Diagnostic Accuracy of HemotypeSC as a Point-of-Care Testing Device for Sickle Cell Disease: Findings from a Southwestern State in Nigeria and Implications for Patient Care in Resource-Poor Settings of sub-Saharan Africa.

This study aimed to determine the performance of a rapid, point-of-care testing device (HemotypeSC)™ for diagnosing sickle cell disease (SCD) relative to 2 commonly-used methods compared to DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard. The diagnostic performance of (HemotypeSC)™ in diagnosing SCD and determining various other Hb genotypes relative to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and cellulose acetate Hb electrophoresis in alkaline buffer (CAE) was investigated among 156 participants aged 4 to 23 years in Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria. PCR was considered as the reference method/gold standard.

Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A (UGT1A1) promoter polymorphism in young patients with sickle cell anaemia: report of the first cohort study from Nigeria.

Background: (TA) n repeat sequence (rs8175347) of UGT1A1 gene promoter polymorphism is associated with serum bilirubin levels and gallstones among different sickle cell anaemia (SCA) populations. There are no data on UGT1A1 polymorphisms and their impact on Nigerian SCA patients. In this study, we determined the distribution of the UGT1A1 (TA) n genotypes among a group of young Nigerian SCA patients and healthy controls.

Nephroprotective Effect of Essential Oils from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizomes against Cadmium-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.

Several studies have shown that cadmium (Cd) induces nephrotoxicity and many plant foods phytochemicals have been found useful but their possible mechanism of action still remains unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of essential oils from Nigeria ginger and turmeric rhizomes in cadmium-treated rats by examining their effect on renal function biomarkers (creatinine, urea and BUN), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-Alpha) and renal adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity. The result revealed that essential oils from ginger and turmeric rhizomes exert anti-inflammatory effect by preventing alterations of renal function markers and cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-Alpha) levels in Cd-treated rats.

Otological burdens of Nigerian children with sickle cell disease.

Introduction/objective: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with episodic illnesses, multi-systemic affectations and end-organs damages. Otolaryngological related complications are not unexpected. Studies on the overall Otolaryngological pathologies in children with SCD relative to their non-SCD counterparts are scanty in Nigeria.

Curcumin inhibits adenosine deaminase and arginase activities in cadmium-induced renal toxicity in rat kidney.

In this study, the effect of enzymes involved in degradation of renal adenosine and l-arginine was investigated in rats exposed to cadmium (Cd) and treated with curcumin, the principal active phytochemical in turmeric rhizome. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 6): saline/vehicle, saline/curcumin 12.5 mg/kg, saline/curcumin 25 mg/kg, Cd/vehicle, Cd/curcumin 12.

Factors Influencing the Academic Performance of Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Ekiti, South West Nigeria.

Background: There is a paucity of information on factors that influence the school performance of children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in Nigeria, despite her huge burden of the disease.

Methods: In total, 101 children with SCA were recruited at a paediatric clinic in Nigeria. Their socio-demographic-matched classmates were the controls.

Effect of Cadmium Stress on Non-enzymatic Antioxidant and Nitric Oxide Levels in Two Varieties of Maize (Zea mays).

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that inhibit physiological processes of plants. Hence, the present study sought to investigate the effect of cadmium-contaminated seeds from two varieties of maize (Zea mays) on non-enzymatic antioxidant and nitric oxide levels. Seeds of yellow and white maize were exposed to different concentrations of Cd (0, 1, 3 and 5 ppm) for two weeks.

Curcumin improves episodic memory in cadmium induced memory impairment through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and adenosine deaminase activities in a rat model.

Curcumin, the main polyphenolic component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes has been reported to exert cognitive enhancing potential with limited scientific basis. Hence, this study sought to evaluate the effect of curcumin on cerebral cortex acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in cadmium (Cd)-induced memory impairment in rats. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 6): saline/vehicle, saline/curcumin 12.