Asymptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) of bacterial and parasitic origins occur in both males and females where bacteria and/or parasites are present in the urine, with the absence of clinical signs or symptoms ...Asymptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) of bacterial and parasitic origins occur in both males and females where bacteria and/or parasites are present in the urine, with the absence of clinical signs or symptoms in the host. Using microbiological methods, mid-stream urine collected from sixty (60) Redeemer’s University students comprising apparently healthy 30 male and 30 female undergraduate students were examined. The samples were cultured on CLED and MacConkey agar. Bacteriuria was observed in 15 (25%) of the samples while there was no significant growth in 34 (56.7%), and no growth in 11 (18.3%). Prevalence of significant bacteriuria was higher in females 11 (73.3%) than males 4 (26.7%). The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp, and Klebsiella spp. The isolates were resistant to amoxycillin, augumentin and cotrimoxazole but most were highly susceptible to ofloxacin. Schistosoma haematobium and Trichomonas vaginalis were the two asymptomatic UTI-causing parasites isolated from the samples used in this study. Out of the 30 males examined using the microscopy method, 1 (1.67%) had T. vaginalis while the females had higher prevalence of 2 (3.33%) out of 30 females examined. Out of the overall participants examined for S. haematobium eggs, 15 (25%) had Schistosomiasis in which the males had higher prevalence of 10 (33.33%) while the females had 5 (16.67%). These results are lower than those observed in similar rural communities in Nigeria possibly due to effective health education, availability of potable water, higher-than average income and hygienic practices on Redemption Camp, Ogun State, Nigeria.展开更多
The world will benefit from more effective antimicrobial agents against oral conditions arising from the actions of biofilm forming bacteria. Also, information is lacking on the oral biofilm-forming bacterial diversit...The world will benefit from more effective antimicrobial agents against oral conditions arising from the actions of biofilm forming bacteria. Also, information is lacking on the oral biofilm-forming bacterial diversity in Southwestern Nigeria. In this study, we isolate and characterize oral biofilm producing bacteria in the oral cavities of schoolchildren in Southwestern Nigeria. We also investigate the antimicrobial properties of Macrosphyra longistyla extracts against the biofilm-formers and the toxicity of potent extracts. Samples were obtained from 109 schoolchildren aged 4 - 14 years from Lagos, Oyo and Osun States. Agar well diffusion technique was used in the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Toxicity testing was done using brine shrimps (Artemia salina). Biofilm-formers in this study are Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Micrococcus sp. Ethanol leaf extracts had the highest activity against all biofilm-producing bacteria. Ethanol stem bark extract, which elicited activity against Klebsiella only, was found to be less toxic than the ethanol leaf extract. Staphylococcus showed >10 mm susceptibility to the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla. Streptococcus and Micrococcus were susceptible to the antimicrobial actions of the ethanolic leaf extracts. Although the ethanol extracts of the leaves had lower minimum inhibitory concentrations than the ethanol extracts of the stem bark, toxicity studies showed ethanol extracts of the stem-bark to be more toxic than the ethanol extracts of the leaves. In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla show potential as sources of antimicrobials against gram-positive, oral biofilm-forming bacteria.展开更多
The physicochemical characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seed oil were investigated. Iodine value, saponification value, percentage free fatty acid (FFA), acid value, and peroxide value were the chemical parameters e...The physicochemical characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seed oil were investigated. Iodine value, saponification value, percentage free fatty acid (FFA), acid value, and peroxide value were the chemical parameters examined in the oil analysis, while specific gravity and refractive index were examined as physical parameters. The results showed that the acid value was 1.18 ± 0.01, the saponification value was 191.76 ± 0.01 mgKOH/gm, and the iodine value was 102.79 ± 0.01. It contained 0.59 ± 0.01 percent free fatty acid. The value of peroxide was 6.83 ± 0.01 meq/kg. The results showed that the refractive index was 1.462 ± 0.02 and the specific gravity was 0.9194 ± 0.04. The established parameters fell within the worldwide and Nigerian vegetable oil industry standards.展开更多
The introduction of new technologies has had a significant influence on teaching, learning and research activities in universities. This has offered university libraries opportunities to provide information resources ...The introduction of new technologies has had a significant influence on teaching, learning and research activities in universities. This has offered university libraries opportunities to provide information resources in a variety of formats. This study investigated the influence of information literacy skills on postgraduate students’ use of electronic resources in private university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. The study population comprised 2805 postgraduate students in five private universities offering postgraduate programmes in South-West, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection process. A purposive selection of four faculties from each of the five universities was carried out. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 550 postgraduate students as the respondents for the study. Findings revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between information literacy skills and use of electronic resources (r = 0.28, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the utilization of electronic resources promoted access to current information among postgraduate students in the selected private universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommended that the management of private university libraries should ensure a continuous provision of electronic resources with adequate information communication technology tools to facilitate their use.展开更多
In recent years, road accident fatalities in Nigeria have continued to be on the increase. Thus, urgent attention is needed to reduce or eliminate road accidents fatalities. To achieve this goal, the cumulative sum (C...In recent years, road accident fatalities in Nigeria have continued to be on the increase. Thus, urgent attention is needed to reduce or eliminate road accidents fatalities. To achieve this goal, the cumulative sum (Cusum) control chart scheme was designed for monitoring the road accident fatalities using the recorded occurrence of road accident fatalities in a state in the western part of Nigeria. The designed Cusum detects the period of the years when the highest occurrence of road accident fatalities occurred. These periods were observed to be festive periods such as Christmas, Easter, Eid-el- Kabir, and Eid-el-Moluod. Therefore, the festive periods of the year should be used as benchmark by road managers as periods where more attention or precaution measure should be put in place on the roads to drastically reduce or eliminate high occurrence of road accident fatalities. The designed Cusum control chart can be adapted for other states in the country and also for the larger society for detecting the periods when the rate of death as a result of road accidents was prevalent.展开更多
