Comparative effects of Zea mays bran, Telfairia occidentalis and Citrus sinensis feeds on bowel transit rate, postprandial blood glucose and lipids profile in male wistar rats

Comparative effects of Zea mays bran, Telfairia occidentalis, and Citrus sinensis feeds on bowel transit rate, postprandial blood glucose, and serum lipid profile levels were investigated in 20 male Wistar rats of average weight 160 ± 5 g. Proximate analysis and in-vitro total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the feeds were evaluated. The animals were randomly grouped into four (n=5) and fed with normal rats’ chow (control), Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis respectively for thirty days. Postprandial blood glucose, plasma lipids profile and bowel transit rate were evaluated. The ash and protein contents were significantly higher (p<0.05) in T. occidentalis, while Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis have high fibre relative to control feed. The TAC was higher in T. occidentalis followed by C. sinensis. Postprandial blood glucose was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in rats fed with Z. mays bran and T. occidentalis. Plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in rats fed with Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis. Bowel transit rate was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the rats fed with Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis. The results obtained revealed that Zea mays bran may possess laxative activity than other feeds, while the hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities in the rats fed with the three feeds were similar.Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, Citrus sinensis, Zea mays bran, in-vitro antioxidant, Proximate analysi

Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Foliage and Seed of Bixa orellana Linn

The phytochemical and proximate evaluation of the foliage and seed of Bixa orellana for useful bioactive contents was determined in this study. Phytochemicals and crude contents profiles from aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant showed tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, phenols and saponins. Quantitatively, 21.89 g, flavonoids; 31.86 g, glycosides; 11.11 tannins; 121.89 phenols was recorded for the leaf and 8.86 g, flavonoids; 93.22 g, glycosides; 44.79 tannins; 82.99 phenols and 10.11 g, saponins for seed. Proximate analysis showed 6.13±0.05 %, moisture; 4.5±0.36 %, ash; 10.40±0.25 %, crude fats; 52.80±0.5 %, crude fibre; 4.24±0.02 %, protein and 21.85±0.00 % carbohydrate for leaf and 4.89±0.19 %, moisture; 5.62±0.12 %, ash; 7.20±0.07 % , crude fats; 53.31±0.07 %, crude fibre; 12.55±0.28 %, protein and 16.26±0.39 %, carbohydrate content for seed. The high amount of phenolic compounds recorded indicates that Bixa orellana possess high antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antimalarial potentials. The leaves showed significantly higher moisture, flavonoids, phenols and saponins content; hence to ensure sustainable management of the plant resources, the leaves should be the primary target of any phytochemicals extraction activities for B. orellana

Haematological and Biochemical Changes in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Dogs Treated with Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally for the treatment of a number of ailments.  The haematological and biochemical changes following treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic dogs with aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves was investigated in this study. Fifteen dogs with mean weight of 10 ± 1.3 kg) were divided into three equal groups. Group A were neither induced nor treated. Group B were induced but, untreated. Groups C were induced and treated with Moringa extract 5.2% (300mg/kg) orally in water, once daily, for 42 days post induction. Blood was collected from all dogs pre-induction, post-induction and post-treatment for haematological and biochemical analysis. Values obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error of means and data were analysed by one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison Test using Graph Pad. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) of group C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) post treatment compared to group B. The Packed Cell Volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration insignificantly (P < 0.05) decreased in diabetic groups post-induction and post-treatment, while white blood cells count increased. Platelet count increased post-induction and post-treatment. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in diabetic groups compared to non-diabetic group post-induction and then decreased in group C post-treatment with moringa extract. Albumin and total protein concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) post-induction in diabetic groups but, decreased in group C post-treatment. In conclusion, diabetes caused decrease in haematological parameters, and increased platelet count and some biochemical parameters, while moringa extract decreased biochemical parameters in dogs. Key words: Haematobiochemical changes, M. oleifera, Diabetes, dog

Sequence Analysis of Human Trypanosome Detected in a 1-Year Old Boer-boel with a Case of Trypanosomosis in Abeokuta, Nigeria

African trypanosomosis is a devastating protozoan disease affecting man and animals. The species Trypanosoma brucei gambiemse and T.brucei rhodiense are specifically responsible for causing sleeping sickness in human in Africa. In this study, T. brucei gambiemse was molecularly detected in a dog presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria with signs of corneal opacity, mucopurulent ocular discharges, pale mucous membrane and recumbency. Haematological examination revealed PCV of 12%, decreased lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. Gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product revealed a band of 580bp corresponding to T. brucei. Sequencing of the PCR product revealed T. brucei gambiemse. We concluded that T. brucei gambiemse (a human infective trypanosome) is capable of causing clinical trypanosomosis in dogs. This report presents sequence analysis of human infective species of trypanosome molecularly detected in a 1-year old Boer boel breed of dog in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Keywords: Sequences, Trypanosoma brucei gambiemse, Boerboel, Nigeria

The evaluation of tertiary institution service quality using HiEdQUAL and fuzzy TOPSIS

One of the most important decisions that affect the future of young students is a decision as regards a Tertiary Institution of choice. In making such a decision, a number of factors are required which include service quality. Service quality consists of different attributes and many of them are intangible and difficult to measure, which means that using the conventional measurement approach is insufficient. This study presents an effective approach for evaluating and comparing service qualities of four Higher Institutions. Fuzzy set theory is adopted as a research template to resolve the ambiguity of service quality concepts and capture intra-uncertainties, which are associated with human judgments in decision making. In this study Extended HiEdQUAL educational service quality model was adopted to evaluate the respondents' judgments of service quality, Multi Attribute Decision Making method: TOPSIS is applied for the comparison among the tertiary Institutions. The importance weight of performance criteria are determined with Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP). All the algorithms were implemented using Java programming language. This study was able to present the importance of each service quality factor, quantitatively reveal each institution’s weak and strong points, and rank the institutions according to the multiple criteria service quality measure.Keywords: Institutions, Fuzzy MCDM, Quality of Services, Ranking, Decision Makin

