Showing papers by "University of Nigeria, Nsukka published in 2005"

Skin diseases in south-east Nigeria: a current perspective.

Abstract: Background and objective The incidence of skin diseases in south-east Nigeria during the present decade was analyzed and compared with results from other parts of Nigeria, particularly those in the same zone, obtained more than 30 years ago. This study was carried out to update the recent clinical picture of skin diseases in our environment in view of the rapid development, urbanization and advances in the region. Patients and methods Consecutive new patients seen at the dermatology clinic of the University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, from February 1999 to March 2001 were included in this prospective study. Only cases seen and examined by the author were included in this study to ensure uniformity of diagnosis. Results A total of 2871 patients were observed within the study period. Adults accounted for 69.7% and were aged between 18 and 73 years, while the male : female ratio was 1.3 : 1. Allergic skin diseases (24.9%) were the commonest skin disorders identified, as opposed to infestations which accounted for an extremely high result of 33.7% (for the same region between 1968 and 1971). In second place was infections/infestations (19.1%). A reversal of picture was thus observed. Within the allergic disorders; eczemas/dermatitis were found to be the most prevalent followed by follicular (13.7%) and pigmentary disorders (11.1%). Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDs have increased significantly and accounted for 5.4%. Blistering diseases (1.1%) and malignancies (0.5%) occurred less frequently, similar to results found in resent decades for the same region. Conclusion The current picture of skin diseases in south-east Nigeria has changed significantly from mere infections to allergic skin, follicular and pigmentary disorders. Cutaneous lesions secondary to STDs and HIV/AIDs have also increased. Skin lesions related to malnutrition, kwashiorkor and starvation were not observed nor were cutaneous tuberculosis, yaws or pediculosis, while blistering disorders and malignancies remained almost the same. The current picture is similar to that in other developing and Afro-Caribbean countries. Primary-care physicians and health-care providers in Nigeria/Africa need to be aware of the globally changing pattern of skin diseases in the region to enable the allocation of necessary resources (financial, material and human) to manage these skin diseases.

Antibacterial screening of the root, seed and stembark extracts of Picralima nitida

Abstract: Ethanol, benzene, chloroform and aqueous (cold and hot) extracts of Picralima nitida (seed, stembark and root) were tested against five bacterial strians using the agar-well diffusion method. The ethanol extracts of the root and stembark (Er and Esb) were active against 100% of the test organisms, repectively. The benzene and chloroform extracts exhibited no activity. Of the fifteen extracts teated, 40.0% were active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, 20.0% each against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and Escherichia coli ATCC 11775, 33.3% against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 and 13.3% against Salmonella kintambo Human 1,13,23:mt: -. The MIC values for the ethanol extracts range from 6.25 to 50 mg/ml, while the MIC values for the cold water seed extract (CWs) was 50 mg/ml. The results provide a rationalization for the traditional use of P. nitida for the treatment of various diseases. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (6), pp. 522-526, 2005

Dental anxiety among patients undergoing various dental treatments in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the levels of dental anxiety among patients undergoing various dental treatments and to compare the anxiety levels with those of similar studies conducted with subjects from different socio-cultural backgrounds. Dental anxiety was evaluated by the administration of a questionnaire based on the Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferoni correction was employed to compare the mean DAS scores. Females recorded higher total DAS scores than males (7.49 +/- 2.96 and 7.16 +/- 3.44, respectively). Patients in the 24-34 year age group showed the highest total DAS scores (8.25 +/- 3.20) followed by the 50 years differ significantly from those of age groups <24 and 24-34 years. The highest DAS score was recorded for root canal therapy (9.30 +/- 2.84) followed by extraction. The level of dental anxiety among this study population is lower than those reported elsewhere. The observed avoidance of dental treatment among Nigerians, despite the seemingly low mean DAS scores, may be related to dental anxiety. The authors are, however, of the opinion poor dental awareness may be a contributory factor.

Steady and transient states thermal analysis of a 7.5-kW squirrel-cage induction machine at rated-load operation

Abstract: The lumped-parameter thermal model is used to predict both the steady-state and transient solution to the temperatures within a 7.5-kW induction machine. The system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and algebraic equations which describe the thermal behaviour of the machine in transient and steady states, respectively, were solved numerically using the Fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and the Gauss-Siedel method, respectively. The model performance is validated by experimental measurements on the test machine at rated load operation. The results show that there is a good agreement between the measured and predicted steady and transient states temperatures at rated load condition.

