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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder that is prevalent in children and adolescents. ADHD affects student’s learning due to its symptoms which are inability to stay focused, hyperactivity, and challenges in self-control. In this paper, we explore the use of mobile games to engage children diagnosed with ADHD. Mobile games are now widely used in learning, which is part of mobile learning. Previous studies have shown a positive relationship between digital games and learning for children with ADHD. Therefore, we designed and developed a mobile game based on existing literature on techniques used to retain the attention and engage children with ADHD. The study was evaluated based on the duration of time the children spent playing the game and their activities and interactions while playing the game. Our findings showed that mobile-based games can be used to engage children with ADHD.

Background/Aims Literature suggests that aerobic exercise improves cognitive impairments post stroke. This systematic review was conducted to analyse evidence on the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in improving post-stroke cognitive impairments. Methods Online databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) were systematically searched from inception until 13 July 2017 using the keywords stroke/exercise/cognition. Clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scale. Extracted data were synthesised for evidence. Results A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Participants in most of the studies were aged over 60 years and the majority had ischaemic stroke. The most commonly used measure for assessing cognition was the Mini Mental State Examination. The majority of studies included moderate to high intensity exercise (50–70% of VO2max) for 30–60 minutes three to five times per week. There is moderate evidence that aerobic exercise enhances global cognitive function, attention and working memory. Evidence that aerobic exercise improves memory, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and executive function is conflicting and limited. Conclusions Aerobic exercise is moderately effective in improving post-stroke cognitive impairments. More clinical trials are needed in view of the methodological limitations and paucity of existing studies.

Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) is an important component of stroke rehabilitation. Most of the strategies used for this purpose are not readily affordable. This is the protocol of a trial to investi...

This paper examines the impact of Sifteo Cube Technology in engaging children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is an early childhood neurodevelopmental disorder which starts as early as five years of age. The core symptoms are inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. By identifying the history of games development and ADHD, the researchers explored the viability of using the kinesthetic technology of Sifteo Cubes to engage these children. Engaging children with ADHD can lead to better management of the children, administering of learning materials, or aid other therapeutic methods. To carry out this research, an adventure game playable on the Sifteo Cubes using open-source games development kit called Wildflower was developed and evaluated with children with ADHD for qualitative analysis. Results obtained from video capture and ethnography proved favourable. Sifteo Cubes can effectively engage the children for an average of 20 minutes. The results show that Sifteo Cubes is effective is in engaging children with ADHD.

Juvenile blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus were reared over 31 days in two different systems namely recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and conventional aquaculture system (CAS) to evaluate the water quality parameters, growth, and its body composition. The juvenile crab, weighing of 0.95 ± 0.18 g and stocking was at 40 crabs m-2 and fed twice per day with a commercial shrimp pellet. During the experimental time, significantly (P

Industrial waste water arising from crude oil exploration and processing activities poses a serious environmental problem in Nigeria. Consequently, a study of the use of activated carbon in the clean up was designed by this study with the aim of reducing the water contamination to a more acceptable level. Locally produced activated carbon produced from Hura crepitans seeds of different mass was employed as adsorbent with its adsorption potentials compared with standard commercial activated carbon. A 2h contact time was allowed after which physicochemical parameters such as temperature, odour, appearance, density, pH, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, chloride, sulphate, total hardness, calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined. Results of the analyses showed that the produced activated carbon is an excellent means for the removal of the contaminants as seen by the decrease in the contaminant concentration from an initial concentration to that within or close to both WHO and refinery specifications. The results of this study revealed that the powdered form of the activated carbon from H. crepitans seed would be very effective in the remediation of petroleum-hydrocarbon contaminated ground water and its use is therefore recommended.

