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Purpose: Parturients in the Sub-Saharan African are susceptible to malaria disease due to their reduced immunity during pregnancy. Asymptomatic placental malaria causes neonatal and maternal mortalities, preterm deliveries as well as low birth weight babies. Current studies on malaria in pregnancy indicated that the risk factors are location specific, and there are limited studies in Nigeria on asymptomatic placental malaria and pregnancy outcome (babies birth weight and delivery term). The purpose of this study was to determine the association between asymptomatic placental malaria infection and pregnancy outcome (baby’s birth weight and delivery term) among parturients in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Methodology: Quantitative methodology with primary and secondary healthcare facility data from 483 subjects aged 18–49 years generated from four healthcare facilities between May and July 2021 was used for this study. The Socio-Ecological Model framework was used to describe how parturients can achieve enhanced pregnancy outcome through the utilization of multi-levels of supports to enhance the compliance of pregnant women to the existing malaria interventions. The research questions and hypotheses were tested with the binomial logistic regression. Result: The findings showed a statistically significant association between baby’s birth weight, delivery term and placental malaria parasitemia (PMP), in the study population. Also, the identified risk factor for baby’s birth weight in this study was gravidae, while that of delivery term was age groups, gravidae, ITN frequent use and ANC attendance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The findings of this study could inform malaria control policymaking in Asaba and Delta State on tracking and treating asymptomatic malaria among underserved pregnant women accessing antenatal services to improve baby’s birth weight, delivery term, and the associated complications.

Breast milk is a natural liquid’s food given to babies who are between one-day old to about 2 years old depending on mothers and locations. The aim of this study is to investigate Pattern of Breastfeeding amongst Mothers and its Physiological Effects on Infants in Rural Areas of Rivers State. This is a cross-sectional study involving 111 lactating mothers who are within the age of 18 to 42 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the researchers. The study lasted for a period of 9 weeks. The study revealed that 17(15.30%) had primary education, 64(57.70%) had secondary education while 30(27.00%) had tertiary education. Occupational distribution of respondents shows that 10(9.00%) were civil servants, 61(55.00%) business class while 40(36.00%) were farmers. The results also, shows that 98(88.30%) were nursing mothers while 13(11.70%) were not. The results of breastfeeding pattern of respondents show that 11(9.90%) used breast milk alone, 32(28.80%) breast milk +water, 2(1.80%) breast milk + pap, 31(27.90%) breast milk +NAN or others in this category +30(27.00%) breast milk + solid food while 5(4.50%) employed pap alone. The level of awareness of the respondents about exclusive breastfeeding revealed that 78(70.30%) said YES while 33(29.70%) said NO, that they do not know about exclusive breastfeeding. 90(81.1%) of the respondents do not carry out exclusive breastfeeding and 21(18.9%) carried out exclusive breastfeeding. The duration for breastfeeding among mothers are 5.4% (6 months), 13.5% (5 m0nths), 37.8% (3 months), 43.2% (none). Scholars Middle East Publishers

Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance had a J- or U-shaped increase from 15 to 24 yr with the base of the curve at age 17 yr. Cumulative high insulin and high insulin resistance from 15 to 24 yr were negatively associated with arterial stiffness progression from ages 17 to 24 yr. Age 17 yr may be an optimal timing for intervention targeted at sustaining the protective effect of the decline of insulin and insulin resistance on arterial stiffness progression.

To assess in individual-person meta-analyses how out-of-office blood pressure (BP) contributes to risk stratification and the management of hypertension, an international consortium set up the International Databases on Ambulatory (IDACO) and Home (IDHOCO) Blood Pressure in Relation to Cardiovascular Outcome. This review summarizes key findings of recent IDACO/IDHOCO articles. Among various BP indexes derived from office and ambulatory BP recordings, the 24-h and nighttime BP level were the best predictors of adverse health outcomes. Second, using the 10-year cardiovascular risk associated with guideline-endorsed office BP thresholds as reference, corresponding thresholds were derived for home and ambulatory BP. Stratified by the underlying cardiovascular risk, the rate of cardiovascular events in white-coat hypertensive patients and matched normotensive controls were not substantially different. The observation that masked hypertension carries a high cardiovascular risk was replicated in Nigerian Blacks, using home BP monitoring. The thresholds for 24-h mean arterial pressure, i.e., the BP component measured by oscillometric devices, delineating normotension, elevated BP and hypertension were

Abstract Raised blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. Yet, its global prevalence is increasing, and it remains poorly detected, treated, and controlled in both high- and low-resource settings. From the perspective of members of the International Society of Hypertension based in all regions, we reflect on the past, present, and future of hypertension care, highlighting key challenges and opportunities, which are often region-specific. We report that most countries failed to show sufficient improvements in BP control rates over the past three decades, with greater improvements mainly seen in some high-income countries, also reflected in substantial reductions in the burden of cardiovascular disease and deaths. Globally, there are significant inequities and disparities based on resources, sociodemographic environment, and race with subsequent disproportionate hypertension-related outcomes. Additional unique challenges in specific regions include conflict, wars, migration, unemployment, rapid urbanization, extremely limited funding, pollution, COVID-19-related restrictions and inequalities, obesity, and excessive salt and alcohol intake. Immediate action is needed to address suboptimal hypertension care and related disparities on a global scale. We propose a Global Hypertension Care Taskforce including multiple stakeholders and societies to identify and implement actions in reducing inequities, addressing social, commercial, and environmental determinants, and strengthening health systems implement a well-designed customized quality-of-care improvement framework.

In recent years, the need for greater effectiveness and efficiency in industrial processes and procedures has made control system engineering a favored area of scientific investigation, especially the proper tuning of the parameters of Peripheral Integral Derivative (PID) Controllers. This paper critically examines some issues with the present fitness functions being used by different researchers involved in metaheuristic tuning of PID Controllers. It concludes with the introduction of a fitness function called the Inverse Integrated Squared Absolute Error whose experimental outcome using the African Buffalo Optimization algorithm was able to obtain zero (0) steady state error, zero (0) overshoot, 1.77 s rise time and 2.87 s steady time which is quite competitive. The paper opines that further appropriate investigations of the metaheuristic tuning of PID Controllers using this latest fitness function are highly recommended since it is very simple to both implement and use.