Maternal mortality in health institutions with emergency obstetric care facilities in Enugu State Nigeria.

Abstract: SummaryIn order to assess the current level of maternal mortality in health institutions with comprehensive emergency obstetric care in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria, a retrospective analysis of maternal deaths for the years 1999–2003 was carried out to establish the maternal mortality ratios in the eligible health institutions. Each maternal death was studied in detail to establish the socio-demographic characteristics of the women who died; their referral sources, type of delay (if any), medical causes of death and their preventability. In-depth interviews of the service providers were carried out to throw more light on the maternal mortality situation in the state. Five out of seven eligible health institutions were studied. Within the 5-year period (1999 – 2003), there were 141 maternal deaths and 18,257 live births giving a maternal mortality ratio of 772 maternal deaths per 100,000. The folders of 89 out of the 141 women who died were retrieved. Of these 89 maternal deaths, 51.7% of them were u...

Erodibility in relation to water-dispersible clay for some soils of eastern Nigeria

Abstract: Water dispersible clay (WDC) can influence soil erosion by water. Therefore, in highly erodible soils such as the ones in eastern Nigeria, there is a need to monitor the clay dispersion characteristics to direct and modify soil conservation strategies. Twenty-five soil samples (0–20 cm in depth) varying in texture, chemical properties and mineralogy were collected from various locations in central eastern Nigeria. The objective was to determine the WDC of the soils and relate this to selected soil physical and chemical attributes. The soils were analysed for their total clay (TC), water-dispersible clay (WDC), clay dispersion ratio (CDR), dispersion ratio (DR), dithionite extractable iron (Fed), soil organic matter (SOM), exchangeable cations, exhangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Total clay contents of the soil varied from 80–560 g kg−1. The USLE erodibility K ranges from 0·02 to 0·1 Mg h MJ−1 mm and WEPP K fall between 1·2 × 10−6–1·7 × 10−6 kg s m−4. The RUSLE erodibility K correlated significantly with CDR and DR (r = 0·44; 0·39). Also, a positive significant correlation (r = 0·71) existed between WEPP K and RUSLE K. Soils with high clay dispersion ratio (CDR) are highly erodibile and positively correlates (p < 0·51) with Fed, CEC and SOM. Also, DR positively correlates with Mg2+ and SOM and negatively correlate with ESP and SAR. Principal component analysis showed that SAR, Na+ and percent base saturation play significant role in the clay dispersion of these soils. The implication of this result is that these elements may pose potential problem to these soils if not properly managed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hair loss : is there a relationship with hair care practices in Nigeria?

Abstract: Background Hair loss occurs in all ethnic populations, but the etiology varies considerably from group to group. In black women, many forms of alopecia are associated with hair care practices. However, the causes of alopecias in African women have not been extensively investigated. Objective This descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study was undertaken to document common complaints on initial presentation for hair loss, hair care practices and patterns of hair loss, and to determine if there is a relationship between hair loss and hair care practices. Methods A total of 39 female patients seen over a 12 month period were enrolled in the study. Demographic information recorded included age, sex, marital status and occupation. Information regarding medical history included initial presenting complaints, duration of hair loss, site of hair loss, whether there was skin or systemic involvement, hair care practices and the duration of these practices. Examination of the scalp, a hair-pull test, documentation of the pattern of hair loss, relevant laboratory tests and biopsies were carried out. Results All 39 patients were adults. Major complaints at initial presentation, apart from hair loss, included itchy scalp in 17 patients (43.6%), painful scalp in 11 patients (28.2%), hair breakage in seven patients (17.9%) and flaking scalp in four patients (10.3%). All the women relaxed their hair at some point in time. Chemical relaxants were consistently used by 22 patients (53.7%), eight patients (20.5%) alternated these with plaits/braids, and nine patients (23.1 %) wore extensions. The use of local concoctions in hair care management was reported by three patients (7.7%). Scarred alopecias were observed in 20 patients (51.3%), while 19 (48.7%) had nonscarred alopecias. Those who reported prolonged and frequent use of chemical relaxants [mean duration (± standard deviation) 23.2 ± 9.3 years] exhibited scarred alopecia more commonly than those who did not often use chemical relaxants (P< 0.001). The application of local concoctions or pomades was also a regular practice amongst females with scarred alopecias. Conclusions Itchiness, pain, ready hair breakage and flaking scalp were common complaints at initial presentation. A range of alopecias were documented, and it was also observed that duration of hair care practice and hair styling were relevant to hair loss, particularly for women with central centifugal cicatricial alopecias (CCCAs), which resulted in scarring.