Deterioration and loss of quality of vegetable oil is a big challenge in the food industry.This study investigated the synthesis of nickel ferrite(Ni Fe_(2)_(O4))via co-precipitation method and its use for the removal...Deterioration and loss of quality of vegetable oil is a big challenge in the food industry.This study investigated the synthesis of nickel ferrite(Ni Fe_(2)_(O4))via co-precipitation method and its use for the removal of free fatty acids(FFAs)in deteriorated vegetable oil.Ni Fe2 O4 was characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),thermogravimetric(TG)analysis,Brunauer–Emm ett–Teller(BET)surface area,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX).Synthesis of Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)was confirmed by characterization,which revealed a BET surface area of 16.30 m^(2)·g^(-1)and crystallite size of 29 nm.Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)exhibited an adsorption capacity of 145.20 L·kg^(-1)towards FFAs with an 80.69%removal in a process,which obeys Langmuir isotherm and can be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.The process has enthalpy(DH)of 11.251 k Jámolà1 and entropy(DS)of 0.038 k J·mol^(-1)K^(-1)with negative free energy change(DG),which suggests the process to be spontaneous and endothermic.The quantum chemical computation analysis via density functional theory further revealed the sorption mechanism of FFAs by Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)occurred via donor–acceptor interaction,which may be described by the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)and the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO).The study showed Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)to be a potential means that can remove FFAs from deteriorated vegetable oil.展开更多
In this project, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">assessment</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;&quo...In this project, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">assessment</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">food service</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> quality of two restaurants in Lagos was carried out. The study assessed </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">quality</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of food served in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Chicken</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Republic compared with Mega Chicken. Three hundred (300) copies of questionnaires were administered to the customers in Chicken Republic Restaurant while two hundred (200) copies </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">questionnaires</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were administered to the customer in Mega Chicken Restaurant. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In order to</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> analyze the data, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">simple</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> percentage method was adopted in which the respondents responded to variables like, quality of services, quality of food, healthy food, price and value </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> condition of </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">environment</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> as factors that determine their patronage. The result of the study showed that the customers prefer Mega Chicken. It also showed that there is a relationship between the customers’ satisfaction and customer patronage in a choice of restaurant. The result of the project could be of use to the intending </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">restaurants</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> operators to understand the trend and determinants of customers’ patronage. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Recommendation</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> is made that restaurant</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s operation should intensify effort for training and retraining of the staff on customer delight.展开更多
The advent of information communication technology in the information environment has brought dramatic changes in the way information is being handled and managed today. This wind of change engineered by ICT has also ...The advent of information communication technology in the information environment has brought dramatic changes in the way information is being handled and managed today. This wind of change engineered by ICT has also changed the information seeking behavior of users making them to place more demands on libraries. There is a need for libraries to strive to be effective in their services to customers in order to remain relevant in the information age. The paper considered the deployment of soft skills expressed in terms of staff appearance, approachability, effective communication, positive attitude, ability to cope in difficult situation, and so on, for more effective customer services in the 21st century library. The paper concluded that, effective customer service in libraries is imperative in the 21st century library as it will make library users feel important, improves learning, increases patronage, and promotes library and university image. The outcome of this paper will help the management of libraries irrespective of the type to be more effective in the services they render to their clients. This will ultimately increase patronage and clients retention.展开更多
Pedicle screw is employed in several cases of spine disorders such as fractures, pseudarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes among others. Its essence is to fix the vertebral body in position until fusion ...Pedicle screw is employed in several cases of spine disorders such as fractures, pseudarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes among others. Its essence is to fix the vertebral body in position until fusion is complete. The success of this technique depends on factors like choice of size of screw for a particular pedicle size and shape. Thus, adequate knowledge of the morphometry of lumbar pedicle may avert intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with this technique, especially, neurological impairments. In this study, we determined the vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance and gender differences of 180 lumbar vertebral pedicles (140 male, 40 female pedicles) using digital vernier calipers. Results revealed a significant increase in pedicle height and width from L2 to L5. Interpedicular distance increased significantly down the vertebrae from L2 to L5. Mean vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance were not significantly different in both sexes. This study recommends a thorough check of individual’s spinal anatomy in pre-operative assessments.展开更多
[(η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2PPh3I] undergoes solid state transformation on the formation of a good pellet for FT IR measurement. There was a formation of the products mixture on pelleting using different diluents of group I m...[(η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2PPh3I] undergoes solid state transformation on the formation of a good pellet for FT IR measurement. There was a formation of the products mixture on pelleting using different diluents of group I metal salts on either the cis or the trans isomer of the [(η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2PPh3I] complex. The cis or the trans isomer gave the same IR spectra i.e. a mixture of cis and trans isomer of the complex. It does not matter the isomer started with in the course of solid state transformation reaction, an equilibrium ratio of 30/70 (trans/cis) will still be achieved. The solid state IR spectra show very strong peaks at νco 1957, 1947 and strong peaks at 1867, 1853 cm–1. The individual IR cis/trans isomer will therefore show at 1947 and 1853/1957 and 1867 cm–1. The solution IR spectra gave, cis = 1961, 1875 and trans = 1963, 1882 cm–1 in dry CHCl3. Hence, most of the solid state IR measurement of the organometallic complex of the type (η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2(PPh3)I on pelleting will give isomer mixture.展开更多