Malaria is an epidemic with 1.3% reduction in annual per capital economic growth rate. This study was to assess physicians’ antimalarial utilization in children below five years and conformity to guidelines. This is a retrospective and cross-sectional random sampling of prescriptions of antimalarials in under five between January 2012 and December 2014 in the secondary facility and January 2012 to December 2017 in two health facilities. Data was recorded using WHO indicator forms and analyzed using SPSS. Exactly, 800 prescriptions giving a total of 1,243 and 1313 drugs were prescribed in the Secondary Facility (CH), Warri and Primary Health Care (PHC), Oria respectively with an average of drugs prescribed per encounter (DPPE), CH (3.1 ± 0.01) and PHC, (3.3 ± 0.1). Antimalarials, were the most prescribed. Generic prescription was more in PHC (59%) than in CH (58%). Syrups were most prescribed 70.96% in CH, Warri and 53% in PHC, Oria. However, 27(50.9%) of physicians based prescription on experience, 13(24.5%) and 4(7.5%) followed WHO and National Antimalarial Treatment Policy (NATP) guidelines respectively while (17.1%) on the efficacy of the antimalarial. The antimalarial utilization practices conform to the WHO guidelines although there are lapses. Prescription was predominantly based on experience.

This study evaluated the extent to which the goals of the Delta State Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) have been achieved. Three research questions guided the study. The population of the study comprised 4,559 beneficiaries. A sample size of 1,000 beneficiaries was selected through proportionate stratified and convenience sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Experts’ judgement was used to validate the instrument. The test-retest method of reliability was used to determine the reliability of the instrument, with a coefficient of 0.82. Frequency and percentage were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that STEP has trained beneficiaries in the following skill options: Fashion design, Catering, Hairdressing, Make-up, Fishery, Decoration and event management, Electrical installation and repairs, Welding and fabrication, ICT and Farming; all the 1000 participants evaluated have established their own enterprises, indicating a 100% goal achievement; and that majority of the beneficiaries have employed other youths after graduating from the programme. The study recommended amongst others that the program be expanded to accommodate more economically viable skills and vocations, including commerce/trade apprenticeship. Article visualizations

Wolff –Parkinson- White(WPW) is a form of pre excitation syndrome characterized by the existence of an accessory pathway that predisposes patients to tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Though not a common presentation but physicians get to see such cases and majority of the cases never present with an underlying structural cardiac disease. Patients with WPW syndrome are at greater risk of hazardous ventricular arrhythmias. The accessory atrioventricular pathways (AP) in Wolff –ParkinsonWhite result in abnormal preexcitation around the atrioventricular annuli producing a dyssynchronous contraction of cardiac chambers. Early detection and the usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography in identifying regional and global contractile function cannot be overemphasized. We present the case of a 45 year old man with WPW syndrome who presented with recurrent palpitations and dizziness. Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome Type B was suspected from lead V1 and 2Dspeckle tracking performed showed, a decrease in regional strain at the basal anteroseptal, inferior septal, inferior and mid anteroseptal left ventricular segments.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an increasingly common cancer. For high-risk BCCs, there are several treatment options, with similar efficacies. The current best practice in deciding upon a particular treatment is for a patient-centred approach. At present, there are few resources available for patients to assist their choice. This reduces patient autonomy and increases the burden on clinicians within clinic. Patient decision aids (PDAs) have been shown to increase patient autonomy and facilitate shared decision-making. Currently, there is no published PDA designed to facilitate the decision between surgical management or radiotherapy in high-risk BCCs. We developed a novel decision aid designed along the International Patient Decision Aid Standards to fill this clinical need, and evaluated its acceptance by both patients and clinicians. We describe the challenges faced at initial alpha and subsequent beta testing, and go on to validate our PDA with both the Decisional Conflict Scale and the nine-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDMQ9). We include an example of the PDA and encourage other units to modify the PDA for their own use.

Manufacturing and processing industries usually consume large quantities of materials and energy in the course of their operations. The energy supplied for high-temperature processes are used partially for the actual technical process and between 30 to 40% of the energy escapes through the walls of the reactor into the atmosphere, leading to a high degree of thermal inefficiency and fuel consumption. This paper studies the thermal behaviour of insulating refractory bricks produced from a blend of fireclay and agroforestry wastes. The fireclays used were obtained from Ukpor deposit in Anambra State (Latitude 5.95°N, Longitude 6.92°E), Osiele deposit in Abeokuta, Ogun State (Latitude 7.18°N, Longitude 3.45°E) and Kankara Katsina State (Latitude 11.93°N, Longitude 7.41°E), all of which are in Nigeria. Samples were prepared with various weight percentages (60–100 wt.%) clays and (0–40 wt.%) of agroforestry waste, with grain sizes between 212 and 600 µm. Raw materials and the developed refractory bricks were characterised using appropriate standard techniques. The chemical, mineralogical constituents and phases present in the microstructure were examined. Physical and thermo-mechanical properties were investigated. The insulating refractory bricks developed have porosity of 78.83% , cold crushing strength (CCS) 3.144 kN/m2 and thermal conductivity 0.04–0.046 W/(m∙K) that compare favourably with imported bricks 75–85%, 2.756 kN/m2 and 0.049 W/(m∙K) in both physical, mechanical and thermal properties respectively. The reason is that the agroforestry waste used (coconut shell), served to create the pores that improve insulation after burning. Also the ash that remains serves as reinforcement to improve the mechanical properties. The thermal behaviour of the bricks was studied using Finite Element Method and shows a strong correlation with the experimental findings. This indicates that the produced insulating bricks have the thermal properties required for insulation of furnaces.

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of dyslipidaemia in adults in Nigeria. Methods Using the WHO criteria, we determined dyslipidaemia using serum lipid levels of 3 211 adult Nigerians, aged at least 18 years, obtained between March 2017 and February 2018 from two communities (rural and urban) in a state from each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Results The overall prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (l-HDL), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (e-LDL), hypertriglyceridaemia (h-TG) and hypercholesterolaemia (h-CHL) were 72.5,13.6, 21.4 and 7.5%, respectively. The adjusted odds of h-CHL [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.47 (1.10-1.95)], h-TG [1.89 (1.48-2.41)] and e-LDL [1.51 (1.03-2.15)] increased with obesity. Being a rural dweller increased the odds of h-TG [1.55 (1.29-1.85)], e-LDL [1.38 (1.10-1.73)] and l-HDL [1.34 (1.14-1.58)]. The odds of h-CHL [2.16 (1.59-2.95)], h-TG [1.21 (1.01-1.47)], e-LDL [1.42 (1.13-1.80)] and l-HDL [0.78 (0.65-0.93)] increased with hypertension. Diabetes mellitus doubled only the odds of h-TG [2.04(1.36-3.03)]. Conclusion The prevalence of dyslipidaemia, particularly low HDL-C, is high among adult Nigerians.

