Selected leadership traits as determinants of leadership effectiveness in Nigerian sports industry

The purpose of this study is to establish whether some selected leadership traits (integration, intelligence, integrity and professionalism) are determinants of leadership effectiveness in Nigerian sports industry. The participants for the study consist of 1,826 sports administrators and organisers who were purposively and randomly sampled from 13 randomly selected states of Nigeria. A self-developed, validated and reliable questionnaire (reliability of 0.92) is used for data collection. It is established that Integration [B=0.030, Beta=0.004, t=0.182, P>0.05] do not significantly determine leadership effectiveness, while Intelligence [B=0.210, Beta=0.084, t=3.593,

Central nervous system depressant activity of Russelia equisetiformis

The central nervous system depressant activity of the crude methanol extract (REC) and fractions (RE1, RE2, and RE3) of Russelia equisetiformis were evaluated in mice using the following models: amphetamine – induced stereotypy, picrotoxin – induced convulsion and phenobarbitone sleeping time. At 200-400mg/kg, REC significantly increased phenobarbitone-sleeping time (p< 0.05) in a dose- dependent manner and also reduced the sleep latency significantly (p< 0.05). The fractions, at doses 1.5mg/kg for RE1 and 20mg/kg for RE2 and RE3 also significantly prolonged Phenobarbitone sleeping time and sleep latency (p< 0.05). Picrotoxin – induced convulsion was not prevented by 100- 400mg/kg of REC but this dose range significantly prolonged seizure latency. A significant reduction (p< 0.05) in amphetamine – induced stereotype behavior was observed with 200mg/kg REC, but there was no protection against amphetamine – induced mortality. The results of this study suggest that Russelia equisetiformis methanol extract possesses central nervous system depressant activities

Gender Disparity in Cocoa Production Resource Access and Food Security in Ogun State, Nigeria

Understanding gender disparities in production resource allocation is critical for agricultural development and cannot be overstated. The study evaluated farmers’ access to cocoa production resources and its implication for food security in Ogun State, Nigeria. The data were collected from 813 respondents with the use of structured questionnaire which involved 420 male and 393 female farmers. Frequencies, percentages, household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and logit regression were used to analyse the data while the hypotheses were tested with ttest. The t-tests showed significant differences in access to labour, credit and extension service but no difference in access to land as farmers have land either through purchase or inheritance. The mean score for access to credit by male farmers was 0.05 and 0.01 by female farmers with a mean difference of 0.04 which was significant at 0.01 level of significance (t = 4.69, p ≤ 0.01). The mean score for access to labour by male farmers was 0.398 and 0.099 by female farmers with a mean difference of 0.298 which was significant at 0.01 level of significance. Lastly, mean score for access to extension service by male farmers was 0.145 and 0.048 by female farmers with a mean difference of 0.096 which was significant at 0.01 level of significance (t = 4.69, p ≤ 0.01). Male dominance was seen in the household with regard to decisions on farm activities. The household diversity score showed that female farmers consumed more food groups making them more food secure than their male counterparts. Age, education, access to labour, farm size and monthly income were found to be significant drivers of food security of farmers in study area. It was recommended that policies that ensure equal opportunities for male and female farmers should be put in place. There is also a need for improvements on credit facilities and extension services

Histomorphormetric studies on lactational lead intoxication in testes of Sprague Dawley rats

Childhood lead poisoning has been established to cause a lot of health challenges, of which reproductive health perturbation is not least. This research work was designed to investigate the impact of lactational lead exposure on the developing testes in Sprague-Dawley rat pups. 12 female rats were used in the experiment and 23 offspring for the analysis of lactational lead intoxication. The offspring were divided into four groups. Groups B, C and D were administered 10 mg/dL, 30 mg/dL and 70 mg/dL of lead acetate respectively, via drinking water for 21 days while group A was control. The animal was firstly sedated using a chloroform-damped cotton wool in a vacuum (air-tight chamber). The sedated animal was weighed on a weighing balance and figure recorded. The animal was then perfused to clear blood from the organs before the organs were harvested, the testes of the pups exposed via lactation were observed via histological methods. Statistical analysis showed the total body weight and left testicular weight appeared to be significantly (p &lt;0.05) lower in groups B, C and D when compared to the control group. Right testicular weight, tubular diameter, tubular radius and luminal area were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in groups B, C and D when compared to the control. Testicular distortion was observed during histological findings. Care must be taken by a lactating mother to avoid being exposed to lead during gestation and lactation.Keywords: Histomorphormetry; Lactation; Testes; Lead-intoxicatio

