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With all the numerous spills all across Niger Delta ranging from various sources it become imperative for the remediation of the impacted areas. Remediation is means or a process by which an impacted area contaminated by crude oil is restored. Bioremediation could be view from two perspectives which includes Insitu and Exsitu strategies. Both strategies are primarily aimed at removing the contaminants from soil and ground water. While the Insitu strategy address contamination issues in the subsurface the Exsitu strategy address contamination at the surface. Typical examples of the insitu strategies includes Biosparging, Bioventing while that exsitu includes the deployment of landfarming strategies and Biopiling. This research deployed both insitu and exsitu remediation strategy. Specifically, Landfarming as an exsitu remediation techniques was used to address the soil component of the research work. While biosparging remediation strategy was deployed to address contamination within the groundwater. Biosparging and land farming techniques have shown that remediation, especially in terms of groundwater, can be done faster when there are used together. The Exhumed impacted soil was made to undergo steps associated with landfarming techniques. Contaminated soil were exhumed and spread over a prepared bed area for aeration or oxygenation. The spread soil was frequently tilled before there were used to construct windrows to aid the aeration process. The total petroleum hydrocarbons of land farmed soil were drastically reduced before they were returned. These is in line with the view of International Centre for Soil and Contaminated Sites (2006) that ‘’Effective remediation through landfarming will increase microbial activities that will eventually address contamination on soil. Similarly, the impacted ground water also felt the impact of this action and with addition of the sparging operations there were also reduction in the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon level in the groundwater over the period of the project. The operations of biosparging do not only influence the reduction of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) in the groundwater but also other contaminants of concerns such as benzene.

STUDY QUESTION What are the intentions of men and women of reproductive age in the UK regarding reproduction and family building? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified six main categories of people; Avoiders, Betweeners, Completers, Desirers, Expectants and Flexers, for whom reproduction education strategies should be tailored differently to suit intentions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several studies have highlighted poor fertility awareness across men and women of reproductive age. As the average age of first-time parents continues to rise, there has been a concerted effort from educators, healthcare professionals, charities, reproductive health groups and government policymakers, to improve fertility awareness. In order to ensure that these messages are effective and to deploy the best strategies, it is important to understand people’s reproductive health needs. This study therefore aimed to explore different reproductive intentions to aid tailoring of information to help individuals and couples achieve their family building desires. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a mixed-method study via a UK-wide cross-sectional survey with 1082 participants and semi-structured interviews of 20 women and 15 men who agreed to follow-up interviews. Interviews lasted an hour on average. Ethics approval from UCL Research Ethics Committee. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Survey participants were recruited nationwide via online newspaper and social media adverts. Interviewees were purposely sampled to include men and women from the reproductive age range (18–45 years), varying ethnicity and education background. Survey data were analysed using the Minitab statistical software package. Interview data were transcribed and analysed using the framework method. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From the survey and interviews, we identified six key categories of people, grouped alphabetically, in a user-friendly manner to highlight a spectrum of reproductive intentions: Avoiders describes respondents who have no children and do not want to have children in the future; Betweeners describes those who already have child(ren) and want more in the future but are not actively trying to conceive; Completers describes those who have child(ren) but do not want more; Desirers describes those who are actively trying to conceive or plan to have child(ren) in the future; Expectants describes those who were pregnant at the time of the study; and Flexers describes those who may or may not already have and are unsure but or open to having child(ren) in the future. Analysis of survey data identified the following proportions in our study: Avoiders, 4.7%; Betweeners, 11.3%; Completers, 13.6%; Desirers, 36.9%; Expectants, 4.1%; and Flexers 28.4% and 2.4% preferring not to answer. There was one ‘other’ group from qualitative analysis, who would like to have children in the future but were unsure whether they could or had changing views. We recommend classifying as ‘Desirers’ or ‘Flexers’ for the purposes of fertility education. A majority of the survey population were trying to get pregnant; were pregnant; or planning to have a child in the future—whether actively, passively or simply open to the idea, with interviews providing deep insights into their family building decision-making. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to the online recruitment method, there may be a bias towards more educated respondents. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We developed a user-friendly, alphabetical categorization of reproductive intentions, which may be used by individuals, healthcare professionals, educators, special interest groups, charities and policymakers to support and enable individuals and couples in making informed choices to achieve their desired intentions, if and when they choose to start a family. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There was no external funding for this study. The authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

