Despite the social, pathological, physiological and psychological effects that skin bleaching presents, it has become a widespread practice among different groups in Nigeria. This cross sectional study involving two selected universities in Osun State, Nigeria, assessed the perceived risks and consequences of skin bleaching among undergraduates in higher institutions in Osun State, Nigeria. Data was collected from 400 undergraduates using a validated self-administered questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.78. The data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Findings showed that almost half of the respondents (41.5%) had used bleaching agents, and 70.5% have a negative perception of its risks and consequences. Reasons for the use of bleaching product included removal of facial pimples or scars (79.8%), skin lightening (58.3%), spot removal (79.5%), fashion enhancement (67.0%) and to become more attractive (65.8%). There was a significant difference in the perception of the risks of skin bleaching based on institutional affiliations (t=3.57, p=.000). This study concluded that skin bleaching was prevalent among the studied population and that the participants had a negative perception of its risks and consequences. Key words : Adverse effects, bleaching, bleaching agents, cosmetics use, undergraduate students
In this research work, we employed cramer's rule to develop a fifth order composite integrator scheme capable of solving initial value problems in ordinary differential equation of the form: y(1) = f(x,y), y(x0)=y0 ∀ a ≤ x ≤ bWe examined the convergence and consistency nature of our integrator and it is found to be consistent. We equally implemented our composite integrator formula on an initial value problem in ordinary differential equations. Our results compared favorably with the existing method. We therefore recommend the method for use by ODE solvers and for researchers currently working in this area.Keywords: Differential Equation, Rational, Polynomial, Integrator Error
Common to every sport is the quest for high performance and desire to avoid injury. Low body adiposity has been connected to performance in sports, while increasing Q-angle is associated with increased lateral patella-femoral contact pressure and risk of knee injury. This non-experimental comparative study compared adiposity indices and Q-angle among football, volleyball and basketball players. A total of 68 male students comprising of 30 amateur footballers players, 19 amateur basketball players and 19 amateur volleyball players participated in the study. Selected and measured adiposity indices were body mass index, waist-hip ratio, percentage body fat, lean body mass and conicity index were measured among the participants. Results showed significant differences in body mass index (P=0.001), body fat (P<0.001), fat mass (P=0.002), fat free mass (P=0.04) and body adiposity index (P=0.001) among the participants groups, with volleyball players possessing significantly higher mean values for all adiposity indices. There was no significant difference in Q-angle among the three groups of players. It appears high body adiposity is common with volleyball players compared to basketball players. Volleyball players possess higher risk of obesity and poor physical fitness while risk of knee injury is not associated with any of sports at amateur level. Keywords: Adiposity, Fitness, Q-angle, Football, Volleyball, Basketball
The study was carried out to determine the growth and performance analysis of A. hybridus enriched with organic and inorganic fertilizer in Odi, Bayelsa State, between February and March 2017. The study adopted a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications. Data were obtained for plant height, number of leaf, stem girth, leaf width, leaf length and weight of plant on ten (10) plants that were randomly sampled. The results obtained 49 days after planting (DAP), showed significant differences (p<0.05) in plant height (80.07 cm), leaf length (33.94 cm), leaf width (12.43 cm), stem girth (7.20 cm) and mean number of leaves (38.80) respectively in treatment A (Organic). Similarly, plants in treatment A also recorded more weight than other treatments with weight of 5.5 kg. Based on the findings, sugarcane bagasse-based organic fertilizer may be recommended for maximum growth and returns of A. hybridus and other crops Keywords: Amaranthus hybridus , Organic fertilizer, Inorganic fertilizer, Odi