Menopausal transition in women attending a family medicine clinic in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Background: Perimenopausal symptoms may be mild or severe. Symptomatic menopausal women might visit a gynaecologist; but in the absence of amenorrhoea, they might more likely consult a primary care physician. Documentation of the typical local symptoms may be useful for family physicians to counsel clients. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of symptoms in women in menopausal transition who presented to a family practice clinic in Ibadan.Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of middle-aged females at the general outpatients' clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Socio-demographic data and presence of climacteric syndrome (classical, somatic and psychologic) were assessed. Data analysis was performed with Χ2 test and logistic regression. Significant p <0.05.Results: Somatic symptoms were the most common; 67.6% had muscle or joint pain, followed by headaches (54.4%). Hot flushes (37.5%), muscle/joint pain, dry vagina/dyspareunia (24.3%) and palpitations (42.3%) were significantly associated with older age, lower socio-economic status, polygamy and tribes other than the local tribe. Participants mostly used analgesia and prayers to cope with their symptoms. No one was on hormone replacement.Conclusion: One quarter to two-fifths of women had classical climacteric symptoms, but mostly relied on analgesia and prayers. Social support may improve the transition and hormone replacement may be explored judiciously.Keywords: Perimenopause, climacteric, vasomotor, menopaus

DESIGN OF A LABORATORY POLYURETHANE FOAM RECYCLING MACHINE

with the aid of Auto Cad and Inventor software in such way that it can be operated both manually and electrically-in case of power outage. The machine was made up of a mixing chamber which consists of the hopper and mixing drum, and the mixing chamber was sustained by the machine frame. The machine has a compression chamber which consists of the presser, screw and moulding box. The heating chamber of the machine consists of the pressure pot, pressure hoes to enable passage of steam from the pressure pot into the moulding box. Design calculations of the vessels were done with appropriate machine design formula. The assembled parts was also coupled are presented. The design are dimensioned in millimeters (mm), except otherwise stated. Key words: machine, pulley, moulding, mixing chamber, hopper

The relationship of sleep quality to health-related quality of life in hypertensives at the family medicine department, University College Hospital Ibadan: A cross-sectional study

Background: Sleep difficulties are common complaints in family practice and have been found to have deleterious effects on healthrelated quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. Information on sleep difficulties in the context of hypertension in the Nigerian setting is sparse and associated with controversy.Aim: This study sought to evaluate the relationship between sleep quality in patients with hypertension and their health-relatedquality of life.Setting: The study was conducted in the Family Medicine Department of a Tertiary hospital in South-western Nigeria which providesfirst-contact and longitudinal care for persons in its environs.Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional survey in which 380 patients with hypertension presenting to the general outpatientclinic were interviewed to determine sleep quality, health related quality of life and associated factors. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality (cut-off score >5) while the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 was used to measure  Healthrelated Quality of Life (HRQoL) on a continuous scale. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)version 22.Results: Poor Sleep Quality was found in 40.3% of the respondents. Poor sleep quality was associated with having a poorer HRQoLinall domains of the SF-36: Physical Health Component Score: 75.25±15.82 vs 67.13±17.68 (p <0.01), Mental Health Component Score: 79.57 ± 16.03 Vs 71.00±17.59 (p<0.01). The association between having a poor sleep quality and a poorer Global HRQoL persisted on regression analysis HRQoL{B= -6.05, p<0.1, Confidence Interval: -9.10 to -3.00}Conclusion: Poor sleep quality in hypertensives is associated with a poorer health related quality of life relative to having a normalsleep quality. Keywords: Hypertension, Sleep Quality, Family Practice, Quality of life, Insomni

Perceived family support and its effect on cardiovascular disease risk among hypertensive patients presenting at a family medicine practice in south west nigeria

Background: Lifestyle modification and health care behaviour are influenced by the support of family members. Family support is asocioeconomic factor that affects many chronic medical illnesses' outcome. It influences medication adherence, blood pressure control and could affect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.The aim of this study is to assess the level of family support and determine the relationship between family support and cardiovasculardisease risk in patients with hypertension.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 345 hypertensive patients ages 30 years and above using simple randomtechnique. Data were collected with an interviewer-administered questionnaire, physical examination and blood investigation.Perceived family support and cardiovascular disease risk were assessed with Perceived Social Support Family Scale and FraminghamGeneral cardiovascular risk score respectively. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: Majority (75.5%) of the respondents was females, 40.3% were elderly and 71.7% were married. Most of the respondents (93.3%) had strong perceived family support while 1.7% and 4.7% had no and weak perceived family support respectively. Blood pressure was controlled in 58.6% of the respondents and 30.7% had low cardiovascular disease risk. Strong perceived family supportwas associated with being currently married. There was no association found between blood pressure control, cardiovascular diseaserisk and perceived family support.Conclusions: The proportion of hypertensive patients with strong perceived family support is high in this practice setting. However,there was no association found between perceived family support and cardiovascular disease risk. Keywords: Hypertension, perceived family support, blood pressure control, cardiovascular disease risk, family medicine practic