The effects of menopause on the serum lipid profile of normal females of South East Nigeria

Abstract: Dyslipidemia in menopause is a known feature in women, whether it leads to significant increase in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) is still controversial, more so in our environment where little work has been done. The present study is aimed at comparing the level of total serum cholesterol, including its subunits in premenopausal with that of their postmenopausal counterparts. This is to enable us ascertain the relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women in our environment. One hundred and twenty six (126) apparently healthy, non-pregnant females (74 premenopausal and 52 postmenopausal) were recruited for the study. Serum total cholesterol and their subfractions- high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triglycerides (TG) were estimated using enzymatic and established mathematical methods. There was no significant difference in the total serum cholesterol and triglyceride between the two groups. There was however, a significant reduction of HDL and VLDL in the postmenopausal group [P < 0.005] and a significant increase in the level of LDL in the postmenopausal group [P < 0.005]). The elevated LDL and the reduction of cardio protective HDL and VLDL is an indication that menopause is an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in our environment.

Influence of land use on the characteristics of humic substances in some tropical soils of Nigeria

Abstract: Summary In highly weathered tropical conditions, soil organic matter is important for soil quality and productivity. We evaluated the effects of deforestation and subsequent arable cropping on the qualitative and quantitative transformation of the humic pool of the soil at three locations in Nigeria. Cultivation reduced the humic pool in the order: acetone-soluble hydrophobic fraction (HE) > humic acid (HA) > humin (HU) > fulvic acid (FA), but not to the same degree at all three sites. The C and N contents, as well as the C/N ratios of humic extracts, were large and not substantially influenced by land use. The δ13C values of the humic extracts were invariably more negative in forested soils thereby showing a dilution of δ13C signature with cultivation from C3 to C4 plants. The δ13C values of apolar HE fractions were generally more negative, indicating a reduced sensitivity compared with other humic fractions to turnover of crop residues. The contents of hydrophobic constituents (alkyl and aromatic C), as revealed by cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) 13C-NMR spectroscopy, in HA, FA and HU were generally < 50%, with the exception of larger hydrophobicity in HU in the forested soil at Nsukka and HA in that at Umudike. The HE fraction contained significantly more apolar constituents, and consequently had a larger intrinsic hydrophobicity than the other humic fractions. The larger reduction of apolar humic constituents than of the less hydrophobic humic fractions, when these soils were deforested for cultivation, indicates that at those sites the stability of accumulated organic matter is to be ascribed mainly to the selective preservation of hydrophobic compounds.

Increasing coverage of insecticide-treated nets in rural Nigeria: implications of consumer knowledge, preferences and expenditures for malaria prevention

Abstract: Background The coverage of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) remains low despite existing distribution strategies, hence, it was important to assess consumers' preferences for distribution of ITNs, as well as their perceptions and expenditures for malaria prevention and to examine the implications for scaling-up ITNs in rural Nigeria.

Decision - delivery interval and perinatal outcome in emergency caesarean sections.

Abstract: Recent studies have cast doubt on the recommended 30-min decision--delivery interval (DDI) in emergency caesarean sections. The practicability, justification, anticipated beneficial effect on neonatal outcome and its medico-legal implications have been questioned. We set out to determine (1) the DDI for emergency caesarean sections in two Nigerian tertiary care centres (2) the effect of DDI on perinatal outcome (particularly if the DDI is longer than the internationally recommended 30 min) and (3) the factors causing delays in intervention if any. This was a prospective observational study of consecutive cases of emergency caesarean sections performed at the two centres over an 8-month period. The main outcome measures were: indication for the caesarean, the decision-baby delivery interval, 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores, newborn admission to special care, perinatal death and reasons for any delay in decision - delivery interval beyond 30 min. The data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics and regression equations at the 95% confidence level. A total of 224 emergency caesarean sections were performed in the two institutions within the period of study. None of the caesarean sections was done within the recommended 30-min interval. Despite this, there was no significant correlation between the DDI and perinatal outcome. The major causes of delays in DDI were anaesthetic delays in both centres and difficulty in sourcing essential materials in one of the centres. The recommended 30-min DDI in emergency caesarean section is not currently feasible in Nigeria. Although the 30-min interval should remain the gold standard, DDI up to 3 hours may not be incompatible with good perinatal outcome as shown in this study. As in other studies, anaesthetic delay is the major cause of delay in carrying out emergency caesarean sections. Finally, since prolonged DDI may not be the cause of an adverse perinatal outcome in the majority of cases, litigation on these grounds may be unjustified.

