Table of Contents

Prevalence of Parasitic Infections amongst Children In-Patients in Maiduguri; Northeastern Nigeria

Aisha, H. and Biu, A.A.                                                                                                                        1 – 5

Hypoglycaemic Effect of Extracts of Hyphaene thebaica (L) Mart Fruit Pulp in Normal and Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Shehu, B.B., Gidado, A. and Buratai, L.B                                                                                  6 – 15

Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: A Review

Leonard, A.F. and Milala, M.A.                                                                                                             16 – 28

Ethnomedicinal Survey of Folkloric Plants Used in Managing Breast Cancers by the Traditional Medical Practitioners of North- East Nigeria

Z.K. Mohammed, A. Daja, H.G Hamza, A. Gidado, and I.M Hussaini                                      29-43

Histopathology of the Gills, Livers and Kidney of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Exposed to Sniper 1000EC Under Laboratory Conditions

Abubakar, M.I., G.N.O. Ezeri, I.T. Omoniyi and O.A. Akinloye                                                  44 – 60

An Assessment of Child-Killer Disease in Relation to Environment: Case Study of Jekadafari Gombe-Nigeria

Adamu, S.J, Ibrahim, A.Q and Mahmoud, A.B                                                                         61 – 79

Human Dermatosis in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A Review of Case Records Diagnosed at the Molai Hospital and Leprosy Centre (MHLC), Maiduguri

Biu, A.A., Shu’aibu, M.A., Paul, B.T., Kyari, F., Mohammed, A., Fasuyi, F.H., Ali, M., Saidu, A.M., Onigbanjo, H.O. and Arowolo, B.O.                                                                                          80 – 82

Awareness of HIV/AIDS among Rural Population in Edo State, Nigeria

Oronsaye F.E. and Oviasogie F.E.                                                                                             83 – 87

Bacteriological Examination and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Bottled Water Sold in Amai, Delta State

Tanimowo, W.O., Kolagbodi R., Ukolobi O. and Osaide S.                                                       88 – 100

Exercise, a Veritable Tool for Prevention and Control of Obesity and Overweight

Nwezeh, G.O. and Ugbabe, P.                                                                                                  101 – 114

Effects of Some Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs on Erythrocyte Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydrogen Diaphorase (E.C.1.6.4.3) Activity of Wistar Alibino Rats (Rattus rattus)

Uzuegbu, U.E. and Onuoha, S.C.                                                                                              115 – 122

Effects of Some Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs on Erythrocyte Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydrogen Diaphorase (E.C.1.6.4.3) Activity of Wistar Alibino Rats (Rattus rattus)

*Uzuegbu, U.E. and **Onuoha, S.C.

*Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Warri, Nigeria.

**Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

         E-mail: efiyugos@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The in vivo effects of three oral hypoglycaemic drugs, daonil (a glubenclanude), diabenes (a sulphonyclurea) and glucophage (a metformun) on erythrocyte nicotinamide adenine dinocleotide hydrogen (NADH) activity of wistar albino rats (Rattus rattus) were monitored at drug concentrations of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/200g body weight. The effects of the drugs were monitored for fourteen days at intervals of 1, 2, 6 and 14 day(s) following administration of each drug.  Three rats were used per each drug concentration per time interval (days). NADH diaphorase activity was monitored at a pH 8.0 at 37^oC. Daonil significantly (P<0.05) activated NADH-diaphorase activity in a concentration dependent manner with an optimal activation obtained at a concentration of 0.03mg/200g body weight and on the sixth day of drug administration.  For instance, at drug concentration of 0.00, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/200g body weight and at 6^th day of administration; NADH diaphorase activity (iu/L) of 6.80 ± 0.65, 10.17 ± 0.69, 10.35 ± 0.97 and 11.44 ± 0.82 were obtained respectively.  The increase in enzyme activity following drug administration was progressive with time duration (days).Maximum effect was obtained on the sixth day with a decline on the 14^th day. And 0.03mg/200g body weight, NADH activities (iu/L) of 6.70 ± 1.16, 14.74 ± 0.04, 19.50 ± 0.15 and 20.53 ± 0.57 were obtained on the sixth day.  Comparatively, the activation of the erythrocyte enzyme by the drug (on the 6^th day of administration was in the order: Glucophage > Daonil: Diabenese had no significant effect. The implications of these findings to the functional integrity of erythrocytes are discussed in this work.