To address Nigeria's electricity shortages and overreliance on traditional methods, solar power plants are being considered. However, selecting suitable sites for this purpose is critical and often poses a serious challenge considering a range of conflicting factors. In this study, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were combined to determine suitable sites for a solar electric power plant in Ewekoro Local Government Area (LGA). The approach considered road networks, transmission lines, slope, and land use as the key criteria as well as nineteen subcriteria for the site suitability analysis. The criteria and sub-criteria importance were weighted using AHP and the weights were inputted into the weighted overlay tool in the ArcGIS 10.4 for analysis. The resulting sub-criteria weights of land use are 3.5%, 6.8%, 10.6%, 16%, and 63.1% for built-up areas, waterbody, wetlands, rocky areas, and vegetation respectively. Based on the analysis, a suitability map was generated that categorized the study area as best suitable, suitable, and not suitable. On the map, 15% of the area was best suitable, 17% was suitable, and 68% was not suitable for solar power plants. In conclusion, the site suitability analysis of Ewekoro LGA for solar power plants has been evaluated and this approach can be extended to other areas in Nigeria where solar energy integration is of high priority.

] 1 , Ayatu O. Usman[0000-0002-6039-5468] 2 , George-Best Azuoko*[0000-0002-8836-3062] 2 and Obinna C. Akakuru[0000-This study assessed the quantity and quality of harvested rainwater in Igah communities of Kogi state, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used in data collection, interview and secondary data sources. Stratified random sampling was employed in the sampling of the respondents. 395 copies of questionnaire were determined using Taro Yammane and administered, while 372 of them were completely returned. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to collapse the various variables responsible for the quantity of rainwater consumed into few underlying dimensions and the rainwater samples into significant orthogonal components. After the PCA, Principal Component Regression (PCR) analysis was used to express the relationship between the quantity of rainwater supplied and the four isolated components of the factors responsible for the quantity of rainwater in the area. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean rainwater consumption per person per day of 8.2 litres is far below the WHO recommended standard. Results also showed that all the physico-chemical parameters analyzed were below the WHO (2017) and NSDWQ (2007) permissible limit for drinking water standard. Again, total coliform count were far above the WHO (2017) drinking water specification of 0cfu/100ml but fell within the 10cfu/100ml permissible limit of NSDWQ (2007) and hence treatment is needed in terms of total coliform. Analysis of Water Poverty Index (WPI) showed low level of water poverty in the area. We recommend further investigation into water scarcity situation in the area and proper treatment of rainwater before consumption to avoid the incidence of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) related diseases.

Background: ChromolaenaodorataLinn. (Asteraceae)is being used traditionally for its many medicinal properties including lowering of blood glucose level. However, few and inconsistent information about its antidiabetic potential is available.Objective: to standardize; determine physicochemical and elemental parameters; and evaluate anti-diabetic potential of Chromolaena odorata Linn. (Asteraceae) powdered leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: Physicochemical screening of fresh and powdered leaves of C. odorata leaves were respectively determined using a light microscope connected to a standard camera. Elemental analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) GBC Avanta Model. Thirty-three Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150 – 200 g were used in the procedures. Acute toxicity assessment (LD50) was carried out using the guideline of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Chromolaena odorata powdered leaves were evaluated using alloxan-induced model.Results: Physicochemical screening of the fresh and powdered leaves confirmed the pharmacognostic parameters of Chromolaena odorata. The moisture content was 6.0 ± 0.07 %, the alcohol soluble extractive was 30 ± 0.05 %. while the water-soluble extractive was 40 ± 0.05%. The elemental analysis of the powdered leaves of C. odorata showed that the leaves contains 29.00mg/L of K, 13.500mg/L of Na, 0.15mg/L of Mn, 4.78mg/L of Mg and 0.30mg/L of Ca. Chromolaena odorata showed no toxicity when it was orally administered to rats (LD50 ≥ 2000 mg/kg). The powdered leaves of Chromolaena odorata at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg showed dose and time-dependent anti-diabetic activities.Conclusion: The powdered leaves of Chromolaena odorata is non-toxic and preliminary data showed its anti-diabetic potential possibly due to the presence of some phytochemicals and mineral elements identified

