International Journal of Emerging Multidisciplinaries: Biomedical and Clinical Research

A Scoping Review of the Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Nigeria

Muhammed Murtala Muhammed, France Ncube, Nasirudeen Lanre Oloko — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Over 19 million cases of breast cancer were reported among women in 2020, surpassing lung cancer to become the leading cause of cancer worldwide. Women in developing countries have higher mortality rates than women in developed countries. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple procedure carried out by women themselves to determine any changes in their breasts and if needed seek further medical attention. This scoping review aimed to assess the available evidence on the knowledge and practice of BSE among women in Nigeria. This scoping review was conducted by searching African Journals On-Line (AJOL), ProQuest, PubMed and Science Direct databases for eligible studies. The relevant data was then extracted and a summary of the findings reported. 36 eligible articles were identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered for data extraction. All the studies included were cross-sectional descriptive surveys. The average reported knowledge of BSE is 67%, with 40% of study respondents practicing BSE, but only 26% of study respondents practiced BSE monthly. There’s low practice of BSE among women in Nigeria. Further research and appropriate interventions are needed to improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

"Trends in Social Media Usage and Adolescent socialization in a Public Senior Secondary School in Abuja, Nigeria"

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates social media usage trends and prevalence among 260 adolescents in a public senior secondary school in Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with students aged 13 to 18 years. Data collected revealed that a significant majority of respondents, 63.1% possess a smartphone and indicated a high level of access to social media platforms. Their engagement with social media daily is primarily for social interaction, social comparison, entertainment, and academic support. Furthermore, the findings highlight patterns of usage that vary by gender, with female students displaying a higher, 60% tendency for interaction through visual content platforms, while male students favored gaming and sports-related content. The study also identifies potential concerns regarding the implications of excessive social media use, including mental health issues, cyberbullying, and academic distraction. These results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and parental guidance to promote safe and responsible social media engagement. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of adolescents' social media behaviors and offers recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to digital engagement in educational settings.

Effects of Complementary Foods Formulation Produced from Malted and Fermented Acha (Digitaria exilis) Flours Supplemented with Soybeans (Glycine max) Flour on Haematological and Histological Parameters of Albino Rats

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Flours were prepared from malted and germinated acha grains (Digitaria exilis) and were supplemented with soybeans (Glycine max) flour as the complementary foods. The appropriate ratios of combination of the flours were achieved by material balancing. Four food products were formulated and named as Unmalted Unfermented Acha Soybean (UMUFAS), Malted Unfermented Acha Soybean (MUFAS), Malted Fermented Acha Soybean (MFAS) and Unmalted Fermented Acha Soybean (UMFAS). Thirty-five (35) Wister strain of albino rats were grouped into seven groups of five rats per cage and were fed with the formulated blends. The animals were also fed with (Nestle Cerelac), Unmalted Unfermented Acha flour (UMUFA) and Soybean flour which served as controls. The rats in different groups were placed under the same conditions and were fed with eight hundred (840g) of food for 28 days. Haematological and histological parameters of the kidney and liver of the rats fed were examined to assess the suitability of these formulated diets as a possible substitute for the proprietary infant foods. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to establish any significant difference in the analytical data for formulated and control diets (p<0.05). The results also showed that the formulated blends did not impair any significant organ of the rats as indicated by the haematological and histological studies.

The Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Birth Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on pregnancy outcomes at a major tertiary hospital in Abuja, Nigeria.

Design: A cohort study was conducted.

Methods: HIV-infected pregnant women who initiated HAART during pregnancy for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pMTCT) were recruited, alongside a randomly selected group of HIV-uninfected pregnant women.

Results: A total of 489 pregnant women participated, including 237 HIV-infected and 252 HIV-uninfected women. HAART initiation during pregnancy was significantly associated with higher mean birth weights (p = 0.0007). While there were 30 cases of low birth weight in the HIV-infected group compared to 21 in the HIV-uninfected group, HAART was not significantly associated with low birth weight (OR 1.59, p = 0.1182). There were 6 stillbirths in the HIV-infected group and 5 in the uninfected group, with no significant association between HIV status and stillbirth (OR 1.28, p = 0.6836). However, 29 preterm deliveries occurred in the HIV-infected group compared to 8 in the uninfected group, showing a strong association between HIV infection and preterm deliveries despite HAART initiation (OR 4.25, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion: HIV-infected women receiving HAART during pregnancy have a significantly reduced risk of low birth weight but face an increased risk of preterm delivery.

