Modified Homotopy Perturbation Method For Solving High-Order Integro-Differential Equation

In this work, a new modification of homotopy perturbation method was proposed to find analytical solution of high-order integro-differential equations. The Modification process yields the Taylor series of the exact solution. Canonical polynomials are used as basis function. The assumed approximate solution was substituted into the problem considered in which the coefficients of the homotopy perturbation parameter p were compared, and then solved, resulting to a single algebraic equation. Thus, algebraic linear system of equations were obtained by equating the coefficients of various powers of the independent variables in the equation to zero,  which are then solved simultaneously using MAPLE 18 software to obtain the values of the unknown constants in the equations. The values of the unknown constants were substituted back to get the initial approximation which yield the final solution. Some examples were given to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. Keywords: Homotopy perturbation, Integro-differential equation, Canonical polynomial, Basis functio

Ethnobotanical and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of Moringa oleifera, Andrographis paniculata and Asystasia vogeliana extracts

Ethnobotanical and in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out on three different multi- purpose medicinal plants; Moringa oleifera (Lam) (Moringaceae), Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) and Asystasia vogeliana (Benth) (Acanthaceae). The ethnobotanical information was collected by one to one interview and discussions using semi-structured questionnaires with indigenous people from selected locations in Nigeria. Plant samples collected were identified and authenticated in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State. Each of these three plant samples was extracted in 95% ethanol using a soxhlet extraction apparatus and concentrated to dryness at 45 °C. M. oleifera showed the highest incidence of occurrence (17.5%), fidelity level (74.9%) and multi-purpose usage. The ethnobotanical study revealed the medicinal relevance of the three plants in the treatment of myriads of diseases and ailments including malaria, fever, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes among others in local herbal medicine. The in vitro cytotoxicity activities of ethanol extracts of the three plant species were screened in two cancer cell lines (BGC-823 and HeLa cells) using the sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. Cytotoxicity assay on the two cell lines BGC-823 and HeLa cells revealed that only the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata exhibited some level (moderate) cytotoxicity activity with IC50 values of 24.7 and 23.1 μg/ml respectively. M. oleifera and A. vogeliana did not show any significant activity on the cell lines. The study highlights the importance of ethnobotanical information in finding cost effective, potent and safe herbs for people and screening of the plant species for their activities against cancer cell lines. Further studies on the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds responsible for cytotoxic effects of A. paniculata is recommended

The Contribution of Dysphagia to Acute Stroke Morbidity and Mortality in Nigeria: A Prospective Study

Background: The assessment of time-trend morbidity and mortality in acute stroke is critical to clinical policy decisions and resource allocation. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dysphagia in acute stroke and the impact of dysphagia on short term stroke outcome (30 days post-stroke). Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study. Bedside screening for dysphagia modified Rankin score (MRS) and Barthel Index (BI) were performed on acute stroke patients on day 1, day 7, day 14 and day 30 after stroke to determine the frequency of dysphagia. Patients with dysphagia were then compared with age- and gender-matched controls (stroke patients without dysphagia) in terms of stroke characteristics and 30-day outcome. Results:Of the recruited 200 patients, 99 (49.5%) had dysphagia. Patients with intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke had a significantly higher prevalence of dysphagia (64% vs 36%; p Conclusion: Severe stroke, subcortical stroke and haemorrhagic stroke types were significantly associated with dysphagia at baseline. Dysphagia adversely influenced 30-days morbidity and case fatality in this cohort of acute stroke patients

Ultrastructural studies of acrosomal formation in the testis of male greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

Purpose: In furthering the understanding of the process of spermatogenesis in the greater cane rat, this study describes the ultrastructural spermiogenic transformation and acrosomal formation in the testes of this hystricomorphic rodent that is currently undergoing domestication in parts of West Africa. Materials and Methods: Testicular samples were obtained from ten sexually mature cane rats that were perfused-fixed using Karnovsky\u27s fixative (phosphate buffered 2% paraformaldehyde – 2.5% glutaraldehyde fixative at pH 7.4). The samples were processed for ultrastructural analysis and examined under the transmission electron microscope. Results: The testes of the cane rat showed uniqueness in its cellular associations and the ultrastructure of the spermatogenic cells especially in the formation of the acrosome. The spermatid differentiation and acrosomal formation occurred in 12 steps with the first three steps being the Golgi phase and the next three steps making up the cap phase. While the three steps that follow constitute the acrosomal phase, the last 3 steps make up the maturation phase. At the cap and acrosomal phases, the entire acrosomal system comprising the vesicle and granule covers the head of the spermatids with no clear indentation of the nuclear surface by the formed acrosome. Furthermore, elongated spermatids at the maturation phase contained abundance of nuclear vacuoles. Conclusion: This work has not only provided information that will further the understanding of spermatogenesis but also aid the understanding of acrosomal reaction in the reproduction of the greater cane rat

Studies on Local Knowledge and In vitro Cytotoxicity of Moringa oleifera L., Andrographis paniculata N. and Asystasia vogeliana B. Extracts