This study investigated the influence of maternal level of education and socioeconomic status on maternal knowledge of nutrition, physical activity, and children’s body weight of Nigerian school pupils. A total of four hundred and twelve (412) primary school pupils participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the maternal level of education, material’s knowledge of nutrition, and physical activities. Body height and body weight were measured with a wall-mounted stadiometer in meters and a bathroom weighing scale in kg, respectively. The children’s body weight was determined using the formula weight (kg)/height (m2). The children were then categorized into different classes of body mass index based on the recommendation of Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (2015), which is age and sex-specific for children and teens from two years old through 20 years. The differences in maternal educational qualification and children’s bodyweights were analyzed using the independent sample t-test. However, the influence of maternal SES on maternal knowledge of nutrition, physical activities, and children’s body weights were analyzed using ANOVA. Statistical significance was accepted for a p-value of

Background: Index testing is a voluntary process whereby HIV seropositive clients are counselled and, after obtaining consent, their sexual and needle sharing partners are offered HIV testing services. Index testing has been associated with high HIV positivity yield. The aim of this study is to determine the positivity yield and identify factors influencing the yield from index testing strategy in selected healthcare facilities in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria. Methodology: Six public hospitals in Ondo State with the highest HIV clients currently on treatment were selected. Records of all clients newly diagnosed to be HIV positive at the selected facilities from June 2018 to September 2019, and who had an outcome for index testing services were reviewed. Data were collected using a chart abstraction template from the index testing registers. Information collected included age and gender of the index clients and their partners, method of referral and notification of partners, HIV test results of partners and linkage status of new HIVpositive partners. Data analyses were done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24.0. Chi-square was used to test association between variables at a significance level of p

Numerous procedures focus on inserting the fluorine atom into the carbon frameworks of synthetically useful target molecules using various nucleophilic fluorinating reagents. Among these approaches...

Mushrooms, which possess medicinal properties, are also considered a good source of food and basic nutrients. Diabetic patients now use edible mushrooms as a source of low-calorie food. Mushrooms are used to treat and prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hyperacidity, cancer, hypertension and also act as immune modulators. In this study, the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of the fruiting body of Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) in sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic Drosophila melanogaster was investigated. The fresh fruiting body of PO was obtained from the mushroom farm of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD) and dried with the aid of the ASPRE dryer. The aqueous extract of the dried powder was used for the anti-diabetic and survival assay. The fly homogenate was evaluated for circulating glucose, total thiol, acetylcholinesterase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase. PO was observed to prolong D. melanogaster’s survival time as more flies (> 50%) survived on the extract compared to control (47%), after 28 days. There was a significant (P 0.05) difference was observed between the metformin and PO treated groups. In the antioxidant study, an insignificant (P > 0.05) difference between the untreated and treated groups was observed. Catalase activity showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference between the diabetic untreated and PO treated groups. We conclude that the fruiting body of P. ostreatus possessed potent hypoglycemic activities in D. melanogaster induced type-2 diabetes, possibly linked to its antioxidant property.

Monsoonal rivers play an important role in the land-to-sea transport of soil-derived organic carbon (OC). However, spatial and temporal variation in the concentration, composition, and fate of OC in these rivers remains poorly understood. We investigate soil-to-sea transport of OC by the Godavari River in India using branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (brGDGT) lipids in soils, river suspended particulate matter (SPM), riverbed sediments, and in a marine sediment core from the Bay of Bengal. The abundance and composition of brGDGTs in SPM and sediments in the Godavari River differs between the dry and wet season. In the dry season, 6-methyl brGDGTs dominate SPM and riverbed sediments in the whole basin. Currently, mobilisation and transport of soils from the upper basin is limited due to deficient rainfall and damming. This promotes aquatic brGDGT production in this part of the basin, which is reflected by a high relative abundance of 6-methyl brGDGTs in both seasons. In the wet season, brGDGT distributions in SPM from the lower basin closely resemble those in soils, mostly from the North and East Tributaries, corresponding to precipitation patterns. The brGDGT composition in SPM and sediments from the delta suggests that soil OC is only effectively transported to the Bay of Bengal in the wet season, when the river plume extends beyond the river mouth. The sediment geochemistry indicates that also the mineral particles exported by the Godavari River primarily originate from the lower basin, similar to the brGDGTs. River depth profiles of brGDGTs in the downstream Godavari reveal no hydrodynamic sorting effect in either season, indicating that brGDGTs are not associated with certain minerals. The similarity of brGDGT distributions in bulk and fine-grained sediments (≤63 μm) further confirms the absence of selective transport mechanisms. Nevertheless, the composition of brGDGTs in a Holocene, marine sediment core near the river mouth appears substantially different from that in the modern Godavari basin, suggesting that terrestrial-derived brGDGTs are rapidly lost upon discharge into the Bay of Bengal and/or overprinted by marine in situ production. The change in brGDGT distributions at the river-sea transition implies that this zone is key in the effective transfer of soil OC, as well as for the interpretation of paleorecords based on brGDGTs in coastal marine sediment archives.