Exercise, a Veritable Tool for Prevention and Control of Obesity and Overweight

Nwezeh, G.O.¹ and Ugbabe, P.²

¹Nutrition/Dietetics Department, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

²Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management Department, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail: nwezehgodfrey@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Exercise is a physical or mental exertion to increase skill or strength. It is also defined as activity requiring physical effort carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness. Overweight however, refers to an excess amount of bodyweight that may come from muscles, bone, fats, and water, obesity refers to the excess amount of body fat. Keeping active can help people stay at a healthy weight or lose weight. It can also lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers as well as reduce stress and boost healthy mood. Experts measure the intensity of physical activity in metabolic equivalents or METs for short. One (1) MET is defined as the calories burned while an individual sits quietly for one (1) minute for average adult, that is about one (1) calorie per every 2.2 pounds of body weight per an hour. Worldwide, people are less active today than they were decades ago. While studies have shown that sports and leisure activity levels have remained stable or increased slightly. Physical activity seems to work best when combined with a lower calorie eating plan in controlling overweight and obesity. Treatment for obesity and overweight may include a mix of behavioural treatment which include; diet, exercise and sometimes weight loss drugs. In some cases like extreme obesity, weight loss by surgery may be an option. In making recommendations, it is important to bear in mind that staying active is not purely an individual choice. Therefore, the following recommendations were proffered; provisions of parks, playing grounds, within neighbourhood; and provision of side- walks, bike paths in Nigerian roads to serve as source of motivation to those that desire to exercise and lose weight.

Bacteriological Examination and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Bottled Water Sold in Amai, Delta State.

^*1Tanimowo, W.O., ¹Kolagbodi R., ²Ukolobi O. and ²Osaide S.

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria.

²Department of Microbiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

E-mail: jesumowo0630@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the microbiological quality as well as the antibiotic resistance profile of bacterial species in some bottled water sold in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. The presence of heterotrophic plate count from six (6) commercially available bottled water were examined using standard pour plate and spread plate methods, while the antibiotic resistance was investigated using disc diffusion method. The results obtained indicated that 16.7% and 83.3% of the samples showed heterotrophic plate (HPC) count within the range of less than 1(CFU/ml) and 1- 250 (CFU/ml), respectively, and 0% sample showed greater than 250 (CFU/ml) in heterotrophic plate counts. The results also showed that 83.3% klebsiella, 83.3% Staphylococcus aureus, 50% Salmonella, 50% Serratia, 66.7% Escherichia coli and 16.7% Streptococcus, were isolated from the water samples. All the bacterial isolates were resistant to the antibiotics tested. Since some bacterial species have developed resistance and are still developing resistance against certain antibiotics which were once known to be active against such bacterial species,  it is therefore recommended that good treatment techniques that would eliminate all forms of microorganisms that could cause water related diseases be used to treat bottled water before distributing to the consumer populations.

Awareness of HIV/AIDS among Rural Population in Edo State, Nigeria

¹Oronsaye F.E. and ²Oviasogie F.E.

¹Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

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

E-mail: sayfrankon@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the awareness, knowledge and beliefs about HIV/AIDS among three rural populations of Edo State Nigeria 568 individuals among the inhabitants of the three villages were randomly surveyed for this study. This was done by means of questionnaires administered to them by trained field health workers. It was found that 40% of the population was still not aware of the presence of HIV/AIDS. 80% were fully grown adults and 99% were unmarried. 20% attributed the death toll on our young and active workforce to mysterious circumstances and evil spirits. The need to spread the campaign for the prevention of HIV/AIDS to the rural areas of this country cannot be overemphasized.

Human Dermatosis in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A Review of Case Records Diagnosed at the Molai Hospital and Leprosy Centre (MHLC), Maiduguri

¹Biu, A.A., ¹Shu’aibu, M.A., ¹Paul, B.T., ¹Kyari, F., ¹Mohammed, A.,

²Fasuyi, F.H., ³Ali, M., ⁴Saidu, A.M., ⁵Onigbanjo, H.O. and ⁶Arowolo, B.O.

¹Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

² National Biotechnology Development Agency, Bioresources Development Centre, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria

³ Department of Animal Health & Production, MOLCA, Maiduguri

⁴ Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

⁵Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Abuja, Nigeria

⁶ Department of Veterinary Parasitology & Entomology, University of Abuja, Nigeria

E-mail: biuvet@yahoo.com 

ABSTRACT

Records on the prevalence of skin diseases treated at the Molai Hospital and Leprosy Centre (MHLC) were analyzed for a period of four (4) years between January and December, 2000-2004. Of a total of fifty seven thousand, three hundred and two (57,302) cases treated for skin diseases, non specific cases had 13,266 (23.2%), while specific cases had 44,036 (76.8%) (p<0.05) i.e. parasitic skin conditions had a prevalence of 12,743 (22.2%), then fungi with 11,193 (19.5%); bacteria 10,835 (18.9%), and viral 9,265 (16.2%) respectively (p>0.05). The significance of these findings is discussed within.  

An Assessment of Child-Killer Disease in Relation to Environment:

Case Study of Jekadafari Gombe-Nigeria

Adamu, S.J¹, Ibrahim, A.Q² and Mahmoud, A.B³

¹Department of Geography, Gombe State University, Tudunwada, Gombe.

