African
Journals Online
Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences
Volume
2, No. 1, January–June, 2003,
ISSN
1595–8272
ABSTRACTS
Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June 2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 1–6.
HIV/AIDS in Nigeria:
Rethinking Women’s Vulnerabilities beyond the Biomedical Paradigm
E. J. OTIVE-IGBUZOR
Microbiology Division, Nigerian Institute
of Medical Research, 6, Edmond Crescent, P.M.B. 2013, Yaba, Lagos.
Tel: 08023194776, 01–7744723
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 01–862865.
SUMMARY
HIV/AIDS has emerged as a major bane of sustainable development in
Africa. In addition to hindering further development, it is indeed turning back
the hands of the clock. HIV/AIDS is, for Africa, much more than another medical
problem as it creates hunger, illiteracy, and poverty and constitutes a
security risk. These factors in turn augur well for further spread of HIV/AIDS
and other diseases. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, bears 10% of
the African burden of 28 million out of about 37 million people living with HIV/AIDS
worldwide. A growing concern is the disproportionate increase in the number of
women living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. This paper critically examines factors
that promote the vulnerability of women to HIV infection under the patriarchal
system in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria.
Key WordS:Human rights, HIV/AIDS, patriarchy.
Nigerian Journal of
Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 7–11.
Human Low Density
Lipoprotein as a Vehicle of Atherosclerosis
J. C. Igweh* W. C. Nwafia** and F. E. Ejezie***
*Department of Physiology, College of
Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu.
**Department of Physiology, College of
Health Sciences, Abia State University Uturu, Abia State.
***Department of Medical Biochemistry
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus Enugu
SUMMARY
Low-density lipoproteins have been
sufficiently established as an important precursor of atherosclerosis. The
actual mechanism is still unclear, and the current technique of using
radioisotopes has clinical limitation. However, the current study techniques or
methods excellently elucidate the functional aspects of atherosclerosis.
KEY WORDS:
LDL,
Atherosclerosis, Radioisotopes, Endothelium.
Nigerian Journal of
Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 12–15.
Ascorbic Acid and
Beta-Carotene Alleviate Oxidative Effect of London King Size® Cigarette
Smoke on Tissue Lipids
A. I. AKINWANDE and A. O. A. ADEBULE
Department of Biochemistry,
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos,
Nigeria.
Correspondence:
Prof.
A. I. Akinwande
Department of Biochemistry,
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos,
Nigeria
SUMMARY
Cigarette smokers inhale many free radicals during smoking:
For example, in a puff of cigarette smoke that he takes, the gas phase contains
more than 1014 radicals.
Free radicals initiate many oxidative
reactions that damage tissues and cause diseases such as the lung cancer.
Non-smokers who stay around smokers when he is smoking are also exposed to the
free radicals. However, the quantum of free radicals that he inhales is much
less than that of smokers. Therefore, he may not be at the same risk as
smokers. The present study was to ascertain the effect of exposing male
Sprague-Dawley albino rats, non-smokers to one London King Size cigarette stick
smoke for 30 minutes daily for two weeks on the tissue lipids and if 50mg
ascorbic acid and or 0.6mg beta-carotene given orally per 100g body weight
daily would alleviate any tissue damage caused by the smoke. The result showed
that cigarette smoke accentuated the formation of malondialdehyde one of the
degradation products of lipid hydroperoxide in the liver, lungs and plasma.
Malondialdehyde production in the tissues was reduced by ascorbic acid and or
beta-carotene given daily to the rats. It is implied that ascorbic acid or
beta-carotene at the dose given overcomes the oxidative effect of London King
Size ® cigarette smoke on tissue lipids.
Key WordS:Cigarette smoke, malondialdehyde, Vitamin C,
beta-carotene.
Nigerian Journal of
Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 16–20.
Relationship between Dynamic Balance and
the Muscular Strength of the Non-paretic Lower Limbs of Patients with Post-stroke
Hemiplegia
O.
A. OLAWALE1, A. O. AJIBOYE2 and V. MADUAGWU2
1Physiotherapy
Department, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos
2Physiotherapy
Department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos.
Concept and research design, writing and
data analysis were provided by Mr Olawale. Subjects and institutional liaisons
were provided by Mrs. Ajiboye while Miss Maduagwu was in charge of data
collection, data analysis and writing.
We are highly grateful to Physiotherapy
Department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Miss O.O. Feyisetan for
facilities and equipment.
Correspondence:
Mr.
O. A. Olawale
Physiotherapy Department, College of
Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos
SUMMARY
Patients with stroke are faced with a
wide range of impairments, including diminished balance and increased postural
sway. The unaffected (non-paretic) lower limbs play a prominent role in the
maintenance of balance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship
between dynamic balance and the muscular strength of the unaffected lower limbs
in patients with stroke. Eighteen patients (12 men and 6 women) with
post-stroke hemiplegia were measured individually on dynamic balance and
muscular strength of the unaffected hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors
and knee extensors. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) was used
to determine whether significant relationships existed between dynamic balance
and the torque produced by the hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors and
knee extensors of the unaffected lower limbs. The mean age was 60.44 ± 5.64
years, while the mean weight was 67.67 ±10.99 kg. Eleven of the patients had
left-sided hemiplegia while seven had right-sided hemiplegia. Dynamic balance performance
was significantly related to the muscular strength of the hip flexors, hip
extensors, knee flexors and knee extensors of the unaffected lower limbs. It
was concluded that a major focus of rehabilitation programmes for patients with
stroke should include balance training and attention should be given to the
unaffected lower limbs in addition to the affected limbs.
