Weight reduction with improvement of serum lipid profile and ratios of Sesamum radiatum leaves diet in a non-obese Sprague Dawley rats

Development of novel natural dietary adjunct/agent with significant therapeutic effects on metabolic disease conditions such as obesity and heart disease raises concern in recent times. We studiedchronic toxicity of the combined active ingredients present in the sesame leaves and their interaction on the fasting serum lipid profiles with their ratios in thirty adult male non-obese Sprague Dawley (SD)rats. Such that, both treated groups received 14.0 and 28.0 mg/kg body weight doses of aqueous leaves extract of Sesamum radiatum respectively on a daily basis via gastric gavage, while, the controlreceived equal volume of normal saline daily for six weeks. Significant (P < 0.05) weight loss observed in the treated groups was associated with significant (P < 0.05) reductions in both serum cholesteroland triglycerides (TG). The effect on the serum lipoprotein cholesterol components and ratios were significant in a dose related manner, such that increase in HDL accompanied a corresponding decreasein both LDL and LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, to increased in TG/HDL ratio. However, no significant differences in the relative reduction level of VLDL and triglycerides in the treated groups were found compared to control. Thus, LDL/HDL ratio is significantly a better indicator than the TG/HDL ratio in assessing the impact of sesame treatment with evidence of weight loss and hypolipidaemia especially in hypertensive heart diseases

Synergistic Antimicrobial Activities Of Phytoestrogens In Crude Extracts Of Two Sesame Species Against Some Common Pathogenic Microorganisms

Intensive studies on extracts and biologically active compounds isolated from medicinal plants have doubled in the last decade worldwide. However, as a result of paucity of knowledge and folkloric claim on the effectiveness of sesame leaves in infectious disease treatments, we aimed to determine the synergistic antimicrobial activity of essential oils and lignans present in the crude leaves extracts of Sesame radiatum and Sesame indicum. Ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of both leaves were studied for their in-vitro synergistic antimicrobial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative micro-organisms, and Yeast using Agar diffusion method. The GC-MS phytochemical screening of methanolic extract showed that the major compounds in essential oils are of carboxylic acids and phenolic groups especially, the most potent antioxidants known to man like sesamol, sesamolin and sesamin among others. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts have broad spectrum antimicrobial effect against all the tested pathogenic micro-organisms except Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus respectively, while the aqueous extract exhibited inhibitory activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Candida albicans. The result confirmed the folkloric claims of the antimicrobial effectiveness of locally consumed sesame leaves extracts especially against bacterial and common skin infection in many areas of Nigeria . Keywords: Pathogenic micro-organisms, Gram-positive, Gram-negative,Yeast, Anti-microbial, Sesame leaves, GC-MS, MICAfrican Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Vol. 4 (4) 2007: pp. 427-43

Craniopharyngioma causing visual loss in an adult

No Abstract

A Case Report of Congenital Neuroblastoma

No Abstract

Efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the management of hydrocephalus in children under 2 years of age: Experience from a tertiary institution in Nigeria

Background: The management of hydrocephalus in developing countries is challenging. Hydrocephalus is a common childhood disorder in developing countries in particular and its management is quite challenging. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is associated with high failure rates and complications. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with potentially lower complication rate could improve care and reduce cost of management of hydrocephalus.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy (success rate) of ETV in children ≤2 years and to find out factors that may be responsible for good outcome of ETV.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. Nigeria. All consecutive children ≤2 years of age with hydrocephalus were recruited into the study. Relevant demographic and clinical data documented. All cases had ETV and were followed up to document 6 months outcome.Results: A total of 34 patients (M: F ratio 1.1:1) were recruited over a 2‑year period. Age, sex, presumed aetiology and image findings were not statistically significant in influencing outcome of ETV. Good outcome (defined as uneventful postoperative period, not requiring repeat ETV or VP shunt) was documented in 26 (73.5%). A total of 8 (26.5%) experienced poor outcome. Complication occurred in 2 (5.9%) as follows: Wound infection 1 (2.9%) and ventriculitis 1 (2.9%). Aetiology was divided into non post‑infective hydrocephalus‑20 (58.8%), post‑infective hydrocephalus‑5 (14.7%) and post‑myelomeningocoele repair‑9 (26.5%).Conclusions: This study shows that ETV success rate is high in the management of hydrocephalus in children ≤2 years in our clinical practice. Regardless of the clinical diagnosis, where the facilities are available, children with hydrocephalus will benefit from ETV irrespective of the age and aetiology in sub Saharan Africa.Key words: Children, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, hydrocephalus, ventriculoperitoneal shun

