The proximate composition of three varieties of Piper guineense (Odusa-Ibibio/Efik) viz. 'Uyat Odusa' (cultivated and peppery), 'Eting-keni Ikot' (wild forest variety) and 'Eting-keni mben inyang' (wild, riverine variety), were determined using available standard methods. Also determined were mineral, antinutrient and ascorbate levels. The cultivated pepperic variety had the highest content of crude protein and moisture (18.9% and 97% respectively) while the wild, riverine variety had the highest content of ether extract, carbohydrate and calories (7.79%, 63.38% and 398 cals respectively). The cultivated variety had appreciable amounts of phosphorus (1.12 mg/100 g), potassium (1.2 mg/100 g), sodium (0.24 mg/100 g), zinc (0.18 mg/100 g), and copper (0.18 mg/100 g) while the forest variety contained more of calcium (12.38 mg/100 g), magnesium (1.21 mg/100 g) and iron (0.85 mg/100 g). The wild riverine variety appeared to have the least mineral content but had the highest ascorbate level of 173.4 mg/100 g. Of four antinutrients assayed, the cultivated pepperic one had the least quantities while the forest variety was highest in hydrocyanic acid (85.8 mg/100 g) and glucosinolates (0.20 mg/100 g). The wild riverine variety had the highest level of total oxalate (165.0 mg/100 g). These quantities are however far below documented toxic levels.
BackgroundProficiency testing (PT) is a means of verifying the reliability of laboratory results, but such programmes are not readily available to laboratories in developing countries. This project provided PT to laboratories in Nigeria.ObjectivesTo assess the proficiency of laboratories in the diagnosis of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.MethodsThis was a prospective study carried out between 2009 and 2011. A structured questionnaire was administered to 106 randomly-selected laboratories. Forty-four indicated their interest in participation and were enrolled. Four rounds of pre-characterised plasma panels for HIV, sputum films for tuberculosis and blood films for malaria were distributed quarterly by courier over the course of one year. The results were returned within two weeks and scores of ≥ 80% were reported as satisfactory. Mentoring was offered after the first and second PT rounds.ResultsAverage HIV PT scores increased from 74% to 95% from the first round to the third round, but decreased in the fourth round. For diagnosis of tuberculosis, average scores increased from 42% in the first round to 78% in the second round; but a decrease to 34% was observed in the fourth round. Malaria PT performance was 2% at first, but average scores increased between the second and fourth rounds, culminating in a fourth-round score of 39%. Many participants requested training and mentoring.ConclusionsThere were gross deficiencies in the quality of laboratory services rendered across Nigeria. In-country PT programmes, implemented in conjunction with mentoring, will improve coverage and diagnosis of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
Epilepsy is a neuronal disorder that arises from imbalances of some neurotransmitters and manifests as recurrent seizure and cognitive impairment. Most antiepileptic drugs are either expensive, not effec¬tive or are associated with adverse effects warranting efficacious alternatives. This study, therefore, investigated the activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach.) Taub fruit extract (TTE) on the behaviour and some brain areas of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-kindling rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were assigned into five groups (1-5, n=7): Control (distilled water); TTE (500 mg/kg); PTZ (40 mg/kg); PTZ (40 mg/kg) pre-treated with either sodium valproate (SV, 200 mg/kg) or TTE (500 mg/kg). All treatments were oral, except for the PTZ (intraperitoneally), and carried out 48 hourly, until kindling was also fully achieved (21 days). Subsequently, there was a beam walking behavioural test, deep anaes-thesia and animals’ sacrifice, while whole brains were processed for histology. The results showed that seizure was induced with higher mortality in the PTZ group, and was suppressed with higher quantal protection in the PTZ groups pre-treated with either TTE or SV. There was no difference (p>0.05) in beam walk slips and latency. Simultaneously, the PTZ group showed some degenerative cellular changes in the hippocampus and temporal cortex, with significantly (p<0.05) higher cellular density, except in the cerebellum. These cellular changes were either minimal or not apparent in the PTZ groups pre-treated with either TTE or SV compared with the control group. In conclusion, TTE protected against PTZ - induced seizures and brain histopathology of rats, with results similar to the standard anticonvulsant drug, SV.
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