Evaluation of syphilis in patients with HIV infection in Nigeria.

Abstract: Objective To document the manifestations of syphilis among patients with concurrent HIV infection over a 12-month period. Method Descriptive cross- sectional hospital-based study of all adult patients with syphilis and HIV infection who attended the skin clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu between July 2000 and July 2001. A standardized questionnaire was used to record age sex marital status occupation and risk factor for HIV infection; initial site of onset of rash/ulcers duration of the illness any concomitant affection of mucosa hair and nails as well as treatments received by each patient prior to presentation. Morphological distribution of lesions mucosal surface (conjuctival vulval and rectal) examinations and documentation of concomitant disorders with HIV were noted by the examining dermatologist. Lesional biopsy and dark-field microscopy were undertaken to confirm diagnosis where serologic (non-treponemal and treponemal specific) tests for syphilis were inconsistent with clinical suspicion. Each patient had a routine chest x-ray mantoux and purified protein derivative (PPD) status taken. Results Thirty-one patients (21 males) with concurrent syphilis and HIV were seen during the study period. Primary syphilis was diagnosed in nine (29%) secondary syphilis in 20 (64.5%) and latent syphilis in two (6.5%). Neurosyphilis was not observed. Prevalence of syphilis for these patients with concurrent HIV was 2.1%. Mean duration of syphilis was 3.9 months ± 1.4 and lesions of greatest concern occurred mainly on the genitalia. The glans penis was affected in 10 (32.3%) cases the penile shaft in seven (22.6%) the oral cavity in five (16.1%) the rectum in six (19.4%) and the vulva in three (0.9%) cases. Nine (29.1%) patients had a history of primary syphilitic chancre 19 (61.3%) had a past history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) -- particularly genital ulcers -- while three (9.7%) could not recall any past history of STD. Eighteen (59.3%) had a history of unprotected sex 16 (51.7%) had multiple sexual partners four (13.3%) had had oral sex and one anal sex (3.3%); none admitted to being bisexual. Other relevant risk factors for HIV transmission were blood transfusion within 5 years for three (9.7%) and intravenous drug use in two (6.5%). Some patients had more than one condition as a potential source of exposure. Serological tests were weakly reactive in 17 (48.4%) strongly reactive in nine (29%) and non-reactive in five (16.1%) patients. Three patients exhibited prozone phenomenon. Treatment comprised the syndromic approach which currently is advocated for use in primary healthcare centres without facilities for aetiological diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion Our cases with concurrent syphilis and HIV/AIDS had unusual manifestations responded to treatment more slowly and died sooner than cases described in Western literature due to generally lower levels of health. (authors)

Antidiabetic effect of chloroform - methanol extract of Abrus precatorius linn seed in alloxan diabetic rabbit

Abstract: The antidiabetic effect of chloroform-methanol extract of Abrus precatorious seed, was studied in alloxan diabetic rabbits The effect was compared to that of chlorpropamide - a known antidiabetic drug in the class of sulphonylurea and a control group that received normal saline instead of the extract Normal blood glucose levels drawn before the alloxan injection were 12780 ± 255, 11430 ± 417 and 12360 ± 147 mg/100ml for chloroform-methanol, chlorpropamide and control respectively When 50mg/kg body weight of chloroform-methanol, chlorpropamide and 5ml of normal saline for control were given orally, blood glucose levels decreased in chloroform-methanol and chlorpropamide groups of alloxan diabetic rabbits but not in control The percentage reduction of blood glucose of chlorpropamide was 138, 323, 603, 535, 468, 463 and 462 after 05, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 68 hours of oral administration respectively, while that of chloroform - methanol extract was 429, 587, 674, 691, 679, 566 and 518% respectively The peak percentage reduction was 691% after 30 hrs and 613% after 20 hrs for chloroform-methanol extract and chlorpropamide respectively This study therefore has shown that the chloroform-methanol extract of Abrus precatorius seed has some antidiabetic properties similar to that of chlopropamide This is shown in their similar percentage reduction in blood glucose level Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol 9(1) 2005: 85-88