Background: Ultrasound scanning presently forms an integral part of antenatal care around the globe. It is a common investigative tool in most public and private health facilities in developing countries. Routine obstetric ultrasound has been one of the most important advances in antenatal care worldwide. It is also useful in the early detection and monitoring of the conditions that give rise to fetal and maternal compromise and has become an indispensable adjunct to the management efforts of practitioners in this regard. Therefore, utilization of this innovation by pregnant mothers is paramount toward good outcome. Objective: The objective is to determine the factors affecting utilization of ultrasound by pregnant mothers attending antenatal care in Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive was used to carry out the study among 200 pregnant mothers selected through multistage sampling technique. This study was conducted over a period of 6 months from November 6, 2017, to May 6, 2018, after approval was given by the ethical committee of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. A structured interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire was administered to each participant to ascertain the factors affecting utilization of obstetric ultrasound by pregnant women in Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 22. Results: The data obtained from the questionnaire were scored for proper evaluation. Furthermore, all collected data were carefully tallied, various frequencies, ranges, and mean (standard deviation) were determined. Most (29.5%) of the respondents aged 20–24 years, majority (95.5%) were homemakers that are not gainfully employed. Majority of the respondents were Hausa (94.5) and Muslims (96.5%). The findings of this study have shown that educational status, husband occupation, and knowledge affect the utilization of ultrasound by respondents. Conclusion: The common factors that affect the utilization of obstetric scan in Zaria were knowledge, education background, and husband occupation. Attitude, age, and the occupation of the respondents do not affect the utilization of obstetrics scan in Zaria.

Hepatic inflammation is culpable for the evolution of asymptomatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hepatic inflammation results from abnormal macrophage activation. We found that FoxO1 links overnutrition to hepatic inflammation by regulating macrophage polarization and activation. FoxO1 was upregulated in hepatic macrophages, correlating with hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis in mice and patients with NASH. Myeloid cell conditional FoxO1 knockout skewed macrophage polarization from proinflammatory M1 to the antiinflammatory M2 phenotype, accompanied by a reduction in macrophage infiltration in liver. These effects mitigated overnutrition-induced hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance, contributing to improved hepatic metabolism and increased energy expenditure in myeloid cell FoxO1-knockout mice on a high-fat diet. When fed a NASH-inducing diet, myeloid cell FoxO1-knockout mice were protected from developing NASH, culminating in a reduction in hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, FoxO1 counteracts Stat6 to skew macrophage polarization from M2 toward the M1 signature to perpetuate hepatic inflammation in NASH. FoxO1 appears to be a pivotal mediator of macrophage activation in response to overnutrition and a therapeutic target for ameliorating hepatic inflammation to stem the disease progression from benign steatosis to NASH.

A study was designed to investigate silage additives’ effect on preference and nutritive value of five weeks re-growth guinea grass by West African dwarf (WAD) goats. The silages of five weeks re-growth guinea grass were made without additive (T1), with cassava peels additive (T2), and with fermented epiphytic juice of lactic acid bacteria in Panicum maximum (FEJPM) additive (T3). The effects of silage additives on preference, voluntary feed intake, growth, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization were assessed using 18 growing WAD goats (BW: 5.88±0.26 kg) in a completely randomized design. Dry matter was significantly (p0.05) in T1 and T3 silages (10.63 and 10.72 g/100g DM) that were significantly lower (p