This paper aimed at investigating the impact of working capital management (WCM) on corporate performance of quoted consumer goods sector in Nigeria. Specifically, the paper examined the impact of cash conversion cycle (CCC), current ratio (CUR), quick ratio (QUR), asset turnover ratio (ATR), Average Payment Period (APP), Average Collection Period (ACP), and Inventory Collection period (ICP) on return on asset (ROA) of listed Nigerian Consumer goods sector firms from 2009 to 2018 covering 120 cross-sectional units. To ensure that the findings of the study are reliable, accurate, and valid, the study was further subjected to diagnostic tests using the Lagrange Multiplier Tests for Random Effects, Hausman test, and the cross-sectional dependence test. Accordingly, the Hausman test supports the Random Effect Model (REM) while the cross-sectional dependence test revealed that the variables of each company is unique and are independent of those of other companies in the sample. Findings emanating from the REM confirmed a mixed relationship between WCM and ROA. Specifically, the study found that managers can achieve high profitability if it addresses all inventory management issues since quick ratio and inventory conversion period exerted negative insignificant impact on firm performance. Again, the study found that the current ratio, quick ratio, and asset turnover ratio are the main determinants of corporate performance. Hence, the study concludes that WCM is the most efficient way firms can achieve outstanding success. To this end this paper recommends that if firms in the Nigerian Consumer goods sector firms must achieve their core objective of maximizing high returns and minimizing risk, they must pay full consideration on current ratio, quick ratio, and asset turnover ratio.

Elektrochemotherapie (ECT) ist eine wirksame lokale Behandlung von Hauttumoren. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Wirksamkeit der ECT bei ulzerierten gegenüber nichtulzerierten Tumoren zu vergleichen und den Effekt auf tumorassoziierte Symptome zu untersuchen.20 Krebszentren des International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) sammelten prospektiv Daten. Die ECT wurde nach dem ESOPE-Protokoll durchgeführt. Das Therapieansprechen wurde anhand der Entwicklung der Läsionsgröße bewertet. Zusätzlich wurden Schmerzen, Symptome, Leistungsstatus (ECOG-Index) und Gesundheitszustand (EQ-5D-Fragebogen) untersucht.716 Patienten mit ulzerierten (n = 302) und nichtulzerierten (n = 414) Hauttumoren und Metastasen wurden eingeschlossen (Mindest-Nachsorge 45 Tage). Nicht-ulzerierte Läsionen sprachen besser auf die ECT an als ulzerierte Läsionen (vollständiges Ansprechen: 65 % gegenüber 51 %, p = 0,0061). Nur 38 % (115/302) der Patienten mit ulzerierten Läsionen vor der ECT wiesen bei der letzten Nachuntersuchung ulzerierte Läsionen auf. Patienten mit ulzerierten Läsionen berichteten über stärkere Schmerzen und schwerere Symptome im Vergleich zu Patienten mit nichtulzerierten Läsionen, die sich nach der ECT signifikant und kontinuierlich besserten. Bei Patienten mit nichtulzerierten Läsionen hingegen nahmen die Schmerzen während der Behandlung vorübergehend zu. Es wurden keine schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen beobachtet.Die ECT ist eine sichere und wirksame lokale Behandlung von Hauttumoren. Während die ECT die Symptome insbesondere bei Patienten mit ulzerierten Läsionen verbessert, sollte auf Basis der Daten die Implementation eines perioperativen Schmerzmanagements besonders bei nichtulzerierten Läsionen während der ECT erwogen werden.

Purpose: Job satisfaction is positively related to productivity and effectiveness and therefore, vital for effective functioning of any professional practice including pharmacy. The purpose of this study was to assess job satisfaction of pharmacists in Benin City and to gain insight and understanding of their expectations in various practice area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacists in various practice areas in Benin City. Job satisfaction was evaluated among 200 pharmacists recruited using convenient sampling method. The tool used was a pretested, three section self-completion questionnaire which tested job satisfaction and their indicators in pharmacy practice areas using 3 and 5 point Likert-type scales, respectively. Data were compared using ANOVA. Results: Majority of the respondents were males (116, 58.0%), married (100, 50.0%), and practiced in community pharmacies (96, 48.0%). Their overall satisfaction with their jobs had the mean scores of 2.25 ± 0.591. Compared to other practice areas, the pharmacists in academia had the highest overall job satisfaction score (2.47 ± 0.615) and this was significantly (p=0.01) higher than the overall satisfaction score of hospital pharmacists (2.04 ± 0.576). Increase in salary was the highest indicator of job satisfaction for the respondents (4.26 ± 1.218); which was followed by promotion (4.11±1.207) and recognition (3.91 ±1.254). The least indicators were motivational talk (3.36 ±1.329) and leave from work (3.37 ±1.319). Conclusion: Study participants reported to be satisfied on their job and academics were most satisfied, while hospital pharmacists were the least satisfied. Salary increase, promotion, and recognition were the major factors that influence job satisfaction for the pharmacists.

Conventional wound material allows bacterial invasions, trauma and discomfort associated with the changing of the dressing material, and the accumulation of body fluid for wounds with high exudate. However, there is a shift from conventional wound dressing materials to polymeric nanofibers due to their high surface area to volume ratio, high porosity, good pore size distribution, which allows for cell adhesion and proliferation. There is an urgent need to synthesis a biodegradable composite that is resistant to bacterial infection. In this study, an electrospun polylactide (PLA) composite suitable for wound dressing, with enhanced antimicrobial and mechanical properties, was produced. The neat PLA, PLA/CH (10 wt.%), PLA/CH (5 wt.%), PLA/CHS (10 wt.%), PLA/CHS (5 wt.%), PLA/CH (2.5 wt.%) /CHS (2.5 wt.%) and PLA/CH (5 wt.%)/CHS (5 wt.%), were electrospun using 0.14 g/ml solution. Results show that crystallinity (67.6%) of neat PLA declined by 3.8% on the addition of 2.5 wt.% chitin/chitosan with improved hydrophilicity of the composite. The tensile strength of neat PLA (0.3 MPa) increased (0.6 MPa) with 2.5 wt.% chitin/chitosan addition. The slight increase in the glass transition temperature from 75°C for neat PLA to 78°C of the composite fibre, showed improved ductility. The fibres showed little beads, hence suitable for wound dressing. The electrospun mats have good water absorption capacity and strong resistance against Staphylococcus aureus. Good performance was attained at 5 wt.% of chitin, chitosan and hybrid reinforcements. Therefore, a PLA/chitin/chitosan composite is recommended as a wound dressing material.