Characterization of bacteria isolates colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria and in vitro antimicrobial effects of Citrus aurantifolia and Alum on the isolates

Background: Antibiotic resistance in microorganisms implicated in nosocomial respiratory infections is a major reason for prolonged hospital stay and increased cost of therapeutic treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). This study was designed to isolate bacterial pathogens&nbsp; colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, and to evaluate antibacterial effects of extracts of Citrus&nbsp; aurantifolia peel and Alum against these bacterial isolates. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study of 100 randomly recruited hospitalized patients at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Throat&nbsp; samples collected from consenting participants were cultured on selective agar media (MacConkey, Eosin-Methylene blue and Mannitol salt) for&nbsp; isolation of bacteria. Identification of isolates from culture plates was done by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical tests while confirmation&nbsp; of the isolates was done by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antibiotic susceptibility test for each isolate to selected antibiotics (ampicillin,&nbsp; amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin, nitrofuran, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) was done by the Kirby Buer disc&nbsp; diffusion method. Aqueous extract of Alum ([KAl(SO4).12H2O]) was done to produce concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% (w/v) at pH 3.6 and&nbsp; tested on the bacterial isolates using agar diffusion method. Citrus aurantifolia peel was extracted using methanol and hexane solvents to produce&nbsp; extract concentrations of 500mg/ml, 250mg/ml and 150mg/ml, and tested on the isolates by agar diffusion, and by the broth dilution method to&nbsp; obtain minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of C. aurantifolia. Results: A total of 14 bacterial isolates were recovered from throat samples of 100 hospitalized patients with Staphylococcus aureus (43%, n=6) being&nbsp; the most frequent while Escherichia coli (14.5%, n=2) was the least frequent. The isolates were generally resistant to penicillin, aminoglycoside and&nbsp; fluoroquinolone groups of antibiotics tested. The zone of inhibition for hexane and methanol extracts of C. aurantifolia and aqueous extract of alum&nbsp; on the bacterial isolates ranged from 11.5-19.2mm, 9.8-15.8mm, and 9.3-21.2mm respectively while those of selected antibiotics ranged from&nbsp; 7.0-25.0mm. The MICs of hexane and methanol extracts of C. aurantifolia against S. aureus were 10mg/ml and 25mg/ml, while the MBCs were 50&nbsp; and 100mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed the presence of resistant pathogenic bacteria colonizing the throat of hospitalized patients receiving care at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. The crude extracts of C. aurantifolia and Alum in this study showed inhibitory effects (albeit at&nbsp; higher concentrations) on the bacterial isolates comparable to the standard antibiotics. We posit that based on the inhibition capacity, further&nbsp; studies to characterize, purify and isolate the active anti-bacterial components in the extracts should be considered for novelty.&nbsp

Microsatellite markers-based characterisation of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) harvested from selected locations in South-West Nigeria

This study was carried out to characterise Pennisetum purpureum harvested from some selected locations in S outh-W estern Nigeria using microsatellite markers. Leaf parts of growing young elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were harvested and immediately preserved in ethanol solution before DNA extraction. Two (2) SSR primers (CTM59 and Xtxp278) were used to assess genetic diversity in Pennisetum purpureum. The result shows that 72% of the molecular variations in the elephant grass exists within the population with 28% among the population; there were no unique characteristics among the Nine (9) populations. Nei genetic index ranged from 0.067 (lowest) observed between Isokan and Odeda populations to 0.158 (highest), between Ifedore and Ikoyi Populations. Morphological characterization showed moderate diversity with two major clusters and one minor cluster. Keyword: Elephant grass; cultivars; locations; marker

Pattern of presentation of ear , nose, throat, head and neck injury in a developing country