This study investigated the hepatoprotective role of ethanolic extract of Moringa oliefera (M.O) on liver function (Biomarkers) in cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 )-induced hepatotoxicity on the liver of albino Wistar rats. Sixty-six adult male albino wistar rats weighing between 130g – 180g were used. LD 50 was determined for both CdCl 2 and MO using twenty-six (26) rats, while 40 rats were used for the experiment proper. The experimental rats were distributed into eight groups –A (control) and B, C, D, E, F, G and H, served as the treatment groups that received graded doses of CdCl 2 or MOor both simultaneously or at separate periods. The animals were then euthanized for sample collection and analysis using standard methods. The results showed significant increase (P<0.05) in the serum levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (430.50 ± 149.20), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (421.10 ± 8.34) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (515.60 ± 21.78) of animals in group B, but some protective effect of MO in the treatment groups with significant decreases in ALT, AST and ALP levels. The study therefore concludes that ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera showed appreciable hepatoprotective values on liver functions (biomarkers) in CdCl 2 hepatotoxicity. Key words : Liver Functions, Cadmium, Moringa oleifera, Hepatoprotective, Hepatotoxiciy
This study was aimed at establishing the baseline values of CD4 and CD8 absolute counts among healthy pregnant women in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Ninety (90) apparently healthy pregnant women between the age group of 18-39 years and thirty (30) non- pregnant women (control) were used as study subjects. The pregnant subjects were divided into three groups, depending on the trimester of pregnancy. CD4 and CD8 absolute counts were determined using flow cytometry. An automated blood analyzer was used to determine the leucocyte counts. The mean WBC (total) count (x103/μl) of the pregnant women was 7.71±1.76 against 4.97 ± 0.82 of the control subjects. Statistical comparison showed a statistical significance changes in the mean CD4 counts between the test and control subjects but no statistical significant difference in the total WBC and absolute CD8 counts of both groups (P>0.05). In contrast, the CD4 absolute count showed a statistical significant difference when compared with the mean values of the control subjects. In conclusion, pregnancy significantly increased the mean values of WBC count but significantly decreased CD4+ cell count when compared to nonpregnant controls while the mean CD8+ cell count did not show any difference in the subjects studied. Key words : CD4 counts, CD8 counts, Leucocytes counts, Healthy pregnant women, Ekpoma
Independent ambulation is the ultimate goal of post-stroke rehabilitation, of which dynamic balance is a primary requirement. Core stability is said to be essential to balance and independent ambulation, however, core strengthening exercises have often been omitted in stroke rehabilitation. The study sought to determine the effects of core strengthening exercises on dynamic balance and gait speed in stroke survivors. A total of 48 stroke survivors participated in this study. A simple random sampling in which participants were consecutively allocated into experimental and control groups was employed. The experimental group received core strengthening exercise in addition to conventional exercise while the control group had conventional exercise only. Dynamic balance was measured by maximum reach distances and gait speed was evaluated using 10-mteres walk test. Assessment of dynamic balance and gait speed was performed before treatment and six weeks after. There was no significant difference in dynamic balance and gait speed between both groups (P>0.05 in each).Significant differences in dynamic balance measures and gait speed were found between pre-test and post-test values of each of experimental and control groups (p<0.05). A holistic approach targeting all the core muscle groups and their corresponding motions should be adopted when executing core strengthening exercise. Keywords: Stroke, Core strengthening, Exercise, Dynamic balance, Gait
The menstrual cycle is also a window into the general health and well-being of women. This study was aimed at determining the CD4 and leucocyte counts of young apparently healthy females during a single cycle in Ekpoma,Edo State, Nigeria. The study comprised of thirty one (31) subjects aged 17-27 years with a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. The subjects were sampled during a single cycle- that is on the 2nd day, 11th day and 21st day representing menstrual phase (MP), proliferative phase (PP) and secretory phase (SP) respectively. Leucocyte counts were determined using a haematology autoanalyzer while the CD4 counts were done with Partec cyflow machine. The mean of WBC counts were 4.77, 5.10 and 5.10 in the MP, PP and SP respectively. There was no significant difference in both the WBC total and differential counts of the three phases. The mean of CD4 counts were 850.45 cells/μl (MP), 939.77 cells/μl (PP) and 954.03 cells/μl respectively. The CD4 counts in the three phases were also not statistically significant. In this study, we found that the three different phases of menstrual cycle did not have any significant effect on the leucocytes and CD4 counts of the subjects studied. Key words : Ekpoma, CD4 counts, Leucocye counts, Menstrual cycle
