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Majority of the studies on the effect of chitin and chitosan on growth and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens has concentrated more on shrimp chitin and shrimp chitosan, and often with contradictory results. Therefore, the objective of this present study is to evaluate and compare the effect of dietary chitin and chitosan from cricket and shrimp on growth performance, carcass, and organ characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred fifty-day-old male Cobb500 broiler chicks of similar average weight were randomly allotted into one of the five dietary treatments with three replicates. Treatment 1 (T1) chicks were fed basal diet only (control), treatment 2 and 3 (T2 and T3) chicks were given basal diet with 0.5 g/kg diet of cricket chitin and cricket chitosan, respectively, while treatment 4 and 5 (T4 and T5) chicks were served basal diet with 0.5 g/kg diet of shrimp chitin and shrimp chitosan respectively. No significant variation occurred between cricket chitin and shrimp chitin, although data on growth performance were higher in cricket chitin, but growth performance varied significantly between cricket chitosan and shrimp chitosan. This study revealed that cricket chitin at 0.5 g/kg significantly improved growth performance, carcass quality, and organ characteristics of broilers more than chitosan. Birds fed basal diet alone, although gained more weight, also accumulated more fat having the poorest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the highest mortality. However, carcass of birds fed cricket chitin was the leanest and thus economically beneficial as they consumed the least amount of feed with the best FCR.

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Growth hormones (GH) alone does not explain the growth rate in the chicken as growth in an animal is multi-factorial. Normal morphology of the intestinal villus and crypt, with adequate regulation of intestinal nutrient transporters, is essential to a healthy gut. Nutrition plays a significant role in gut health management, but information on the effect of dietary chitin and chitosan on gut morphology, gene expression of nutrient transporter, and serum levels of GH in broiler chickens is scanty. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the comparative effect of dietary chitin and chitosan from cricket and shrimp on the small intestinal morphology, relative gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and serum level of GH in the broiler. A total of 150 day-old male Cobb500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to one of the five treatment groups (n = 30). Treatment 1 was fed basal diet only, treatments 2 to 5 were fed a basal diet with 0.5 g cricket chitin, cricket chitosan, shrimp chitin, and shrimp chitosan, respectively, per kg diet. At days 21 and 42, duodenal and jejunal samples were assessed for structural morphology and jejunum for the relative gene expression of PepT1, EAAT3, SGLT1, and SGLT5 using quantitative real-time PCR. Results bared that dietary cricket chitosan and shrimp chitosan significantly (P < 0.05) improved jejunal villus height and reduced crypt depth without improving the body weight (BW). The gut morphology of birds under cricket chitin was poor and significantly (P < 0.05) different from other treated groups. Both the dietary chitin and chitosan at day 21 and only dietary chitosan at day 42 significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated the relative mRNA expression of PepT1, EAAT3, SGLT1, and SGLT5 of broiler chickens. Treated groups differ non-significantly at both phases, while cricket chitin numerically increased the relative expression of PepT1, EAAT3, and SGLT1. Therefore, the potential of cricket chitin to improve BW and to up-regulate nutrient transporters is worthy of further exploration.

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The increasing demand for energy and the need for clean and affordable energy in Nigeria have necessitated the need for renewable energy resource assessment and subsequent determination of suitable sites within the country. One of the promising renewable energy resources with good potentials of meeting the energy requirements is wind. One of the main challenges of wind power development in Nigeria is lack of scientific data for policy formulation and decision making that will aid the development of wind power utilization. The data presented in this article were obtained with proper evaluation of the wind resource while taking into consideration environmental, social, and economic factors. The information from the data could be useful for taking optimal site selection decision by the policy makers, government, engineers etc. This will ensure optimal investment and return on investment for wind farm developers.