Background: Tobacco smoking is an addictive behavior with heavy risks accompanying its prolonged practice. Unfortunately, more and more people are indulging in tobacco smoking habits despite the public health education programs going on worldwide about the dangers associated with tobacco smoking behavior. This study aims to survey active shisha smokers in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area (LGA), Kebbi State, Nigeria, on the awareness of the harmful effects associated with shisha smoking. Methods: This study was a survey of 45 active shisha smokers in Birnin Kebbi LGA. Snowballing technique was adopted in participants’ recruitment. Study instrument was a questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Majority (32/45) of the participants were males, 16 had secondary school education, and 19 were within age range of 15 to 24 years. The majority (25/45) of them began to smoke shisha at the age of 18 years or more; also, 20 participants smoked shisha in all the 30 days prior to their participation in this study. Less than half of the study participants knew that: shisha is a stimulant (6/45), shisha smoke contains carbon monoxide (10/45), and the liquid in shisha could be replaced with alcohol (15/45). However, more than half of the participants knew that shisha contains nicotine (23/45) and tobacco (25/45). Only 16, 13, 11, 9, 5, 10, and 13 participants knew that shisha smoking could lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, increase in the risk of infections, reduced baby weight in pregnancy, gum and mouth disease, eye disease and blindness, and harm to non-smokers, respectively. Conclusion: Many of the active shisha smokers surveyed in this study began smoking shisha at a young age. Also, a significant proportion of them were unaware of the health hazards associated with shisha use; hence the need to educate them and even the Nigerian public on the dangers associated with shisha use.

A 150‐days study was conducted on the continuous exposure of magnetized water at 0.00, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 Tesla (T) on quadruplicate treatments of Jade Perch Scortum barcoo juveniles in a recirculating system. Each replicate consisted of 18 fish with an average weight of 7.52 g over all treatments. The feeding efficiencies, growth, whole‐body proximate plasma parameters, survival were measured and liver histopathology was observed. Our results show no significant improvement in water quality parameters, specific growth rate and body weight gain in this study. However, the best feed conversion ratio was recorded in fish exposed to 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 T, which are significantly better than the control 0.00 T. Though survival was unaffected but plasma biochemistry and liver histopathology were affected even within the treatment. No liver, plasma or blood abnormalities were detected in fish exposed to 0.10 T and the control 0.00 T. But, one out of four livers from fish in the 0.15 T treatment showed a localized inflammatory response. These changes increased in the liver of fish exposed to 0.20 T, high AST and necrosis in this group is evidence of the liver cells damaged or been at risk. A significantly higher crude protein and lipid were noticed in the exposed fish compared with the control, 0.15 T had the highest crude protein and lipid while the control has the lowest. Based on the overall findings, on growth performance and looking at other factors like absence of any physiological disorder 0.10 T can be used as an effective and affordable technique improve the feeding efficiencies of Jade Perch.

A 70-day study was conductedto determine the effects of continuous exposure of magnetized water on red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Triplicate groups of tilapia (7.16 ± 0.05 g) were tested with increasing amounts of magnetized water intensity (0.00, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 T). At the end of the experiment, the growth, feeding efficiency, whole-body proximate composition, water quality, and plasma parameters were measured. Although the survival was unaffected by the magnetised water level, the weight gain and specific growth rate significantly increased (P

Compliance with recommended hand hygiene among healthcare providers is important in the prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with hospitalacquired infections including drug resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to determine the reported knowledge and hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers in Specialist Hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to study 302 healthcare workers in the specialist hospitals in Kano. Data was collected using semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using IBM SPSS version 22. The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 59 years with a mean of 31.4±9 years. Up to onethird (36.1%) of the respondents had poor knowledge despite the reported hand hygiene practice of 78%. Use of Alcohol Based Hand Rub and soap and water constituted 26.7% and 15.7% respectively. There was statistically significant association between working in MMSH, working in Pediatrics wards, CHEW cadre, and attendance of hand hygiene training in the last 3 years and having good knowledge of hand hygiene. Hand hygiene training was found to improve hand hygiene knowledge [AOR=1.58, 95% CI= (1.01-2.5)] and practice [AOR=1.12 95%CI= (0.64-1.99)]. Reported knowledge of hand hygiene was poor but the practices were encouraging and associated with formal training of healthcare workers on hand hygiene. Therefore, Hospital management should ensure regular hand hygiene training and re-training among healthcare workers.

