Category Archives: International Journal of Medical Science and Applied Biosciences 2017

CONTENTS

Profile of Thyroid Hormones following Burn Injury

Ikpe Vitalis, PhD, MNSBMB, FMLSCN, FCAI & Alumonah Emmanuel, PhD, FMLSCN

Department of Biochemistry

Caritas UniversityAmorji-Nike, Emene, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Email:ikpeforsuccess@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Burn injuries constitute a worldwide problem. Developments in burn management have decreased mortality rates in most technologically advanced countries. Such advances are not usually available in developing countries where the availability of the basic supplies, facilities and care-givers are the factors limiting adequate burn care. This coupled with lack of education; suspicion of Western medicine and hospitals makes burn care more challenging. Ninety burn patients (50 males and 40 females, aged 16-45 years, average 30 years) admitted to the Burn unit of a regional burn centre in Enugu, Nigeria, were Investigated for serum levels of Thyroxine(T₄), Triiodothyronine(T₃), Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT₃), Free thyroxine (FT₄), Free triiodothyronine (FT₃) and Thyroid Stimulating hormone (TSH). The patients were divided into 4 groups according to percent total body surface area (%TBSA) affected by the burn. Healthy individuals (16-45years) who had no burn were used as control. Blood collection started on the third postburn day at 2-day intervals for 3 weeks at the first instance and weekly for the next 9 weeks. The results revealed some biochemical Imbalance following burn Injuries. Serum concentrations of T₄, T₃, FT₃ and FT₄ were significantly decreased (P<0.05) while serum levels of rT₃ were markedly elevated.  Both FT₄ and FT₃ were significantly (p< 0.05) suppressed to levels indicative of biochemical hypothyroidism.

Keywords: Burns: Thyroid hormones: Imbalance

Determination of Lead and some Parameters of Oxidative Stress in Exhaust Fume in Relation to Age in Commercial Tricyclists in Kano Municipal

Idoko Alexander^1*, Muhammad Gwarzo Yalwa.², Adamu Jibrin Alhassan³ and Rita Ogochukwu Ngwu¹  Nwali Onubuiwe Nelson¹ & Ibrahim Usman Muhammad³

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Caritas University Amorji – Nike, P.M.B. 01784, Enugu

²Department of Medical Laboratory Science Faculty of Medicine,Bayero UniversityP.M.B.  3011, Kano

³Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bayero University P.M.B. 3011, Kano

E-mail: idokoalexander1@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Implication of particulate participation of exhaust fumes in exacerbating cellular damage has been researched. The purpose of this research is to determine the particulate inhalation of exhaust fume, specifically, Lead with some biomarkers of oxidative stress, among different ages of commercial tricyclists. This was investigated in 120 apparently healthy non smokers’ commercial tricyclists and non-drivers in Kano Metropolis, achieved by determining serum Lead level, Plasma Malondialdehyde level, Catalase activity, Vitamin C and Vitamin E levels in the subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups; commercial tricyclists (N = 70-Test) and control group (N = 50-non-drivers). The level of Plasma malondialdehyde was significantly higher (p<0.05) in test group (12.92±4.89 µM) compared with control group (5.88±4.91 µM). Similarly, the level of serum vitamin E is significantly higher (p<0.05) in test group (32.05±10.66 µg/L) compared with control group (21.42±8.55 µg/L). Serum vitamin C test group (2.02±0.99 mg/dL) shows a significance increase (p<0.05) over control group (1.35±0.84 mg/dL). The blood lead level of test group is significantly higher (p<0.05) (16.36±8.53 µg/dL) compared with control group (9.44±4.86 µg/dL). There was no statistical significant difference between the test group compared to control group in catalase. Higher plasma malondialdehyde in test group was suggestive of higher oxidative stress in the subjects. As a result of the raised blood lead levels, MDA levels tends to be raised with increase in age, and accumulative in adults than in children as age progresses. Thus, the significance of this study reveals cautiousness to occupational and accidental exposures to exhaust fumes.

Keywords: Exhaust fumes; Lead; oxidative stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; antioxidants

Comparative Chemical Analysis of the Nutritional Values of Artificially and Naturally Ripened Banana and Pawpaw Fruits

*Gimba, J. D., Chundusu, E. S. & Chup, J. A.