Background. The extent of mothers’ knowledge about antibiotics largely determines their use in children. Objectives. This study assessed knowledge of antibiotics among mothers’ of under-fives and the immediate impact of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on knowledge scores Methods. A prospective interventional study was conducted among mothers of under-five children. The pre-intervention knowledge scores were determined with the aid of an antibiotic knowledge questionnaire which was interviewer-administered. An educational intervention which focused on all aspects of knowledge of antibiotic use covered by the questionnaire was administered by a pharmacist; thereafter the post intervention knowledge scores were determined using the same knowledge questionnaire. Overall knowledge scores were categorized into poor, moderate and good. The percentage change in the proportions of mothers who had good scores was determined, Chi square test were performed to determine the relationship between knowledge scores and having a family member as a healthcare professional and paired t-test was done to determine impact of the intervention on the mean scores on each knowledge question. P values ≤ 0.05 were statistically significant.Results. A total of 253 mothers participated in the study from two centres. Twenty-one mothers (7.7%) had good knowledge on antibiotics at baseline which increased to 138 (50.6%) after an educational intervention. Knowledge scores for each item also improved post-intervention with least pre-intervention mean scores increasing from 0.25(SD=0.44) to 0.67(SD=0.47), p

BackgroundSubclinical atherosclerosis characterizes cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are identified risk factors for atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, data on HIV and atherosclerosis in Nigeria are limited.ObjectivesWe sought to estimate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and associated risk factors amongst adult persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) enrolled at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja (UATH).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 277 consecutively selected PLHIV ≥18 years enrolled for HIV care and treatment at UATH. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data from consenting ART-experienced and ART-naïve patients on risk factors of atherosclerosis. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) ≥0.71 mm as measured by Doppler ultrasonography was used to identify patients with sub-clinical atherosclerosis. Two logistic regression models with (Model-A) and without (Model-B) traditional risk factors were fitted to identify risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis.ResultsParticipants' mean age was 39.44 ± 10.71 years with female preponderance (64.26%). Overall prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was 43.32% (62.25% in ART-experienced). Model-A identified male sex [AOR 4.33(1.74–10.76), p = 0.002], advancing age [30–39 years AOR 5.95(1.31–26.96), p = 0.021]; ≥40 years AOR 19.51(4.30–88.56), p ≤ 0.001), advancing HIV infection [≥WHO stage II AOR 4.19(1.11–15.92), p = 0.035], hypercholesterolemia [AOR 3.88(1.47–10.25), p ≤ 0.001] and ≥5 year duration on ART [AOR 9.05(3.16–25.92), p ≤ 0.001] as risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis. In Model-B (excluding traditional risk factors) on the other hand, advancing HIV infection [≥WHO stage II AOR 3.93(1.19–13.042), p = 0.025] and duration on ART [≥5 years AOR 11.43(4.62–28.29), p = 0.001] were found as risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis.ConclusionSubclinical atherosclerosis was higher in ART-experienced patients, and this was irrespective of presence or absence of traditional risk factors. And advancing HIV disease and duration on ART were found as significant risk factors for subclinical atherosclerosis. We therefore recommend routine CVD risk screening in PLHIV.

Groundwater is a significant source of plant water use since groundwater consumption of plants reduces the volume of surface irrigation water. In this study, groundwater table effect on hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield parameters were investigated using a lysimeter technique in a controlled environment. Three different groundwater table depths including 30, 60, and 90 cm and a control treatment with surface irrigation were tested. The results showed that water consumption in the 90 cm water table depth was 11% and 31% lower than the water consumption in the 60 and 30 cm water table depths, respectively. Consequently, the groundwater table depth increased, and crop water consumption decreased. Similarly, with the increasing water table depth from 30 to 90 cm in the lysimeter, the crop water use efficiency and crop yield increased by 79% and 71%, respectively. The 90 cm water table produced the highest crop yield, above-ground biomass, and kernel quality compared to 30 and 60 cm water table depths. Quality analysis of the wheat kernels indicated that the kernels from the 90 cm depth had relatively higher starch content, pasting properties, and gluten proteins compared to the kernels from other water table depths.

The study assesses the level of achievement of urban and rural students in computer studies in senior secondary schools in Bayelsa state. It investigated the level of urban and rural students’ achievement in the cognitive and psychomotor domains in computer studies. two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Related literature was reviewed by the researcher. The ex-post facto research design of a descriptive study was used in the study. The population was all 12,441 public senior secondary school students in their final year of study in Bayelsa state. The multistage sampling technique which involved a proportional stratified procedure and a simple random sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample of 380 students. The instrument for data collection was the West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) computer studies 2020 past question. The research instrument was a standardized achievement test constructed by WAEC which had undergone all the processes involved in the construction and validation of an achievement test and hence deemed to be valid and reliable. The results obtained from the test administered were scored and graded into a five-point range of very low, low, average, good, and excellent. The study revealed that there was a significant difference in the level of urban and rural students’ achievement in the cognitive and psychomotor domains in computer studies. It was recommended amongst others that government should ensure the provision of all necessary infrastructural facilities like computer sets, laptops, software application packages, printer, scanner, internet connectivity, amongst others that will enhance the teaching of computer studies in public senior secondary schools in Bayelsa State and that experienced and skilled teachers in ICT should be posted to the rural schools. Article visualizations

The study examines the contributions of Women Intercessors for the Church and the Nations (a.k.a. Wailing Women Worldwide) to “reverse mission” which resonates with the demographic shift in World Christianity, whereby the West is no longer the centre of Christianity, but Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. Thus, this study is to recover some of the specific contributions of Women Intercessors to the spread of the gospel in different cultural contexts and ethnicities. Utilizing historical and narrative approach to research, data were collected from oral interviews, participant observations and secondary materials, and later triangulated for validity and reliability of sources. The findings revealed that Women Intercessors for the Church and the Nations have contributed to the rapid numerical, spiritual and socio-economic spread of the gospel. Women Intercessors for the Church and the Nations have been in six out of the seven continents of the world covering up to 103 nations. It is therefore recommended that in telling the story of the Church in Africa, women’s contribution to reverse mission cannot be underestimated, and here lies the contribution to knowledge of this study.

