A STUDY ON THE STAGE OF PRESENTATION OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURIES TO CLINICS IN WESTERN NIGERIA

Aim: The research was primarily set to assess the stages at which acute kidney injuries (AKI) are presented for clinical appraisal. Methods: The research was carried out in southwest Nigeria. A total of 151 participants were included, 101 were AKI patients. The remaining 50 were apparently healthy individuals who had no history of AKI, who served as control. Estimation of plasma creatinine was carried out on the subjects’ blood sample. Values were then subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 17. The diagnosis and staging of AKI was based on history taken and a rise in plasma creatinine to set cut off points. AKI patients were therefore grouped into three with respect to the plasma creatinine content of the first blood sample collected on presentation. The three stages were titled 1, 2, and 3; 1 and 3 being mild and severe respectively. Result: A significant rise in plasma creatinine was observed when the AKI patients were compared with control. The frequencies of patients at each AKI stage were 17, 5, and 79 for stages 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The age groups and frequency of AKI were: up to 10 years (31), 11 to 20years (6), 21 to 30 years (27), 31 to 4 years (33), 41 to 50 years (4), 51 to 60 years (5), and 60 years and above (6). Conclusion: It appears that in the absence of metabolic diseases, the frequency of AKI is higher in children and between the age group of 21 to 40

Relationship between bacterial density and chemical composition of a tropical sewage oxidation pond

Studies were carried out to examine the performance of the sewage oxidation pond situated in and serving the community of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. A survey of the coliform and total bacterial populations was carried out. The sewage was also examined for biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen content as well as for nitrate, phosphate, silica and chloride contents. The mean coliform bacteria counts decreased gradually from 69.1×105 per 100 ml to about 10.1×105 per 100 ml as the sewage moved through the oxidation pond into the receiving stream. A similar decrease in mean biochemical oxygen demand of the sewage from 397.8 Ib/acre/day to 64.2 Ib/acre/day was also observed. The concentrations of nitrate, phosphate and chloride decreased from the pond influent to the pond effluent. On the other hand, both the silica and dissolved oxygen content of the sewage gradually increased from 14.1 to 19.0 mg/l and 8.1 to 13.9 mg/l respectively, across the pond to the effluent. The coliform and total bacterial counts as well as the concentrations of most of the chemicals in the receiving stream increased after being joined by the sewage oxidation pond effluent. It is therefore concluded that the receiving stream was subject to both bacteriological and chemical pollution. Building of additional oxidation ponds or addition of a primary sewage treatment to the existing system is recommended for more efficient wastewater treatment.Key words: Bacterial density, chemical composition, oxidation pond, sewage, tropics

Awareness of Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Rural Women in Ife-North Local Government Area, Osun State, South-West Nigeria

Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women in globally and in Nigeria. In Nigeria, cases of breast cancer cases have been prevalent for three decades and more than 90% of cases can be detected by women themselves through breast self – examination. The objective of this study therefore, was to assess rural women's level of awareness and knowledge of breast cancer and the practice of breast self- examination.Methods: The data for this was collected in the months of March and April, 2011. A structured interviewer–administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 420 randomly selected volunteered women from two randomly selected wards in Ife North Local Government Area (a rural Local Government Area) in Osun State, SW Nigeria.Results: 400 questionnaires were properly filled and subsequently used for data analysis and results showed that a large proportion (78.8%) had erroneous belief that keeping money in the brassier can cause breast cancer despite the fact that majority (87.8%) of them claimed to be aware of the disease. Cigarette smoking had the highest percentage (51.5%) among the correct risk factors for breast cancer being agreed to by the respondents. Their awareness and practices of breast self- examination (BSE) were also low (47% and 29% respectively). Age and religion of the respondents had significant effect on the practices of BSE (p=0.013 and p=0.0001 respectively).Conclusion: Appropriate educational program is suggested in order to improve the knowledge of women regarding breast cancer and increase their practices of breast self examination.Keywords: Breast Cancer, Breast Self- Examination, Knowledge, Rural Wome

The effect of Cordia platythyrsa on various experimental models of pain and carrageenan induced inflammation

Only one study has reported on the medicinal properties of Cordia platythyrsa (C. platythyrsa) though it is used in African traditional medicine for treatment of fever and pain. The current study aimed at investigating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of C. platythyrsa using various animal models: writhing test, tail flick, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanically induced-pain, formalin-induced pain and carrageenan-induced inflammation tests. Like aspirin, the two doses of plant extracts used inhibited acetic acid-induced pain though these effects were weaker than the effects of morphine. Although, the plant extract significantly (p<0.01) inhibited thermal pain, its effects were less significant compared to morphine. Celecoxib (10 mg/kg) and plant extract (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited thermal hyperalgesia compared to indomethacin. On the other hand, both doses of plant extract significantly increased mechanical pain thresholds 30 and 90 min post treatment. The plant extract (150 mg/kg) inhibited both the neurogenic and inflammatory pain phases of formalin-induced pain as well as carrageenan-induced inflammation. This study is the first to show that C. platythyrsa has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.Keywords: Analgesia, pain, writhing, formalin, thermal hyperalgiaAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 13(2), pp. 343-348, 8 January, 201

