Relative abundance of Cosmopolites sordidus germar in a plantain cropping system in Southeastern Nigeria

No Abstract.Nigeria Agricultural Journal Vol. 35 2004: pp. 103-11

Assessment of acute toxicity profile of Lasianthera africana leaf extract in normal rats and its ameliorative effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the acute toxicity effect of Lasianthera africana leaf extract on normal rats and effect of the extract on the hepatic and renal function indices in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In the acute toxicity test, male Wister rats received orally four different single dose of the extract and were kept under observation for 14 days. The result indicates that LD50 of the extract is higher than 5,000 mg/kg body weight. For the second experiment, doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) of the leaf extract were administered orally to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 28 days and the effect of the treatment on blood glucose, hepatic enzymes, serum proteins and renal function indices was evaluated. The result indicates progressive and significant (p>0.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose. The extract also exhibited significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and significant (p<0.05) increase in serum total proteins and globulin and marginal (p>0.05) reduction in serum creatinine and uric acid relative to the diabetic control group. The results suggest that the leaf extract is safe and may be beneficial in the management of diabetic mellitus. Key words: Lasianthera africana leaf, acute toxicity, hepatotoxicity, renal function indices. 

Evaluation of sampling techniques for millipedes

Reports of Crop damage by millipedes are widespread and attacks by this pest are sporadic, unpredictable and arise from populations, which built up previously. A good sampling technique is a useful tool in monitoring pest populations for effective management. Four techniques were compared to determine the most effective in sampling the population of two polyphagous millipede species (a) Spirostreptus assiniensis (Diplopoda: Spirostreptidae) and (b) Tibiomus species (Diplopoda: Odontopygidae). The four techniques were (i) Soil excavation by spade (ii) search through plant litters (iii) use of cassava root baits (iv) use of plant litters over cassava roots. Sampling was done on monthly basis for 12 months. Results showed that all the four techniques were effective in sampling millipedes. However, technique (iv) sampled significantly (P < 0.05) higher (34.7% and 53.0%) numbers of millipedes (a) and (b) respectively. Techniques (i), (ii) and (iii) sampled 17.8% and 6.7%; 21.9% and 14.6%; 25.6% and 25.6% respectively of millipedes (a) and (b). Technique (i) appeared to be ideal for the dry season and during high temperatures when these diplopods move into the lower layers of the soil to avoid desiccation. Techniques (ii), (iii) and (iv) appeared appropriate for wet season sampling as the millipedes prefer the top soil during this period to avoid waterlogged condition or excessive moisture. The four techniques derived from the natural habitat, food needs, suitable conditions of temperature and moisture dictated by time of sampling. Key words: Millipedes; Spirostreptus assiniensis; Tibiomus sp.; sampling techniques Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 230-23

Intussusception in children: Comparison between ultrasound diagnosis and operation findings in a tropical developing country

Background: Intussusception is one of the more common causes of intestinal obstruction in children. The diagnosis may be based mainly on  clinical features; however, there are no classic signs and symptoms that are common to all cases. This study reports our experience at US  diagnosis and operation fi ndings of children with intussusceptions in a tropical developing economy. Materials and Methods: This was an 8 years retrospective review of intussusceptions in children in a tertiary health facility in a tropical  developing country from January 2004 to December 2011.Results: Twenty five out of 41 children (M:F = 2.2:1) admitted with intussusceptions within the period were studied. The median age was 6.0 ± 5.57 months (range 3 months- 7 years). US positively diagnosed  intussusceptions in 20 (80%) cases. Conclusion: US can increase diagnostic confidence in intussusceptions.Key words: Children, intussusception, operation findings, tropical  developing country, ultra-sonograph

The Effect Of Noise On Human Blood Pressure

Blood pressure of factory workers (study group) and office workers/students (control group) have been measured when they were exposed to a steady source of noise of about 110 dB(A). Results obtained show that people could be adapted to noise from steady sources. No significant increase in the Systolic Pressure and the Diastolic Pressure (SP) were recorded for the factory workers. However, there were slight increases in both the S. P and D. P of the control group. Thus implying that further increase in noise level could cause considerable increase in human blood pressure. KEYWORDS: Noise, Human, Blood Pressure, Systolic, Diastolic. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.11(1) 2005: 149-15

Utilization of banked blood in pediatric surgical procedures in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Performing major surgery in a child demands that blood is cross-matched and saved to be transfused as indicated. Because the cost of crossmatching and donation of blood can be enormous and may equal or surpass the cost of surgery in our setting, it is pertinent to evaluate its  utilization. The aim of this study was to determine how banked blood meant for pediatric surgical procedures was utilized with the hope of streamlining our blood requisition policy. This may be useful to pediatric and other surgeons involved in the operative care of children in similar settings.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of all children who had ELECTIVE or EMERGENCY surgical procedures between January 2009  and June 2010. The age, sex, nature of surgery, blood loss, banked units of blood and amount transfused were collected and analyzed.Results:  Eighty two patients had 81 units of blood banked for them. Forty – eight and half units (59.9%) of the banked blood were for the emergency group but only 18 units (22.2%) were actually transfused at the end (P = 0.044) leading to inadequate use of the product.Conclusion: Banking large quantities of blood but utilizing only little istantamount to inadequate use and delays surgical intervention. Indirectly, it increases cost of surgery. There is need to rationalize our blood ordering habits without causing harm to patients.Key words: Banked Blood, Calabar – Nigeria, pediatrics, surgical procedures, utilizatio