Proximate and Mineral Composition of Internal Organs of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish)

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The proximate and mineral composition of internal organs of catfish (Clarias gariepinus), obtained from a fish farm were examined. Parameters of proximate composition analyzed were moisture, ash, protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrate from the gills, intestines and liver. Mineral compositions such as calcium, sodium and potassium were also analyzed. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the moisture contents of internal organs of fish. There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) in ash contents of gills, intestine and liver of catfish. The crude fat content ranged from 19.67±0.167 in intestine to 36.00±0.289 in gills. Crude fat contents of gills were higher than those of intestines and liver. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the crude fiber contents. The highest protein value (41.417±0.583) was recorded in gills and the least value (9.333±0.583) was recorded in liver. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in protein contents of fish internal organs. The highest carbohydrate value (62.083±0.083) was recorded in the intestine and least (6.450±0.278) in gills. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in total carbohydrate contents of fish internal organs. The gills contained a higher amount of calcium (6.53±0.24mg/100g) as compared to liver (6.28±0.10mg/100g) and intestine (5.94±0.07mg/100g). The highest concentration of sodium (2.31±0.06mg/100g) was recorded in the gills while intestine contain (2.30±0.10mg/100g) and (2.27±0.30) in liver. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the sodium concentration of fish internal organs. The concentration of potassium ranged from 3.94±0.14 in gills to 3.51±0 50 in intestine. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in potassium concentration of fish internal organs. Results from this study therefore showed that fish internal organs are good source of protein and minerals. Thus may be useful component for protein nutrients.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Crude Methanolic Flavonoids from Stem Bark of Gmelina Arborea Roxb.

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging assay of fractionated flavonoids of crude methanolic stem bark extract of Gmelina arborea was determined according to Ruch et al (1999). five Different concentrations, 20 kg/ml, 40 µg/ml, 60 µg/ml, 80 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml of the sample tested showed respective concentration dependent percentage free radical scavenging activity 73%, 69%, 56%, 31% and 23% the highest activity was found at 100 µg/m/ and the lowest activity at 20 µg/ml of the crude flavonoids. The result obtained was compared with that of standard antioxidant drug (ascorbic acid) using various concentrations; 20 kg/ml, 40 µg/ml, 60 µg/ml, 80 µg/ml and 100 kg/ml. Which have percentage free radical scavenging activity of 98.55%, 97.2%, 96.81, 95.8% and 94.5% respectively. From the results obtained shows that flavonoids of Gmelina arborea stem bark is a good natural antioxidant agent, which could be used for treatment of diabetics and cardio vascular diseases. It is recommended that the crude flavonoids should be screened to isolate the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity.

Histological Assessment of Cannabis Sativa on the Lungs of Neonatal Albino Wistar Rats

Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Cannabis is used for treating a wide range of medical conditions. It is an extraction of plant with psychoactive properties. This study investigated the histological outcome of cannabis on the lungs of albino rats. The research used 25 rats weighing 50-100g and were divided into Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D. Group A was the control group; unexposed to any form of inhalation. Group B were exposed to the flame from 0.5g of cannabis burnt in a closed chamber for only 30 minutes. Group C were exposed to the flame from 0.5g of cannabis burnt in a closed chamber for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes exposure after (6) six hours. Group D were exposed to the flame from 0.5g of cannabis burnt in a closed chamber for 30 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes by noon and 30 minutes by evening. In the end, the rats were sacrificed and the lungs were removed and fixed in 10% formal saline solution.The lungs were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results show no adverse effects on the lungs of group B and group C but showed effects on group D which was the high dose group. Therefore, cannabis can damage the human lungs.