Liberalisation of Trade in Health Services and the Implication for Africa’s Health System

This paper explores the relationship between trade in health services, its liberalization, and Africa‟s health system with particular focus on Africa. Using a sample of African countries, a regression model link, health outcomes to health inputs and health policy variables were estimated to cover two separate periods- the pre- General Agreement in Trade in Services (GATS) (1990-1994) period and GATS period (1995-2006). The coefficients of the regression are then compared to determine the impact of GATS. Increasing the public health expenditure through additional budgetary provisions in African countries improves health only at the margin. The lack of agreement in the form of GATS limited the intensity of trade in health services. The non-significance of the trade in health services proxy variables during GATS period shows that health trade services impacts on Africa‟s health sector should be limited to commercial presence (Mode 3) and movement of health professionals (Mode 4) which are the channels through which health services trade is conducted in many African countries. Health services trade data are limited, hence proxy measure of health services were utilised in the paper and this might blur the expected impacts. The implication of the paper is for African countries to adequately participate in GATS as it involves trade in health services. Key Words: Liberalisation, health system, mortality, services supply modes, WTO, general agreement in trade in services (GATS) JEL classification: F1

Maternal Near-Miss Due to Unsafe Abortion and Associated Short-Term Health and Socio-Economic Consequences in Nigeria

AbstractLittle is known about maternal near-miss (MNM) due to unsafe abortion in Nigeria. We used the WHO criteria to identify near-miss events and the proportion due to unsafe abortion among women of childbearing age in eight large secondary and tertiary hospitals across the six geo-political zones. We also explored the characteristics of women with these events, delays in seeking care and the short-term socioeconomic and health impacts on women and their families. Between July 2011 and January 2012, 137 MNM cases were identified of which 13 or 9.5% were due to unsafe abortions. Severe bleeding, pain and fever were the most common immediate abortion complications. On average, treatment of MNM due to abortion costs six times more than induced abortion procedures. Unsafe abortion and delays in care seeking are important contributors to MNM. Programs to prevent unsafe abortion and delays in seeking postabortion care are urgently needed to reduce abortion related MNM in Nigeria.Keywords: Unsafe abortion, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Severe obstetric morbidity, Delays seeking PACRésuméOn est peu renseigné sur la mort manquée maternel (MMM) en raison de l'avortement à risque au Nigeria. Nous nous sommes servis des critères de l'OMS pour identifier les événements de presque manqué maternels et la proportion dus aux avortements chez les femmes en âge de procréer dans huit grands hôpitaux secondaires et tertiaires à travers les six zones géopolitiques. Nous avons également exploré les caractéristiques des femmes avec ces événements, des retards dans la recherche de soins et les impacts socio-économiques et la santé à court terme sur les femmes et leurs familles. Entre juillet 2011 et janvier 2012, 137 cas PMM ont été identifiés, dont 13 ou 9,5% étaient dus aux avortements dangereux. L'hémorragie sévère, la douleur et la fièvre étaient les complications d'avortement immédiats les plus communs. En moyenne, le traitement de PMM en raison de l'avortement coûte six fois plus que les procédures d'avortement provoqué. L'avortement dangereux et des retards dans la recherche de soins sont des contributeurs importants à PMM. Il faut d’urgence des programmes de prévention dangereux et en cherchant des soins après l’avortement pour réduire l'avortement PMM liés à l’avortement au Nigeria. Mots-clés: avortement à risque, morbidité maternelle, mortalité maternelle, morbidité obstétricale sévère, retards en recherchan

