Quail eggs consumption and the levels of sex hormonesin healthy students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi

Aim: The present study was design to determine the serum levels of sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone, prolactin, and testosterone) following the consumption of cooked quail eggs by apparently healthy students. Materials and Method: This is an experimental study comprising 37 volunteered students, out of which are 20 females and 17 males within the age of 18±35years respectively. They were fed with three cooked quail eggs every morning for 21 days.  3ml of fasting blood were collected before the intake of cooked quail eggs for baseline, 10th day, and 21st day respectively. Result: The serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone, prolactin, and testosterone were determined using standard methods. The result showed that the serum testosterone levels increased significantly while prolactin levels decreased significantly at 10th and 21st day  compared with the baseline level (p=0.01). However, the levels of progesterone and estradiol increased significantly at 21st day only compared with their baseline (p=0.01).  The mean levels of FSH, and LH at baseline, 10th and 21st day did not differ significantly following consumption of cooked quail eggs. Conclusion: The probably suggest that regular consumption of cooked quail egg may prevent miscarriage due to low progesterone levels because of its ability to increase progesterone level after consumption. It might as well as cause improvement on male and female fertility

Quail eggs consumption and the levels of glucose, lipid profile in healthy students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi

Aim: The present study was design to determine serum glucose and lipid profile level of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein following the consumption of cooked quail eggs by apparently healthy students. Materials and Methods: This is an experimental study comprising 37 volunteered students, out of which are 20 females and 17 males within the age of 18±35years respectively. They were fed with three cooked quail eggs every morning for 21 days.3ml of fasting blood were collected before the intake of cooked quail eggs for baseline, 10th day, and 21st day respectively. The serum levels of glucose and lipid profile were determined using standard methods. Results: The result showed that the serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein–cholesterol decreased significantly at 10th day and 21st day following consumption of cooked quail eggs when compared with the baseline levels (p< 0.05). While High density lipoprotein – cholesterol increased significantly at 21st day following consumption of cooked quail eggs when compared with the baseline level (p<0.05). Glucose, triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol did not differ at 10th day and 21st day following consumption of cooked quail eggs when compared with the baseline (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The implication of this finding suggest that regular consumption of cooked quail eggs may decrease diabetic and cardiovascular risk due to its ability to significantly decrease TC, LDL-C, increase HDL-C and TG, VLDL, glucose not differed

Respiratory viruses in children hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection in Ghana

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Acute respiratory tract infections are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among young children in developing countries. Information on the viral aetiology of acute respiratory infections in developing countries is very limited. The study was done to identify viruses associated with acute lower respiratory tract infection among children less than 5 years.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Nasopharyngeal samples and blood cultures were collected from children less than 5 years who have been hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection. Viruses and bacteria were identified using Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction and conventional biochemical techniques.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 128 patients recruited, 33(25.88%%, 95%CI: 18.5% to 34.2%) were positive for one or more viruses. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) was detected in 18(14.1%, 95%CI: 8.5% to 21.3%) patients followed by Adenoviruses (AdV) in 13(10.2%, 95%CI: 5.5% to 16.7%), Parainfluenza (PIV type: 1, 2, 3) in 4(3.1%, 95%CI: 0.9% to 7.8%) and influenza B viruses in 1(0.8%, 95%CI: 0.0 to 4.3). Concomitant viral and bacterial co-infection occurred in two patients. There were no detectable significant differences in the clinical signs, symptoms and severity for the various pathogens isolated. A total of 61.1% (22/36) of positive viruses were detected during the rainy season and Respiratory Syncytial Virus was the most predominant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The study has demonstrated an important burden of respiratory viruses as major causes of childhood acute respiratory infection in a tertiary health institution in Ghana. The data addresses a need for more studies on viral associated respiratory tract infection.</p

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the fungus endophytic extracts isolated from Azadirachta indica using gas chromatography- flame ionization detector

Background information: The phytochemicals of endophytes have generated substantial interest in drug discovery programs because they offer the possibility of discovering new biologically active molecules. Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze the phytochemical profile of the fungus endophytic extracts isolated from Azadirachta indica leaves, which have been used ethnobotanically for treating malaria and bacterial infections. Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated, solid-state fermentation of rice medium was performed, and secondary metabolites were extracted according to standard techniques. An analytical system that uses gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to determine the phytochemical constituents contained in the endophytes. Results: The results of GC-FID analysis showed the presence of Ribalinidine, Naringenin, Sparteine, Phenol, Steroids, Kaempferol, Flavone, Oxalate, Catechin, Tannin, and Rutin at different concentrations. Conclusion: This study reveals the promising ability of the endophytic fungi of A. indica as a foundation of naturally occurring bioactive. The quantitative phytochemical assessment of the endophyte extracts from the leaves of A.indica showed that endophyte extracts from the plant are rich in both alkaloids and flavonoids (Phenolics). Keywords: GC-FID, Phytochemical, Endophytes, Secondary metabolites, Fermentation

Complementary roles of hysterosalpingography and transabdominal ultrasonography in the assessment of the uterus among women with infertility in a developing nation

