Predictors of job motivation among doctors and nurses in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: Doctors and nurses are the largest and very important human resources for health within health service organizations; therefore their performance will impact the overall organizational performance. The study was aimed to assess the predictors of job motivation among Doctors and nurses of a tertiary hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 334 doctors and nurses. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select study respondents and self-administered questionnaires developed based on Maslow and Herzberg theories of motivation. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of job motivation. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: The motivators were ranked in order of importance from achievement factors, remuneration, job attributes and co-workers. Linear regression revealed only respondents’ designation significantly predicted job attributes as a motivating factor. Doctors were less likely to be motivated by their job attributes compared with nurses (p=0.03). Sex (p=0.01) and holding managerial position (p=0.001) predicted remuneration as a motivating factor for doctors and nurses. Disaggregation by profession showed, only holding managerial position (p=0.02) predicted remuneration as a motivating factor for doctors while for nurses, predictors were sex (p=0.001) and holding managerial position (p=0.02). Co-workers as a motivating factor for all groups were predicted by holding managerial position (p=0.01) and designation (p=0.03).Conclusions: Motivation was influenced by both financial (remuneration) and non-financial incentives (achievements). Healthcare professionals tend to be motivated more by non-financial factors, implying that this should be a cogent strategy for effective employee management.

Burden, access, and disparities in kidney disease

This article was published in Kidney International volume 95, pages 242-248, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2018.11.007, Copyright World Kidney Day 2019 Steering Committee (2019) and is reprinted concurrently in several journals. The articles cover identical concepts and wording, but vary in minor stylistic and spelling changes, detail, and length of manuscript in keeping with each journal's style. Any of these versions may be used in citing this article. Note that all authors contributed equally to the conception, preparation, and editing of the manuscript. Kidney disease is a global public health problem, affecting over 750 million persons worldwide. The burden of kidney disease varies substantially across the world, as does its detection and treatment. In many settings, rates of kidney disease and the provision of its care are defined by socio-economic, cultural, and political factors leading to significant disparities. World Kidney Day 2019 offers an opportunity to raise awareness of kidney disease and highlight disparities in its burden and current state of global capacity for prevention and management. Here, we highlight that many countries still lack access to basic diagnostics, a trained nephrology workforce, universal access to primary health care, and renal replacement therapies. We point to the need for strengthening basic infrastructure for kidney care services for early detection and management of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease across all countries and advocate for more pragmatic approaches to providing renal replacement therapies. Achieving universal health coverage worldwide by 2030 is one of the World Health Organization's Sustainable Development Goals. While universal health coverage may not include all elements of kidney care in all countries, understanding what is feasible and important for a country or region with a focus on reducing the burden and consequences of kidney disease would be an important step towards achieving kidney health equity.

The association between sperm quality and asymptomatic chlamydial infection in infertile men at a private fertility clinic in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Association between chlamydia trachomatis infection and male infertility is debated in literature. There is little or no information from Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of chlamydial infection and its association with sperm quality parameters among a symptomatic men that present for infertility treatment in a Nigeria facility. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at a private assisted conception clinic in Lagos, Nigeria among 138 men seeking infertility care. Seminal fluid analysis and IgG Chlamydial serology were performed for each participant. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS; p was significant at <0.05. RESULTS: Of the 138 men screened, 13.9% were Chlamydia-positive. Twenty-one per cent of clients who tested positive to Chlamydia had predominantly immotile sperm, compared with 10.2% without the infection; 26.3% with non-progressive motility had Chlamydia, compared with 2.8% men who were not infected. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.001). More of those (57.9%) with Chlamydia (compared to 33.1% without) had significant leukocyte counts (p = 0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in sperm count and percent motility between serologically positive and negative men. CONCLUSION: Positive Chlamydia serology is associated with non-progressive motility and leukocytospermia in infertile Nigerian men

Preliminary phytochemical screening, antioxidant and anti-hyperglycaemic activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts

Moringa oleifera plant has been widely used for a vast number of folkloric medicinal purposes. The research aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antihyperglycaemic activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts obtained using different solvent systems for extraction. The solvent extracts of Moringa oleifera were: water extract [100% Mo WE], 50% Methanolic extract [50% MoME], 100% Methanolic extract [100% MoME], 50% Ethanolic extract [50% MoEE], and 100% Ethanolic extract [100% MoEE]. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by the use of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl [DPPH] scavenging assay which showed the hydro-alcoholic extracts to have the highest reducing power, though lower than that of the standard, vitamin C. The hypoglyceamic activity was evaluated for the extracts at graded doses of 200mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 400mg/kg in wistar rats. Relative to the positive control, all treatment groups showed a significant statistical decrease in blood glucose levels. The decrease trends as metformin [84.14%] >50% MoEE 300mg/kg [83.72%] >MoWE 300mg/kg [82.42%] > 50% MoEE 200mg/kg [82.32%] >100% MoEE 400mg/kg [81.96%] >50% MoME [80.69%] >100% MoME 300mg/kg [78.47%] >50% MoME 200mg/kg [66.34%]. Overall, the 50% MoEE at a dose of 300mg/kg showed superior antioxidant properties, weight restorative and pronounced hypoglyceamic effects. The weight restorative effect of high dose alcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera was also observed in the study. This study establishes novel and foundational considerations for further isolation and characterization studies for the hypoglyceamic compounds in the plant

Investigation of the antioxidant activity and quantification of the amount of heavy Metals and some vitamins in carrot

Background: Carrot is a root vegetable from the Umbelliferae family. It is a biennial plant grown for their edible root. Carrots are a good source of carbohydrates and minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Magnesium and may contain toxic amounts of metals as a result of run off effects. It is also rich in carotene, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamin C.Objectives: To determine the amounts of toxic heavy metals, quantify the amounts of vitamins A and E and investigate the antioxidant activities of Carrot.Method: The research investigated the antioxidant properties of carrot on the basis of the radical scavenging activity on DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl), heavy metal analysis were carried out using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while analysis of vitamins was done using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography).Result: The carrot sample analyzed contained considerable amount of some toxic metals of interest (Cr 0.024, 0.105ppm; Cu 15.76, 30.95ppm; Fe 66.94, 103.95ppm; Zn 16.57, 44.22ppm; Pb 0.018, 0.021ppm) in the leaves and root respectively. The samples also contain a very good amount of the vitamin A (12.863, 44.977ppm) and Vitamin E (0.087, 0.22ppm) in leaves and root respectively. It also showed some antioxidant activity and test positive for most phytochemicals.Conclusion: The actual concentrations of the respective heavy metals found in two parts of the D. carota samples were within the threshold limit but there was slight variation in the amount present in the root D. carota as compared to its leaf. The root had more concentrations of the metals and this could be due to the fact that the root is more exposed to these metals during plant uptake

Self-Perceived Seizure Precipitants among Patients with Epilepsy in Middle-Belt of Nigeria

Aim: Patient's perception of seizure precipitant is crucial in epilepsy management; but it is often overlooked by physicians. This may be due to neglect and underestimation of its importance. This study looked at frequency and nature of self-perceived seizure precipitants among patients with epilepsy. Materials and Methods: A close-ended questionnaire-based study. Patients with active epilepsy (=2 attacks/year) were recruited from the neurology clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH); Ilorin. Result: A total of 89 patients participated in the study and of these 41 (46.1) were males. Their median age was 30 (21-52) years and median age at seizure onset was 22 (15-46) years. The median seizure duration was five (2-14) years. More patients (46.1) had less than secondary school education and 12 (13.5) were uneducated. Generalized epilepsy was the predominant (68.6) seizure type. A total of 33 (37.1 subjects had =4 attacks/year; 29 (32.6) had 5-12 attacks/year; and 27 (30.3) 12 attacks/year. A total of 16 (18) subjects did not mention any seizure precipitant; whereas 73 (82.2) reported at least one specific seizure precipitant; of these; 62 (85) patients reported =2 precipitants. Stress (41); inadequate sleep (27); and head trauma (26) were the three leading seizure precipitants mentioned. Subject's age; sex; level of seizure control; and place of abode did not influence reported seizure precipitants. However; the more educated (12 years education) patients significantly reported stress as seizure precipitant (P 0.05). Most (80) patients rightly indicated that antiepileptic drug was the best treatment for their seizure control. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the leading perceived seizure precipitants among epilepsy patients attending the neurology clinic of UITH were stress; inadequate sleep; head trauma; and demonic attacks and spells