The Effects of Gingko Biloba Extract and L-Ascorbic Acid on Some Hematological, Biochemical, and Hepatic-Architectural Alterations in Mercury Chloride Intoxicated Adult Wistar Rat.

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba and Ascorbic acid (A.A) on mercury chloride (HgCl₂) toxicity in Wistar rats. Forty-two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=6). Group I served as control. Groups II–VII received 5 mg/kg of HgCl₂. Groups III and IV received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of A.A respectively, while groups V and VI daily received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EGB761 respectively. Group VII received 100 mg/kg of A.A and EGB761. All administration were done orally, once daily for 21 days. Mercury exposure caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in RBC (3.62.00±0.75), hemoglobin (8.67±0.14), and PCV (32.93±0.47) in group II when compared to the control group, while significantly (p<0.05) increasing white blood cell count (18.57±1.51). Liver function tests significantly (p<0.05) increased Alanine transaminase (1.38±1.51), Aspartate Transaminase (10.11±4.21), and Alkaline Phosphatase (1.89±0.51) in group II when compared to Control. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in malondialdehyde levels and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in superoxide dismutase (3.86 ± 0.69), glutathione (10.08 ± 2.13), and catalase (3.65 ± 0.2) levels in group II. However, treatment with ascorbic acid and EGB761 significantly (P<0.05) increased in Groups IV (6.15 ± 0.38); VI (6.28 ± 0.40), and VII (6.19 ± 0.41), SOD levels in Groups IV (6.15 ± 0.38); VI (6.28 ± 0.40) and VII (6.19 ± 0.41) and GSH level when compared to the HgCl₂ group. Histological examination showed moderate hepatocyte necrosis in group II, while treatment with EGB761 and A.A showed moderate healing, binucleate nuclei, and a slight decrease of distorted sinusoids and normalization of liver structure. The study concludes that EGB761 and A.A have hepatoprotective effects on mercury-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The findings suggest that these antioxidants may be useful in mitigating the harmful effects of mercury exposure on the liver.

Knowledge of Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Practices Among Female Patients at ATBUTH Bauchi.

Dr. Muhammed, M. M., Professor Olalubi, O. A., Dr. Abdulkareem S. — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Breast cancer is a global public health problem and is currently the second leading cause of cancers word wide and the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women with 2.3 million new cases (11.6%) reported in 2022. There are low survival rates for breast cancer among women in West Africa due to late presentation.

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey conducted among two hundred and twenty five (225) female patients at ATBUTH Bauchi. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and utilization of breast cancer screening measures among respondents. Data was exported and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24.

Most of the study respondents (92.9%) have heard of breast cancer and most of them know that older women (73.4%), having a family member with breast cancer (62.7%) and lack of breastfeeding (59.1%) increases a woman’s risk. Few respondents (40.9%) practice monthly BSE. Less than half of study respondents (42.7%) have had CBE before and very few (7.6%) have had mammography before.

Most of the respondents have heard of breast cancer and are aware of some of the risk factors for breast cancer. However, there’s low utilization of breast cancer screening methods.

CORRELATION BETWEEN MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AND COGNITION AMONG UNIVERSITY LEVEL STUDENTS USING THE RUFF FIGURAL FLUENCY TEST.

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: Hand grip strength and function are important for day- to-day tasks. Although chronic pain has long been known to affect cognitive outcomes, new research published in the last decade has focused on the multi-dimensional impacts of pain on multiple cognitive areas; OBJECTIVE: To study cognitive impairment and musculoskeletal pain in university level students and to evaluate the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and cognition in university level students; METHODOLOGY: Study design is cross sectional and observational with sample size87 at MGM SCHOOL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY With age 18 to 27 years having any musculoskeletal pain; RESULTS: The statistical significance of the participants' pain in days with the p value is 0.001 (p<0.001). The amount of errors made by participants with a p value of 0.001 (i.e., p<0.001), the correlation coefficient r-value between the length of the pain episode and the length of the rough figural fluency test was recorded as -0.068, which is statistically insignificant at the 5% level with a non-linear link with a non-linear link, the correlation coefficient r-value for pain duration and ruff figural fluency test errors was observed as -0.11, which is statistically insignificant at the 5% level.
CONCLUSION: This study concluded that there is a significant relation between pain and cognition and has a positive correlation between pain and cognition.

