Evaluation of some Marker Enzymes, Prostaglandins, C-Reactive Protein and Plasma Total Protein, in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among women in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the levels of some marker enzymes, Prostaglandins,  C-Reactive protein and Total protein in women with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and  normotensive pregnant  women  in Ekiti state, Nigeria. The patients were got and nurtured at the university teaching hospital and Federal medical Centre located in different towns within the state. The results obtained revealed no significant change (p<0.05) in the activities of the enzymes; Acid Phosphatase(ACP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) in both normotensive and hypertensive pregnancy. However, Alkaline phosphatase showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in patients with PIH. Prostaglandins assayed for revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in both normotensive and hypertensive pregnant patients, but patients with PIH showed a higher significance. It was also observed that C-reactive protein significantly increased (p<0.01) in pregnant women with PIH. The results further revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the level of  Total  Protein in women with PIH only. This study reveals that  PIH is associated with reduced levels of Total Plasma Protein and raised levels of C-Reactive Protein and Prostaglandins. Also, it can be said from the result that PIH does not bring about significant changes in the activities of the marker enzymes examined apart from alkaline phosphatase which was implicated. Keywords: Marker Enzymes, Prostaglandins, C-Reactive Protein, Total Protein, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension(PIH), Acid phosphatase(ACP), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT),Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)

Biochemical Changes in Plasma Lipids and Mineral Elements in Preeclampsia Patients in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study has determined the concentrations of Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low  Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triacylglyceride (TG),  Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL),  Mineral Elements and some Electrolytes. Subjects used for this study were made up of 180 women with preeclampsia and 80 normotensive pregnant women, who attended antenatal and postnatal clinics of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti and Federal Medical center, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. In addition, 80 control volunteers were also involved in this study. The control participants comprise of 40 normotensive and 40 hypertensive non-pregnant women randomly selected. They were also non-users of contraceptives therapy. Anthropometric measurements including age, parity, blood pressure, height and weight were recorded for the subjects.  Plasma concentrations of each of the biomarkers were determined using test kits, based on established methods, in the subjects at 1st trimester , 2nd trimester and  3-6 days post-partum. The results in the hypertensive pregnant subjects were compared statistically (P<0.05), with the normotensive pregnant subjects. TC, LDLC, VLDLC and TG increase significantly in PIH subjects, but HDL showed significant decrease in the preeclampsia subjects ,as the pregnancy progresses to the 3rd trimester. At post –partum the lipid profile becomes normal again in preeclampsia. Subjects with preeclampsia showed more significant decrease in the levels of Ca, Mg, Na, and P elements.   This research work pointed out clearly that, Plasma lipids and some mineral elements are implicated in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. They may be likely etiological factors in the disease, and may also serve as indicators for early detection. Keywords: Preeclampsia, Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low  Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triacylglyceride (TG),  Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), Mineral elements

A comparative study of serum ferritin and other acute phase reactants (APR) in minor and major surgery

This study was carried out on serum ferritin, acute phase reactants (APR), iron (Fe) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in healthy women in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria and in female patients undergoing suture (minor operation) and ceaserean operations at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between February and March, 2009. The results revealed post-operative serum ferritin and APR concentrations to be significantly higher (p> 0.01) while iron and TIBC were significantly lower in patients undergoing caesarean operation compared to both patients with minor operation and healthy women. The pre-operative results of serum ferritin were however significantly lower in patient undergoing major operation than in patients with minor operation. The present study was carried out to examine the changes in serum ferritin and other acute phase reactants in response to the magnitude of tissue damage. It can be concluded that the concentrations of serum ferritin and acute phase reactant increases as the magnitude of tissue damages increases. There is an acute phase response of serum ferritin levels following major surgery

Biochemical changes associated with sickle cell anaemia

Some blood chemical parameters including some enzyme activities were determined in forty two sickle cell patients in Ekiti state, Nigeria. All the parameters of interest analyzed for were found present in all the samples. The mean values for uric acid (0.35±0.16 mol/l), creatinine (100.55±8.13 μmol/l), urea (10.50±6.28 mmol/l), Total bilirubin (14.42±2.03 μmol/l), conjugated bilirubin (10.53±2.67 μmol/l), alkaline phosphatase (82.67±10.87 μ/l) aspartate transaminase (SGOT)(20.68±9.85 μ/l) and alanine transaminase (SGPT)(28.68±9.85 μ/L) were significantly higher (P 0.05). The significant raised level of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, and significant lower levels of total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphate indicates that there may be abnormal liver and renal function as well as muscular and bone dysfunction in these patients

Cross-sectional study of antioxidant status in normotensive and hypertensive pregnancy