Weight control or weight management can be such a difficult task to achieve. People embark on different work out plan and adjust their dietary intake in order to maintain shape and weight. This study was designed to investigate the effect of tapioca and garri on weight and hematological indices of wistar rats. Eighteen wistar rats weighing between 118g-170g were divided into three groups; Control (A), Garri (B), and Tapioca(C). The control group (A) was fed with water and growers mash ad libitum, while the experimental groups were fed with garri (A) and tapioca (C) respectively with water twice daily for 28 days. Weight readings were taken on the 1st, 14th 28th day of the experiment. At the end of 28th day, animals were fasted overnight and sacrificed. Blood samples were withdrawn from the heart and abdominal aorta and were temporarily stored in EDTA bottles. Reduction in weight (body and organs) of the treated rats was observed. Changes were also observed in hematologic values when treated and controlled group were compared (p>0.05) although not statistically significant. Tapioca has more effect on body weight and hematological indices when compared with garri. Tapioca can thus be considered effective for weight reduction however, not over prolonged periods. Key words : Tapioca, Garri, Weight, Haematological indices
Diarrhoea is a disease characterised by gut secretory and motility dysfunction. Anacardium occidentale stem bark decoction is used locally in management of diarrhea. This study investigated the antidairrhoeal property of the methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale stem bark in laboratory rodents. The antidiarrhoeal property of the stem bark methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale was investigated using castor oil induced diarrhoeal model in mice and Charcoal meal transit in Albino rats. There were no incidences of mortality recorded up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg extract used in the acute toxicity test. The Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry revealed oleic-acid (45.51 %) as the predominant component. The Phytochemistry showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins. In the castor oil model, all the test doses of the extract significantly delayed the onset of diarrheoal and decreased the total number loose faeaces. Significant reduction in the whole number and weight of feaces were observed only with 400 and 800mg/kg doses. All the three doses of the extract delayed the gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal. The present findings demonstrated the antidiarheoal property of the stem bark extract of Anacardium occidentale being able to delay the onset of diarrhea and decrease gastrointestinal transit. Keywords: Anacardium occidentale , Diarrheoal , motility, castor oil, charcoal meal
This study is an attempt to assess the prospects of censoring in one-dimensional poverty analysis in Nigeria. The conventional method involves truncation of the non-poor households and this often leads to measurement error. Censoring instead of truncation was considered using data from the Nigeria General Household Survey (NGHS) Panel Survey. The estimated poverty indices obtained via censoring gave higher precision estimates compared to the indices obtained traditionally. This finding implies that censoring could reduce the problem of measurement error involved in the traditional poverty analytical procedures. Keywords: Censoring, Measurement error. One-dimensional, Poverty analysis, Poverty indices
Amaranthus hybridus is an important vegetable in the human diet because it is a source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, sugar, water, protein and fiber needed for healthy body growth and sustenance. Poor soil fertility, availability and affordability of inorganic fertilizer have been identified as major constraints to its production. These constraints may be addressed by the use of sugarcane bagasse based manure; hence the field trial to determine the Economic returns of the growth of Amaranthus hybridus . Data was collected on weight of the plant yield (kg), and the result subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The field data was also subjected to Economic analysis using Gross Margin and Cost Benefit Ratio. The ANOVA result shows that Treatment A (Organic) had the mean yield of 3.30 (kg) which was significantly different from B (NPK) 2.21(kg) and C (Control) 1.47 (kg). Similarly, Treatment A had gross margin of 1500 and cost benefit ratio of 10.0; B had gross margin of 880 and cost benefit ratio of 4.4, whilst C had gross margin of 740 and cost benefit ratio of 7.4 respectively; suggesting that the use of sugarcane bagasse based fertilizer appeared more profitable and is recommended for maximum returns. Keywords: Amaranthus hybridus , gross margin, cost benefit ratio, Odi