Bootstrap methods are considered in the application of statistical process control because they can deal with unknown distributions and are easy to calculate using a personal computer. In this study we propose the use...Bootstrap methods are considered in the application of statistical process control because they can deal with unknown distributions and are easy to calculate using a personal computer. In this study we propose the use of bootstrap-t multivariate control technique on the minimax control chart. The technique takes care of correlated variables as well as the requirement of the distributional assumptions needed for the operation of the minimax control chart. The bootstrap-t technique provides the mean θB of all the bootstrap estimators ** where θi is the estimate using the ith bootstrap sample and B is the number of bootstraps. The computation of the proposed bootstrap-t minimax statistic was performed on the values obtained from the bootstrap estimation. This method was used to determine the position of the four control limits of the minimax control chart. The bootstrap-t approach introduced to minimax multivariate control chart helps to detect shifts in the mean vector of a multivariate process and it overcomes the computational complexity of obtaining the distribution of multivariate data.展开更多
This paper examines the life of Africans,using literature to discuss movements from Africa to other parts of the world as Diasporas.Such movements begin with slavery,to political asylum being sought and now self-initi...This paper examines the life of Africans,using literature to discuss movements from Africa to other parts of the world as Diasporas.Such movements begin with slavery,to political asylum being sought and now self-initiated movements for trade,education,and labour for the facilitation of both information and industrial development.Relevant literatures are reviewed and analysed for their symbolic implications beyond the texts in order to establish the dialectic of facts and fiction.The relevant literatures include:Olaudah Equaino’s(1789)Equaino’s Travels,Joseph Conrad’s(1995)Heart of Darkness and Other Stories,and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s(2008)Trafficked.This paper posits that prior to the 15th century,Africans were free in their natural milieu with either no threat to their lives or being alienated from their ancestral homes until the period of slavery.Sequel to the attainment of independence by most African countries with the hope for self-governance and development,corruption,civil wars,foreign debts,economic depression,famine,and poverty truncate the people’s hope for better living.African citizens therefore seek refuge abroad in countries with viable economy.With globalization,not only education and culture play significant roles,but also modern technology especially information and communication technology(ICT)play key roles in population drift in trade.There lies an absurdity that Africans now flee their once free homeland or countries to foreign lands which are perceived as“heaven on earth”because of their functional systems through effective governance.Thus,this paper concludes that new movements and new Africans in the Diaspora are self-initiated,imposed,and motivated irrespective of their being alienated from home and the risks involved since the end will justify the means.展开更多
An evaluation of Radar Precipitation Feature (RPF) characteristics and distribution of convective intensity is performed across 12 regions in West Africa. Results presented in this study have shown that these characte...An evaluation of Radar Precipitation Feature (RPF) characteristics and distribution of convective intensity is performed across 12 regions in West Africa. Results presented in this study have shown that these characteristics over West Africa revealed interesting results which were not observed on a larger spatial scale. The ice scattering characteristics and heights attained by the 15, 20, 30, and 40 dBZ echoes show patterns that agree with the season and movement of the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD). Some locations in the Western-coast rainforest, Nigeria/Cameroon rainforest and South Sudan savannah had strong potential for convective intensity during MAM, JJA, and SON as shown by their 37-GHz and 85-GHz PCT which fell below 250 K and 225 K respectively while the maximum height attained by their 20 dBZ, 30 dBZ and 40 dBZ are well above the freezing level in those locations. One result revealed a location on the eastern part of south-central Sahel (SC Sahel) where the maximum height attained by the 30 dBZ reflectivity is above 12 km and the maximum height attained by the 40 dBZ reflectivity is above 10 km during SON. The 37-GHz and 85-GHz PCT for this particular location are below 215 K and 150 K respectively indicating a very strong potential for intense convection and hence destructive storms. The distribution of convective intensity, considering only the 85-GHz PCT ice scattering signature, revealed that the percentage of convective intensity increases, especially in the rainforest and savannah, as the ITD shifts northwards during MAM, JJA and during its retreat in SON.展开更多
Most destinations around the world are alike in the services delivered to the tourists.Hence,it is becoming difficult for tourists to differentiate one destination from the other due to the similarity of resources,act...Most destinations around the world are alike in the services delivered to the tourists.Hence,it is becoming difficult for tourists to differentiate one destination from the other due to the similarity of resources,activities,and other services.Tourism destination,just like any other product,requires a distinguishing factor and that is where branding comes into play.Hence the aim of the study is to critically examine the impact of hotel brands on the branding of a destination.展开更多
Objective:Myocardial infarction(MI)is linked to an imbalance in the supply and demand of blood oxygen in the heart muscles.Beta-blockers and calcium antagonists are just two of the common medications used to treat MI....Objective:Myocardial infarction(MI)is linked to an imbalance in the supply and demand of blood oxygen in the heart muscles.Beta-blockers and calcium antagonists are just two of the common medications used to treat MI.However,these have reportedly been shown to be either ineffective or to have undesirable side effects.Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves(GBE),a Chinese herbal product offers special compatibility benefits in therapeutic settings relating to inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress.In order to better understand how GBE affects MI in rats insulted by isoprenaline(ISO),the current study was designed.Methods:The heart weight index,serum lipid profile,cardiac marker enzymes,endogenous antioxidants[catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),nitrites and malondialdehyde(MDA)],inflammatory mediators[tumour necrosis factor alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)],immunohistochemical expressions of B-cell lymphoma factor-2(Bcl-2),extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)and histopathological analysis were used to assess the cardioprotective properties of GBE.Results:The findings showed that GBE effectively attenuated myocardial infarction by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defense system and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines as well as heart injury marker enzymes.The expression of Bcl-2,ERK1/2 and mTOR was increased while the histomorphological alterations were reversed.Conclusion:The cardioprotective effects of GBE may be due to a mechanism involving increased Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na^(+),K^(+)-ATPase activity.展开更多
