Issues and challenges of coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria

Corona-virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease cause by newly disease caused by a newly discovered corona-virus (WHO, 2020). It rapidly emerged as a global health threat, and on the 30th of January, 2020, was declared to be a public health concern of international concern by WHO. Subsequently, the threat was raised to an unprecedented risk level, by its declaration as a pandemic by WHO on the 11th of march 2020. Therefore, this research article focuses specifically on the outbreak of COVID-19 on Nigeria, till date. Its primary aim is to highlight the accompanying reactions, measures, and eminent developments by the Nigeria government in their struggle to curtail the spread, reduce infection rates, and cushion its impact on their economy. The methodology and materials used to carry out this research include, extensive literatures, reviewed to reveal a clearer, and a more complete picture on the lapses of the government in their drive to manage the outbreak. It also points to circumstances which may have made it difficult for the government to respond effectively. Another methodology adopted is qualitative research method, where relevant information from various literary sources were extracted, which informed the conclusion of the research. It concludes that although the efforts of the government could be applauded for their swift response, a lot is still left to be desired in the management of the outbreak. The outbreak has exerted intense pressure on the health systems, posed a challenge to the economic structures of the world, and particularly, that of Nigeria. Thereby worsening its economic crisis, and exposing its citizens to a retinue of vulnerability as a result of non-existent social supportsystems. Keywords: Coronavirus, Economic Impact, Nigeria, Misinformation, Healthcare System

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Glucose Syrup Derived from Manihot Dulcis TMS 4(2) 1423 Starch

Glucose syrup was produced from untreated and acid-treated starch obtained from low cyanide cassava species, Manihot dulcis TMS 4(2)1423 (sweet cassava), by enzymatic hydrolysis. The starch for biosynthesis was processed from freshly harvested tubers using the standard traditional method. Acid-treated starch was obtained by treatment of the derived starch with 0.1M HCl. While dextrinization was achieved with the aid of α-amylase, saccharification was achieved with the aid of glycoamylase and fungamyl enzymes. Granular size, moisture content and iodine tests were determined for both the untreated and acid-treated starch samples using standard methods. In order to characterize the prepared glucose syrups, Fehling test, Biuret test, glucose concentration (GC), dextrose equivalent (DE), relative density (RD), pH, viscosity and surface tension (ST) were determined. Granular size range of 7 – 15 μm and moisture content of 12 % were determined for the untreated starch sample. The acid-treated starch had granular size range of 5 – 12 μm and moisture content of 8 %. Both starches had positive iodine test results. Glucose syrup derived from untreated starch afforded GC of 52.6 mmol/litre, DE of 52.30, RD of 1.0736, pH of 2.30, viscosity of 2.70 centipoise, percentage yield of 1.51 and ST of 46.45 dynes/cm. Glucose syrup derived from acidtreated starch had GC of 56.2 mmol/litre, DE of 58.60, RD of 1.1702, pH of 2.50, viscosity of 4.30 centipoise, percentage yield of 1.72 and ST of 48.57 dynes/cm. While the Fehling tests were positive, the Biuret tests were negative for both syrups. Acid-treated Manihot dulcis TMS 4(2)1423 starch was recommended for the commercial production of glucose syrup.Keywords: Glucose syrup, cassava starch, biosynthesis, Mannihot dulcisNigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 9 No 1 pp. 23 - 29 (February 2011

Quality Control Assessment of Five Brands of Ketoconazole Tablets Marketed in Nigeria

The qualities of five different brands of ketoconazole tablets commercially available in Nigeria were assessed. The weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time, absolute drug content and dissolution rate of the brands were determined using official or standard methods, as applicable. The five brands passed the uniformity of weight test with the range of 0.351 – 0.676 g, hardness test with a range of 4.00 – 7.70 kgF, friability test with a range of 0.146 – 0.268 % and absolute drug content with a range of 98.82 – 107.02 % and conformed to the pharmacopoeias specifications. However, all the tested brands had poor dissolution profiles. None of the brands was bioequivalent with the innovator brand.Keywords: Ketoconazole tablets, quality control, interchangeability, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 9 No 1 pp. 15 - 22 (February 2011

An isolated cleft of the anterior leaflet of mitral valve in an infant: a case report

ABSTRACT Background: Isolated cleft of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve is the occurrence of mitral cleft without ostium primum or ostium secundum defect and it is rare. It results from different degrees of failure of fusion of early embroyonic atrioventricular endocardial cushions and occurs more in children with trisomy 21. It commonly presents with mitral incompetence which worsens as the child grows. Aim: To document a case of congenital isolated cleft of the anterior leaflet of the mitrial valve in an infant. Findings: A nine month old boy presented in our clinic with a two month history of fast breathing, cough, and loss of weight. He was found not to be cyanosed but pale, tachypnoeic, dyspnoeic with basal crepitations. Cadiovascular system examination revealed he had a precordial bulge with tachycardia, cardiomegaly and a holosystolic murmur maximum at the apex. There was tender hepatomegaly. He was diagnosed as having congestive cardiac failure with broncho-pneumonia secondary to an acyanotic congenital heart disease. Plain chest X-ray confirmed the cardiomegaly and bronchopneumonia while an electrocardiography showed bilateral atrial enlargement with right ventricular hypertrophy. The cardiac failure was treated but he represented with recurrent heart failure upto three times within six months. An echocardiogram done on the third admission showed an isolated cleft of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve and he has been referred for surgery. Conclusion: Isolated cleft of the mitral valve commonly presents with mitral incompetence and eventual heart failure as in our patient. Early surgical intervention is adviced as the width of the cleft tend to increase as the child grows leading to worsening of the mitral insufficiency. The definitive treatment is direct closure of the cleft. The presentation also highlights the challenges of medical practice in resource-poor countries

Anti-Snake venom Activities of the leaf extracts of Asystasia gangetica (L) and Newbouldia leavis (p. Beauv)

The leaf extracts of two medicinal plants Asystasia gangetica (L) and Newboulia leavis (p. Beauv) were assessed for anti-snake venom activity in vivo using mice. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed that the two plants contain flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. The methanolic extracts of the two plants A. gangetica (L) and N. leavis (p. Beauv) significantly (p< 0.05) neutralized the Naja melanoleuca venom-induced lethality activity in the mice. The extracts (flavonoids, tannins and saponins) of the two plants also showed significant (p<0.05) neutralization of the venom–induced lethality activity in mice. The work confirmed that Asystasia gangetica and Newbouldia leavis possess significant anti-venom activity and can therefore be used in the treatment of snake bites