This paper presents the data description of the African buffalo optimization algorithm (ABO). ABO is a recently-designed optimization algorithm that is inspired by the migrant behaviour of African buffalos in the vast African landscape. Organizing their large herds that could be over a thousand buffalos using just two principal sounds, the /maaa/ and the /waaa/ calls present a good foundation for the development of an optimization algorithm. Since elaborate descriptions of the manual workings of optimization algorithms are rare in literature, this paper aims at solving this problem, hence it is our main contribution. It is our belief that elaborate manual description of the workings of optimization algorithms make it user-friendly and encourage reproducibility of the experimental procedures performed using this algorithm. Again, our ability to describe the algorithm’s basic flow, stochastic and data generation processes in a language so simple that any non-expert can appreciate and use as well as the practical implementation of the popular benchmark Rosenbrock and Shekel Foxhole functions with the novel algorithm will assist the research community in benefiting maximally from the contributions of this novel algorithm. Finally, benchmarking the good experimental output of the ABO with those of the popular, highly effective and efficient Cuckoo Search and Flower Pollination Algorithm underscores the ABO as a worthy contribution to the existing body of population-based optimization algorithms

Background In a recent meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials conducted among adults, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression was established as a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, due to the paucity of hard outcomes among adolescents and young adults, a single cIMT measure has largely been used as a marker of preclinical atherosclerotic changes. The repeated measure of cIMT in the young population is scarce thus a knowledge gap exists on the associations of metabolic indices with cIMT progression. Purpose To investigate the associations of cumulative fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with cIMT progression in adolescence. Methods We studied 1779 British 15-year-olds (50% females) followed up for 9 years. Fasting insulin and glucose were measured in line with standard protocols at ages 15, 17, and 24 years, respectively. HOMA-IR was computed for each time point. Metabolic indices were age and sex-specifically dichotomized as ≥75%, indicating high category and Results Participants mean (SD) age in years at different time points were 15.43 (0.29), 17.69 (0.31), and 24.53 (0.72). Cumulative high exposures to glucose: effect estimate 0.009 mm [95% CI −0.003 to 0.021; p=0.130], insulin: 0.002 mm [−0.030 to 0.013; p=0.704], and HOMA-IR: 0.003 mm [−0.009 to 0.016; p=0.608] from 15 to 24 years of age were not associated with the 7-year cIMT progression after full covariate adjustments. Sex-based analyses were consistent with the group analyses in both males and females. Conclusion These findings suggest that hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycaemia, and elevated insulin resistance from mid-adolescence through young adulthood may not be associated with progressive carotid wall thickening during late adolescence through young adulthood. Future studies investigating the role of other metabolic indices such as cumulative elevated lipid exposures on cIMT progression in the young population are warranted. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Finnish Cultural Foundation

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and diabetes cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction (DVD) as forerunners of disability and death. Home blood pressure telemonitoring (HTM) and urinary peptidomic profiling (UPP) are technologies enabling prevention. METHODS: UPRIGHT-HTM (Urinary Proteomics Combined with Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring for Health Care Reform [NCT04299529]) is an investigator-initiated 5-year clinical trial with patient-centred design, which will randomise 1148 patients to be recruited in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and South America. During the whole study, HTM data will be collected and freely accessible for patients and caregivers. The UPP, measured at enrolment only, will be communicated early during follow-up to 50% of patients and their caregivers (intervention), but only at trial closure in 50% (control). The hypothesis is that early knowledge of the UPP risk profile will lead to more rigorous risk factor management and result in benefit. Eligible patients, aged 55-75 years old, are asymptomatic, but have ≥5 CKD- or DVD-related risk factors, preferably including hypertension, type-2 diabetes, or both. The primary endpoint is a composite of new-onset intermediate and hard cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Demonstrating that combining UPP with HTM is feasible in a multicultural context and defining the molecular signatures of early CKD and DVD are secondary endpoints. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The expected outcome is that application of UPP on top of HTM will be superior to HTM alone in the prevention of CKD and DVD and associated complications and that UPP allows shifting emphasis from treating to preventing disease, thereby empowering patients. ispartof: BLOOD PRESSURE vol:30 issue:5 pages:269-281 ispartof: location:England status: published

Background and Purpose: Pregnant women are vulnerable due to the pregnancy-induced suppressed immunity in malaria-endemic areas. Asymptomatic malaria in pregnancy (MiP) threatens both the mother, fetus, and neonate via chronic placental malaria which impacts maternal-neonatal exchange. Some studies reported that MiP risk factors vary across locations, however, there are few studies on MiP and maternal anemia in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between asymptomatic placental malaria infection and maternal anemia among parturients in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Method: This study was developed with a quantitative methodology that utilized primary and secondary healthcare data from 483 subjects aged 18–49 years from four healthcare facilities between May and July 2021. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) framework was used to explain how parturients can achieve improved pregnancy outcome via the mobilization of multi-levels supports to enhance the compliance of parturients to malaria interventions. The research question and hypothesis were tested with the binomial logistic regression test. Result: The findings showed a statistically significant association between placental malaria parasitemia by microscopy (PMPM), intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and maternal anemia in the study population. Also, the study revealed that positive PMPM, use of CAM, insecticides treated net (ITN) ownership, ITN frequent use, and antenatal care (ANC) attendance were the risk factors of maternal anemia among the study population. Conclusion: The findings of this study could inform malaria control policymaking in Asaba and Delta State on tracking and treating asymptomatic placenta malaria among underserved parturient accessing antenatal services.

Malaria is a major health concern in children aged less than five years old, globally. In Nigeria, it was estimated that 300,000 children die annually from malaria. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the clinical response of a brand of arthemether-lumefantrine (AL) for clearing parasitaemia in children aged less than five years old. This was a prospective study of the clinical and parasitological responses to the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria using a popular dispersible brand of AL 20/120 mg. A hundred participants within 6–59 months with P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in the study and participants who could not complete the follow-ups were excluded. The drug was administered to participants following same dosage regimen on days 0, 1, 2 and followed-up on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 in which the participants were assessed clinically and parasitologically. Data was analysed using MS-Excel 2010 and SPSS version 18. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess clinical outcomes. The study showed that 73 participants completed the 28 days follow-up while 27 participants were lost to follow-up. Clinical outcome revealed no early treatment failure (ETF), one late clinical failure (LCF), 10 parasitological failures and 62 adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPF). Clinical response was 84.9%, cumulative success and failure rate was 93.6% and 6.4%, respectively, on day 28. The clinical response of AL was efficacious. The failure rate of 6.4% could likely be as a result of reinfection within the period of follow-up.

