Nutritional Vulnerability Transitions among Rural Households in Nigeria

Aims: It has long been considered that specific age/gender groups, such as women and children, are predisposed to nutritional vulnerability. Thus, nutritional vulnerability among agricultural households is neglected and understudied. This study aims at an empirical assessment of nutritional vulnerability dynamics among rural households in Nigeria. Study Design: Secondary data used for this study was waves 2 and 3 of the general household survey panel data. The sampling design consisted of two stages of sampling: the selection of enumeration areas based on probability proportionate to the size of the enumeration areas and the systematic random selection of ten households from each enumeration area. There were 3370 households selected in rural areas and 1630 households selected in urban areas. 2090 rural households with the required information for this study were included in the analysis. Methodology: Descriptive statistics, nutritional vulnerability score, logit regression model, Markov model, and multinomial logit regression models were used to analyse nutritional vulnerability transitions among rural households in Nigeria. Results: Nutritionally vulnerable households in rural Nigeria include those with aged heads, little or no formal education, limited assets, and no access to land or credit. Nutritional vulnerability in rural Nigeria is primarily transient, with around two-fifths of households experiencing transient nutritional vulnerability and nearly one-third experiencing chronic nutritional vulnerability. While the age of the household head, tertiary education, and access to credit all had a substantial impact on transient nutritional vulnerability, gender, tertiary education, asset value, and access to credit all had an impact on chronic nutritional vulnerability. Conclusion: Support mechanisms such as initiatives to promote access to healthy food, credit, land, and education are critical. To successfully address the issues affecting the nutrition and health of persons facing vulnerabilities, social welfare programs with interventions based on the characteristics of each vulnerable group and the predisposing factors should be adopted.

Nasal Crust-Related Morbidity and Debridement After Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Abstract Introduction: Nasal crust after endoscopic skull base surgery can cause nasal congestion, obstruction, and pain, which can affect quality of life. The use of debridement aims to provide symptomatic relief and improve quality of life. Generally, most adult patients tolerate office-based debridement, except in a few select patients that require further sedation in the operating room for a debridement. The study sought to determine the rate of symptomatic crust-related morbidity and the rate of debridement in both the office and the operating room. Methods: Premorbid, operative, and postoperative data of adult patients who had endoscopic skull base surgery in our institution from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The characteristics of nasal symptoms in the postoperative period were determined and the numberofdebridementsin theoffice and the operatingroomwere analyzed. Results: Two hundred and thirty-four (234) patients with 244 surgeries were included in the study. The majority, 68.9%, had a sellar lesion and a free mucosa graft (FMG) was the most common skull base reconstruction at 53.5%. One hundred and twenty (49.0%) had crust-related symptoms during the postoperative period and 11 patients (4.5%) required the operating room for debridement. The use of a pedicled flap, anxiety, and preoperative radiotherapy were significantly associated with intolerance to in-office debridement (p-value=0.05). Conclusions: The use of a pedicled flap or anxiety may predispose patients to require an OR debridement. Previous radiotherapy also influenced the tolerance to the in-office debridement.

Heavy Metal Contaminants in Popularly-consumed Vegetables of Freetown, Sierra Leone