Introduction:The collodiaphyseal angle(CDA)is an angle formed between the femoral neck and femoral shaft axes.It is a vital determinant of femoral neck fracture as narrower angle is often used as a predictor of stress...Introduction:The collodiaphyseal angle(CDA)is an angle formed between the femoral neck and femoral shaft axes.It is a vital determinant of femoral neck fracture as narrower angle is often used as a predictor of stress fracture.It is also important in orthopedic treatment planning,especially hip replacement surgery.Aim:This study was carried out to evaluate the CDA values among the Bini tribe and elucidate its significance.Methodology:This study employed 200 anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs of the Bini tribe(100 males and 100 females)aged between 25 and 55 years obtained from selected radiological diagnostic centers in Benin City,Nigeria,after obtaining the Institutional Ethical Approval.They were used to evaluate the right and left CDA as an angle formed by intersection of the femoral neck and shaft axes and measured using the goniometer.Data were statistically analyzed using IBM-SPSS(version 20)with the mean,standard deviation,and range evaluated,and side and gender comparisons were done using t-test,and P<0.05 was set as statistically significant level.Results:The average CDA was 135.56°±5.75°and 131.67°±6.15°in males and females,respectively.This angle showed significant gender differences bilaterally(P<0.05).However,the bilateral differences in the CDA were not statistically significant among either male or female Binis(P>0.05).Conclusion:The CDA can be employed as a morphometric indicator of sexual differences and for other clinical applications.展开更多
Hypertension(HTN)is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30%of the adult population globally,with a growing incidence rate.This review assesses the relationship between health literacy(HL)interventio...Hypertension(HTN)is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30%of the adult population globally,with a growing incidence rate.This review assesses the relationship between health literacy(HL)intervention and hypertension(HTN)self-management among people with HTN.The study design was a systematic review of empirical research articles using a well-defined strategy.Online journals were accessed through databases such as PubMed,CINAHL,Google Scholar,ProQuest,Global Health,WHOLIS,Embase,and EbscoHost,spanning from January 2016 to December 2022 as the scope of the study.Articles selected for inclusion were those published in English during the specified time frame and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Sample,Phenomenon of Interest,Design,Evaluation,Research Type framework for systematic review,focusing on criteria related to the sample,the phenomenon of interest,study design,evaluation,and research type.Out of 180 studies initially identified in the database search,20 studies were ultimately included in the review.The findings were reported based on these five emerging themes:Relationship between HL and HTN self-management;Effect of HL intervention on HTN self-management;Factors predicting self-care behaviors among HTN patients with low HL;Effect of HL and self-management efficacy on health-related quality of life(HRQoL);and level of self-care practices.This review highlights a relationship between HL,self-efficacy,self-care,and HRQoL,underscoring the necessity for further well-designed intervention studies focused on enhancing HL in individuals with HTN in Nigeria to enhance their quality of life.展开更多
The occurrence of vibrational resonance(VR)in a dual-frequency-driven multistable system with a spatially varying mass modelling particle with position-dependent mass(PDM)and evolving in a one-dimensional symmetric pe...The occurrence of vibrational resonance(VR)in a dual-frequency-driven multistable system with a spatially varying mass modelling particle with position-dependent mass(PDM)and evolving in a one-dimensional symmetric periodic potential has been investigated and reported in this paper.We numerically compute and analyze the response amplitude,the effects of the PDM parameters(m0,a)on the potential structure,the occurrence of VR and the bifurcation of the equilibrium points.It is shown that the PDM parameters,besides controlling VR,can induce unconventional resonance patterns through the variation of the potential well depth.The resonant states can be influenced through the cooperation of the PDM parameters and the external forcing leading the system from multiresonance state into single and double resonance states.The contributions of the fixed rest mass m0 on the VR and the PDM-induced resonance are determined by threshold conditions imposed by the magnitude of the mass nonlinear strength a.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of different extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis on the testis and epididymal sperms of rats.Methods:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 10 groups(n=5 in each group)...Objective:To investigate the effects of different extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis on the testis and epididymal sperms of rats.Methods:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 10 groups(n=5 in each group)and orally treated with 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight each of methanol,aqueous ethanol(H-EtOH)and chloroform extracts of A.djalonensis.Corn oil was used as vehicle(2 mL/kg).After 60 days of treatment,testosterone(T)and cholesterol(CHOL)concentrations,catalase(CAT),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(3β-HSD)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activities in the testes along with myeloperoxidase(MPO)activities and nitrite concentrations(NO)in the serum and testes as well as sperm quality were measured.Results:T and CHOL concentrations along with 3β-HSD activity were significantly higher in the animals treated with the low dose than in those treated with the high dose of the chloroform extract(P<0.05).Furthermore,the chloroform extract was more effective than the methanol extract that had the most marginal effect on T level at the high dose and the H-Et OH extract that was only effective at the medium dose.LDH activity was dose-dependently increased by the extracts in all groups.The CAT-SOD antioxidant system was increased in the treated animals at all doses compared to the control values,but the increase in glutathione level reached significant level in those treated with the low dose H-Et OH aqueous ethanol extract(P<0.05).Only the high dose of chloroform extract had significant inhibitory effects on MPO activity(P<0.05).Serum NO concentration was decreased at all doses of the extracts.The inhibitory effects of the extracts on testicular NO concentrations follow this order,chloroform extract>H-Et OH>methanol.Although all extracts at all doses showed excellent stimulatory effects on sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),the methanol extract at the high dose was the most effective on sperm count(P<0.05).Conclusion:The chloroform extract of A.djalonensis has better androgen-like and anti-inflammatory effects whereas the methanol extract has the best effect on sperm count.展开更多