Multi-Purpose Medicinal Plants (J\.1J'v1Ps) are gaining nnprecedented attention apparently because of their potency to contribute to the prevention and treatment of myriads of diseases. As such the toxicity of many herbs including the J\.1J'v1Ps has always been a concern particularly relating to internal organs. The present study investigates the local knowledge use and in vitro cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines; BGC-823 and HeLa cells on three (MMPs); Moringo oleifero (Lam) (Moringaceae) Androgrophis poniculoto (Burm. f) and Asystasia vogeliana (Benth) (Acanthaceae). The local knowledge was collated through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach from selected locations in the Oke-Ogrm area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Ethanolic extracts were used for the in vitro cytotoxicity study. The extracts were screened in two cancer cell lines (BGC-823 and HeLa cells) using the Sulpha Rhodamine B (SRB) assay. For the treatment of diseases, the local knowledge shows that A. poniculoto recorded higher fidelity level on the treatment of malaria (95% ), diabetes (80% ), high blood pressure (87 .5% ), cancer and tlllllor ( 65.7% ). The infusion of A. vogeliana in combination with the leaves of Cassia alata, Cymbopogon citrutus and fruit juice of Citrus aurantifolia recorded higher fidelity level in the treatment of malaria and chronic fever (74.8%), gonorrhea (65%) and leprosy (40%) suggesting better alternative toM. oleifera and A. paniculata. The medicinal relevance of the species in the treatment of diseases such as malaria, fever, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes among others in local herbal medicine were revealed. Cytotoxicity assay on the two cell lines, BGC-823 and HeLa cells revealed that only the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata exhibited some level (moderate) of cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 24.7 and 23.1 ).lg/mL, respectively. M. oleifera and A. vogeliana did not show any significant activity on the cell lines. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge in finding cost effective, potent and safe herbs for people and screening of the plant species for their activities against cancer cell line

Effects of Magnesium Variation and Heat Treatment on Mechanical and Micro-Structural Properties of Ductile Cast Iron

The effects of magnesium variation and austempering heat treatment on mechanical and microstructural properties of ductile iron produced using the rotary furnace were investigated. Varied quantity of magnesium-ferrosilicon in the range of 0.03 % to 0.06 % were used as nodulirizer to treat 4 kg mass of molten metal per ladle by sandwich process and poured into sand mould.  Mechanical test (tensile, hardness, fatigue, impact and wear) and micro-structural examinations were carried out on the four samples produced. Samples C and D of 0.056% and 0.061% magnesium showed an improvement in their micro-structural properties due to the presence of more graphite nodules. Hence, they were observed to have exhibited better tensile strength of 598.07MPa and 609.03MPa. The fatigue strength also increased to 501.91MPa and 509.27MPa respectively. These two samples were further subjected to austempering heat treatment by heating to 850ºC for austenitization and soaked for homogenization for one hour at the temperature before quickly transferred into a salt bath of 50 % NaNO3 : 50 % NaCl maintained at 3600C and quenched for transformation for 1 hour before finally air cooled. Mechanical tests and micro-structural examinations were thereafter carried out. Sample C had an outstanding increase in tensile strength, from 598.07MPa to 891.22MPa, while specimen D increased from 609.03MPa to 898.76MPa. The results of abrasion test indicated that samples C and D had abrasion resistance increase from 2.20×10¹¹m² and 2.39×10¹¹m² to 2.35×10¹¹m² and 2.68×10¹¹ m² respectively after austempering. There were also relative increase in fatigue resistance and impact toughness for the two samples but with relative reduction in hardness from 47.7 to 44.2 and 50.3 to 47.4

Economic burden of heart failure: investigating outpatient and inpatient costs in abeokuta, southwest Nigeria

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a deadly, disabling and often costly syndrome world-wide. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data describing its economic impact in sub Saharan Africa; a region in which the number of relatively younger cases will inevitably rise. Methods: Heath economic data were extracted from a prospective HF registry in a tertiary hospital situated in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria. Outpatient and inpatient costs were computed from a representative cohort of 239 HF cases including personnel, diagnostic and treatment resources used for their management over a 12-month period. Indirect costs were also calculated. The annual cost per person was then calculated. Results: Mean age of the cohort was 58.0±15.1 years and 53.1% were men. The total computed cost of care of HF in Abeokuta was 76, 288,845 Nigerian Naira (US$508, 595) translating to 319,200 Naira (US$2,128 US Dollars) per patient per year. The total cost of in-patient care (46% of total health care expenditure) was estimated as 34,996,477 Naira (about 301,230 US dollars). This comprised of 17,899,977 Naira- 50.9% ($US114,600) and 17,806,500 naira −49.1$US118,710) for direct and in-direct costs respectively. Out-patient cost was estimated as 41,292,368 Naira ($US 275,282). The relatively high cost of outpatient care was largely due to cost of transportation for monthly follow up visits. Payments were mostly made through out-of-pocket spending. Conclusion: The economic burden of HF in Nigeria is particularly high considering, the relatively young age of affected cases, a minimum wage of 18,000 Naira ($US120) per month and considerable component of out-of-pocket spending for those affected. Health reforms designed to mitigate the individual to societal burden imposed by the syndrome are required