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Chitin ranks next to cellulose as the most important bio-polysaccharide which can primarily be extracted from crustacean shells. However, the emergence of new areas of the application of chitin and its derivatives are on the increase and there is growing demand for new chitin sources. In this study, therefore, an attempt was made to extract chitin from the house cricket (Brachytrupes portentosus) by a chemical method. The physicochemical properties of chitin and chitosan extracted from crickets were compared with commercial chitin and chitosan extracted from shrimps, in terms of proximate analysis in particular, of their ash and moisture content. Also, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis were conducted. The chitin and chitosan yield of the house cricket ranges over 4.3%-7.1% and 2.4%-5.8% respectively. Chitin and chitosan from crickets compares favourably with those extracted from shrimps, and were found to exhibit some similarities. The result shows that cricket and shrimp chitin and chitosan have the same degree of acetylation and degree of deacetylation of 108.1% and 80.5% respectively, following Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The characteristic XRD strong/sharp peaks of 9.4 and 19.4° for α-chitin are common for both cricket and shrimp chitin. The percentage ash content of chitin and chitosan extracted from B. portentosus is 1%, which is lower than that obtained from shrimp products. Therefore, cricket chitin and chitosan can be said to be of better quality and of purer form than commercially produced chitin and chitosan from shrimp. Based on the quality of the product, chitin and chitosan isolated from B. portentosus can replace commercial chitin and chitosan in terms of utilization and applications. Therefore, B. portentosus is a promising alternative source of chitin and chitosan.

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BACKGROUND: Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with coagulopathy which may be a contraindication to central neural axial blockade for caesarean section. Many investigations of bleeding tendencies are not done in our environment because of logistic reasons and emergency presentations of these patients.The study was designed to determine the coagulation profile of severe preeclamptic and eclamptic women in labour and possibly arrive at affordable and readily available investigation(s) that can be used in excluding bleeding tendencies in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study, 50 severely preeclamptic/eclamptic patients in labour and, 50 parturients with normal pregnancies, and, in labour were recruited. Full blood count including platelet count, prothrombin time (PT) using the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and partial thromboplastin time with kaolin (PTTK) were done in all the patients. RESULTS: Mean platelet count was significantly lower in study patients than in controls, 158.1 × 10(9)/l versus 216.9 × 10(9)/l, p = 0.0001. Mean INR and PTTK were within the reference values for the reagents used but mean INR was significantly greater in cases than in controls, 1.06 ± 0.01 versus 0.92 ± 0.01 (p = 0.001) while PTTK was also significantly longer in cases than in controls, 38.4 ± 0.21 versus 34.3 ± 0.44 seconds (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: As platelet count can be readily obtained and it is affordable in our environment, it can be used in assessing bleeding tendencies in these patients for their effective management.

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This study was conducted to investigate in vivo antimicrobial potential of garlic against Clostridium perferinges and resultant promotant effects on performance of the broiler chickens. Garlic powder was used as an alternative to GPAs (Growth Promotant Antibiotics) to prevent subclinical Necrotic Enteritis (NE) due to C. perferinges. 120 day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed to six treatment groups of 20 chicks each (2 replicates(-10) chicks). Six isonutrient diets supplemented with garlic at graded levels of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g kg(-1) were fed to the birds for seven weeks. Data were collected weekly on performance parameters including feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also, on the 21 35 and 49th days of the study, two birds per group were randomly selected, slaughtered and dissected. 1 g of caecal contents per each bird were sampled into labelled sterile sample bottles. The samples were subjected to culturing, bacterial identification and colony counting. All data were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that garlic significantly (p > 0.05) depressed feed intake (3310 g feed/bird at 1.0 g kg(-1) supplementation) but improved FCR. The supplement has no significant effect on weight gain but C. perfringens colony counts in the treated groups, were numerically reduced (lowest count, 0.93 x 10(5) cfu g(-1) at 1.0 g kg(-1) supplementation), as compared to the control. It is therefore concluded that diets could be supplemented with garlic at dose range of 1.0 to 1.5 g kg(-1) to prevent subclinical NE and achieve improved performance in birds.

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HIV/AIDS has become a source of concern all over the world. The concern cannot be isolated from the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on economic, social, political and technological development of any nation with a high prevalence rate Nigeria is one of the countries with HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of over 4%. Despite this challenge, the patronage of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is still very low. This study therefore examined the factors hindering the acceptance of VCT as expressed by youths in Kwara State. A total of 600 youths from the three Senatorial districts in the State were involved in the study. A survey instrument designed by the researchers was used to collect relevant information from the respondents. Among others, the study identified ignorance, poverty, inadequate number of VCT centres, stigma and discrimination as major factors responsible for the low patronage of VCT centres in Kwara State. Gender and religion had no significant influence on the respondents' views while place of residence had significant influence. The implications of the findings to medical practice and counseling were identified and discussed.