Background:Artemisinin-based combination treatments(ACTs)are the first-line treatments of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in many endemic areas but there are few evaluation of their efficacy in anaemic mal...Background:Artemisinin-based combination treatments(ACTs)are the first-line treatments of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in many endemic areas but there are few evaluation of their efficacy in anaemic malarious children.Methods:Therapeutic efficacy of 3-day regimens of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine was evaluated in 437 anaemic and 909 non-anaemic malarious children following treatment during a seven-year period(2008-2014).Patterns of temporal changes in haematocrit were classified based on haematocrit values<30%and≥30%.Kinetics of the disposition of the deficit in haematocrit from 30%following treatment were evaluated using a non-compartment model.Results:PCR-corrected parasitological efficacy 28 days after start of treatment was significantly higher in artesunateamodiaquine-compared to artemether-lumefantrine-treated children[97%(95%CI:92.8-100)versus 96.4%(95%CI:91.3-99.4),P=0.02],but it was similar in non-anaemic and anaemic children.Fall in haematocrit/1000 asexual parasites cleared from peripheral blood was significantly greater at lower compared to higher parasitaemias(P<0.0001),and in non-anaemic compared to anaemic children(P=0.007).In anaemic children at presentation,mean anaemia recovery time(AnRT)was 15.4 days(95%CI:13.3-17.4)and it did not change over the years.Declines in haematocrit deficits from 30%were monoexponential with mean estimated half-time of 1.4 days(95%CI:1.2-1.6).Anaemia half-time(t_(1/2anaemia))correlated positively with AnRT in the same patients(r=0.69,P<0.0001).Bland-Altman analysis of 10 multiples of t_(1/2anaemia) and AnRT showed narrow limit of agreement with insignificant bias(P=0.07)suggesting both can be used interchangeably in the same patients.Conclusions:Artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine remain efficacious treatments of uncomplicated P.falciparum infections in non-anaemic and anaemic Nigerian children in the last 7 years of adoption as first-line treatments.These ACTs may also conserve haematocrit at high parasitaemias and in anaemic children.Trials registration:Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201508001188143,3 July 2015;PACTR201510001189370,3 July 2015;PACTR201508001191898,7 July 2015 and PACTR201508001193368,8 July 2015.展开更多
文摘Asymptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) of bacterial and parasitic origins occur in both males and females where bacteria and/or parasites are present in the urine, with the absence of clinical signs or symptoms in the host. Using microbiological methods, mid-stream urine collected from sixty (60) Redeemer’s University students comprising apparently healthy 30 male and 30 female undergraduate students were examined. The samples were cultured on CLED and MacConkey agar. Bacteriuria was observed in 15 (25%) of the samples while there was no significant growth in 34 (56.7%), and no growth in 11 (18.3%). Prevalence of significant bacteriuria was higher in females 11 (73.3%) than males 4 (26.7%). The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp, and Klebsiella spp. The isolates were resistant to amoxycillin, augumentin and cotrimoxazole but most were highly susceptible to ofloxacin. Schistosoma haematobium and Trichomonas vaginalis were the two asymptomatic UTI-causing parasites isolated from the samples used in this study. Out of the 30 males examined using the microscopy method, 1 (1.67%) had T. vaginalis while the females had higher prevalence of 2 (3.33%) out of 30 females examined. Out of the overall participants examined for S. haematobium eggs, 15 (25%) had Schistosomiasis in which the males had higher prevalence of 10 (33.33%) while the females had 5 (16.67%). These results are lower than those observed in similar rural communities in Nigeria possibly due to effective health education, availability of potable water, higher-than average income and hygienic practices on Redemption Camp, Ogun State, Nigeria.
文摘The world will benefit from more effective antimicrobial agents against oral conditions arising from the actions of biofilm forming bacteria. Also, information is lacking on the oral biofilm-forming bacterial diversity in Southwestern Nigeria. In this study, we isolate and characterize oral biofilm producing bacteria in the oral cavities of schoolchildren in Southwestern Nigeria. We also investigate the antimicrobial properties of Macrosphyra longistyla extracts against the biofilm-formers and the toxicity of potent extracts. Samples were obtained from 109 schoolchildren aged 4 - 14 years from Lagos, Oyo and Osun States. Agar well diffusion technique was used in the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Toxicity testing was done using brine shrimps (Artemia salina). Biofilm-formers in this study are Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Micrococcus sp. Ethanol leaf extracts had the highest activity against all biofilm-producing bacteria. Ethanol stem bark extract, which elicited activity against Klebsiella only, was found to be less toxic than the ethanol leaf extract. Staphylococcus showed >10 mm susceptibility to the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla. Streptococcus and Micrococcus were susceptible to the antimicrobial actions of the ethanolic leaf extracts. Although the ethanol extracts of the leaves had lower minimum inhibitory concentrations than the ethanol extracts of the stem bark, toxicity studies showed ethanol extracts of the stem-bark to be more toxic than the ethanol extracts of the leaves. In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla show potential as sources of antimicrobials against gram-positive, oral biofilm-forming bacteria.
文摘The physicochemical characteristics of Khaya senegalensis seed oil were investigated. Iodine value, saponification value, percentage free fatty acid (FFA), acid value, and peroxide value were the chemical parameters examined in the oil analysis, while specific gravity and refractive index were examined as physical parameters. The results showed that the acid value was 1.18 ± 0.01, the saponification value was 191.76 ± 0.01 mgKOH/gm, and the iodine value was 102.79 ± 0.01. It contained 0.59 ± 0.01 percent free fatty acid. The value of peroxide was 6.83 ± 0.01 meq/kg. The results showed that the refractive index was 1.462 ± 0.02 and the specific gravity was 0.9194 ± 0.04. The established parameters fell within the worldwide and Nigerian vegetable oil industry standards.
文摘The introduction of new technologies has had a significant influence on teaching, learning and research activities in universities. This has offered university libraries opportunities to provide information resources in a variety of formats. This study investigated the influence of information literacy skills on postgraduate students’ use of electronic resources in private university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. The study population comprised 2805 postgraduate students in five private universities offering postgraduate programmes in South-West, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection process. A purposive selection of four faculties from each of the five universities was carried out. Proportionate sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 550 postgraduate students as the respondents for the study. Findings revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between information literacy skills and use of electronic resources (r = 0.28, p < 0.05). The study concluded that the utilization of electronic resources promoted access to current information among postgraduate students in the selected private universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommended that the management of private university libraries should ensure a continuous provision of electronic resources with adequate information communication technology tools to facilitate their use.
文摘In recent years, road accident fatalities in Nigeria have continued to be on the increase. Thus, urgent attention is needed to reduce or eliminate road accidents fatalities. To achieve this goal, the cumulative sum (Cusum) control chart scheme was designed for monitoring the road accident fatalities using the recorded occurrence of road accident fatalities in a state in the western part of Nigeria. The designed Cusum detects the period of the years when the highest occurrence of road accident fatalities occurred. These periods were observed to be festive periods such as Christmas, Easter, Eid-el- Kabir, and Eid-el-Moluod. Therefore, the festive periods of the year should be used as benchmark by road managers as periods where more attention or precaution measure should be put in place on the roads to drastically reduce or eliminate high occurrence of road accident fatalities. The designed Cusum control chart can be adapted for other states in the country and also for the larger society for detecting the periods when the rate of death as a result of road accidents was prevalent.