The activities involved in the production and exploration of crude oil has constantly polluted the environment. This study investigated the ability of an indigenous fungus to utilize petroleum hydrocarbon. Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize the effects of pH, microbial concentration (spores/ml), and contact time (days) on the crude oil removal efficiency in refinery effluent. Monocillium sp. was isolated and used for the treatment of refinery effluent due to its predominance in the contaminated soil. Twenty experimental runs were analyzed to determine the effect of pH, microbial concentration and contact time on the oil removal efficiency. From theexperimental results obtained, a maximum oil removal efficiency of 98.42 % was achieved at a pH of 6.5, contact time of 14 days, and a microbial concentration of 3 spores/ml. The results obtained showed the percentage of crude oil removal in the effluent sample increased with an increase in time. Optimization of the experimental result was achieved at a removal efficiency of 98.59 %, a contact time of 13.96 days, a pH of 6.85, and a microbial concentration of 3.01 spores/ml. The findings of this study revealed that Monocillium sp. is a viable hydrocarbon degrader, and can be used in the bioremediation of petroleum contaminated environments. Keywords: Response surface, optimization, bioremediation, hydrocarbon, removal efficiency, Monocillium sp.

Simple laboratory methods were used to estimate optimal levels of acidity and osmolarity of four storage media for the boar semen. It was observed that above pH 7.0, less citric acid was needed for a unit change in pH of the sodium-citrate buffer, while above pH 8.0, more sodium carbonate and citric acid were needed for a unit change in the final Sodium-citrate buffered extender (Na-C), indicating high buffering capacity of this medium. The Glucose-glycine buffered extender (G-G), also required more sodium carbonate for a unit change of pH at above pH 6.5, also Indicating high buffering capacity of this medium. This was the same situation with the Tris-buffered extender (Tris), while the response with the Tissue - culture buffer extender (YCN) was always linear, indicating poor buffering capacity of the medium.

Semen collected from six mature West African Dwarf (WAD) rams by artificial Vagina, twice weekly for one year, early and late rainy season, and early and late dry season, showed no significant difference in volume of ejaculate and progressive motility of sperm. There was significant difference in sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, total motile sperm per ejaculate and abnormal sperm. Seasonal changes in characteristics of the semen were associated with seasonal changes in temperature, indicating the detrimental effects of heat, even on indigenous stock.

Background Estimating the burden of hypertension in Nigeria hitherto relied on clinic blood pressure (BP) measurement alone. This excludes individuals with masked hypertension (MH), i.e., normotensive clinic but hypertensive out-of-clinic BP. Methods In a nationally representative sample of adult Nigerians, we obtained clinic BP using auscultatory method and out-of-clinic BP by self-measured home BP with semi-automated oscillometric device. Clinic BP was average of 5 consecutive measurements and home BP was average of 3 days duplicate morning and evening readings. MH was clinic BP Results Among 933 participants, the prevalence of sustained hypertension, MH, and white-coat hypertension was 28.3%, 7.9%, and 11.9%, respectively. Among subjects whose clinic BP were in the normotensive range (n = 558), the prevalence of MH was 13%; 12% among untreated and 27% among treated individuals. The mutually adjusted odds ratios of having MH among all participants with normotensive clinic BP were 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.60) for a 10-year higher age, 1.59 (1.09–2.40) for a 10 mm Hg increment in systolic clinic BP, and 1.16 (1.08–1.28) for a 10 mg/dl higher random blood glucose. The corresponding estimates in the untreated population were 1.24 (1.03–1.51), 1.56 (1.04–2.44), and 1.16 (1.08–1.29), respectively. Conclusions MH is common in Nigeria and increasing age, clinic systolic BP, and random blood glucose are the risk factors.

Cholinergic, oxidative, nitrergic alterations, and neuroinflammation are some key neuropathological features common in schizophrenia disease. They involve complex biological processes that alter normal behavior. The present treatments used in the management of the disorder remain ineffective together with some serious side effects as one of their setbacks. Taurine is a naturally occurring essential β-amino acid reported to elicit antipsychotic property in first episode psychosis in clinical setting, thus require preclinical investigation. Hence, we set out to investigate the effects of taurine in the prevention and reversal of ketamine-induced psychotic-like behaviors and the associated putative neurobiological mechanisms underlying its effects. Adult male Swiss mice were sheared into three separate cohorts of experiments (n = 7): drug alone, preventive and reversal studies. Treatments consisted of saline (10 mL/kg/p.o./day), taurine (50 and 100 mg/kg/p.o./day) and risperidone (0.5 mg/kg/p.o./day) with concomitant ketamine (20 mg/kg/i.p./day) injections between days 8-14, or 14 days entirely. Behavioral hyperactivity, despair, cognitive impairment, and catalepsy were measured. Brain oxidative/nitrergic imbalance, immunoreactivity (COX-2 and iNOS), and cholinergic markers were determined in the striatum, prefrontal-cortex, and hippocampus. Taurine abates ketamine-mediated psychotic-like episodes without cataleptogenic potential. Taurine attenuated ketamine-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide-dismutase and catalase levels in the striatum, prefrontal-cortex and hippocampus. Also, taurine prevented and reversed ketamine-mediated elevation of malondialdehyde, nitrite contents, acetylcholinesterase activity, and suppressed COX-2 and iNOS expressions in a brain-region dependent manner. Conclusively, taurine insulates against ketamine-mediated psychotic phenotype by normalizing brain central cholinergic neurotransmissions, oxidative, nitrergic and suppression of immunoreactive proteins in mice brains.

With the rising prevalence of hypertension, especially in Africa, understanding the dynamics of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors is key in managing hypertension. To address existing gaps in evidence of these factors, this study was carried out. A cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEPS questionnaire was conducted among 3782 adult Nigerians selected from an urban and a rural community in one state in each of the six Nigerian regions. Among participants, 56.3% were women, 65.8% were married, 52.5% resided in rural areas, and 33.9% had tertiary education. Mean ages (SD) were 53.1 ± 13.6 years and 39.2 ± 15.0 years among hypertensive persons and their normotensive counterparts respectively. On lifestyle, 30.7% had low physical activity, 4.1% consumed tobacco currently, and 35.4% consumed alcohol currently. In comparison to unmarried status, being married (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.41–2.50) or widowed (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05–2.36) was significantly associated with hypertension, compared with never married. Compared with no formal education, primary (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12–1.85), secondary (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04–1.81), and tertiary education (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.57–2.60) were associated with hypertension. Low physical activity (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05–1.42), alcohol consumption, (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.37), and unemployment status (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.07–1.88) were also associated with hypertension. Our study indicates an association of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors with hypertension, hence, there is a need for counselling, health education and policy formulation and implementation targeting these factors to prevent and control hypertension.