Técnica todo sobre -4 y carga inmediata para rehabilitación del maxilar superior: reporte de caso clínico / All on -4 technique and immediate loading for maxilla rehabilitation a clinical case report

La Técnica TODO SOBRE -4 (All-on-4) desarrollada por el Dr. Paulo Maló, está basada en la rehabilitación completa de los maxilares con una prótesis fija de carga inmediata sobre 4 implantes adecuadamente distribuidos; 2 implantes angulados posteriores y 2 implantes axiales anteriores, sin la utilización de injertos óseos. En este trabajo presentamos un caso clínico de rehabilitación completa del maxilar superior con la técnica Todo Sobre -4

The All-on-4 technique developed by Dr. Paulo Maló, is based on the full arch rehabilitation of the jaws with a fixed prostheses on four implants immediately loaded and adequately distributed; 2 tilted posterior implants and 2 axial anterior implants without the need of bone grafts. In this work we present a clinical case of full arch rehabilitation of the maxilla with the All-on-4 technique

Morphological Variation of Third Ventricle Using Computerized Tomography among Different Gender and Age Groups: A 5-Year Retrospective Study in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto; North - West Nigeria

Background: Many methods have been described for measurements of the third ventricle as a means of evaluating brain atrophy during the normal aging process and disease. Enlargement of the cerebral ventricles is one of the most frequently replicated neurobiological findings in schizophrenia. The aim of this morphological study was to examine the range in the normal size of the third ventricle of individuals living in Sokoto and to assess its association with gender and age. Materials and Methods: All available brain CT in the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto; Nigeria; from 2007 to 2012 (a 5-year period) and reported as normal by the radiologist were recruited for the study. Films were viewed on the computer monitor. Measurements were made with Dragon V 3.1.1 Philips and Neusoft Medical System Company Limited software; the software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done. Results: A total of 252 CT scan images where used in the study. Of this number; 156 (61.9) were CT scan images of males and 96 (38.1) were CT scan images of females. The mean width was 8.38 mm and mean anteroposterior length was 12.16 mm. These differences were statistically significant; P = 0.0209 (0.05). Conclusion: Our findings provide a base line data for the measurement of the third ventricles using CT scans in our environment and this may be applied in various clinical conditions involving the third ventricle

Experiencia inicial en videotoracoscopía: Hospital Base Osorno / Initial experience in videothoracoscopy: Base Hospital Osorno

Introducción: La videotoracoscopía constituye un abordaje mínimamente invasivo del tórax de gran desarrollo en las últimas décadas, permitiendo la realización de prácticamente todos los procedimientos quirúrgicos del tórax. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia inicial con el uso de la videotoracoscopía, sus resultados y realizar una revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se revisó una serie de casos retrospectiva de todos los pacientes intervenidos por vía videotoracoscópica en el Hospital Base Osorno, entre Octubre del 2005 y Septiembre del 2011. Resultados: Se realizaron 31 videotoracoscopías en 29 pacientes. Dieciocho (62 por ciento) pacientes fueron de sexo masculino y 11 (28 por ciento) de sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 46,2 +- 16 años de edad. Las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron: estudio de nódulos pulmonares sospechosos de metástasis, empiema pleural y derrame pleural en estudio. Los procedimientos realizados con mayor frecuencia fueron debridaje y aseo, biopsia incisional y biopsia en cuña de nódulos pulmonares. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 80,1 +- 43,4 minutos. El tiempo de hospitalización post operatoria promedio fue de 10 +- 10,1 días (rango 1 a 36 días). No hubo mortalidad perioperatoria en la serie. Discusión: Nuestros resultados son satisfactorios y acorde a los reportados en la literatura.