文摘Deterioration and loss of quality of vegetable oil is a big challenge in the food industry.This study investigated the synthesis of nickel ferrite(Ni Fe_(2)_(O4))via co-precipitation method and its use for the removal of free fatty acids(FFAs)in deteriorated vegetable oil.Ni Fe2 O4 was characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),thermogravimetric(TG)analysis,Brunauer–Emm ett–Teller(BET)surface area,transmission electron microscopy(TEM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX).Synthesis of Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)was confirmed by characterization,which revealed a BET surface area of 16.30 m^(2)·g^(-1)and crystallite size of 29 nm.Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)exhibited an adsorption capacity of 145.20 L·kg^(-1)towards FFAs with an 80.69%removal in a process,which obeys Langmuir isotherm and can be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.The process has enthalpy(DH)of 11.251 k Jámolà1 and entropy(DS)of 0.038 k J·mol^(-1)K^(-1)with negative free energy change(DG),which suggests the process to be spontaneous and endothermic.The quantum chemical computation analysis via density functional theory further revealed the sorption mechanism of FFAs by Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)occurred via donor–acceptor interaction,which may be described by the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)and the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO).The study showed Ni Fe_(2)_(O4)to be a potential means that can remove FFAs from deteriorated vegetable oil.
文摘In this project, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">assessment</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">food service</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> quality of two restaurants in Lagos was carried out. The study assessed </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">quality</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of food served in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Chicken</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Republic compared with Mega Chicken. Three hundred (300) copies of questionnaires were administered to the customers in Chicken Republic Restaurant while two hundred (200) copies </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">questionnaires</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were administered to the customer in Mega Chicken Restaurant. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In order to</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> analyze the data, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">simple</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> percentage method was adopted in which the respondents responded to variables like, quality of services, quality of food, healthy food, price and value </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> condition of </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">environment</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> as factors that determine their patronage. The result of the study showed that the customers prefer Mega Chicken. It also showed that there is a relationship between the customers’ satisfaction and customer patronage in a choice of restaurant. The result of the project could be of use to the intending </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">restaurants</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> operators to understand the trend and determinants of customers’ patronage. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Recommendation</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> is made that restaurant</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s operation should intensify effort for training and retraining of the staff on customer delight.
文摘The advent of information communication technology in the information environment has brought dramatic changes in the way information is being handled and managed today. This wind of change engineered by ICT has also changed the information seeking behavior of users making them to place more demands on libraries. There is a need for libraries to strive to be effective in their services to customers in order to remain relevant in the information age. The paper considered the deployment of soft skills expressed in terms of staff appearance, approachability, effective communication, positive attitude, ability to cope in difficult situation, and so on, for more effective customer services in the 21st century library. The paper concluded that, effective customer service in libraries is imperative in the 21st century library as it will make library users feel important, improves learning, increases patronage, and promotes library and university image. The outcome of this paper will help the management of libraries irrespective of the type to be more effective in the services they render to their clients. This will ultimately increase patronage and clients retention.
文摘Pedicle screw is employed in several cases of spine disorders such as fractures, pseudarthrosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative changes among others. Its essence is to fix the vertebral body in position until fusion is complete. The success of this technique depends on factors like choice of size of screw for a particular pedicle size and shape. Thus, adequate knowledge of the morphometry of lumbar pedicle may avert intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with this technique, especially, neurological impairments. In this study, we determined the vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance and gender differences of 180 lumbar vertebral pedicles (140 male, 40 female pedicles) using digital vernier calipers. Results revealed a significant increase in pedicle height and width from L2 to L5. Interpedicular distance increased significantly down the vertebrae from L2 to L5. Mean vertical and horizontal diameters, interpedicular distance were not significantly different in both sexes. This study recommends a thorough check of individual’s spinal anatomy in pre-operative assessments.
文摘[(η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2PPh3I] undergoes solid state transformation on the formation of a good pellet for FT IR measurement. There was a formation of the products mixture on pelleting using different diluents of group I metal salts on either the cis or the trans isomer of the [(η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2PPh3I] complex. The cis or the trans isomer gave the same IR spectra i.e. a mixture of cis and trans isomer of the complex. It does not matter the isomer started with in the course of solid state transformation reaction, an equilibrium ratio of 30/70 (trans/cis) will still be achieved. The solid state IR spectra show very strong peaks at νco 1957, 1947 and strong peaks at 1867, 1853 cm–1. The individual IR cis/trans isomer will therefore show at 1947 and 1853/1957 and 1867 cm–1. The solution IR spectra gave, cis = 1961, 1875 and trans = 1963, 1882 cm–1 in dry CHCl3. Hence, most of the solid state IR measurement of the organometallic complex of the type (η5-C5H4Me)Mo(CO)2(PPh3)I on pelleting will give isomer mixture.
文摘Bootstrap methods are considered in the application of statistical process control because they can deal with unknown distributions and are easy to calculate using a personal computer. In this study we propose the use of bootstrap-t multivariate control technique on the minimax control chart. The technique takes care of correlated variables as well as the requirement of the distributional assumptions needed for the operation of the minimax control chart. The bootstrap-t technique provides the mean θB of all the bootstrap estimators ** where θi is the estimate using the ith bootstrap sample and B is the number of bootstraps. The computation of the proposed bootstrap-t minimax statistic was performed on the values obtained from the bootstrap estimation. This method was used to determine the position of the four control limits of the minimax control chart. The bootstrap-t approach introduced to minimax multivariate control chart helps to detect shifts in the mean vector of a multivariate process and it overcomes the computational complexity of obtaining the distribution of multivariate data.
