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.

Effect of germination and fermentation on the nutritional quality of bambara nut (Voandzeia subterranea L. Thouars) and its product (milk).

Abstract: Five cultivars of bambara groundnut were selected on which to study the effects of germination and fermentation on their proximate composition. The cultivar that had the highest protein content was chosen to prepare unfermented and fermented milk. Standard assay techniques were adopted to determine the parameters selected for use. Germination caused a decrease in the protein, carbohydrate and starch; it increased sugar content, and had varied effects on the lipids contents of the dry samples. The anti-nutritional factor-tannin concentration was decreased. Germination and fermentation had varied effects on the nutrient compositions of the milk. Compared to the control, germination had the same effect as in the seeds. Fermentation further decreased some of the nitrogenous constituents, sugar and starch content of the milk and much more drastically the tannin content. Hydrolysis and other metabolic changes freed the nutrients from their bound forms while decreasing the quantity, but increasing the quality and availability of the nutrients.

Rainfall parameters influencing erosivity in southeastern Nigeria

Abstract: Rainfall erosivity was characterized for the Guinea Savanna, Forest and Coastal belts of southeastern Nigeria (4° and 7°N; 6°30′ and 9°30′E). The highest maximum rainfall amounts ranged from 117 to 183 mm per rain event whereas the maximum 6-minute intensities ranged from 191 mm h−1 to 254 mm h−1 Advanced storms were dominant in the region. The values of the Kowal and Kassam kinetic energy equation (designated Ek were 1.6 times higher than the values obtained using Wischmeier and Smith's equation (designated E). Compound rainfall erosivity used were the EI30, KE ≥ 25mm h−1, AIm, Ek I30 and Ek Em. The mean annual erosivity values using the EI30 index ranged from 12,814 to 18,611 MJ · mm/ha · h. The KE ⩾ 25mm h−1 ranged from 141 to 249 MJ ha−1, the AIm from 849 to 1421 cm2 h−1, the Ek I30 from 16,697 to 29,610 MJ · mm/ha · h and Ek Im from 32,752 to 62,238 MJ · mm/ha · h. Rainfall erosivity approximations from rainfall amounts using indices from Roose and Arnoldus may be converted to Sl units (Foster et al.) by multiplying by a factor of 17. Rainfall erosivity differences were more pronounced between the Guinea Savanna and Forest or Coastal belts than between the Forest and Coastal belts. Erosivity is higher in the Forest or Coastal belts than the Guinea Savanna belt. The high erosivity of rains in southeastern Nigeria can be attributed to heavy storms of comparatively high intensities and, often, long duration. The magnitude of rainfall erosivity provides a useful insight into the causes of the catastrophic erosion problems in southeastern Nigeria.

Treatment of uncomplicated malaria at public health facilities and medicine retailers in south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract: Background: At primary care facilities in Nigeria, national treatment guidelines state that malaria should be symptomatically diagnosed and treated with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Evidence from households and health care providers indicates that many patients do not receive the recommended treatment. This study sought to determine the extent of the problem by collecting data as patients and caregivers leave health facilities, and determine what influences the treatment received. Methods: A cross-sectional cluster survey of 2,039 respondents exiting public health centres, pharmacies and patent medicine dealers was undertaken in urban and rural settings in Enugu State, south-eastern Nigeria. Results: Although 79% of febrile patients received an anti-malarial, only 23% received an ACT. Many patients (38%) received sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). A further 13% of patients received an artemisinin-derivative as a monotherapy. An estimated 66% of ACT dispensed was in the correct dose. The odds of a patient receiving an ACT was highly associated with consumer demand (OR: 55.5, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Few febrile patients attending public health facilities, pharmacies and patent medicine dealers received an ACT, and the use of artemisinin-monotherapy and less effective anti-malarials is concerning. The results emphasize the importance of addressing both demand and supply-side influences on malaria treatment and the need for interventions that target consumer preferences as well as seek to improve health service provision.

African histoplasmosis: a review.

Abstract: African histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii is an important deep mycosis endemic in Central and West Africa and in the island of Madagascar. The disease is characterized by presence of granulomatous lesions in the skin, subcutaneous tissues and bones. Lungs and other internal organs are rarely involved. The natural reservoir of the etiological agent has only been recently discovered in a bat cave in Nigeria. The status of asymptomatic infection is not certain. Investigations on skin and serum reactivity have suggested frequent prevalence of asymptomatic infections due to H. capsulatum var. duboisii among the residents in the vicinity of the cave microfocus of the fungus. The exact portal of entry into the body is not known, but inhalation into the lungs and direct inoculation in the skin have been incriminated. Laboratory diagnosis is confirmed by in vitro conversion into large yeast forms (8-15 mum in diameter) and by the demonstration of these forms within giant cells of tissues of experimentally infected animals There are no major clean-cut physiological differences between the two varieties, viz. capsulatum and duboisii. The cell wall of H. capsulatum var duboisii contains a glucan with beta 1-4 linkages in addition to a galactomannan shared with H. capsulatum var. capsulatum. Like the var. capsulatum var. duboisii has marked proteinase and collagenase activities in both mycelial and yeast forms, suggesting a possible pathogenic role for these enzymes. Both varieties have a common exoantigen. The yeast form of H. capsulatum var. duboisii contains the antigen found in the serotype 1,4 of var. capsulatum. A monoclonal antibody test has been developed that can recognize some epitopes in H. capsulatum var. capsulatum but not in the var. duboisii. There is need to develop specific serological diagnosis for the disease. Also there should be greater international awareness about African histoplasmosis. Amphotericin B and several antimycotic azoles like ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole have been successfully employed for treatment.