Trends in uterine rupture in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract: Our objective was to determine the trend of rupture of the gravid uterus at Enugu, Nigeria and to determine any change in pattern of presentation, management and outcome of such patients. The birth register of 4,333 deliveries at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu from January 1997 and December 2000 were reviewed. Forty-one cases of ruptured uterus were identified and analysed. The incidence of uterine rupture was 1 in 106 deliveries with a mean maternal age of 31.2 years. The majority (75.6%) of the patients were multiparous and had some form of antenatal care (61%) with 19.5% of the total booked at the Teaching Hospital. Many (78.1%) of the patients were in labour for 24 hours or less and 22.0% had oxytocin to augment or induce labour. The majority (68.3%) had a previously scarred uterus and many (53.6%) had lower segment ruptures. At laparotomy 31.7% had repair alone, 29.2% had repair with tubal ligation, 22.0% subtotal hysterectomy and 17.1% total hysterectomy. Perinatal mortality was h...

Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts of root bark of securidaca longipedunculata fres (polygalaceae)

Abstract: The effect of extract and fractions of the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata Fres (Polygalaceae) on acute inflammation was evaluated. Solvent extraction yielded the crude methanol extract (ME) while solvent–guided extraction yielded a petroleum ether fraction (PF) and methanol fraction (MF). The extract and fractions inhibited topical edema induced by xylene in the mouse ear. In the systemic edema of the rat paw, the methanol extract (ME) and methanol fraction (MF) significantly (P PF > ME. Phytochemical tests showed that ME and MF tested positive for carbohydrates, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, sterols and saponins while PF gave positive reaction for resins only. Acute toxicity test for ME in mice established an i.p and p.o LD50 of 11 and 282 mg/kg respectively.

A genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci linked to obesity phenotypes among West Africans.

Abstract: A genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci linked to obesity phenotypes among West Africans

In vitro pharmacodynamic evaluation of antiviral medicinal plants using a vector‐based assay technique

Abstract: C.O. ESIMONE, T. GRUNWALD, O. WILDNER, G. NCHINDA, B. TIPPLER, P. PROKSCH AND K. UBERLA. 2005. Aims: Medicinal plants are increasingly being projected as suitable alternative sources of antiviral agents. The development of a suitable in vitro pharmacodynamic screening technique could contribute to rapid identification of potential bioactive plants and also to the standardization and/or pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profiling of the bioactive components. Methods and Results: Recombinant viral vectors (lentiviral, retroviral and adenoviral) transferring the firefly luciferase gene were constructed and the inhibition of viral vector infectivity by various concentrations of plant extracts was evaluated in HeLa or Hep2 cells by measuring the changes in luciferase activity. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated in parallel on HeLa or Hep2 cells stably expressing luciferase. Amongst the 15 extracts screened, only the methanol (ME) and the ethyl acetate (ET) fractions of the lichen, Ramalina farinacea specifically reduced lentiviral and adenoviral infectivity in a dose-dependent manner. Further, chromatographic fractionation of ET into four fractions (ET1-ET4) revealed only ET4 to be selectively antiviral with an IC50 in the 20 l gm l )1 range. Preliminary mechanistic studies based on the addition of the extracts at different time points in the viral infection cycle (kinetic studies) revealed that the inhibitory activity was highest if extract and vectors were preincubated prior to infection, suggesting that early steps in the lentiviral or adenoviral replication cycle could be the major target of ET4. Inhibition of wild-type HIV-1 was also observed at a 10-fold lower concentration of the extract. Conclusions: The vector-based assay is a suitable in vitro pharmacodynamic evaluation technique for antiviral medicinal plants. The technique has successfully demonstrated the presence of antiviral principles in R. farinacea. Significance and Impact of Study: Potential anti-HIV medicinal plants could rapidly be evaluated with the reported vector-based technique. The lichen, R. farinacea could represent a lead source of antiviral substances and is thus worthy of further studies.