Utilisation of malaria preventive measures during pregnancy and birth outcomes in Ibadan, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria remains a major public health problem in sub Saharan Africa and the extent of utilisation of malaria preventive measures may impact on the burden of malaria in pregnancy. This study sought to determine the association between malaria preventive measures utilized during pregnancy and the birth outcomes of birth weight and preterm delivery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross sectional survey involved 800 mothers who delivered at the University College Hospital, and Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan. Data obtained included obstetric information, gestational age, birth weight and self reported use of malaria prevention strategies in index pregnancy.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most (95.6%) mothers used one or more malaria control measures. The most commonly used vector control measures were window net (84.0%), insecticide spray (71.5%) and insecticide treated bed nets (20.1%), while chemoprophylactic agents were pyrimethamine (23.5%), Intermittent Preventive Treatments with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTsp) (18.5%) and intermittent chloroquine (9.5%) and 21.7% used herbal medications. The mean ± SD birthweight and gestational age of the babies were 3.02 kg ± 0.56 and 37.9 weeks ± 2.5 respectively. Preterm delivery rate was 19.4% and 9% had low birth weight.</p> <p>Comparing babies whose mothers had IPTsp with those who did not, mean birth weight was 3.13 kg ± 0.52 versus 3.0 kg ± 0.56 (p = 0.016) and mean gestational age was 38.5 weeks ± 2.1 versus 37.8 weeks ± 2.5 (p = 0.002).</p> <p>The non-use of IPTsp was associated with increased risk of having low birth weight babies (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: 0.98; 5.28) and preterm birth (AOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.44). The non use of herbal preparations (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.85) was associated with reduced risk of preterm birth. The mean ± SD birth weight and gestational ages of babies born to mothers who slept under ITNs were not significantly different from those who did not (p = 0.07 and 0.09 respectively).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There is a need for improved utilisation of IPTsp as well as discouraging the use of herbal medications in pregnancy in order to reduce pregnancy outcome measures of low birth weight and preterm deliveries in this environment.</p

Acute toxicity, brine shrimp cytotoxicity and relaxant activity of fruits of callistemon citrinus curtis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Callistemon citrinus </it>Curtis belongs to family Myrtaceae that has a great medicinal importance. In our previous work, fruits of <it>Callistemon citrinus </it>were reported to have relaxant (antispasmodic) activity. The current work describes the screening of fractions of the crude methanol extract for tracing spasmolytic constituents so that it shall help us for isolation of bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of crude methanol extract are also performed to standardize it.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The crude methanol extract was obtained by maceration with distilled water (500 ml) three times and fractionated successively with <it>n-</it>hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and <it>n-</it>butanol (300 ml of each solvent). Phytochemical analysis for crude methanol extract was performed. Acute toxicity studies were performed in mice. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity studies were performed to determine its cytotoxicity and standardize it. In other series of experiments, rabbits' jejunum preparations were used in screening for possible relaxant activities of various fractions. They were applied in concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml on spontaneous rabbits' jejunum preparations. In similar fashion, fractions were also tested on KCl (80 mM) -induced contractions. Calcium chloride curves were constructed in K-rich Tyrode's solution. The effects of various fractions were tested on calcium chloride curves at concentrations 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml. Curves of verapamil used as reference drug at concentration 0.1 μM and 0.3 μM were also constructed. The curves were compared with their respective controls for possible right shift.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Methanol extract tested strongly positive for saponins and tannins. However, it tested mild positive for presence of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and phenolic compounds. LD₅₀value for crude methanol extract is 476.25 ± 10.3 (470-481, n = 4) mg/ml. Similarly, EC₅₀value for brine shrimp cytotoxicity is 65.5 ± 7.28 (60.8- 69.4, n = 4) mg/ml. All the fractions relaxed the spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions. EC₅₀values (mg/ml) for effects of ethyl acetate fraction on spontaneous and KCl induced contractions are 2.62 ± 0.78 (2.15-3.0, n = 4) and 3.72 ± 0.86 (3.38-4.28, n = 4) respectively. Respective EC₅₀values (mg/ml) for <it>n-</it>butanol fraction are 3.59 ± 0.2(3.07-3.9, n = 4) for spontaneous, and 5.57 ± 0.2 (5.07-6.11, n = 4) for KCl- induced contractions. EC₅₀value for control calcium chloride curve (without extract) is -2.73 ± 0.19 (-2.6 - -2.81, n = 4) while EC₅₀for curves treated with 5.0 mg/ml of chloroform is -2.22 ± 0.02 (-2.16 - -2.3, n = 4). EC₅₀value for ethyl acetate treated (1.0 mg/ml) tissues is -1.95 ± 0.10 (-1.88 - -2.0, n = 4) <it>vs</it>. control EC₅₀= -2.71 ± 0.08 (-2.66 - -2.76, n = 4). All the fractions, except <it>n-</it>hexane, showed a right shift like that of verapamil (EC₅₀= -1.72 ± 0.15 (-1.62 - -1.8, n = 4) vs. Control EC₅₀= -2.41 ± 0.06 (-2.38 - - 2.44, n = 4), a standard drug that blocks voltage operated calcium channels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Relaxant constituents were more concentrated in ethylacetate fraction followed by chloroform, <it>n -</it>butanol and aqueous fractions that warrant for its isolation. The crude methanol extract is safe at concentration 250 mg/ml or below and results of brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay imply the plant specie may be a source of cytotoxic agents.</p