Cardiometabolic diseases are complicated by renal damage. Gestational hyperandrogenism causes gestational metabolic dysfunction that is associated with fetal and maternal tissue derangements as well as post-partum maternal androgen excess. Acetate (Ace) conferred hepatoprotection in pregnant rats exposed to excess testosterone (Tes). The effect of excess androgenic exposure on maternal kidney during and after pregnancy is not clear. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of late gestational and post-gestational testosterone exposure on renal functions and plausible renoprotective role of gestational Ace treatment in dams. Thirty pregnant Wistar rats were grouped (n = 10/group) and treated (sc) with olive oil, testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg) with or without acetate (200 mg/kg sodium acetate; p.o) between gestational days 14 and 19. Data were obtained from half of the animals on gestational day 20. Data were also obtained from the other half (dams) after treatment of animals which received Tes with or without prior gestational acetate treatment with post-gestational Tes (sc; 0.5 mg/kg) for the last 6 days of an 8-week postpartum period. Biochemical and statistical analyses were performed with appropriate methods and SPSS statistical software respectively. Late gestational excess Tes led to low placental weight (p = 0.0001, F = 205.7), poor fetal outcomes, creatinine (p = 0.0001, F = 385.4), urea (p = 0.0001, F = 300.9) and renal uric acid (UA) (p = 0.0001, F = 123.2), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.004, F = 26.9), malondialdehyde (p = 0.0001, F = 45.96), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.0002, F = 150.7). Postpartum Tes exposure also caused elevated plasma testosterone (p = 0001, F = 22.15), creatinine (p = 0.0002, F = 15.2), urea (p = 0.01, F = 13.8) and renal UA (p = 0.0001, 226.8), adenosine deaminase (p = 0001, F = 544.7), GGT (p = 0.0002, F = 401.4) and LDH (p = 0.01, F = 23.7). However, gestational acetate treatment ameliorated the renal effects of gestational and post-gestational Tes exposure. Taken together, gestational acetate would pre-programme dams against renal dysfunction caused by Tes exposure., Acetate; gestational testosterone; post-gestational testosterone; programming; SCFA.

The liver is one of the primary biorepositories of cadmium (Cd) and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic diseases.The animals were divided into three groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as control while group 2 received Cd (5 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Prior to Cd treatment, group 3 was treated withCadmium caused significant increase in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as well as increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared with the control group. On the other hand, Cd caused a decrease in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) when compared with control. However, treatment with

The kidney plays a critical role in human health and deviation from its normal function can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Exposure to excess testosterone in women has been linked to several disorders, including kidney disorder and acting undoubtedly through androgen receptor (AR), whereas the involvement of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is unclear. Likewise, the renal effect of sodium acetate (SAc) during late gestational exposure to testosterone is not well known. We hypothesized that SAc or MR blockade would protect the kidney of testosterone-exposed pregnant rats against glutathione and adenosine depletion. Twenty-five pregnant Wistar rats were treated (sc) with olive oil, testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg) singly or in combination with SAc (200 mg/kg; p.o.), androgen receptor (AR) blocker, flutamide (Flu; 7.5 mg/kg; p.o.) or (MR) blocker, eplerenone (Eple; 0.5 mg/kg) between gestational days 14 and 19. Glutathione, adenosine and nitric oxide were decreased while uric acid (UA), xanthine oxidase (XO), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase activity and free fatty acids were increased in the kidneys of gestational rats exposed to testosterone. Also, plasma urea and creatinine were elevated. SAc and Eple reversed tested testosterone-induced effects in gestational rats. The exposure to testosterone impairs renal antioxidant defense via AR and MR during late gestation in pregnant rats. The study also provides evidence that sodium acetate protects the kidneys of gestational testosterone-exposed rats against defective antioxidant defense in like manner as MR or AR antagonist.

Background: Very high rates of late or no ART initiation remains a persistent challenge to the achievement of PEPFAR 95-95-95 targets despites new NAIIS report stating prevalence of HIV in Nigeria as 1.5%. This study assessed the impact of accompanied referral (AR) and effective counseling (EC) on enrolment and ART treatment commencement of newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Methods: This study is a Quasi- experimental and analyzed routine program data on linkage from October 2017 – October 2019 for 45 health facilities in two States in South-West Nigeria. The first 6 months (Q1 and Q2 FY18) had no intervention while accompanied referral (AR) was implemented in Q3 and Q4 FY18. EC was implemented with AR in Q1&Q2 FY19 and was followed up till Q3 and Q4 FY19. Data analysis was done using SPSS and significance fixed at P < 0.05 Results: A total of 6114 newly identified HIV-positive clients were identified; mean age was 35.7 ± 13.9 and 31.5% were in the 30-39 years age bracket. Index Testing contributed 28.7% of the HIV positive Clients identified. Percentage Enrolment in Q1 and Q2FY18 increased from 65.8% and 65.6% respectively to 89.9% and 83.8% in Q3 and Q4 FY18. This increased to 99.6% in Q1FY19, 100% in Q2, 99.7% in Q3 and 99.9% in Q4FY19. Percentage linkage to ART in Q1 and Q2FY18 increased from 61.9% and 65.6% respectively to 85.4% and 75.7% in Q3 and Q4 FY18. This increased to 98.8% in Q1FY19, 99.5% in Q2, 99.7% in Q3 and 99.2% in Q4FY19. Conclusion: AR coupled with EC had the best impact on enrolment, initiation on ART, time to enrolment and initiation.

