The Effect of Mass Media Campaign on the Use of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets among Pregnant Women in Nigeria.

Background. Malaria during pregnancy is a major public health problem in Nigeria especially in malaria-endemic areas. It increases the risk of low birth weight and child/maternal morbidity/mortality. This paper addresses the impact of radio campaigns on the use of insecticide-treated bed nets among pregnant women in Nigeria. Methods. A total of 2,348 pregnant women were interviewed during the survey across 21 of Nigeria's 36 states. Respondents were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Analysis was based on multivariate logistic regression. Results. Respondents who knew that sleeping under ITN prevents malaria were 3.2 times more likely to sleep under net (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 2.28 to 4.33; P < 0.0001). Those who listened to radio are also about 1.6 times more likely to use ITN (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.28; P = 0.020), while respondents who had heard of a specific sponsored radio campaign on ITN are 1.53 times more likely to use a bed net (P = 0.019). Conclusion. Pregnant women who listened to mass media campaigns were more likely to adopt strategies to protect themselves from malaria. Therefore, behavior change communication messages that are aimed at promoting net use and antenatal attendance are necessary in combating malaria.

Postmarketing in vitro/in vivo assessment of fixed dose combination products of first line antiretrovirals.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postmarket pharmaceutical equivalence, stability and bioequivalence of generic and innovator fixed dose combination products of lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (AZT) 150/300 mg tablets available in Nigeria. An isocratic HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of 3TC and AZT in human plasma and pharmaceutical samples. The model independent f(2) similarity factor was used to compare the dissolution profiles of the two products stored at accelerated and long-term stability conditions for 6 months. The f(2) values for 3TC and AZT in both products were found to be greater than 51. Also, the tablets were stable according to the USP potency and drug dissolution criteria with more than 80% of drug dissolution in 30 min indicating the pharmaceutical equivalence of the two products. The 90% confidence interval for the ratios of generic/innovator pharmacokinetic parameters for 3TC/AZT were 73.5-112.6/63.4-95.8 (C(max)); 68.5-105.6/68.0-114.8 (AUC(0-t)); and 64.2-106.2/80.1-120.3 (AUC(0-infinity)) respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters failed to fully demonstrate bioequivalence between the products. The results underscored the importance of assessing the quality of the combination drug products that would ensure the safety and efficacy of the generic drug products available in the market.

Establishment of reference values of CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte subsets in healthy Nigerian adults.

A total of 2,570 apparently healthy human immunodeficiency virus-negative adults from the six geopolitical zones in the country were enrolled in our study in 2006. The samples were assayed using the Cyflow technique. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The majority (64%) of the participants had CD4 counts within the range of 501 to 1,000 cells/microl. The reference range for CD4 was 365 to 1,571 cells/microl, while the reference range for CD8 was 145 to 884 cells/microl.

Detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in Patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Abuja, Nigeria

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are among the sexually transmitted diseases known to increase the risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection. Serum samples from 34 consenting AIDS patients which attended the Government-approved Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Facility at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja between April 2005 and March 2006 were screened by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the presence of anti-CT antibodies using ImmunoComb® Chlamydia Bivalent IgG Test kit (Orgenics, Israel). Anti-CT antibodies were detected in ten (29.4%) of the thirty-four patients tested. The detection rate was higher among the females (33.3%) than the males (23.1%). Patients of the age group 31-45 years had the highest detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies, followed by those of age group 16-30 years. The result of the present study suggests the presence of anti-CT antibodies in AIDS patients, and reinforces the need for routine screening for anti-CT antibodies as a necessary intervention to reduce the burden of chlamydial diseases and to reduce the risk of HIV and its spread in Nigeria. The outcome of this study also provides justification for the possible inclusion of anti-chlamydial agents in the National AIDS Management Plan to treat associated C.trachomatis infections.

Alteration of oral salivary pharmacokinetics of paracetamol by an investigational anti-malarial phytomedicine, in healthy human volunteers.