Perception and Attitude of Health Care Workers in Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Plateau State, Nigeria towards Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Unmarried Adolescents

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Adolescents are faced with the challenges of having access to and the utilization of quality sexual and reproductive health services, and one of the barriers responsible for this situation is the negative personal attributes of service providers. This study aimed to assess the perception and attitude of health workers in the tertiary health facilities in Plateau State towards sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2020 among 208 doctors and nurses/midwives who were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 23. The mean age of the respondents was 37.1 ± 9.1 years, 131 (63.0%) were doctors and females constituted 120 (57.7%). One hundred and twenty-nine (62.0%) had a good perception, while 105 (50.5%) had a positive attitude towards sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents. Younger age below 55 years and a good perception were found to be predictors of a positive attitude towards sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents. A considerable number of the health workers in the tertiary health facilities in Plateau state had a negative attitude towards sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents, an attribute that was significantly seen more in those who were older and had a poor perception. There is a need to improve healthcare workers’ attitudes towards the provision of sexual and reproductive health services for unmarried adolescents.

Effect of Orijin Bitters, Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx and Zingiber Officinale Roscoe Rhizome on the Liver of adult wistar rats

Sarah I. David, Godfrey Duru, Abigail Abraham, Shelong D. Guteng — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Orijin bitters, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale roscoe are consumed for medicinal properties and their effects were evaluated in this study on adult wistar rats’ liver.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty rats were divided into 6 groups, 5 in each. Group 1 received distilled water, group 2, 70cl/70kg/bw orijin bitters, group 3 orijin bitters and 200mg/kg/bw Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract, group 4 orijin bitters and 500mg/kg/bw Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx aqueous extract, group 5 orijin bitters and 200mg/kg/bw officinale rhizome aqueous extract, group 6 orijin bitters and 500mg/kg/bw Zingiber officinale rhizome aqueous extract. After administration, the rats were sacrificed and the liver harvested for biochemical and histological analysis.

RESULTS: Aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphate increased in group 2 while alanine transaminase decreased. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase increased in most treatment groups while alkaline phosphate decreased. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Orijin bitters distorted the liver tissue while Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale roscoe extracts resulted in restoration.

CONCLUSION: Orijin bitters may possess toxicity to the liver. Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx and Zingiber officinale roscoe rhizome due to antioxidants present ameliorated the effect.

THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURED DIABETIC SELF-CARE EDUCATION ON GLYCAEMIC CONTROL AMONG ADULTS WITH TYPE-2 DIABETES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In Sub-Sahara Africa, diabetes is adversely reducing life expectancy partially due to inadequate diabetes self-care practice. Numerous folks with diabetes lack the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively manage their own condition. This study determined the effectiveness of a structured diabetes self-care education (DSCE) intervention versus routine care on glycaemic control among adults with type-2 diabetes attending a Family Medicine Clinic.We offered a DSME intervention and assessed how it affected patients’ self-reported levels of diabetes knowledge, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and diabetes self-care activities. Overall, there was poor diabetes knowledge at baseline (7.29 ± 2.81) among study participants. The difference in the mean Diabetes Knowledge scores before and after the DSME intervention was significantly greater in the intervention arm (mean difference = 13.29; 95% CI = 12.78 – 13.79; p <0.001). Both groups showed improvement in mean glycosylated haemoglobin from baseline to post intervention however, the mean difference (2.04%) between the intervention and the routine care groups was statistically significant (95% CI = 2.35 – 3.73; p <0.0001).Our study found significant improvements among the intervention group. The DSME tool impact positively on participants’ diabetes knowledge scores. Hence, our DSME intervention is clinically useful in diabetes mellitus self care.