BackgroundEnsuring the right drug for the right clinical condition in children under five years of age will dramatically reduce morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries where these values are alarmingly high. This study evaluated prescribing in children under the age of five attending pediatric outpatient clinics at three Central hospitals in Delta State, Nigeria, using the Pediatics: Omission of Prescriptions and Inappropriate Prescription (POPI) tool.MethodsThis was a prospective descriptive study of prescriptions made to children from 0 to 59 months who attended the clinics between August and November 2018.Prescriptions were evaluated using the POPI tool, occurrence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions and prescribing omissions were reported as percentages and inappropriate prescription types and prescription omissions were also reported as frequencies. Relationship between inappropriate prescriptions, omissions of prescriptions, and categorical variables of age group and sex, p ResultsA total of 1,327 prescriptions from the three centers were analyzed. There was a preponderance of infants (> 1 month-12 months of age) in the study (43.0%) and a somewhat even gender distribution. Exactly 29.8% of all the prescriptions studied had at least one occurrence of inappropriate prescription. The use of H1 antagonists with sedative or atropine-like effects accounted for the majority of inappropriate prescriptions (49.5%), while the prescription of drinkable amoxicillin or other antibiotics in doses other than mg was the most frequent omission of prescription (97.2%). There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of inappropriate prescription and age group (p> 0.001).ConclusionThe occurrence of inappropriate prescriptions and omissions of prescriptions was high and effectively detected by the POPI tool. Measures should be taken to improve prescribing in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in children below five years.

Purpose: To determine patients’ quality of life (QoL), impact of socio-demographic characteristics as well as biochemical parameters on the quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional study carried out in the Renal Units of Central Hospital, Warri and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, both in Nigeria. The quality of life of the patients was assessed using the generic core of Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SFTM) questionnaire. Data obtained were coded into the KDQOL--SFTM scoring program (version 1.3), while descriptive and inferential analyses were done using SPSS Results: Overall, the quality of life scores of patients with chronic kidney disease in both Physical and Mental Health components (PCS and MCS) was low. Respondents’ PCS scores in Central Hospital Warri was 31.08 ± 4.62 while that for respondents in DELSUTH was 31.75 ± 6.01, (p = 0.39). Similarly, the MCS score for respondents in Central Hospital Warri was 37.73 ± 3.37 while it was 37.68 ± 4.09 for DELSUTH (p = 0.94). These scores were lower than the standard norm, which is 50 There was no relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and the quality of life of the respondents in both health facilities. Serum creatinine and potassium showed a negative association with quality of life PCS (p = .025 and p = .006; 2-tailed), respectively. Conclusion: In general, the QoL of patients with chronic kidney disease in the two surveyed settings was low. None of the socio-demographic characteristics had a significant relationship with the QoL of the respondents in both health centres. There was a negative association between PCS score and both creatinine and potassium. Keywords: Quality of life (QoL), Patients, Chronic kidney disease, Creatinine, Potassium

Purpose: The main purpose for this research was to determine the degree at which oil servicing companies’ corporate foresight in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria influences the firm’s sustainability in that region and how the firms are able to take advantage of future competitive advantages. Methodology: This research adopts the descriptive survey design with the application of simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were the primary means for gathering data from the employees in the oil servicing industry. A total of one hundred and fifty four questionnaires were administered to the senior staff in the selected oil servicing companies in Niger Delta region. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and correlational analysis and supported with statistical package for social science (SPSS). Findings: organizational sustainability in oil servicing companies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with emphases to the measures of sustainability like social, environmental and economic. Unique contribution: The study gave useful perception of oil companies by stating that oil companies’ personnel or managers who are future oriented are the wheel upon which the companies’ future depends. Keywords: Corporate -Foresight, Organizational-Sustainability, Expert-based Foresight, Model-Based Foresight, Trend-Based Foresight, Environmental, Economic and Social.

Assessment of level of salt intake in a population is the first step toward planning strategies aimed at salt reduction. As a surrogate of salt intake, we measured a single 24‐hour urine sodium (uNa) of free‐living 2503 adults in a nationally representative sample of Nigerians drawn from 12 rural and urban communities; and evaluated the community‐level association of uNa with blood pressure (BP). Overall, the median (interquartile range (IQR)) of uNa was 99 (105) mmol, ranging from 23.8 (32.4) in rural north‐central to 172.8 (131.0) mmol in urban northwestern region. Daily uNa was significantly higher (p

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a treatment for both primary and secondary cutaneous tumours. The international Network for sharing practices on ECT group investigates treatment outcomes after ECT using a common database with defined parameters.Twenty-eight centres across Europe prospectively uploaded data over an 11-year period. Response rates were investigated in relation to primary diagnosis, tumour size, choice of electrode type, route of bleomycin administration, electrical parameters recorded and previous irradiation in the treated field.Nine hundred eighty-seven patients, with 2482 tumour lesions were included in analysis. The overall response (OR) rate was 85% (complete response [CR]: 70%, partial response rate: 15%, stable disease: 11%, and progressive disease: 2%). For different histologies, OR and CR rates for metastases of malignant melanoma were 82% and 64%, basal cell carcinoma were 96% and 85%, breast cancer metastases were 77% and 62%, squamous cell carcinoma were 80% and 63% as well as Kaposi's sarcoma were 98% and 91%, respectively. Variance was demonstrated across histotypes (p 0.0001) and in accordance with size of lesion treated (dichotomised at diameter of 3 cm (p 0.0001). Hexagonal electrodes were generally used for larger tumours, but for tumours up to 3 cm, linear array electrodes provided better tumour control than hexagonal electrodes (80%:74%, p 0.003). For tumours more than 2 cm, intravenous administration was superior to intratumoural (IT) administration (p 0.05). Current recorded varied across tumour histologies and size but did not influence response rate. In previously irradiated areas, responses were selectively lower for IT administration.These cumulative data endorse efficiency of ECT across a broad range of histotypes. Analysis of 2482 lesions details subgroup analysis on treatment response informing future treatment choices.