Background. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is used for the rehabilitation of motor function after stroke. Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of lower limb CIMT that uses number of repetition of tasks with the one that uses number of hours of practice. Method. The study was a randomized clinical trial approved by the Ethics Committee of Kano State Ministry of Health. Fifty-eight people with stroke participated in the study. Groups 1 and 2 performed daily 600 repetitions and 3 hours of task practice, respectively, 5 times weekly for 4 weeks. Motor impairment (primary outcome), balance, functional mobility, knee extensor spasticity, walking speed and endurance, and exertion before and after commencement of activities were assessed at baseline and postintervention. The data was analyzed using Friedmann and Mann-Whitney U tests. Result. The results showed that there was only significant difference ( p < 0.05 ) in knee extensor spasticity (group 1 ( median = 0 0 , mean rank = 27.50 ); group 2 ( median = 0 0 , mean rank = 31.64 )), exertion before commencement of activities (group 1 ( median = 0 0.5 , mean rank = 21.90 ); group 2 ( median = 1 0.5 , mean rank = 37.64 )), and exertion after commencement of activities (group 1 ( median = 1 1 , mean rank = 20.07 ); group 2 ( median = 1 0 , mean rank = 39.61 ) postintervention in favour of the experimental group (group 1)). Conclusion. The group 1 protocol is more effective at improving outcomes after stroke.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a public health crisis that has spread to most regions/countries of the world. In Africa, the disease is believed to be in its early stages, as fewer infectio...

Table drinking water, often called as ‘Pure water’ is generally accepted safe for consumption. The study was aimed at comparatively analyze for microbiological quality of non-registered table water sold in Sokoto Metropolis using microbial culture, microscopic and Biochemical identification. Eight (8) samples each were purchased from nonregistered factories within Sokoto Metropolis. Streak plate method was used for the isolation of bacteria on Nutrient agar (NA) medium and Sabouroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium for isolation of fungi. Incubation period at 370C for 24 hours, for bacteria and 250C for 72 hours for fungi was considered. All the samples yielded growth for bacteria while only 4 samples were positive to growth of fungi. The bacteria isolated from samples analyzed were species ofBacillusandSalmonellawhile fungal isolates recovered wereAspergillusandPenicilliumspecies. The presence of these bacteria at high levels is a matter of serious concern as some of these organisms are causative agents of many disease of medical importance. It is therefore recommended that regulatory bodies should intensified efforts in the monitoring of non-registered factories of table water and discourage the proliferations and consumption of unhygienic table water in the study area.

