Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 17 de 17
Filter
1.
Afr. J. reprod. Health (online) ; 26(11): 56-66, 2022. figures, tables
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1411896

ABSTRACT

Family is the microcosm of a larger society that provides care that shapes the behavior of children. However, the different levels of attention children receive from their parents may affect their behaviour and self-esteem, which can lead to them being more vulnerable to sexual harassment. An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from March ­ August 2021, to assess the relationship between family birth order and prevalence of sexual harassment. The multistage sampling procedure was used to draw 1070 participants. The data was analyzed using percentages, mean, and multivariate logistic regression statistics. The multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The findings revealed prevalence (73.6%) of sexual harassment, and the two forms such as verbal (x= 2.63) and non-verbal sexual harassment (x= 2.56) were high. The multivariate logistic regression odds ratios adjusted shows that the middle born were approximately 2 folds (AOR = 1.62; CI = 1.14 ­ 2.30; P = 0.008 0.05) more likely to predict sexual harassment. The study recommended amongst others that parents in South Eastern Nigeria should refrain from given special attention to a particular child as this may predispose the unfavoured child to sexual harassment


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Logistic Models , Birth Order , Sexual Harassment , Affect , Family Relations , Prevalence
2.
Rev. med. vet. (Bogota) ; (42): 83-92, ene.-jun. 2021. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1365914

ABSTRACT

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effects of orally administered graded doses of hydro-methanol stem extract from Anacardium occidentale (MSEAO) on the haematology and serum biochemistry of chickens. Forty, 8-weeks old cockerel chickens were randomly assigned into four groups (groups 1, 2, 3 and 4) of ten birds each. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received 3000, 1500 and 500 mg/kg body weight of MSEAO, respectively, while chickens in control group (group 4) were given drinking water placebo. Blood samples were collected from all chickens on day 0- and 48-hours post-treatment. Haematology and serum biochemistry were evaluated following standard procedures. The results showed that most of the haematological parameters in the treated groups did not differ significantly as compared to the control group. The serum biochemistry results showed that the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity ingroups 1 and 2 were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that ingroups 3 and 4. Serum uric acid levels ingroups 1 and 2 chickens were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in the control group, while the creatinine levels of chickens in the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of chickens in the control group. It was concluded that MSEAO, as used in the study, led to significant changes in heterophil counts, serum ALT and ALP activities, uric acid, creatinine, and calcium levels.


Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es investigar los efectos de dosis graduales de extracto de hidro-metanol del tallo de Anacardium occidentale (MSEAO) administradas por vía oral sobre la hematología y bioquímica del suero de polluelos. Cuarenta pollos de 8 semanas de edad fueron asignados al azar en cuatro grupos (1, 2, 3 y 4) de diez pollos cada grupo. Los grupos 1, 2 y 3 recibieron 3000, 1500 y 500 mg/kg de peso corporal de MSEAO, respectivamente, mientras que a los pollos del grupo de control [grupo 4] se les dio agua de beber como placebo. Se tomaron muestras de sangre de todos los pollos a las 0 y 48 horas después del tratamiento. Se evaluó la hematología y la bioquímica del suero siguiendo procedimientos estándares. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de parámetros hematológicos en los grupos tratados no difirieron significativamente con respecto al grupo de control. Los resultados de la bioquímica del suero mostraron que la actividad de la alanina aminotransferasa en el suero (ALT) en los grupos 1 y 2 fue significativamente inferior (P < 0.05) a la de los grupos 3 y 4. Los niveles de ácido úrico en el suero en los pollos de los grupos 1 y 2 fueron significativamente inferiores (P < 0.05) a los del grupo de control, mientras que los niveles de creatinina de los pollos en los grupos de tratamiento fueron significativamente inferiores (P< 0.05) a los de los pollos del grupo de control. Se concluyó que el MSEAO, como se usó en este estudio, produjo cambios significativos en los conteos de heterófilos, en las actividades de ALT y ALP del suero y en los niveles de ácido úrico, creatinina y calcio.

