In vitro assessment of the acaricidal properties of aqueous extract of Cassia sieberiana DC (Caesalpiniaceae) stem bark on Boophilus (Curticei 1891) larvae

¹Biu, A. A., ²Abdulkadir, M.A., ³Luka, J. ⁴Konto, M. and ⁵Hamza, J.

^1,3,4 Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri Nigeria

^2&5Department of Biological Sciences University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri Nigeria

E-mail Address:  joshuadiriki@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the ‘acaricidal effect’ of aqueous extractof Cassia sieberiana stem bark on the larvae of Boophilus ticks, using the In vitro immersion method (IIM). Freshly hatched larvae were divided into 4 replicates of 20 each and exposed to five graded concentrations of the aqueous extract (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) for 1 hour and mortality rates recorded post inoculation for each concentration. The mean ± standard deviation (range) larval mortality varied between 4.25±4.1 (2-12) (at 5%) and 11.63±5.3 (6-19) (at 25%) compared with distilled water 1.88±1.3 (0-4) and untreated (normal controls) 0.0±0.0 (p < 0.05). Mean mortality rates also ranged between 31.3% (at 5% concentration) to 58.1% (at 25%) compared with 9.4% for distilled water and 0.0% for untreated control (p < 0.05).This study has observed a positive correlation between graded concentrations of aqueous extract of Cassia sieberiana stem bark and duration of larval immersion In vitro.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Planning Services Utilization among Women aged 15-49 in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

¹Umar Ibrahim, and ²Maryam Mohammed

¹Nursing Department, Health and Human Services Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCDA Secretariat, 11 Kapital Road, Area 11, Garki, Abuja-FCTA, Nigeria.

²Bauchi State MDGs Project Support Unit, No 35 Yaya Abubakar Link, GRA Bauchi

Email: Umarsap@yahoo.com; kyallu77@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to ascertain Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Planning Services Utilization among Women aged 15-49 in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for this study through application of semi structured questionnaire to women of reproductive age 15 to 49 years in Bauchi Local Government area of Bauchi state. A sample of 240 respondents 60 from each of the four wards were randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was done using frequency distribution tables, simple percentages and Chi-square test. Level of significance was set at P-values ≤0.05 for all inferential analysis. The SPSS Version 12.0 statistical package was used for data entry and analysis. The study revealed that high level of knowledge of contraceptives did not translate to high contraceptive usage. Finally, the study revealed associations between age and current use of family planning and also religion and current use of contraceptive. The study concluded that age and religion are among the factors that should be taken into consideration while designing an intervention programme on family planning usage in the study area.

The Relationship between zinc and copper in children with malaria

¹Caroline A. Okoli and ²Mariam Solomon

¹Research Laboratory Unit, Department of Paediatrics University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

²Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

Email: caroalph@yahoo.com, danladis2003@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are among the most important trace elements that are required for proper growth and health.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect Zn and Cu have on each other in children with malaria in order to deduce whether the serum levels of zinc and copper could play a role in the pathogenesis of malaria.

HYPOTHESIS

There will be a significant negative relationship between zinc and copper in children with malaria.

METHOD

The blood samples of 600 children aged zero to18years from various hospitals in Jos were analyzed for; malaria parasite (MP) using Giemsa staining technique and zinc and copper using colorimetric method.

RESULT

There was a non-significant positive relationship between zinc and copper in children with malaria (p=0.607). The strength of the relationship was beta=0.030. There was a significant negative relationship between zinc and copper in the control children (p=0.003). The strength of the relationship was beta =-0.159. Using the beta function of the model to compare the strength of the effect of the micronutrients on each other, it was discovered that zinc and copper have a stronger effect in the control subjects (beta=-0.159) than in the parasitaemic children (beta=0.030). There was a significant positive relationship between parasite density and serum zinc and copper levels (p=0.000).

Prevalence of Obesity and Physical Inactivity among Biomedical College Students in a Nigerian University

Akinremi Ayodele, Sanya Arinola, and Makinde James

Physiotherapy Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Email: ogooluwa2@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Problem Statement: College years expose young adults to unhealthy lifestyle changes. With the rising global disease burden associated with physical inactivity and obesity, there is a need to investigate health-related behaviours in college students. The aims of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity among first and final year college students in selected healthcare professions; and to compare the prevalence between the two classes.