Background: Deep-venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most common causes of death caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. B-mode and color Doppler imaging are needed for the early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and sequalae of DVT. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the role of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosing DVT of lower limbs and to study the spectrum of findings in patients with DVT in Zaria. Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out on patients who had Venous Doppler Scan in the Department of Radiology ABUTH, Zaria, Nigeria, for suspected DVT over a period of 4 years from February 2014 to January 2018. Scans were done using DC-3 and DC-6 Mindray Ultrasound machines (2009 and 2013 Models, respectively, Shantou, China) coupled with high-frequency (7.5–12 MHz) linear and low-frequency curvilinear (2–5 MHz) transducers. Analysis of cases of DVT was performed in terms of age, sex, clinical features, predisposing conditions, anatomic distribution, stage, and pattern of thrombus involvement in the veins. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 and value of P < 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 252 patients’ results were reviewed which consisted of 122 males (48.4%) and 130 females (51.6%). The patients’ ages ranged from 11 to 80 years, averaging 45.5 ± 9.56 years. The most common indication for Doppler request was leg swellings. The most common risk factor for DVT was malignancy (36%), cardiac disorders (18%), and traumas (14%). Sixty-six (61%) cases showed left-sided and 26 (24%) right-sided, whereas 16 (15%) cases showed bilateral lower limb involvement. Predominant thrombus was above-knee region with 54% in the superficial femoral vein. Chronic stage was seen in 46 (42%) cases, subacute in 44 (41%) cases, and acute in 18 (17%) cases. Conclusion: Middle–aged females, left-sided leg, and above-knee segment were predominantly affected with DVT; hence, this buttresses the need for Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of DVT in all patients.

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, but more evidently in developing countries where there is higher incidence of the risk factors. Plants have offered an effective medicine for the treatment of illnesses since the dawn of mankind.The present study is aimed to standardize, determine the physicochemical parameters, element present and anti-diabetic activity of Chromolaenaodorata. Elemental analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, while Alloxan-induced model was used to determine anti-diabetic activity.MethodologyThe leaves were cleaned and air dried for some days. The following macroscopic characters of the fresh leaves were noted; shape, length, colour, apex, margin, base, leaf arrangement and odour. The microscopy of the surface preparation and cross section of the fresh leaves and powdered leaves were carried out using a light Microscope connected to a standard camera.Alcohol soluble extractive was determined following the method used by Azwanida, (2015). Water soluble extractive was done on the powdered leavesThe moisture content was determined following the method used by Pimentel (2006). An evaporating dish was heated to a constant weight and allowed to cool in a desiccator. Elemental Analysis (K, Na, Mn, Mg and Ca) was carried out on the powdered leaves of Chromolaena odorata using the method of Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC, 1980) with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) GBC Avanta Model. Standards and digested samples were aspirated and the mean signal responses were recorded at each of the element respective wavelengths.The acute toxicity (LD50) test was determined following the method used by Jonsson et al. (2013) with little modification.Alloxan-induced model was used to determine the anti-diabetics activity following method by Rohilia and Ali, (2007) with slight modification.Twenty-Five Albino rats of both sexes weighing 150– 200g were used for the study.The data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Student-Newman-keuls tests was used to analyze the data and results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05 when compared to the control.ResultsThe macroscopic evaluation reviewed a triangular shape, height of 6-10cm, pungent odour, acuminate apex, opposite leaf arrangement, dentate margin, hastate base and a green colour leaf. The microscopic study of both the fresh and powdered leaves of C. odorata showed the presence of anisocytic and anomocytic stomata, as well as multicellular uniseriate covering trichomes. The moisture content was 6.0 ±0.07%, the alcohol soluble extractive was 30±0.05%. while the water-soluble extractive was 40±0.05%. %. The elemental analysis of the powdered leaves of C. odorata showed that the leaves contains 29.00mg/L of K, 13.500mg/L of Na, 0.15mg/L of Mn, 4.78mg/L of Mg and 0.30mg/L of Ca.The powdered leaves showed a dose dependent anti-diabetic activity as 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the blood glucose level when compared to the negative control (pConclusionThe presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids, as well as elements such as Na, K, Mn and Mgin C. odorata could be responsible for an increase stimulate the production of insulin from the pancreas thus leading to reduction in the blood glucose level. The study suggest that the powdered leaves of C.odorata possess anti-diabetic activity

