Proximate Composition, Phytochemical and Elemental Analysis of Some Organic Solvent Extract of The Wild Mushroom- Ganoderma lucidum.

Brief about the title: The crude extract powder of Ganoderma lucidum harvested from Lafia, Nassarawa State of Nigeria during the rainy season was analyzed for proximate contents, phytochemical constituents and mineral composition using various standard methods. Description of the experiment and procedures: The harvested Ganoderma lucidum was air dried at 370C and grinded to powder; this was preliminary analyzed for proximate contents, phytochemical constituents. The crude powder was subjected to soxhlet extraction at 400C using Methanol, Ethylacetate and N-butanol to obtain different organic solvent fractions, these were then concentrated in vacuo at 240C for 48 hours to obtain different solvent extract fractions. These extracts were then analyzed for phytochemical contents using standards methods. Results: Analysis for proximate constituent showed Moisture contents was 10.54%, Total ash 5.93%, Protein 17.55%, Crude Fats 2.60%, Crude Fiber 30.25%, Carbohydrates 33.13%, and Nitrogen 23.52%. Phytochemical screening from unprocessed G.lucidum powder reveals the presence of:  Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Reducing sugars, Tannins, Cardiac glycosides, Anthraquinones, Saponins, Volatile oils and Steroids. However, variations in the presence and concentrations of these phytochemicals were observed in the partitioned portions separated by Methanol, Ethyl acetate and N-butanol. Analysis of Total ash reveals in (mg/kg) the presence of Ca (322.6), K (317.1), P (197.1), and Na (193.5) in high quantity, while C (68.2), Fe (44.6), and Zn (14.65) and Mg (8.7.0), were found to be in moderate quantity. However, Si (4.10), Mn (1.83), As (1.23), Cu (0.84), Cr (0.14), Pb (0.106), Mo (0.09), Ni (0.095), F (0.0039), Al (0.20) and Co (0.026) are very low in concentration, but Se (0.00) was completely not detected. Conclusion: The presence of these essential nutrients and minerals found in G.lucidum implies that it can be utilized for its medicinal values in healthcare delivery systems, and the medicinal importance are thus highlighted in this work. Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum, Fruiting body, proximate analysis, Phytochemical and Mineral, Healthcar

COVID-19 pandemic:Nigerian University lecturers’ response to virtual orientation

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic globally and the disruptions occasioned by it has far-reaching implications on societies in general and most especially the educational sector with governments across the globe ordering lockdowns including the closure of education institutions thereby necessitating alternative teaching and learning methods other than the usual face-to-face interaction to avoid a total collapse of the education sector. This study investigates Nigerian University lecturers’ perspective and response to virtual learning as an alternative to face-to-face teaching method during the pandemic. Relying on primary data source collected using questionnaires, a total number of 435 lecturers responded across both public and private universities and their responses analysed using SPSS. The study found that lecturers from private universities responded to virtual teaching than those from public universities; that the presence of infrastructural orientation influences virtual orientation; and that a negative relationship exists between the sociodemographic/occupational variables (gender, current position, years of experience) and virtual orientation of lecturers of Nigerian universities

Assessment of Loiasis and Outcomes of Ivermectin Masstreatment in Ijebu-North, Nigeria

A total of 286 individuals from 3 selected communities (Areedi-Aje, Ipakodo/Ojokodo, and Ijebu-Igbo) of Ijebu-North, southwestern Nigeria were examined for Loa loa microfilaremia using finger prick blood smear, between December 2008 and March 2009. Rapid assessment procedure for loiasis (RAPLOA) was used to obtain information, from 187 Ijebu-Igbo residents, on adverse reactions experienced from retrospective treatments with ivermectin and history of eye worm. Only 33.9% of the respondents reported having had a history of eye worm while 33.2% had microfilaremia. The demographic factor of gender was not significant determinants of the prevalence (P>0.05) while age was significant (P<0.05). The highest prevalence of eye worm history and microfilaremia were recorded in 61-70 and 15-20 years of age categories, respectively. Ijebu-Igbo had 27.3% eye worm history, 32.1% microfilaremia, and the highest intensity of 140 microfilariae (mf)/ml. Ipakodo area had the highest eye worm history of 54.4% and the highest intensity of 420 mf/ml. Areedi-Aje had the highest occurrence of 45.2% microfilaremia and the highest intensity of 460 mf/ml. Predictably, Areedi-Aje and Ipakodo areas were high risk communities. The low intensity of L. loa infection with an insignificant (2.1%; P>0.05) adverse reactions from 187 subjects involved in the retrospective ivermectin administration confirmed that ivermectin delivery may be considered safe. The community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) programme was most probably responsible for the low prevalence and intensity