Introduction: the video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach to thoracic surgery with a great development in recent decades, allowing the performance of almost all thoracic surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to present our initial experience with the use of VATS, its results and review the literature. Material and methods: We reviewed a retrospective case series of all patients undergoing VATS in the Hospital Base Osorno between October 2005 and September 2011. Results: We performed 31 VATS in 29 patients. Eighteen (62 percent patients were male and 11 (28 percent female. The average age was 46.2 +- 16 years. The most frequent indications were: study of suspected pulmonary metastasis, pleural empyema and pleura effusion. The most frequently performed procedures were drainage, incisional biopsy and wedge biopsy of lung nodules. The mean operative time was 80.1 +- 43.4 minutes. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 +- 10.1 days (range 1 to 36 days). There was no mortality. Discussion: Our results are satisfactory and consistent with those reported in the literature.

Intoxicación con etilenglicol. Presentación de casos y revisión de la literatura / Intoxication with ethylene glycol. Presentation of cases and review of literature

El etilénglicol es un producto utilizado en la industria química. La ingesta o aspiración de esta sustancia es una emergencia médica que se debe diagnos� ticar y tratar de inmediato. Inicialmente produce un cuadro conocido como "embriaguez sin aliento alcohólico", seguido de toxicidad cardiopulmonar y renal con grave acidosis metabólica con brecha aniónica aumentada. En la mayoría de los Centros, no es posible determinar la concentración de eti� lénglicol en sangre, por lo que el diagnóstico inicial se basa en la anamnesis y en la presencia de acidosis metabólica grave con brecha aniónica elevada. El tratamiento consiste en soporte vital, adecuada infusión de fluidos y bicar� bonato de sodio, administración de etanol o fomepizol para antagonizar la enzima alcohol deshidrogenasa y, en algunos casos, hemodiálisis.(AU)

The ethylene glycol is a product used in the chemical industry. The intake or inhalation of this substance is a medical emergency that should be diagnosed and treated early. Initially it causes a condition known as "drunkenness with� out alcoholic breath", followed by cardiopulmonary and renal dysfunctions with severe metabolic acidosis and increased anion gap. Determination of blood levels is not available in most health care centers, so initial diagnosis should be based on history and the presence of metabolic acidosis with el� evated anion gap. Treatment consists of vital support, adequate fluid and bicarbonate infusion, administration of ethanol o fomepizole to antagonize the � genase and, in some cases, hemodialysis.(AU)

Preferred Choice of Health Facilities for Healthcare among Adult Residents in Ilorin Metropolis; Kwara State; Nigeria

Purpose: The choice of health facilities for healthcare by an individual is largely determined by several factors. This study aims to determine predictors of preferred choice of health facility for care. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study; pre-tested semi-structure questionnaire was administered to 366 adults selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Ilorin metropolis. Data collected were analysed using Epi Info software version 3.4.1 and level of significance set at p 0.05. Results: The preferred health facility for medical care was private hospitals (35.2) followed by pharmaceutical store (27.9) and 17.0for general/teaching hospitals and only 12.3for primary health care (PHC). Quick service and availability of drugs were the major reasons for their preference which were said to be better in private hospitals. Sex; marital status; educational status; occupation and city area where the respondents dwell are all associated with the preferred choice of health facility for care. Conclusion: This study has shown that the private sector is preferred to the public ones with regards to receiving healthcare and that within the public sector; the higher levels of health facilities are preferred to the primary health care centres. Improving the image and performance of the public health facilities especially the PHC is very important for appropriate utilization of health services

Knowledge and Attitude of Civil Servants in Osun State; Southwestern Nigeria Towards the National Health Insurance

Introduction: In Nigeria; inequity and poor accessibility to quality health care has been a persistent problem. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude of civil servants in Osun state towards the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Methodology: This is a descriptive; cross sectional study of 380 civil servants in the employment of Osun state government; using multi stage sampling method. The research instruments was pre-coded; semi structured; self administered questionnaires. Results: About 60were aware of out of pocket as the most prevalent form of health care financing; while 40were aware of NHIS; television and billboards were their main sources of awareness; However; none had good knowledge of the components of NHIS; 26.7knew about its objectives; and 30knew about who ideally should benefit from the scheme. Personal spending still accounts for a high as 74.7of health care spending among respondents but respondents believed that this does not cover all their health needs. Only 0.3have so far benefited from NHIS while 199 (52.5) of respondents agreed to participate in the scheme. A significant association exists between willingness to participate in the NHIS scheme and awareness of methods of options of health care financing and awareness of NHIS (P0.05) Conclusion: Poor knowledge of the objectives and mechanism of operation of the NHIS scheme characterised the civil servants under study. The poor knowledge of the components and fair attitude towards joining the scheme observed in this study could be improved upon; if stakeholders in the scheme could carry out adequate awareness seminars targeted at the civil servants

