Usmanu Danfodiyo University Research Articles

Influence of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) varieties in Sokoto, Nigeria

Field trial was carried out during the 2017 wet season (July to October) at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the effect of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of three (3) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) varieties sourced from Sokoto Agricultural Development Project (SADP). Treatments consisted of factorial combination of four (4) weed control methods [Control (no weeding), Chemical weeding (Pendimethalin), Chemical + Hoe and Hoe weeding] and three (3) cowpea varieties [Dan Gidan Yunfa (Local), IT-288 and IT-277-2)]. Treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Data were collected on pod yield, grain yield, and haulm yield, total dry weight shelling percentage, 100-grain weight and weed dry weight. Dan Gidan Yunfa recorded higher pod and grain yield than the other varieties. Weed control had significant effect on weed dry matter, the control plot where no weeding was done throughout recorded the highest (103.50 kg ha-1, 114.32 kg ha-1, 139.45 kg ha-1) weed dry matter at 4, 8 and 12 WAS, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that Dan Gidan Yunfa performed better than other varieties in the study area. The pod and grain yield of the crop in the weeding treatments were not different from the control (no weeding).

Susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti to pyrethroids in Usmanu Danfodiyo University main campus, Sokoto, Nigeria

Study was conducted to assess the level of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti to different pyrethroids in four different locations within the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) main campus. Larvae and pupae of the mosquito were obtained from Biological Garden, Gidan Yaro, Adarawa and Gidan Yunfa communities. The collected larvae and pupae were taken to the Entomology Laboratory of Usmanu Danfodiyo University and reared on plastic containers. The newly emerged adults were aspirated into separate containers and fed with sugar solution. The 2-5 days old adult females of Aedes mosquitoes were subjected to WHO bioassays to assess the mortality effects of Alphacypermethrin, Deltamethrin, and Lambdacyhalothrin and Permethrin insecticides on Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes. The knockdown mosquitoes were counted and recorded for an hour. Final mortality count was done24 hours post-exposure. Results obtained revealed that the tested mosquitoes yielded different level of resistance to the insecticides. Maximum efficacy of 98-100% mortality was recorded on treatment with Alphacypermethrin across all the sites. Permethrin was susceptible to mosquitoes from Gidan Yunfa and Gidan Yero. Mosquitoes across all the sites were resistance to Lambdacyhalothrin and Deltamethrin with mortality ranging from 76-84%. The least mortality of 68% was recorded on mosquito population from Adarawa treated with Permethrin.

EVALUATION OF THREE PRE-EMERGENCE HERBICIDES FOR WEED CONTROL IN SOYA BEAN [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] IN DUTSINMA AND SOKOTO, SUDAN SAVANNA

Field trials were conducted during the 2017 wet season at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm of , Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (Latitude 13o 7’N, Longitude 50 10’E’) and Dutsinma in Katsina State (longitude 70 29’E, Latitude 12o 27’N ). The aim was to evaluate Pendimethalin, Butachlor and S-Metolachlor for weed control in soya beans. Treatments consisted of Pendimethalin at 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 kg a.i./ha, Butachlor at 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 kg a.i./ha and S-Metolachlor at 0.6, 1.3 and 1.9 kg a.i./ha and control where weeding was done manually at 4 and 6 weeks after sowing. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected on weed parameters. Results obtained indicated that all the herbicide treatments significantly reduced weed infestation during the first four weeks after sowing but the crop experienced competition with weeds thereafter which varied according to the types of herbicides and their rates. Pendimethalin (1.0 and 1.2 kg a.i./ha, S-Metholachlor (1.9 kg a.i./ha) and Butachlor (2.0 kg a.i./ha) exhibited superior performance over other herbicide treatments. However, Pendimethalin at 1.2 kg a.i./ha caused injury to the plants though not prolonged. Hoe weeded plots faced early competition with weeds but were relatively weed-free during the reproductive phase of the crop. Soya bean farmers in Katsina and Sokoto could apply Butachlor 2.0 kg a.i./ha or S-Metolachlor 1.9 kg a.i./ha or Pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i./ha for good control of weeds during the establishment phase of soya bean.