Nutritional Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Three Nigerian Condiments

Three Nigerian condiments were analyzed. Dried Irvingia gabonensis seeds and freshly fermented Parkia biglobosa and Prosopis africana were analyzed for their proximate composition, mineral contents and antimicrobial properties. The condiments were found to be very rich in protein (21.35 &#8211; 26.13%) with high energy values (351.13 &#8211; 595.05 kcal/kg). The moisture content of P. biglobosa and P. africana were very high (20.30 &#8211; 27.01%) compared to that of Irvingia gabonensis (3.75%) which, however, had a higher fat content (55.09%). I. gabonensis also had higher content of macroelements while P. africana was superior in micro elements. The extracts had higher anti-fungi activities but lower antibacterial activities. The activity index increased with the polarity of solvent of extraction, methanolic extract being the most potent with the highest inhibition activities between 22 &#177; 1 and 27 &#177; 1 for fermented P. biglobossa

Sexual Behaviour of the Elderly at Ile-Ife, Nigeria

The study examined the pattern of sexual behaviour among middle and older adults in Ile-Ife. The study was a cross-sectional survey that collected data from middle and older adults in Ife Central Local Government Area using a multi-stage sampling technique. The sample consisted of 375 adults comprising of 170 middle adults (45.3%) and 205 older adults (54.7%). A standardized psychological instrument (Sexual Behaviour Scale) was used to collect data from the respondents. The results showed that the pattern of sexual behaviour, that is, holding hands 53.2%, hugging 52.1%, kissing 50.9%, fondling 58.0%, caressing 60.1%, vaginal sex 51.5%, use of condom with spouse 72.7%and use of condom with someone other than spouse 90.9%, and transactional sex 61.1% are more prevalent among middle adults than older adults while oral 78.9% and anal sex 100% are more prevalent among older adults than middle adults. Sex, religion, educational level, occupation and marital status do have a significant influence on the sexual behaviour of middle and older adults

Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the leaf and bark extracts of Tarchnanthus camphorates

Purpose: To investigate the antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity of the leaf and bark extracts of Tarchonanathus campharatus. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the aqueous leaf extract (Aq LF), methanol leaf extract (MET LF), dichloromethane leaf extract (DCM LF), methanol bark extract (MET BK), dichloromethane bark extract (DCM BK), and ethyl acetate bark extract (Et Ac BK) were examined by 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH), 2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS.+), nitric oxide radical scavenging, reducing power and iron chelating activity methods. Brine shrimp lethality and MTT cytotoxicity tests were used to investigate the cytotoxicity of the extracts. Results: The Aq LF, DCM LF, MET LF and MET BK showed good DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and total reducing power activities. Total reducing power was high and in the rank order of DCM LF > Aq LF > MET LF > MET BK. All the extracts, however, showed weak nitric oxide scavenging activity as well as weak iron chelating ability. Flavonoids, phenols, tannins and saponins were present in some of the extracts, but alkaloids, terpenoids, cardenolides and cardiac glycosides were absent in all the extracts. All the extracts did not show significant cytotoxic properties (p ≥ 0.05) with 50% inhibitory concentration IC50 values > 30 μg/ml in both cytotoxicity assays. Conclusion: The antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity of Tarchonanthus camphoratus probably justify its use in folk medicin