The Prevalence of Endoparasites of Local and Exotic Breeds of Domesticated Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) within Kaduna Metropolis

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of endoparasites among local and exotic breeds of chickens reared and slaughtered in three Local Government Areas within Kaduna metropolis. A total of one hundred and seven (107) intact fresh intestines were randomly sourced and examined. Direct smear technique was employed to isolate endoparasites (helminths and protozoans) from each faecal sample. The result revealed that Gongylonema ingluvicola, a nematode had the highest prevalence rate of 79.62% in the entire male population of both local and exotic breeds sampled and 71.69% in the entire female population sampled. The result revealed the overall prevalence of endoparasites to be 58.90% (63/107) among the chickens sampled within the study area. Local breeds had a higher prevalence rate of 68.78% than the exotic breeds (44.18%), thus there was a significant difference in infection (p<.05). Other species isolated in the males and females respectively include Ascaridia galli (38.88%; 22.64%), Syngamus trachea (7.40%; 3.77%), Strongyloides avium (7.40%; 35.85%), Heterakis sp. (24.1%; 3.77%), Raillietina sp. (14.81%; 49.1%), Gongylonema ingluvicola (79.62%; 71.69%), Hymenolepis sp. (3.70%; 1.89%), Davainea proglottina (3.70%; 3.77%), Capillaria sp. (1.85%; 1.89%) and a protozoan, Eimeria sp. (3.70%; 3.77%). The study area should be expanded and molecular identification of these parasites is necessary for confirmation.

The Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of methanol leaf Extracts Of Bombaxbuonopozense

Samira Abdullahi; Lucy Binda John Africa, Salisu Abubakar Maiwada; Aminu Ibrahim — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Natural products serve as the foundation for conventional medicine and are significant sources of lead compounds for medication research. One of the underutilized plants in West Africa is Bombax buonopozense. West African populations use the majority of its parts for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. The research was aimed at evaluation of the Acute and subchronic oral toxicity of Bombaxbuonopozense leaves extract in rats.In the acute toxicity study, female rats received oral doses of 2000 mg/kg of Bombaxbuonopozense extract (n = 5/group). Abnormal behavior, toxic symptoms, weight changes, and mortality were monitored for 14 consecutive days to evaluate acute toxicity. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, the extract was orally administered to Wistar rats at doses of 800 and 1600 mg/kg (n = 5/group) daily for 28 days. Daily observations were made on the general behavior and body weight of the rats. Biochemical and hematological analyses were performed at the end of the treatment period. Following acute oral administration, the LD50 of Bombaxbuonopozens leaves extract was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in the evaluation of acute oral toxicity. Administration of Bombaxbuonopozense extract to rats did showed significantly increase in platelate in the treated group (362.00±23.67*) when compared to the control group (451.67±30.77) at (p>0.05). The liver enzymes, An increase (P>0.05) was seen in ALP concentration on the treated group (216.59±44.29*) In the subchronic oral toxicity assessment at doses of 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day for 28 days, no significant changes were observed in food consumption, body weight gain, organ weights, and biochemical parameters. Treatment of rats with Bombaxbuonopozense extract showed a significant increase in ALP on the group treated with 1600 mg/kg (216.59±44.29*) compared to the control (98.70±13.32) and significant increase in LDL for the treated groups 800 mg/kg (70.76±8.19*) and 1600 mg/kg (71.40±13.17*) were observed when compared with.The current research demonstrated that administration of Bombaxbuonopozense extract orally for 28 days, at doses of up to 1600 mg/kg, did not cause any toxic effects. Based on the acute toxicity study, the estimated median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was more than 2000 mg/kg.

IDENTIFICATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF IRISH POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM) PEELS AND ITS PREDOMINANT SPOILAGE FUNGI.

