Assessment of healthcare waste generated by some selected public hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria

This article has been retracted by the journal Editor.Healthcare wastes include anatomical, pathological and clinical infectious/ hazardous organic and inorganic waste. The waste is disposed off in unscientific manner. The study has been conducted in the government hospitals only to reveal the per day waste generation on each patient, present mode of waste management within the units bed, our suggestions which will help the units to improve their waste management practices, in Katsina State, Nigeria.Keywords: Waste management, Health care waste, Management Katsina Stat

A comparative evaluation of pentazocine and dipyrone on diazepam-induced sleep in mice

This work reports on the evaluation of pentazocine and dipyrone analgesics on diazepam-induced sleep in mice. Diazepam (10 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally (ip) was used to determine the onset and duration of sleep in mice and the mean of both set values were calculated and recorded. Pentazocine 20, 30 and 50 mg/kg administered (ip) was found to significantly decrease the onset of diazepam (10 mg/kg) induced sleep dose dependently (

Effect of Avogadro Oil as Corrosion Inhibitor of Thermally Pre-aged Al-Si-Mg Alloy in Sodium Chloride Solution

The corrosion inhibition of thermally pre-aged Aluminium-Silicon-Magnesium (Al-Si-Mg) alloy in 3.5 % NaCl solution with natural Avogadro oil of varying concentrations has been studied using linear polarization techniques. From the results obtained, the corrosion rate decreased with an increase in Avogadro oil concentration. An inhibitor efficiency of 46.7, 58 and 71 % were obtained at 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 g/v Avogadro oil addition in a 3.5 % NaCl solution respectively for the conventional alloy. Results from the linear polarization technique indicate a higher potential value with an increase in the polarization resistance (Rp) and lower current density in the inhibited samples than the uninhibited Al-Si-Mg alloy as obtained from the Tafel plot extrapolation. There exist some levels of correlation in the inhibitor efficiency between the conventional and the thermally pre-aged Al-Si-Mg alloy/Avogadro oil in 3.5 % NaCl solution

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of methanol stem bark extract of Haematostaphis barteri Hook. F. against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

Background: The ethnomedical uses of Haematostaphis barteri commonly known as blood plum has been documented in literature. The efficacy of its stem bark extract in management of liver diseases is well acclaimed among communities of Northern Nigeria. Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol stem bark extract of Haematostaphis barteri against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Methodology: Phytochemical and acute toxicity studies were carried out. Liver damage was induced in different groups of Wistar rats using paracetamol (3 g/kg) and 1 ml/kg of CCl4 (1:1 in olive oil). The effect of Haematostaphis barteri extract was tested for hepatoprotective activity by evaluating serum biochemical parameters and liver histology. The extract was also tested for antioxidant activity using in-vitro DPPH free radical scavenging method. Results: Phytochemicals present include tannins, sterols, alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids and anthraquinones. Oral median lethal dose was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. Pre-treatment with the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to paracetamol and CCl4 toxic groups respectively. These results were supported by the protection against hepatocellular necrosis in the extract treated groups as well as the DPPH radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest the stem bark extract of Haematostaphis barteri possesses hepatoprotective activity. Keywords: Haematostaphis barteri, Hepatoprotective, Paracetamol, Carbon tetrachlorid

Propargyl as Corrosion Inhibitor for Al-5%Si/15%SiC Composite in 0.5molar Sodium Hydroxide

The corrosion characteristic of Al-5%Si/15%SiC composite in 0.5molar sodium hydroxide solution (cauustic soda) using propargyl as corrosion inhibitors was investigated employing gravimetric and potential measurements. The research was carried out at different inhibitor concentrations, time and temperature rangges of 0.5 – 2.5% v/v, 1–5 hours and 30–70 °C respectively. Results obtained revealed that propargyl is a moderate corrosion inhibitor for the composite, with maximum inhibition efficiency of 59.23% at 30 °C and inhibitor concentration of 1.5% v/v. Thermodynamic parameters such as heat of adsorption, free energy and activation energy were obtained from experimental data and the mechanism of inhibition was elucidated. The inhibitor is physically and chemically absorbed unto the surface of the composite

Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria provides substantial protection against malaria in children already protected by an insecticide-treated bednet in Burkina Faso: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in children (IPTc) is a promising new approach to the control of malaria in areas of seasonal malaria transmission but it is not known if IPTc adds to the protection provided by an insecticide-treated net (ITN). METHODS AND FINDINGS: An individually randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of seasonal IPTc was conducted in Burkina Faso in children aged 3 to 59 months who were provided with a long-lasting insecticide-treated bednet (LLIN). Three rounds of treatment with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine or placebos were given at monthly intervals during the malaria transmission season. Passive surveillance for malaria episodes was established, a cross-sectional survey was conducted at the end of the malaria transmission season, and use of ITNs was monitored during the intervention period. Incidence rates of malaria were compared using a Cox regression model and generalized linear models were fitted to examine the effect of IPTc on the prevalence of malaria infection, anaemia, and on anthropometric indicators. 3,052 children were screened and 3,014 were enrolled in the trial; 1,505 in the control arm and 1,509 in the intervention arm. Similar proportions of children in the two treatment arms were reported to sleep under an LLIN during the intervention period (93%). The incidence of malaria, defined as fever or history of fever with parasitaemia ≥ 5,000/µl, was 2.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70-3.06) per child during the intervention period in the control arm versus 0.87 (95% CI 0.78-0.97) in the intervention arm, a protective efficacy (PE) of 70% (95% CI 66%-74%) (p<0.001). There was a 69% (95% CI 6%-90%) reduction in incidence of severe malaria (p = 0.04) and a 46% (95% CI 7%-69%) (p = 0.03) reduction in the incidence of all-cause hospital admissions. IPTc reduced the prevalence of malaria infection at the end of the malaria transmission season by 73% (95% CI 68%-77%) (p<0.001) and that of moderately severe anaemia by 56% (95% CI 36%-70%) (p<0.001). IPTc reduced the risks of wasting (risk ratio [RR] = 0.79; 95% CI 0.65-1.00) (p = 0.05) and of being underweight (RR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.72-0.99) (p = 0.03). Children who received IPTc were 2.8 (95% CI 2.3-3.5) (p<0.001) times more likely to vomit than children who received placebo but no drug-related serious adverse event was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: IPT of malaria provides substantial protection against malaria in children who sleep under an ITN. There is now strong evidence to support the integration of IPTc into malaria control strategies in areas of seasonal malaria transmission. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT00738946. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary

Seasonal performance of a malaria rapid diagnosis test at community health clinics in a malaria-hyperendemic region of Burkina Faso

BACKGOUND: Treatment of confirmed malaria patients with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) at remote areas is the goal of many anti-malaria programs. Introduction of effective and affordable malaria Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDT) in remote areas could be an alternative tool for malaria case management. This study aimed to assess performance of the OptiMAL dipstick for rapid malaria diagnosis in children under five. METHODS: Malaria symptomatic and asymptomatic children were recruited in a passive manner in two community clinics (CCs). Malaria diagnosis by microscopy and RDT were performed. Performance of the tests was determined. RESULTS: RDT showed similar ability (61.2%) to accurately diagnose malaria as microscopy (61.1%). OptiMAL showed a high level of sensitivity and specificity, compared with microscopy, during both transmission seasons (high & low), with a sensitivity of 92.9% vs. 74.9% and a specificity of 77.2% vs. 87.5%. CONCLUSION: By improving the performance of the test through accurate and continuous quality control of the device in the field, OptiMAL could be suitable for use at CCs for the management and control of malaria

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Residual Aqueous Fraction of Carissa edulis Root Bark (Vahl) in Experimental Animals

Background: Carissa edulis is a spiny evergreen shrub that may reach a height of 5 feet and an equal breadth. The bark is grey and smooth with straight woody double-pronged spine often in pairs. The plant is a native of South Africa. It grows in tropical African region and Arabia. It has been used in the traditional treatment of malaria, headache, glandular inflammation, rheumatism and chest complaints among others for many years and their efficacy is widely acclaimed among the Hausa communities of northern Nigeria. Hence, there need for verification of these folkloric claims. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the residual aqueous fraction of the ethanol root bark extract of C edulis in mice and rat models. Methodology: Acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion test in mice were used to assess analgesic properties, while anti-inflammatory effect was tested using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. Results: The fraction (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) and standard drugs significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the number of writhes and prolonged the pain reaction time, in acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion models respectively. Similarly, the fraction (300 and 600 mg/kg) and ketoprofen (10 mg/kg) exhibited significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the paw oedema at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hour intervals, while at 150 mg/kg, the decrease was significant at only third hour. Discussion: The study has shown that the residual aqueous fraction of C. edulis possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, thus, justified the traditional use of the plant in pain and inflammatory conditions. Keywords: Carissa edulis, writhes, inflammation, analgesic, fractio

Phytochemical screening of Saye, a traditional herbal remedy for malaria

phytochemical assay was conducted to establish the chemical profile of “Saye”, a mixture of leaf of Cassia alata, root of Cochlospermum planchonii and whole plant of Phyllantus amarus, used as antimarial remedy. Water and organic extracts were prepared. Characterization of phytoconstituents using specific chemical reagents was performed in tubes, by thin layer chromatography and by high performance liquid chromatography. Steroids and/or triterpenes, cathechic tannins were identified in the decocted and the macerated water extracts of “Saye”. An anthraquinone with a retention time Rt corresponding to 3.34 min was identified by the HPLC analysis.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Chemical profile, anthraquinones, steroids, triterpenes, tannins