Abscesos cerebelosos como complicación infrecuente de absceso hepático amebiano: Reporte de un caso

El absceso cerebral es una infrecuente y fatal complicación extraintestinal de la infección por E. histolytica. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que falleció por múltiples abscesos cerebelosos asociados con absceso hepático amebiano. Caso clínico: Se trata de paciente masculino, 62 años, proveniente del área metropolitana. Consulta por presentar dolor abdominal en hipocondrio derecho, nauseas, vómitos, fiebre y evacuaciones líquidas. Se diagnosticó absceso hepático de 12 x 8 cm de diámetro, por ultrasonido abdominal, correlacionado con la clínica y hallazgos de laboratorio (leucocitosis, elevación de transaminasas y fosfatasas alcalinas). Adicionalmente, el ELISA indirecto para determinar IgG para E. histolytica resultó positivo. La biopsia guiada por ultrasonido sugiere absceso hepático. Recibió tratamiento con metronidazol y ciprofloxacina por 10 días presentando mejoría clínica y de laboratorio. Sin embargo, consulta nuevamente con reaparición de los síntomas, pero se agrega cefalea occipital de fuerte intensidad. Al examen físico de reingreso se encuentran cifras tensiónales de 157/122 mmHg, refractarias al tratamiento, así como hallazgos de déficit neurológico sugestivos de síndrome cerebeloso. Se realizó tomografía de cráneo donde se evidencian múltiples imágenes hipodensas en probable relación con abscesos. Se planteó drenaje quirúrgico, sin embargo el paciente, falleció a las pocas horas.

Brain abscess are a rare and fatal complication of infection with extraintestinal E. histolytica. We present a patient who died of multiple cerebellar abscesses associated with amebic liver abscess. Clinical case: male, 62 years old, from the metropolitan area. Who came in 4 weeks before his death due to abdominal pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. Liver abscess were diagnosed in 12 x 8 cm diameter, by abdominal ultrasound, correlated with clinical and laboratory findings (leukocytosis, high transaminases and alkaline phosphatases). Additionally, the indirect ELISA to determine IgG to E. histolytica was positive. Biopsy guided by ultrasound is concluded as abscess. The patient received treatment with metronidazole and ciprofloxacin for 10 days showing improvement. However, checked again with recurrence of symptoms, but adds strong occipital headache intensity. Initial physical examination re-found the blood pressure 157/122 mmHg, refractory to treatment, and findings of neurological deficits suggestive of cerebellar syndrome. Cranial tomography was performed which showed multiple hypodense images in connection with probable abscess. Surgical drainage was raised; however the patient evolved torpidly and died within hours.

Avaliação de parâmetros clínicos e hematológicos de eqüinos submetidos a um programa de controle estratégico de Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari: Ixodidae) / Evaluation of clinical and hematological parameters of equines submitted to a strategic control program of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari: Ixodidae)

Estudaram-se aspectos clínicos e hematológicos em eqüinos submetidos a um programa de controle estratégico de A. cajennense. Os tratamentos carrapaticidas foram realizados a cada sete dias e divididos em dois módulos, o primeiro com início em abril de 2004, e o segundo com início em julho do mesmo ano, utilizando-se a base química piretróide - cipermetrina na concentração de 0,015 por cento. Além do acompanhamento clínico dos animais, foram realizados hemogramas completos antes e após o programa. As dosagens bioquímicas de bilirrubinas, gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina kinase (CK), proteína total, albumina e globulinas, foram realizadas antes, durante e ao final do programa. Os resultados demonstraram que houve uma melhora no quadro hematológico dos animais após o programa de controle. Os tratamentos carrapaticidas, na forma em foram aplicados, não provocaram alterações desfavoráveis nos parâmetros clínicos e hematológicos dos eqüinos. Tais informações podem ser consideradas na busca de alternativas viáveis e seguras para o controle dessa espécie de carrapato.