Awareness and Practice of COVID -19 Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in a Tertiary Health Centre in North-Western Nigeria

Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in death of millions of people across the world. The impact of the disease on human health and the economic hardship on the affected countries have been severe. The public must routinely practice precautionary measures to control the spread of the disease, as no antiviral treatments are currently available. However, the level of awareness and practice of these preventive measures against Covid-19 infection among pregnant women, which constitute vulnerable groups have not been evaluated in our environment. The aim of the study was to determine the awareness and knowledge of pregnant women on Covid-19, its preventive measures and the practice of those preventive measures. It was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information on sociodemographic characteristics and also their knowledge and practice of Covid-19 preventive measures. All the respondents were aware of Covid-19 infection and the source of information was from Television. All the respondents were aware of the various preventive measures of Covid-19 and the knowledge was good among 98.7% of the respondents. However, only 19.1% had good practice of the preventive measures. Educational status of the respondents was found to have significant association with knowledge of preventive measures (χ2= 9.5, p = 0.014).

Effects of Sub-chronic Administration of Crude Ethanol Extract of Cola nitida on Stomach Mucosa Epithelial Lining and Liver Function Enzymes in Albino Rats

Aim: This study investigated the effects of sub-chronic administration of crude ethanol extract of Cola nitida mucosa epithelial lining and liver function enzymes in albino rats.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemical Pathology Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, between March 2017 and January 2018.
 Methodology: Twenty (20) albino rats have randomly divided into five (5) groups of A, B, C, D, and E of four rats each and were fed with an equal volume of ethanol extract of Cola nitida of 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 mg/kg body weight of the rats by oral administration for 28 days, while group A serves as a control, respectively.
 Results: Result indicates the LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg B.W., serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activity revealed a significant increase (P = .05) for AST (31.23 ± 9.39), (40.44 ± 12.24), (44.59 ± 8.69), and (36.30 ± 13.18) in rats fed with 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 mg/kg, and ALT (33.66 ± 7.94) for group fed with 2400 mg/kg B.W as compared against the control group (16.97 ± 6.58) and (20.11 ± 4.39). The serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) also showed a significant increase (P = .05) (7.99 ± 2.89), (7.07 ± 2.21), and (5.49 ± 1.28) in the group fed with 1200, 1800, and 2400 mg/kg as compared to the control (2.34 ±0.84). Histological studies on the mucosa epithelial lining showed an eroded epithelium and vacuolations at a dose above 1200 mg/kg as compared to the control group.
 Conclusion: This study was able to establish that crude ethanol extract of Cola nitida have some deleterious effects on mucosa epithelial lining, and liver function enzymes.

Student’s Perceptions of the Use of CBT for the Conduct of General Studies (GST) Examinations in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

The paper investigated the students’ perceptions of the use of CBT for the conduct of General Studies (GST) examinations in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The study employed a descriptive survey design. All the 5600 undergraduate students who sat for GST examinations during the 2019/2020 academic session formed the population of the study. The Israel Model (2013) was used to determine 372 students as the sample size for the study. An instrument titled "Students’ Perceptions of Writing CBT Examination" (SPWCBTE) was used for the data collection. The instrument was validated, a pilot study was conducted, and a reliability index of 0.95 was obtained. Results from the study revealed that the students have positive views on the CBT examinations. Some of the problems confronted by students during the examinations, as indicated by the results, include system errors, login issues, and the slow nature of the systems during submission. The study concluded that the students have positive views of the CBT examinations in the university. It was recommended that the university management should be organizing presentations and workshops to promote the CBT system. Majors should be taken to ensure quality assurance and control of the ICT facilities during and after the conduct of examinations.

Women Slang: A Study of Some Selected Female Students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

This study evaluates women slang among students in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Women tend to device some unique means through which they communicate within the group. Therefore, they borrow, coin or create words connotatively from either English language or other indigenous languages they use to refer to persons, places, things and processes within their environment. This paper seeks to explore this kind of language with specific reference to women slang among 300Level and 400Level female students of the Department of Modern European languages and Linguistics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The Theoretical Framework adopted in this study is “Slang Word Theory”. The instrument for data collection was Questionnaire and Observation method. The findings of the study reveal that, historically, women were put in a difficult situation(s) due to the fear of uttering some certain words that the society may consider as inappropriate or taboo. As such, they tend to develop new words and associate new meanings to the already existing words to circumvent the taboo words. The paper concludes by identifying the most important processes used in women slang.

