Knowledge of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Ibadan north lga, Oyo State, Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease claiming the lives of many women in developing countries due to late presentation which might be influenced by a lack of knowledge of the disease and its prevention. Method: This descriptive study examined the knowledge assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (15-49), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 426 women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Result: Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (77%; n=328) but many (62.9%; n= 268) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although 41.3% (n=176) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention, only 9.4% (n=40) had Pap smear tests done. Conclusion: Health care professionals, need to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Knowledge of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Ibadan North LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease claiming the lives of many women in developing countries due to late presentation which might be influenced by a lack of knowledge of the disease and its prevention. Method: This descriptive study examined the knowledge assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (15-49), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 426 women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Result: Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (77%; n=328) but many (62.9%; n= 268) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although 41.3% (n=176) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention, only 9.4% (n=40) had Pap smear tests done. Conclusion: Health care professionals, need to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Challenges faced by the HIV testing system in low- and middle-income countries

Introduction: Determining the HIV status of some individuals remains challenging due to multidimensional factors such as flaws in diagnostic systems, technological challenges, and viral diversity. This report pinpoints challenges faced by the HIV testing system in Cameroon. Case presentation: A 53-year-old male received a positive HIV result by a rapid testing algorithm in July 2016. Not convinced of his HIV status, he requested additional tests. In February 2017, he received a positive result using ImmunoComb® II HIV 1 & 2 BiSpot and Roche cobas electrochemiluminescence assays. A sample sent to France in April 2017 was positive on the Bio-Rad GenScreen™ HIV 1/2, but serotyping was indeterminate, and viral load was < 20 copies/mL. The Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and INNO-LIA HIV I/II Score were negative for samples collected in 2018. A sample collected in July 2019 and tested with VIDAS® HIV Duo Ultra enzyme-linked fluorescent assay and Geenius™ HIV 1/2 Confirmatory Assay was positive, but negative with Western blot; CD4 count was 1380 cells/mm3 and HIV proviral DNA tested in France was 'target-not-detected'. Some rapid tests were still positive in 2020 and 2021. Serotyping remained indeterminate, and viral load was 'target-not-detected'. There were no self-reported exposure to HIV risk factors, and his wife was HIV-seronegative.Management and outcome: Given that the patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of viral replication, no antiretroviral therapy was initiated. Conclusion: This case highlights the struggles faced by some individuals in confirming their HIV status and the need to update existing technologies and develop an algorithm for managing exceptional cases.

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: A rare intranasal tumor in an 89-year-old woman

@#Mucosal melanomas are malignant tumors from melanocytes found in epithelium of nasal, oral, reproductive and gastrointestinal mucosa of the body.1,2 As early as 1869, cases of mucosal melanomas have been described as rare and aggressive but insidious in nature.3 The mean age of diagnosis in some studies is 60 - 70 years old,1-7 with early detection proving to be a challenge due to non-specific early stage symptoms.1,4 They generally have poor prognosis, high tumor recurrence and high prevalence of tumor metastasis in around 23 - 50%.4,5 Treatment may involve surgical excision, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.6 However, adequate and appropriate treatment can only be initiated once the diagnosis and staging are established through proper imaging and histopathologic support.4 We present one such case.

Direct Puncture of the Superficial Temporal Artery in Embolization of a Scalp Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report / 신경중재치료의학

We describe a minimally invasive endovascular approach to treat an arteriovenous fistula of the scalp. We performed a direct puncture of the lesion through the patient’s scalp for liquid embolic agent injection along with external compression of the superficial temporal artery to perform a “manual pressure-cooker technique.” The combination of these minimally invasive techniques resulted in an excellent clinical and radiographic outcome.

