Current trends in malarial chemotherapy

Malaria is a tropical disease caused by the genus Plasmodium. The sexual stage of the plasmodium is carried by mosquito while the asexual stage is carried by man. Transmission from the mosquito to man is through mosquito bite. Commonly presented symptoms of malarial attack include fever, weakness, anorexia, and anaemia. Some complications such as convulsion (in children) and acute pulmonaryedema are common. The conventional drugs used in malarial chemotherapy include, chloroquin, sulfadoxine/pyramethamine, quinine and primaquine. Newer drugs in use include artemisine and itsderivatives (such as dihydroartemisinine, artesunate, artemether), halofantrine, atovaquine, malaria vaccines, and artemisinine combinations (such as artemether/lumenfantrine,  artesunate/mefloquine). These newer drugs were developed based on some shortcomings of the conventional drugs such asdrug resistance and unbearable side effects. Of all the drugs available for the first line treatment of malaria, the artemisinine combinations are the drugs of choice as they possess reduced recrudescenceand relapse when given for 3 days. Some new combinations are still on trial and include fosmidomycin/clindamycin. Malaria vaccines which show some promising features are also still undergoing more trials

“A Good Name Is Better than Wealth” in Proverbs 22:1 vis-à-vis the Related Igbo Maxim “Ezi Afa Ka Ego” (Integrity Surpasses Wealth)

This article studies Proverbs 22:1 in relation to the Igbo maxim, ‘Ezi afa ka ego’ (Integrity surpasses wealth). The poet of Proverbs 22:1 claims that integrity surpasses wealth and then admonishes people to embrace virtues and shun vices. It is sad to observe that in the Igbo society of Nigeria, some citizens presently engage in ritual killings, human trafficking, prostitution and other vices in the quest to acquire wealth. Against this backdrop, this essay analysed Proverbs 22:1 vis-a-vis the Igbo proverb, ‘Ezi afa ka ego.’ The methodology adopted by the researchers is literary analysis, which is a synchronic approach that studies a biblical text as it appears in its final shape. The researchers employed a random sampling technique to interview seven knowledgeable Igbo people orally to examine the meaning of ‘Ezi afa ka ego’ in the Igbo context. The study affirmed that modernism has negatively affected the Igbo’s cherished value of integrity. This study charges those that engage in iniquity in order to acquire wealth to eschew such practices because a good name surpasses wealth. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2020/v33n3a

Knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine among residents of Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Vaccines can effectively reduce most morbidities and mortalities caused by infectious agents. The emergence of the COVID-19 vaccine may be accompanied with huge success in containing the pandemic. The aim of the study was to assesses knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine among residents in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria.Methods: Using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, this study was conducted in Awka metropolis Anambra State, Nigeria among 393 respondents (aged 18 years and above), and analyzed to assess their knowledge, perception and willingness to receive the current COVID-19 vaccine. Statistical package for social sciences software (SPSS) version 23.0 was used, descriptive statistics were reported in frequencies and percentages, Chi-square test was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics and willingness to receive the vaccine, and level of significance was set at p<0.05.Results: The results showed that all respondents (100%) have good knowledge of the vaccine availability. Only 25.7% were willing to receive the vaccine, although 57.3% were willing to receive any other vaccine apart from the COVID-19 vaccine. Very few respondents (18.3%) thinks the vaccine is accessible to all. Most of the respondents (72%) did not support mandatory implementation of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, only occupation was significantly associated with willingness to receive the vaccine (p=0.010, χ2=20.214).  Conclusions: This study highlighted the need to effectively educate the masses through appropriate public health literacy programs and enlightenment campaigns on the role of the vaccine in curbing this pandemic

HYPOGLYCAEMIC AND HAEMATINIC PROPERTIES OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

Background: Anaemia is known to be associated with diabetes; moreover, with the increasing cases of diabetes there is need for the use of more affordable alternative herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes and anaemia. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and haematinic properties of Artocarpus heteropyllus on diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heteropyllus was screened for phytochemicals and its acute toxicity was tested on mice. Induction of diabetes was done at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (with exception of the control group). The extract was administered to rats for a period of 7 days at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg b.w, respectively, following induction. Blood samples of rats were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, neutrophil lymphocyte and eosinophil counts. Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus showed no mortality up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the FBS of diabetic rat, and significant increases (p< 0.05) in RBC, PCV, WBC and haemoglobin levels. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus increased the haematological indices of diabetic rats. Our findings support the use of this plant as an herbal alternative in the treatment of diabetes and anaemia associated diabetes

