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Aims: To evaluate blood glucose-lowering ability of leaf ashes and compare anti-hyperglycaemic activities of Annona muricata leaf extract and ash. Study Design: Ashes and extract of medicinal plants were assayed using glucose-loaded rats model. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between March 2017 and February 2020. Methodology: Adequately prepared ashes of seven plants and A. muricata methanol extract were assayed for anti-hyperglycaemic potentials, using glucose-loaded (10 g/kg, p.o.) Wistar rats that were hyperglycaemic [blood glucose levels ? 7.0 mmol/L] thirty minutes thereafter (T0.0). Groups of 5 rats each, were administered 100, 150, 200 mg/kg of different ashes and A. muricata extract (200 mg/kg). Normal saline and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were negative and positive controls, respectively. Their blood glucose levels were determined at 0-4 hours post-extract/ash/drug administration; results analysed using ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls’ and Dunnett post-hoc tests. P ? .05 was considered significantly different. Results: 100 mg/kg of Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica and Eugenia malaccensis leaf ashes was their most active dose, indicating significantly higher extrapancreatic activity. 32, 37, 54, 59 and 36, 43, 50, 48 % reductions elicited by Chromolaena odorata (COLA) and A. muricata (AMLA) ashes (200 mg/kg) at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hours, respectively made them the most active ashes. Also, blood glucose levels in glibenclamide (5 mg/kg)-, COLA-, AMLA- and its extract (200 mg/kg)-treated rats were comparable (P > .05) and their anti-hyperglycaemic activity was suggested to be due to the pancreatic (insulinotropic) and extra-pancreatic actions of their constituents. Conclusion: Study justified anti-diabetic ethnomedicinal use of plant-ashes in Nigeria, while doses were recommended for the optimum folkloric usage of these leaf ashes in managing diabetes in the rural areas of Nigeria. The leaf ashes may contain elements with glucose postprandial tolerance factor and insulin stimulating properties.
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Background: Management of complex genital fistulae is challenging due to the cost and technical skill required. This study reports our experience in the management of patients with complex genital fistulae and to highlight the crucial role of the reconstructive urologists.Methods: This was a retrospective review of female patients managed at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria from 2006 to 2017 for complex urinary fistulae. Data were extracted from patient case notes and the data analysed using the SPSS software.Results: Twenty-four female patients mean age 28.9±11.1 years. Fistulae resulted from prolonged obstructed labour 10 (41.6%), caesarean hysterectomy 7 (29.2%), caesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy 2 (8.4%) respectively. The fistulae were vesicovaginal 16 (66.7%), ureterovaginal 3 (12.5%). Others were vesicocutaneous, urethrovaginal and rectovaginal. Prior attempts at repair were done in 7 (29.2%) and the number of attempts ranged from 1 to 4. Surgical procedures included direct closure in 9 (37.5%), closure and uretero-neocystostomy 7 (29.2%), uretero-neocystostomy only 3 (12.5%) closure and abdominal hysterectomy 2 (8.3%), closure and continent catheterizable neo-bladder 2 (8.3%) and 1 (4.2%) closure, abdominal hysterectomy and uretero-neocystostomy. Post-operative complications were noted in 2 (8.3%) and consisted of gynaeatresia and recurrent RVF. Repair was successful in 70.8% of patients while failed repair was recorded in 16.7% and while stress incontinence was present in 12.5%.Conclusions: Complex genital fistulae in our practice are of obstetric origin involving the bladder, ureters and rectum. The reconstructive urologist has a crucial role the management for a favourable outcome.
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Aims: To investigate possible use of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (GPIPLC) as a target protein for the development of vaccine against Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection was investigated. Study Design: GPI-PLC from T. brucei brucei was purified, characterized and the protein was used as antigen in raising antibody against the parasite Place and Duration: Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria-Nigeria, between September 2011 and October 2012 Methodology: GPI-PLC was isolated from T. brucei brucei and purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE). The GPI-PLC was further used to raise antisera in rabbits, which was subsequently used to immunize rats for 14 and 21 days pre-infection to investigate the possible use of T. b. brucei GPI-PLC as target protein in vaccine production against T. b. brucei infection. Results: An overall yield of 48.76% and purification fold of 10.86 were recorded after gel filtration. The result from SDS-PAGE showed the enzyme to be a 39.585 kDa protein with optimum temperature, optimum pH and activation energy to be 35°C, 8.1 and 19.494 kJ/ mol respectively. The Vmax and Km values were 6.67 × 10-3 μmol/hr and 2.67 × 10-3 μM respectively when 212.5 μg of enzyme was used in the reaction mixture. Immunization with anti GPI-PLC for 14 and 21 days pre-infection significantly lowered the Packed Cell Volume (PCV). Result for the time course of parasitemia following infection with 7.9 x 105 Cells/ml showed a decrease in parasitemia level, thus leading to lowering of mortality rates in Groups immunized with GPI-PLC for 14 and 21 days pre-infection by 20% and 40% respectively relative to Group infected but not treated. Conclusion: These results suggest that GPI-PLC as a target protein significantly reduced the progression of the T. b. brucei infection.
