University of Nigeria, Nsukka

About: University of Nigeria, Nsukka is a education organization based out in Nsukka, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 10211 authors who have published 13685 publications receiving 138922 citations.

Studies on the antidiarrhoeal properties of pentaclethra macrophylla leaf extracts.

Abstract: The aqueous (WE) and ethanol (EE) leaf extracts of Pentaclethra macrophylla were tested for antidiarrhoeal activity using experimental animal models. The i.p. LD50 values were established to be 770 mg/kg and 280 mg/kg for the aqueous (WE) and ethanol (EE) extracts, respectively. Antidiarrhoeal potential of the extracts was evidenced by a significant reduction in faecal output and protection from castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats treated with the extracts. In addition the extracts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased propulsive movement of gastrointestinal contents in mice. On isolated tissue preparations, the extracts significantly reduced in a non-specific manner contractions evoked by acetylcholine, nicotine and histamine. The extracts inhibited the growth of common pathogenic microorganisms. The antispasmodic as well as the antimicrobial effects of the extracts may explain the rationale for the use of the plant in traditional medicine as a popular antidiarrhoeal recipe. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Indexing fingerprints using minutiae quadruplets

Abstract: The computational complexity of matching an input fingerprint against every entry in a large-scale fingerprint database can be prohibitive. In fingerprint indexing, a small set of candidate fingerprints is selected from the database and only images in this set are compared against the input probe fingerprint thereby avoiding an exhaustive matching process. In this paper, a new structure named “minutiae quadruplet” is proposed for indexing fingerprints and is used in combination with a clustering technique to filter a fingerprint database. The proposed indexing algorithm is evaluated on all datasets in the Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC) 2000, 2002 and 2004 databases. The high hit rates achieved at low penetration rates suggest that the proposed algorithm is beneficial for indexing. Indeed, it was observed that for 50% of the fingerprints, in most of the datasets, the penetration rate was less than 5.5% at a 100% hit rate. The robust performance across different databases suggests that the indexing algorithm can be adapted for use in large-scale databases.

Evaluation of aquifer potential, geoelectric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North, southeastern Nigeria, using geoelectric sounding

Abstract: A geoelectric survey involving vertical electrical sounding (VES) employing Schlumberger electrode configuration was carried out with the aim of evaluating the aquifer potential, electric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North. Schlumberger electrode configuration was used to acquire data for twelve VES stations. The interpreted and analyzed results reveal four to six geoelectric layers. The VES curves obtained were QQH, QHK, QHA, QQQ, HAK, KHK, HKH and QQ. From the result, the Dar Zarrouk parameters (longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance) were calculated. The longitudinal conductance ranges between 0.1528 and 4.6 mhos. The transverse resistance ranges between 662.4 and 38,808 Ωm2. The range of hydraulic conductivity is 1.1645–38.0491 m/day, while the range of transmissivity is 89.66–2100.3 m2/day from the estimated values. The contour maps were drawn using the electrical and hydraulic parameters, and the distribution of the aquifer parameters is shown. Based on the results, aquifer potential and protective capacity of the study area were determined.

Chemical composition of two varieties of sorrel ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), calyces and the drinks made from them

Abstract: Red and yellow varieties of sorrel calyces and the drinks made from them were examined for nutrient and antinutrient compositions. Fresh calyces from both varieties were purchased, cleaned and dried. The dried calyces were divided into two portions each. One portion from each variety was milled separately while the remaining portion of each was used to prepare sorrel drinks. Standard assay techniques were used to evaluate the calyces and the drinks made from them for nutrient and antinutrient compositions. Both varieties of the calyces contained appreciable quantities of carbohydrate, iron, ascorbate and Β carotene. The yellow variety had higher protein (9.08%) and ascorbate (56.83 mg/100 g) than the red variety. The calyces had traces of tannin, phytate and cyanide. The drink made with the red calyces contained more total solids, total sugar and cyanide but lower protein and ascorbate than the drink made with the yellow variety. The two varieties of sorrel calyces are promising sources of iron (800.67--833.00 mg/100 g) and Β carotene (281.28--285.29 RE/100 g).

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children: how reliable are clinical and radiological signs in the diagnosis?

Abstract: Clin Otolaryngol 2010, 35, 479–485 Objectives: To evaluate the yield of clinical and radiological features in the diagnosis of suspected foreign body aspiration in children and to assess factors associated with delayed diagnosis of foreign body aspiration Study design and setting: Retrospective review of 10 years of experience in tertiary referral centre Participants: Data were extracted from clinical records of children who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu from 2000 to 2009 Main outcome measures: Clinical features and radiological findings were validated against bronchoscopic findings Results: Data of 103 children, (mean = 27 years, range =7 months to 14 years; 64% boys and 36% girls, were analysed Majority (73%) were under 3 years of age Foreign body aspiration was proven bronchoscopically in 85 (83%) patients The most common symptoms were sudden choking crisis (74%) and paroxysms of cough (73%) Independent predictors of proven foreign body aspiration were witnessed aspiration, choking crisis and unilateral decreased breath sounds in univariate (P = 0001, 72 h) was significantly more in younger children (t = 329; P = 0001), as well as in children with no history of witnessed aspiration, negative chest examination and radiological signs (P < 0001, P = 002 and P = 004 respectively) Conclusion: To prevent the delayed diagnosis, witnessed aspiration, choking crisis, unilateral decreased breath sounds and radiopaque objects should be checked in all suspected cases When history is doubtful, regardless of radiological findings, bronchoscopy can be strongly recommended in the presence of two factors