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.

Health risk assessment of zinc, chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption in an urban Nigerian population.

Abstract: Background:Meat consumption is increasingly becoming a larger part of diets worldwide. However, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals from anthropogenic pollution is a potential health risk to human health.Objective:To measure the daily intake of zinc, chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption and assess the possible health risks in an urban population in Nigeria.Methods:Dried meat samples were digested with 3 : 2HNO3 : HClO4 v/v. Zinc, chromium, and nickel concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Daily intakes of meat were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).Results:The estimated daily intakes (EDI) (μg/person/day) ranges were: zinc (10 496–13 459), chromium (310·90–393·73), and nickel (26·72–34·87). Estimated daily intake for zinc was 15–30% of provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) and for nickel it was 8–15% of tolerable daily intake (TDI).Conclusion:Chromium intakes were above recommended daily intake (RDI). Target hazard quotient...

Background to Nigerian Federalism: Federal Features in the Colonial State

Abstract: The origins of Nigeria 's federalism lie not in the pluralities of economic and geographic regions or of ethnic nationalities, but in the plurality of colonial administrative traditions imposed by the British. Diferent administrative traditions were especially evident in the Northern and Southern Regions of Nigeria. These traditions produced regional rivalry and conflict that were entrenched in the Nigerian polity by the processes of consolidation and nation-building. After independence, this regional rivalry became the basis for triggering the conflicts between economic and ethnic areas present in Nigeria 's federal system and for creating more states in attempts to accommodate various group interests.

Ocimum basilicum extract exhibits antidiabetic effects via inhibition of hepatic glucose mobilization and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes.

Abstract: Aim: Ocimum basilicum L (Lamiaceae) is used as traditional remedy for different ailments, including diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the antidiabetic effects of an extract of aerial parts of O. basilicum. Methods: Antihyperglycemic effect of the extract was determined by its effects on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase in vitro, while antidiabetic properties were studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated for 28 days with extract and compared to those treated with oral metformin (150 mg/kg). The study and analysis was conducted between 2014 and 2015. Results: Treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose concentration and slightly reduced mean body weight in treated groups. Oral glucose tolerance was also significantly (P < 0.05, 0.001) improved in 100 and 400 mg/kg extract-treated groups. The extract caused a dose-dependent increase in liver glycogen content, while it decreased alanine transferase (18.9 – 30.56%) and aspartate transferase (6.48 – 34.3 %) levels in a non-dose dependent manner. A dose of 100 mg/kg also reduced serum cholesterol and triglycerides by 19.3 and 39.54 %, compared to a 2.6 % reduction of cholesterol seen in the metformin-treated group. The extract was observed to produce significant (P < 0.001) concentration-dependent inhibition of alpha glucosidase (35.71 – 100%) and also alpha amylase (23.55 – 81.52%), with estimated IC50 values of 1.62 and 3.86 mg/mL respectively. Conclusions: The antidiabetic properties of the extract may be due to its ability to suppress endogenous glucose release, inhibit glycogenolysis and/or stimulate glycogenesis

Pre-term premature rupture of fetal membranes: the dilemma of management in a developing nation.

Abstract: This study aims at evaluating the outcome of pregnancies complicated by pre-term premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) in a developing country and to highlight the problems of managing such cases and ways of improving future management. This was a retrospective review of 344 patients with PPROM at a University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria over a 10-year period (January 1994-December 2003). The prevalence of PPROM in this study was 25 per 1,000 births and patients of low parity (para 0-2) accounted for the highest number (56.4%). Previous abortion was significantly more among these women of low parity and may be a factor in the aetiology of PPROM. The gestational age range 28-30 weeks recorded the highest incidence (29.7%) of PPROM. The most common associated aetiological factor was cervical incompetence (11.6%), while chorioamnionitis, a major complication in the patients showed a statistically significant reduction with early antibiotic administration (p 0.05). Two (0.6%) maternal deaths were recorded. Prompt patient referral, early institution of antibiotics and improvement of neonatal facilities in tertiary health institutions in developing countries is advocated as a way of improving fetal survival in PPROM.