Various Iron Deficiency Stages among Male Blood Donors in Donor Bleeding Bay Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Aim: Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders in the world, and blood donation may cause iron depletion. This study assessed the incidence and stages of iron deficiency in male subjects donating blood in a bleeding bay in Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology: One hundred and eighty-four male blood donors attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) bleeding bay were used for the study. The donors were divided into 5 groups namely; control [n = 35; (19.0%)], first time donors [n = 32; (17.4%)], second time donors [n = 35; (19.0%)], third time donors [n = 41; (22.3%)] and forth time donors [n = 41; (22.3%)]. Blood samples were taken from all the donors and their iron–related parameters namely, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), transferrin saturation (TS), serum ferritin level (SF) and serum transferrin receptor level (STfR) was determined as indicators of iron stores. Results: The prevalence of anaemia 49 (26.6%), iron depletion 60 (32.6%), iron deficiency without anaemia 106 (57.6%) and iron deficiency anaemia 60 (32.6%) was significantly (p<0.05) increased in 184 male blood donors. The percentage value of the various iron deficiency stages was observed to be higher in 2nd, 3rd and 4th timers when compared with control and first time groups. The higher prevalence of iron deficiency may be caused by more frequent and larger volumes of blood donated by 2nd, 3rd and 4th timers when compared to control and first time groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that, to avoid the differences in the prevalence among these donors, regular supervision of their haematocrit levels and introducing haemoglobin estimation (using autoanalyser) and serum ferritin be made for them before donating or else, 2nd timers and those above second should not be allowed to donate blood in a year. Moreover, adequate iron supplement should be given in order to prevent the development of iron deficiency.

Distortions in Sensitivity of Carotid Baroreceptor Reflexes in Rabbits Following Consumption of Two Forms of Palm Oil Diets.

Aim: Long term consumption of dietary oils has been implicated in the etiology of hypertension. This study seeks to compare the effects of long term consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS), which is responsible for short term regulation of blood pressure. Methodology: The design of this study involved the use of eighteen, male, five month old New Zealand rabbits weighing 750 – 1000 g. They were divided into three groups (n = 6) as follows; control group (received normal animal feed only), FPO diet – fed group (received animal feed mixed with fresh palm oil in the ratio 85:15, respectively) and TPO diet – fed group (received animal feed mixed with thermoxidised palm oil in the ratio 85:15, respectively). The animals were fed for 6 months, after which they were used for the various experiments. Results: Mean daily food and water intake in FPO and TPO fed groups was significantly (p<0.001) lower compared with control. Heart rate for FPO group was significantly higher than the control (p<0.001) and TPO (p<0.01) group. Basal systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in TPO group than in the FPO and control (p<0.05) group. The FPO group also had a significantly lower basal systolic (p<0.01) and diastolic pressure (p<0.001) than the control group. The basal pulse pressure was significantly lower in the FPO group than the control (p<0.001) and the TPO group (p<0.01). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) for TPO group was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of control and FPO groups. The baroreflex sensitivity for FPO group was significantly reduced compared with control (p<0.01) and TPO group (p<0.05). The TPO group showed a significantly lower (p<0.01) baroreflex sensitivity, compared with control. Conclusion: This study observed that chronic consumption of both fresh and thermoxidised palm oil diets caused a significant reduction in carotid baroreceptor reflex sensitivity. However, reduction in BRS was more in fresh palm oil – diet fed group, than the thermally oxidized palm oil diet – fed.

Tactile Acuity among Commercial Motorcyclists in Uturu, Nigeria.

Aims: To determine and compare tactile acuity of commercial motorcyclists with that of their age and sex matched controls. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in Uturu, a suburban university town in South Eastern Nigeria, from July 2014 to August 2014. Methodology: We determined two point discrimination threshold distances on the right thumbs of two hundred (200) consenting commercial motorcyclists aged between 18 to 60 years and two hundred (200) of their age and sex matched controls. Results: The mean values of two point discrimination threshold distances were 6.03 mm (Standard Deviation = 2.484) and 4.31 mm (Standard Deviation = 2.046) in the test and control subjects respectively (t =7.558; p < .001). There was positive linear association between two point discrimination threshold distance and the age of the subjects, and their duration of operation as commercial motorcyclists (r = .752; p < .001 and r = .770; p < .001), respectively. Duration of service as a commercial motorcycle operator (p < .001), age (p = .004) and impaired sense of fine touch (p < .001) were independent predictors of deficits in tactile acuity. Conclusion: Tactile acuity was impaired in the assessed Nigerian commercial motorcycle operators compared with their controls. Measures of mitigating effects of the occupation on tactile acuity should be explored.

