B; sub-acute test duration) and 6 weeks (group C; chronic test duration) respectively. The histological observations revealed that there were dosage-duration-dependent distortions in the parenchyma of the liver, especially the histological signs of hepatic infarction/hemorrhage, exudations, pyknosis and parenchymal erosions. These findings suggest therefore, that Carica papaya seeds have the capacity to induce liver damage and considering the increasing usage of herbal medications amongst the population, its clinical consequences can only be better imagined.Keywords: Carica papaya, Hepatic infarction, Herbs, Nigeria

A comparative study on the rate of bone decalcification at varying temperatures, fluid type and fluid concentrations

This study evaluates the rate of bone decalcification at varying temperatures, decalcification fluid and fluid concentrations. A decalcification methodology was adopted using modern household microwave oven to accelerate the decalcification rate of rabbit compact bone sample. Bone biopsy was obtained from a rabbit limb and fixed immediately for 24hrs in 10% formalin. Traditional decalcification was carried out at room temperature (RT) with 5% Jenkins fluid (JK) and 5% Gooding and Stewart (GS) fluid as controls. Microwave oven decalcification with 5% JK and 7% JK, as well as 5% GS and 10% GS served as the tests at 300C, 400C and 500C in microwave oven. Results showed that at 300C, 5%-GS and 10%-GS as well as 5%-JK and 7%-JK presented a decalcifying time of 11hrs:30mins and 10hrs:30mins as well as 15hrs and 13hrs respectively. At 400C, a decalcifying time of 8hrs, 6hrs:30mins, 10hrs:30mins and 12hrs were recorded for the respective concentrations of decalcifying fluid. Also, at 500C, the decalcifying times were 6hrs, 5hrs, and 9hrs:30mins and 8hrs respectively. The observed differences between RT and microwave oven decalcification was significant while the rate between the two decalcifying fluid were not. Our findings further encourage the use of microwave oven for bone decalcification.Key Words: Bone, Decalcification rate, fluid concentration, Temperatur

Weight changes and growth performance in Sprague Dawley rats fed diet containing graded doses of Carica Papaya seeds

Carica papaya is not left out among plants reported to be of herbal and therapeutic importance. Hence, this study investigates the effect of ingestion of Carica papaya seeds on weight gain and growth in growing Sprague Dawley rats. The study involves 40 growing rats (95.0 ± 10.0 grams) within the ages of 7 ± 1weeks. They were divided into four groups of two stages; A (control; n = 5), B (n = 10), C (n = 10) and D (n = 10). The rats were fed varying doses of powdered Carica papaya seed (6, 8, 10grams). Animal weights were measured before and after acclimatization (2 weeks); after three weeks (acute; Stage 1); and 6 weeks (chronic; Stage 2). The data obtained were compared using the ANOVA at P ≤ 0.05 level of significance. At all stages of weight determinations, Group A, B, C and D presented body weight gain from the preceding weight. Comparatively, those of Group B, C and D were lower during the pre-treatment periods (3 weeks and 6 weeks) and presented the most retarded growth impact in a dose depended fashion. The observations suggest Carica papaya seeds may have weight reduction potentials and may induce growth retardation.Key words: Weight, growth, Carica papaya seed, Herb

Sexual practices among unmarried adolescents in Tanzania

\ud Sexual activities are increasingly changing from the cultural point of view what they used to be. Knowledge of these practices among adolescents may be a basis to create awareness among adolescents on practices that involve risks. This study aims to assess sexual practices among unmarried adolescents in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among in-school and out-of-school but unmarried adolescents aged 10 to 19 in five locations in Tanzania. A questionnaire was used to collect information and to characterize sexual practices among these adolescents. About 32% of adolescents reported being sexually active; a higher proportion being males than females. The only inquired and reported sexual practices include vaginal sex, masturbation, oral and anal sex. About 15% of sexually active adolescents reported having multiple sexual partners. Significantly more males reported having multiple partners than females. Nearly 42% of sexually active adolescents reported having used a condom during most recent sexual act. Females reported older partners at first sexual act. Adolescents experience several sexual practices that include penetrative and non-penetrative. More males reported being sexually active than females. Despite adolescents reporting having multiple sexual partners, reported condom use during the most recent sexual act was low. We advocate for a more enhanced approach of reproductive health education that includes safer sex to adolescents without forgetting those in-schools.\u

The Potential of Medical Abortion to Reduce Maternal Mortality in Africa: What Benefits for Tanzania and Ethiopia?

BACKGROUND: Unsafe abortion is estimated to account for 13% of maternal mortality globally. Medical abortion is a safe alternative. METHODS: By estimating mortality risks for unsafe and medical abortion and childbirth for Tanzania and Ethiopia, we modelled changes in maternal mortality that are achievable if unsafe abortion were replaced by medical abortion. We selected Ethiopia and Tanzania because of their high maternal mortality ratios (MMRatios) and contrasting situations regarding health care provision and abortion legislation. We focused on misoprostol-only regimens due to the drug's low cost and accessibility. We included the impact of medical abortion on women who would otherwise choose unsafe abortion and on women with unwanted/mistimed pregnancies who would otherwise carry to term. RESULTS: Thousands of lives could be saved each year in each country by implementing medical abortion using misoprostol (2122 in Tanzania and 2551 in Ethiopia assuming coverage equals family planning services levels: 56% for Tanzania, 31% for Ethiopia). Changes in MMRatios would be less pronounced because the intervention would also affect national birth rates. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first analysis of impact of medical abortion provision which takes into account additional potential users other than those currently using unsafe abortion. Thousands of women's lives could be saved, but this may not be reflected in as substantial changes in MMRatios because of medical abortion's demographic impact. Therefore policy makers must be aware of the inability of some traditional measures of maternal mortality to detect the real benefits offered by such an intervention