Leptin and hypothalamic-adipose lipid handling are relevant in determining the shift of metabolic activities. There are scanty findings connecting glucose dysregulation as a result of hyperandrogenism during gestation to hypothalamic-adipose axis and leptin resistance. Sildenafil has recently gained attention in the prevention of intra-uterine growth restriction. The present study aimed at demonstrating the effect of sildenafil on leptin resistance and hypothalamic-adipose lipid handling in testosterone-exposed pregnant rats. Three groups of pregnant Wistar rats (n = 5/group) received olive oil (Ctr, S.C.) or testosterone propionate (Tes, 3.0 mg/kg; sc)or testosterone propionate (3.0 mg/kg; sc) and sildenafil (Tes + PDE5, 50 mg/kg; po)from gestational day 14–19. Blood samples, hypothalamus and adipose tissue were excised for biochemical analysis on day 20. Adipose and body weights, plasma leptin and adiponectin, adipose and hypothalamic leptin and triglyceride, adipose uric acid, hypothalamic Nrf2, catalase and nitric oxide were reduced following gestational testosterone exposure. Also, fasting insulin, plasma triglyceride, uric acid, leptin-adiponectin ratio, hypothalamic free fatty acid, total cholesterol, uric acid, aspartate transaminase and cyclic guanine monophosphate were elevated by testosterone exposure to pregnant animals. Sildenafil ameliorated leptin resistance and normalized hypothalamic-adipose lipid handling. Therefore, sildenafil protects against testosterone-induced leptin resistance and adverse hypothalamic-adipose lipid handling in pregnant rats., Hypothalamus, Adipose tissue, Leptin resistance, PDE5 inhibitor, Lipid handling

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, is a rare disorder with congenital bone fragility caused by mutations in the genes. This case is reported because of its rarity and paucity in the literature in Nigeria. Available data on OI in Black African children are limited.

Elevated testosterone during late pregnancy has been linked to cardiac dysfunction and poor pregnancy outcomes. The role of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in testosterone-induced cardiac dysfunction has not been fully elucidated. The study was therefore designed to investigate the role of MR on gestational excess androgen-induced cardiac disrupted glutathione-dependent antioxidant system and elevated endoglin (Eng) linking it with pregnancy outcomes. Thirty-two pregnant Wistar rats were randomly allotted into four groups (n = 8/group) receiving (sc) olive oil, testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg) singly or in combination with non-selective MR blocker (MRB), spironolactone (0.25 mg/kg; po) or selective MRB, and eplerenone (1.0 mg/kg; po) in late between gestational days 14 and 19. The results showed that testosterone exposure resulted in elevated fasting blood glucose, increased cardiac mass, free fatty acid, endoglin, malonaldehyde, oxidized glutathione, uric acid, and lactate production and cardiac injury marker enzymes. On the other hand, testosterone exposure caused reduction in cardiac adenosine, nitric oxide, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. However, MR blockade by spironolactone and or eplerenone attenuated the effects induced by testosterone exposure. Taken together, the findings from the current study demonstrates that lategestational testosterone induces poor pregnancy outcome that is accompanied by cardiac lipotoxicity,glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense depletion, increased endoglin, lactate and uric acid productionthrough MR activation.