Objective: Ear, nose, throat, head and neck injuries are a common otorhinolaryngology disorder worldwide. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, sociodemographic features, aetiology , clinical presentation management and outcome of injuries to the ear, nose, throat, head and neck region. Methods: This was a prospective study of patients with otorhinolaryngolology , head and neck injuries that presented at our tertiary health institution. Consented patients were studied between October 2015 and September 2017. Analysis of obtained data was done with SPSS version 16.0. Results: The prevalence of ear, nose, throat, head and neck injury was 9.4%. There were 63.5% males 36.5% females with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Foreign bodies' impaction was the commonest cause of injury in 32.3% followed by road traffic accidents in 19.8%. Commonest anatomical region were ear and nose in 49.7% and 28.5% respectively . Common clinical features among the patients were pain in 46.5%, bleeding in 37.8% and foreign bodies' impaction in 32.3%. Presentations for otorhinolaryngology care among the patients were common in 95.1% acute injury than 4.9% chronic injury (≥13 weeks). Commonest associated complications of the injuries were otitis media in 18.8% others were 14.9% otitis externa, 9.4% perforated tympanic membrane and 6.3% epistaxis. Pre-hospital treatment in the patients was 67.4%. Major treatment offered to the patients was conservative/medical therapy in 28.8%. Conclusion: Ear , nose, throat, head and neck injuries are common in the otorhinolaryngology practice. Commonest causes are self inflicting foreign bodies' impaction and road traffic accident. Pre-hospital treatment among the patients was very high

Patients' Understanding of How Genotype Variation Affects Benefits of Tamoxifen Therapy for Breast Cancer

CYP2D6 is a critical enzyme in the metabolism of tamoxifen and potentially a key determinant in breast cancer outcomes. Our study examined patients' beliefs about how CYP2D6 genotype would affect their prognoses

Evaluation of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the acetone extract from Anacardium occidentale L

The stem bark of Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), commonly called cashew, is used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric and inflammatory disorders. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the acetone extract (AE) of the stem bark of A. occidentale. We evaluated the pharmacological activities of this plant material through the analgesic, antiedematogenic and chemotaxic inhibitory effects produced by the AE. The oral administration (p.o.) of mice with the AE (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg) or positive control indomethacin (10 mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing by 18.9, 35.9, 62.9 and 68.9%, respectively (ID50% = 530 mg/kg). The highest dose of the AE was able to inhibit croton oil-induced ear edema formation by 56.8% (indomethacin at 10 mg/kg, p.o. - 57.6% inhibition). When submitted to the carrageenan-induced peritonitis test, the AE (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o.) impaired leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity by 24.8, 40.5 and 49.6%, respectively. The positive control, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, s.c.), inhibited leukocyte migration by 66.9%. These results indicate the presence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive principles in the acetone extract of Anacardium occidentale, and reinforce the plant's potential therapeutic use against pain and inflammatory diseases.As cascas do caule do Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), conhecido como cajueiro, são popularmente utilizadas no Brasil para o tratamento de doenças gástricas e inflamatórias. Este estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação farmacológica in vivo da atividade antiinflamatória do extrato acetônico (AE) obtido das cascas do A. occidentale, investigando os efeitos analgésico, antiedematogênico e inibitório sobre a quimiotaxia deste material botânico. A administração oral (p.o.) em camundongos com o AE (0,1; 0,3 e 1 g/kg) ou o controle positivo indometacina (10 mg/kg) inibiu as contorções abdominais induzidas pelo ácido acético em 18,9; 35,9; 62,9 e 68,9% respectivamente (ID50% = 530 mg/kg). Esta maior dose do AE também inibiu o edema de orelha produzido pelo óleo de cróton em 56,8% (indometacina, 10 mg/kg, p.o. - 57,6% de inibição). No teste da peritonite induzido pela carragenina, o AE (0,1; 0,3; e 1,0 mg/kg, p.o.) reduziu a migração de leucócitos para a cavidade peritoneal em 24,8; 40,5; e 49,6% respectivamente, enquanto que o controle positivo dexametasona (2 mg/kg, s.c.) inibiu a migração de leucócitos em 66,9%. Estes resultados indicam a presença de princípios ativos antiinflamatórios e antinociceptivos no extrato acetônico de Anacardium occidentale e reforçam o potencial terapêutico da planta em doenças que envolvem dor e inflamação