Pancreatic cystic lesions: An 11 years (2010–2020) of experience at Usmanu Danfodiyo University teaching hospital, Sokoto

Background: Pancreatic cystic lesions are heterogeneous lesions that could be benign, borderline, or malignant. Neoplastic cystic lesions/tumours are rare tumours of the exocrine pancreas; difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and they account for 2%–10% of pancreatic tumours. Pancreatic pseudocyst is the most typical benign cystic pancreatic lesion arising from pancreatic ductal inflammation or ductal disruption. Both benign and malignant cystic pancreatic lesions are amenable to surgical treatments, with a good prognosis. Aim: The aim is to present our 11yrs of experience in the management of pancreatic cystic lesions. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pancreatic cystic lesions managed at the General Surgery Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, from 2010 to 2020. A retrospective review of the case notes of patients was done with an emphasis on biodata, presentation, investigations treatment offered, complications, and follow-up were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 22, Inc. (Chicago II, USA). Results: We managed 28 patients over 11 years. Three patients had pancreatic cystic tumours, whereas 25 patients had pancreatic pseudocysts. The age ranges of the patient with pancreatic cystic tumours are 29–50 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. All the patients had tumour excision with histology revealing two pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas and one serous cystadenoma. The age range of patients with pseudocyst is 27–42 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3.1, and most of the patient had internal drainage. Conclusion: Pancreatic cystic tumours are uncommon pancreatic neoplasms that are amenable to surgical interventions with a good prognosis. Pancreatic pseudocyst was seen mainly in females within the young age group. Both benign and neoplastic pancreatic cystic lesions are amenable to surgical intervention with a good prognosis.

Students’ Perceptions of the Use of CBT for the Conduct of General Studies (GST) Examinations in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Students’ Perceptions of the Use of CBT for the Conduct of General Studies (GST) Examinations in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Deployment of Snort Intrusion Detection System on Usmanu Danfodiyo University Network

The increasingly frequent attacks on Internet visible systems are attempts to breach or compromise the security of those systems. Network security issues have been a major challenge on Usmanu Danfodiyo University networks for a long time. Intrusion detection system allows organizations to protect themselves from losses associated with network security challenges. The aim and objectives of this project is to deploy and evaluate the performance of SNORT-IDS system in safeguarding demilitarize zone network segment of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. SNORT-IDS were implemented using some various tools such as Snort Application, Pulledpork, Barnyard, Apache, MySQL, PHP, BASE, and ADODB. The result obtained from the system evaluation indicates that Snortids system is able to detect suspicious trafficby 97%.

Hoarseness in a nigerian tertiary health facility: Prevalence, aetiology and predisposing factors.

To determine the prevalence, aetiology and predisposing factors in patients presenting with hoarseness to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. The study was a prospective, hospital-based study involving patients with hoarseness ≥7 years. Demographic characteristics and information on voice abuse, smoking, alcohol ingestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were taken. Participants had laryngeal endoscopy using a flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to determine the cause of hoarseness. A prevalence of 2.97% was obtained in the study, and the age range of participants was 7 to 78 years, with a male:female ratio of 1.3:1. The most common cause of hoarseness was laryngeal inflammation 38 (40.0%), followed by benign neoplasm 24 (25.3%) , malignancy 20 (21.1%) and trauma 10 (10.5%). Voice abuse, GERD and smoking were significant predisposing factors for benign neoplasm (χ2 = 8.73; P = 0.0031), inflammation (χ2 = 19.79; P < 0.0001) and malignancy of the larynx (χ2 = 10.66; P = 0.0011), respectively. The study showed that acute and chronic laryngeal infection and neoplasms (benign and malignant) of the larynx were the most common causes of hoarseness. Voice abuse, smoking and GERD were the commonest predisposing factors.

Prevalence and factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practice among nursing mothers: A prospective study in North-Western Nigeria

Context: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a key to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), but its practice has remained low in Nigeria, despite the strong evidences in support of EBF for the first six months of life. Setting and Design: This was a nine months descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among nursing mothers with children 6–24 months attending pediatric follow-up clinic and family health clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. Materials and Methods: Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the sociodemographic characteristics and EBF practices of mothers. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 240 mothers were interviewed. The mean age of the mothers was 29.7 ± 6 years. All the respondents breastfed their children, 82 (34.2%) practiced EBF for six months. Higher level of maternal education (P = 0.001), ANC attendance (P = 0.001), maternal occupation (P = 0.007), hospital delivery (P = 0.007) significantly influence the practice of EBF for six months. Conclusion: EBF practice was sub optimal. Thus, improving utilization of antenatal care, female education, and hospital delivery are crucial interventions to increase EBF practice toward achieving SDG-2 and 3 in Sokoto.