Polydactyly, once regarded as a congenital anomaly, is now regarded as a biological variant following Eurocat classification. The prevalence of polydactyly in many human populations is unknown largely because it was regarded as a congenital anomaly and hence interest was only on birth incidence. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of polydactyly among the Southern Ijaw indigenes of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. One thousand subjects comprising 460 females and 540 males were randomly selected for this study. Subjects were physically screened for presence or absence of polydactyly. Results showed that the population prevalence of polydactyly was 7.5% and shows a higher occurrence in males compared to females. However, gender predilection was not evident at p < 0.05 level of significance. It was concluded that polydactyly, a human morphologic variant, has a high general population prevalence of 90/1000 in the Southern Ijaw indigenes of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Key words: Morphologic, Variation, Limb-anomalies, Occurrence
This study investigated the normal values of the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) and asses its relationship to other anthropometric parameters like height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), and waist hip ratio (WHR) of healthy young adult Nigerians in a University setting in relation to gender. In this prospective study, a total of 567 subjects (328 females and 239 males) with mean age of 21.93 ± 7.42 years from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, were used. CTR was obtained by dividing cardiac diameter by thoracic diameter while body mass index was calculated based on the formula Weight (Kg)/Height 2(Kg/m²). The average CTR in males was 0.4310 ± 0.03 while in females it was 0.4449 ± 0.042 showing a significant difference (P≤ 0.05). The mean BMI for males and females were 22.82 ± 2.85 (Kg/m²) and 23.73 ± 4.43 (Kg/m²) respectively. The mean BSA for males and females were 1.844 ± 0.140 and 1.716±0.169 respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between CTR and other parameters measured except for height which had a significant negative correlation. Again except BMI which had a moderate association with CTR, others only had a weak association (*P<0.05). In conclusion, the CTR in males was lower than that in females while the cardiac diameter in males were higher than that in females indicating sexual dimorphism. There was a significant positive correlation between CTR and other parameters measured except for height which had a significant negative correlation. Therefore chest x-ray is highly recommended as part of work up for cardiovascular risk assessment.Keywords: Cardiothoracic, Anthropometric, Gender, Ratio
Studies on nutritional composition of African grapes ( Lannea microcarpa ) fruits pulp was carried out using standard analytical methods. The result of proximate composition in mg/100g revealed the following: moisture (70.55 ± 2.56), ash (3.48 ± 0.81mg), crude fiber (5.21 ± 1.67), crude protein (8.71 ± 1.98), crude lipid (1.87 ± 0.34) and carbohydrate (80.73 ± 6.81) as well as calorific value (374.59 ± 4.32KJ/100g). The fruits pulp also contain reasonable amount of both macro and micro minerals element needed in diet with potassium concentration of (450 ± 3.87mg/100g), phosphorus (6.14 ± 0.89mg/100g), sodium (15.10 ± 1.70mg/100g), calcium (35.00 ± 1.90mg/100g), magnesium (58.00 ± 3.23mg/100g), iron (38.21 ± 2.67 mg/100g),manganese (3.10 ± 0.45mg/100g) as well as zinc (14.14 ± 2.98mg/100g). The anti-nutrients factors (in mg/100g) indicate the presence of tannins (4.17 ± 0.61), oxalates (12.14 ± 2.32), phytates (40.50 ± 1.54), and saponins (2.16 ± 0.87). However, the calculated anti-nutrients to nutrients molar ratios are generally below the critical level known to inhibit the availability of some important minerals elements which suggest the potential safety of using the fruits pulp as nutrients supplement. Keywords: Lannea microcarpa , fruits, pulp, proximate, minerals, anti-nutrients
Background: Infrared radiation therapy is a modality widely used in Physiotherapy for the management of pain. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of six weeks infrared radiation therapy on pain intensity and functional disability index in subjects suffering from non- specific low back pain Methods: The study was a pre-test post-test two group pre-experimental design. A total of fifty subjects (26 males and 24 females) of black African origin clinically diagnosed with non specific chronic low back pain that met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study, but only 44 subjects (26 males and 18 females) completed the six weeks study. The subjects received infrared radiation therapy on the lower back region in prone lying for 30minutes, three times weekly, during the treatment period, for six weeks. Subjects' pre and post treatment pain level and functional disability scores were assessed using the lO point numerical rating pain scale and the Oswestry disability index questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the Students' t-test. Results: Findings from the study showed significant decrease in the means of the pre-test and post-test scores of the variables by 95% C.I at p < 0.05. Conclusion: Six weeks infrared radiation therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving functional disability index in chronic low back pain. Keywords: Chronic low back pain, pain intensity, functional disability, infrared radiation therapy