3.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-200772

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of high sub-chronic doses of the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of Loranthus micranthuson biochemical parameters of albino rats. Acute toxicity studies were performed according to standard methods. The animals were divided into 5 groups (n = 5). Aqueous and methanol extracts of L. micranthus leaves were administered in doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight to four groups of rats respectively for 30 days through the intraperitoneal route. The fifth group served as control and received saline (5 ml/kg b.w, i.p). Blood samples were collected by retrorbital puncture and analyzed for biochemical and haematological parameters using assay kits. Acute toxicity studies indicated that both extracts had an LD50> 5000mg/kg. The results indicated significant (p<0.001) increases in alkaline phosphatase serum levels in both extract treated groups. The extracts also produced significant elevation in serum bilirubin levels when compared with normal control (p<0.05). Both extracts did not affect the levels of alanine and aspartate transaminases significantly (p>0.05). There were significant increase in the serum levels of urea in the extracts treated rats (p<0.05; p<0.01). The 2000 mg/kg aqueous extract produced significant increases in mean serum chloride and bicarbonate levels of treated rats when compared with control (p<0.01). The extracts produced significant decrease in the serum creatine kinase levels of treated rats in a non-dose related manner when compared with control (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in sodium and potassium levels of treated rats. The methanol extract had no significant effect on the haematological indices studied. The aqueous extract produced significant reductions in the haemoglobin and PCV of treated rats (p< 0.01). The total and differential leucocyte counts were not affected by extract treatment (p>0.05). From these results, the extracts caused significant biochemical changes but were not cytotoxic to leucocyte cell lines. Therefore, there should be caution in the long term use of these extracts

4.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-211853

ABSTRACT

Cadmium is a toxic metal, an environmental contaminant and a multi-organ poison which has been implicated in the derangement of a number of biological and molecular systems. Exposure to cadmium is a serious global health threat particularly in developing countries and pregnant women are at great risk, This is because they have increased gastrointestinal absorption and retention of cadmium and the tendency for increased risk of complications owing to its toxic effects. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by the development of onset of hypertension and significant proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation or during labour and/or within 48 hours of delivery. This pregnancy-specific syndrome is a leading cause of maternal death particularly in developing countries. Several reports have provided evidence of remote association between preeclampsia and cadmium but the mechanism of the involment of this toxic metal in this disease is still surrounded with uncertainty. Some possible mechanistic pathways such as induction of oxidative stress, acting as an antimetabolite to zinc and deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms have been elucidated in this article may be interconnected, work synergistically or act independently. However, pertinent to understand them in a bid to possibly prevent the disease or forestall its devastating consequences. Environmental cadmium exposure may be considered a factor that merits further serious attention in the continuous search for the precise an etiology of preeclampsia particularly in developing countries that experience uncontrolled cadmium release into the environment.

5.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-200459

ABSTRACT

Background: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is an antihypertensive agent. It induces toxicity via the release of cyanide ions, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species. Manniophyton fulvum (MF) is commonly used in Nigeria due to its therapeutic and nutritional potentials. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition of aqueous extract of MF root and influence in SNP induced oxidative stress in wistar rats.Methods: Gas chromatography was used for determination of the chemical composition of aqueous extract of MF root. Rat liver homogenate was used for determination of rhodanese, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Twenty (20) adult wistar rats of both sex were randomly divided into 4 different groups comprising 5 animals (n=5). Control (Group A), Groups B, C, D received 2.5 mg/kg body weight of SNP at intervals of 3 hours per day by intraperitoneal injection. In addition, Groups C and D received 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous root extract of MF and 10 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin E respectively for a period of 7 days.Results: Flavonoids had the highest composition while allicin had the lowest composition. Diallyl thiosulphinate>methyl allyl thiosulphinate >allyl methyl thiosulphinate. The activity of rhodanese, GSH and MDA concentrations showed that Group B had significant (p<0.05) increase in MDA concentration while GSH showed significant (p<0.05) decrease. Also, the activity of rhodanese showed significant (p<0.05) decrease compared to Group A. However, Groups C and D showed significant increase (p<0.05) in the activity of rhodanese enzyme compared to Group A and Group B. GSH levels of Group C and Group D showed no significant (p>0.05) difference while the MDA concentration showed significant (p<0.05) decrease. Correlation analysis between rhodanese and GSH showed strong significant (p=0.01, r=0.894) positive correlation.Conclusions: From this study, it can be deduced that the chemical components of aqueous root extract of MF may serve as a pharmacological agent to up regulate detoxification and cytoprotective enzymes. Aqueous root extract of MF can also induced rhodanese to collaborate with GSH and promote inhibition of lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidative reactions and up regulate cyanide detoxification in tissues.