KEY
WORDS: Stroke, Hemiplegia, Balance impairments,
Rehabilitation, Motor deficits.
Nigerian Journal
of Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June 2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 21–26.
The Awareness,
Beliefs and Practices regarding Schistosomiasis among Indigenes of Ile-Oluji,
Ondo State, Nigeria
N. C. AWUJO1*, S. N. CHINWEIKE-UMEH2
and S. O. KAZEEM2
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology,
College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]
2Department
of Biological Science, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria.
Correspondence:
N.
C. Awujo
Department
of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of
Lagos. P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]
SUMMARY
Questionnaires were randomly distributed
to 424 indigenes of Ile-Oluji, an endemic area in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local
Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. A high level of ignorance of what
schistosomiasis is all about was demonstrated by 30.2% of the studied
population. Out of the percentage of respondents claiming awareness, 40.2%,
38.2%, 8.4%, 8.1% and 5.1% were students, traders, civil servants, the
unemployed and farmers respectively. Although 8.25% of the studied population
had been infected with schistosomiasis, 38.9% were unsure if touching infected
persons could transmit the disease whilst a great number (43.9%) of them did not
also know whether infected snails in streams/rivers could transmit the disease.
The abysmally low knowledge of the clinical manifestations of the disease was
also apparent. The high number of completely inaccurate and/or contentious
responses on how schistosomiasis could be prevented is a also a major cause of
worry. This study serves as a preliminary investigation for more detailed
epidemiological study of both infections in this locality. Following the
validation of the questionnaire, public awareness campaigns are strongly
recommended as a first step for community-based morbidity control programmes in
the country.
Key WordS:Schistosomiasis, awareness, beliefs, practices, Ondo
State, Nigeria.
Nigerian Journal of
Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 27–30.
The Effect of
Aqueous Root Extract of Watherian Indica on
Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle Activity
YUSUF SADIQ, ALIYU MOHAMMED AND OMOTOSHO WASILAT
TITILAYO
Department of Human
Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Correspondence:
Yusuf
Sadiq
Department of Human
Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
E-mail: [email protected]
SUMMARY
Watherian indica is a dicotyledonous shrub used in the treatment of
diarrhoea in Northern Nigeria. It consists of a well-defined mixture of
flavonoids, saponins, sugars, alkaloids and mucilage. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments
of the aqueous extract were done. The study to determine the in vivo effect of aqueous root extract
of the shrub was on the gastrointestinal transit in conscious rats. In the in vivo experiment, fasted rats were
given 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg of the extract orally and 15 minutes later, 0.5ml
of 10% charcoal (BaSO4. H2O) was administered into the
conscious animals. The control group received the vehicle (normal saline)
before charcoal meal. In the in vitro experiment,
the effect of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8mg/ml of the extract on the frequency and
strength of contraction of an isolated rabbit jejunum was determined using a
multi-channel physiograph (model PMP-4B). The result of the study indicates
that Watherian indica root extract
delays the gastrointestinal transit and inhibit the strength and rate of
gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction in a dose dependent manner. These
experimental results suggest that Watherian
indica inhibits the normal peristaltic movement of the gastrointestinal
tract. As a result, its anti-diarrhoea properties may be mediated through
modification of mechanical activity of the intestinal smooth muscle.
Key WordS:Watherian indica, gastrointestinal transit,
charcoal, diarrhoeal, rabbit jejunum.
Nigerian
Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June 2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 31–34.
The Anti-ovulatory
Effect of a Seed Extract of Ricinus
Communis-linn
*R. T. McNeil, C.C. Noronha, **T. O. Kusemiju and A. O.
Okanlawon
Department
of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P. m. b 12003 Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Correspondence to:
A.
O. Okanlawon
Department of Anatomy, University of
Lagos, P. M. B. 12003, Lagos – Nigeria.
*Present
Address: Department of Anatomy University of Jos,
P. M. B. 2084, Jos, Nigeria.
**Present
Address: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic
Medical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos,
Nigeria.
SUMMARY
Antiovulatory effects of castor bean extract (CBE)
were evaluated in cyclic female Sprague-Dawley rats. Adult cyclic female
Sprague-Dawley rats on different days of the estrous cycle were administered
0.6g and 1.2g per kg body weight of an ether-soluble fraction of a methanolic
extract of the castor bean (Ricinus
communis-Linn) variation minor. The effects of these treatments on the
length of the estrous cycle was studied by both the recording of vaginal smears
daily and by direct visualization of oocyte-cumulus complexes on the ensuing
day of estrus (10.00 h-12.00 h). Results showed that the drug has significant
dose-dependent anti-ovulatory property and was more effective when administered
before proestrus. The estrus cycle especially the dioestrus phase was
significantly prolonged. Thus, CBE treatment significantly altered natural
ovulation times. However there was resumption of normal estrus cycle 10 days
after stopping the administration of CBE. Our results suggest that CBE altered
the pattern of estrogen secretion/levels, and this led to delayed luteolysis.
