The study examined the impact of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the livelihood of the rural dwellers in the southern zone of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Three villages from within the vicinities of each of the three major towns in Ekiti South West Local Government area were randomly selected for this study. Fifty households in each village were randomly selected making a total of 450 households sampled in the study. Primary data were collected through semi structured questionnaire matrix administered to the head of each selected household. The results obtained revealed that the respondents were diverse and cut across the socio-economic classifications. These classifications were not pre-requisites to their consciousness on NTFPs. Eight important NTFPs were identified in the study area and valued for foods, soup or soup ingredients or spices or condiments, medicine, fuel wood, weaving, wrapping and sweeteners. A tripartite mode of NTFPs utilization was established in this study. While 14% of the respondents claimed exclusive consumption of the products, 7% claimed exclusive use of the products as sources of income while a vast majority of the respondents used the products for both subsistence and economics as sources of income. Three levels of respondents’ involvements were observed for NTFPs in the study area. These included collections, processing and marketing, each of which was dominated by females. Though the amount of income generated by considerable proportion of the respondents in this study is low compared to the national minimum wage yet serve as safety net for the poor and offer opportunity for employment. Diverse sources, including household area, household farms free area, and forest, abound for NTFPs species in the study area. Most of the species domiciled in the household farms were cultivated while those of free areas and forest were mostly wildlings. Constraints abound on transportation, storage and spoilage that greatly affect the contributions of the NTFPs in the study area, sustainable strategies that could ameliorate these problems and further boost the contributions of NTFPs were proposed.

The study was undertaken to find out the effects of chronic consumption of oxidized palm oil on renal handling of Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3- in Wistar rats. Twenty four male wistar rats weighing 140-160 grams at the begining of the experiment were randomly divided into four groups namely: control, fresh palm oil diet fed (fed 15% w/w fresh palm oil), photoxidized palm oil diet fed (fed 15%w/w photoxidized palm oil), thermoxidized palm oil diet fed ( fed 15% w/w thermoxized palm oil) groups. All four groups received water at libitum. At the end of twelve weeks, urine and blood samples were collected for the analyses of the concentration of Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-. Results showed that Plasma Na+ and Cl- concentrations in the TPO and PPO groups were significantly lower than the control (P<0.001) groups and FPO (P< 0.001 and 0.01 respectively)groups. Their (TPO and PPO) Na+ urine concentrations were however significantly (P<0.001) higher than the control and FPO. K+ plasma levels on the other hand, were significantly higher in the TPO (P<0.001) and PPO (P<0.05 and P< 0.01respectively) groups when compared with the control and FPO; but significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.01)lower in the urine. Plasma HCO3- concentration in the TPO group was significantly (P<0.01) lower than the control, FPO and PPO groups while that of PPO was significantly (P<0.05) lower than FPO. Urine K+ concentration of TPO was significantly(P<0.001) lower that the control and FPO while PPO levels were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the FPO only. In conclusion, chronic consumption of oxidized palm oil causes hyperkalemia, hyponatremia and hypobicarbonatemia.

The effect of extraction solvents (water, ethanol and hexane) on the content of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, total phenols, tannins and flavonoids in three selected medicinal ferns (Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) Presl, Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott and Pneumatopteris afra (Christ) Holttum) in Ekiti State, Nigeria was investigated. Matured leaflets were collected from healthy plants in Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Extracts from shade dried and powdered leaflets of each of the ferns were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard methods. The results showed the presence of total phenols, tannins and flavonoids in all the extracts of the ferns while saponin was present only in water extracts. Hexane was not able to extract alkaloids and saponins in the three ferns. The results showed that extraction solvents significantly affected the phytochemical composition of the ferns. The water and ethanol extracts had higher content of the phytochemicals than the hexane extracts. The diversity of phytochemicals found present suggests that the ferns could serve as sources of useful drugs.