Evaluation of awareness, knowledge, and approval of dental implant treatment among dental patients in northwestern Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: A dental implant is an artificial root inserted surgically in the process of single or multiple teeth replacements. This study aims to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and approval of dental implant treatments among dental patients in our hospital.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 442 adult patients attending the Dental Clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto State, Nigeria, from March 2021 to February 2022. After obtaining ethical approval, participants were recruited using a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire consist of 12 questions, assessing the patient's awareness, knowledge, and willingness to approve a dental implant as an option for teeth replacement. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS) software version 20.Results: There were 293 (66.3%) males and 149 (33.7%) females with an mean ± standard deviation of age 37.4 ± 12.4 years and a range of 20–65 years. Two hundred and forty-six (55.7%) were unaware of a dental implant as an option for missing teeth replacement and 196 (44.3%) have heard of a dental implant. The majority of respondents (73%) heard about dental implants from a dentist, followed by social media (19.4%). Responses from questions yielded variable responses about the knowledge of implant. Regarding the patient's approval, 80.1% expressed their willingness to replace missing tooth/teeth with a dental implant.Conclusion: This research revealed a below-average level of awareness of dental patients about a dental implant as an option for teeth replacement. Dental surgeons need to do more on information dissemination about the use of dental implants.

Some Oxidative Stress Biomarkers among Patients with Prostate Cancer in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It is a significant contributor to the burden of diseases and affects over a million men. This study investigated the levels of malondialdehyde and plasma total antioxidant capacity among patients with prostate cancer in Sokoto. This case-control study was conducted among 28 confirmed prostate cancer patients attending the Urology clinics in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Sokoto Specialist Hospital in North Western Nigeria. Twenty-eight age-matched healthy males were monitored as controls. Determination of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) reagent while the Malondialdehyde in serum was determined as a conjugate with Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) acid. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were processed using SPSS version 20 and results were reported as Mean ± Standard deviation. The malondialdehyde level was significantly increased (p s evidence of redox imbalance. Subjects in monogamous relationships compared to polygamous, rural dwellers, farmers, individuals of Hausa ethnicity and subjects who reported no family history of the disease were more predisposed to prostate cancer. Further epidemiological studies are needed to determine the predisposing factors and the potential role of these markers in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of prostate cancer patients in Sokoto in particular and Nigeria in general. We recommend that Malondialdehyde and Total Antioxidant Capacity be routinely monitored among patients with prostate cancer patients in the area.

INFLUENCE OF SOIL TYPE ON GROWTH AND ARTEMISININ CONTENT OF WORMWOOD (ARTEMISIA ANNUA L.) CHEN YOUNG VARIETY IN SOKOTO

Artemisia annua L. produce an array of complex secondary plant metabolite including artemisinin (ART), which kills the principal malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, a compound of current interest in the treatments of drug resistant malaria. However, this compound remain expensive and hardy available on global scale. Synthesis of ART has been proved to be economically impossible. Therefore, increase in yield of natural occurring ART is necessary. The study evaluated the influence of soil types on germination, growth and artemisinin content of A. annua of Chen Young variety in Sokoto agro ecological region of Nigeria and. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in 2017 at Botanical garden of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. The seeds were sown in plastic pots containing clay, sandy and loamy soils in completely randomized design with 4 replications. Germination percentage (G), Mean germination time (MT), Coefficient of variation of the germination time (CVt), Mean germination rate (MR), Uncertainty of germination (U) and Synchrony of germination (Z) were evaluated. Growth parameter and Artemisinin content were also determined. ART was determined and quantified with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using calibration curve constructed by plotting the peak area against the concentration (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 µg/ml) of ART standard solutions. The results revealed that soil types had no significant effect on germination and growth parameters evaluated (P&lt;0.05). However, clay had the highest G, MT and CVt than sandy and loamy soils. The highest speed of germination per day was observed on sandy soil. Clay soil had the least values of U (2.277±0.2 bit) while the degree of overlapping germination was frequent in the clay (Z). The result obtained shows that treatment had no significant effect on the growth parameters evaluated (P&lt;0.05). Artemisinin content was significantly affected by soil type with the higher content in sandy soil (37.73 µg/ml) follow by clay and loamy soils with 17.90 and 15.70 µg/ml respectively. This study concludes that A. annua seeds can germinate and survived on different soils type in Savanna region of Nigeria. The study suggested the use of sandy soil in cultivation of the plant for its influence on high artemisinin content.

