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.

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)

Proximate composition and some functional properties of extrusion cooked soybean and sweet potato blends

Abstract: Mixtures of sweet potato flour and soy flour were made in a pilot mixer. They were moisturized with 18, 25, and 30% water and extruded in a single screw extruder at 80 rpm, using a die of 6mm. Extrusion temperature was maintained at 100 ± 3°C. Effects of adding soy flour into sweet potato flour, as well as variation in feed moisture on the composition and some functional properties of the extrudates were investigated. Increase in sweet potato content increased carbohydrate values. Protein increased with increase in soy flour. Feed moisture did not significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) affect extrudate composition. Increase in sweet potato content and feed moisture increased expansion ratio. Bulk density decreased with decrease in feed moisture, but increased with increase in soy flour. Starch content increased as sweet potato content increased. Degree of gelatinization increased with sweet potato content. Lower feed moisture enhanced gelatinization. Water absorption index (WAI) increased as sweet potato content increased. Feed moisture had a slight effect on WAI and water solubility index (WSI). Amylose increased with increase in sweet potato content. Increase in soy flour led to an increase in yellowness (b*) of extrudates.

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

Utilization of antimicrobial agents with and without prescription by out-patients in selected pharmacies in South-eastern Nigeria

Abstract: We conducted a study in out-patient pharmacies in South-eastern Nigeria in order to determine the extent of self-medication of antimicrobial agents in this area, assess the dosing error associated with this practice and to ascertain the extent of involvement of community pharmacies. A survey was carried out daily in selected community pharmacies for a period of 90 days. Data were collected on the number of patients visiting these shops for antimicrobial agents, the number getting their medication with a prescription, the number getting their order without prescription and on the type and dose of antimicrobial agents received. The percentage of patients with prescription and without prescription was compared. The percentage under-dosages or over-dosages associated with how each antimicrobial agent was obtained were compared. The total DDDs of antimicrobial agents dispensed within this period with and without prescription were compared. A total of 4,128 outpatients visited the shops for antimicrobial agents within the period and were involved in the study. Of this number, 1,742 (42.2%) came with a prescription from qualified medical personnel and 2,386 (57.8%) came without a prescription. A total of 13,693.13 DDDs of antimicrobial agents was dispensed, of which 56.38% was dispensed with prescription and 43.62% was dispensed without prescription. The degrees of under-dosing were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in regimen filled without prescription when compared to those filled with prescription. Majority of the patients in this region still obtains their antimicrobial agents without a proper prescription, which is associated with sub-therapeutic dosing of these agents. There is a need for better regulation of antimicrobial agents dispensing and utilization in the region.