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Aims: To determine the effects of fertilization and irrigation on establishment and growth of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in Sokoto, Nigeria and its adaptability. Study Design: A factorial experiment laid down in split – plot design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 dry seasons in upland and lowland areas in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methodology: The effects of nitrogen fertilizer, manure and irrigation interval on percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter of P. virgatum were assessed. Four levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg N ha-1), three rates of manure (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and three irrigation regimes (w2, w4 and w6). Results: Results indicate that there is no significant (P = 0.05) increase in percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter by raising nitrogen rate from 50 to 75 kg N ha-1, manure rate from 5 – 10 t ha-1 or irrigation intervals from w2 to w4 days. The findings of the study revealed that a combination of 50 kg N ha-1, with 5 t ha-1 of manure and w2 irrigation interval enhanced percentage plant establishment, plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter.
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Background: The average numbers of Nigerians who have been incarcerated over the past three decades when HIV/AIDS was discovered have been increasing and the seroprevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst the prison inmates remained higher than the national average due to the occurrence of risky sexual practices among inmates and inadequate HIV prevention, care and support services. This study assessed the sexual risk behaviour and knowledge of HIV/AIDS among inmates in Kaduna State, north western Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study with qualitative method of data collection (focus group discussion) was conducted on 107 inmates aged 20 to 55 years in Kaduna State Prisons Command between September 8th and October 2nd 2010. Information elicited were transcribed and translated where appropriate and presented as tables and in narrative forms with relevant quotations. Results: The mean average age of the respondents was 34(±8.62) years. The general awareness and knowledge of causative agent of HIV infection was high (96.3% and 67.3% respectively). However, some have misconceptions of witchcraft (9.3%), enemies (11.2%), bacteria (12.1%) and mosquitoes’ bite (15.9%) as the causative agent/ mode of transmission of HIV infection. 99.5% acknowledged that HIV/AIDS and risky sexual practices occurred in prison but denied taking part. Sex in prison was often associated with homosexual behavior among the males but participants were pessimistic about condom distribution due to fear of promotion of homosexuality (65.4%) and non compliance with religion (34.6%). Conclusion: Despite high level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among inmates, there are still misconceptions. Homosexual practices associated with HIV/AIDS transmission is practiced among the male inmates; however, the use of condom which is one of the evidence based strategies for the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is met with a high degree of resistance by inmates. Therefore, there is need for implementation of HIV/AIDS interpersonal communication and counseling programmes for the inmates in Nigeria prisons.
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Objective: Bladder cancer is the second most common genito-urinary malignancy worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the benefit of radical cystectomy on locally advanced bladder carcinoma in terms of improved quality of life and survival in our environment. Patients and Methods : The records of 58 patients with bladder carcinoma managed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period (May 2000 to April 2005) were reviewed and analysed. Excluded were 28 patients with distant metastatic disease discovered during clinical investigation. Results: Thirty patients (25 males and 5 females) with a mean age of 50.5 years and variable symptoms underwent radical cystectomy for locally advanced carcinoma of the bladder. Urinary drainage was achieved by orthotopic ileal neobladder in 15 patients (50); continent cutaneous reservoir in 11 patients (36.7) and non-continent drainage in 4 patients (13.3). A 40survival was achieved at 6-60 months. Conclusion : Radical cystectomy is a worthwhile procedure in locally advanced carcinoma of the bladder and cure may be achieved in selected patients
Subject(s)
Carcinoma , Cystectomy , Nigeria , Urinary BladderABSTRACT
Data collected by combined self-administered questionnaires from 200 Kuwaiti males on variable shift-work and an equal number of males on straight one-shift-work at the Kuwait Oil Company [KOC] were studied over a 9-month period. Compared to men working a non-variable work schedule, those working variable shifts exhibited higher [P<0.0001] rates of heavy smoking, coffee/tea consumption, job stress and emotional problems. Variable shift-workers reported a significantly [P<0.0001] more persistent sleep disturbance of all dimensions, digestive complaints, decreased work performance and disruptive social life than did straight one-shift-workers. Forty-One percent complained of fatigue and 34% of poor concentration. They were also more prone to errors and accidents at work. The underlying psychophysiological factors are discussed. The need for a better occupational health system is emphasized
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Task Performance and Analysis , Health , Work/physiology , Sleep/physiologyABSTRACT
One hundred and twenty psychiatric patients were discharged for outpatient treatment, of which 55% had prematurely discontinued their medications. Clinically, these patients were characterized as being young, single male individuals with diagnoses of schizophrenia and mania. Previous multiple hospital admissions were strongly associated with noncompliance. Fear of drug dependence, complex treatment regimen and social 'stigma' were the main reasons given by the patients for their noncompliance. The need for improved doctor-patient relationship and greater efforts toward public education is emphasized
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Psychotic Disorders/therapy , Schizophrenia/diagnosis , Psychiatry , Epidemiologic MethodsABSTRACT
A survey of attitudes to psychiatry was conducted on a group of 92 Kuwaiti senior medical students before and after a 6-week clerkship in psychiatry. A significant attitudinal change was observed in 4 of 18 items in a positive direction, while one item moved in an unfavorable direction. The percentage of students interested in a career in psychiatry rose from 2.2% prior to training to 8.7% after training. Poor working conditions, social stigma attached to mental illness, and low professional status were the main reasons given by students against specializing in psychiatry. Students' reasons for or against this subject are discussed
Subject(s)
Attitude , Students, MedicalABSTRACT
The psychiatric profiles of 40 women with early breast cancer [experimental sample] and a cancer sample of 40 women with other medical conditions [medical sample] were examined over a 6-month period. The breast cancer patients had a significantly higher affective reaction than patients with other medical conditions. They were also considerably less likely to have received adequate information about their illness. The underlying sociocultural factors are discussed. Means to promote communication between physicians and cancer sufferers are suggested. The need for an oncology liaison psychiatric service is emphasized