Effect of an investigational anti-malarial phytomedicine (AM1) on the salivary pharmacokinetics of paracetamol (PCM), in healthy human volunteers was examined. The drug salivary level of paracetamol was determined using spectrophotometric method. Lower concentrations of PCM was observed in concomitant administration of 1000mg PCM tablets with 250mg AM1 capsule compared with administration of 1000mg paracetamol tablets alone (control). The area under the curve (AUC), time for maximum concentration (t(max)), maximum concentration (Cmax) were generated using the GRAPHPAD PRISM software version 2.0. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the semi-logarithmic plots of concentration-time data for PCM. The absorption kinetics parameters kab, lag-time, t1/2ab for both test (0.03min(-1), 9min, 18min.) and control (0.03min(-1), 9min, 22.8min.) were identical. There were statistically significant reductions in the bioavailability parameters AUC, Cmax, between control (1856microg/ml/min, 8.08microg/ml) and test (847.87microg/ml/min, 4.59microg/ml/) experiments. There were also insignificant but definite alterations in the elimination phase kinetic parameters kel, t1/2el, between control (0.1172min(-1), 69min.) and test (0.01027min(-1), 75min). The study shows that the botanical anti-malarial remedy (AM1) reduced the systemic availability of PCM when used concomitantly.

Aspects of Microbial Quality of some Milk Products in Abuja Nigeria

Purpose: To assess the microbiological quality of some milk products in Abuja; Nigeria capital city; and the resistance of isolates to some broad spectrum antibiotics. Method: Three packs of different brands of yoghurt and pasteurized milk purchased from four different locations were assessed in duplicate. Isolates were identified using growth on agar and broth; Gram's reaction; colony morphology; biochemical tests results and criteria for disregarding negative cultures. Resistance of isolates from pasteurized milk was determined using the antibiotic sensitivity test (zones of inhibition). Results: 33 bacterial and 12 fungal isolates belonging to 9 and 3 genera respectively were identified from the yoghurt samples. Presence of yeast was found to increase the microbial load of bacteria groups and decrease the load of live and active cultures which was absent in 33of yoghurt samples. 27of samples were heat-treated and contained no LAC. A total of 19 bacterial isolates belonging to 6 genera were identified from the pasteurized milk samples. Milk quality based on methylene blue decolourization time measurement revealed that 49of the assessed samples were of excellent quality; 37of good quality; 14of fair quality; and 0of poor quality. No milk sample was sterile. Among the three antibiotics tested for resistance on the isolated bacterial strains; three different resistance patterns were observed. Conclusion: Our study shows that mesophilic yeast was the main cause of yoghurt spoilage. Sampled yoghurt is unlikely to make a vital input to LAC intake in Nigerian diets and poses some yet undefined risk. Visual inspection of packages; quality assessment of diary plants/vessels and packaging materials; dye reduction tests; refrigeration at all times; and resistance testing should be critically considered before the use of recommended antibiotics.of yoghurt samples. 27of samples were heat-treated and contained no LAC. A total of 19 bacterial isolates belonging to 6 genera were identified from the pasteurized milk samples. Milk quality based on methylene blue decolourization time measurement revealed that 49of the assessed samples were of excellent quality; 37of good quality; 14of fair quality; and 0of poor quality. No milk sample was sterile. Among the three antibiotics tested for resistance on the isolated bacterial strains; three different resistance patterns were observed. Conclusion: Our study shows that meso- philic yeast was the main cause of yoghurt spoilage. Sampled yoghurt is unlikely to make a vital input to LAC intake in Nigerian diets and poses some yet undefined risk. Visual inspection of packages; quality assessment of diary plants/vessels and packaging materials; dye reduction tests; refrigeration at all times; and resistance testing should be critically considered before the use of recommended antibiotics

Neuropharmacological screening of Diospyros mespiliformis in mice.

