Serum Ferritin as an Indicator of Neonatal Anaemia

Introduction:Haemoglobin levels are usually used to diagnose neonatal anaemia. By the time haemoglobin levels drop, body iron is depleted. Serum ferritinis the standard measure for assessment of iron levels in neonates and detects iron deficiency earlier than haemoglobin levels. Aims:To determine the prevalence of low haemoglobin and ferritin levels amongst term and preterm newborn babies. To determine the value of serum ferritin in the diagnosis of low iron stores amongst term and preterm newborns. Methodology:This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria between June and December 2014. The study included 140 newborns of all birth weights delivered at the UNTH. These were categorized into preterm (gestational age <37 completed weeks) and term (gestational age ≥37 completed weeks. Babies with C-reactive protein levels > 10mg/dl, who were intra-uterine growth restricted, and whose mothers had conditions associated with low iron stores were excluded from the study. Anthropometric measurements were done for all subjects. Haemoglobin estimation and ferritin assay were carried out and the prevalence of neonatal anaemia was determined using each of these. Results:The range of haemoglobin concentration in the study population was 12.22g/gl –22.80g/dl. The mean serum haemoglobin concentrations were 15.69mg/dl ± 1.58 and 16.45 ± 1.92 in the preterm and term babies respectively (t = 2.557, P= .0116). The prevalence of low haemoglobin concentrations amongst both preterm and term babies was zero= .024). The range of serum ferritin level in the studypopulation was 20.6μg/l -296μg/l. The mean serum ferritin levels were 63.13μg/l ± 23.93 and 133.67μg/l ± 50.14 in the preterm and term babies respectively (t = 10.623, P< .001). The prevalence of low serum ferritin in the study population was 22.14%, but was higher in preterm than term babies 35.7% vs 8.6%: (OR –5.926, 95% C.I OR = 2.248 –15.619)(P<.001).Conclusion:Serum ferritin assay is more useful than haemoglobin as an indicator of anaemia during the neonatal period.

Hordeum vulgare (Barley grass) Scavenge Free Radical and Inhibits Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products Formation

@#Introduction: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation is due to glycation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. AGEs play a vital role in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular complications and is enhanced by oxidative stress. Hordeum vulgare (Barley Grass) is a cereal plant of grass family poaceae and has been reported to exhibit antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristics and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Current experiment focused on the evaluation of antioxidant and anti-advanced glycation end products formation effect of Hordeum vulgare water extract. Methods: Free radical scavenging ability of Hordeum vulgare water extract, was evaluated using DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, FRAP and metal ion chelating. Total phenolic content of Hordeum vulgare was also analysed. In-vitro antiglycation activity was done using BSA-MGO, BSA-Glu. Phytochemical screening was performed to detect the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenoids. Results: The results showed Hordeum vulgare water extract ameliorated the formation of AGE and scavenge free radical from DPPH, Nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, Lipid peroxidation, FRAP and Metal ion chelating. Phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and terpenoids were detected in Hordeum vulgare water extract. Conclusion: Hordeum vulgare water extract reveals antiglycation and free scavenging properties.

In Vitro Antioxidant Properties and Methylglyoxal (MGO) Scavenging Effects of Centella asiatica Leaves in Water Extract

@#Introduction: Advanced glycation end product (AGE) is formed by the non-enzymatic glycation, leading to free radicals’ production and high oxidative stress. Accumulation of AGEs is associated with chronic diseases which are correlated with diabetes mellitus. Centella asiatica is a traditional medicinal herb used in Asia with numerous pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, wound healing, neuroprotective, and gastrointestinal treatment. This research was aim to evaluate the antioxidant, antiglycation, and phytochemical analysis of C. asiatica leaves (L.) water extract. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the plant extract was evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH) radicals, nitric oxide (NO), and chelating capacity assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) was performed to determine the presence of bioactive compounds, such as saponins, which have been extensively reported in previous studies. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used as positive control in the antioxidant assays, while quercetin was used in the antiglycation assays. Antiglycation effects of C. asiatica L. were evaluated through Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-MGO, BSA-glucose, and MGO scavenging assay. The data was expressed in terms of IC50. Result: The plant extract possessed significantly (p < 0.001) lower IC50 value compared to the BHT in DPPH and NO radical scavenging assay. It also showed stronger antiglycative effect with lower IC50 value compared to the quercetin in BSA-glucose and BSA-MGO assay. The TPC of C. asiatica L. was 3.20 mg/GAE/g at 100µg/ml. Conclusion: The antiglycation effects of C. asiaitca L. include the reduction of Amadori products formation, trapping α-dicarbonyl intermediates, and free radical scavenging. It is suggested that the antiglycation effects of C. asiatica L. maybe attributed by the presence of saponins and other phytochemicals.