文摘This paper examines the life of Africans,using literature to discuss movements from Africa to other parts of the world as Diasporas.Such movements begin with slavery,to political asylum being sought and now self-initiated movements for trade,education,and labour for the facilitation of both information and industrial development.Relevant literatures are reviewed and analysed for their symbolic implications beyond the texts in order to establish the dialectic of facts and fiction.The relevant literatures include:Olaudah Equaino’s(1789)Equaino’s Travels,Joseph Conrad’s(1995)Heart of Darkness and Other Stories,and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s(2008)Trafficked.This paper posits that prior to the 15th century,Africans were free in their natural milieu with either no threat to their lives or being alienated from their ancestral homes until the period of slavery.Sequel to the attainment of independence by most African countries with the hope for self-governance and development,corruption,civil wars,foreign debts,economic depression,famine,and poverty truncate the people’s hope for better living.African citizens therefore seek refuge abroad in countries with viable economy.With globalization,not only education and culture play significant roles,but also modern technology especially information and communication technology(ICT)play key roles in population drift in trade.There lies an absurdity that Africans now flee their once free homeland or countries to foreign lands which are perceived as“heaven on earth”because of their functional systems through effective governance.Thus,this paper concludes that new movements and new Africans in the Diaspora are self-initiated,imposed,and motivated irrespective of their being alienated from home and the risks involved since the end will justify the means.
文摘An evaluation of Radar Precipitation Feature (RPF) characteristics and distribution of convective intensity is performed across 12 regions in West Africa. Results presented in this study have shown that these characteristics over West Africa revealed interesting results which were not observed on a larger spatial scale. The ice scattering characteristics and heights attained by the 15, 20, 30, and 40 dBZ echoes show patterns that agree with the season and movement of the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD). Some locations in the Western-coast rainforest, Nigeria/Cameroon rainforest and South Sudan savannah had strong potential for convective intensity during MAM, JJA, and SON as shown by their 37-GHz and 85-GHz PCT which fell below 250 K and 225 K respectively while the maximum height attained by their 20 dBZ, 30 dBZ and 40 dBZ are well above the freezing level in those locations. One result revealed a location on the eastern part of south-central Sahel (SC Sahel) where the maximum height attained by the 30 dBZ reflectivity is above 12 km and the maximum height attained by the 40 dBZ reflectivity is above 10 km during SON. The 37-GHz and 85-GHz PCT for this particular location are below 215 K and 150 K respectively indicating a very strong potential for intense convection and hence destructive storms. The distribution of convective intensity, considering only the 85-GHz PCT ice scattering signature, revealed that the percentage of convective intensity increases, especially in the rainforest and savannah, as the ITD shifts northwards during MAM, JJA and during its retreat in SON.
文摘Most destinations around the world are alike in the services delivered to the tourists.Hence,it is becoming difficult for tourists to differentiate one destination from the other due to the similarity of resources,activities,and other services.Tourism destination,just like any other product,requires a distinguishing factor and that is where branding comes into play.Hence the aim of the study is to critically examine the impact of hotel brands on the branding of a destination.
文摘Objective:Myocardial infarction(MI)is linked to an imbalance in the supply and demand of blood oxygen in the heart muscles.Beta-blockers and calcium antagonists are just two of the common medications used to treat MI.However,these have reportedly been shown to be either ineffective or to have undesirable side effects.Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves(GBE),a Chinese herbal product offers special compatibility benefits in therapeutic settings relating to inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress.In order to better understand how GBE affects MI in rats insulted by isoprenaline(ISO),the current study was designed.Methods:The heart weight index,serum lipid profile,cardiac marker enzymes,endogenous antioxidants[catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),nitrites and malondialdehyde(MDA)],inflammatory mediators[tumour necrosis factor alpha(TNF-a)and interleukin-6(IL-6)],immunohistochemical expressions of B-cell lymphoma factor-2(Bcl-2),extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK1/2),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)and histopathological analysis were used to assess the cardioprotective properties of GBE.Results:The findings showed that GBE effectively attenuated myocardial infarction by boosting the body’s natural antioxidant defense system and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines as well as heart injury marker enzymes.The expression of Bcl-2,ERK1/2 and mTOR was increased while the histomorphological alterations were reversed.Conclusion:The cardioprotective effects of GBE may be due to a mechanism involving increased Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na^(+),K^(+)-ATPase activity.
文摘Introduction:The collodiaphyseal angle(CDA)is an angle formed between the femoral neck and femoral shaft axes.It is a vital determinant of femoral neck fracture as narrower angle is often used as a predictor of stress fracture.It is also important in orthopedic treatment planning,especially hip replacement surgery.Aim:This study was carried out to evaluate the CDA values among the Bini tribe and elucidate its significance.Methodology:This study employed 200 anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs of the Bini tribe(100 males and 100 females)aged between 25 and 55 years obtained from selected radiological diagnostic centers in Benin City,Nigeria,after obtaining the Institutional Ethical Approval.They were used to evaluate the right and left CDA as an angle formed by intersection of the femoral neck and shaft axes and measured using the goniometer.Data were statistically analyzed using IBM-SPSS(version 20)with the mean,standard deviation,and range evaluated,and side and gender comparisons were done using t-test,and P<0.05 was set as statistically significant level.Results:The average CDA was 135.56°±5.75°and 131.67°±6.15°in males and females,respectively.This angle showed significant gender differences bilaterally(P<0.05).However,the bilateral differences in the CDA were not statistically significant among either male or female Binis(P>0.05).Conclusion:The CDA can be employed as a morphometric indicator of sexual differences and for other clinical applications.