²Department of Chemistry, Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

³Department of Biological Sciences, Gombe State University, Tudunwada, Gombe.

E-mail: sanidaddy@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the level of child-killer diseases in relation to environment in Jekadafari area of Gombe metropolis. Ninety five questionnaires were administered, and seventy five were filled and returned. The cluster random sampling methodology was used, and percentage scores were used to analyze the data collected. The existing data were analyzed using correlation method. The research has confirmed that relationship exists between the diseases under study and the poor sanitary condition of the area at 0.05 significant levels. Meaning that in every 1000 cases of illness, there is every tendency of having 95% of the patients to be either of the three diseases under study, and the remaining 5% to be of any other diseases beside the ones under study. This result is attributed to the 2004 flood disaster in Gombe which led to the blockages of drainages in the area. While the remaining  years under study relationship exists but not at significant level, meaning that out of 1000 cases of illness, there is every possibility of having any other disease beside the ones under study. It was recommended that government should employ the services of health inspectors/educators for educating and sensitizing the inhabitants of the area on child-killer diseases in relation to environment and their effects. Government, community and civil society organizations should provide potable drinking water, adequate local incinerators for refuse collection. Also the government should encourage the idea of “house to house” weekly inspection to ensure that personal hygienic conditions are being observed.

Histopathology of the Gills, Livers and Kidney of Clarias gariepinus

(Burchell, 1822) Exposed to Sniper 1000EC Under Laboratory Conditions

Abubakar¹, M.I., G.N.O. Ezeri², I.T. Omoniyi² and O.A. Akinloye³ 

¹Department of Biology, College of Education, Zuba, Abuja, Nigeria. 

²Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

³Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

E-mail: a.midiog@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Indiscriminate use of Sniper 1000EC has become a serious problem among local fishermen in the Northern parts of Niger state. Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (mean body weight 23.34 ± 0.05g; mean standard length, 20.00 ± 0.45cm) were subjected to 5 treatment levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20mg/L. The striking tissue damages were observed majorly at 15 and 20mg/L of sniper 1000EC exposed fish species. Lesions such as oedema and hyperplasia were observed in the gills of the exposed groups. Hepatocellular steatosis and vacuolations were observed in the livers.  Tubular nephrosis and hyperplasias of epithelial cells were also observed in the kidney. It is concluded that alterations in gills, livers and kidney of the exposed fish species were consequences of exposure to the toxicant (Sniper 1000EC). It is recommended that the use of Sniper 1000EC by local fishermen be banned to save the aquatic environment from destruction. 

Ethnomedicinal Survey of Folkloric Plants Used in Managing Breast Cancers by the Traditional Medical Practitioners of North- East Nigeria

Z.K. Mohammed¹, A. Daja¹, H.G Hamza¹, A. Gidado¹, and I.M Hussaini²

¹Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

²Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail: zkmahammed24@gmail.com  

ABSTRACT

An ethnomedicinal survey of plants used in the folkloric treatment of breast cancer and other breast related diseases was conducted in three locations of North East, Nigeria. About fifty respondents made up of traditonal medical practitioners located wihin Maiduguri, Nguru and Jimeta were interviewed orally through the use of questionnaires. Twenty five different plant species belonging to different families (leguminoseae (also fabaceae) (5), combretaceae (3), capparidaceae (2), asclepiadaceae, moracaceae, loranthaceae, orobanchaceae, sterculiaceae, polygalaceae, oleaceae, sapotaceae, puriaceae, annonaceae, bignonaceae, amaryllidaceae, burseraceae and mimosaceae (2) were identified to be useful in treating breast and other forms of cancer. These plants were taxonomically identified and classified according to their habitats, families and genera. This work provides an inventory of North East Nigeria plants with anti-breast cancer potentials for future verification and scientific validation.

Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: A Review

¹Leonard, A.F. and ²Milala, M.A.

^1&2Department of Biochemistry

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail:  mohammedmilala@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The cancer of the pancreas has a poor diagnosis due to the location of the pancreas. It has a high mortality rate of about ninety five percent, with limited survival rate. Patients diagnosed of pancreatic cancer barely have five years to live. Pancreatic cancer cells, cancer cells in general, posses a tough fibrin coat which protects them from the body’s own immune system and various types of chemotherapy have been unable to overcome this barrier. This is because the fibrin coat of cancer cells, resist fibrinolytic degradation by the fibrinolytic enzymes due to high cysteine residues in the fibrin protein. The use of proteolytic enzymes in pancreatic cancer treatment is aimed at degrading this fibrin coat, hence exposing the cancer cells to the body’s own immune system. This therapy is also accompanied with some components such as diet, and detoxification procedure known as the coffee enema. Studies on cancer cells have shown that the issue of the body’s autonomic system has to be addressed using diet. To avoid future diseases as a result of tumor degradation, the coffee enema is carried out so as to efficiently eliminate toxins through the liver.