Department of Science

Plateau State Polytechnic,  Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

E-mail: gimbajoshua@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Fresh fruits sample of banana (musa escalentus) and pawpaw (Carica papaya) were collected from Shedam and Jos North LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria respectively and analyzed for the nutritional values and the mineral contents for the artificially and naturally ripened fruit using proximate method of Analysis. The results for Banana showed that the moisture content, crude protein and ash content for untreated was higher than that of the treated by 0.43, 1.14 and 0.10g /100g sample respectively, while that of the crude fibre fat, carbohydrate of the treated were. higher than that of the untreated by 0.30, 0.02 NS 1.35g/100g sample respectively, for the calcium, phosphorus, the values of the treated were higher than the untreated with 0.11g/100g for both fruits. The results of the analysis for pawpaw also showed that the value for moisture content, crude protein and the crude fat for the untreated was higher than that of the treated by 1.57, 0.13 and 0.10g/100g sample respectively while that of the crude fibre, ash content and carbohydrate of the treated were higher than that of the untreated by 0.70, 0.02 and 0.09g/100g sample respectively, for the calcium and phosphorus, the values of the treated were higher than the untreated with 0.08g and 0.16g/100g respectively. Fruits which consist mostly of high moisture content indicated that the treatment on the fruits affect the nutritional values of the fruits and consequently posed a health risk. Based on these findings, the artificial ripening of fruits should be discouraged by the government and the general public be sensitized as these treatment reduce some contents the nutritional values of the fruits.

Molecular Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria present in “Wara” in Owo L.G. Ondo State, Nigeria

Ojo, R.O., Akinsola I. I., Olatunde, A. O. & Ogundeyi, S. B

Department of Biological Sciences

Achievers University, P. M. B. 1030Owo.Ondo State Nigeria

Email: 08062484836@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were Isolated from local cheese samples from three different location in Owo, Ondo State (South Western part of Nigeria).        All the “wara” are of the group of semi hard cheese and produced from Cows milk without the addition of starter culture. 378 (Three hundred and seventy eight) isolates, only fifteen (15) were Gram positive and catalase negative through the biolchemical characterization. Four (4) species of (LAB) were mostly Present in the “wara”:LactococcusLactis, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus caseiand Enterococcus faecalis. Further identifaction at the species level indicated that all the lactococci isolates were L.lactis.three of the Enterococci were Enterococcifaecalisand lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillusplantinum (1 Isolate). Lactobacillus casei(2 Isolates). PCR – RFLP method which is based on the amplification of 16srRNA – ITS genes was used for the molecular characterization.

Keywords: “Wara”, Starter culture, isolates molecular characterization and polymerase chain reaction

Investigation of the Glycemic Load of Umunnochi and Nsukka Honey Samples for possible Health benefits

Nwaneri T. U.; Offurum, J.C.; Iheme C.; Chinagorom E. N. & Nwaozuzu S.C. Department of Chemical Engineering

Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo-Ohaji

E-mail: jullyengine@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This research work is anchored on the Investigation of the Glycemic Effect of Honey Samples from Umunnochi (in Abia State of Nigeria) and  Nsukka (in Enugu State of Nigeria), which implies the measurement of how fast and high the blood sugar rises, as well as how quickly the body responds by bringing it back to normalcy after ingestion. As the effect of different foods on blood glucose apparently depends on many factors (including digestibility and the form of food), it becomes a source of concern in the case of Honey, which has high digestibility (with all natural liquid syrup). The honey samples used in this study were collected from Umunnochi and Nsukka extracts respectively, and was subjected to physicochemical analysis (including the sugar content screening) using standard methods. The results of the analysis indicated that the Nsukka honey sample has glucose, sucrose and reducing sugar contents of 20.67,12.70 and 2.04% respectively (giving rise to a total sugar content of 33.37%), while that of Umunnochi honey sample has 21.59, 13.13 and 2.38% respectively (giving rise to a total sugar content of 37.10%). Also, the glycemic load of Nsukka honey sample was evaluated to be and 14.10%, while that of Umunnochi honey is 15.78%. In comparison with the Codex Standard (1-19%), the results of glycemic load for the two samples as being reasonably high for normal persons. But in contrast to this affirmation, the results were beneficial to people with abnormalities of blood glucose regulation, notably Diabetics or Hypoglycemia. Generally, these findings gave credence to the research goal, as a number concerned people will benefit from them by avoiding foods that produce too great a rise and/or foods that are too sudden a fall in blood glucose.

Keywords: Investigation, Glycemic Index, Honey Samples, Health Benefits

Conservative Management of Ptosis: The Use of Electrical Stimulation

¹Hanif   Shmaila (MSC, PHD) & ²Lamina Sikiru (MSC, PHD)

¹Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

²Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

E-mail: shelllshelll@yahoo.com; smhanif.pth@buk.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

Ptosis means that the upper eyelid droops, usually because of the levator muscle weakness. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of electrical stimulation (faradism) in the conservative management of ptosis. Nineteen patients with unilateral ptosis were referred from the eye clinic of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. Patients were treated wish the use of electrical stimulation (Faradism) for an average of eight weeks treatment duration of five treatment sessions per week (40 treatment sessions). Each treatment session lasted fifteen minutes with an average faradic intensity of 6mA. Levator palpebrae function was assessed using lid excursion before and after treatment duration. Result revealed significant effect at 95.0% C.I of electrical stimulation in the management of ptosis. It was concluded that electrical stimulation is an effective means of non invasive, conservative management of ptosis.