Establishment of an intravenous conscious sedation service at a University Dental Clinic in Tanzania

Background@#With advances in safety measures for anesthesia, conscious sedation has gained popularity in the field of dentistry and has become essential in dental practice worldwide. However, in Tanzania, intravenous (IV) sedation is rarely practiced in the dental field. Therefore, we report the establishment of sustainable IV conscious sedation in dental practices and subsequently train local OMS residents in Tanzania. @*Methods@#In 2019, intravenous conscious sedation was initiated at the University Dental Clinic of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS), Tanzania. During the preparatory phase of the program, local oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) were given a series of lecture notes that concentrated on different aspects of IV conscious sedation in dentistry. During the on-site training phase, an oral surgeon from the United States joined the OMSs for case selection, IV-conscious sedation procedures, and patient follow-up. Patients were recruited from existing patient records at the MUHAS Dental Clinic. @*Results@#The first conscious IV sedation program in dentistry was successfully launched at the University Dental Clinic in Tanzania. The local team of OMSs was trained on the safe administration of sedative agents (midazolam or ketamine) to perform various minor surgical procedures in a dental office. Nine patients with different ages, body masses, and medical conditions benefited from the training. No complications were associated with IV conscious sedation in the dental office. @*Conclusion@#This was the first successful “hands-on” training on IV conscious sedation provided to OMSs in Tanzania. It laid the foundation for the sustainable care of patients with special needs requiring oral health-related care in the country.

The Applicability of Rehabilitation Strategies in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease during Hemodialysis: a Literature Review / A Aplicabilidade de Estratégias de Reabilitação em Indivíduos Portadores de Doença Renal Crônica Durante a Hemodiálise: ma Revisão Bibliográfica

Chronic kidney disease is manifested by an injury to the kidneys that can cause a consequent need to replace their function. This replacement is performed through an invasive therapy by catheterization and is called hemodialysis. This therapy aims to correct metabolic changes with the extracorporeal blood filtration process. Because it is a chronic process, such replacement occurs with a certain frequency and, depending on the clinical need of the individual, can be performed daily, thus causing significant damage to the functional capacity of these patients. In this context, the need for this literature review arises, aiming to evaluate the best type of physical therapy intervention to apply to the patient while undergoing hemodialysis, since it is an invasive therapy with predictable clinical repercussions if accidentally interrupted. Searches for articles were carried out in the Bireme, Scielo, Pubmed databases and on the official website of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, with the inclusion of articles from 2009 to 2022. The selected studies had as similarity the application time in the first hours of session, however different types of exercises, including aerobic, resistance, mixed and alternative, contemplated the types of approaches of the authors. In view of this review, we concluded that it is of fundamental importance to outline a strategy for these patients and that the mixed modality seemed to be the most applicable given the benefits obtained, including improved physical conditioning and consequent improvement in quality of life and disposition, and these should be monitored and accompanied by professional physiotherapists during the applicability of the exercises. (AU)

A doença renal crônica manifesta-se por uma lesão nos rins que pode causar consequente necessidade de substituição de sua função. Essa substituição é realizada por meio uma terapia invasiva por cateterização e é denominada Hemodiálise. Esta terapia tem como o objetivo corrigir alterações metabólicas com o processo de filtragem extra corpórea do sangue. Por trata-se de um processo crônico, tal substituição ocorre com determinada frequência, podendo, a depender da necessidade clínica do indivíduo, ser realizada diariamente, causando desta forma, importante prejuízo na capacidade funcional destes pacientes. Neste contexto, surge a necessidade desta revisão bibliográfica, objetivando avaliar qual melhor tipo de intervenção fisioterapêutica para aplicar no paciente enquanto é submetido a hemodiálise, visto tratar-se de uma terapia invasiva de previsível repercussão clínica caso interrompida acidentalmente. As buscas por artigos foram feitas nas bases de dados Bireme, Scielo, Pubmed e no site oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia, com a inclusão de artigos de 2009 a 2022.Os estudos selecionados tiveram como semelhança o tempo da aplicação nas primeiras horas de sessão, porem diferentes tipos de exercícios dentre eles aeróbicos, resistidos, mistos e alternativos, contemplaram os tipos de abordagens dos autores. Diante desta revisão, concluímos que é de fundamental importância delinear uma estratégia para estes pacientes e que a modalidade mista pareceu ser a mais aplicável visto os benefícios obtidos estando dentre eles a melhora do condicionamento físico e consequente melhora da qualidade de vida e disposição, devendo estes ser monitorizados e acompanhados por profissionais fisioterapeutas durante a aplicabilidade dos exercícios. (AU)