Nutritional challenges and androgen excess have been implicated in the development of gestational diabetes and poor fetal outcome, but the mechanisms are not well delineated. The effects of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) on glucose dysmetabolism and poor fetal outcome induced by gestational androgen excess is also not known. We tested the hypothesis that blockade of androgen receptor (AR) and suppression of late gestational androgen excess prevents glucose dysmetabolism and poor fetal outcome through suppression of adenosine deaminase (ADA)/xanthine oxidase (XO) pathway. Twenty-four pregnant Wistar rats were treated (sc) with olive oil, testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg) singly or in combination with SCFA (sodium acetate; 200 mg/kg; p.o.) or AR blocker (flutamide; 7.5 mg/kg; p.o.) between gestational days 14 and 19. The results showed that late gestational androgen excess led to glucose deregulation, poor fetal outcome, increased plasma and hepatic free fatty acid and lactate dehydrogenase, liver function marker enzymes, malondialdehyde, uric acid, ADA and XO activities. Conversely, gestational androgen excess resulted in reduced body weight gain, visceral adiposity, plasma and hepatic anti-oxidant defenses (glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione/glutathione disulphide ratio, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, adenosine and nitric oxide). However, all these effects were ameliorated by either sodium acetate or flutamide treatment. The study demonstrates that suppression of testosterone by SCFA or AR blockade protects against glucose deregulation and poor fetal outcome by improvement of anti-oxidant defenses and replenishment of hepatic oxidative capacity through suppression of ADA/XO pathway. Hence, utility of SCFA should be encouraged for prevention of glucose dysmetabolism and poor fetal outcome.

Dearth of studies on the association between IFRS and value relevance of financial statement information in emerging economies and the continuous exclusion of financial institutions from samples of prior studies motivated this study to acquire the banking sector of two emerging countries – Malaysia and Nigeria in order to investigate whether changes in Malaysia and Nigeria accounting standards affects value relevance of financial statement information. Hence, this study used a sample of 21 banks representing 8 Malaysian banks and 13 Nigerian banks for a study period of 4 years (2009-2012). This study used a modified price and return models to investigate value relevance of financial statement information of Malaysia and Nigeria banks for an equal pre and post IFRS/MFRS adoption periods. The study discovered that MFRS impact more significantly and positively on the value relevance of financial statement information of Malaysia banks than the previous FRS. However the different models evidenced different results for the Nigeria banks. Particularly, while some measurements of the price model demonstrated that Nigeria banks post IFRS adoption financial statement information is associated with high value relevance, other price model statistics proved directly opposite. The return model total indicators also evidenced that financial statement information value relevance of Nigeria banks got worsened post IFRS adoption. Overall this study concludes that IFRS-based standard is fundamental to producing and publishing high value relevant accounting information. Hence, this study recommends that globally, IFRS should be adopted as the standard for the preparation and reporting of financial statements. Nigeria banks should borrow leaf from the efficient and effective institutional regulatory framework and good corporate governance practices of Malaysia banks.

Background: Traumatic ocular injuries comprise about 2%–6% of body trauma, with blunt trauma accounting for 97% of cases. The most popular pathway of injury includes motor vehicular accidents, recreational accidents, industrial accidents, falls, and violent traumas. Ultrasound (US) provides a suitable imaging option with its low cost,Movability for bedside examination, and its use of nonionizing radiation advantages. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the pattern of ocular trauma and the role of B-scan ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in posterior chamber pathologies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the US unit of the Department of Radiology in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, involving records between February 2017 and March 2020. Results: A total of 85 individual patients reports amounting to 123 globes were assessed, 77 (90.6%) were males. They were aged between 8 and 69 years, with a preponderance of the cases in the age group 20–39 years. Majority were of the Hausa/Fulani ethnic stalk (73%) and Muslims comprised 92% of the population. The individuals mainly presented either as a case of assault or vehicular accident comprising 47% apiece. Vitreous hemorrhage occurred most frequently, involving 83 eyes and comprising 67.5% of all the 123 individual globe pathologies. Conclusion: Ocular US has proved to be a valuable and effective technique in assessing the traumatized globe and should be the first-line radiological investigation in case of ocular trauma.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by several species of trematodes, a parasitic worm of the genus Schistosoma. Out of the two major forms of schistosomiasis that exist, Schistosoma haematobium affects the genitourinary system. Radiologic imaging manifestations of urinary tract schistosomiasis are observed mainly in the ureters and bladder due to deposition of eggs on them, which elicits chronic granulomatous injury. This eventually causes nodules, polypoid lesions and ulcerations of the lumen of the ureter and bladder that manifest clinically in urinary frequency, dysuria, and terminal hematuria. It may ultimately end in renal failure or carcinoma of the bladder. This endemic but poorly reported neglected tropical disease is presented to increase the index of suspicion and reduce its complications and prevalence.