Hb concentration determined by the portable testing system is comparable with that determined by the haematology analyser. We recommend its use as a point-of-care device for determining Hb concentration of SCD children in resource-poor settings where haematology analysers are not available.

Rauwolfia vomitoria is one of the medicinal plants which is used traditionally to manage hypertension, diabetes and mental disorder. This study is to investigate antidepressant‐like effect of the leaf and root aqueous and ethanol extracts of R. vomitoria in the rat model using neurobehavioural indices; open field test and forced swimming test. The effect of the plant extracts on monoamine neurotransmiters’ system was also investigated. The neurobehavioural response of rats by open field test and forced swim test showed that there was a reduction in the explorative tendencies of the rats administered the aqueous and ethanol root extracts (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500mg/kg) compared to the control, while forced swim test reduced the immobility time of rats across all treatment groups, except 500mg/kg group. Neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) in plasma and brain of rats administered the different concentrations of root extracts exhibited significant (p <0.05) increase.The reduction in monoamine oxidase activity by the standard drugs and R. vomitoria extracts confirm that the mechanism of action R. vomitoria root extracts could be through inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity. Therefore, the mode of action may be due in part to the increase in monoamine levels or by suppression of the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmiters. This study established that R. vomitoria root extract has antidepressant‐like effect in rats.

No abstract

No abstract

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of fat which causes several health implications. It is a risk factor for most disabilities and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. The present study aimed to show the effect of short and long-term supplementation of an enriched diet with different concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and serum leptin ratio, adiposity and lipid profile in albino Wistar rats. Serum-leptin ratios and indicators such as lipid profile, feed consumption, and adiposity index were obtained to ascertain the effect of the enriched diet on health and wellness. Forty Wistar rats divided into four groups of ten were used, comprising of five males and females; Groups A, B, C and D. The group A, the control, was fed with rat chow and water alone. Groups B, C and D were fed with rat chow supplemented with 10%, 20% and 40% omega-3 fatty acid respectively. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with leptin significantly increased across the experimental groups in a concentration-dependent manner. Practical Applications: Omega-3-fatty acids, also called polyunsaturated fatty acids are well known for their cardioprotective properties. ALA, α-linoleic acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) have been collectively referred to as omega-3 fatty acids. ALA, an essential fatty acid, can be converted into EPA and DHA. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are obtained from fish-oil and other kinds of seafood. Dietary consumption is essential for a better blood lipid profile and reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. In the present study, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improved blood-lipid profile, increased HDL which are essential in preventing obesity. Equally reported here is that concentrations of serum-leptin and CSF were used to derive the leptin ratio. There was also a significant decrease in the adiposity index across the groups. The feed consumption and CSF leptin were given as r=-0.46 for the short term diet, while r=0.34 for the long term diet group. Data of the study indicate that omega-3 fatty acid enrichment had a diminishing effect on both adiposity and appetite, but enhanced the permeability of leptin through the blood-brain barrier in the Wistar rats. The relevance of this study is that omega-3-fatty acid food supplementation could aid in weight management and assist in the prevention and control of obesity.

Background Erythropoietin(EPO) response to anaemia has been reported to be suboptimal in HIV infected anaemic patients. Objectives To assess the relationship between EPO levels and degree of anaemia, CD4+ cell count and viral load of HIV infected treatment naive subjects and if there is any association with inflammatory cytokines. Subjects and Methods A total of 120 subjects aged 18-66 years, comprises (1) HIV infected treatment naive subjects who had anaemia with Hb level <10g/dL. Control subjects were: (2) HIV infected non-anaemic, (3) non-HIV infected anaemic and (4) non-HIV infected non-anaemic individuals. Full blood count using automated counter; CD4+ cell count by semi-automated flow cytometer; and viral load were estimated. Serum erythropoietin levels, serum ferritin levels, CRP levels, TNF-α levels and IL-6 levels were estimated. Appropriateness of EPO response was determined by calculating EPO response ratio. Results Majority (72%) of the HIV infected anaemic patients had a normocytic hypochromic type of anaemia. A weak positive correlation between EPO levels and CD4+ cell count (r=0.075, p=0.572) was obtained. A significant negative correlation between EPO levels and haemoglobin levels (r=-0.268, p=0.003). Twenty-seven (71.05%) of the 38 HIV infected anaemic subjects had EPO response ratio less than 0.8. Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to the controls (p=0.000). Serum interleukin-6 level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to HIV infected non-anaemic subjects (p=0.003). Serum C-reactive protein level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to non-HIV infected non-anaemic (p=0.004) and non-HIV infected anaemic subjects and(0.001). Serum tumour necrosis factor-α level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to other arms of the study population (p=0.000). Conclusion The present study revealed that HIV infected anaemic subjects had reduced serum EPO levels. However, serum inflammatory cytokines levels were raised in the same subjects. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Hepatitis B vaccine has been introduced in Nigeria for over a decade now, yet, data on sero-conversion status of the immunized cohort in the population are scarce. Such data are important for objective evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of the HBV vaccination program. Ajayi et al.; JAMMR, 29(8): 1-8, 2019; Article no.JAMMR.48040 2 This study therefore aims at determining the sero-conversion status and the prevalence of HBV infection among immunized cohort of children in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted across the three senatorial districts of Ekiti state, between October and December, 2017. A total of 441 children consisting of 226 males and 215 females (Male to female ratio= 1.1:1). Immunization was confirmed by immunization cards. Multistage sampling technique was used. Questionaire were administered after caregiver's consent and assent from subjects, 2 to 5 mls of blood samples were then collected and tested for the various hepatitis B viral markers (HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, HBsAb and HBsAg) using Hepatitis B combo kit manufactured by Innovita Biological Technology. Very low levels antibody titres which may not be detectable by qualitative detection method used is a limitation to this study. Results: Subjects were between 5 to 10 years. All subjects had 3 full doses of hepatitis B vaccination before the age of 1 year and all subjects were negative for HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAB and HBcAb. However, only 47 (10.7%) had detectable HBsAb. Among HBsAb positive patients 22 were males while 25 were females. Our findings showed zero prevalence of hepatitis B but minimal seroconversion rate among vaccinated children in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination protects children against HBV in the study population. However, seroconversion rate showed that majority of the children may be at risk of HBV infection at a later age. We recommend a booster dose of HBV vaccination. Original Research Article