Objectives: The study measured the concentrations of antioxidants in women during pregnancy and the Post Partum Period (PPP) with a view to investigating their role in the aetiology of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). Study Design: Informed consent was obtained from 105 women who were divided into three groups: 15 age and parity matched normotensive non-pregnant (control group), 45 normotensive and 45 hypertensive pregnant women. The two groups of pregnant women were divided into three groups of 15 each and studied in the second and third trimesters and PPP respectively. Venous blood was obtained from all the participants for measurements of some antioxidants (uric acid, albumin, catalase and vitamin C). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The results show that the mean concentrations of catalase, albumin, vitamin C and uric acid for the control were 3.1 ± 0.18 µ/l, 46.6 ± 6.6 g/l, 0.38 ± 0.01 mg/dl and 0.16 ± 0.03 mmol/l respectively. The mean concentration of all antioxidants except uric acid were significantly lower during pregnancy when compared with controls (t= 2.06; p<0.01). In the normotensive group of pregnant women, vitamin C was the only antioxidant that showed significant higher concentration when the second trimester concentration and third trimester concentration were compared (t=2.06; p<0.05). Uric acid levels were significantly higher (t=2.06; p<0.05) and nd rd catalase and vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the hypertensive group during the 2 and 3 trimesters (t=2.06; p<0.05). There was a tendency for all antioxidant concentrations to return to normal values during the PPPin the normotensive group; however in the hypertensive group, uric acid levels remained significantly higher (t=2.06; p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion this study showed that pregnancy generally reduced the concentration of antioxidants but vitamin C levels were higher in late pregnancy of normotensive women. Therefore higher levels of vitamin C may protect against PIH

Malaria vaccination in Africa: A mini-review of challenges and opportunities

Malaria remains an endemic public health concern in Africa, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality rates. The inadequacies of traditional prevention measures, like integrated vector management and antimalarial drugs, have spurred efforts to strengthen the development and deployment of malaria vaccines. In addition to existing interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets and artemisinin-based combination therapies, malaria vaccine introduction and implementation in Africa could drastically reduce the disease burden and hasten steps toward malaria elimination. The malaria vaccine rollout is imminent as optimistic results from final clinical trials are anticipated. Thus, determining potential hurdles to malaria vaccine delivery and uptake in malaria-endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa will enhance decisions and policymakers’ preparedness to facilitate efficient and equitable vaccine delivery. A multisectoral approach is recommended to increase funding and resources, active community engagement and participation, and the involvement of healthcare provider

Impact of repeated four-monthly anthelmintic treatment on Plasmodium infection in preschool children: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Helminth infections can alter susceptibility to malaria. Studies need to determine whether or not deworming programs can impact on <it>Plasmodium </it>infections in preschool children.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial was conducted to investigate the impact of anthelmintic treatment on <it>Plasmodium </it>infection in children aged 12-59 months. Children were randomly assigned to receive either albendazole or placebo every four months for 12 months with a follow-up at 14 months.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>320 children (out of 1228, 26.1%) complied with all the follow-up assessments. <it>Plasmodium </it>prevalence and mean <it>Plasmodium </it>parasite density was significantly higher in the treatment group (44.9% and 2319 ± SE 511) compared to the placebo group (33.3% and 1471 ± 341) at baseline. The odds of having <it>Plasmodium </it>infection increased over time for children in both the placebo and treatment groups, however this increase was significantly slower for children in the treatment group (P = 0.002). By month 14, mean <it>Plasmodium </it>density had increased by 156% in the placebo group and 98% in the treatment group but the rate of change in <it>Plasmodium </it>density was not significantly different between the groups. The change from baseline in haemoglobin had a steeper increase among children in the treatment group when compared to the placebo group but this was not statistically significant.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Repeated four-monthly anthelminthic treatments for 14 months resulted in a significantly lower increase in the prevalence of <it>Plasmodium </it>infection in preschool children which coincided with a reduction in both the prevalence and intensity of <it>A. lumbricoides </it>infections.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Current controlled trials ISRCTN44215995</p

Designing a fashion driving forces website as an educational resource

Electronic educational resources support search activities and manipulate information effectively in learning environments, thus enhancing education. This paper discusses the development of an electronic timeline database that classifies design and fashion details; technological developments; socio-economical influences; availability and popularity within fashion trends; marketing and distribution; and influential people including designers, in a manner that facilitates ease of cross referencing events at the same point in time for a rich analysis of fashion. The study focuses on the driving forces of fashion during the 1920s as a starting point for a much larger database. The data is presented in the form of a website allowing students to better understand fashion trends with macro-environmental and marketing strategies. The electronic resource is a useful tool for fashion, textile and marketing students as an educational interface providing design, production and marketing data for fashion-related products particularly useful for the analysis of fashion trends