Information transmission process for disease notification and feedback in the community-based disease surveillance system in Anambra State, Nigeria

Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) system has been shown to be weak in Nigeria and still needs to be built up for effective detection and response to some communities. The aim of this paper is to assess the reporting and feedback mechanisms in the Community-based surveillance System (CBSS) in Anambra State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 360 community-based focal points in Anambra State selected by multistage sampling technique. Data collection was by interview using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20, associations between variables were tested using Chi square, Fisher's exact and t tests as appropriate (p<0.05). Forty-one (13.1%) focal points sent in reports for at least four times, (72.2%) received feedback within the last one year and (44.6%) was via the phone. However, 229 (63.6%) of the respondents gave the feedback to the community mainly via the village health committees (44.1%). Respondents' occupation, ever detected notifiable disease; source of information; person the detected disease was reported to; records of notified disease kept by focal points; number of times reports were sent in the last one year, received feedback given to community members, availability of supervisors for focal points and volunteer benefit from being focal points were found to have associations with receipt of feedback on disease case notification (p<0.05). This study found poor reporting but good feedback mechanisms. However, there is need to reform the State CBSS in line with the above findings in order to make it more functional.

Awareness, gender variations, consequences of sexual risk behavior and adopted solutions among senior secondary schools adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria

In our area, there is dearth of accurate sex education that could equip adolescents in making informed decisions on sexual issues. This scenario has been linked to a high prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, consequences and poor choices with regard to solutions. Objective: To determine the awareness, gender variations, consequences of sexual risk behavior, and adopted solutions among senior secondary school adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross sectional survey of 384 in-school adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria, selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using pretested self-administered semi- structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.22 (p<0.05). Results: The majority of adolescents, i.e. 306 (82.5%), were aware of sexual risk behaviors, 340 (91.6%) had received some sex education, and 296 (79.8%) were aware of contraceptives. Key sources of information on sexuality were schools and parents. In total, 54 (14.1%) participants were sexually active, 12 (22.2%) reported ever having an STI, and 9 (75%) had been treated in hospital. Also, 8 (14.8%) of the 54 had dealt with a pregnancy; 7 (87.5%) had undergone an abortion, 3 (42.9%) in a hospital. Sexual risk behaviors among males were associated with age (p=0.002), school type (p=0.002), and alcohol intake (p=0.000), while the residence of the parents had a stronger influence among females (p=0.014). Conclusions: This study found high awareness of sexual issues, mainly sourced from schools and parents. Associations were made between sexual risk behaviors and gender differences (age, school type, and alcohol intake in males, parental residence among females). The consequences of sexual risk behaviors were early pregnancy and STIs, with poor solutions adopted.

Prognostic use of Prostate Specific Antigen, Some Renal Indices and Uric Acid in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and Renal Impairment at Urology Clinic Federal Medical Centre Lokoja, Nigeria

Aims: Improved diagnosis of prostate cancer has led to increasing life expectancy in adult men. The use of PSA as the current practice for screening and treatment has become a key prognostic factor in the management of PCa. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic use of serum PSA, creatinine, urea, protein and uric acid in PCa subjects with or without renal impairment. Study Design: The study was a prospective study conducted between March and September 2016 at federal Medical Centre Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and ten adult men aged 51 - 70 years were conveniently recruited for the study. Diagnosis was based on biopsy, PSA, Cr/U and UA results obtained, and grouped as (A) PCa subjects with RI (35), (B) PCa subjects without RI (35) and 40 apparently healthy men (Controls) which is regarded as group (C). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for PSA and renal indices using ELISA and colorimetric methods respectively. Results: The result showed that serum tPSA, fPSA, cPSA, %fPSA, creatinine, urea and uric acid were significantly higher while total protein was significantly lower in PCa subjects with RI compared with controls (P<.05). Similar results were obtained in PCa without RI compared with controls except for urea (P=.001respectively). However, tPSA, fPSA, cPSA were significantly lower while creatinine, urea and uric acid were significantly higher in Pca with RI compared with the corresponding values in PCa without RI (P<.05). The correlation between cPSA, creatinine and urea showed association between PCa and RI. ROC showed that tPSA and cPSA had significantly higher diagnostic performance than fPSA and % fPSA in the prediction of PCa associated with RI while Creatinine, urea and uric acid had significantly higher diagnostic accuracy in the prediction of RI associated with PCa within the age range of 50-61 than 61-70 years. Conclusions: Increased serum uric acid level observed in RI subjects suggests decreased excretion of uric acid by the kidney. ROC analysis shows significant evidence that tPSA and cPSA have higher predictive value for PCa with or without RI while creatinine, urea and uric acid have higher predictive efficacy for RI in PCa subjects. Adult men from 50 years are recommended for early screening for PDs to minimize progression to RI.