The neuropharmacological activities of the aqueous extract of Diospyros mespiliformis stem bark were screened in mice. The extracts effect on pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, pentylenetetrazole induced seizure, spontaneous motor activity (SMA), exploratory behaviour, and rota-rod performance (motor coordination) were evaluated. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) produced a significant (P<0.05) prolongation of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, and reduced the SMA and exploratory behaviour. The extract prolonged onset of the phases of seizure activity but did not protect mice against lethality induced by pentylenetetrazole. It also failed to affect the motor coordination test. These results suggest that the extract contained an agent with neuropharmacological activity that may be sedative in nature.

Effect of blanching, dehydration method and temperature on the ascorbic acid, colour, sliminess and other constituents of okra fruit.

Freshly harvested okra fruits were blanched in boiling water (with or without 0.2% sodium metablsulphite salt) and the effect of this treatment, dehydration methods and temperature on certain characteristics of okra investigated. Blanching resulted in the slight decrease in carbohydrate, fat, ash, colour components, ascorbic acid and viscosity. Besides this initial loss, blanching in sulphite solution led to the retention of more of the colour components and ascorbic acid during dehydration. All dehydrated okra samples had higher contents of carbohydrate, fat and ash but lesser contents of protein and ascorbic acid than fresh okra. Fresh okra fruits, on the other hand, had higher content of the colour pigments and were more viscous than all dehydrated products. Samples blanched prior to dehydration retained more of the colour components but were less viscous than unblanched samples. Vacuum dehydrated samples retained more ascorbic acid, colour pigment and mucilage at each of the dehydration temperatures than those from a hot air oven. High dehydration temperatures had negative effect on the colour, ascorbic acid and viscosity of okra.

Chemical composition and organoleptic evaluation of juice from steamed cashew apple blended with orange juice.

Fully riped cashew apples (yellow variety) were steamed for 7 minutes prior to juice extraction. The extracted juice was blended with various proportions of sweet orange juice. Chemical composition and organoleptic evaluation were carried out on both the blended and unblended juices. The ascorbic acid content of unsteamed cashew apple juice was 287 mg/100 ml. Steaming of the cashew apple prior to juice extraction resulted in a decreased (230 mg/100 ml) content of ascorbic acid. It also led to slight decreases in soluble solids and titratable acidity. A comparison of the chemical composition of the two juices showed that the orange juice contained more sugars, titratable acidity and soluble solids but less ascorbic acid than cashew apple juice. Consequently, the soluble solids, titratable acidity, reducing and total sugars of the blends increased with increase in the proportions of orange juice while the content of ascorbic acid was decreasing. In spite of the decrease in ascorbic acid content of the blends, results showed that blended juice would no doubt be a very good source of ascorbic acid. Result of the organoleptic evaluation revealed that a 60% cashew apple and 40% orange juice gave a good quality juice in terms of flavor, after taste and overall acceptability.

Emergency large-bowel surgery in a tropical environment: approach and outcome.

In 87 of 90 consecutive patients aged between 24 hours and 72 years operated upon for large bowel emergencies, 79.3% were for acute obstruction and 20.7% for perforation. Following a management policy of safety first, 46 (52.9%) patients had primary colonic resection with 25 (54.3%) of these primarily anastomosed (treatment group I), and 21 (45.7%) exteriorized (treatment group II). Twenty one (24.1%) patients with simple obstruction had reduction (treatment group III) and 27 others (31.0%) had colostomy alone after laparotomy (treatment group IV). In treatment group I, the mean hospital stay was 21 days, and the clinical leak rate was 8%. The mean hospital stay for treatment groups II-IV were, respectively, 36, 13, 69 days. There were nine (10%) deaths in hospital, six (6.9%) of these postoperatively, 11 (12.6%) septic complications and three (3.4%) wound failures in the series. The hazards of large bowel surgical emergencies can usually be minimised by primary resection, anastomotic integrity, avoidance of primary anastomosis or closure of laceration when hazardous and a judicious use of systemic and topical antibiotics in a well resuscitated patient.