Keywords: Ptosis; Levator palpebrae; Electrical stimulation; Upper eye lid.

Proximate composition and Microbial Quality of Street-Vended Roasted Yam and Plantain from Nekede Communities in Imo State

Uneanya, G.C;  Ohaegbulam, P.O. & Onyejekwe, C. C.

Department of Food Technology

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Email: gennyuneanya@gmail.com

Corresponding Author: Uneanya, G.C

ABSTRACT

Proximate composition and microbial qualities of street-vended roasted yam and plantain from three different sources in Nekede (Umuerim, Umunkoto and Umuokomoche) were evaluated. The proximate analysis of the roasted yam/plantain samples were Moisture content 39.00-43.08/48.58-49.033%, Dry matter 56.92-60.97/50.687-51.417%, Ash 1.82-2.147/ 1.727-2.0467%, Crude Protein 3.63-3.887/2.947-3.1467%, Ether extract 8.53-10.67/6.91-9.7467%, Crude fibre 2.173-2.423/1.803-1.91% and Carbohydrate 38.6-44.14/34.443-37.233% respectively. The outcomes of microbiological assessment indicated a range of2.50 x 10³-2.89 x 10⁴/ 7.5 x 10³-3.64 x 10⁴cfu/g as heterotrophic counts for roasted yam and plantain samples respectively. Fungal counts range between 2.21 x 10²-2.76 x 10⁵/ 1.06 x 10⁵-2.69 x 10⁵cfu/g respectively for the roasted yam and plantain samples. All determinations were in three replicates. The values obtained in the microbial assessment suggest concerns with regular consumption of such food items stemming from handling/preparatory practices of the vendors.

Keywords:    Roasted yam, roasted plantain, proximate analysis, pathogenic micro-organisms, food safety

Simulating Deterministic and Stochastic Models of Tuberculosis (TB) Transmission Dynamics

E. Jalija & O. Abu

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Nigeria

Email: abuonoja2008@yahoo.com

Corresponding Author: O. Abu

ABSTRACT

In this paper, a stochastic differential equation model as a version of a deterministic model of tuberculosis transmission dynamics considering treatment rate and population density as controls is formulated. The objective of this study is to compare the solutions of both versions for varying areas. The two models were solved numerically using Runge-Kutta method of order four. The sample paths show different trends of TB disease spread and thus ensemble the variability inherent in the outcomes of the spread of disease observed in practice unlike the trajectory of the deterministic model that shows one outcome. This partly explains variability in global distribution of tuberculosis prevalence in communities with similar demographic and environmental factors. The findings of this study show that the role of chance effects on the spread of tuberculosis is significant.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, infection, stochastic model, deterministic model, chance effects

Fats, Oils and Oil Fruits Processing Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Oxidative/Hydrolytic Stabilities of Oils of African Pear (Dacryodes edulis) and Bullet Pear (Canarium schweinfurthi) Fruits

Duru, F. C.; Ochulor, D. O. & Uneanya, G. C.

Department of Food Technology

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo –State, Nigeria

E-mail: durufaustina@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The physic-chemical characteristics and Oxidative/Hydrolytic stabilities of oils of African pear and Bullet peat fruits were studied. African pear fruit (APF) and Bullet pear fruit (BPF) oils were greenish yellow in colour. The saponification, unsaponifiable matter and specific gravity values of APF oil were greater than those of BPF oil. APF oil has more saturated fatty acids as its iodine value (49.40mg/100g) was smaller than that of BPF oil (75.12mg/100g). The exposure of the oils to atmospheric condition for nine weeks changed the free fatty acid values of APF and BPF oils, respectively from 0.06 and 0.09mg/g in the first week to 5.87 and 4.06mg/g in the ninth week. At the same period of exposure to atmospheric condition, the APF oil showed faster rate of deterioration than BPF oil as the peroxide values were found to change from 0.60 – 18.50mg/kg for APF oil and 0.20 – 12.50mg/kg for BPF oil. The oxidative/hycholytic changes at accelerated condition (at the condition where the oils were heated at one hour intervals for total period of five hours) showed that the peroxide values changes from 0.90 – 7.10mg/kg for APF oil and 1.00 – 9.30mg/kg for BPF oil.

Keywords: African pear fruit oil, Bullet pear fruit oil, physico-chemical characteristics