Evaluation of proximate and antioxidant activities of Ethiopian eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L) and Gboma Eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L)

There are over 25 species of egg plants in Nigeria including those domesticated for their leaves, fruits or both; eaten as vegetables or used in traditional medicine. However, S. aethiopicum and S. macrocarpum are the most cultivated and most utilized in Nigeria. Nutritional composition, phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of S. aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon were studied. The moisture, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre contents were 91.20 ± 0.34, 1.07 ± 0.01, 0.38 ± 0.03 and 2.44 ± 0.04% for S. aethiopicum while those of S. macrocarpon were 92.00 ± 0.43, 0.52 ± 0.02, 0.15 ± 0.02 and 2.50 ± 0.02%. The results revealed that the S. aethiopicum specie has higher nutritional values than the S. macrocarpon specie. Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides are present in the species at different levels. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) quantitative antioxidant analysis confirmed this. The extracts of the S. macrocarpon specie has a higher DPPH scavenging activity with a lower IC50 value of 33.56 μg/ml compared to the extracts of S. aethiopicum specie with IC50 of 38.92 μg/ml. The experimental results have revealed that the two species of African eggplant are nutritionally and therapeutically valuable and can be developed as functional foods having both nutritional and medicinal benefits to consumers.Keywords: Solanum aethiopicum, Solanum macrocarpon, phytochemical screening, antioxidant, DPP

Comparing the effects of haematoma block and conscious sedation in adults with distal radius fractures

Background: Distal radius fractures present frequently to the orthopaedic surgeon following high velocity injuries in the young or low velocity injuries in the elderly. Haematoma block or conscious sedation can be applied to provide anaesthesia during reduction. Comparing the effects of both anaesthetic methods is yet to be fully evaluated.Objective: To compare the pain level and quality of reduction using haematoma block and conscious sedation following reduction of distal radius fractures.Design: Prospective comparative cross-sectional study.Patients and Methods: Seventy patients with distal radius fractures were grouped for closed reduction; in one group conscious sedation was used and the other, haematoma block. All patients had pain measured with Visual Analogue Scale and quality of reduction by measuring palmar tilt on plain radiograph.Main Outcome Measures: Severity of pain and palmar tilt on radiograph measured before and after reduction.Results: The modal age group was 60 years (40%) with a slightly higher female preponderance (57.1%). Majority, 54.3% had injuries following fall on outstretched hand. The mean Visual Analogue Score for pain following conscious sedation and haematoma block post reduction was 3.5 and 2.4 respectively. The mean palmar tilt of radius for conscious sedation and haematoma groups were 10.1 and 10.9 degrees respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of both anaesthetic methods.Conclusion: The choice anaesthesia for reduction of distal radius fracture on should be based on surgeon’s preference, patient’s wish and history of drug reactions.Keywords: Distal Radius Fractures, Haematoma Block, Conscious Sedatio

Pericardial effusion in a patient with hyperthyroidism: A case report

Pericarditis and pericardial effusion are commonly associated with hypothyroidism. It is an uncommon association with hyperthyroidism. We present a case of pericarditis/pericardial effusion in a 28-year-old Nigerian lady with hyperthyroidism. There was resolution of the pericardial effusion with antithyroid  medications and steroid therapy. We recommend a high index of suspicion of this association in patients  with hyperthyroidism and/or Graves’ disease