Hypoglycaemic and Haematinic properties of ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Background: Anaemia is known to be associated with diabetes; moreover, with the increasing cases of diabetes there is need for the use of more affordable alternative herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes and anaemia. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and haematinic properties of Artocarpus heteropyllus on diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: Ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heteropyllus was screened for phytochemicals and its acute toxicity was tested on mice. Induction of diabetes was done at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (with exception of the control group). The extract was administered to rats for a period of 7 days at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg b.w, respectively, following induction. Blood samples of rats were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, neutrophil lymphocyte and eosinophil counts.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus showed no mortality up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the FBS of diabetic rat, and significant increases (p&lt; 0.05) in RBC, PCV, WBC and haemoglobin levels.Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus increased the haematological indices of diabetic rats. Our findings support the use of this plant as an herbal alternative in the treatment of diabetes and anaemia associated diabetes.Key words: Diabetes, Hypoglycaemia, Haematology, Alloxan, Oxidative stress

Reinforcing potential of Irvingia wombolu shell particulates in Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composite

Abstract: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the potential of IWSp as reinforcement in Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composites. The study aims to assess various mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics to determine the effectiveness of IWSp as a reinforcing material. The Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composites were fabricated using the stir-casting technique. This process involves mixing the aluminum matrix with varying percentages of IWSp (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight) to create composite samples for testing. The microstructure of the developed composites was examined using an optical microscope (OM). The results indicate that the IWSp were evenly dispersed in the aluminium matrix. This even dispersion is crucial for enhancing the properties of the composites. The addition of IWSp led to an increase in the ultimate tensile strength of the Al-2Nb-0.5Si matrix, with a maximum value of 174 MPa achieved. The hardness of the composites also increased with the inclusion of IWSp, reaching a maximum value of 288 HV. The impact energy of the composites improved, reaching a maximum of 49.1 J. However, there was a sudden decrease in impact energy when IWSp was incorporated above 1wt%. The alloy matrix exhibited a better percentage elongation value compared to the composite samples, with a maximum value of 42%. The study concludes that IWSp has the potential to serve as an alternative reinforcing material for Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composites. Keywords: Al-2Nb-0.5Si alloy; eco-composites; microstructure; strength; hardness. Title: Reinforcing potential of Irvingia wombolu shell particulates in Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composite Author: Kingsley C. Nnakwo, Jerome U. Odo, Agatha I. Ijomah International Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences ISSN 2394-7357 Vol. 10, Issue 3, September 2023 - December 2023 Page No: 8-14 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 14-September-2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8344998 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Reinforcing%20potential%20of%20Irvingia%20wombolu-14092023-8.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences, ISSN 2394-7357, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co

Mechanical characteristics of stir-cast Irvingia wombolu reinforced Al-4wt%Cu composite

Abstract: Irvingia wombolu shell particulates are not commonly used as reinforcing materials in aluminium composites, which makes this research novel and interesting. Investigating their potential as reinforcement can offer new insights into sustainable and cost-effective composite materials. In this experimental study, the microstructure, tensile strength, hardness, and impact energy of Irvingia wombolu reinforced Al-4wt%Cu composites were investigated. The Al-4wt%Cu composites containing 2, 5, 8, 11, and 14wt% IWSp were fabricated using the stir-casting technique. The microstructure of the developed composites was analyzed using optical microscope. The OM results revealed even dispersion of IWSp in the Al matrix, leading to increase in the ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and impact energy of the Al-4wt%Cu matrix, with maximum values of 152 MPa, 257 HV, and 58 J obtained at 8wt%, 14wt%, and 5wt% IWSp, respectively. Incorporation of IWSp above 8wt% led to a sudden decrease in ultimate tensile strength due to excess of hard IWSp in the Al matrix. The alloy matrix recorded a better percentage elongation value compared with the composite samples. The study concludes that IWSp has the potential to serve as an alternative reinforcing material for Al-4wt%Cu composites. Keywords: Al-Cu; microstructure; impact energy; strength; Irvingia wombolu. Title: Mechanical characteristics of stir-cast Irvingia wombolu reinforced Al-4wt%Cu composite Author: Kingsley C. Nnakwo, Jerome U. Odo, Agatha I. Ijomah International Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences ISSN 2394-7357 Vol. 10, Issue 3, September 2023 - December 2023 Page No: 1-7 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 14-September-2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8344944 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Mechanical%20characteristics-14092023-7.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences, ISSN 2394-7357, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co