ABSTRACT
Background: The relationship between iron, hypoxia, inflammation, and erythropoietin in cellular homeostasis is well documented. Patients on radiotherapy are known with active immune/inflammatory disorders often accompanied with reduced iron uptake or unavailability of circulatory iron and hence, must be adequately evaluated. The present study hypothesized “aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis, Telfairia occidentalis and Parquetina nigrescens have chemical properties of ameliorating and restoring to normal, functional iron deficiency sequel to Cobalt 60 irradiation effect”. Materials and Methods: Fifty-Five young male guinea-pigs approximately 450 gram in weight were recruited and thirty were randomly assigned to 3 groups (A, B and C) for the study. Groups A and B were further divided into 4 (A1-4 and B1-4) with 3 animals (n=3) per group. Three guinea-pigs were also assigned to group C. Groups A and B belonged to Pre and post-irradiation groups while groups C served as control. Each animal was given 400r (4.0 Gy) whole-body gamma-irradiation under general anaesthesia, using a Co60 therapy unit as a source. Groups A1, A2, A3 and A4 had 1,400 mg/kg C. sinensis, 4000 mg/kg P. nigrescens, 3,500 mg/kg T. occidentalis and Combined dose (1,400 mg/kg C. sinensis + 400 mg/kg P. nigrescens + 3,500 mg/kg T. occidentalis) respectively twice daily 72 hours prior to irradiation and continued throughout the 14 days of the study. Groups B1, B2, B3 and B4 had similar treatment but commenced 24 hours after exposure to radiation and likewise continued throughout the 14 days of the study. Group C were not given any treatment but also had irradiation. Results: Total Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin, Serum Transferrin receptor and Iron were all increased significantly for all the extracts pre and post irradiation. However, C-reactive protein decreased significantly. Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis, Parquetina nigrescens and Telfairia occidentalis leaves have good ameliorating effect on irradiation-induced injuries.
ABSTRACT
Background: About half of the population in Nigeria is medically fit for blood donation but only four in one thousand are voluntary donors. The low level of blood donation has been attributed to poor knowledge, misconceptions, myths, bias, poverty, fear, malnutrition among the population. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of blood donation among adults in two selected North Central States of Nigeria.Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 3104 respondents comprising of adults between 18 and 60 years were involved in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used and the research tool was interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data generated were entered into the computer and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using EPI INFO computer software package (version 3.5.3). Pearson Chi Square (Ï2) was used to test statistical significance and p-value was set at < 0.05.Results: Majority of the respondents 2565 (82.5%) knew that blood donation save lives. More than three-quarters, 2468 (79.5%), knew where to go for voluntary blood donation. About one-third, (37.1%), demonstrated good knowledge of voluntary blood donation. Older respondents (>60 years) had poor knowledge of blood transfusion compared with younger age groups (p<0.001). Respondents' occupation and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge of blood transfusion (p<0.001)Conclusion: Periodic awareness programme on voluntary blood donation in rural and urban areas across Nigeria is needed. In addition, sensitization of the informal sector on the significance of non-remunerated voluntary blood donation should be given priority
Subject(s)
Adult , Blood , Knowledge , NigeriaABSTRACT
Background: About half of the population in Nigeria is medically fit for blood donation but only four in one thousand are voluntary donors. The low level of blood donation has been attributed to poor knowledge, misconceptions, myths, bias, poverty, fear, malnutrition among the population. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of blood donation among adults in two selected North Central States of Nigeria. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 3104 respondents comprising of adults between 18 and 60 years were involved in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used and the research tool was interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data generated were entered into the computer and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using EPI INFO computer software package (version 3.5.3). Pearson Chi Square (Ï2) was used to test statistical significance and p-value was set at < 0.05. Results: Majority of the respondents 2565 (82.5%) knew that blood donation save lives. More than three-quarters, 2468 (79.5%), knew where to go for voluntary blood donation. About one-third, (37.1%), demonstrated good knowledge of voluntary blood donation. Older respondents (>60 years) had poor knowledge of blood transfusion compared with younger age groups (p<0.001). Respondents' occupation and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge of blood transfusion (p<0.001). Conclusion: Periodic awareness programme on voluntary blood donation in rural and urban areas across Nigeria is needed. In addition, sensitization of the informal sector on the significance of non-remunerated voluntary blood donation should be given priority