The contamination of the environment with heavy metals is one of the challenges that make up Sierra Leone's environmental problem, with urbanization being one of the main causes; due to the lack of proper waste dumpsites and landfills for infrastructural development, rivers, and streams are polluted. The loss of biodiversity, but river and stream pollution have a significant impact on aquatic life. Animals and plants in contaminated water sources "may perish or reproduce improperly". This study assessed the level of concentration of heavy metals namely; chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in some commonly-consumed vegetables like Manihot esculenta (Cassava) leaves, Ipomoea batatas (Potato) leaves, Amaranthus viridis (African spinach), Corchorus olitorius (Krain krain); Solanum lycopersicum (Tomatoes); Cucumis sativus (Cucumber); Brassica oleracea (Cabbage); Abelmoschus esculentus fruits (Okra); Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper); and Lactuca sativa (Lettuce) which were all purchased at local market places in Freetown. The vegetable samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence machine (XRF) to determine their heavy metal concentration. The goal was to determine the food safety status of the vegetables by comparing the results to the maximum permissible limit (MPL) for vegetables, as set by WHO/FAO. The levels of Zn, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Pb in all vegetable samples varied from 4.70 – 5.69 %; 3.46 – 4.58 %; 4.00 – 4.52 %; 2.87 – 3.42 %; and 0.5 – 1.2 %, respectively. This result indicates that the metals were present at unsafe levels. According to the result, the maximum concentration values are much higher than the MPL value suggested by WHO/FAO for vegetables, implying that eating vegetables from the source market sites in this study may pose a health risk to humans. Heavy metals in vegetables should be monitored on a regular basis to prevent excessive accumulation of these heavy metals in the human food chain. When it comes to vegetable marketing, certain precautions should be implemented.

Functional iron status of chronic kidney disease patients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Functional iron deficiency has been found to be a common cause of poor response to erythropoiesis stimulating agents in anaemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: Assess the functional iron status of patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study. The study subjects were chronic kidney disease patients with age and sex matched healthy controls. Full blood count, serum ferritin, soluble transferring receptor, C-reactive protein, serum iron and total iron binding capacity were measured in the patients and healthy controls. Data was analyzed with statistical package for the social sciences software version 22.0. And the level of statistical significance was set at p. value < 0.05. Results: The mean ± SD of the age of patient with CKD was 55.0 + 15.4 years, while that of controls was 52.7 + 13.6 years. The mean serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and CRP were significantly higher in patients compared with controls (p<0.001, 0.023, <0.001 and 0.001) respectively. Functional iron deficiency was seen in 19.5% of patients with CKD. Conclusion: The predominant form of iron deficiency in our study was functional iron deficiency

Challenges of caregivers and needs of children with parents in a Nigerian prison

Separation of a parent from the family as a result of incarceration has both short-term and term effects on the family, even after release from prison. This study is a report of factors and challenges of the family left to adapt to the changed circumstances of separation from parent(s) who are incarcerated. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out on 89 cares-givers of children whose parents are incarcerated at the Agodi prison, Ibadan who gave informed and written consent to interview their families. Results: Most caregivers had little or no formal education (69.7%) and 67.4% are into petty trading or subsistence farming. A majority of the caregivers reported the need of schooling (85.4%), provision of food (84.3%) and medical care (71.9%) as major challenges, only 25% received any form of support to meet these needs. Twenty-nine (32.6%) respondents reported receiving financial support to provide for the child's feeding. Some caregivers 21 (23.6%), obtained loans to cope with the financial needs of the children while only 3 (3.4%) received support from family or other non-

Sobrecarga e qualidade de vida de cuidadores informais de crianças com paralisia cerebral / Burden and quality of life of informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a sobrecarga e qualidade de vida de cuidadores informais de crianças com paralisia cerebral. Métodos: o estudo transversal envolveu 109 cuidadores recrutados em uma clínica de fisioterapia em um hospital terciário. A qualidade de vida e a sobrecarga foram avaliadas por meio do Personal Wellbeing Index e do Modified Caregivers' Strain Index, respectivamente. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: as médias do índice de sobrecarga e dos escores de qualidade de vida foram 11,85 ± 5,72 e 64,68 ± 8,03, respectivamente. A maioria (67,9%) dos cuidadores apresentou bem-estar pessoal razoável, enquanto cerca de um terço (33,0%) apresentou alta sobrecarga. Idade da criança (B=2,454; p<0,005) e ocupação dos cuidadores (B= -2,547; p=0,001) foram preditores de tensão do cuidador. Conclusão: cuidar de crianças com paralisia cerebral impôs uma sobrecarga substancial aos cuidadores e a idade da criança e a ocupação dos cuidadores foram variáveis preditoras.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the caregiver burden and the quality of life of informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: the cross-sectional survey involved 109 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy recruited from physiotherapy clinic at a tertiary hospital. The quality of life and caregiver burden were assessed using the Personal Wellbeing Index Scale and the Modified Caregivers' Strain Index, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: the mean strain index and quality of life scores of the participants were 11.85 ± 5.72 and 64.68 ± 8.03 respectively. The majority (67.9%) of the caregivers had fair personal well-being, while about one-third (33.0%) had high caregiver's strain. Child's age (B=2.454; p<0.005) and caregivers' occupation (B= -2.547; p=0.001) were predictors of caregiver strain. Conclusion: caring for children with cerebral palsy imposed a substantial burden on the caregivers and child's age and caregivers' occupation were predictor variables.

