Serum Vitamin A and Zinc Levels of Some Preschool Children in Sokoto Metropolis of Nigeria

Serum levels of vitamin A (VA) and zinc of sixty-one randomly selected preschool children aged 4 to 60 months from Sokoto in the Northwestern Nigeria were investigated. The serum VA was assayed spectrophotometrically by ultraviolet irradiation method while Zn level was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained were analysed by correlation and regression method. The mean serum VA and Zn were 38.01 ± 18.70 and 73.24 ± 45.62 µg/dl respectively. 13% of the children had marginal VA deficiency. 26% and 9.8% of the children had moderate and severe VA deficiency (VAD) respectively. Of the 61 children studied, 37.7% had severe Zn deficiency (<50µg/dI) while 9.8% had serum Zn level of between 50 and 69 µg/dI. Analysis of the results indicated a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation(r=0.68) between serum VA and Zn levels of children with VAD. The result indicated that 66.7% of the children with VAD showed severe Zn deficiency. Only about 10% of the children with VAD were Zn adequate. The deficiencies of these micronutrients are common in both sexes and all age groups of preschool children of the study area. The results obtained indicated that the deficiencies of these micronutrients are public health problems in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria.Key words: Serum, Vitamin A, Zinc, preschool children, Sokoto-Nigeri

In vitro antioxidant activity of n-butanol extract of Curcuma longa and its potential to protect erythrocytes membrane against osmotic-induced haemolysis

Antioxidant activity of Curcuma longa rhizomes (Turmeric) has been widely investigated in Asia. This work evaluated the antioxidant potential of Nigerian variety of Curcuma longa with the main hypothesis that variation in plant phytochemicals in type and/or amount is a function of geographical location/soil type. The experimental models used for the antioxidant studies include: iron (III) reducing capacity, total antioxidant capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and in vitro inhibition of osmotic-induced haemolysis. The extract was found to reduce osmotic pressure-induced haemolysis of mammalian erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner and also gave high total antioxidant capacity. At 1000 μg/mL concentration, its DPPH radical scavenging ability compared favourably well with those of the standard compounds - ascorbic and garlic acids. The implications of these findings in the usage of Curcuma longa as food additives and ethnomedicinal practice in Nigeria are discussed.Keywords: Curcuma longa, In vitro, Antioxidant potential, mammalian erythrocyte

Toxicity Studies on Aqueous-Methanol Pod Extract of Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) in Wistar Strain Albino Rats

Herbal preparation of Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) pod has long been used by a group of Hausa people from northern Nigeria called Yan tauri performers and traditional healers. This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicological effect of the extract in Wistar strain albino rats using biochemical, haematological and histopathological indices of toxicity. Acute toxicity (LD50) and sub-chronic toxicity studies were determined using the method developed by OECD. Twenty-five (25) rats were grouped into five(5) consisting of five(5) rats each, one of the groups served as control., Group II, III, IV and V were orally administered with the extract at a daily dose of 400 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg, 1200 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg of the extract, respectively for 28 days. The LD50 of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg and its oral administration for 28 days did not produce significant changes (P˃0.05) on biochemical and haematological indices.  Histopathological evaluation revealed mild widening of Bowman’s capsule of animals administered with 1200 mg/kg and 1600 mg/kg of the extract. It can thus be concluded that the pod is non-toxic. Keywords: Vigna unguiculata pod, Yan tauri performers, Aqueous-methanol extract, Acute and subchronic toxicit

Studies of prokallikreins from sheep pancreas and kidney

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D172739 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Serum Vitamin A and Zinc Levels of Some Preschool Children in Sokoto Metropolis of Nigeria

Serum levels of vitamin A (VA) and zinc of sixty-one randomly selected preschool children aged 4 to 60 months from Sokoto in the Northwestern Nigeria were investigated. The serum VA was assayed spectrophotometrically by ultraviolet irradiation method while Zn level was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained were analysed by correlation and regression method. The mean serum VA and Zn were 38.01 ± 18.70 and 73.24 ± 45.62 μg/dl respectively. 13% of the children had marginal VA deficiency. 26% and 9.8% of the children had moderate and severe VA deficiency (VAD) respectively. Of the 61 children studied, 37.7% had severe Zn deficiency (<50μg/dI) while 9.8% had serum Zn level of between 50 and 69 μg/dI. Analysis of the results indicated a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation(r=0.68) between serum VA and Zn levels of children with VAD. The result indicated that 66.7% of the children with VAD showed severe Zn deficiency. Only about 10% of the children with VAD were Zn adequate. The deficiencies of these micronutrients are common in both sexes and all age groups of preschool children of the study area. The results obtained indicated that the deficiencies of these micronutrients are public health problems in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Malaria Prevalence in Gusau Township, Nigeria (A Preliminary Report)

This is comprehensive study of malaria and malaria infection in Gusau Township to generate baseline line information which may be useful in the planning control and preventive measures. A total of 5666 blood samples from patients were examined for malaria parasites between the month January to December, 2017, out which 2606 representing 46.0% were positive for malaria parasites, which was high. Both males and females were equally infected at the same rates and between the age groups. Malaria was hyperendemic in Gusau Township with transmission occurring throughout the months of the year. The best way to prevent malaria is avoiding mosquito bite through the use mosquito nets and screening of windows and doors