Pakistan stands among the top five highest tuberculosis burden countries. Emergence of multi drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis limited the spectrum of drugs of choice to treat tuberculosis. Among several, the activation of efflux pumps is one of mechanisms that mediate drug resistance in M. tuberculosis. Here, we tested efflux pump inhibitor verapamil and third line tuberculosis drug linezolid for antimicrobial activity against locally isolated multi drug resistant M. tuberculosis isolates using MGIT 960. M. tuberculosis isolates were collected from two tertiary care hospitals based in Lahore. Out of 100 isolates, 56 % (n=56) were found to be multi drug resistant (MDR). Out of MDR-TB, 5.36% (n=3) were additionally resistant to linezolid and 41.07% (n=17) were resistant to amikacin. One moxifloxacin resistant isolate was identified. In linezolid resistant strains, rplC gene was sequenced where rplC T640C mutation was identified in two of three linezolid resistant strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration of verapamil in 84.5% isolates was 256 μg/ml and the growth of remaining 16.5% isolates was inhibited by verapamil at the concentration of 512 μg/ml. Assessment of synergism between verapamil and other drugs including rifampicin, isoniazid, linezolid, amikacin and moxifloxacin revealed that verapamil at the concentration of 256 μg/ml inhibited the growth of MDR-TB isolates in presence of respective drugs. Our findings suggest that linezolid resistance have started emerging in local isolates. Further studies are required at higher level to identify the exact mechanism.

Coconut oil also commonly known as Copra oil is edible oil obtained from the kernel of harvested mature coconuts of the coconut palm .In recent years this oil has attained superstardom in the health food world. Celebrities are adopting its use, nutritionists advocating it, and patients acclaiming its many virtues. A number of health benefits have been attributed to this oil. These include benefits in skin care, hair care, stress relief, weight loss and cholesterol level maintenance, immunomodulatory effects, cardiovascular uses, and more recently in Alzheimer‘s disease .However for several years, coconut oil was demonized and consumers were made to believe that coconut oil is deleterious to health as it would block the arteries and cause heart disease. The tide has turned and in recent times recognition of the positive health effects of coconut oils have emerged stronger. The use of coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil is in vogue, though some people still remain skeptical. This article attempts to scientifically review the therapeutic benefits of this oil.

In an attempt our study was to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety & depression among patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. In this study demonstrates that the Rheumatoid arthritis patients evaluated were more likely to have lower Quality of Life, and high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety, the factors leading to an increased risk of depression among Rheumatoid arthritis patients included being female and older. As depression is the one of the major factor for medication non adherence ,So it could be better if Rheumatoid arthritis patients should be regularly assessed and should be monitored for accompanying anxiety and depression during follow-up, to achieve better therapeutic outcome, and to improve patient Quality of Life. We are taking Out of 50 patients, both men and women. It is a six months observational prospective cohort study conducted at King George Hospital, we have to assess the health-related quality of life in patients with RA along with Anxiety and depression in these who are patients suffering with Rheumatoid arthritis. In the data was collected from the direct patient-reported survey, and we are analysed the data by using the Microsoft excel spread sheet along with, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression HAM-D, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and we are taken informed consent forms and with proper compliance and age greater than 18 years those who are positively diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

PCR has been commonly used for genomic viral diagnosis for its sensitivity and accuracy. It showed a higher sensitivity when compared to virus isolation in tissue culture and also in antigenemia detection. Definitely, DNA samples are critical factor in PCR validity. Out of 167 serum samples subjected to this study and extracted by Wizard® DNA purification mini kit, 47 samples (28.1%) were positive PCR. While, 21 samples (12.6%) only out of the same population study (167) were positive PCR for EBV DNA in native serum samples (without DNA extraction). This result was confirmed the importance of DNA extraction from serum samples for detection of EBV which, subsequently lead to more sensitive diagnostic tool of an ongoing EBV infection.