Importance: Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and breathing difficulty. However, the mechanism of the disease, including some of the symptoms such as the neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms, is still poorly understood. Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence on the neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms of the disease. This may help with early diagnosis, prevention of disease spread, and treatment planning. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (first 100 hits) were searched until April 17, 2020. The key search terms used were "coronavirus" and "signs and symptoms." Only studies written in English were included. Study Selection: The selection was performed by two independent reviewers using EndNote and Rayyan software. Any disagreement was resolved by consensus or by a third reviewer. Data Extraction and Synthesis: PRISMA guidelines were followed for abstracting data and assessing the quality of the studies. These were carried out by two and three independent reviewers, respectively. Any disagreement was resolved by consensus or by a third reviewer. The data were analyzed using qualitative synthesis and pooled using a random-effect model. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The outcomes in the study include country, study design, participant details (sex, age, sample size), and neurological and musculoskeletal features. Result: Sixty studies (n = 11, 069) were included in the review, and 51 studies were used in the meta-analysis. The median or mean age ranged from 24 to 95 years. The prevalence of neurological and musculoskeletal manifestations was 35% for smell impairment (95% CI 0-94%; I-2 99.63%), 33% for taste impairment (95% CI 0-91%; I-2 99.58%), 19% for myalgia (95% CI 16-23; I-2 95%), 12% for headache (95% CI 9-15; I-2 93.12%), 10% for back pain (95% CI 1-23%; I-2 80.20%), 10% for dizziness (95% CI 3-19%; I-2 86.74%), 3% for acute cerebrovascular disease (95% CI 1-5%; I-2 0%), and 2% for impaired consciousness (95% CI 1-2%; I-2 0%). Conclusion and Relevance: Patients with COVID-19 present with neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, clinicians need to be vigilant in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Background Sepsis is a major contributor to neonatal mortality, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). WHO advocates ampicillin–gentamicin as first-line therapy for the management of neonatal sepsis. In the BARNARDS observational cohort study of neonatal sepsis and antimicrobial resistance in LMICs, common sepsis pathogens were characterised via whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial resistance profiles. In this substudy of BARNARDS, we aimed to assess the use and efficacy of empirical antibiotic therapies commonly used in LMICs for neonatal sepsis. Methods In BARNARDS, consenting mother–neonates aged 0–60 days dyads were enrolled on delivery or neonatal presentation with suspected sepsis at 12 BARNARDS clinical sites in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Stillborn babies were excluded from the study. Blood samples were collected from neonates presenting with clinical signs of sepsis, and WGS and minimum inhibitory concentrations for antibiotic treatment were determined for bacterial isolates from culture-confirmed sepsis. Neonatal outcome data were collected following enrolment until 60 days of life. Antibiotic usage and neonatal outcome data were assessed. Survival analyses were adjusted to take into account potential clinical confounding variables related to the birth and pathogen. Additionally, resistance profiles, pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic probability of target attainment, and frequency of resistance (ie, resistance defined by in-vitro growth of isolates when challenged by antibiotics) were assessed. Questionnaires on health structures and antibiotic costs evaluated accessibility and affordability. Findings Between Nov 12, 2015, and Feb 1, 2018, 36 285 neonates were enrolled into the main BARNARDS study, of whom 9874 had clinically diagnosed sepsis and 5749 had available antibiotic data. The four most commonly prescribed antibiotic combinations given to 4451 neonates (77·42%) of 5749 were ampicillin–gentamicin, ceftazidime–amikacin, piperacillin–tazobactam–amikacin, and amoxicillin clavulanate–amikacin. This dataset assessed 476 prescriptions for 442 neonates treated with one of these antibiotic combinations with WGS data (all BARNARDS countries were represented in this subset except India). Multiple pathogens were isolated, totalling 457 isolates. Reported mortality was lower for neonates treated with ceftazidime–amikacin than for neonates treated with ampicillin–gentamicin (hazard ratio [adjusted for clinical variables considered potential confounders to outcomes] 0·32, 95% CI 0·14–0·72; p=0·0060). Of 390 Gram-negative isolates, 379 (97·2%) were resistant to ampicillin and 274 (70·3%) were resistant to gentamicin. Susceptibility of Gram-negative isolates to at least one antibiotic in a treatment combination was noted in 111 (28·5%) to ampicillin–gentamicin; 286 (73·3%) to amoxicillin clavulanate–amikacin; 301 (77·2%) to ceftazidime–amikacin; and 312 (80·0%) to piperacillin–tazobactam–amikacin. A probability of target attainment of 80% or more was noted in 26 neonates (33·7% [SD 0·59]) of 78 with ampicillin–gentamicin; 15 (68·0% [3·84]) of 27 with amoxicillin clavulanate–amikacin; 93 (92·7% [0·24]) of 109 with ceftazidime–amikacin; and 70 (85·3% [0·47]) of 76 with piperacillin–tazobactam–amikacin. However, antibiotic and country effects could not be distinguished. Frequency of resistance was recorded most frequently with fosfomycin (in 78 isolates [68·4%] of 114), followed by colistin (55 isolates [57·3%] of 96), and gentamicin (62 isolates [53·0%] of 117). Sites in six of the seven countries (excluding South Africa) stated that the cost of antibiotics would influence treatment of neonatal sepsis. Interpretation Our data raise questions about the empirical use of combined ampicillin–gentamicin for neonatal sepsis in LMICs because of its high resistance and high rates of frequency of resistance and low probability of target attainment. Accessibility and affordability need to be considered when advocating antibiotic treatments with variance in economic health structures across LMICs. Funding The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Background and study aim: Despite the global priority given to malaria control and prevention, antimalarial resistance is a major factor that encourages persistence of malaria in developing countries. This prospective study sought to determine the antimalarial resistance pattern of P. falciparum isolated from infected pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Kaduna state, Northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Between 16th February and 28th April, 2015, EDTA anticoagulated blood samples were collected from seventy nine pregnant women with plasmodiasis. Antimalarial susceptibility of chloroquine, artesunate, artemether and sulfadoxin-pyrimethamine (SP) against P falciparum was done using schizont maturation assay. Multidrug resistant plasmodiasis was defined by resistance to ≥ 3 antimalarial drugs. Results: Malaria parasites from the pregnant women exhibited the highest resistance against chloroquine, 85 (Session [UserIDID].1%) followed by Artemether, 30 (8.5%) then sulfadoxin-pyrimethamine, 29 (8.2%) and least resistant to artesunate, 28 (7.9%). The occurrence rate of multidrug resistance was 40.5%. There was no significant association between occurrence of multidrug resistance and malaria parasitaemia (p=0.092). Seventy five, 94.8% of the P. falciparum infected subjects exhibit resistant to at least one antimalarial. Antimalarial resistance was highest in women with severe malaria 20 (80.0%), followed by those with moderate malaria, 15 (62.5%) and least in those with mild malaria, 4 (13.3%). There was significant association between occurrence of antimalarial resistance and densities of malaria parasitaemia (p=0.0125). Conclusion: Considering the high degree of antimalarial resistance reported from this study, there will be challenges in eradicating malaria in this environment. These findings necessitate the need for regular surveillance for resistant P. falciparum and evaluation of more effective alternative drug (s).

Objective: Pregnant women infected with malaria represent a significant obstetric problem, especially in the face of antimalarial resistance. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of malaria parasitemia, associated risk factors as well as the antimalarial resistance pattern of Plasmodium isolates from pregnant women attending four selected secondary health facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 353 pregnant women attending selected hospitals. Malaria microscopy and parasite density count were conducted based on standard protocols. Antimalarial susceptibility test (using chloroquine, artesunate, artether, and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine), and hemoglobin concentrations were determined using schizont maturation assay and methemoglobin method, respectively. Multiple-drug resistance (MDR) was defined by resistance against ≥3 antimalarial drugs. Results: The overall prevalence of plasmodiasis was 22.4%. Out of those infected, 5.2% was found to be anemic. Malaria parasitemia was significantly associated with parity, residential area, age of women, and use of preventive measures against malaria (P < 0.05) but not with hemoglobin concentration, occupation, and trimester of pregnancy (P > 0.05). Malaria parasites from the pregnant women exhibited the highest resistance against chloroquine, 75 (94.9%) followed Artemether, 30 (37.9%) then sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, 29 (36.7%) and least resistant to artesunate, 28 (35.4%). The prevalence of MDR was 40.5% (32/79). Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria was relatively high due to inadequate and/or ineffective preventive measures adopted by pregnant women. More so, significant isolates of Plasmodium falciparum exhibited MDR against antimalarial agents tested.

Background. Central poststroke pain (CPSP) caused by sensory dysfunction of central origin is a disabling condition that significantly affects the quality of life of stroke patients. Aim. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical profiles and pattern of CPSP among stroke patients in Kano, Nigeria. Methods. The study was a cross-sectional design involving stroke survivors who were ≥18 years old and with no significant cognitive impairment approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Participants were assessed using diagnostic criteria form, the douleur neuropathique 4 questions (DN4 questionnaire), and Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANNS). Results. A total of 120 stroke patients participated in the study, in which 6 (5%) were diagnosed with CPSP occurring within the first 3 months in 50% of the participants. The pain characteristics were mainly moderate (83.3%), burning (62.5%), and continuously experienced (66.7%). The frequently affected parts were extremities or occurring as hemisyndrome. Conclusion. Prevalence of CPSP following stroke is low. The clinical features are variable and can occur at a varied time and different intensities and locations. However, it majorly occurs within the first few months post stroke.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia and it is fast becoming a scourge in sub-Saharan Africa. The nutritional properties of developed fibre-enriched cake and its protective potential against diabetic induced neurotoxicity in rats were investigated. Fibre-enriched cake was developed from selected fruits and analysed for its nutritional and sensory attributes. Rats were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan and treated with the formulated cake. After 14 days treatment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Their brain tissues were accessed for reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, protein content and lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profiles which cover for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Induction of diabetes led to significant reduction (p < 0.05) of GSH, catalase, SOD activities and protein content. Feeding on the formulated cake led to their significant increase. Decreased lipid peroxidation, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, and increased concentration of HDL were also observed on feeding with the cake. These results indicate an antioxidant protective potential of the fibre-enriched cake against diabetic-induced brain toxicity. Thus, it can serve as an adjunct to dietary therapy for diabetes.

Studies have provided evidence of the hypoglycemic properties of fiber-containing foods compared to fiber-free foods. In this study, the hypoglycemic properties and beneficial effects of fiber-enriched cake in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were reported. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Fiber-enriched cake was produced from selected fruits and fed to the treatment group. The rats were monitored daily for food intake, and body weight. Their blood glucose levels were monitored on weekly basis. Treatment lasted for 14 days, after which the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and centrifuged to obtain serum which was analyzed to evaluate serum insulin level. Histological study was carried out on the pancreatic tissues. There was no significant difference in diet intake and body weight among the experimental groups. Feeding on the formulated cake led to 68.75 % reduction of the blood glucose level compared to the diabetic group. Significant increase (p

Objective: To investigate the effects of fractionation of acacia honey on its antioxidant potential in contrast with the pure honey from whole blood, brain and liver in vitro. Methods: Honey was partitioned into three fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and aqueous). Their immuno-modulatory effect on whole blood was assayed using Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence technique. Their antioxidant activities on rat brain and hepatic tissues which covers for catalase, SOD activities and lipid peroxidation. Results: Fractions of the honey enhanced the production of radicals with no significant (P>0.05) antioxidant activity on whole blood where as pure honey does. Pure honey significantly (P0.05) effects on lipid peroxidation. Conclusions: Fractionation of acacia honey negatively affects its antioxidant potential thereby making it a radical generating agent in contrast with the unfractionated.

The effects of fibre-enriched biscuit on biomarkers associated with hepatotoxicity in diabetic rats were investigated. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Treatment lasted for 14 days after which the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum was analyzed to determine hepatic function enzymes. The liver was also analyzed to determine hepatic lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes. Induction of diabetes led to elevated levels of ALP, AST, and ALT. These were, however, significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the fibre-enriched biscuit fed (treated) group. There was no significant difference in the serum bilirubin and total protein levels of the studied groups. Reduced albumin level was observed in the diabetic group; this was further lowered on feeding with fibre-enriched biscuits. Induction of diabetes led to increased hepatic level of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and lipid peroxidation and decreased activities of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and HDL level. These were significantly (p<0.05) reversed on feeding with fibre-enriched biscuit. This study portrays the protective effect of fibre-enriched biscuit on increased oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in hepatic tissues of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and its development is frequently associated with oxidative stress-induced by carcinogens such as arsenicals. Most foods are basically health-promoting or disease-preventing and a typical example of such type is honey. This study was undertaken to investigate the ameliorative effects of Acacia honey on sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress in the heart, lung and kidney tissues of male Wistar rats. Male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups of five rats each were administered distilled water, Acacia honey (20%), sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg body weight), Acacia honey, and sodium arsenite daily for one week. They were sacrificed anesthetically using 60 mg/kg sodium pentothal. The tissues were used for the assessment of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities, protein content and lipid peroxidation. Sodium arsenite significantly suppressed the glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities with simultaneous induction of lipid peroxidation. Administration of Acacia honey significantly increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities with concomitant suppression of lipid peroxidation as evident by the decrease in malondialdehyde level. From the results obtained, Acacia honey mitigates sodium arsenite induced-oxidative stress in male Wistar albino rats, which suggest that it may attenuate oxidative stress implicated in chemical carcinogenesis.

One hundred and ninety two raw milk samples were collected from lactating cows identified in Fulani herds and small scale dairy farms within Sokoto metropolis in order to investigate the presence and determine the antibiotic susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes in the milk. Selective culture and identification method was employed for the bacterial isolation and Kirby-Bauer technique was used for the antibiotic susceptibility test. Seventy six samples (39.58%) were positive for Listeria species, which upon biochemical characterization 39(51.3%) were Listeria innocua , 14(18.4%) Listeria ivanovii , 17(22.4%) Listeria monocytogenes , 4(5.3%) Listeria welshimeri and 2(2.6%) Listeria seeligeri . Antibiotic susceptibility test of the isolates revealed high resistance to am picillin (100%), and streptomycin (80%), followed by ampiclox (70%), tetracycline (30%), then gentamycin (20%) while, there was no resistance to ciprofloxacin and chloranphenicol. The findings of this study necessitate the need for extension personnel to educate the Fulani herdsmen, milk handlers and other livestock producers on the significance of hygiene especially during milking and the effect of indiscriminate use of drugs particularly antibiotics. There is also need for the agencies concerned such as the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to regulate the sales and use of both human and veterinary drugs by drug hawkers and other non-professional veterinary practitioners.

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Honey has been proven to have a potentiality of being among the functional foods by both in vivo and in vitro studies. Aim: This study was primarily designed to provide evidence on the apoptotic role of acacia honey on PC-3 cell line. Methods: MTT and mitotic index assay were used to determine the anti-proliferative effects. Cell cycle analysis was conducted on flow cytometer using propidium iodide. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [TNF α and IL 1β] and prostate specific antigen were determined by ELISA kits. Calcium ion level was analyzed by colorimetric method. Results: Our results show the anti-proliferative effects of acacia honey on NIH/3T3 and PC-3 cell lines with the IC 50 of 3.7 and 1.9% [v/v] respectively with simultaneous increase in the secretion of calcium ion and down regulation of prostate specific antigen. Significant [p < 0.05] dose-dependent modulation of G0/G1 phase was observed as compared with the control. However, there was an inverse relationship between TNF-α and IL-1β with latter being up regulated. Mitotic index of PC-3 cells decreased as the concentration of honey increases. Conclusion: Apoptotic role of acacia honey on PC-3 cell line may be due to modulation of G0/G1 phase, proinflammatory cytokines, calcium ions secretion and down regulation of prostate specific antigen in vitro.

Since ancient time, an increased interest had been witnessed in the use of an alternative herbal medicine for managing and the treatment of fungal disease worldwide. This may be connected to the cost and relative toxicities of the available fungal drugs. Since ancient time, it has been a known tradition practised in the northern part of Nigeria that parents and teachers use the white latex of Calotropis procera (Tumfafiya) to treat Tinea capitis (Makero) in children attending the local religious school in the area. This study was conducted in 2009 to designed to ascertain the above claim scientifically. Latex extract of Calotropis procera was screened for their antifungal and phytochemical properties. Agar incorporation method against species of dermatophytes: Trichophyton sp., Microsporum sp. and Epidermophyton sp. shows that the latex inhibits the in vitro growth of these three filamentous fungi to varying extents. Statistical analysis of the results shows that Trichophyton sp. is the most susceptible and thus highly inhabited by the latex extract followed by the Microsporum Sp. and Epidermopyton sp. was least inhibited. Undiluted latex (100%) of C. procera gave the highest inhibitory impacts on the dermatophytes and corresponding lowest least (20%) concentration. The phytochemical analysis of the latex extract indicates the presence alkaloids, saponin, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinone and triterpenoids. The findings of this study confirmed the perceived usefulness of the latex in the treatment of Tinea capitis (ringworm) practiced in the society and therefore, its use in the treatment of dermatomycotic infection is encouraged. [J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2015; 4(4.000): 314-317]

Evidence is accumulating that most of the degenerative diseases including diabetes mellitus have their origin in deleterious free radical reactions. Humans are well endowed with antioxidant defences primarily by free radical scavengers, such as ascorbic acid, alphatocopherol, betacarotene, and trace elements. Deficiencies of these micronutrients may increase susceptibility to these diseases and the associated complications. Antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, E and C) were estimated in one hundred and fifty (150) non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The results obtained were compared to those of One hundred and fifty (150) apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects. Serum glucose of the diabetic patients (13.59 ± 4.85mM) was significantly higher (P Keywords : antioxidant vitamins, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, Sokoto Biokemistri Vol. 17(2) 2005: 107-114

Distortion of the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body’s antioxidant defenses against them produces oxidative stress, which intensifies tissue damage. Spices have been reported to possess antioxidant properties which protect against ROS. Monodora myristica is among the common spices in Nigeria with reported medicinal properties. Its proximate composition, phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities were investigated. The proximate composition ranged from 3.06 to 52.42% with nitrogen free extract having the highest value and ash content, lowest. Phytochemical screening of the spice showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and saponins. The 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity ranged from 16.9 to 71.15 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. While the reducing power compared to the standard, gallic acid ranging from 0.028 to 0.126 mg GAE/g. Monodora myristica exhibited high antioxidant activities in vitro, signifying the protective potential of the spice against free radicals. The phytochemicals, phenolic and flavonoids in particular may be responsible for these effective antioxidant properties.

Background There have been emerging interests in functional foods, which fall in the gray area between conventional foods and medicine, over the years owing to their health benefits. In this study, the effect of fiber-enriched cake, produced from selected fruits, on the hematology and serum biochemistry of diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and methods Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Treatment lasted for 14 days, after which the rats were sacrificed humanely. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and some of it was centrifuged to obtain serum. The serum was analyzed to evaluate alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, albumin, and lipid profiles. The uncentrifuged blood was analyzed for hematological profile. Results The rats fed on the cake had increased levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, and platelets compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and albumin were observed in the diabetic rats; this was significantly reduced in the cake-fed group. Induction of diabetes led to increased levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride, and a low level of high-density lipoprotein. These results were significantly reversed, except for the triglyceride level, in the cake-fed group. Conclusion These results indicate the potentials of the fiber-enriched cake as a functional food with a therapeutic effect against hematological and biochemical changes associated with diabetes mellitus. Consequently, such a cake can serve as an adjunct to dietary therapy for diabetes.