Research on obtaining chitin from periwinkle shell is scarce due to the very low yield of chitin from this kind of shell. Thisstudy reports a method of processing periwinkle shells to obtain high yield, bio-medically suitable chitin. The experimentwas designed using IM and 2M concentrations of HCl for demineralization and a 1M NaOH concentration for deproteinization. FTIR, SEM, XRD and DTA analytical tools were used to characterize the extracted chitin. The FTIR spectral, XRD patterns and SEM analysis, revealed the complete removal of calcium carbonate by the acid concentrations used. The particle-like form of periwinkle shell was transformed to sheet-like fiber and globular-like fiber of α-chitin by increasing the concentration of HCl from1M to 2M respectively. The crystal size increased from 11.2Å (1M HCl) to 13.4Å (2M HCl). The yield of chitin from periwinkle shell also increased from 52% to 71% using 1M and 2M HCl respectively. Thus, acid concentrations can be used to alter the structure of chitin with different mechanical properties.

Fungi dwelling in soils contaminated by petroleum products can survive on these hydrocarbons due to the highly effective extracellular enzymes. Species belonging to the genus, Aspergillus are known to be efficient degraders of various classes of hydrocarbons as well as other organic contaminants. In this study, the biodegradation of crude oil by Aspergillus niger and Monocillium sp. were compared using laboratory microcosms.The moulds were isolated from a site receiving effluent from a petroleum refinery. They were identified using their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics and subsequently screened for their ability to utilize hydrocarbons for their metabolic requirements. Following the biodegradation studies, Aspergillus niger and Monocillium sp. recorded an increase in hydrocarbon utilizing fungal counts of 8.5 x 107 spores/ml and 6.1 x 107 spores/ml and crude oil weight loss of 80 % and 70 %. Both fungi were tested singly and in a consortium for their ability to degrade crude oil, itwas observed that Monocillium sp. and A.niger performed better when tested individually (94.2 %; 92.8 %) than in consortium (76.3 %). This may suggest that their combined metabolism may have created some antagonistic effect on the degradation process as opposed to their enzymatic capabilities which appeared to be more favourable to the process. The biodegradation experiment analysis showed that contact time plays a significant role in biodegradation of crude oil (p

Contamination by heavy metals is a serious threat to aquatic systems due to their level of toxicity at elevated levels. The pollution of urban watersheds is of particular concern because of its potential impact on the watershed ecosystem and the receiving larger water bodies. This study assessed the occurrence and distribution of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc in water and sediment samples collected from three urban watersheds in Lagos, Nigeria. The concentrations of metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The health risk index (HRI) of water usage was evaluated for both adults and children. HRI for cadmium and lead in some of the watersheds recorded HRI > 1 values, a cause for health concern. The pH of water ranged from 6.48 ± 0.28 - 6.54 ± 0.47 (2016) and 6.18 ± 0.56 - 6.53 ± 0.17 (2018) respectively while, for sediments, the pH values ranged from 6.14 ± 0.48 - 6.9 ± 0.15 and 5.38 ± 0.22 - 6.4 ± 0.38 for 2016 and 2018 respectively. The levels of metals in the water samples during the 2016 sampling cycle were found to be within the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limits for drinking water. However, the 2018 cadmium, lead and zinc concentrations for Ira-Ipaye and Akesan watersheds exceed the WHO guideline limits. Cadmium was not detected in Ira-Ipaye and Akesan 2016 sediment samples. Statistical t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to ascertain significant differences of metals concentration in the three watersheds. The pH and metal concentration values obtained for water and sediment for the year 2016 and 2018 were non-significantly different.

With the rising prevalence of hypertension, especially in Africa, understanding the dynamics of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors is key in managing hypertension. To address existing gaps in evidence of these factors, this study was carried out. A cross-sectional survey using a modified WHO STEPS questionnaire was conducted among 3782 adult Nigerians selected from an urban and a rural community in one state in each of the six Nigerian regions. Among participants, 56.3% were women, 65.8% were married, 52.5% resided in rural areas, and 33.9% had tertiary education. Mean ages (SD) were 53.1 ± 13.6 years and 39.2 ± 15.0 years among hypertensive persons and their normotensive counterparts respectively. On lifestyle, 30.7% had low physical activity, 4.1% consumed tobacco currently, and 35.4% consumed alcohol currently. In comparison to unmarried status, being married (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.41-2.50) or widowed (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05-2.36) was significantly associated with hypertension, compared with never married. Compared with no formal education, primary (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12-1.85), secondary (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04-1.81), and tertiary education (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.57-2.60) were associated with hypertension. Low physical activity (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.42), alcohol consumption, (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37), and unemployment status (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.07-1.88) were also associated with hypertension. Our study indicates an association of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors with hypertension, hence, there is a need for counselling, health education and policy formulation and implementation targeting these factors to prevent and control hypertension.

Background: Hypertension control remains a significant challenge in reducing the cardiovascular disease burden worldwide. Community peer-support groups have been identified as a promising strategy to improve medication adherence and blood pressure (BP) control.Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of adherence clubs to improve BP control in Southeast Nigeria.Methods: This was a mixed-methods research involving a formative (pre-implementation) research, pilot study and process evaluation. Hypertensive patients in two communities were recruited into peer-support adherence clubs under the leadership of role-model patients to motivate and facilitate medication adherence, BP monitoring, and monthly medication delivery for six months. The primary outcome was medication adherence measured using visual analogue scale (VAS), with BP level at six months as a key secondary outcome.Results: We recruited a total of 104 participants. The mean age was 56.8 (SD–10.7) years, 72 (69.2%) were women, mean BP was 146.7 (SD–20.1)/86.9 (SD–11.2) mmHg, and the mean percentage of medication adherence on the VAS was 41.4% (SD–11.9%). At six months, 67 patients were assessed; self-reported adherence on the VAS increased to 57.3% (SD–25.3%) (mean difference between baseline and follow-up of 15.5%, p < 0.0001), while the mean BP decreased to 132.3 (SD–22.0)/82.9 (SD–12.2) mmHg (mean difference of 13.0 mmHg in systolic BP, p < 0.0001 and of 3.6 mmHg in diastolic BP, p = 0.02). Five in-depth interviews and four focus groups discussions were conducted as part of the qualitative analyses of the study. The participants saw hypertension as a big issue, with many unaware of the diagnosis, and they accepted the CLUBMEDS differential service delivery (DSD) model concept in hypertension.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the implementation of adherence clubs for hypertension control is feasible and led to a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in self-reported medication adherence, resulting in BP reduction. Upscaling the intervention may be needed to confirm these findings.