6.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-211861

ABSTRACT

Background: Antenatal care is a core component of safe motherhood initiative and it helps indirectly in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite the obvious benefits of antenatal care, utilization of this service is very poor in our environment. Therefore, this study sought to assess the gestational age at booking, the reason for booking and determine the factors responsible for late booking among antenatal attendees at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted 5th May 2016 and 10th June 2016 among 258 consecutive pregnant women who presented for booking at the antenatal clinic of the hospital, using self-administered, pre-tested questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info 7.2.1.Results: The mean gestational age at booking was 21.5±4.8 weeks. The mean age of the respondents was 28.2±3.8 years while the mean parity was 1.5±1.6 years. Most of the women booked after the first trimester of pregnancy, only 61(24.8%) of the respondents booked in the first trimester of pregnancy. Majority of the women had no problem at booking 36.7%. Women aged 20-34 years booked late compared to women aged less than 20 years and those above 34 years and the difference was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal parity, education, marital status and religion with regards timing of booking. However, women who were sick during the first trimester were more likely to book early as well as women who booked early in their previous pregnancy.Conclusions: Late booking was common in our environment. There is an urgent need for increase awareness of the benefits of early booking to pregnancy outcome.

7.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-213972

ABSTRACT

Background:Though pleasurable, coitus may result in morbidity and even mortality. One of such morbidities is coital trauma, a global occurrence that is grossly under reported. This study aimed to determine the causes and risk factorsfor coital trauma as well as its clinical presentation. Methods:This was a 4year retrospective study of patients that presented with coital injuries at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Data were obtained from patients’ clinical notes using a specially designed proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi InfoTM 7.2.1.Results:The majority of women that presented with coital trauma were adolescents (67.9%). Most of them were single (92.9%), nulliparous (89.3%) and had only primary education (57.1%). The commonest cause of coital trauma was rape (75%). The commonest risk factors were inadequate foreplay (57.1%) and coitarche (42.9%). Other risk factors were genital disproportion, pregnancy, puerperium and influence of drugs. The common clinical presentations were vaginal bruises (75%) and vaginal lacerations (64.3%) while the commonest site of injury was the hymen (42.9%) followed by the vulva (35.7%). Other less common sites of injury were the lower vagina and posterior fornix.Conclusions:Coital trauma is relatively common and young girls are mainly affected. Rape is the major cause while inadequate foreplay and coitarche are the major predisposing factors.

8.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-201761

ABSTRACT

Background: The sexual behaviour and practice increases the chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. Knowledge and perception of HIV/AIDS may be a determinant to sexual behaviour of the young adults. There this study aims to evaluate the sexual behaviour and perception of HIV/AIDS among university undergraduates of the Ebonyi State University Abakaliki.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between 5th March 2016 and 30th March 2016 among 406 undergraduates. An anonymous, self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data from the participants. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info 7.2.1.Results: The modal age group for sex debut was 20-24 years while the mean age at coitache among the study group was 20.2±4.6 years. More than a half of the respondents 173 (56.7%) had only one sex partner while the remaining had two or more sexual partners. Condom use in the last sexual intercourse was low as just more than a third of the respondents used condoms in their last sexual intercourse. Almost all the student had heard of HIV/AIDS 403 (99.3%). The mass media was the commonest source of obtaining information with regards HIV/AIDS among the study population. Males are more likely to have had sex compared to the female sex. Student who take alcohol regularly and those that take tobacco in any form were also more likely to have had sex compared to those who do not take alcohol or tobacco, (p value <0.0001).Conclusions: Sex is a common practice among the study population. Majority engage in risky sexual practices. There is an urgent need to improve the campaign on safer sex using the mass media as a veritable medium

