A.O. Obembe, A.B. Antai, D.U. Owu, O.O. Okwari, M.U. Eteng and E.E. Osim
Chronic feeding with thermoxidized palm oil causes tissue damage. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether chronic feeding of oxidized and fresh palm oil affects biliary…
Abstract
Purpose
Chronic feeding with thermoxidized palm oil causes tissue damage. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether chronic feeding of oxidized and fresh palm oil affects biliary secretion.
Design/methodology/approach
Albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten rats each. The first group was the control and were fed on normal rat chow, while the second (FPO) and third group (TPO) were fed diet containing either fresh or thermoxidized palm oil (15per cent (w/w)) for 14 weeks. Biliary secretion, bilirubin, electrolytes, cholesterol and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes were measured.
Findings
Biliary secretion in TPO was significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared with the control or FPO. Electrolytes (Na+, Cl− and HCO3−) content of bile were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in TPO compared with control or FPO group. Conjugated and un‐conjugated bilirubin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in TPO compared with control or FPO. The levels of serum liver enzymes were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in TPO than control or FPO. The cholesterol level in the TPO was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in control or FPO.
Research limitations/implications
The non‐clinical approach and use of experimental animals present limitations to the study.
Originality/value
These results suggest that long‐term feeding of thermally oxidized palm oil alters bile composition and decreases biliary flow due to its hazardous free radicals.
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Agona O Obembe, Emmanuel O. Ofutet, Atim B. Antai and Eme E Osim
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of chronic consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet on gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretions…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of chronic consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet on gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretions, gastric mucus output and gastric cytoprotection.
Design/methodology/approach
Adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups, i.e. control, FPO and TPO groups (n = 10 in each). The control group was fed with normal rat chow only, the FPO group was fed on diet containing 15 per cent v/w FPO and the TPO group was fed with diet containing v/w of thermally oxidized palm oil. All animals had free access to feed and water, and the feeding lasted for 14 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretion, mucus output and gastric ulceration were measured following standard methods.
Findings
There was increase in histamine-stimulated gastric acid output in the TPO diet-fed group (p < 0.01) compared with the control and FPO diet-fed groups. No significant change in the mucus output was observed across all the experimental groups; whereas, pepsin secretion was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the TPO diet-fed group (0.46 ± 0.27) compared with the control (0.14 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed groups (0.25 ± 0.01). Ulcer scores in the TPO diet-fed group (15.5 ± 0.33) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared with the control (10.0 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed (5.0 ± 0.04) groups.
Originality/value
Chronic consumption of TPO increased gastric acid and pepsin secretion (gastric-aggressive factors) without a change in the mucus output. This can bring about gastric ulceration; therefore, the liberal use of TPO should be discouraged.
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Peter Perebiri Erigbali, Udemeobong Edet Okon, Ofem Effiong Ofem and Eme Efiom Osim
Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), a staple food source for many people especially in the tropics, contains the neurotransmitter, serotonin which has analgesic and antidepressant…
Abstract
Purpose
Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), a staple food source for many people especially in the tropics, contains the neurotransmitter, serotonin which has analgesic and antidepressant effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of chronic consumption of plantain diet on pain perception and social behavior in mice.
Design/methodology/approach
In the first set of experiments, three groups of mice were either fed rodent chow (control) or 50 or 100 per cent plantain diet, while in a second set of experiments, another three groups of mice were fed either rodent chow (control) or 100 per cent plantain or plantain + ritanserin (serotonin antagonist) for 30 days. Response to pain stimuli was studied by hot plate and formalin tests. Also, the ability of the mice to fluff up suitable beds to build nestle from nesting material was used as an index for social behavior. Serotonin concentration in mice brain was measured using high performance liquid chromatography.
Findings
The results showed that plantain diet-fed mice consumed less food but gained more body weight than control mice. Pain perception was significantly reduced in the plantain diet-fed mice compared to the control. Social behavior was enhanced in the plantain diet-fed mice when compared to control (p < 0.05). There was significant increase in serotonin concentration in the brains of 100 per cent diet-fed mice. Administration of serotonin blocker, ritanserin reversed the effects observed in pain and social behavior tests.
Originality/value
Chronic consumption of plantain diet increases serotonin concentration in the brain, suppresses spontaneous perception of pain and improves social behavior in mice. These actions may involve serotonergic pathway.
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Anyauba Uduka Nmaju, Iwasam Ekom Joshua, Udemeobong Edet Okon, Azubuike Amakwe Nwankwo and Eme Efiom Osim
Chilli pepper (Capsicum annum), an extensively cultivated vegetable, is commonly used to spice many dishes prepared in several parts of the world. It contains capsaicinoids. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Chilli pepper (Capsicum annum), an extensively cultivated vegetable, is commonly used to spice many dishes prepared in several parts of the world. It contains capsaicinoids. The most active amongst these capsaicinoids is capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), which is neurogenic and so may affect nervous function. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of long-term consumption of chilli pepper and capsaicin diets on pain and social behaviour in CD-1 Swiss white mice.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 30 male mice were randomly assigned into three groups of ten mice each, namely, control, pepper-diet (20 per cent w/w) and capsaicin-diet (10 per cent w/w) groups. Tail immersion, hot plate and formalin tests were conducted to assess pain perception, while nesting behaviour test was used to evaluate the social behaviour of the mice.