Serological Pattern of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Risk Factors among Infected Individuals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus infection is a serious global public health challenge that affects more than two billion people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the serological pattern of HBV infection in HBV infected patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the serological pattern of hepatitis B infection in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This was a comparative cross sectional study carried out on 260 hepatitis B patients and blood donors attending hepatitis B clinics, and blood banks in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Choba. The study involved the use of hepatitis B panel assay, measurement of prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Port Harcourt, assessment of hepatitis B serological markers in all subjects, determination of the presence and prevalence of occult HBV among participants. HBV 5-parameter (panel) Rapid Test kit was used to assess HBV serological markers. Standard operation procedure, good laboratory practice, External/Internal Quality Control were used accordingly and Quality Assurance ensued. 84.2%

Serum Hepcidin Level among Chronic Kidney Disease Subjects Accessing Healthcare in Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital Port Harcourt

Hepcidin is the major controller of systemic iron homeostasis and the role of the kidney in regulating hepcidin level is vital in the whole process of iron and hepcidin relationship. This study was aimed at evaluating serum Hepcidin level among Chronic Kidney Disease subjects accessing Healthcare in BMSH Port Harcourt Metropolis. The study was conducted in Port Harcourt at Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital among 55 CKD subjects and 33 normal individuals making up the control group. Subjects were selected randomly and 5mls of blood was collected in plain bottle using venipuncture technique for laboratory assessment of hepcidin. Hepcidin was assayed using competitive ELISA method. T-test was used to compare the mean difference oh hepcidin between both groups. Result showed that there was a significant difference in hepcidin level between CKD and control groups; 52.00±36.00ng/ml for CKD group and 16.00±13.00ng/ml for control group, p<0.05. This study has shown that CKD has a significant impact in hepcidin level blood and consequently on iron regulation

Country-specific lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on tuberculosis control: a global study / Medidas de confinamento específicas de cada país em resposta à pandemia de COVID-19 e seu impacto no controle da tuberculose: um estudo global

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to describe country-specific lockdown measures and tuberculosis indicators collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on lockdown/social restrictions (compulsory face masks and hand hygiene; international and local travel restrictions; restrictions to family visits, and school closures) were collected from 24 countries spanning five continents. The majority of the countries implemented multiple lockdowns with partial or full reopening. There was an overall decrease in active tuberculosis, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and latent tuberculosis cases. Although national lockdowns were effective in containing COVID-19 cases, several indicators of tuberculosis were affected during the pandemic.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as medidas de confinamento específicas de cada país e os indicadores de tuberculose coletados durante o primeiro ano da pandemia de COVID-19. Dados referentes a confinamento/restrições sociais (uso obrigatório de máscaras faciais e higiene obrigatória das mãos; restrições a viagens internacionais e locais; restrições a visitas familiares e fechamento das escolas) foram coletados de 24 países em cinco continentes. A maioria dos países implantou múltiplos confinamentos, com reabertura parcial ou total. Houve uma redução geral dos casos de tuberculose ativa, tuberculose resistente e tuberculose latente. Embora os confinamentos nacionais tenham sido eficazes na contenção dos casos de COVID-19, vários indicadores de tuberculose foram afetados durante a pandemia.

Pre-evaluation assessment of serological-based COVID-19 point-of-care lateral flow assays in Kenya

Background: Timely testing is a key determinant of management outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests are currently the mainstay for COVID-19 testing. However, serological point-of-care tests (PoCTs) can be useful in identifying asymptomatic and recovered cases, as well as herd immunity. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 PoCTs in Kenya to support the emergency use authorisation of these tests. Methods: Between March 2020 and May 2020, 18 firms, of which 13 were from China, submitted their PoCTs to the national regulatory authority, the Pharmacy and Poison Board, who in turn forwarded them to the Kenya Medical Research Institute for pre-evaluation assessment. The tests were run with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction COVID-19-positive samples. Pre-COVID-19 plasma samples that were collected in June 2019were used as negative samples. The shelf lives of the PoCTs ranged from 6 to 24 months. Results: Only nine (50%) tests had sensitivities ≥ 40% (range: 40% ­ 60%) and the ability of these tests to detect IgM ranged from 0% to 50%. Many (7/18; 38.9%) of the kits had very weak IgM and IgG band intensities (range: 2­3). Conclusion: Serological-based PoCTs available in Kenya can only detect COVID-19 in up to 60% of the infected population.