Clinical and hematological parameters were studied in equines submitted to a strategic control program of Amblyomma cajennense. The acaricide treatments were carried to each seven days and divided in two batteries, the first one began in April 2004 and the second in July 2004. A pyrethroid chemical base - 0.015 percent cypermethrin was used. Clinical examinations of the animals and complete hemograms were carried before and after the control program of the tick. Seric dosages of bilirrubins, gamma-glutamiltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatin kinase (CK), total protein, albumin, and globulins, were carried before and throughout the experiment. The results showed an improvement in the hematological parameters of the animals after the end of control program. The acaricide treatments did not cause undesirable alterations of the clinical and hematological parameters studied. Such information can be considered as viable and safe alternatives for the control of this tick.

Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of the Fruits and Leaves of Allanblackia floribunda Oliv (Guttiferae)

Purpose: To compare the phytochemical constituents in the leaves and fruits of Allanblackia floribunda and determine their free radical scavenging activity. Methods: The fruit and leaves of AF collected from the uncultivated farmlands of Okeigbo; Ondo State; Nigeria; were dried; milled and extracted with methanol. Phytochemical screening was carried out according to standard procedures. Free radical scavenging activity was determined by measuring the decrease in the visible absorbance of 2;2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) on addition of the plant extract. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC50); which is the concentration of extract needed to decrease the initial absorbance of DPPH by 50was determined graphically. Total phenolic; flavonoids and proanthocyanidin contents were determined by spectro-photometric methods. Results: Alkaloids; anthraquinones; tannins; saponins; steroids; terpenoids; flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were found to be present in both the fruits and leaves. Only AF fruit contained phlobatannins. IC50 values of 0.01; 0.02 and 0.1 mg/ml were recorded for Vitamin E; AF leaves and AF fruits respectively. Total phenolic; total flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents were 65; 0.07 and 2.38 mg/g of powdered plant material for AF fruits; and 12; 51.35; 19.5 mg/g of powdered plant material for AF leaves as gallic acid; rutin and catechin equivalents respectively. Conclusion: AF leaves are five times more potent as a free radical scavenger compared to the fruits though the fruit was found to contain a higher phenolic content

Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of the Fruits and Leaves of Allanblackia floribunda Oliv (Guttiferae)

Purpose: To compare the phytochemical constituents in the leaves and fruits of Allanblackia floribunda and determine their free radical scavenging activity. Methods: The fruit and leaves of AF collected from the uncultivated farmlands of Okeigbo; Ondo State; Nigeria; were dried; milled and extracted with methanol. Phytochemical screening was carried out according to standard procedures. Free radical scavenging activity was determined by measuring the decrease in the visible absorbance of 2;2-diphenyl-1 -picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) on addition of the plant extract. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC50); which is the concentration of extract needed to decrease the initial absorbance of DPPH by 50was determined graphically. Total phenolic; flavonoids and proanthocyanidin contents were determined by spectro-photometric methods. Results: Alkaloids; anthraquinones; tannins; saponins; steroids; terpenoids; flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were found to be present in both the fruits and leaves. Only AF fruit contained phlobatannins. IC50 values of 0.01; 0.02 and 0.1 mg/ml were recorded for Vitamin E; AF leaves and AF fruits respectively. Total phenolic; total flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents were 65; 0.07 and 2.38 mg/g of powdered plant material for AF fruits; and 12; 51.35; 19.5 mg/g of powdered plant material for AF leaves as gallic acid; rutin and catechin equivalents respectively. Conclusion: AF leaves are five times more potent as a free radical scavenger compared to the fruits though the fruit was found to contain a higher phenolic content

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of some Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Malaria Therapy in Southwestern Nigeria