A population-based cross-sectional study of age-specific risk factors for high risk human papillomavirus prevalence in rural Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cervical cancer, caused by persistent infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), is particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with a high mortality rate. Some studies in West Africa, including our own, have found unusually high HR-HPV across all ages with a slight peak in older women. This increased prevalence at older ages may complicate screen-and-treat programs, which are implemented in regions where HPV prevalence declines with age and typically target women between 30-49 years. A better understanding of the determinants of high HR-HPV prevalence at older ages is needed. The goal of this study is to explore risk factors for HR-HPV prevalence by age among women in our population-based study in Irun, a rural town in southwestern Nigeria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>1,420 women were administered a clinic-based questionnaire regarding sexual and reproductive behavior, marital status (including co-wives), and malaria exposure. Logistic regression compared questionnaire responses and PCR positivity for a set of 13 carcinogenic HR-HPV types. Results were stratified by age (15-29, 30-45, 46-55, and 56+ years).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Birth control use and age at first pregnancy were associated with HR-HPV (<it>p-value </it>= 0.03 and 0.05, respectively). Early age at sexual debut and multiple sex partners were risks for HR-HPV, but did not reach significance (<it>p-value </it>= 0.1 and 0.07, respectively). Neither self-reported malaria nor presence of co-wives in the household was associated with HR-HPV (<it>p-value </it>= 0.85 and 0.24, respectively). In age sub-categories, early age at sexual debut was a significant risk factor for HR-HPV among women 35-45 years (<it>p-value = 0.02</it>). Early age at first pregnancy remained a significant risk factor for women aged 56+ years (<it>p-value </it>= 0.04). Greater than 2 sex partners and use of birth control were associated (though not significantly) with HR-HPV in women aged 30-45 (<it>p-value </it>= 0.08, respectively).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In this high-risk region with elevated HR-HPV prevalence at older ages, we confirmed previously described, behavioral determinants of HR-HPV. There was no association with self-reported malaria or co-wives, which we had hypothesized might correlate with HR-HPV at older ages.</p

Grand Challenges in global eye health: a global prioritisation process using Delphi method

Background We undertook a Grand Challenges in Global Eye Health prioritisation exercise to identify the key issues that must be addressed to improve eye health in the context of an ageing population, to eliminate persistent inequities in health-care access, and to mitigate widespread resource limitations. Methods Drawing on methods used in previous Grand Challenges studies, we used a multi-step recruitment strategy to assemble a diverse panel of individuals from a range of disciplines relevant to global eye health from all regions globally to participate in a three-round, online, Delphi-like, prioritisation process to nominate and rank challenges in global eye health. Through this process, we developed both global and regional priority lists. Findings Between Sept 1 and Dec 12, 2019, 470 individuals complete round 1 of the process, of whom 336 completed all three rounds (round 2 between Feb 26 and March 18, 2020, and round 3 between April 2 and April 25, 2020) 156 (46%) of 336 were women, 180 (54%) were men. The proportion of participants who worked in each region ranged from 104 (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa to 21 (6%) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and in central Asia. Of 85 unique challenges identified after round 1, 16 challenges were prioritised at the global level; six focused on detection and treatment of conditions (cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, services for children and screening for early detection), two focused on addressing shortages in human resource capacity, five on other health service and policy factors (including strengthening policies, integration, health information systems, and budget allocation), and three on improving access to care and promoting equity. Interpretation This list of Grand Challenges serves as a starting point for immediate action by funders to guide investment in research and innovation in eye health. It challenges researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to build collaborations to address specific challenge

A fourteen-year review of maternal mortality at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Nigeria

No Abstract. Nigerian Hospital Practice Vol. 2 (4) 2008: pp. 114-11

Pregnancy complications and outcome following cervical cerclage operations at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital,

Objective: To determine the Pregnancy Complications and Outcome following Cervical Cerclage Operations. Subject: The case records of 76 patients who underwent Cervical Cerclage Operation for Cervical incompetent at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between January, 1983 and December 1999 inclusive were reviewed. In all the patients the diagnosis of Cervical incompetence was made based on the history of two or more midtrimester abortions or preterm deliveries and ultra-sound finding of internal OS diameter of 16mm or more in the second trimester of Pregnancy. Result: The MacDonald (81%) and shirodkar (19%) techniques were the two forms of Cerclage employed. Preterm rupture of membranes vulvovaginitis and Urinary tract infection were the Common Post-insertion Complications encountered while antepartum haemorrhage, Perineal/Cervical tear and mal-presentations were the common associated labour complications. 65.3% of the deliveries were term births while preterm deliveries made up 23.1% of the births. The overall foetal salvage rate was 85.3%. There was no maternal death. The Peritanal mortality was 84 per 1000. Conclusion: The overall foetal salvage rate of 88.3% observed in this study is high and in a developing Country like Nigeria with inadequate neonatal facilities and a slim foetal survival between 24-28 weeks, any procedure like cervical cerclage that will prolong pregnancy until foetal maturity is still relevant and beneficial. KEY WORDS: Cervical incompetence, Cervical Cerclage, Pregnancy outcome, Maiduguri, Nigeria. [Nig J Clinical Practice Vol.5(1) 2002: 25-28

Malignant tumours of female genital tract in north eastern Nigeria

Objective: To ascertain the pattern and frequency of malignant tumours of female genital tract in North Eastern Nigeria. Design: A retrospective analysis of surgical biopsy materials. Setting: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the only teaching hospital in the North Eastern region of Nigeria. Subjects: Three hundred and eighty-two cases of female genital malignancies histologically confirmed between January 1st 1991 and December 31st 2000. Results: The age range of patients whose specimens were received during the ten year period was three to eighty years. Mean age of presentation was 44.2 years, (SD+13). Cancer of the uterine cervix was the most common (70.5%), followed by ovarian cancer (16.3%), then cancer involving the uterus (8.5%). There was a steep rise in reported cases within the period of study especially for cancer of the cervix. Ovarian tumours were the most common tumours in the teenage group. Conclusion: The high incidence of cancer of the uterine cervix and the early mean age of presentation of all malignancies underlies the importance of screening programmes and awareness campaign in our community. The study also provides the basis for further analysis of female genital malignancies. East African Medical Journal Vol. 81 No. 3 March 2004: 142-14