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Water is an essential part of human nutrition. It is readily available in sachets with little or no interest in the quality by the producers. This study focused on the isolation and identification of parasites and bacteria contaminating sachet water sold at Ngwo, Enugu State, Nigeria. Twenty-one sachets of water were collected randomly from seven different brands sold within the community. The parasites were identified using sedimentation technique while bacteria were isolated from water cultured in Nutrient, MacConkey, and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar media. The physicochemical parameters analysed were total dissolved solids, pH, chloride, total hardness, and nitrite. Two-way analysis of variance was employed to analyse the data for bacteria and parasites identified. Of the twenty-one sachet water samples examined, 13(61.9%) were positive for parasites. Two parasite species [Cysts of Entamoeba histolytica 4(19.0%) and Giardia lamblia 9(42.8%)] were identified. The total viable bacteria count ranged from 4(6.5%) to 10(16.1%) colonies in 1ml of water whereas the total Coliform count ranged from 4(6.5%) to 6(9.7%) in 1ml of water with sample F having the highest value of both total viable bacterial count and total Coliform count. The percentage of the total viable bacterial count recorded was 75.8% while the total Coliform count was 24.2%. There was a significant difference in the distribution of bacteria among different brands of water samples (p0.05). The physicochemical parameters fell within the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization for drinking water except for the pH value of two brands which was below the stipulated limit. The presence of coliform and other microbes in the samples could have unhealthy implications for consumers when consumed. There is a need for regular and periodic monitoring of the water quality before and after production.

Priming in coconut water and seed weight are important nursery techniques for seedling emergence and vigorous juvenile growth phase in the nursery. Two hundred and ten (210) observational stands of soursop seedlings were gotten from five (5) seeds of 0.6 - 0.8 g and 0.3 - 0.5 g weights which were primed in coconut water at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 hours and replicated three times. Findings showed that heavy seed had higher percentage emergence (92.90 %) than light seed (78.60 %). Priming in coconut water at 60 hours (83.30 %) increased percentage emergence while unprimed seed had low percentage emergence (75.00 %). Juvenile growth phase showed a linear increase as hours of priming in coconut water increased, peaked at 60 hours of priming and dropped at 72 hours of priming. Dry matter content of heavy seed primed at 60 hours (4.20 g) was higher than dry matter content of light seed primed at 72 hours (1.55 g). Dry matter content correlates positively (p < 0.05) with growth parameters measured. These results showed that hours of priming in coconut water and seed weight played crucial roles in juvenile growth phase of soursop in the nursery.

Spirituality is a significant concept for the discipline of nursing with substantial influence on holistic care of patients. The purpose of the study was to investigate the status of Spiritual Well-Being (SWB) among nursing students in public Schools of Nursing in Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 228 nursing students based in three government Schools of Nursing in Anambra State, Nigeria. A 20 item Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWS) comprising of 10 questions each on religious and existential wellbeing sub-scales was adapted for the study. Internal consistency reliability of the instrument using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was 0.93. Ethical approval was obtained from Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) ethical committee. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-Square and Pearson correlation analysis were done to verify association between variables using SPSS version 21 for Windows. Probability value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of respondents was 22 years. Overall, 55.1% reported moderate level of spirituality compared with 44.9% who had high level of spirituality. Nursing students’ average spiritual well-being (SWB) score was 97.7. SWB was significantly related to the level of study of respondents (p= 0.001). A significant strong positive correlation was found between Religious Well-Being (RWB) and Existential Well-Being (p=0.001; r=.697). The study has shown that nursing students in public Schools of Nursing in Anambra State, self-reported moderate level of spiritual wellbeing (SWB). Educational interventions are required to improve nursing students’ religious and existential well-being for the ultimate purpose of promoting holistic nursing care.

Application of animal manures for soil amendment plays a major role in the improvement of soil properties and enzymatic activities of a degraded Ultisol. This study assessed the effects of poultry manure (PM) and swine manure (SM) on the activities of catalase and urease enzymes and some soil properties. The PM and SM were applied at the rate of 30 t ha–1 each on experimental plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Soil samples were collected at day 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths and analyzed for catalase and urease enzymes and some soil properties using standard procedures. The results showed increase in soil pH (in H2O) from 4.0 to 5.4 following manure application. At 0-15 cm soil depth, PM and SM recorded 28.1 and 28.8% increases in soil pH (in H2O), respectively. Soil organic carbon was highest (2.6 g kg–1) at 0-15 cm depth for soil amended with SM while the lowest value of 1.1 g kg–1was obtained at 15-30 cm depth for soil unamended with SM. In PM-amended soil, catalase activities ranged from 1.32 to 6.77 mg g–1 while its activities in SM-treated soil significantly (p < 0.05) varied between 1.55 and 8.11 mg g–1. Urease showed ranges of 0.72-3.90 mg g–1 and 0.96-4.71 mg g–1 in PM-amended and SM-treated soils, respectively. The results uphold that animal manures improve soil properties and are enzymatically controlled.