Urogenital Malignancies Seen in Radiotherapy Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto

Background: The pervasive nature of urogenital malignancies (UGM) is evident in previous epidemiological studies despite the uniqueness in the pattern of distribution. This study seeks to describe the spectrum, clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment options of UGM in the department of radiotherapy and oncology UDUTH, Sokoto within the study period. Materials and Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective review from 2nd January 2014 to 31 August 2019 of all the UGM referred to the radiotherapy and oncology Centre, UDUTH, Sokoto. The analyzed variables included the patient's age, sex, the organs involved, histopathological diagnosis and the treatment. Results: Ninety-eight (98) UGM were referred to our facility, however only 90 had complete clinical record during the 5-year period under review; the male-to-female ratio was 7.3:1. The organs involved were the prostate (27; 27.5%), the bladder (49; 50.0%), the kidney (8; 8.2%), the testes (3; 3.0%), the penis (2; 2.0%) and the adrenal (1; 1.0%). The prostate histological variant was adenocarcinoma (100.0%). Squamous cell carcinomas constituted 67.3% of bladder cancers, whereas 62.5% of renal malignancies were renal cell carcinomas. The commonest form of treatment was the External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) constituting 34;34.3% however the aim of treatment was adjuvant in 52.9% and palliative in 47.1%. Conclusion: This study shows the commonest UGM seen in UDUTH are prostate and bladder cancers. Furthermore, the study revealed a high rate of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder in the region which correlate with schistosomiasis as the possible etiological agent as majority of them were farmers.

Assessing the haematology and serum chemistry of Uda rams fed different Kanwa based mineral licks

This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Science’s Teaching and Research farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to evaluate the effect of feeding different kanwa based mineral licks on blood profile of Uda rams. Blood of twenty (20) yearlings Uda rams aged by dentition were used to evaluate the effect of Kanwa¬-based mineral blocks. Four (4) animals were allotted to each treatment (Kanwa block) with each animal serving as a replicate. The Kanwa used were Kanwan Bai-Bai, Kanwan Kolo, Hogga, Balma and conventional mineral lick to represent treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Data was collected at the end of the experiment. The result of haematological analysis showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in all the parameters analysed except PCV, MCH, WBC and eosinophil; the result indicated that all the values where within the normal reference range except in MCHC where animals placed in T2 and T3 shows values slightly above the normal range. The result of serum biochemistry showed that all the values measured were within the normal reference range for sheep except the albumin of animals placed in T3 which had values slightly above the normal range. The serum mineral composition showed that Potassium levels were higher in T2 and lower in T4; however, there was no difference between animals placed in treatments 1, 2 and 3, so also between treatments 1, 3 and 4. The study concluded that Kanwa positively affected sheep production with no adverse effect on both haematological and serum chemistry, hence little health hazard is associated with feeding Kanwa-based blocks on growing Uda rams.

Antidiarrheal and Antioxidant Activities of the Aerial Parts of Caralluma dalzielii N. E. Brown