Immune activation has been proved as a significant contributing factor to HIV disease progression. Serum hs-CRP increase and albumin decrease in HIV infected individuals as a response of immune activation through cytokines. In this study we estimated serum hs-CRP and albumin levels and hs- CRP /Albumin ratio in HIV seropositive and control groups. This is a case control study having 40 HIV patients with age, sex matched 40 controls. In our study we observed statistically significant difference in serum hs-CRP, albumin and hs-CRP /Albumin ratio in HIV seropositive compared to control group (p<0.001).This made us to propose that serum hs-CRP , albumin and hs CRP /Albumin ratio can be used as prudent prognostic markers in HIV infection and predictor of mortality.

In last few decades, though significant progress has been made in the treatment and control strategies of tubercular infections by introducing new diagnostic and monitoring tools and combination therapy, it still continues to be severe problem. Thus with the aim of developing novel molecule with improved potency for treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain infections and with decreased probability of developing drug resistance, herein we report the synthesis of isatinyl thiazole derivatives, starting from ethyl acetoacetate , by microwave organic reaction enhancement method (MORE) and results of investigations of their antimycobacterial and antimicrobial activities. Many compounds have shown promising activity while others were inactive.

The major objective of this study was to know about the efficacy of neural and spinal mobilization in patients with cervical radiculopathy and difference between the end results of both techniques. The sample population included participants with cervical radiculopathy, who followed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Simple Random sampling method was used for sample size of 30 participants. Sample design was Experimental Comparative study. This study used assessment forms, Consent forms, Examination couch, Goniometer, Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index Scale and Hot pack. Two groups were arranged including 15 participants each receiving Hot pack and Manual traction in common but Group A in addition received Butler’s neural mobilization while Group B received Maitland’s spinal mobilization. After the treatment participants were evaluated for their pain profile using VAS, their ROM using the universal Goniometer and neck disability using NDIS. Time Frame for this study and data collection was one year and the source of data was Liaquat National Hospital Physiotherapy Out Patients Department, Karachi, Pakistan. Ethical and human subject’s issues were resolved by consent forms, signed by every single participant. The results indicated that both technique produced a hypoalgesic effect as revealed by improved NDIS and decreased VAS. Both the techniques when compared with each other with respect to post treatment NDIS, VAS and ROM, showed no significance difference (VAS P= 0.222, NDIS P= 0.324, Cervical Ranges > 0.05).The combination of all findings has supported the use of both techniques in C5-C8 cervical radiculopathy.

The search for alternative protein food source coupled with the cost of affordability and the ever increasing human population has become a serious problem. This research was aimed at exploring other protein food sources than meat, using an arthropod of the class insecta, Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman), (termite). The nutrient content of the termite, an edible insect, and beef of the Bos taurus species was determined through various laboratory procedures including titration, digestion and distillation of the various samples. Termites used in the study triumphed over beef in terms of carbohydrate content (termites 22.4 ± 0.01, beef 1.34 ± 0.01) and there was only a slight difference in protein content of beef when compared to termites (beef 10.41 ± 0.01, termite 10.06 ± 0.01). The research revealed that beef contains more lipid (beef 25.0 ± 0.05, termite 20.0 ± 0.05), which can be detrimental to human health. Insects can be used as an alternative source of protein to effectively replace the expensive available source (meat) and solve malnutrition in the ever-growing population of mankind. There should be more enlightenment of the general public on the great benefits of insects consumption to avoid the under usage of this food resource.

According to World Health Organization, Mosquito borne diseases are the fast emerging viral diseases in many areas of the world. Mosquito borne diseases affects in the tropical and sub tropical regions in the world (Arunachalam, N., Tana, S., Espino, F., Kittayapong, P., Abeyewickrem, W., Wai, K. T., & Petzold, M. 2010). In Rural area of Lahore Mosquito Born Diseases is a big public health issue because in the developing countries they cause a large scale of morbidity and mortality due to poverty. The aim of this study is to evaluate Knowledge, Attitude, and practices related to improve sanitation conditions of the rural community and prevention from Mosquito Born diseases. A Cross-sectional descriptive research design was used knowledge, Attitude, Practices and prevention of Mosquito Born diseases of 100 people was collected door to door through questionnaire. Age group of participants was 15-50 years old. The respondents about (97%) have awareness about mosquito borne diseases, attitude of respondents was (67%) about the mosquito born diseases and practices of respondent (56%) The knowledge of respondent regarding mosquito borne diseases was found good in spite of good knowledge the respondent have poor implementation.