Prevalence of dermatophytic fungal infections in children: a recent study in Anambra state, Nigeria.

Abstract: We conducted a recent survey of dermatological fungal infections amongst children in both urban and rural parts of Anambra State in the south-east geographical flank of Nigeria during the period January 2003 to December 2003 Samples were collected from 1624 children with clinically suggestive lesions and also between the ages of 4 and 16 Young children aged 7–11 and 4– 6 years had significantly higher incidences (P < 005) than their older colleagues aged 12–16 years among samples proved to be mycologically positive by microscopy, culture or both There was a significant difference in the incidence of dermatophytoses amongst children in urban and rural areas investigated (P < 005) Tinea capitis was the predominant clinical type Trichophyton tonsurans was the most prevalent etiological agent while Microsporum audouinii was the least in occurrence We compared our result with a recent study in the northern geographical zone and observed that although incidence of dermatophytoses is higher in northern Nigeria, tinea capitis was the predominant clinical type in both regions In addition, the etiological agents appear to vary from time to time in their occurrence and the reasons for these observations are discussed A regular surveillance and assessment of the etiologic agent and its prevalence by medical mycologists is strongly recommended to facilitate monitoring, reduce/prevent transmission and spread of dermatophytes in countries like Nigeria where they constitute a public health problem

Where do people from different socio-economic groups receive diagnosis and treatment for presumptive malaria, in south-eastern Nigeria?

Abstract: The relationship between the socio-economic status (SES) of a household and its sources of malaria diagnosis and treatment was explored in south-eastern Nigeria. One aim was to see if, as seems likely, the poorest people generally seek care from 'low-level' providers, such as traditional healers and community-based healthworkers, because of their severe budget constraints. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect information from 1197 randomly selected respondents from four villages where malaria is holo-endemic. An index was used to categorize the study households into SES quartiles. The self-diagnosis of presumptive malaria and the use of patent-medicine dealers for treatment were very common among all the SES groupings. Compared with the other interviewees, however, the least-poor were significantly more likely to rely on laboratory tests for diagnosis and to visit hospitals when seeking treatment for presumptive malaria. The most-poor, in contrast, were significantly more likely to seek treatment from traditional healers or community-based healthworkers. Thus, even though the use of low-level providers was so common, there was still evidence of wealth-related inequity--in terms of the probabilities of the good diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Improvements in the quality of malaria diagnosis and treatment by the providers patronised by the most-poor villagers would help to redress this inequity, at least in the short- to medium-term.

Knowledge, attitude and use of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract: Our objective was to investigate the knowledge, use and attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills among female undergraduates. This was done using a randomly selected sample of female undergraduate students at three tertiary institutions in Enugu, Nigeria. The majority of the respondents (95%) were aware of contraception. However, 61% of the female undergraduates had heard of emergency contraception but only 31% had actually used it. The most common source of information about emergency contraceptive pills was from friends and teachers. Most respondents (19%) used Postinor rather than other types. While using emergency contraception, 16% got pregnant, of whom 9% carried the pregnancy to term and delivered the baby while (10%) procured an illegal abortion. Increased utilization of emergency contraception is plagued with fear of infertility, anovulation, ill health and sexually transmitted infection. Though 40% of the female undergraduates accepted it when informed and would recommend it to other female students, more information dissemination is required to further create awareness and enhance wider acceptance. Awareness programmes should address the barriers to effective use of ECP preferably using peer educators and the media.

Studies on lysine production by Bacillus megaterium

Abstract: A Lysine-producing strain recovered from soil was found to produce large amount of the amino acid. The bacterium identified as Bacillus megaterium SP 14 accumulated a lysine yield of 3.56 mg/ml in a broth culture in 96 h. Fermentation experiments show that 8.0% (w/v) glucose and 4.0% (w/v) ammonium chloride used as sources of carbon and nitrogen, respectively, in a medium/fermenter volume ratio of 25.0%, influenced accumulation of the amino acid. Amino acids other than the aspartate family at 0.01% (w/v) stimulated growth and improved lysine yield. Addition of 0.01 unit/ml penicillin to the fermentation medium, immediately after inoculation, stimulated growth and appreciably enhanced lysine accumulation.