Fatima Ahmed Abdullahi, Usman Dauda, Jumare Aishatu Ishaq , Nura Bello Ahmad — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Tuber crops play an important role in the sustainable development and food security of the people. Lack of good storage and processing facilities causes a lot of wastage of agricultural produce. A research on the study of physicochemical and phytochemical properties of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels using methanolic extract was carried out and spoilage fungi in 220 diseased Irish potatoes obtained from Yankaba and Rimi markets, Kano State was investigated. The determination of moisture and ash of the potato peels was carried out using modified method of Association of Official Analytical Chemists AOAC. The phytochemical screening of the peels revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, protein, phenols, saponins and tannins. The physicochemical screening of the dried powdered peel showed moisture content (13.05%), ash value (10.60%), and extractive value (6.66%). The diseased potatoes were assessed using standard serial dilution method and inoculation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and identification was done morphologically and microscopically. The assessment showed Aspergillus sp (38.9%), Fusarium sp (16.7%), Rhizopus sp (11.1), Penicillium sp (11.1%), Alternaria sp (5.5%) and Mucor sp (16.7%) as the most predominant spoilage fungi associated with Irish potatos. The screened components of the peel has therapeutic potentials while the fungal isolates can deteroriate potato tubers, posing food insecurity, economic losses and environmental impacts.

GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON AND ZINC NANO PARTICLES USING GRAPE EXTRACT

Hauwau Sulaiman Lere, Gideon Wyasu , S.E Abechi , Umar Dalhatu — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The extensive and prolonged application of conventional fertilizers has given rise to a range of environmental challenges on a global scale, including issues such as groundwater pollution, chemical burns, water eutrophication, soil quality degradation, and air pollution. Nano fertilizers play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural sustainability by not only bolstering crop productivity and nutritional quality but also by substantially reducing the overall production costs. This study focused on the biosynthesis and characterization of Iron and Zinc nanoparticles using grape extract. The UV-VIS spectroscopy of iron indicates that the iron nano particle absorb light at 770nm while the zinc nano particles absorb light at 380nm. The utilization of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy of iron revealed distinctive peaks at 3287 cm^-1, 2926 cm^-1, 1889 cm^-1, 1945cm^-1, 2012 cm^-1 to 2072 cm^-1, 1919 cm^-1 and 1817 cm^-1, 1379 cm^-1 and 1038 cm^-1, 700 cm^-1 corresponding to phenol, alkane, A hydride, A hydride, alkyle amine and Fe-bond functional groups respectively. These groups were identified as being responsible for the capping and stabilization of the nanoparticles. That of Zinc revealed distinctive peaks at 3276 cm^-1 2922 cm^-1_,2113 cm^-1,1636 cm^-1, 1543 cm^-1,14011 cm^-1, 237 cm^-1, and 1028 cm^-1corresponding to phenol, alkane, alkyne, alkene, aromatic compound alkene, inorganic carbonate, amine and alkyl amine respectively. Furthermore, EDX analysis confirmed the presence of iron with atomic and weight concentrations of (51.93 and 68.99), and zinc at (20.58 and 35.65) respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs illustrated a uniform distribution and agglomeration of the synthesized iron nano particle (FeNPs) and zinc nano particle (ZnNPs), portraying a near-flat and plain shape with an average particle size of 100 nm. The XRD result revelled that the synthesized iron nano particle (FeNPs) has a crystalline structure with grain size of 23.5nm, while the synthesized zinc nano particle (ZnNP) has a hexagonal structure with grain size of 21.3nm.

Fractionation and Identification of Phenolic Compounds from Ethylacetate Fraction of Ageratum Conyzoides Methanolic Leaf Extract

Paul Chijioke Ozioko, Aminu Ibrahim, Yusuf Yunusa Muhammad, Musa Bashir — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Natural phenols are significant functional substances that are commonly present in plants and provide advantages for human health. Phenolics can be utilized for a variety of therapeutic applications, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities. This work aimed to fractionate and identify the phenolic compounds present in ethylacetate fractions of the methanolic leaf extracts of A. conyzoides. Fractionation and purification of the ethylacetate fraction using column chromatography and TLC, followed by FTIR and LC-MS for identification, were employed in this work. While the FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify the fractions with –OH functional group, LCMS was used to identify the phenolics. After fractionation and purification, six ethylacetate samples were obtained, each with different Rf values, of which three showed a pronounced presence of OH functional groups in phenolics. Subsequently, four phenolic compounds were identified: furocoumaric acid, liquiritin, isorhamnetin, and syringin. This research has demonstrated that ethylacetate fraction of A. conyzoides methanol leaf extract is a good source of the phenolic compounds: Furocoumaric acid, Liquiritin, Isorhamnetin, and syringin.