9.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-211371

ABSTRACT

Background: In the continuous search for accessible, reliable and sensitive biomarkers for early detection of environmental lead exposure, authors determined the interaction between blood lead level (BLL), the conventional marker of lead exposure, and the indices of calcium and bone metabolism in children.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 309 apparently healthy children from eight public primary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria who were classified as Elevated BLL (EBLL) and control based on standard cut-off for childhood BLL. BLL, serum Ca (tCa), phosphate, magnesium (Mg), 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urinary calcium (uCa) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (uDPD) were determined using AAS, HPLC and ELISA as appropriate. Bone-specific ALP (B-ALP) and ionized calcium (iCa) were calculated using standard formulae. Data analyses involved Student’s t-test, Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analysis. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: BLL and 25-OH-Vitamin D levels were increased in EBLL (0.4±0.1 µmol/L and 60.1±10.7 mmol/L) compared with control (0.2±0.0 µmol/L and 55.1±14.3 mmol/L) p <0.05. No significant differences existed in the levels of ALP, B-ALP, uCa, uDPD, tCa, iCa, phosphate and Mg in both groups (p>0.05). BLL had significant positive correlation with uCa (r=0.176, p=0.002) (p<0.05) but no significant correlation with uDPD, ALP, B-ALP, tCa, iCa, phosphate, Mg and 25-OH-Vitamin D (p>0.05). BLL could be accounted for by uCa by applying the equation, BLL=0.329+0.324uCa.Conclusions: Urinary calcium could be a promising predictive biomarker for early recognition of significant environmental lead exposure in children.

10.
European J Med Plants ; 2019 Jun; 28(2): 1-7
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-189496

ABSTRACT

Eleusine coracana is considered one of the most nutritious cereals. It has different names in local languages. It is known as Ragi in Telugu and Kannada/aariyam in Tamil, and Madua in Hindi and in Nigeria, it is known as Okababa in Yoruba, Dawa in Hausa, etc. This study sought to investigate the protective ability of ethanolic extracts of Eleusine coracana in Arsenic trioxide induced hepatotoxicity using rat models. Animals were grouped into four (4). Group A received only distilled water, in group B,C and D hepatotoxicity was induced using 5 mg/dl Arsenic Trioxide solution for 14 days, followed by treatment in group C and D daily with 200 mg and 500 mg per kg body weight respectively for 14 days, and changes in body weight and Liver Function parameters were determined. Eleusine coracana contains Tannins, phlobatannins,Falavonoids and Terpenoids but not Steriods and Saponins, Eleusine treated groups had a significant decrease in the organ-body weight index. The mean weight and Total Protein was significantly reduced in the intoxicated-untreated group (group B). The AST, direct and total Bilirubin level was significantly higher in group B compared to control and other treated groups. Eleusine cocarna as a plant and source of food contains certain phytochemicals which are capable of managing hepatic cell injury, this serve as a point for pharmacological intervention.

11.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-209539

ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the ophthalmic problems and their possible causes among adults in rural communities in Rivers State.Methods: A multistage population based random sampling study of adults in five clans of Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. Medical history was taken and comprehensive ocular examination done on each subject.Ocular examination included visual acuity, visual field, tonometry and ophthalmoscopy. Data taken were recorded and analysed using statistical software called Minitab 11. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant authorities.Results: Out of the 600 subjects seen in this study 276 (46.0%) were males and 324 (54.0%) females. They were all above 21 years old. Twenty six (2.4%) subjects had good vision while 8 (0.8%) were blind. The ophthalmic problems identified werePresbyopia 298 (28.0%), Refractive error 247 (23.2%), Cataract 126 (11.8%), Allergic conjunctivitis 106 (9.9%), Glaucoma 94 (8.8%), Pterygium 86 (8.1%), Bacterial conjunctivitis 35 (3.3%), Corneal opacity 32 (3.0%), Chalazion 4 (0.4%), Diabetic retinopathy 3 (0.3%) and Ptosis 1 (0.1%). Conclusion: The most common ophthalmic problems in this study which were dependent on gender and occupation include Presbyopia, Refractive Error, Cataract and Allergic Conjunctivitis. More females and farmers were seen in this study. The problems identified can be easily managed if well-equipped health facilities are provided by the government.