Eicosane, pentadecane and palmitic acid: The effects inin vitro wound healing studies

Objective:To examine the wound healing properties of eicosane, pentadecane and palmitic acid by evaluating in term of anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, proliferation, migration and collagen synthesis.Methods: Anti-microbial activities of Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated by carrying out disk diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. Growth rate of tested bacteria was also evaluated for 8 h in conjunction with the sample drugs. Besides, U937 cell lines were used as model study for real-time mRNA genes expression studies of TNF-α and IL-12 under the treatment. Proliferation, migration and collagen content synthesis were carried out on human dermal fibroblast.Results:None of the sample drugs possessed significant inhibition of bacteria tested in this study both in disk diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. In contrary, significantly low expressed mRNA gene expression levels of TNF-α and IL-12 were found under the treatment of respective drugs. Meanwhile in proliferation, migration and hydroxyproline content analysis, all the sample drugs showed no significant positive stimulation.Conclusions:This study therefore explains that apart from their potential in downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, these three compounds which were examined individually may not be good candidates in promoting wound healing.

Information needs of men for early detection of prostate cancer in IDEMILI-north local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria

The research is a study of information needs of men for early detection of prostate cancer. This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The sample for the study comprised two hundred (200) men drawn from ten Catholic Churches in ten towns of Idemili-North, Anambra State. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using percentages and mean ratings. The major findings include that men have a serious need for information on early detection measures, particularly on knowledge of possible warning signs of prostate cancer. Men access information on prostate cancer mainly through television programmes and health centres. Men prefer certain media for effective propagation of prostate cancer such as Health centres, Town hall meetings, church meetings and men's group meetings. The hindrance factors on access to prostate cancer information are all related to absence of functional library services as well as lack of adequate information mechanisms. The study recommends that the government should make prostate cancer information propagation an enforceable integral part of the healthcare delivery system as well as set up awareness campaign committee to strategically implement it.

Induced Abortion in Nigeria: Echoes of Undergraduates in a Tertiary Institution in South-East Nigeria.

Background: Unsafe abortion constitutes a huge burden to women’s health and reproductive lives especially in nations where it is illegal. It accounts for many pregnancy-related fatalities and debilitating complications. The knowledge, attitude and perceptions of youths within the reproductive age bracket to abortion are believed to predict most of these outcomes. Aim: The study aims to determine the knowledge on abortion, the attitude towards it and the practice among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, South-Eastern Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Selected departments in all campuses of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State of Nigeria between April and June, 2014. Methods: Multi-staged sampling technique was applied in selecting 251 students from different departments at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University who were interviewed using pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using STATA statistical software version 13 and the level of significance was determined at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: Two hundred and fifty one students participated in the study, representing a response rate of 97.2%. A quarter was below 20years while 85.6% were single. All (100%) have heard of abortion of which 65.3% correctly defined it. A large proportion (98.8%) was aware of the complications of abortion with 43.2% naming more than two. Whilst only 75% knew that abortion is illegal in Nigeria, 13.2% admitted they can advise or seek abortion. Among the 33% (83) who had been pregnant before, 37.4% terminated the pregnancy, representing 12.4% of the entire population. Three-quarter disapproved of the legalisation of abortion of which 77.7% did not approve of it in any circumstance. Age was significantly associated with the knowledge of the complications of abortion as those aged below 20 were more aware than those above 30 (62 vs 7; p=0.034). Conclusion: The knowledge of the complications of abortion is high but the practice of safe sex is low. Sexual reproductive health interventions are needed on campus to reduce the practice of risky sexual behaviours in settings where abortion is illegal.