Pharmacognosy Research,2022,14,1,82-88.DOI:10.5530/pres.14.1.12Published:December 2021Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Chinenye J. Ugwah-Oguejiofor, Halilu E. Mshelia, Junaidu Bello, Isah Inuwa, and Abdullahi Sulaiman Author(s) affiliations:Chinenye J. Ugwah- Oguejiofor1,*, Halilu E. Mshelia2,3, Junaidu Bello1, Isah Inuwa1, Abdullahi Sulaiman1 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto, NIGERIA. 2Department of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Mersin 10, TURKEY. 3Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346 Sokoto, NIGERIA. Abstract:Background: Caralluma dalzielii N.E. Brown is commonly referred to as “Karan massalanci” in the Northwest Nigeria where it is used in treating several ailments including pain, diarrhea and stomach issues. Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of aqueous aerial parts extract of Caralluma dalzielii. Materials and Methods: The aqueous aerial parts extract of Caralluma dalzielii (CDE) (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated for antidiarrheal properties against gastrointestinal motility, castor oil-induced and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) enteropooling models in Wistar rats. Its antioxidant properties were studied by determining the total phenolic content (TPC) using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, its free radical scavenging activity using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and its ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays using potassium ferrocyanide ferric chloride methods. Ascorbic acid was used as the reference. Spasmolytic effect was studied in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations in an organ bath experiment using acetylcholine (ACh). Results: CDE significantly (p<0.05) reduced gastrointestinal transit of charcoal meal and the total number of diarrheal feces in the animals. The total phenolic content was determined to be 36.67±3.33 mg GAE/g. IC50 value of 63.44 mg/mL was calculated in DPPH assay. The FRAP value was found to increase as the concentration of the extract increased. CDE inhibited acetylcholine-induced contraction of the rabbit jejunum in a concentration dependent manner with complete inhibition at 20.48 mg/mL of the extract. Conclusion: The extract of Caralluma dalzielii possesses antidiarrheal activities which may be related to its antimotility, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. Keywords:Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Caralluma dalzielii, Gastrointestinal motility, Rabbit jejunum.View:PDF (543.04 KB) Full Text

Symptoms’ resolution, adverse events profile and 1-year survival rate associated with different cervical cancer therapies among patients receiving care in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the symptoms’ resolution, adverse events (AEs) profile and 1-year survival rate associated with different cervical cancer (CC) therapies among patients receiving care in two Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Methods This study employed a prospective longitudinal design with a 12-month patient follow-up. It was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto in Sokoto state and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria in Kaduna state, North-Western Nigeria. Data of all the 157 eligible CC patients who came to the Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology clinics of the hospitals were collected at baseline and after the first, third and last treatment courses/radiation fractions. Data analysis was done with appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS V. 20 for windows. P &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Key findings Patients who received chemoradiation therapy (CRT), 29 (100.0%), adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRTS), 9 (100.0%), adjuvant chemotherapy (CTS), 6 (100.0%) and chemotherapy (CT), 27 (28.1%) (P &amp;lt; 0.001) reported per vaginal bleeding (PVB) to have been completely stopped after therapy. Patients who received CT 4 (9.8%) experienced grade 3 anaemia, leucopaenia was experienced by patients who received CT 27 (54.0%) and CRT 20 (52.6%), P = 0.004. Grade 2 creatinine increase was observed in patients who received CRT 3 (8.1%) and CT 2 (3.1%), P = 0.013. There was no significant association between the therapy option received and 1-year survival rate of the patients within the clinical stage at P &amp;lt; 0.05. However, age (OR = 0.257, P = 0.042), number of comorbidities (OR = 0.123, P = 0.039) and number of complications (OR = 0.013, P &amp;lt; 0.001) were found to be the independent predictors of survival. Conclusions Chemoradiation and adjuvant therapies were found to be associated with the best resolution of symptoms. CT and CRT had high frequencies and severities of AEs. Therapy options received by the patients were not associated with their 1-year survival rates within clinical stages.

Perception of Undergraduate Students on Availability and Utilization of Interactive White Board on Performance in Biology

The aim of this research is to assess availability and utilization of Interactive White Boards (IWBs) in teaching and learning of Biology among Undergraduate students in Sokoto State. The research is a descriptive survey with a population of 587 and a sample size of 234 100 level students of Science and Vocational Education department who are offering biology courses at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. A self-designed questionnaire tagged „Assessment of the use of Interactive White Board in Teaching and Learning Biology‟ (AIWBTLB) and Biology Performance Test (BTP) were used as instruments for data collection. The instruments were validated by experts and exhibited reliability index of 0.87 and 0.77 using Cronbach alpha and split half method respectively. The data generated was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings revealed that the required IWBs for teaching and learning Biology were not available; and the available IWBs were not adequately utilized. Equally important, a positive relationship was found between IWBs utilization and undergraduate students‟ performance in biology. It was however recommended among others that, government; management of universities should as a matter of urgent importance provide adequate IWBs devices for the teaching and learning of Biology in the universities; and to provide modalities in which students are encouraged to make full use of IWBs in the teaching and learning of Biology.