文摘Hypertension(HTN)is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30%of the adult population globally,with a growing incidence rate.This review assesses the relationship between health literacy(HL)intervention and hypertension(HTN)self-management among people with HTN.The study design was a systematic review of empirical research articles using a well-defined strategy.Online journals were accessed through databases such as PubMed,CINAHL,Google Scholar,ProQuest,Global Health,WHOLIS,Embase,and EbscoHost,spanning from January 2016 to December 2022 as the scope of the study.Articles selected for inclusion were those published in English during the specified time frame and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Sample,Phenomenon of Interest,Design,Evaluation,Research Type framework for systematic review,focusing on criteria related to the sample,the phenomenon of interest,study design,evaluation,and research type.Out of 180 studies initially identified in the database search,20 studies were ultimately included in the review.The findings were reported based on these five emerging themes:Relationship between HL and HTN self-management;Effect of HL intervention on HTN self-management;Factors predicting self-care behaviors among HTN patients with low HL;Effect of HL and self-management efficacy on health-related quality of life(HRQoL);and level of self-care practices.This review highlights a relationship between HL,self-efficacy,self-care,and HRQoL,underscoring the necessity for further well-designed intervention studies focused on enhancing HL in individuals with HTN in Nigeria to enhance their quality of life.
文摘The occurrence of vibrational resonance(VR)in a dual-frequency-driven multistable system with a spatially varying mass modelling particle with position-dependent mass(PDM)and evolving in a one-dimensional symmetric periodic potential has been investigated and reported in this paper.We numerically compute and analyze the response amplitude,the effects of the PDM parameters(m0,a)on the potential structure,the occurrence of VR and the bifurcation of the equilibrium points.It is shown that the PDM parameters,besides controlling VR,can induce unconventional resonance patterns through the variation of the potential well depth.The resonant states can be influenced through the cooperation of the PDM parameters and the external forcing leading the system from multiresonance state into single and double resonance states.The contributions of the fixed rest mass m0 on the VR and the PDM-induced resonance are determined by threshold conditions imposed by the magnitude of the mass nonlinear strength a.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of different extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis on the testis and epididymal sperms of rats.Methods:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 10 groups(n=5 in each group)and orally treated with 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight each of methanol,aqueous ethanol(H-EtOH)and chloroform extracts of A.djalonensis.Corn oil was used as vehicle(2 mL/kg).After 60 days of treatment,testosterone(T)and cholesterol(CHOL)concentrations,catalase(CAT),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(3β-HSD)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activities in the testes along with myeloperoxidase(MPO)activities and nitrite concentrations(NO)in the serum and testes as well as sperm quality were measured.Results:T and CHOL concentrations along with 3β-HSD activity were significantly higher in the animals treated with the low dose than in those treated with the high dose of the chloroform extract(P<0.05).Furthermore,the chloroform extract was more effective than the methanol extract that had the most marginal effect on T level at the high dose and the H-Et OH extract that was only effective at the medium dose.LDH activity was dose-dependently increased by the extracts in all groups.The CAT-SOD antioxidant system was increased in the treated animals at all doses compared to the control values,but the increase in glutathione level reached significant level in those treated with the low dose H-Et OH aqueous ethanol extract(P<0.05).Only the high dose of chloroform extract had significant inhibitory effects on MPO activity(P<0.05).Serum NO concentration was decreased at all doses of the extracts.The inhibitory effects of the extracts on testicular NO concentrations follow this order,chloroform extract>H-Et OH>methanol.Although all extracts at all doses showed excellent stimulatory effects on sperm quality(count,motility and morphology),the methanol extract at the high dose was the most effective on sperm count(P<0.05).Conclusion:The chloroform extract of A.djalonensis has better androgen-like and anti-inflammatory effects whereas the methanol extract has the best effect on sperm count.
基金The efficacy studies from which the data were derived were supported by Swiss Pharma Nigeria PLC Grant to AS and by World Bank Malaria Booster Project,and Global Fund for Malaria to Federal Ministry of Health,Abuja,Nigeria through Drug Therapeutic Efficacy Testing in NigeriaLogistic support for Drug Therapeutic Efficacy Testing was partly provided by Society for Family Health and Support for National Malaria Program(SunMap)in Nigeria。
文摘Background:Artemisinin-based combination treatments(ACTs)are the first-line treatments of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in many endemic areas but there are few evaluation of their efficacy in anaemic malarious children.Methods:Therapeutic efficacy of 3-day regimens of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine was evaluated in 437 anaemic and 909 non-anaemic malarious children following treatment during a seven-year period(2008-2014).Patterns of temporal changes in haematocrit were classified based on haematocrit values<30%and≥30%.Kinetics of the disposition of the deficit in haematocrit from 30%following treatment were evaluated using a non-compartment model.Results:PCR-corrected parasitological efficacy 28 days after start of treatment was significantly higher in artesunateamodiaquine-compared to artemether-lumefantrine-treated children[97%(95%CI:92.8-100)versus 96.4%(95%CI:91.3-99.4),P=0.02],but it was similar in non-anaemic and anaemic children.Fall in haematocrit/1000 asexual parasites cleared from peripheral blood was significantly greater at lower compared to higher parasitaemias(P<0.0001),and in non-anaemic compared to anaemic children(P=0.007).In anaemic children at presentation,mean anaemia recovery time(AnRT)was 15.4 days(95%CI:13.3-17.4)and it did not change over the years.Declines in haematocrit deficits from 30%were monoexponential with mean estimated half-time of 1.4 days(95%CI:1.2-1.6).Anaemia half-time(t_(1/2anaemia))correlated positively with AnRT in the same patients(r=0.69,P<0.0001).Bland-Altman analysis of 10 multiples of t_(1/2anaemia) and AnRT showed narrow limit of agreement with insignificant bias(P=0.07)suggesting both can be used interchangeably in the same patients.Conclusions:Artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine remain efficacious treatments of uncomplicated P.falciparum infections in non-anaemic and anaemic Nigerian children in the last 7 years of adoption as first-line treatments.These ACTs may also conserve haematocrit at high parasitaemias and in anaemic children.Trials registration:Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201508001188143,3 July 2015;PACTR201510001189370,3 July 2015;PACTR201508001191898,7 July 2015 and PACTR201508001193368,8 July 2015.