Conscious sedation in dentistry: knowledge and practice among dental professionals in Tanzania

Background@#Conscious sedation is a useful adjunct in the treatment of patients in dentistry; however, a lack of knowledge among the dental profession regarding sedation is a restricting factor in the practice of dental sedation. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of sedation in dentistry among dental professionals in Tanzania. @*Methods@#This was a cross-sectional study conducted for five months targeting all practicing dental professionals in Tanzania. A modified questionnaire contained 14 questions regarding knowledge about sedative agents and a section on the practice of sedation. The data obtained from this study were coded and entered into a computer program and analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0. The data are presented as frequencies and percentages in tables and charts. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. @*Results@#The age range of participants was between 24 and 63 years (mean 36.6 ± 7.7 years). There were 107 men (78.1%), and the male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1. The majority (76.6%) of participants only had an undergraduate dental degree. Thirty-one percent of participants only worked in publicly owned health facilities.Slightly more than half (59.9%) of participants had satisfactory knowledge regarding sedation in dentistry. There was no statistically significant association between the level of sedation-related knowledge and the demographic characteristics of the participants. Only 21.9% reported using sedation in their practice, and the most commonly used sedative drug was diazepam. The reasons for not using dental sedation in clinical practice included a perceived lack of knowledge on sedation, lack of equipment, and cost. @*Conclusion@#Most dental professionals in Tanzania have basic knowledge of sedation in dentistry, although knowledge regarding sedative agents is generally low. The practice of sedation in dentistry in Tanzania is very low compared to that in middle- and high-income countries. Inadequate knowledge, lack of equipment, and the cost of practicing sedation are the main reasons for not practicing sedation.

The Acidity of Non-alcoholic Beverages in Australia: Risk of Dental Erosion

Introduction: Extrinsic acids play a key role in the etiology of dental erosion (DE), particularly acidic beverages. Of the factorsconsidered, pH appears to be the most significant influencing a beverage’s ability to cause DE. This study tested the pH andsubsequent erosive potential of non-alcoholic beverages commercially available in Australia.Purpose: Internationally, the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages is increasing. Regional differences in beverage availabilityand manufacturing processes may alter beverage pH. To date, little research outside of the United States has been conductedinvestigating the erosive potential of non-alcoholic beverages. This information should serve as a resource to professionals tofacilitate dietary counseling and identify potentially acidic beverages that have not been previously identified in the literature.Methods: A total of 177 commercially available non-alcoholic beverages were purchased from a supermarket in Orange,Australia, and their pH tested in triplicate at room temperature, using a temperature calibrated benchtop pH meter and probe.Beverages were classified by beverage type and subsequent erosive potential. The mean and median pH of beverage typeswas taken where appropriate.Results: As high as, 93.8% of the beverages had a potential to cause DE. These included 34 (19.2%) extremely erosive(pH < 3), 114 (64.4%) erosive (3 ≤ pH < 4), and 18 (10.2%) minimally erosive beverages (4 ≤ pH ≤ 5.5). Only 11 beverages(6.2%) were unlikely to be erosive (pH > 5.5).Conclusions: Of the beverages tested, most beverages (93.8%) had the potential to cause some degree of DE. The resultsprovided could serve as a resource to health professionals to facilitate dietary counseling and healthy dietary decisions amongconsumers

Canine Model for Selective and Superselective Cerebral Intra-Arterial Therapy Testing / 신경중재치료의학