This study attempts an assessment of the effectiveness of the proxy means test (PMT) procedure in achieving better targeting of the poor in Oyo State, Nigeria. This is because proper identification and corresponding targeting of the poor is still a challenge in poverty analysis in Africa. The PMT method was therefore used to estimate household expenditures, corresponding poverty statuses of the households, inclusion and exclusion rates using data from the National Living Standard Survey (NLLS) for the five poverty lines considered. The PMT method gave higher percentages of the poor compared to the conventional method for all the five poverty lines. The implication of this finding is that the PMT method could indeed be used alternatively for improved targeting of the poor, especially in Oyo State.Keywords: Poverty, Proxy Means Test (PMT), Poverty lines, Oyo State, Africa
The present study was designed to investigate some effect of nutmeg ( Myristica fragans ) powder on the microscopic architecture of the liver of adult Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats of an average weight of 140g were used in the study. The rats were randomly distributed into four (4) groups (n= 5). Group A served as the control group while group B, group C and group D served as the treatment group receiving low (250mg/kg), medium (500mg/kg) and high (750mg/kg) doses of nutmeg powder for 4 weeks respectively. After 4 weeks of administration, animals were sacrificed with overdose of anesthetic and the liver harvested, weighed and immediately fixed in 10% formol saline. Afterwards, the tissues were processed for histological assessment. The result revealed that the administration of nutmeg powder had no noxious effect on the liver but only that there was dilation of sinusoids in the liver of animals in group D with a little of hepatocytes concentration towards the central vein. Also animals were seen to be gaining weight significantly every week during the period of administration. There was also no effect on the relative organ weight of animals. The study concludes that nutmeg showed no toxic or noxious effect on the liver. Keywords: Nutmeg, Liver, Wistar rats, Microscopic architecture
This review evaluated the impact of conditional and unconditional cash transfer programmes on child development. The systematic search was conducted electronically with the aid of Google search engine, using these key search words - “cash transfers”, “child health”, “child development”, “child marriage” and “child labour”. Studies that used Randomised Control Trails (RCTs) and quasi-experiments, as well as studies that reported cash transfers and child development outcomes such as school enrolment, attendance, test score, child work, child health and nutrition and cognitive development were included. Data on social programmes, target population, methodological quality and study results were extracted with the aid of a standard form. The seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were two from Africa, two from Asia and three from Latin America. Six studies reported on the impact of cash transfers and educational outcomes, three on child labour and three on child health and cognitive development. Strong evidence showed that cash transfers enhanced child development on different variables, but evidence regarding child marriage was inconclusive. These results demonstrated the importance of cash transfers in enhancing the development of children living in poor households, while also offering some protection against children vulnerability in developing countries. Keywords: Cash transfers, Conditional cash transfers, children, systematic review, unconditional cash transfers
Phytochemical constituents and the hypoglycemic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts ofMurraya koenigii (curry leaf) was investigated in alloxan induced diabetic rats.Qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, phlobotanins, terpenes and emodols in both extracts.Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Murraya koeniqii administered orally at a dose level of 400mg/kg body weight for four weeks showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the blood glucose levels of the alloxan induced treated rats when compared with the induced non treated rats.There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the hypoglycemic activity and weight of the animals treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Murraya koeniqii when compared with animals in the control group (metformin).However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in weight (g) for the untreated rats was observed.The ethanolic extract showed a better hypoglycemic activity, but the statistical analysis shows no difference.This study reveals the antidiabetic potentials of Murraya Koenigii extracts.Thus, its extract can be further processed for drug development.