Background: Neonatal mortality remains disturbingly high in Nigeria. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) is an evidence- based neonatal resuscitation (NR) educational program designed to teach NR in resourcelimited areas. There is no information in Nigeria on what happens after health careworkers (HCWs) complete HBB training.Aim: To determine if HCWs who received HBB training utilized the acquired knowledge and skills (K&S) and engaged in any ongoing peer training. In addition, we studied HCW turnover one year after HBB training completion.Subjects and Methods: Seventy-two HCWs were trained in HBB, and surveyed 1 year later using a 10-item questionnaire. Data analysis used measures of central tendency and t testing.Results: Most HCWs reported the use of HBB daily. The commonest NR method used was suctioning (89.5 %), followed by drying and positioning (86%), however there was 0% reported use of bagmask- ventilation. Most HCWs (98%) reported sharing K&S with colleagues. Following training,100% HBB trainers remained at original employment but 53% HBB providers moved to new employment and did not utilize their HBB K&S at their new employment site.Conclusion: Frequent, brief, refresher practice sessions and implementation of a system for training new hires may improve HCW readiness for NR and their peer mentoring capabilities. Ensuring adequate equipment availability is critical for HCW to utilize acquired K&S. Significant HCW turnover occurred within a year of training. Trained HCW who left to new employment subsequently had limited impact at their new place of employment.

This paper examines the phenomenon of Skolombo in Calabar (Nigeria) in relation to the challenge of urban subalternism in that context. This is against the backdrop of the evolution of the Skolombo into a rising urban subaltern category involved in the underworld and ant-social activities. By means of exploratory and conversational discourse that relies on extant literature as well as insights from personal communications, the paper posits that Skolombo phenomenon represents an existential struggle by abandoned and rejected street children who are surviving against structural societal victimization. Away from home, these children have found the streets, not only an inevitable abode but also a space for opportunistic survival. Over the years, they have evolved a pattern of street living characterized, among other things, by restiveness, touting, gangsterism, and criminality. Associated with this pattern of existence is an emerging subaltern identity that highlights a crisis of urbanity in Calabar metropolis of Nigeria. Keywords: Calabar, Skolombo, street living, subaltern identity, urban criminality, urban subalternism

Vehicular emissions have been found to constitute the major source of environmental pollution. Unfortunately, it has been observed that in most developing countries like Nigeria, the contribution of vehicular emission to soil pollution and its implication on the environment is yet to be understood. This study focused on estimating the extent of soil pollution resulting from vehicular emission. Since the most serious effect of pollution with regard to heavy metals is associated with Lead, therefore it was considered as the key element in the investigations. Three locations within Nsukka including a motor Park (A), a primary school (B) and a location off town (C) with little or no traffic were chosen for collection of soil samples. A total of 63 samples were collected from the 3 sampling point sover a 3month period. The method of analysis used for determination of lead concentration was the calorimetric – sulphide method. This involved the use of chemicals and a spectrometer to determine the amount of lead (ppm) present in a given soil sample. Analysis of the results indicated higher level of Lead concentration at locations exposed to relatively higher levels of vehicular emission. Samples from location A had highest levels of Lead concentration (max = 3.7ppm) followed by location B (max =0.86 ppm). Interestingly, Samples from location C which is not exposed to vehicular traffic consistently had zero level of Lead concentration. Results of the studies did not indicate any correlation between Lead concentration and recorded rainfall amounts. Considering the health hazards that could result from vehicular soil pollution there is need for the establishment of comprehensive monitoring system and information gathering on pollution levels in our environment, including soil. The use of leaded petrol should be regulated.Keywords: Vehicular Emission, soil pollution, Lead concentration.

Anatomical and cytological studies were carried out on Syngonium podophyllum which belongs to the family Araceae. Anatomical studies were achieved using free-hand sectioning and the leaves were peeled with the aid of forceps. The species is amphistomatic having isotrycytic, tetracytic and anomocytic stomata. The anatomy of the stem, petiole, leaf lamina and leaf midrib revealed the presence of scattered bicollateral and leptocentric vascular bundles; calcium oxalate crystals (druses) and starch grains which are widely distributed in different parts of the plant. The druses help to protect the plant against insect and animal infestation. It has chromosome number of 2n = 24 (n = 12). The length of the chromosomes ranged from 2.43 ± 0.10 μm to 4.95 ± 0.07 μm and the karyotype has 7-metacentric chromosomes and 5-submetacentric chromosomes (with karyotype formula = 7m+5sm) which is reported for the first time in Nigerian species.