Phenotypic identification of soil bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting an archaeological monument at Augustine University, Ilara Epe, southwest Nigeria

Background: The Sungbo Eredo Monument is an ancient public work with a system of defensive walls and ditches located in Eredo Local Council Development Area of Epe, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria. A huge section of the monument cuts through the Augustine University campus, forming two-sided vertical walls with a deep ridge in-between. The objective of this investigative study is to determine the microbial profile of soil samples from the monument in the University campus. Methodology: Soil samples were collected from the topsoil at a depth of 7.5cm from four randomly selected points along the edge of the monument. The samples were transported to the microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences of Augustine University for analysis. Samples were cultured on Nutrient agar (NA) and incubated aerobically for 24-48 hours for bacteria isolation and on Sabouraud's Dextrose agar (SDA) for 72 hours for fungi isolation. Bacterial colonies on NA were preliminarily identified to genus level by Gram reaction and conventional biochemical test scheme for Gram-positive (catalase, coagulase, starch hydrolysis) and Gram-negative isolates (oxidase, urease test, indole, methyl red, Voges Proskauer and sugar fermentation tests). Fungi colonies on SDA were identified using conventional macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility test of the bacterial isolates to selected antibiotics was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: A total of twenty-three bacterial isolates in four genera; Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cellobiococcus and Micrococcus and nine fungal isolates in three genera; Saccharomyces, Aspergillus and Botrytis were identified from the cultures. The bacterial isolates were sensitive (>50% sensitivity) to only gentamicin and ofloxacin, with 65.2% and 78.3% sensitivity rates respectively, while they were largely resistant to all other antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, erythromycin, cefuroxime, cloxacillin, ceftazidime and augmentin, with resistance rates of 65.2%, 65.2%, 73.9%, 82.6%, 86.9%, 91.3% respectively. Conclusion: The results of this investigative study revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (mainly Gram-positive) and fungi on the archaeological monument of Augustine University, adding to the existing data on microbial spectrum of archaeological monuments that could be useful for unraveling human cultural habits and microbe-related human diseases. However, further studies on molecular identification of these microbial spectrum will be required to ascertain their genetic relatedness and ancestral phylogeny, which will be useful for archaeologists in their study of the Sungbo-Eredo ancestral monument.

A preprogram appraisal of factors influencing research productivity among faculty at college of medicine, University of Lagos

A defining feature of any university is its dedication to scholarly activities, leading to the generation of knowledge and ideas Research productivity is a measure of achievement of a scholar. The number of research publications in peer-reviewed journals is an important criterion for assessing productivity and prestige in the academia. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the level of research productivity (RP) among junior faculty at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and investigated factors affecting their research output prior to the implementation of a 5-year training grant funded by the National Institutes of Health. Methods: Seventy junior faculty members attended a pre-program training, and the self-reported number of peer-reviewed publications (PRPs) was used as an indicator. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing RP among the attendees were assessed and ranked. Results: The majority (42/70, 60%) of the respondents had <10 PRPs. The median (interquartile range) number of PRPs was 7 (3­18). A desire for the development of their personal skills, contribution to society, and personal research interests topped the list of intrinsic factors influencing RP. Work flexibility, research autonomy, and scholarly pursuits were the bottom three. A desire for promotion, respect from peers, and increased social standing were the top three extrinsic factors, while monetary incentives, employment opportunities, and the need to attend conferences were the lowest three. The top barriers to RP were lack of resources and lack of mentoring. Perceived older age, lack of time, and motivation were the lowest three barriers. Older age and professional cadre were associated with increased RP (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the participants, research output appears to be motivated primarily by a desire for personal development,promotion, and respect from peers. Lack of access to resources was the main barrier to increased RP. These factors may need to be considered when developing programs designed to promote RP