Background: The uterus plays a vital role in female infertility. In our environment, it is commonly separately examined with either transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) or hysterosalpingography (HSG) which are cheap and readily available. A concurrent use of the two procedures might have a complementary effect with a good outcome especially in a developing economy where three dimensional (3-D) ultrasound, sonohysterography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which are more sensitive are neither readily available nor affordable.Objectives: To document the uterine, tubal and adnexal lesions diagnosed using each of the two procedures and to check if the procedures can complement each other in a poor resource economy.Methodology: This is a six month, paired group and analytical observational study of 200 women with infertility. HSG was booked in keeping with the ten-day rule and TAUS was performed on the same day before HSG. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21 was used for the analysis. Ρ ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: With TAUS evaluation, 158(79%) of the subjects appeared normal. Fibroids were detected in 39(19.5%) subjects, and in 37(94.9%) of this subset, they were localized. Intrauterine adhesions were seen in 0(0%), endometrial polyp in 1(0.5%), and endometrial hyperplasia in 2(1%). With HSG, 149(74.5%) appeared normal. Fibroids were detected in 27(13.5%) and in 19(70.4%) of this subset, they were localized. Intrauterine adhesions were seen in 23(11.5%), endometrial polyp in 1(0.5%) and endometrial hyperplasia in 0(0%). With HSG, tubal occlusion was seen in 63(31.5%), peritubal adhesions in 34(17%), hydrosalpinges in 5(2.5%) and loculated spill in 7(3.5%). None of these were seen with TAUS. With TAUS adnexal masses were in 12(6%) and with HSG they were demonstrated in 2(1%). There was significant difference between TAUS and HSG findings with regard to detection of fibroids, localization of fibroids, detection of tubal lesions and detection of adnexal lesions.Conclusion: The two modalities played important complementary roles since TAUS was able to detect more lesions on the wall of the uterus and in the adnexae, while HSG was able to detect more intracavitory and tubal lesions. The combined study is recommended especially in a poor resource economy where other more sensitive modalities are neither available nor affordable

The Burden Experience of Formal and Informal Caregivers of Older Adults With Hip Fracture in Nigeria

Introduction The incidence of hip fracture among older adults in Nigeria is on the rise. As a result, there is increased frequency of hospitalization, patient suffering, family burden, and societal cost. One dimension that has not been sufficiently explored is the burden of care experienced by informal and formal caregivers. Objectives To describe the care burden experience of informal and formal caregivers for older adults with hip fractures in a specialized orthopedic center in Nigeria and to explore in detail how their experience differs in caregiving roles. Method This study was conducted in the phenomenological approach of qualitative methods. Face-to-face interviews and focus group interaction with 12 family caregivers and 5 health-care professionals were carried out until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The physical, emotional, and general health of elderly hip fracture patients are issues that affect caregiving. Factors that contribute to increased caregivers’ burden include system factors (lack of personnel and health-care facilities) and patient factors: comorbidity, patient’s cognitive status, and challenges completing activities of daily living (ADL). Social and financial barriers to care contribute to the type of burden experienced by the participants. Conclusions Caregivers experience difficulty in helping patients complete their ADL because patients with hip fracture have mobility issues that are often complicated by comorbid physical and cognitive problems. Strategies to reduce caregivers’ burden for older adults with hip fracture in Nigeria are needed. Greater access to health-care services and ADL aids, and training of caregivers on how to deal with cognitive and multimorbid health problems are potential solutions

Aquatic macrophytes (Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea L.) as substrates for biofuel production: potentials and challenges

Green fuel represents one of the most promising means of sustainably replacing liquid fuels, and freshwater macrophytes has become one of the auspicious substrates for biofuel production due to high cellulose and hemicellulose contents. In this study, the use of Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea alba Linn for biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas production was investigated with other feedstocks (rice husk and biochar) using dry and wet extraction methods. Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea alba Linn were harvested from a freshwater lake in Ndufu Echara in Ikwo Local Government, Ebonyi State, Nigeria and thoroughly washed. Biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas production by an alkali-catalysed transesterification using mechanical and chemical methods, acid and base simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and anaerobic digestion was carried out, respectively. Results showed that freshwater macrophytes produced more biodiesel compared to rice husk and biochar. S. porticalis and Nymphaea L. yielded higher biodiesel using chemical and mechanical methods, respectively. Quality evaluation of the diesel oil according to ASTM standard revealed that chemical method was the most proficient for biodiesel production because of its proximity to ASTM D6751 standard. For bioethanol, acid hydrolysis (1M HCl) produced more bioethanol than the base (1M NaOH) with Nymphaea L. yielding 60% ethanol. However, the macrophytes did not generate biogas after 30-d of anaerobic digestion compared to other feedstocks. Further analysis revealed sample acidification and inhibitions on the anaerobes responsible for anaerobic digestion (p<0.05). This suggests that acidification and/or toxicity may be a major factor associated with anaerobic digestion and biogas production from aquatic macrophytes. Thus, optimization and/or combined pre-treatment methods (biological, mechanical, enzymatic) are recommended. This suggests that Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea alba Linn could be major substrates for biofuel production, and tropical freshwater ecosystems can be good for their large-scale cultivatio