Purpose@#With advancing endovascular technology and increasing interest in minimally invasive intra-arterial therapies such as stem cell and chemotherapy for cerebral disease, the establishment of a translational model with cerebral circulation accessible to microcatheters is needed. We report our experience catheterizing canine cerebral circulation with microcatheters, present high-resolution angiographic images of the canine vascular anatomy, describe arterial branch flow patterns and provide measurements of canine arterial conduits. @*Materials and Methods@#Angiograms were performed on 10 intact purpose-bred hounds. Angiography, measurements of arterial conduits and catheterization information for intracranial arterial branches were obtained. @*Results@#Selective and superselective cerebral angiography was successful in all subjects. Relevant arterial mean diameters include the femoral (4.64 mm), aorta (9.38 mm), external carotid (3.65 mm), internal carotid arteries (1.6 mm), vertebrobasilar system and Circle of Willis branches. Catheterization of the Circle of Willis was achieved via the posterior circulation in all subjects tested (n=3) and the use of flow directed microcatheters resulted in reduced arterial tree deformation and improved superselection of intracranial vessels. Catheterization of the intracranial circulation was attempted but not achieved via the internal carotid artery (n=7) due to its tortuosity and subsequent catheter related vasospasm. @*Conclusion@#The canine cerebral vasculature is posterior circulation dominant. Anterior circulation angiography is achievable via the internal carotid artery, but direct cerebral arterial access is best achieved via the posterior circulation using flow-directed microcatheters. It is feasible to deliver intra-arterial therapies to selective vascular territories within the canine cerebral circulation, thus making it a viable animal model for testing novel intra-arterial cerebral treatments.

Biosorption potential of lead tolerant fungi isolated from refuse dumpsite soil in Nigeria

Metals are non-biodegradable and recurrent in the environs. Heavy metals tolerant fungiwere isolated from refuse dumpsite soil using pour plate method. These fungiwere identified as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenumandRhizomucor sp. The fungal isolates were screened for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) with concentration of 200ppm, 400ppm and 600ppm. Aspergillus nigerand Penicillium chrysogenumshowed high tolerance for the metals in contrast to the control. The fungiwith high tolerance were used for biosorption study. However, Penicillium chrysogenumshowed higher lead removal or biosorption potential of 1.07ppm, 3.35ppm and 4.19ppm as compared with Aspergillus nigerwith lead removal of 0.67ppm, 3.11ppm and 3.79ppm at 5th, 10thand 15thday respectively. One-way Analysis of Variance was used to interpret the data generated from the biosorption study which revealed that there was no significant different (p>0.05)between the lead removal of Aspergillus nigerandPenicillium chrysogenumon the 5thday but there was significant difference (p<0.05)in the lead removal of Aspergillus nigerand Penicillium chrysogenumon the 10thand 15thday. This study suggests the use of these fungal isolates for removal and biotreatment of heavy metal contaminated and polluted environment.

Soluble transferrin receptor levels among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the medical problems that affect pregnant women in developing countries. It contributes considerably to the morbidity and mortality in pregnancy especially in areas where malaria is endemic. The concentration of soluble transferrin receptor is a reflection of body iron status. It is therefore, a valuable tool for assessing bone marrow erythropoetic activity and can also be a marker of iron deficiency.Methods: This study evaluated the levels of soluble transferrin receptor in pregnant subjects. A total of 275 pregnant subjects of age 20 to 45 years and 88 age-matched apparently healthy control subjects were involved in this study. Individuals who had severe anaemia, HIV infection, sickle cell disease or Hookworm infestation were excluded from this study. Five millilitres (5ml) of blood were collected from each consenting subject for the analysis of soluble transferrin receptor, haematological parameters and iron parameters using appropriate methods.Results: The mean value of parameters for the study subjects were sTfR( 21.16±9.11 nmol/L), Hb(9.05±1.22 g/dl), TIBC(332.61±80.87 µg/dl), Serum Iron(97.91±39.44 µg/dl), LIBC(239.36±80.52 µg/dl), TS(30.24±11.00 %) while for control subjects were sTfR(18.21±3.77 nmol/L), Hb(12.19±0.66 g/dl), TIBC(261.94±52.49µg/dl), Serum Iron(107.10±34.77 µg/dl), LIBC(155.52±61.25 µg/dl), TS(42.81±18.03 %). The mean sTfR levels in pregnant women was significantly lower (p<0.001) than in control subjects. The pregnant women also had significantly lower values of Hb (p<0.001), serum iron (p=0.038) and TS( p<0.001) values, and significantly higher values of TIBC(p<0.0001) and LIBC(p<0.0001). There were also increases in soluble transferrin receptor levels from first to third trimesters. The sensitivity of sTfR as against Serum iron parameters from this study was 76% while the specificity was 50%. The positive predictive value was 60% while the negative predictive value was 50%.Conclusions: sTfR may be a useful supplementary diagnostic tool in the management of anaemia in pregnancy.