Workplace turnover is destructive to nursing and patient outcomes as it leads to losing competent and qualified nurses. However, developments of coping strategies demand a clear understanding of workplace variables that either motivates nurses to remain employed or lead them to leave their current jobs. This study assessed the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of members of nursing staff and their job satisfaction as well as perceived factors influencing turnover among nurses in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria. Cross-sectional study design was carried out on 304 nurses using quantitative data collection methods from 8th April, 2016 – 22nd April, 2016. The respondent’s age ranged between 20-63 years with a mean age of 39±10.97 years. Age, gender, marital status; and job satisfaction yielded a nonstatistical significant, weak and positive correlation with job satisfaction. Number of years worked, professional experience and unit of primary assignment were the only sociodemographic characteristics found to be significant predictors of job satisfaction in ABUTH (P < 0.05). Insufficient cohesion with colleagues, poor safety of the work environment; undervalued nurse’s opinion by medical staff and poor professional image of nursing were identified as perceived factors positively influencing nurse’s intension to leave the hospital. The study suggests that nurses’ opinion should be respected by other professionals and nurses professional practice judgement should not be relegated on the bases of sentiments.

This research was designed to assess the effects of oral administration of varying doses of ground Nutmeg seed on the histomorphology of the testes and the hormonal profile of thirty adult male albino wister rats weighing between 140 g and 250 g. The rats were divided into six equal groups, namely A,B,C,D,E and F. Group A served as the control and were administered only water and 100 g of rat feed; while groups B,C,D,E and F, the treatment groups, were administered varying doses (1 g, 5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g/kg body weight, respectively) of the ground Nutmeg seed, mixed with 100 g of rat feed, respectively, for 26 days. The weight measurement was done every seven days. The testes were harvested immediately after sacrifice, fixed in 10 % buffered formalin, and was later made to undergo Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for serum testosterone analysis. Data were expressed as Mean + standard error of the Mean and subjected to one way analysis of variance. Significance different between mean was assessed by student-New-Man-Keuls post hoc test. 95 % level of significance (P = 0.05) was used for statistical analysis and Microsoft Excel 2010 package was used for graph and error bars. The histopathological results revealed no structural defect on the testes of rats administered 1 g and 5 g of ground nutmeg. There was dose dependent alteration of the histomorphology of the testes of rats given 10 g and above. There was also persistent elevation in serum testosterone level in treatment groups B to F, compared to the control Group A. Hence, consumption of high dose of nutmeg is toxic to the testes.

Pressure ulcers are the major problem of bed case patients in all the hospitals. There are great chances to develop pressure ulcers in those patients who are in critical condition and admitted in the hospital for a long time. Due to prolonged stay in the hospital and negligence of health care provider pressure ulcers can be developed. Prevention is better than cure because if once pressure ulcer developed it is difficult to treat. So nurses should take precautionary measure to prevent from pressure ulcers. This study mainly focuses on knowledge and practice of nurses regarding pressure ulcers prevention if nurses have accurate knowledge regarding prevention of pressure ulcers they can manage it timely before its development .Pressure ulcers can be prevented by regular assessment while providing nursing care to the patients Maggi, 2010. The absence of pressure ulcers in bed ridden patients is generally known as measure of quality nursing care and performance of practice of nurses. Assessment of Knowledge & Practice among nurses regarding prevention of Pressure Ulcer in Mayo Hospital Lahore”.