12.
Article | IMSEAR | ID: sea-205036

ABSTRACT

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been described as an ‘equal opportunity’ pathogen affecting both sexes and the leading cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against oncogenic HPV types is a significant step towards decreasing the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Objectives: To investigate attitude and perceived barriers to uptake of HPV vaccine among female students in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that was conducted in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus from March 01 to April 01, 2017. The representative sample size of 320 female undergraduates was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel Windows 7 and exported to IBM SPSS version 20.0 software for analysis. Results: Total 38 (13.0%) participants had received HPV vaccine. Majority of the participants had a positive attitude towards HPV vaccination (2.5 ± 6.4). The major perceived barriers to uptake of vaccination were: exorbitant cost of the vaccine (94.1%) and lack of time due to lectures (53.0%). Age of the participants had no influence on the uptake of HPV vaccine whereas department, ethnic group, and marital status had a strong influence on vaccination uptake (p<0.05). Conclusion: A low proportion of the participants had received the HPV vaccine. Majority of the participants had a positive attitude towards HPV vaccination. The major perceived barrier to vaccination was the exorbitant cost of the vaccine. The university in collaboration with the Ministry of Health should design strategies to enlighten the university community on HPV infection through seminars and workshops.

13.
Sahel medical journal (Print) ; 22(1): 18-22, 2019. tab
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1271699

ABSTRACT

Background: The testis can be biopsied either for a diagnostic or therapeutic purpose. Objective: The aim of this study is to characterize the common indications for testicular biopsy and determine the pattern of testicular lesions. Materials and Methods: This was an 8­year retrospective study of all testicular and paratesticular specimens that were histologically diagnosed in the Department of Histopathology in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital between January 2008 and December 2015. Results: Sixty­four cases of testicular specimens were received in the histopathology laboratory, accounting for 1.3% of all received specimens. The youngest patient was 4 years, while the oldest patient was 86 years with a mean age of 54.4 ± 21.62. The most common presenting complaints seen in the nonfertility, nonprostate cancer­related cases were testicular swelling, pain, and small­sized testis as seen in 50%, 31.3%,and 12.5% of cases, respectively. In 60.9% of cases, the clinical diagnosis was prostatic cancer, while primary and secondary infertility accounted for 12.5% and 1.6%, respectively, with testicular/paratesticular tumor been the clinical diagnosis in 7.8% of cases. The mean ages for surgical castration patients, male infertility patients, and malignant lesion patients were 68.9, 41.7, and 46.5 years,respectively. Hypospermatogenesis was the most common histopathologic diagnosis of testicular biopsies in infertile men (33.4%). Four malignant lesions were seen, with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma accounting for 50% of cases. Conclusion: Benign neoplastic lesions of the testis are very rare in study population, while embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant lesion seen. Most men do not present to health facility for infertility management


Subject(s)
Infertility , Nigeria , Prostatic Neoplasms , Testicular Neoplasms/pathology
14.
West Afr. j. radiol ; 25(1): 1-8, 2018.
Article in English | AIM | ID: biblio-1273542

ABSTRACT

Background: Traditional autopsy (TA) is employed towards determining the cause and manner of death. Over the last decade, virtual autopsy (VA), involving the application of forensic imaging techniques have gained prominence and, with great precision in developed countries. Aim: This is to compare the findings at post-mortem using forensic imaging techniques and, those of TA. Materials and Methods: Post-mortem CT-Scan and MRI techniques were employed in the present case and for the first time in Nigeria, to identify the fatal injuries and determine their causation. The examination was done prior to the TA; the latter was done by a team of pathologists without the prior knowledge of the imaging findings. The results, using both methods, were subsequently compared. Results: Most of the VA and TA findings were the same except for the areas that were not readily accessible to the pathology team because of prior embalmment of the body. The inexperience of the radiologist in the area of post-mortem forensic imaging also contributed to the few discrepancies. Conclusion: This is the first virtopsy to be conducted in Nigeria and, with impressive results. The findings compare favourably with those of TA and, have the added advantage of identifying minor injuries that might easily be missed using TA method. Success is however hinged on the expertise of the forensic radiologist and forensic pathologist. While VA can be employed to solve the problems of religious opposition to TA, the cost of the former is astronomical