Evaluation of the Antipyretic Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Chromolaena odorata in Albino Rats

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluates the antipyretic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata in albino rats. Pyrexia, commonly known as fever, is the medical term for an elevated body temperature. It occurs when the body's temperature rises above the normal range, typically over 38°C (100.4°F), as a response to infection, inflammation, or other stimuli. The experimental setup included five groups of albino rats, with two control groups receiving either normal saline (negative control) or acetaminophen (positive control), and the test groups receiving 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the leaf extract. Fever (pyrexia) was induced using 0.01 mL/kg of Escherichia coli suspension injected into the rats, after which varying doses of the methanolic leaf extract were administered. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in rectal temperature in the rats treated with the extract, showing a dose-dependent response. The highest antipyretic activity was observed in the group administered 400 mg/kg, where the rectal temperature decreased by 2.5°C within two hours of treatment. This effect was comparable to, and in some cases, exceeded that of acetaminophen, suggesting that the methanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata possesses significant antipyretic properties. The observed antipyretic effect may be attributed to the bioactive constituents of the plant, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. Further research is recommended to isolate and characterize the active compounds responsible for the observed pharmacological activity.

Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis

Hauwa Baba Umar, Saidu Abdulkadir, Basira Ibrahim, Halima Ibrahim — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to determine the phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity and antibacterial activity of methanolic stem bark extract of. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The stem bark was collected, air dried, grounded and extracted using maceration method with methanol. The methanol extract of the stem bark was used for phytochemical screening, acute toxicity studies and anti-bacterial activity. The phytochemical screening of this extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates except anthraquinones which was not present. The acute toxicity studies of the extract indicated that: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis had LD_{50 value of} above 5000 mg/kg. The result of antibacterial activity showed that the stem bark extracts was found to have a significant effect (P<0.05) against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The Methanolic stem bark extract had MIC of 50.0 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml and MBC of 100 mg/ml and >200 mg/ml, against S. aureus and E. coli respectively. The result obtained is an indication that the stem bark of the plant can be used for treatment of bacterial ailment as claimed by traditional practitioners in Giambi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Further research such as isolation of the active component should be carried out to validate the use of this plant in the traditional medicine as antibacterial agents.

Study of the effects of different mechanical mishaps or Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI) on brain region: A Review

Nikesh Lagun — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The following concerns and measures of neurotrauma are discussed here: It expands more on the protection role that the skull encompasses regarding the encephalon together with a detailed explanation of the effects of head injuries and their implications, which may include coma or death as a result of fractures or dysfunctions. The text gives descriptions of the incidence, especially in car-related accidents, and details about TBI such as the symptoms and the issues likely to occur as a result of the injury. The paper also draws attention to certain dangerous behaviors; such as; non-utilization of seat belts, driving when drunk, no helmet usage, and inadequate supervision to eliminate traumatic brain injury. Among the changes in management of the TBIs whether surgical or through medication, the text lastly highlights the fact that more emphasis has been placed on preventing this condition than on finding a cure for it.

Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorder in an Unmarried Female Undergraduate Student following Parental Autocratic Behaviour : A Case Report

Tensaba Andes Akafa — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This case report aims to unveil the influence of undue paternalistic behaviour on the health of a family member in order to provide insight to the consequences of undemocratic parenting style in the family. The presentation of an “undifferentiated” patient is a common encounter in the Family Medicine Clinics. Therefore, a thorough evaluation and high index of suspicion is vital in managing such cases with thick file syndrome or recurrent hospital visits. These cohort of patients are often at risk of misdiagnosis and/or request for high technology investigations which is unnecessary for the individual and family. A 23-year-old unmarried university female student presented with complaints of crawling sensations in the body, chest pain and intermittent palpitation for six months at a Family Medicine Clinic. She was previously misdiagnosed for other conditions but it turned out to be somatic symptom and related disorder (SSRD). This case clearly revealed the psychosocial influence from a paternal tyrannical behaviour resulting in mental disorder of a family member.