Assessment of Health Risk Associated with Heavy Metal Contamination of Edible Vegetables in Cement Contaminated Area

Aim: Heavy metal (HM) content of some vegetables in the vicinity of a cement factory can be a useful index for assessment of HM contamination of the environment associated with cement production. Study Design: This cross sectional study was conducted at the United Cement Company at Mfamosing, Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, Nigeria between February to November 2016. Methods: One hundred and forty edible vegetables of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Amaranthus viriditis (green leaf), Talinum triangulare (water leaf), Lavantheca africanum, Heinsia crinata and Gnatum africana were collected at varying distances and directions from the cement factory site and an area remote to the site serving as control. The lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) content of the vegetable samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance at P = .05. Results: The Pb, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cd, Se and Zn content of vegetables in all the locations studied were within the safe limits except for Cr and As levels of some vegetables from location closest to the factory which were higher than the safe limits. The HM content of all vegetables from location closest to the factory were significantly higher than those from other locations (P <0.001). The hazard quotient (HQ) of all HM in all the vegetables were <1 except for Mn in T. occidentalis which was >1. The hazard index (ƩHQ) for all HM in all the vegetables were >1. Conclusion: Cement production is associated with chromium and arsenic contamination of edible vegetables and increase in hazard index of HM levels in vegetables closest to the factory which may be implicated in increased risk for development of deleterious health consequences to consumers.

Anti-urolithiatic activity of sambong (Blumea balsamifera) extract in Ethylene Glycol-induced Urolithiatic Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Objective@#The study aimed to determine if Blumea balsamifera inhibits calcium oxalate stone formation in the kidneys through determination of the number of calcium oxalate stones in the renal cortex and the percent mass of calcium oxalate.@*Methods@#Post-test only control group design was used using five treatment groups with placebo as the negative control, potassium citrate as the positive control, and 50%, 100%, and 200% sambong treatment. Urolithiasis was induced through ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride. Each treatment group was administered its corresponding treatment solution once daily for twenty-one days. Histopathologic examination and kidney homogenate analysis were done to determine the degree of deposition of calcium oxalate stones in renal tissues and the oxalate content, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Gabriel's Pairwise Comparisons Test.@*Results@#The 100% sambong treatment group showed the least mean number of stones while the positive control and 50% sambong treatment group exhibited the highest anti-urolithiatic activity in terms of oxalate content of the kidney homogenate.@*Conclusion@#It can be concluded from the study that Blumea balsamifera inhibits calcium oxalate stone formation in the kidneys with the 100% and 50% sambong treatment most effective in decreasing number of stones and oxalate content of the kidney homogenate, respectively.

Hepatoprotective Potentials of Ethanolic Extract of Solanum melongena Linn Fruit on Monosodium Glutamate- Intoxicated Rats' and Liver Section Histology

This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potentials of ethanolic extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit on monosodium glutamate-intoxicated rats and liver section histology using standard protocols. Twenty four Wistar rats that weighed 105.00 ± 7.00 g were divided into 6 groups of 4 each. The six groups were thus fed: Group 1 (control, feed and distilled water only), Group 2 (8000 mg/kg body weight MSG), Group 3 (300 mg/kg body weight the sample extract), Group 4 (8000 mg/kg body weight MSG+ 100 mg/kg body weight the sample extract), Group 5 (8000 mg/kg body weight MSG+ 300 mg/kg body weight the sample extract) and Group 6 (8000 mg/kg body weight MSG+ 500 mg/kg body weight the sample extract) daily for 14 days. The MSG only fed group showed a significant (P=0.05) increase in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferases (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and total bilirubin compared to the control group. MSG and ethanolic extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit co-treated groups at different concentration were significantly (P=.05) reduced to become comparable to the control group. The concentration of serum albumin and total protein were significantly (P=.05) reduced for group 2 compared to group 1. The co-administration of MSG and ethanolic extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit resulted to a significant (P =0.05) increase notably at 500 mg/kg body weight sample extract and the same was observed for the histology. This suggests the improved synthetic function of the liver. MSG at a high concentration (8000 mg/kg body weight) adversely affected the rats liver biofunction and the hepatoprotective potentials of ethanol extract of Solanum melongena Linn fruit was notably at 500 mg/kg of body weight in rats. However, further studies in this direction are warranted.