Serologic evidence of seasonal influenza A and B in HIV patients on combined antiretroviral therapy in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Influenza and HIV are endemic in Nigeria but there is no epidemiological data on the co-infection of influenza A and B among HIV patients.Objective: We investigated seasonal influenza A and B, and co-infection among HIV patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional study, clear sera collected from 174 HIV-positive patients between August and September 2018 were analysed for immunoglobulin M-specific antibodies to seasonal influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, and influenza B by enzyme immunoassay. Results: A total of 39.7% (69/174) of HIV patients were seropositive for influenza A or B viruses with 84.1% (58/69) being positive for influenza A, 13.04% (9/69) seropositive for both influenza A and B, and only 2.9% (2/69) positive for influenza B mono-infection. Median age was 44 (mean 45, mode 40, range 18­74) years. The 41­50 years age group had the highest seroprevalence (39.1%; 27/69). Seropositivity was highest among women (65.2%; 45/69). A total of 88.4% (61/69) of HIV patients seropositive for influenza A or B were on fixed dose cART, while 73.9% (51/69) were virologically suppressed. Furthermore, 27.5% (19/69) were immunocompromised, of which 21.1% (4/19) were severely immunosuppressed (cluster of differentiation 4 < 200 cells/mm>3).Conclusion: Influenza A and B was prevalent among HIV patients on cART, which may predispose them to life-threatening complications. We recommend strong advocacy on the need to reduce the risk of exposure to influenza and for the provision of an influenza vaccine in Nigeria

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Dietary Pattern of Diabetes Patients Attending Out-patient Clinics in Abuja Metropolis, Federal Capital Territory

Purpose:Nutritional status and dietary pattern of 120 randomly selected type-2 diabetic patients of both sexes (age range 18 and 65 years) attending medical outpatient clinics within Abuja metropolis were assessed. Methods:A cross-sectional survey involving pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaires was used. Socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional status and dietary pattern of the subjects were computed using standard methods. Results:The result of socio-demographic characteristics indicates that 52% are males and 48% are females. Subjects with primary education constitute 4.2%, about half of them having either secondary (48.3%) or tertiary (47.5%) education. Most (80.8%) of them are married, 32.5% fell within a monthly income range of N50,000 -N100,000 (US $139.07 -$278.14). Anthropometric indices showed that the height of 75% of the respondents was 159.9 ± 7.0 cm, 100% of the respondents’ weight, hip circumference,waist-hip ratio and waist-height ratio are 72.69 ± 16.88 cm, 104.6 ± 12.4 cm, 0.94 ± 0.1 and 0.61 ± 0.1 respectively. The nutritional status of the subjects revealed that only 25% fell within the normal BMI range, with 1.7% being underweight, 20.8% overweight and half of them (52.5%) obese and out of which 27% are morbid. Their dietary patterns showed that the food mostly consumed include cereals, processed cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits and meat. More than a quarter of the respondents totally avoid sugar in their diet, while 33.33% rarely eat sugar. Eggs (48.33%) have a moderate frequency of consumption. Conclusion:This study concludes that the dietary practices of the respondents contribute to their poor nutritional status.