Approach: A descriptive study involving 182 participants (86 males and 96 females) between the ages of 16 and 31 years was carried out. Physical activity level was assessed using the self-administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAC- long format); while obesity was evaluated using the World Health Organization obesity classification.  

Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity in the study population was high (49.5%): 44% and 55% among first and final year students respectively. Prevalence of obesity among study population was nil, but 27 participants (14.9 %) were overweight; out of which 23 (89% of the overweight population) were first year students and 8 (30% of the overweight students) were physically inactive. Comparison between the two levels of study showed no significant difference in the prevalence of physical inactivity; but the first year students had a significantly higher proportion of overweight students than the final year students.

Conclusion and Recommendation: A high prevalence of physical inactivity was observed in this study which suggests that a high percentage of students in this study had less physical activity than recommended by health authorities. Hence, efforts should be made to reinforce physical activity among this population.

Effects of Use of Advance Organizers on Students’ Performance and Retention of the Concepts of Electromagnetism

 Okey, I. F. and Avwiri, E.

Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology,

University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

E-mail: Franokey2000@yahoo.com , eseroghene.avwiri@uniport.edu.ng  

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effects of Pictorial, written and verbal advance organizers on student’s performance and retention of the concepts of electromagnetism. A total of 200 students comprising of 108 females and 92 males of Senior Secondary School two (SS2) physics students were involved in the study. The study adopted a pretest-post test control design. From the findings it was observed that the Pictorial Advance Organizers (PAO) is most facilitating in enhancing the performance and Retention of concepts in electromagnetism. No significant difference existed between the mathematical abilities of students taught using the advance organizers and those taught without advance organizers in their performances on the concepts of electromagnetism. Based on the conclusion of this study it is recommended that teachers should be encouraged to make use of Pictorial Advance Organizer (PAO) in teaching the concepts of electromagnetism, irrespective of student’s mathematical ability, in order to improve on their performance and retention of electromagnetism.  

Antibiotic Usage in an Urban Population in Nigeria

¹Oronsaye F.E. and ²Oviasogie F.E.

¹Medical Microbiology Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

²Microbiology Department, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

E-mail: sayfrankon@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and proper usage of antibiotic substances among an urban population, 1,260 respondents comprising 530 females and 730 males, were randomly surveyed to determine their knowledge and proper usage of antibiotics. This was done by means of questionnaires administered to them. 10% of the respondents were married, and 40% were gainfully employed, 80% visit hospital, 90% has knowledge of antibiotics, but 50% go to the Doctor for prescription, 10% go to the Pharmacists; while 40% practice self medication. 60% purchase their antibiotics from pharmacy shops while 40% purchase from patent medicine dealers. There is adequate knowledge of antibiotics and consultation of qualified Medical personnel is equally adequate but the practice of self medication is apparent. This study has shown that people in an urban area are aware of anibiotics but do not have adequate knowledge of the proper usage of antibiotics, since quite a number of them practice self medication and this could lead to abuse and misuse of antibiotic substances. Therefore there is the urgent need for proper education and counseling on the proper usage of antibiotics in this country.

Human Identification: Assessment of Interrelationships between Sex, Handedness and Dermatoglyphics

 Philip, O. Ogunnaike¹, Joshua, O. Owolabi¹, Abimbola, O. Ogunsola², John A. Olanrewaju³

¹Department of Anatomy, Ben Carson Sr. School of Medicine, Babcock University, Nigeria

²Department of Physiology, Ben Carson Sr. School of Medicine, Babcock University, Nigeria

³Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Babcock University, Nigeria

E-mail: Olaowolabi001@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Humans have numerous forms of diversity ranging from the very fundamental form of gender to inter- and intra-populations forms of diversity. Several methods have been established for identifications of humans; very importantly, gender and dermatoglyphic features, especially thumbprints. Handedness has also been shown to vary among humans. There is however the need to investigate further, the nature of interrelationships between the parameters. This investigation was carried out to observe the prevalence of each of the selected parameters of identification: sex, handedness and thumbprints; and to evaluate the interrelationship between them within the study group. A total of (n = 120) subjects participated, having met the criteria for participation. They completed questionnaires for demographic information and the thumbprints of both hands were obtained with the aid of ink. These were classified primarily as Whorl (W), Arch (A) or Loop (L). Handedness could be Right (R), Left (L) or Both (B). Data obtained from the subjects were subjected to descriptive statistics. Right handedness was the predominant; without left handedness, thus ambidexterity accounts for the remaining 3%. Most right-handed subjects had the Whorl right thumbprint pattern and the Loop left thumbprint pattern. Both handedness and thumbprints patterns vary between sexes, but to varying extents.  