Findings
The latency of tail flick of both the pepper and capsaicin groups were significantly longer (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to control. The hind paw lick frequency, duration and flinching of both the pepper and capsaicin groups were also significantly reduced compared to control. The nesting score of the capsaicin group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to control. However, the nesting score for pepper group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to capsaicin group.
Originality/value
Long-term consumption of capsaicin and pepper diets suppressed pain and enhanced organized social behaviour in mice. One of the active principles responsible for the effects obtained with pepper on pain and social behaviour in mice may be capsaicin.
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Keywords
Akaninyene Ubong Ime, Elemi John Ani, Victor Udo Nna and Christiana Egong Obeten
A plethora of publications have reported several cytotoxic effects associated with chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil. This research aims to investigate the effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
A plethora of publications have reported several cytotoxic effects associated with chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil. This research aims to investigate the effects of garlic and Aloe vera on liver function and hepatic cytoarchitecture in rats fed thermoxidized palm oil diet.
Design/methodology/approach
Thirty-five male albino Wistar rats weighing 150-180 g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 7): control, thermoxidized palm oil diet fed (TPO), TPO plus garlic juice (TPO + G), TPO plus Aloe gel (TPO + A) and TPO plus garlic/Aloe gel (TPO + G + A). The TPO diet was prepared by mixing 15 g of cooled thermoxidized palm oil with 85 g of rat feed. The juice and gel were orally administered at doses of 2.00 ml/kg and 19.12 ml/kg, respectively. After 3 months of feeding and administration, the animals were sacrificed using standard methods and blood collected via cardiac puncture for analysis.
Findings
Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control. This increase was reduced (p < 0.001) in all the treated groups compared to TPO, with the greatest decrease (p < 0.001) seen in TPO + A. Total bilirubin was increased (p < 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control, whereas there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in all the treated groups. Serum proteins and plasma fibrinogen were lowered (p < 0.001) in the TPO group compared to the control but increased progressively in all the treated groups. TPO induced prominent histopathological derangements of the liver tissues. However, there were marked improvements following treatment with garlic and Aloe vera.
Originality/value
The results obtained in this study have revealed that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil is hazardous to health by inducing hepatotoxicity, as seen in increased ALT, AST and total and unconjugated bilirubin and decreased total protein. However, these debilitating effects were seen to be greatly ameliorated following garlic juice and Aloe vera gel administration. If these results are to be extrapolated to humans, then the chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil diet should be seriously discouraged.
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Olayombo Elizabeth Akinwale, Olusegun Emmanuel Akinwale and Owolabi Lateef Kuye
Employability skills have transformed from the acquisition of university degrees to possessions of cognate skills other than only degrees that can help employees secure…
Abstract
Purpose
Employability skills have transformed from the acquisition of university degrees to possessions of cognate skills other than only degrees that can help employees secure employment in contemporary work environments. This study evaluates essential skills that will prepare millennia of youths and graduates for employment in the present job market. The study investigated four major hypotheses to underscore the employability opportunities of graduates in challenging 21st-century work environments.
Design/methodology/approach
To clearly gain an understanding of women’s disparity in society, the study employed a qualitative approach to evaluate the incidence of gender prejudice in a men’s dominant world. The study utilised two distinguished sampling strategies, purposive and snowballing sampling techniques, which were deemed suitable and useful due to the nature of the study. The study recruited 42 participants by conducting semi-structured interview sessions for the study. The study employed a deductive approach to analyse the data obtained from participants. A thematic content analysis was used to take away prejudice and establish an overarching impression of the interviewed data. Atlas.ti was used to analyse the transcribed interview data from the participants to establish common themes from the surveyed informants.
Findings
The results of this investigation indicated that there is a deep-rooted trend of institutionalised men’s dominance in politics and religious leadership. Women perceived less representation and men dominated the two domains of existence in their local environment. The study established that women are optimistic about a turnaround narrative on gender equality in politics and religious leadership. They expressed their concern about strengthened public debate and campaigns on women’s representation, and against gender discrimination. The study further shows that women are influencing the ethical and moral sense for change against women’s neglect in society. They expressed their concerns against the selection of people into political offices for elected political posts and observed the peculiarity of political godfathers fixing their favourite men into those offices.
Originality/value
The study discovered that women are leading campaigns for their representation in politics as well as church leadership today. The novelty of this study bothering around two domains of women’s lives – politics and religion, in particular, church leadership. These have not been evidence before in a study.
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Keywords
Tantut Susanto and Nur Widayati
The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning of quality of life of elderly tobacco farmers in the perspective of agricultural nursing.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning of quality of life of elderly tobacco farmers in the perspective of agricultural nursing.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological design conducted in rural area of Jember from November until December 2013. Seven elderly tobacco farmers participated in this study by purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interview and analyzed by using a qualitative descriptive method.
