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.

Antiinflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of Mitracarpus scaber Extracts

Abstract: Preliminary investigations were carried out on leaf extracts of Mitracarpus scaber with the goal of establishing its acclaimed potency as an antiinflammatory and antimicrobial agent. Petroleum-ether and methanol extracts were studied. In rats, the extracts progressively reduced fresh egg albuminin-induced edema of the hind paw. There was a dose-related and sustained inhibition of increase in paw circumference caused by subplantar injection of the phlogistic agent. The petroleum ether extract showed a more pronounced effect. In vitro, the extracts caused marked inhibition against some strains of laboratory microorganisms, the order of sensitivity being Pseudomonas aeruginosa> Kleb-sialla pneumoniao>Staphylococcus aureus> Escherichia coli. The extracts also inhibited the growth of Candida albicans. These results help to explain the rationale for the folkloric use of the plant in treating inflammatory disorders and microbial infections.

Evidence for decreasing sperm count in African population from 1965 to 2015

Abstract: Purpose: This meta-analysis, following our previous reports those documented an overall 57% diminution in mean sperm concentration around the globe over past 35 years and 32.5% decline in past 50 years in European population, attempts to report the declining trend of sperm concentrations in African population between 1965 and 2015. Methods: In the course of retrieval of data following MOOSE guidelines and PRISMA checklist, we found a total of fourteen studies that have been conducted during that period on altering sperm concentration in the African male. Results: Following analysis of the data, a time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = -0.597, p = 0.02) and an overall 72.6% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted in the past 50 years. The major matter of concern is the present mean concentration (20.38×10 6 /ml) is very near to WHO cut-off value of 2010 of 15×10 6 /ml. Several epidemic diseases, genital tract infection, pesticides and heavy metal toxicity, regular consumption of tobacco and alcohol are reported as predominant causative factors. Conclusion: This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis and systematic review concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in the African male over past 50 years with possible causative factors to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health. Keywords: Semen quality, sperm concentration, sperm count

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.