Subject(s)
Autopsy/methods , Cause of Death , Forensic Pathology , Lakes , Nigeria
15.
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition ; : 81-90, 2016.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-625318

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Adolescent obesity is a growing public health problem worldwide. This study assessed the prevalence of obesity in a sample of Nigerian rural adolescents using different anthropometric indices. Methods: A total of 600 secondary school adolescents aged 10 to 19 years were selected from ten secondary schools in the Aba South Local Government Area (WA) using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Weight, height, arm circumference, and skinfold measurements were obtained using standard methods. Body fat percentage was calculated according to the Slaughter and Shaikh equations. Descriptive statistics were used to examine gender-specific anthropometric indices. Chi-square and independent t-test were applied to determine differences between the sexes. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the subjects was 9.7% and 3.5%, respectively. There was a significant difference between males and females for waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio and body fat percentage. Females had more fat deposits in all the skinfold sites measured than males regardless of age group. Females also had significantly higher body fat than males. Multiple regression analysis revealed that calf fat was a strong predictor of body fat percentage in the subjects. Conclusion: More than 10% of the rural Nigerian adolescents studied were overweight, with the females showing significantly higher body fat than the males according to the criteria used. Further studies are recommended to identify contributing factors for the results obtained.

16.
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition ; : 81-90, 2016.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-625292

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Adolescent obesity is a growing public health problem worldwide. This study assessed the prevalence of obesity in a sample of Nigerian rural adolescents using different anthropometric indices. Methods: A total of 600 secondary school adolescents aged 10 to 19 years were selected from ten secondary schools in the Aba South Local Government Area (WA) using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Weight, height, arm circumference, and skinfold measurements were obtained using standard methods. Body fat percentage was calculated according to the Slaughter and Shaikh equations. Descriptive statistics were used to examine gender-specific anthropometric indices. Chi-square and independent t-test were applied to determine differences between the sexes. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the subjects was 9.7% and 3.5%, respectively. There was a significant difference between males and females for waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio and body fat percentage. Females had more fat deposits in all the skinfold sites measured than males regardless of age group. Females also had significantly higher body fat than males. Multiple regression analysis revealed that calf fat was a strong predictor of body fat percentage in the subjects. Conclusion: More than 10% of the rural Nigerian adolescents studied were overweight, with the females showing significantly higher body fat than the males according to the criteria used. Further studies are recommended to identify contributing factors for the results obtained.

17.
Article in English | IMSEAR | ID: sea-163273

ABSTRACT

Aim: This research is aimed at detecting the presence of Bacillus species in honey using morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and preliminary molecular studies. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Research Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. The study was carried out from June to July 2012. Methodology: A total of 33 honey samples were used for this study, twenty- eight of the honey samples were of local origin while 5 were of international origin. Twenty-eight commercial honey samples were obtained from the six geographical regions in Nigeria from commercial retailers. The five foreign honey samples were obtained from the supermarkets namely: Friz fruit, Blossom, Forever, Aloe Vera and Rose honey, all of international origin. The honey samples were inoculated into sterile agar, blood and tryptone soy plates using the spread plate technique. Isolates obtained were purified and subjected to morphological tests, biochemical tests and further identification using polymerase chain reaction. Results: All the honey samples had microbial growth in them, higher counts were observed in the commercial honeys from retailers than the foreign honey samples. Forty isolates suspected to be Bacillus from biochemical tests were subjected to PCR, 14 from the 40 were confirmed to be Bacillus spp. Conclusion: Microorganisms in honey cannot be identified fully with morphological and biochemical examinations alone, but combine use of morphological, biochemical tests and PCR technique is more accurate and reliable method of identification.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL