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Showing papers by "University of Nigeria, Nsukka published in 2000"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was concluded that the leaves of Moringa oleifera have definite hypocholesterolemic activity and that there is valid pharmacological basis for employing them for this purpose in India.

441 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Weak and strong convergence theorems for the iterative approximation of fixed points of T are proved in this paper, where the boundedness requirement imposed on the subset K in recent results of Huang [1], Rhoades [2], and Schu [3,4] can be dropped.

203 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, Hevea brasiliensis seed oil was extracted, and its physical and chemical characteristics determined, and the results supported the choice of monosters, in place of straight rubber seed oil, as having better potential for use as alternative diesel fuel.

188 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings showed that malaria is a big contributor to the economic burden of disease, in malaria holo-endemic communities, and community-effective malaria control programs are needed to reduce this burden on the households.

130 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Weak and strong convergence theorems for the iterative approximation of fixed points of a Lipschitz monotone operator were proved in this article, where Tx = f is a nonempty fixed point set.
Abstract: Let H be a real Hilbert space, K a nonempty closed convex subset of H and T : K → K a Lipschitz pseudocontraction with a nonempty fixed-point set. Weak and strong convergence theorems for the iterative approximation of fixed points of T are proved. Furthermore, if T : H → H is a Lipschitz monotone operator and f ∈ R(T), where R(T) denotes the range of T, weak and strong convergence theorems for the iterative approximation of solutions of the operator equation Tx = f are proved.

117 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the electronic structure and frequency dependent dielectric function of rocksalt semiconductors PbSe and PbTe are investigated using the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation as two different exchange and correlation approximations, within the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave approach.
Abstract: The electronic structure and frequency dependent dielectric function $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ of rocksalt semiconductors PbSe and PbTe are investigated using the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation as two different exchange and correlation approximations, within the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave approach. Spin-orbit coupling has been incorporated in the study. The results are presented and compared with other recent calculations and experimental data. Structural properties are also obtained by means of calculations of total energy as a function of lattice parameters. The bulk structural parameters are sensitive to the choice of exchange and correlation approximation. The essential features of the band structure and density of states of PbSe and PbTe are reproduced by our calculations and agree quite well with available experimental results. The position of the minimum energy gap is correctly predicted, although the value of the gap is as usual, underestimated by the local density approximation with respect to the experimental data. This gap value is improved by the inclusion of the generalized gradient approximation. Also, we have calculated the real $[{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{1}(\ensuremath{\omega})]$ and imaginary $[{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega})]$ parts of $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ for both compounds, in the framework of the LDA scheme for exchange and correlation. The inclusion of spin-orbit coupling leads to a richer structure in both ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{1}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ and ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{2}(\ensuremath{\omega}).$ The agreement with experimental results is satisfactory.

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The methanolic extract of Solanum torvum fruit showed a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities against human and animal clinical isolates.

106 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 2000-Burns
TL;DR: There was a very high degree of resistance by these organisms to commonly available antibiotics in Nigeria, with the result that more expensive antibiotics such as the cephalosporins were required.

84 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that the inhibitory properties of some of these Nigerian plant extracts against GST may contribute to the pharmacological basis of their efficacy against helminths in traditional herbal use.
Abstract: Piliostigma thonningii, Ocimum gratissimum, Nauclea latifolia and Alstonia boonei are used in Nigerian traditional medicines against gastrointestinal helminths of animals and man. Proanthocyanidins were detected in Piliostigma and Nauclea, but not Alstonia or Ocimum. Extracts of these plants killed 50% of brine shrimp nauplii at <10 ppm (Nauclea), 100 ppm (Piliostigma) and <1000 ppm (Ocimum and Alstonia), the Nauclea LD50 being similar to the anthelmintic drug piperazine. Extracts were also toxic to the parasitic nematode Haemonchus infective L3 stage. Nematode glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are potential drug targets. Apart from Alstonia all the medicinal plants contained heat-stable inhibitory activities against recombinant Ascaris and Onchocerca GSTs in vitro. Piliostigma, Ocimum and Nauclea had IC50s of 2, 10 and 15 microg/mL respectively for Ascaris GST and 4, 8, 28 microg/mL respectively for Onchocerca GST. We suggest that the inhibitory properties of some of these Nigerian plant extracts against GST may contribute to the pharmacological basis of their efficacy against helminths in traditional herbal use.

80 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: 24-h germination is considered a worthwhile processing because it totally eliminates stachyose, which otherwise would induce flatulence, and reduces anti-nutritional factors to tolerable levels without a significant change in acceptability.

74 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The correlation between the monthly time series of global tropospheric temperature anomaly and total coronal hole area from January 1979 to April 1998 has a Pearson coefficient of −0.46, which is different from zero at a 95% confidence level.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of the study showed the evidence of unnecessary use of drugs and ignorance about their potential adverse effects among market women in Nigeria, and underscore the need for appropriate primary care education among the market women.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of mothers regarding the causes and management of diarrhoea of their children aged 0-24 months. In Enugu State, Nigeria, 80 market women whose children had diarrhoea during last 6 months were interviewed fortnightly. When possible, the children were observed to determine the types of diarrhoea and treatments given. Fifty-three of the women brought their children to market, and 27 left their children at home. Seventy-one percent of the mothers perceived that diarrhoea was caused by teething. The most common types of diarrhoea occurring in these children were watery diarrhoea (59%) and the so-called teething diarrhoea (29%). Dysentery (6%) and jedi jedi or frothy and mucoid stools (4%) occurred less frequently. In 68% of the cases, drugs were used alone or in conjunction with salt-sugar solution (SSS) or other forms of treatment. These drugs were prescribed by medical personnel (40%), patent medicine dealers (23%), or mothers themselves (30%). About 26% and 39% of the mothers treated, respectively, watery and teething diarrhoeas with drugs only, while 23% used SSS alone. The drugs used were mainly antimicrobials (34%) and a combination of antimicrobial, antimalarial, antacid, analgesic, and some local herbal preparations (21%). The results of the study showed the evidence of unnecessary use of drugs and ignorance about their potential adverse effects. These underscore the need for appropriate primary care education among the market women in Nigeria.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Emilia sonchifolia leaves progressively reduced rat paw oedema induced by subplantar injection of albumin, the aQueous extract showing a more pronounced effect than the methanol extract.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Observations ont indique that l'isolat nigerian local de virus velogenique de la maladie de Newcastle provenait d'une souche velogeniques viscerotropique en l'absence of preuve epizootiologique de virus grippal aviaire.
Abstract: A flock of 160 six-week-old Harco cockerels was inoculated intramuscularly with a local Nigerian isolate of velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from a dead guinea fowl. The birds came down with clinical signs on day 3 postinoculation (PI). The major signs were depression, greenish diarrhea, paralysis, opisthotonus and torticollis. Morbidity was 100% but mortality was 92%. By day 18 PI torticollis was the only sign persisting in some of the birds. The major gross lesions were hemorrhages in the proventricular mucosa, hemorrhagic ulcers in the intestines and transient atrophy of the lymphoid organs. Sections of the organs showed lymphocytic necrosis and depletion of the lymphoid organs, endotheliosis, gliosis and perivascular cuffing of the cerebrum and cerebellum. The above observations showed that the isolate was a viscerotropic velogenic strain. It is suggested that the hemorrhagic ulcers in the intestines could be regarded as diagnostic for viscerotropic velogenic NDV in the absence of epizootiological evidence of avian influenza.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of a preliminary antimicrobial screening of the petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and methanol successive extracts of Alchornea cordifolia stem bark are reported.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The protein and energy levels of the multimixes were higher than those of some commercial infant foods (Cerelac, Farex and Nestrum) in Nigeria but were comparable to that of`soy-ogi'.
Abstract: The nutrient compositions of eight multimixes formulated for use as complementary foods from processed soybeans, cowpeas, maize, sorghum, yams, cocoyams, plantains and sweet potatoes were examined. The foods were processed by sprouting, cooking and fermentation. The samples were separately dried and milled to fine flours. A ratio of 65% cereal, 30% legume and 5% starchy staple (65:30:5) calculated on a protein basis was used to formulate the multimixes. The blends were chemically analyzed using standard procedures. The mixtures containing soybeans had higher protein, lipid, energy, crude fiber and calcium levels but lower carbohydrate content than those mixtures without soybean. The protein and energy levels of the multimixes were higher than those of some commercial infant foods (Cerelac, Farex and Nestrum) in Nigeria but were comparable to that of 'soy-ogi'. The multimixes contained fair quantities of calcium and phosphorus and an adequate amount of some of the essential amino acids. Methionine was the most limiting amino acid in all the mixtures. Blending cowpeas with maize produced a higher protein score than blending cowpeas or soybeans with sorghum. The cowpea/maize/sweet potato mixture had the highest protein score.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results indicate that the leaves of C. scandens have good potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Abstract: Objective: To screen the anti-inflammatory potentials of a popular traditional antirheumatic herb, Culcasia scandens. Design: The leaves of Culcasia scandens were collected, identified, dried, and reduced to coarse powder and extracted with methanol. The methanol extract was fractionated into seven fractions. The fractions were subjected to phytochemical analysis to identify the biologically active constituents. The anti-inflammatory activity of the crude (methanol) extract (CE) and the fractions were determined in rats. The crude extract was also subjected to acute toxicity tests. Results: The extract was partitioned into seven fractions (F1–F7) using preparative thin layer chromatography. Fraction Fl and the methanol-insoluble fraction (F9) did not exhibit any anti-inflammatory activity. The other fractions showed anti-inflammatory activity in the following order F6> F2> F5> F4> F8> F3> F7> CE. The anti-inflammatory potency of F2 and F6 at the dose tested were greater than that of aspirin (100 mg/kg). P...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of extractives from Pterocarpus osun elder stems showed significant activities due to different classes of new-isolated constituents.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for the retreatment of insecticide‐treated nets (ITN) in four malaria holoendemic communities of Nigeria.
Abstract: Summaryobjectives To determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for the retreatment of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) in four malaria holoendemic communities of Nigeria. methods Contingent valuation method. The study tool was a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Randomly selected households were the study units and household heads or their representatives were interviewed by locally trained interviewers. results Most households were willing to pay for annual ITN retreatment in all four communities. The proportion of those willing to pay ranged from 79% to 91%. WTP amounts ranged from $0.05 to $5.26. The median from the aggregated data from the four communities was $0.21. Multivariate analysis showed that many explanatory variables were statistically significantly related to WTP for ITN retreatment. conclusion WTP for ITN retreatment exists. The difficulty lies in implementing this. One possibility would be a community-based ITN retreatment programme.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Grain sorghum of the red and white varieties was malted by steeping in water for 18 h, germinated over 5 days and kilned at 50 °C as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Grain sorghum of the red and white varieties was malted by steeping in water for 18 h, germinated over 5 days and kilned at 50 °C. The malts were analysed for amylase activities and cyanogenic potential and used to produce burukutu, an alcoholic beverage. The alcohol content of the burukutu was recovered by distillation and determined by the refractive index method. α-Amylase activity peaked on malting day 3 and was higher in the white malts. β-Amylase activity peaked on day 3 in the red malts and on day 4 in the white malts, but was higher in the red malts. Dhurrinase activity was highest on malting day 4, with a higher activity in the red malts. Kilning at 50 °C reduced the activities of these enzymes. The dhurrin content increased during germination and was consistently higher in the white malts, in which there was evidence of dhurrin mobilisation. In the red malts the dhurrin content increased during germination but decreased progressively after kilning; evidence of dhurrin mobilisation was apparent as from malting day 4. Burukutu produced from the red malts gave higher alcohol contents than that from the white malts. Maximum alcohol yields were obtained on malting day 3 in the red malts and on day 5 in the white malts. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: DSS, isolated from the root of Dalbergia saxatilis, did not significantly alter the fertility of rats at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy but did cause a significant decrease in the mean Day 20 foetal crown-rump length when administered at the premating period and at the third trimester of pregnancy.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There were high levels of prioritization of the disease, mosquito nets and ITNs which signalled the possibility of establishing sustainable community-based ITN programmes, especially as households wanted to buy the ITNs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of heat and mass transfer in porous spherical pellets with vapour absorption/desorption is presented, where the size, shape and thermophysical properties of the pellet are assumed invariant with time, and the volume reaction model is utilised.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the hypothesis that rural informal savings and credit associations persist, remain popular and flourish because they are able to resolve the problems of information asymmetry, transaction costs and related risks that are handled poorly or not at all by formal finance and rural credit schemes.
Abstract: This paper investigates the hypothesis that rural informal savings and credit associations persist, remain popular and flourish because they are able to resolve the problems of information asymmetry, transaction costs and related risks that are handled poorly or not at all by formal finance and rural credit schemes. Data for the paper emanated from two empirical studies of traditional savings and credit associations in south-eastern Nigeria, the initial study in 1993 and a follow-up study in 1998. The traditional savings and credit associations appear able to cope well with the risks associated with asymmetric information, transaction costs and moral hazard, through sustained locally valued diverse financial and non-financial services, expense-reducing techniques, locally adapted integrated loan guarantees and contract enforcement, and flexibility and convenience of loan services. While it is unrealistic to expect formal finance to emulate the risk coping techniques of these associations, it can and should at least learn from them and harness them. In addition to policy instruments that would reduce the information asymmetry, transaction costs and enforcement problems, the enhancement of complementary institutional and financial linkages between formal financial intermediaries and these associations are integral components of a dependable strategy to expand the frontiers of rural formal finance. Ce document analyse l’hypothese selon laquelle les associations rurales informelles d’epargne et de credit perdurent, restent populaires et se developpent parce qu’elles sont capables de resoudre les problemes d’asymetrie de l’information, de frais de transaction et des risques connexes que les programmes formels de financement et de credit rural ne reglent pas de maniere satisfaisante ou ignorent completement. Les donnees utilisees sont empruntees de deux etudes empiriques sur les associations traditionnelles d’epargne et de credit du Sud-est du Nigeria. La premiere etude a ete effectuee en 1993 et la seconde, un prolongement de la premiere, en 1998. Les associations traditionelles d’epargne et de credit semblent en mesure de faire face aux risques lies a l’asymetrie de l’information, aux frais de transaction et au risque moral, a travers des services financiers et non financiers durables, diversifies et localement apprecies, des techniques de reductions des depenses, des programmes integres et adaptes aux conditions locales de garanties de prets et d’application des dispositions contractuelles ainsi que des services de prets souples et pratiques. Sil n’est pas realiste de s’attendre a ce que les programmes de financement formels imitent les techniques utilisees par ces associations pour faire face aux risques, ceux-la devraient tout tirer des enseignements de la reussite de celles-ci et les mettre a profit. Outre les instruments de politique qui reduiraient l’asymetrie de l’information, les frais de transaction et les problemes d’application des dispositions contractuelles, le renforcement des liens de complementarite institutionelle et financiere entre les intermediaires financiers formels et ces associations fait partie integrante d’une strategieeiable d’expansion de la portee du financement rural formel.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Poor hygiene standard (inferred from bacterial contamination) was generally observed among mothers weaning < or = 2-year-old children, while they were engaged in trading activities in the market, thus exposing their children to high risk of diarrhoea and there is a need to establish ORT (oral rehydration therapy) corners in the markets as part of the municipal services.
Abstract: Bacteriological quality of weaning food and drinking water given to 2 groups of children aged £2 years was evaluated by estimating bacterial cell count. One group consisted of those taken to market and the other of those left at home in the care of older siblings or house-helps. Bacterial counts (geometric mean) ranged from 5.02±1.82 to 8.70±1.0 log10 cfu per g or mL of food, and from 1.15±1.67 to 6.53±0.81 log10 cfu per g or 100 mL of water. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference in counts between types of food and between meals (breakfast and lunch). Bacterial contamination increased significantly with storage time, and was, in all circumstances except the water samples, significantly higher in foods given to children left at home. Reheated leftover foods also had significantly higher bacterial load than the freshly-cooked food. Coliform count varied significantly with source of drinking water. Poor hygiene standard (inferred from bacterial contamination) was generally observed among mothers weaning £2-year-old children, while they were engaged in trading activities in the market, thus exposing their children to high risk of diarrhoea. Hygiene was significantly poorer in weaning of children left at home in the care of older siblings or house-helps. This implies that, in spite of their trading activities in the market, mothers still take better care of their babies than the older siblings or house-helps who may be inexperienced. These mothers may need education on childcare and food hygiene to suit to their trading activities, for example, during their monthly meetings. There is also a need to establish ORT (oral rehydration therapy) corners in the markets as part of the municipal services. This can be used not only for efficient and quick management of diarrhoea in the market but also for reinforcing hygiene education. Key words: Bacterial contamination; Infant food; Weaning; Child care; Diarrhoea, Infantile; Water supply; Water pollution

Journal Article
TL;DR: There are calls for more trials in the use of steroids and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of childhood nephrotic syndrome in the tropics.
Abstract: In a prospective study spanning 12 1/2 years (July 1983 to December 1995), 272 children with nephrotic syndrome seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria, were followed up and reviewed at the end of the study period. The demographic, clinical and laboratory features, response to treatment and prognosis were documented. Nephrotic syndrome made up 1.34% of all paediatric admissions. There were 164 males and 108 females giving a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The ages ranged from 2 to 16 years, with a mean of 7.9 +/- 3.4 years and peak age of 5-7 years. The major clinical features were generalized oedema (100%), hypertension (23%), fever (20%), oliguria (10%) and cough (7%). Haematuria was present in 26%, mean serum albumin was 16 +/- 5, 1 gm/L, serum cholesterol 9.53 +/- 1.6 mmol/L Malaria parasitaemia was present in 38.7% and 9 patients (3.3%) had sickle cell disease (SS). Treatment with diuretics, pooled plasma, prednisolone or cyclophosphamide in various combination achieved 63.9% remission. Mortality was 5.5% being mainly due to chronic renal failure, hypertension and infections. The study calls for more trials in the use of steroids and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of childhood nephrotic syndrome in the tropics.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Prosopis gum (PG) extracted from Prosopis africana was investigated for bioadhesive delivery of theophylline (TPL) and results indicated that PG is highly bioad adhesive compared to SCMC.
Abstract: Prosopis gum (PG) extracted from Prosopis africana was investigated for bioadhesive delivery of theophylline (TPL). Bioadhesive granules containing TPL were formulated and the bioadhesive properties evaluated using adhesion of the granules onto a porcine intestinal mucus surface. The bioadhesion of the gum dispersion was also evaluated using coated glass beads and the strength of the films formulated from the gums was also determined. The release properties of the TPL-containing granules were assessed by diffusion of TPL from the granules through porcine intestinal wall into a sink solution. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) was used as the standard bioadhesive polymer. Results indicated that PG is highly bioadhesive compared to SCMC. The result of the release studies also showed that PG could be used to deliver TPL in a bioadhesive dosage form.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 2000-BJUI
TL;DR: The present and treatment of adult Nigerians with priapism are reviewed to review the presentation and treatment in Nigeria.
Abstract: Objectives To review the presentation and treatment of adult Nigerians with priapism. Patients and methods Thirty-five men (mean age 35 years, range 20–54) were seen over a 12-year period. All patients underwent an immediate modified or conventional cavernospongiosus shunt and were assessed at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after discharge for erection, orgasm and fibrosis of corpora cavernosa. Results Ten patients initially presented to traditional healers and 13 presented early to qualified medical practitioners, and were managed conservatively. As a result, 21 of the 35 patients presented to the author’s hospital 6–10 days after the onset of erection. Many did not realise that priapism was abnormal, or had no money to attend hospital. After surgical treatment detumescence was obtained in all patients and maintained. At 12 weeks, 14 patients had normal erections, 13 reduced erections and eight no erections. A local aphrodisiac was identified as the commonest predisposing factor, followed by sickle-cell disease. Conclusion This study shows clearly that even if a patient with priapism presents late, vigorous treatment in the form of an adequate shunt should be undertaken as soon as possible, as this is the only chance the patient has to regain potency.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Over a period of ten years (July 1988 to June 1998) all the patients seen at two health institutions in Enugu metropolis, with histologically diagnosed renal cell carcinoma, were studied to elucidate the pattern of presentation, management and response to treatment.
Abstract: Over a period of ten years (July 1988 to June 1998) all the patients seen at two health institutions in Enugu metropolis, with histologically diagnosed renal cell carcinoma, were studied to elucidate the pattern of presentation, management and response to treatment. Seventy four (74) such patients were seen during the study period. Fifty two (70.3%) were males while 22 (29.7%) were females. The ages of the patients ranged between 17 years and 72 years with a mean of 44 years. The commonest features at presentation were weight loss (100%) raised ESR (94.6%), haematuria (86.5%), anaemia (66.2%) and upper quadrant mass (64.9%). No bilateral case was encountered. Thirty two patients (43.2%) presented with the clinical triad of haematuria, loin pain and renal mass. Seven patients (9.5%) were HIV positive. Fifty nine patients (79.7%) presented with stages 3 and 4 disease and the outcome was poor. Those that presented with stages 1 and 2 tumour had good prognosis. Early diagnosis of the tumour is important in order to give the patients a high chance of survival.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was observed that all derivatives were more effective against gram positive bacteria and no correlation has been established between the minimum inhibitory (MIC) concentrations of the derivatives and the structural modifications.
Abstract: The bromine atoms of the title compound, 5, 7-dibromo-2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline were replaced by the requisite amino compound to afford 6 amino derivatives viz : bis(diethylamino)-, bis(dibutylamino)-, bis(dicyclohexylamino)-, dipyrolidino-, dipiperidino- and dipiperazino derivatives. The antimicrobial activity of these compounds were investigated against selected Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast (Candida albicans). All the compounds showed significant activity against the test microorganisms, from 5-30 times compared to the title compound. It was observed that all derivatives were more effective against Gram positive bacteria. No correlation has been established between the minimum inhibitory (MIC) concentrations of the derivatives and the structural modifications.