Purpose: Oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the development of anaemia in malaria. Indeed; increase in total antioxidant status has been shown to be important in recovery from malaria. The antioxidant activities of four medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of malaria in southwestern Nigeria were determi- ned. Methods: The ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Carica papaya Linn. [Caricaceae] ; stem bark of Magnifera indica Linn. [Anacardiaceae]; leaves of Psidium guajava Linn. [Myrtaceae] and the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Del. [Compositae]; were used in the present study. The plant parts commonly used in the locality in malaria therapy were employed in this study. The plants were screened for the presence of phytochemicals and; their effect on 2;2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) was used to determine their free radical scavenging activity. Results: Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids; terpenoids; saponins; tannins and reducing sugars. M. indica did not contain cardiac glycosides and alkaloids while; P. guajava also showed the absence of alkaloids and anthraquinones. Anthraquinones was similarly absent from V. amygdalina. Concentrations of the plant extracts required for 50inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC50) were recorded as 0.04 mg/ml; 0.313 mg/ml; 0.58 mg/ml; 2.30 mg/ml and 0.054 mg/ml for P. guajava; M. Indica; C. papaya; V. amygdalina and Vitamin C; respectively. Conclusion : All the plants showed potent inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity; P. guajava being the most potent. The free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activities of these plants probably contribute to the effectiveness of the above plants in malaria therapy

Frequency of equine viral arteritis in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Verificou-se a freqüência e a distribuição de eqüídeos soropositivos para arterite viral eqüina (AVE) em 10 Delegacias Regionais do IMA no estado de Minas Gerais, por meio da técnica soroneutralização. A taxa de animais reagentes foi 0,85 por cento (7/826) e em cada Delegacia Regional: Almenara (0,77 por cento), Montes Claros (1,09 por cento), Oliveira (2,12 por cento), São Gonçalo do Sapucaí (2,22 por cento), Teófilo Otoni (1,36 por cento) e Viçosa (1,72 por cento). O presente estudo indica a presença de animais soropositivos para AVE em diferentes regiões do estado de Minas Gerais

Lipid peroxidation and total radical-trapping potential of the lungs of rats submitted to chronic and sub-chronic stress

Exposure to stress induces a cluster of physiological and behavioral changes in an effort to maintain the homeostasis of the organism. Long-term exposure to stress, however, has detrimental effects on several cell functions such as the impairment of antioxidant defenses leading to oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is a central feature of many diseases. The lungs are particularly susceptible to lesions by free radicals and pulmonary antioxidant defenses are extensively distributed and include both enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems. The aim of the present study was to determine lipid peroxidation and total radical-trapping potential (TRAP) changes in lungs of rats submitted to different models of chronic stress. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-230 g were submitted to different stressors (variable stress, N = 7) or repeated restraint stress for 15 (N = 10) or 40 days (N = 6) and compared to control groups (N = 10 each). Lipid peroxidation levels were assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and TRAP was measured by the decrease in luminescence using the 2-2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane)-luminol system. Chronic variable stress induced a 51 percent increase in oxidative stress in lungs (control group: 0.037 ± 0.002; variable stress: 0.056 ± 0.007, P < 0.01). No difference in TBARS was observed after chronic restraint stress, but a significant 57 percent increase in TRAP was presented by the group repeatedly restrained for 15 days (control group: 2.48 ± 0.42; stressed: 3.65 ± 0.16, P < 0.05). We conclude that different stressors induce different effects on the oxidative status of the organism.

Retina: degeneración macular relacionada con la edad: conceptos actuales / Retina: age related macular degeneration: actualization concepts

La mácula está encargada de la visión fina y detallada; de la visión central. La misma es visible a través de la oftalmoscopía directa. Desafortunadamente, esta sujeta a acciones deletéreas por el organismo, producto del proceso de envejecimiento de los seres humanos; entre estas tenemos a la Degeneración Macular Relacionada con la Edad; trastorno degenerativo que se caracteriza clínicamente por la presencia de Drusens y alteraciones pigmentarias del EPR en sus etapas tempranas y por Atrofia Geográfica, Neovascularización Coroidea, Desprendimiento del EPR y Cicatrización Fibrosa en sus etapas tardías y que conduce a una importante disminución de la agudeza visual y ceguera. Tan importante que representa la primera causa de ceguera legal en la población mayor de 65 años. Por consiguiente, en el presente trabajo se hace una revisión de esta patología que afecta a la mácula