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the leaves of Chrysophyllum albidum

Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don. (Sapotaceae) which is distributed in Nigeria is used for the treatment of yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea, vaginal disorders, etc [1]. The study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant properties using in vitro and in vivo models. The effect of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antiradical activity on ethanol, petroleum ether, ethylacetate, butanol, and water fractions of C. albidum was determined. The ethylacetate fraction was purified in column chromatography which led to the isolation and characterization of a myricetin rhamnoside [2]. The structure was elucidated by NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, ethanol extract was administered to five groups of eight 04: 311-404 03: 207-308 | E10 02: 107-204 01: 1-100 rats per group.The positive control animals were administered with vehicle on the first four days, and with the vehicle and CCl4 on the fifth, sixth and seventh day [3]. The animals in the treatment category were respectively administered (by gastric intubation) with 500, 1000 and 1500mg/kg bw of extract & distilled water for the first four days, and with distilled water, extract and CCl4 on the last three days. Animals were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for some antioxidant assays. Petroleum ether fraction showed the least antiradical activity (4057.5±809.6g/kg) while ethyl ether fraction exhibited the highest activity (414.4±92.0g/kg). Myricetin rhamnoside also exhibited an excellent radical scavenging activity (314.1±60.2). C. albidum exhibited significant (p<0.05) differences on the activity of malondialdehyde, catalase, and reduced gluthathione. The plant therefore possesses antioxidant activities and could be employed as natural antioxidant boosters

Antioxidant activities of the leaves of Chrysophyllum Albidum G.

Chrysophyllum albidum G. is a tropical plant and commonly found in Nigeria. It belongs to the sapotaceae family and used in folklore in the treatment of yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea, vaginal and dermatological infections. The study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant properties of this plant by employing the in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The effect of DPPH free radical scavenging activity on the fractions of petroleum ether, ethanol, butanol, ethylacetate, and water of C. albidum was determined. The ethyl acetate fraction was purified in colunm chromatography to obtain myricetin rhamnoside. Structure elucidation was done by NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, ethanol extract was administered to five groups of eight rats per group. The animals in the normal group were administered with vehicle alone for 7 days. The positive control animals were given vehicle on the first four days, and with the vehicle and hepatotoxin (CCl4) on the fifth, sixth and seventh day. The animals in the treatment category were respectively administered with 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg b.w. of extract &amp; distilled water for the first four days, and with distilled water, extract and CCl4 on the last three days. Animals were subsequently anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced gluthathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays. The petroleum ether fraction showed the least antiradical activity (4057.5 ± 809.6 g/kg) while ethyl ether exhibited the highest activity (414.4 ± 92.0 g/kg). Myricetin rhamnoside also exhibited an excellent radical scavenging activity (314.1 ± 60.2) which was comparable to the positive control. Result from animal study showed that C. albidum exhibited significant (p &lt; 0.05) differences on the activity of CAT, MDA and GSH. The plant could therefore be employed as sources of natural antioxidant boosters and for the treatment of some oxidative stress disorders in which free radicals are implicated

Prevalence and Prognostic Features of ECG Abnormalities in Acute Stroke: Findings From the SIREN Study Among Africans

Background Africa has a growing burden of stroke with associated high morbidity and a 3-year fatality rate of 84%. Cardiac disease contributes to stroke occurrence and outcomes, but the precise relationship of abnormalities as noted on a cheap and widely available test, the electrocardiogram (ECG), and acute stroke outcomes have not been previously characterized in Africans. Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and prognoses of various ECG abnormalities among African acute stroke patients encountered in a multisite, cross-national epidemiologic study. Methods We included 890 patients from Nigeria and Ghana with acute stroke who had 12-lead ECG recording within first 24 h of admission and stroke classified based on brain computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Stroke severity at baseline was assessed using the Stroke Levity Scale (SLS), whereas 1-month outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results Patients\u27 mean age was 58.4 ± 13.4 years, 490 were men (55%) and 400 were women (45%), 65.5% had ischemic stroke, and 85.4% had at least 1 ECG abnormality. Women were significantly more likely to have atrial fibrillation, or left ventricular hypertrophy with or without strain pattern. Compared to ischemic stroke patients, hemorrhagic stroke patients were less likely to have atrial fibrillation (1.0% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.002), but more likely to have left ventricular hypertrophy (64.4% vs. 51.4%; p = 0.004). Odds of severe disability or death at 1 month were higher with severe stroke (AOR: 2.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.44 to 3.50), or atrial enlargement (AOR: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.02). Conclusions About 4 in 5 acute stroke patients in this African cohort had evidence of a baseline ECG abnormality, but presence of any atrial enlargement was the only independent ECG predictor of death or disability