Liver Protein and Enzymes in HIV Infected Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women on Antiretroviral Therapy.

This in vivo study was carried out to investigate alterations in the levels of proteins and enzymes produced by the liver of HIV infected pregnant women and HIV infected non pregnant women under different antiretroviral therapy. Forty six human patients (Pregnant patient, n=21, Non pregnant patient, n=25) were recruited during this study from the PEPFAR (President Bush Emergency Plan for Aids Research) clinic in LUTH (Lagos University teaching Hospital), Lagos. The patients were between the ages of 29 – 34 years. All samples were analyzed for Albumin, Transferrin, Urea, Total protein, Total bilirubin, Creatinine and Cholinesterase. Along with it, liver enzymes – Alkaline phosphate, Alanine aminotransferases and Aspartate aminotransferases were also analyzed to confirm proper liver function for each patient. Result showed that total bilirubin and transferrin were statistically higher in the pregnant group while other liver proteins (Albumin, Urea and Total protein) were statistically lower in the pregnant group. Two liver enzymes, Creatinine and Cholinesterase, were statistically lower in the pregnant group. Though, other liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferases and alanine aminotransferases were also lower in the pregnant group. No significant difference were noted when statistics were applied. Only alkaline phosphatase showed a non significant increase in the pregnant group. Findings in this study suggest that effective antiretroviral therapy stabilizes proteins and enzymes production in both HIV groups, however, slight alterations which were observed in the pregnant HIV group were due to physiological changes during pregnancy.

The impact of posttraumatic stress disorder on the quality of life: a systematic review.

Aims: To review the relevant literature on Quality of Life (QOL) impairment in PTSD and the impact of treatment interventions on QOL. Methods: A database search from 1980-2012 was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, and the PILOTS database using the keywords: “PTSD”, “posttraumatic stress disorder”, “stress disorders”, “quality of life”, “QOL”, and “health-related quality of life.” Two reviewers applied pre-defined selection criteria independently and reached a consensus on the inclusion of 37 studies that focused on QOL in PTSD. The impact of PTSD interventions on QOL was analyzed. Results: The findings revealed that QOL is gravely impaired in PTSD populations, such as veterans, refugees, survivors of terrorist attacks, natural disaster survivors, rescue personnel, and survivors of violence. Research shows that PTSD is an independent predictor of QOL impairment and that various psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment modalities might potentially improve QOL in PTSD. However, their ability to improve QOL up to community norm levels is unclear. Conclusion: QOL is seriously compromised in patients suffering from PTSD. It would be important to include QOL as an outcome measure in PTSD clinical and research work in order to identify the PTSD treatments that best improve QOL in different populations.

Correlation between annual activity patterns of venomous snakes and rural people in the Niger Delta, southern Nigeria

Background: Venomous snakes are among the most serious health hazards for rural people in tropical regions of the world. Herein we compare the monthly activity patterns of eight venomous snake species (Elapidae and Viperidae) with those of rural people in the Niger Delta area of southern Nigeria, in order to identify the periods of highest potential risk for persons, and the human group actually at greater risk of snakebite. Results: We documented that above-ground activity of all venomous snakes peaked in the wet season, and that high snake activity and high human activity were most highly correlated between April and August. In addition, we documented that women and teenagers were at relatively higher risk of encountering a venomous snake than adult males, despite they are less often in the field than men. Conclusions: Our results suggest that future programs devoted to mitigate the social and health effects of snakebites in the Niger Delta region should involve especially women and teenagers, with ad-hoc education projects if appropriate. We urge that international organizations working on social and health problems in the developing world, such as IRD, DFID, UNDP, should provide advice through specific programs targeted at especially these categories which have been highlighted in comparatively potential higher threat from snakebites than adult men.(AU)

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity among eye surgical patients at a rural eye care facility in South-Eastern Nigeria

To determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency infection among patients who underwent surgery at a rural eye care facility in southeastern Nigeria. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who had undergone surgery and a pre-operative Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] test, between August 2008 and July 2009 at the Eye unit of the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed for age, sex, type of surgery and HIV status. Frequency, percentage and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were calculated with univariate analysis and the parametric method. A total of 380 cases were reviewed comprised of 228 males and 152 females [M:F=1.5:1].The mean age of the cohort is 56 years [range, 4 years to 91 years]. Fourteen patients [3.7%; 95% confidence interval 1.8-5.6] were HIV positive. A high HIV sero-prevalence was reported in our study. Infection-control precautionary measures are indicated to minimize risk of HIV transmission to ophthalmic surgeons and allied health-workers

Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositivity among Eye Surgical Patients at a Rural Eye Care Facility in South-Eastern Nigeria

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency infection among patients who underwent surgery at a rural eye care facility in southeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who had undergone surgery and a pre-operative Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test; between August 2008 and July 2009 at the Eye unit of the Presbyterian Joint Hospital; Ohaozara; Ebonyi State; Nigeria. Data were analyzed for age; sex; type of surgery and HIV status. Frequency; percentage and 95confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with univariate analysis and the parametric method. Results: A total of 380 cases were reviewed comprised of 228 males and 152 females (M:F= 1.5:1).The mean age of the cohort is 56 years (range; 4 years to 91 years). Fourteen patients (3.7; 95confidence interval 1.8 - 5.6) were HIV positive. Conclusion: A high HIV sero-prevalence was reported in our study. Infection-control precautionary measures are indicated to minimize risk of HIV transmission to ophthalmic surgeons and allied health-workers

Prevalence and Pattern of Bacteria and Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

Background: In developing countries; biological contaminants largely bacteria and other parasites constitute the major causes of food-borne diseases often transmitted through food; water; nails; and fingers contaminated with faeces. Accordingly; food-handlers with poor personal hygiene could be potential sources of infections by these micro-organisms. Objective: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and pattern of bacteria and intestinal parasites among food handlers in the Federal Capital Territory. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive one in which a multistage sampling technique was employed to select 168 food handlers of various types. Subjects' stool; urine; and fingernail analyses were carried out and the result scientifically scrutinized. Results: Fingernail bacteria isolates include: E. Coli (1.8); coagulase-negative staphylococcus (17.9); Staphylococcus aureus(7.1); Klebsiella species (2.4); Serratia species (1.2); Serratia species (1.2); Citrobacter species (1.2); and Enterococcus species (1.8). The subjects' stool samples tested positive: For A. lumbricoides (14.9); T. trichuria (1.8); S. starcolaris (3.0); E. histolytica (10.7); G. lambilia (1.8); S. mansoni (1.2); and Taenia species (4.8). Furthermore; 42.3 and 15.5 of the stool specimen tested positive for Salmonella and Shigella species; respectively. Conclusion: Food establishments should screen and treat staff with active illness; and regularly train them on good personal and workplace hygiene practices

African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) Seed as Adjunct in Ethanol Production.

African breadfruit seeds have the potentials as carbon source for ethanol production with a carbohydrate value of 72.19%. On malting the seeds at 28±2oC for 9 days it yielded a 96% germination capacity and total malting loss of 25.70%. Grain dormancy was broken by the second day of malting. Malted breadfruit seeds were ground and defatted to 0.78% fat content. Full fat breadfruit and defatted breadfruit flours were used as adjuncts in the ratio of 3:5 (adjuncts: barley). Fermentation parameters such as wort fermentable sugar, specific gravity, extract yield and ethanol were measured over the 9 days of fermentation. Extract yields were 12.59, 9.66 and 11.23% while ethanol production was 5.79, 6.39 and 6.10% for wort from defatted breadfruit, full fat breadfruit and maize, respectively.

Experience with Tetanus in a Tertiary Hospital in South East Nigeria

Background: Tetanus has for long been an avoidable source of morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to review the experience with managing tetanus in a regional tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who were admitted with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus between January 1999 and December 2003 was done. Relevant data were extracted from the patients' case records. Results: A total of 12 patients were identified within the time frame with a diagnosis of tetanus. There were more male than female patients (ratio 1.4:1) with city dwellers constituting a small majority. The mean age of the patients was 29.8 years. Lower limb injuries accounted for the portal of entry in 75of cases while one case followed a practice of oral sex. All patients were managed in the general ward and no mortality was recorded despite the presence of dysautonomia in some patients. Conclusion: Despite the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with tetanus in developing countries and despite some regional differences in presentation; careful clinical management even in resource poor countries can result in very good outcomes