This finding plus distruption of the estrous cycle may be due to a direct
effect on the ovary or the hypothalamo-hypophysial-ovarian axis. Many of these
effects could be explained, in part, by interference with estrogen. We conclude
that CBE is capable of direct actions to impair reproductive processes in
female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Key WordS:Ricinus Communis-linn, Ovulation, Seed Extract.
Nigerian Journal of Health and
Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 35–39.
Nutritive-Element
Interactions: A Review
J. B. ADEKALU
Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Badagry Express
Way, Ojo, P.m.b 1087, Apapa,
Lagos State.
SUMMARY
There is ample evidence that competitive mineral
interactions take place in organism between
nutritive elements as well as non-nutritive elements. These interactions could
potentially occur within a food or food system at the site of absorption yet
metabolically active site. The competition may be between two nutritive
elements, a nutritive and non-nutritive element or between two toxic elements.
Thus, elemental interactions may be deleterious or potentially advantageous,
depending on the element and/or interactions in view. Elemental interactions
that are of nutritional or pharmacological significance in mammals include the
Zn – Cu antagonism, the Fe – Cu effects, Fe – Zn effect, Na – K interaction, Mg2+
– Ca2+ effect, and Mg – Zn interaction. The major competitive
mineral interactions are discussed in detail, wherever possible, with the
clinical disorders that might be produced as a consequence of the interaction
in question.
Key WordS:Interaction, trace elements, major elements,
Nutritive elements.
Nigerian Journal of
Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 40–46.
The Effect of
Crude Extract of Garcinia Kola Seed on the Histology and Hormonal Milieu
of Male Sprague-Dawley Rats’ Reproductive Organs
A. O. AKPANTAH*, A. A.
OREMOSU*, M. O. AJALA**, C. C. NORONHA* and A. O. OKANLAWON*
*Department
of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos,
Nigeria.
**Department
of Chemical Pathology, General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
Correspondence:
Dr. A. O. Okanlawon,
Department
of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos.
SUMMARY
Effect of Garcinia Kola (G. kola) on
various organs has been widely reported in literature, however, there is a dearth
of literature on its effect in the reproductive system. 45 adult Sprague-Dawley
(S-D) rats were used. The animals were divided into two experimental groups,
‘A’ and ‘B’ and a control group ‘C’. The experimental groups ‘A’ and ‘B’
received oral dose 100mg/kg b.w. of crude extract G. kola seeds six days/week
for 2 and 8 weeks respectively. Histological sections prepared at the end of
the study period revealed no significant changes in the seminiferous tubular
cytoarchitecture. Increased secretions were observed in the lumen of the
prostate gland and seminal vesicle when compared with the control. There was a
slight reduction in the luminal spermatozoa volume within the epididymis in the
test groups. Semen analysis revealed a significant reduction of sperm
concentration in the eight weeks group. Sperm concentration values of 60.28 ±
1.08 x 106/ml were obtained for the control, 58.23 ± 0.89 x 106/ml
and 46.14 ± 1.80 x 106/ml for the two and eight weeks experimental
groups respectively (p<0.05). The hormonal assay showed a significant
increase in serum peripheral levels of testosterone when compared with control.
Mean values of 2.93 ± 0.53ng/ml, 2.96 ± 0.05ng/ml and 5.13 ± 1.70ng/ml were
obtained for control, 2 and 8 weeks experimental groups respectively. There was
a reduction in testicular weight and attendant increases in weights of the
prostate gland and seminal vesicle in the experimental animals. These results
suggest that G. Kola seed produces a reduction in sperm concentration which is
duration dependent.
KEY WORDS: Garcinia
Kola; hormonal milieu; male reproductive organs.
Nigerian Journal of
Health and Biomedical Sciences January–June
2003, Vol. 2, No. 1, 47–49.
An Unusual Case of
Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Mandible
W. L. ADEYEMO, A. L. LADEINDE, M. O. OGUNLEWE
and B. O. BAMGBOSE
Department
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, College of
Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos, Nigeria.
Correspondence:
Dr.
A. L. Ladeinde
Department
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Sciences, College of
Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, P.M.B. 12003, Lagos Nigeria. Tel: –+234–8023163469.
SUMMARY
Chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible
subsequent to skin infection is extremely rare. A 7-year old school girl
presented with a localized chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible of
about 15 months duration, due to spread from skin infection. The patient was
subsequently treated by surgical excision of the sinus tract, necrotic tissue,
granulation tissue and specks of sequestra in the bony lesion as well as
antibiotic therapy. Healing was uneventful.
Key WordS:Unusual case, chronic osteomyelitis.
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