The Effect of Long Term Consumption of Powdered Tobacco Diet on Learning and Memory in Swiss White Mice.

Aim: The effects of long term consumption of powdered tobacco (snuff) diet on learning and memory was studied in 30 Swiss white mice. Design: The mice were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 15 each). Mice in group 1 (test group) were fed 1% tobacco diet while mice in the other group (control) were fed normal rodent chow only. Both groups were fed for 31 days before carrying out behavioural testing. All mice were given free access to clean drinking water. Methodology: Food and water consumption by the animals were measured daily while their body weight was measured every two days. The Morris water maze was used to assess Learning and Memory in the mice. Results: The mean daily water and food intake was significantly higher (p<0.01; 0.001 respectively) in the tobacco diet-fed group than in control. The tobacco diet fed group also had a significantly higher (p<0.05) body weight gain than control. The swim latency during the reversal training was shorter in the tobacco diet-fed mice compared to their controls (p<0.01), showing better learning among the tobacco diet-fed group of mice. Southeast (reversal/retention) quadrant duration was also higher in the tobacco diet-fed mice (p<0.01) showing better memory than control. Conclusion: Long term consumption of 1% tobacco diet increased food and water intake, weight gain and improved learning and Memory in mice.

Comparative Effects of Garcinia kola and Coffee Diets on Learning and Memory in Mice.

Background: Garcinia kola (bitter kola) is one of the most common masticatories in Nigeria having social and ethnomedicinal applications. G. kola seeds are believed to contain caffeine, one of the major constituent of coffee which is also believed to improve memory. Aim: This study was set to ascertain the caffeine content of G. kola and compare the effects of G. kola and coffee diets on learning and memory in mice. Methodology: Thirty male CD1 mice were randomly assigned into three groups, viz; control, Garcinia kola diet (30%w/w) and coffee diet (2%w/w) groups. Chemical content and LD50 of the Garcinia kola and coffee were determined using standard methods. Daily food intake, water intake and body weight changes were also measured for 31 days before testing for learning and memory. The Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory. Results: The major constituents of Garcinia kolawere alkaloids (high quantities), saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, sterols and phenols found in moderate quantities. The coffee contained high quantity caffeine (4.7%) whereas alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and phenols were present in slight quantities. Coffee diet decreased food intake, water intake body weight change in the mice when compared to G. kola and control diet groups (p<0.05). On the other hand, coffee diet fed mice showed better learning and memory when compared to G. kola diet-fed and control mice. Garcinia kola diet did not affect learning and memory. Conclusion: Coffee diet decreased food and water intake and body weight, but improved learning and memory in mice when compared to Garcinia kola.

Prevalence; Distribution and Determinants of Myopia in Owerri; Nigeria

Background: Uncorrected myopia is a significant cause of visual impairment and avoidable blindness. Incidence of open-angle glaucoma has been shown to occur more often in myopia. This cross-sectional analytical study determined the prevalence; distribution and determinants of myopia in the adult population of Imo State; Nigeria with a view to establish a reference data for research purposes and future intervention in this locality. Materials and Method: A total of 3451 adults living in Owerri consisting of 2606 persons as test group and 845 persons as controls were randomly selected using standard optometric methods including subjective refraction. Results: Refractive error (ametropia) was found in 79.5 study and 76.8 control. Myopia was found in 23.4 study and 19.6 control. Highest prevalence of myopia was observed in females aged 40-49 years. Fifty percent of study and 68.1 of control group had myopia of -0.50DS to -3.00DS while 4.0 and 2.4 of study and control group respectively had myopic astigmatism. In all; 27.7 study and 16.2 control had myopia 5.00DS. The highest degree of myopia found in this study was - 24.00DS. Conclusion: This study provided information on the prevalence; distribution and determinants of myopia in Owerri; Nigeria and the data could be a basis for improved visual health care in the south-eastern sub-region of Nigeria