Correlation of Small Dense Low Density Lipoprotein, Tumour Necrosis Factor - alpha with Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Aim:This study investigated the relationship between small dense low density lipoprotein (sdLDL), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in chronic hepatitis B patients.Duration of Study: June2018-March 2019.Subjects and Methods:Sixty (60) participants were recruited for this cross sectional study. They comprised thirty (30) clinically diagnosed chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients attending clinic at a tertiary hospital in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria. Thirty (30) apparently healthy volunteers were recruited as control subjects after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Anthropometric measurements were performed using standard method. About 6mL of venous blood was collected from each study participant,serum was extracted and kept at -80oC until time of analysis. Small dense LDL, TNF-α, AST, ALT and ALP were determined using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method as appropriate. Data analysis was doneusing Student’s t-test for Original ResearchArticle comparison of variables and Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables. P–value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results:SdLDL, TNF-α, AST and ALT were significantly elevated in HBV patients when compared with the control subjects (P<0.05). SdLDL had a significant positive correlation with TNF-α (P=0.03), AST (P=0.01), ALT (P=0.00). TNF-α had a significant positive correlation with AST (P=0.02) and ALT (P=0.00).Conclusion:This study revealed a noteworthy positive relationship between sdLDL, TNF-α and hepatic aminotransferases in chronic hepatitis B patients

Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Potentials of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense

Aim: The study investigated the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic potentials of methanol extracts of Piper guineense and Aframomum melegueta leaves with a view to utilizing the plants in the treatment and management of cardiovascular disorders. Methodology: Twenty-eight healthy albino rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups: Group I received normal saline (2 ml/kg bwt); Group II received a single dose of alloxan(150 mg/kg bwt) intraperitoneally; Group III received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + glibenclamide (5 mg/kg bwt);Group IV received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) +PG (200 mg/kg bwt); Group V received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + PG (400 mg/kg bwt); Group VI received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + AM 200 (mg/kg bwt); Group VII received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + AM (400 mg/kg bwt). The blood glucose level was determined before and after treatment with the extracts. The lipid: (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were estimated using the Randox diagnostic kits. Results: The results revealed that alloxan was able to induce hyperglycemia at 150 mg/kg bwt and post-treatment with P. guineense and A. melegueta at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/ kg bwt were able to significantly lower the blood glucose level which was quite apparent in AM treated groups. Also, the extracts at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were able to bring a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TC, TG and LDL concentrations when compared to the alloxan treated group with the highest reduction in AM treated groups. Conclusion: These results revealed that the methanol extract of P. guineense and A. melegueta elicited anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic potentials of the extracts with the highest effect observed in A. melegueta treated rats.

The spectrum of thyroid disorders at the Endocrine Clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, South-west, Nigeria

Background:Thyroid disorders constitute the second most common endocrine disordersworldwide, butthey are less commonly researched in thisenvironmentdue to low cost-effectiveness.Objective:Tostudy thespectrumofthyroid disordersat the EndocrinologyClinic ofa tertiary health facility in Sagamu, South-west, Nigeria,over two years.Method:Thisretrospectivestudywas conducted onallnewclinic attendees with thyroid disordersbetweenJanuary 2016 andDecember 2017.The data retrieved included clinicaldata,results of thyroid function tests and thyroid ultrasonographic scan.The patients weregroupedclinically into euthyroid, hypothyroid and thyrotoxicstates.Results:A total of 93 thyroid caseswereseen, and this constituted13.64% ofallnewendocrine consultations (682 patients).Themean age(±SD; range)of the patients was 37.6 (13.6; 15-78)years.Majority of the patients were females witha female-to-maleratio of 4.5:1.Out of these,77.4% hadGoitrous enlargement.Thyrotoxicosis wasthe most commonform of thyroid dysfunction,(72; 77.40%), mainly duetohyperthyroidism from Graves'disease(50; 69.44%),followed by toxic multinodular goitre (12; 16.67%),toxic solitary nodular goiter (5; 6.94%) andothers (5; 6.95 %).Hypothyroidism constituted 10.75%while euthyroid goitre constituted 11.85% of all thyroid cases.Conclusion:Auto-immune thyroiddisease remains the most common thyroid disorder amongendocrineclinicattendees. There isa needfor furtherstudies to elucidatethe likely aetiologies