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HIV/AIDS has become a source of concern all over the world. The concern cannot be isolated from the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on economic, social, political and technological development of any nation with a high prevalence rate Nigeria is one of the countries with HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of over 4%. Despite this challenge, the patronage of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is still very low. This study therefore examined the factors hindering the acceptance of VCT as expressed by youths in Kwara State. A total of 600 youths from the three Senatorial districts in the State were involved in the study. A survey instrument designed by the researchers was used to collect relevant information from the respondents. Among others, the study identified ignorance, poverty, inadequate number of VCT centres, stigma and discrimination as major factors responsible for the low patronage of VCT centres in Kwara State. Gender and religion had no significant influence on the respondents' views while place of residence had significant influence. The implications of the findings to medical practice and counseling were identified and discussed. (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 159-164)

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BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding refers to blood loss within the intraluminal gastrointestinal tract from any location between the upper oesophagus to the duodenum at the ligament of Treitz. The onset and severity of blood loss varies widely. Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening abdominal emergency that remains a common cause of hospitalization. There is no local data on the clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and the risk factors for upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in Ilorin. This study was therefore to review the cases of upper gastrointestinal tract bleed in Ilorin. AIM: To review the cases of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding seen in Ilorin. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective review of the cases of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding who had upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy as part of their workup was undertaken to cover a eighteen month period from June 2006 to November 2007. Their clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, and the risk factors which predisposed them to bleeding were evaluated. The endoscopy register and the request forms were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of thirty patients had upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding for which upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy was performed during the period under review. Twenty-three of the patients were males (76.7%) while seven were females (23.3%). Sixteen patients (53.3%) presented with malaena only; eleven patients (36.7%) with malaena and haematemesis only; while three patients (10.0%) presented with malaena, haematemesis and haematochexia. However all the patients presented with malaena, haematemesis or haematochexia. The commonest clinical presentation of patients with upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding passage of malaena (53.3%). The commonest endoscopic finding was multiple sources of bleeding (66.7%) while the commonest risk factor for upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding was NSAID use (36.7%). CONCLUSION: The passage of malaena, multiple source of bleeding, and NSAID use are the commonest clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and risk factors respectively in patients with upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding in Ilorin. The spectrum of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and risk factors for upper gastrointestinal tract bleed found in this study is similar to that found by other workers.

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Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy is one of the commonly performed endoscopic procedures, and has only recently become available in Nigeria. The indications for upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy in three health facilities in Northern Nigeria were reviewed. Two hundred and sixty-nine patients were found to have undergone upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Their ages ranged from 12-90 years with a mean of 48.1+16.2 years. There were 46.8% males and 53.2% females. The commonest indication for the procedure was dyspepsia (61.0%), followed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastric cancer, gastric outlet obstruction, acute exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, dysphagia, epigastric mass, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, anaemia, chronic diarrhoea, haematochexia and persistent vomiting.

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STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and determinants of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) among men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven adult men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus were assessed for Erectile Dysfunction using the 'IIEF-5' questionnaire. They were also assessed for the presence of certain clinical factors in other to determine their degree of correlation with ED. RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 56.8(+/-2.4) years. Almost all (96.1%) were married. Forty-four (56.4%) men volunteered a history of Erectile Dysfunction. When assessed with the 'IIEF - 5' questionnaire, the prevalence of any degree of ED was 74% while moderate to severe ED was found in 39(51%) of the patients. The only clinical variables that had statistically significant correlation with ED were the age of the patients (p=0.04) as well as the duration of diabetes (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: - Erectile Dysfunction is a very common condition among men with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus in Ilorin, Nigeria and should therefore be routinely sought for by the clinicians. The two clinical factors that confer significant risk to development of ED, from this study are non-modifiable. More emphasis should therefore be placed on treatment rather than the prevention of this condition.

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BACKGROUND: The use of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUD) has increased steadily worldwide over the years. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 602 women who had IUD insertions at the Family Planning Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between January- December 1995 and the study was undertaken to study the complications associated with the IUD use at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: There was 85.55% continuation rate after a year, 81.06% of patients were without complications, 0.33% had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and no perforation was reported. Expulsion was also low. Mean duration of use was 14.06 +/- 4.46 months. There was no statistical difference in timing of insertion in those with or without complications (p = 0.781); however, a significant difference becomes noticeable in the duration of use of the IUD in the two groups (p = 0.001). IUD was acceptable to most patients (85.5%). There was no significant difference with respect to level of education (p = 0.064) and type of previous contraception practised (p = 0.022) in those with or without complications. IUD complications were commonest within the first 3 months of insertion; involving a third of those lost to follow-up compared with about 15% of those not lost to follow-up (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At the University of florin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, IUD use is safe and effective with minimal complications.