Primary Health Care in Nigeria: From Conceptualization to Implementation

¹Aigbiremolen, A.O., ¹Alenoghena, I., ²Eboreime, E., ¹Abejegah, C.

¹Department of Community Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.

²National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abuja, Nigeria.

E-mail: drphonsus@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Primary Health Care (PHC) is a grass-root management approach to providing health care services to communities. Since the concept was first published in 1978, various countries have attained different levels of progress in implementing the strategy. This paper reviews the historical concepts that have driven primary health care in Nigeria. Current efforts at revitalizing primary health care in Nigeria include the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS), PHC Reviews, National Health Management Information System (NHMIS), and the Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week. In all, the role of the people, government, and health workers as critical stakeholders needs to be well defined and pursued in order to maximize the benefits of primary health care.

Cancer Screening by Computed Tomography Scanning in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Ghanaian Perspective.

Edmund K. Brakohiapa¹, Eric K. Ofori ², Jerry Coleman ³, William K. Antwi ⁴ and Klenam D. Tettey⁵

¹ University of Ghana Medical School,Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.

^{2, 4} School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.

^3, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.

⁵ Radiology Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.

E-mail: ebrakohiapa2000@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance when cancer management is concerned, since a good prognosis usually correlates well with a smaller tumour stage. This study aimed to ascertain the commonest sites of tumour occurrence, and the smallest size at which tumours can be detected using computed tomography scanning, to aid in advocacy for its use in early tumour detection. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using data extracted from request forms and corresponding radiological reports of 262 patients who presented for Computed Tomography (CT) scanning with a history indicative of a tumour at the Radiology Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in January 2011. The request forms and their corresponding reports were obtained from the departmental archives. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 was used to analyse the data collected descriptively. Fifty-eight patients had focal tumours, 31 (53.4%) were males whiles 27 (46.6%) were females. The mean age and standard deviation of the 58 patients was 50.2 years ± 17.8. The smallest tumour size was less than 2cm and the largest was greater than 10cm.The three commonest tumour sites recorded in this study were the brain, kidney and liver in decreasing order of frequency. The study has given an indication of the smallest size and the three most common sites of tumour occurrence in the study population. In view of the high radiation burden from CT scanning, diagnosing tumours using ultrasound would be more appropriate, except in obese individuals where ultrasonographic visualisation is limited.

Antimicrobial Properties of Crude Ethanolic Extract of Ficus exasperata Root

Abraham-O, J.¹, Odiba, P.A.¹, Okpanachi, E.², Miachi, O.E.¹ and Ocheja, F.B.¹

¹Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria.

²Amnesty Hospital Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria.

E-mail: josephoyiguh@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Pathogenic microorganisms are becoming increasingly resistant to existing antibiotics at alarming rates, creating problems in health care delivery in man and animals, thus shifting attention towards the use of herbs by traditional healers. Also several important drugs have been discovered from plants which are now synthesized chemically for commercial purposes. In this study, the ethanolic extract of F. exasperata was screened against Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fresh roots of F. exasperata were collected from its natural habitat and extraction carried out using Soxhlet extractor. Agar well diffusion method was used to determine the inhibitory property and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract at 300 mg/ml, 400 mg/ml and 500 mg/ml. The extract did exhibit antimicrobial property on S. typhi;antimicrobial effect was observed on S. dysenteriae at 500 mg/ml which is the MIC while P. aeruginosa was susceptible at 300 mg/ml thus having an MIC of < 300 mg/ml. The extract had activity on two of the organisms studied and could be a source of novel compound for the control of infections caused by these organisms. The active components responsible for the antimicrobial activity should be determined, separated and studied.