Clients and service providers' assessment of Public and Non-Governmental Youth-Friendly Health Services in Lagos Nigeria: a mixed method approach

Background: The World Health Organization prescribed that Youth-Friendly health services must be accessible, acceptable, equitable, efficient, effective, comprehensive and appropriate to meet the health needs of young people. Objective: To compare the clients' and service providers' assessment of services offered at the public and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Youth Friendly facilities (YFF) in Lagos Nigeria. Methods: A mixed method approach was used. Structured questionnaires were administered on youths (294 from public and 273 from NGO YFF) from ten (5 public and 5 NGO) YFF. Ten key informant interviews with service providers were also conducted between March 1st and December 31st 2014. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis of interviews with service providers was done. Results: Youths who utilized the public YFF had 60% chance (AOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.3 ­ 2.5, p= 0.005) of experiencing longer waiting times, 80% chance (AOR 1.8, 95%CI 1.2 ­ 2.8, p=0.004) of being counseled in a separate room and over two-fold chance (AOR 2.3, 95%CI 1.7 ­ 3.3, p <0.001) of having free services. Sexual and reproductive health was the major complaint area of the youths while funding was the major challenge of service providers at both the public and NGO YFF. Conclusion: To address the needs of the youths, there is a need to provide more funds and provide necessary logistics required by YFF

Effects of Sesame Seed Enrichment on Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Flour from Two Cultivars of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

The effects of enriching two cultivars of yam (DioscorearotundataPoir) flour with sesame seed (SesamumindicumL) flour on their physicochemical and nutritional characteristics were studied. Yam flours were produced from Abujaand Efuruyams by parboiling at 60°C for 10 minutes and left overnight, followed by sun drying for four days. Enriched yam flour samples were prepared by thoroughly mixing the yam and sesame seed flour in ratios95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 respectively. Proximate, mineral and anti-nutrientcontent, as well as functional properties of enriched flours, were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The two yam-flour samples were low in moisture, crude protein, fat and ash content, high in carbohydrate and macro minerals, while Sesame seed was very low in moisture and carbohydrate, but very high in crude protein, fat, ash and macro minerals. The moisture, crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content of the yams and enriched samples ranged between 11.9-13.8g, 3.3-7.5g, 0.5-13.8g, 2.0-2.6_g and 63.3-81.8_g/100g respectively. Addition of sesame seed flour resulted in the reduction of moisture and carbohydrate content and significant increase (p=0.05) in protein, fat and ash values of enriched samples. The protein, fat and mineral content of the enriched samples increased with increased level of sesame seed flour inclusion (p=0.05). Both yam and sesame flours were low in the antinutritional factors studied. Sesame flour was high in trypsin inhibitors and polyphenols. Enrichment with sesame flour resulted in further reduction in the antinutritional factors content with increase in trypsin inhibitors and polyphenols content of the products. Efuruvariety flour with its enriched products had higher water and oil absorption capacity, loose and packed bulk density and swelling capacity than Abujavariety flour. Enriching yam flour with sesame flour can improve the nutrients and functional properties of their products which can improve the nutritional status, health and well-being of consumers

Association between stunting and obesity among underfive children in urban and rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria

Introduction: Malnutrition contributes to more than one-third of all child deaths worldwide and accounts for over 50 percent of under-five deaths in Nigeria. Both overnutrition and undernutrition exist among under-five children, leading to double burden of malnutrition, a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The study was conducted to assess the association between stunting and obesity among under-five children in urban and rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a four-stage random sampling technique to select 450 (214 males and 236 females) under-five children from Ibadan North (Urban) and Ido (Rural) Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State. A pre-tested, intervieweradministered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Weight and height of the children were measured and categorized according to the WHO Child Growth Standards. Results: Mean age of children was 29.8±17.0 months (Ibadan North, 29.1±16.8; Ido, 31.9±17.4 months) with 52.6% being female. The prevalence of stunting, overweight and obesity was 32.9%, 14.4% and 20.2%, respectively. A total of 30.7%, 17.2% and 22.1% of children in Ibadan North and 40.6%, 5.0% and 13.9% in Ido LGA were stunted, overweight and obese, respectively. High proportion of obese children (43.5%) was stunted, indicating co-existence of obesity and stunting among the population. Conclusion: Double burden of overweight and stunting found in urban and rural young children indicate that public policies should emphasise on targeting both malnutrition conditions to prevent the subsequent health risks and complicatio

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

Knowledge and Attitude of Male Staff in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution towards Infant Feeding.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of Nigerian men working in a tertiary institution toward infant feeding. Study Design: The study was cross sectional in design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria between April 2013 and May 2013. Methodology: A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude of 170 male staff of the University of Ibadan regarding infant feeding. Knowledge questions and attitude statements were scored and categorized as adequate or inadequate knowledge; positive and negative attitude. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and association between knowledge and attitude was analyzed using chi square test with level of significant set at P<0.05. Results: The mean age of the men was 41±9 years and a large proportion (87.6%) was married. The respondents were largely (75.9%) non-academic staff. About two-third (67.6%) of the men had poor infant feeding knowledge while three out of ten had good knowledge. Most of the men (76.5%) had negative attitude towards infant feeding while only two out of ten men had positive attitude. Three-quarters (75.7%) of men with poor infant feeding knowledge had negative attitude towards infant feeding while only 2 out of every 10 men with adequate infant feeding knowledge had positive attitude towards infant feeding. However, no significant association was reported between the knowledge and attitude of respondents toward infant feeding (P=.72). Conclusion: Poor infant feeding knowledge and negative attitude towards infant feeding exhibited by men is of great concern. Intervention should therefore be targeted towards improving the breastfeeding knowledge and attitude of male partners especially those working in tertiary academic institutions.

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

Assessment of Fatty Acid Profile, Protein, and Micronutrient Bioavailability of Winged Termites (Marcrotermes bellicosus) Using Albino Rats

Introduction: The need for alternative protein and essential micronutrients sources for adequate complementary foods is urgent. Dried Marcrotermes bellicosus was reported to be a good source of dietary protein, fat, and micronutrients. This study investigated the fatty acid profile, protein, and essential micronutrient bioavailability in M. bellicosus using albino rats. Methods: M. bellicosus was collected around the Alegongo area, Akobo, Ibadan, Nigeria during their swarming flights, roasted at 105 °C for fifteen min, dewinged, and winnowed. The roasted sample was analysed for proximate, minerals, and antinutrients using standard methods of the AOAC International. Fatty acid profile was determined using a gas-liquid chromatographic method, whilst protein and essential minerals bioavailability were determined using weanling albino rats. Results: Roasted M. bellicosus contained 31.8 g protein, 16.4 g fat, 1.3 g ash, 46.5 g carbohydrates, 361.13 mg potassium, 227.50 mg calcium, 361.30 mg phosphorus, 15.03 mg zinc, 52.30% linolenic acid, 24.91% linoleic acid, 5.97% oleic acid and yielded 460.8 kcal gross energy/100g sample. The mean weight gain in the experimental diet group (+23.17±6.71) was significantly higher than that of the control diet group (+16.83±6.71) and the basal diet group (-19.50±9.03). The basal diet group had the least value for all serum micronutrient levels whilst the experimental diet group had the highest. Conclusion: M. bellicosus protein supported rat growth at a 15% inclusion level. The calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A in M. bellicosus were bioavailable in rats. M. Bellicosus could be a potential novel food for humans.