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BACKGROUND: HIV infection among pregnant women is common and continues to grow. This study was undertaken to evaluate the seroprevalence of HIV antibody in apparently healthy pregnant women. METHOD: Sera of three hundred and twenty-four consecutive pregnant women who had booked for antenatal care between February and July 1997 at the 'Provincial Hospital de Mongomo', Mongomo, Guinea Equatoria were screened for the presence of HIV antibody. Only four (1.23%) pregnant women tested positive using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique (Wellcome HIV recombinant EIA Kit, Wellcome Diagnostics, UK). This was later confirmed using the Western Blot Technique (Dupont, USA). RESULTS: The study shows that the HIV seroprevalence rate amongst pregnant women in Mongomo, Guinea Equatoria is low compared with the neighbouring countries in the Central African Region. This result, however, is higher than the National rate; this is not surprising since Mongomo has been shown to have a seroprevalence rate higher than the national average in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Routine HIV screening for all antenatal care patients, provision of anti-retroviral drugs to the sero-positive pregnant women at the subsidised rates, improved socio-economic status especially of women and certain cultural behavioural changes which empower the women are suggested as some of the ways to curb the menace of HIV infection amongst pregnant women and by extension reduce the vertical transmission of HIV to the baby.

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BACKGROUND: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a widely accepted method of contraception. One of the complications reported with IUD use is missing IUD. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on a total of forty-two women who had missing IUDs over a three-year period (January 1992-December 1994). Socio-demographic data, type of previous contraception, timing of insertion, service provider of IUD, diagnostic and management methods of these cases were reviewed. Epiinfo statistical software package was used for analysis and the level of significance was at p<0.001. RESULTS: The total missing IUDs for the years under review accounted for 0.25% of total IUD continuous users or 0.89% of total new IUD acceptors. There was a slight decline over the study period in the percentage of missing IUDs. Majority (85.71%) presented more than 6 months postpartum for insertion while insertions during menses was common (71.43%). Expulsions of IUDs was recorded in 21 (50%) clients. Pelvic examination with uterine sound and abdominopelvic ultrasound were the diagnostic methods commonly used. Trainees at the family planning unit inserted most of the missing IUDs while most clients (71.43%) missed their IUDs especially within the first three months of use. Retrieval loop alone (64.29%) and with dilatation (11.91%) and uterine sounding alone (16.67%) were commonly employed in the management of missing IUDs. About a third had no associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of missing IUDs is low in this centre occurring mostly within 3 months of insertion. Good selection of women using IUDs will result in less reported cases of missing IUDs. Counselling will motivate the IUD user to present early when any complication arise. The trainees need closer supervision and should be taught appropriate insertion techniques.

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This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the utilisation of antenatal care at the Provincial Specialist Hospital, Mongomo, Guinea Equatoria, paying close attention to the confounding factors affecting effective antenatal care (ANC) delivery. Information was elicited from 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic using a questionnaire. Previous antenatal clinic attendance was high (92.5%). However, with increasing gestation, the percentage of those who never had antenatal care increased. Poor ANC attendance is associated with more abortions and poor obstetric performance. Higher levels of education generally improved ANC attendance, particularly early booking for ANC. Hospital workers, husbands and parents were the greatest influence on ANC attendance. Universal education of the women, improved health education, community involvement and integration of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are significant suggestions made by the patients for improving the delivery of antenatal care.

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The aqueous leaf extract of Solanum erianthum collected in May was administered orally to albino Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei. The schizontocidal activity on early infection was assessed by administering the extract of S. erianthum, chloroquine, or distilled water as single daily dose from the day of infection for 4 days. Microscopic examination made on the fifth day from all the mice, showed S. erianthum extract producing a dose-related schizontocidal effect, with the highest having a chloroquine equivalent of 1.7 mg/kg. The residual activity of this extract was assessed by administering it to mice for 3 days prior to the day of inoculation with parasites. Seventy-two hours after infecting the mice, microscopic examination of the blood smears was made from all the mice. The extract produced dose-related activity. The highest dose and 1.2 mg/kg pyrimethamine produced 78.9 and 80.5% chemosuppression, respectively. Its effect on the established infection was studied by administering the drugs daily 72 h after infecting the mice, and for 5 days. The level of parasitaemia was assessed daily. The results show that the extract did not produce any significant suppression of infection. The observations are interesting and promising in view of the fact that the crude extract was used and also because controversy exists as to its usefulness as an anti-malarial agent.

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