Findings
Six themes emerged from data analysis included physical condition, psychological condition, activity level, social relationships, environmental condition and worship activities.
Practical implications
The role of agricultural health nurses should be optimized to improve quality of life of elderly farmers by promoting the health status of elderly farmers and the health of workplace environment.
Originality/value
Elderly tobacco farmers reported decreased health and decreased energy and vitality. Tobacco farming was considered giving heavy workload, especially during harvest season. Participants were still actively participating in activities conducted in the community and eagerly doing worship activities. The environment conditions were described as the easiness of transportation, affordability of health care facilities, safe environment and tobacco storage effects during harvest season.
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Keywords
Khaled Mohamed Mohamed Koriem, Nevein Naim Fadl, Salwa Refat El-Zayat, Eman Nasr Hosny, Karima Abbas El-Shamy, Mahmoud Soliman Arbid, Fatma Adly Morsy and Marwa Helmy El-Azma
The purpose of this paper is to check the geranium oil and anise oil effect to inhibit inflammation in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas in depression.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to check the geranium oil and anise oil effect to inhibit inflammation in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas in depression.
Design/methodology/approach
Depression defined as psychiatric disease and chronic mild stress (CMS) model a well-known animal model of depression that represented major symptoms occurred in human depression. Geranium oil and anise oil selected for such a study to check their anti-inflammatory effect in brain tissues in depressed animal model.
Findings
The brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and interleukin (IL)-10 significantly decreased (p < 0.001) while brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus IL-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Ki-67 levels significantly increased (p < 0.001) in CMS rats compared to control. The oral intake of venlafaxine drug, anise oil and geranium oil significantly increased (p < 0.001) serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA and IL-10 while significantly decreased (p < 0.001) IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and Ki-67 levels to approach normal levels in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas compared with CMS rats.
Originality/value
Antidepressants used in depression treatment but these drugs are either too expensive or had side effects. Folklore and complementary medicine used in different diseases treatment due to cheap and available source. Geranium oil and anise oil had anti-inflammatory effect in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas in CMS rats.
Details
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Muhammad Farooq, Hikmat Ullah Khan, Tassawar Iqbal and Saqib Iqbal
Bibliometrics is one of the research fields in library and information science that deals with the analysis of academic entities. In this regard, to gauge the productivity and…
Abstract
Purpose
Bibliometrics is one of the research fields in library and information science that deals with the analysis of academic entities. In this regard, to gauge the productivity and popularity of authors, publication counts and citation counts are common bibliometric measures. Similarly, the significance of a journal is measured using another bibliometric measure, impact factor. However, scarce attention has been paid to find the impact and productivity of conferences using these bibliometric measures. Moreover, the application of the existing techniques rarely finds the impact of conferences in a distinctive manner. The purpose of this paper is to propose and compare the DS-index with existing bibliometric indices, such as h-index, g-index and R-index, to study and rank conferences distinctively based on their significance.
Design/methodology/approach
The DS-index is applied to the self-developed large DBLP data set having publication data over 50 years covering more than 10,000 conferences.
Findings
The empirical results of the proposed index are compared with the existing indices using the standard performance evaluation measures. The results confirm that the DS-index performs better than other indices in ranking the conferences in a distinctive manner.
Originality/value
Scarce attention is paid to rank conferences in distinctive manner using bibliometric measures. In addition, exploiting the DS-index to assign unique ranks to the different conferences makes this research work novel.
Details
Keywords
Cannabis as a recreational drug is prohibited in Nigeria. Consequently, the open use of cannabis attracts both formal and informal sanctions. As such, there is much stigma on…
Abstract
Purpose
Cannabis as a recreational drug is prohibited in Nigeria. Consequently, the open use of cannabis attracts both formal and informal sanctions. As such, there is much stigma on users' faces across social spaces. This has led to innovations in drug use. Recently, non-medical use of tramadol has been rising across each of the gender categories. This study aims to understand (1) tramadol use prompts, (2) the sudden surge in gendered recreational use of tramadol and (3) the gendered challenges of recreational tramadol use among Nigerian university students.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected between December 2021 and October 2022. The researcher conducted 20 semi-structured interviews, with participants chosen purposefully from acquaintances and others selected through chain referral. The selection criteria included knowledge of a particular tramadol tablet and willingness to participate. This study got ethical approval from the Anambra State Ministry of Health (Ref: MH/AWK/M/321/354) and oral consent was obtained before the interviews. The participants were assured of confidentiality. The interviews were conducted in English (the formal Nigerian language) and lasted between 30 and 65 min. The data collected were transcribed and coded manually, and themes generated.
Findings
Findings suggest that peer pressures accounted for entry-level drug use. However, cannabis-related stigma is attributed to the surge in tramadol use across gender categories. Furthermore, academic pressure and sexuality are major reasons for tramadol use. The challenges associated with tramadol use include headaches and addiction.
Originality/value
This study, to the best of the author’s knowledge, presents alternative data on the surge in tramadol use among Nigerian university students.