Astigmatism: Prevalence; Distribution and Determinants in Owerri; Nigeria

Background: Astigmatism impairs focusing ability of the eyes at far and near distances. This causes distortion; blurred vision; eye strain; headache; makes difficult visual tasks such as reading; driving (especially at night); focusing on the classroom board and computer screen. This study determined the prevalence; distribution and determinants of astigmatism in Owerri; Imo State; Nigeria in order to establish a baseline data for the state. Materials and Methods: Three thousand; four hundred and fifty - one adults consisting of 2606 persons as test subjects and 845 persons as controls were randomly selected for the study. Structured - questionnaire was administered to the subjects and thereafter; the visual acuity at far and near including tonometry; ophthalmoscopy; perimetry; retinoscopy and subjective refraction were done. Astigmatic correction was prescribed in the minus cylinder format and astigmatism was defined as a cylindrical error less than -0.50 diopter cylinder in any axis. Astigmatism was classified by axis as with-the-rule (WTR); against-the-rule; and oblique astigmatism. Results: A prevalence of 20.9 and 22.5 of astigmatism was found in the study and control groups respectively. From the astigmatics; 59.4 and 61.1 of females in the study and control groups respectively (especially females aged 40-49) were mostly affected. WTR astigmatism of =1.00DC (P = 0.000) was statistically significant between study and control groups. A higher prevalence of astigmatism was found in subjects domiciled in the rural areas and caused by factors like environmental influences; poor nutrition and irrational first line drug use of chloroquine. Conclusion: To achieve the targets of vision 2020; we recommend periodic visual examination and health education on diet; drug use and safe environmental practises especially for people living in rural areas in low income economy like ours

Presbyopia: Prevalence; Distribution and Determinants in Owerri; Nigeria

Background: Presbyopia causes blurring and impairment of vision at near. It is the most common physiologic change in the adult eye with advancing age. Good near vision is a necessity for domestic activities; office work and near vision tasks other than reading and writing; especially among adults in a resource-limited economy. The study determined the prevalence; distribution and determinants of presbyopia; presbyopic spectacle coverage; and provided data for ready-made near vision spectacles in Imo State; Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of three thousand; four hundred and fifty-one adults consisting of 2606 persons as study group and 845 persons as controls were randomly selected for the study. Structured questionnaire was administered to the subjects. Their visual acuity at far and near including tonometry; ophthalmoscopy; perimetry; retinoscopy and subjective refraction were done. Subjects who could not read N6 and emmetropes; who are 40 years and above were considered as presbyopic. Results: The prevalence of presbyopia was 70.9 and 75.0 of study and control groups respectively. Females aged 40-49 were in the majority (57.1 and 51.9 of females in the study and control groups respectively). Subjects requiring additions at near of ?+1.50DS to 2.00DS were in the majority (39.0 and 46.4 of study and control groups respectively). Amongst the presbyopes 61.3 and 78.7 of study and control groups respectively did not have presbyopic correction. The subjects were also ignorant of corneal inlay technology in treatment of presbyopia. A higher prevalence exists among rural dwellers and the contributory factors were environmental influences; poor nutrition and irrational use of chloroquine for treatment of malaria. Conclusion: Over seventy-percent of presbyopia was found in this study. The determinants were age; gender; nutrition and drug use. Majority of the presbyopes were domicile in the rural area and did not have corrective spectacles. We recommend visual health education; regular vision screening and intervention to achieve the targets of vision 2020 in low-and-medium-income countries

The Effect of Cold and Haemorrhagic Stress on Reticulocytes in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Background: In this study; the effect of cold and haemorrhagic stressors in male albino Wistar rats will be investigated. Methods: Cold stress was induced by placing the animals in thermostatic chamber containing ice cold water (0-10oC) and well aerated. Rats were allowed to stay for 5; 10; 15 and 20 minutes before they were bled from the tail vein at 2; 4; 6; 8 and 24 hours for reticulocyte counts. For the haemorrhagic stress; 30of blood was withdrawn from the vein after which reticulocytes were counted at 2; 4; 6; 8 and 24 hours. Results: Cold and haemorrhagic stress caused increased reticulocyte counts in male albino Wistar rats. The controls were not subjected to any condition. In cold stress; the maximum percentage reticulocyte count was (at zero hour) 6.21 + 0.21while the control was 1.02 + 0.12. In the case of the haemorrhagic stressor; the percentage reticulocyte was seen to peak at the 6th hour (6.19 + 0.12) and subsequently decrease to 2.59 + 0.02. The probable causes of this rise in reticulocytes are discussed. Conclusion: In cold and haemorrhagic stress; reticulocyte count peaked at 2 and 6 hours respectively; depicting when maximum erythropoietic activity was reached in blood forming organs