Serological Survey of Brucellosis in Food Animals in Ogun State, Nigeria

A serological survey of brucellosis in food animals was conducted in Abeokuta, the largest city in Ogun State, Nigeria between August and November 2009. A total of 275 cattle, 52 sheep, 31 goats and 30 pigs were screened for Brucellosis using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). The Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT) was carried out on sera samples that were positive for brucellosis to quantitatively determine the level of antibody titre. Brucellosis was confirmed in 14.2%, 9.6% and 12.9% of cattle, sheep and goat respectively. All 30 pigs were negative for brucellosis. All sheep and goats were positive at 1:10 dilution, while 10.3%, 38.5% and 51.3% of positive cattle were positive at 1:10, 1:20 and 1:40 dilutions respectively. This result showed that brucellosis is still an important infectious disease of food animals and possibly a major zoonosis in Ogun State, Nigeria.Une &#233;tude s&#233;rologique de la brucellose chez les animaux destin&#233;s &#224; l&#8217;alimentation humaine a &#233;t&#233; men&#233;e &#224; Abeokuta, la plus grande ville de l&#8217;&#201;tat d&#8217;Ogun au Nigeria, entre ao&#251;t et novembre 2009. Au total, 275 bovins, 52 moutons, 31 ch&#232;vres et 30 porcs ont &#233;t&#233; test&#233;s en vue de rechercher la pr&#233;sence de la brucellose en utilisant l&#8217;&#233;preuve sur lame au rose bengale (RB). Le test d&#8217;agglutination en tube standard (STAT) a &#233;t&#233; r&#233;alis&#233; sur des &#233;chantillons de s&#233;rums positifs pour la brucellose, afin de d&#233;terminer quantitativement le niveau du titre des anticorps. La brucellose a &#233;t&#233; confirm&#233;e respectivement chez 14,2%, 9,6% et 12,9% des bovins, moutons et ch&#232;vres. Tous les 30 porcs &#233;taient n&#233;gatifs pour la brucellose. De cet ensemble d&#8217;animaux, tous les moutons et ch&#232;vres &#233;taient positifs &#224; la dilution de 1:10, tandis que 10,3%, 38,5% et 51,3% de bovins positifs &#233;taient positifs respectivement aux dilutions de 1:10, 1:20 et 1:40. Ce r&#233;sultat a montr&#233; que la brucellose reste une maladie infectieuse importante des animaux destin&#233;s &#224; l&#8217;alimentation humaine et &#233;ventuellement une zoonose majeure dans l&#8217;&#201;tat d&#8217;Ogun au Nigeria.Mots-cl&#233;s: Epreuve sur lame au rose bengale; Test d&#8217;agglutination en tube standard; Brucellose; Nigeri

Implications of human migration on onchocerciasis prevalence in Ogun State, south-western Nigeria

This study reports information on human migration and its possible role in the spread of onchocerciasis in Ogun State. Employing structured questionnaire, information on history of migration and residency was obtained from a total of 2,169 participants selected from 32 communities (four from each of the eight meso-endemic LGA’s) receiving treatment with ivermectin. The study which was conducted between March and June 2015 also investigated the sero prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus using onchocerciasis IgG4 RDT. Data were analysed using SPSS 20 software. Demographic information revealed that 43.3% (939/2,169) were males while 56.7% (1,230/2,169) were females. 37.9% (823/2,169) were non-natives of the communities in a ratio 1:3. Assessing information on migration history, 49.5% (1,074/2,169) of total population had at one point lived outside the communities in the past 10 years while 50.5% (1,095/2,169) had not. Result on sero-prevalence revealed an overall sero-prevalence of 9.9% (214/2,169) across all LGA’s studied, non natives of communities recorded the leastsero-positive 5.8% (48/823), followed by residents that had at one time lived outside the communities in the past 10 years 6.1% (66/1,074) while highest sero prevalence was recorded among permanent residents 13.5% (148/1,095). Sero-prevalence and migration history of participants were negatively correlated with no significant difference r=-0.4619 p&gt;0.05). The results revealed the diverse population of people resident in onchocerciasis communities and also informs on the implication of human migration on exposure to O. volvulus in Ogun State.Keywords: migration, onchocerciasis Ov16 RDT, O. volvulus, Ogun State, Nigeri