Purpose: To formulate Cannabis sativa -based syrup and investigate its anti-inflammatory potential and the stability of the formulation under stress conditions. Methods: The syrup was prepared using different combinations of crude C. sativa resin, propylene glycol, aspartame, sucrose, sodium metabisulphite (SMBs) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The stability of the formulations was determined under accelerated temperature conditions. The anti-inflammatory activity of the resin and different formulations were evaluated by the egg albumin induced paw edema model in rats. Biochemical assay was determined by Reitman and Frankel colorimetric assay method while hematological assay was evaluated by standard protocols. Results: EDTA-containing syrup (CE) was the most stable with estimated shelf-life of 2204 days (K 25oC , 4.78 x 10 -5 /day). Higher propylene glycol levels significantly improved anti-inflammatory activity compared to those containing a lower amount. All the formulations showed anti-inflammatory activity higher than the crude resin with a dose-dependent inhibition of paw edema compared with the control. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT, 13.821 ± 0.190 - 16.008 ± 1.012), serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT, 19.241 ± 1.027 - 22.901 ± 1.093) and urea (9.812 ± 0.252 - 10.054 ± 0.252) levels of the treated and 16.856 ± 1.053, 24.960 ± 0.101 and 10.654 ± 0.925 units/L of the control animals respectively. With the exception of eosinophil that disappeared from the blood in the third week, all the hematological parameters showed a gradual increase in lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, packed cell volume (PCV), white and red blood cell counts in the third week compared to control. Conclusion: Formulation of C. sativa as syrup using efficient carriers improves the pharmacological activity of the crude extract. SMBs and EDTA significantly enhance the stability of the syrup with no observable biochemical and hematological changes in treated animals Keywords: Cannabis sativa , Syrup, Anti-inflammatory, Stability, Hematological

Objective : Pyridoxine, is essential in the metabolism of many classes of food, we aimed at determining the effect of its supplementation on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Methods : This study compared the (QoL) and haematological parameters of CLL patients before and after the administration of pyridoxine. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results : There was improvement in the QoL of the patients after pyridoxine supplementation; Majority of the parameters that make up the physical functional scales was significantly higher after pyridoxine supplementation. There were also significant improvements in insomnia, appetite loss and constipation after pyridoxine supplementation. Conclusion : Pyridoxine supplementation in patients with CLL marginally improved quality of life. Keywords : Pyridoxine, Supplementation, Quality of life, Leukaemia, CLL

The suitability of cutting fluids formulated from spent engine oil has been considered. In the formulation, recycled Spent Engine Oil was used as a base oil, liquid washing soap as emulsifier, phenol was applied as disinfectant while sulphur served as extreme pressure agent. Analysis and comparative assessment of the physical-chemical properties of samples of cutting fluid was conducted. From the performance analysis, the optimal sample has values such as flash point, 205.92 o C; pour point, -13.04 o C. Viscosity, at 40 o C gave an average value of 96.06cst. At 100 o C, have average value of 7.57cst. The sample has average pH value of 9.03. In corrosion grading, it rated non-corrosive. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the developed products was measured, among other parameters, through tool tip temperature, material removal rate and tool tip wear. Sample VII presented the least mean temperature of 32.5 o C. Sample III presented the minimum mean value of tool tip wear. Sample VII gave the best material removal rate of 5.68g/min. From the results obtained from the analysis, the developed spent engine oil based cutting fluid samples compared favourably with the conventional cutting oil, thus making them acceptable for machining application and can also be an economical choice for use in machining processes. Keywords: Spent engine oil, Cutting Fluid, Turning, Regeneration process, Comparative assessment

The occurrence of trypanosomosis was investigated in sedentary Bunaji (Bos indicus) cattle grazing at 5 different villages of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Two hundred cattle was examined, 76 (38.0%) of which had trypanosome infection. Three species, Trypanosoma vivax (78.9%), T. Congolense (15.8%), and T. brucei (5.3%) were encountered. More males (42.9%) than females (31.8%) were affected while animals of 3-5 years age cohort had the highest infection rate of 46.7%. The existence of trypanosome infections in sedentary cattle populations of the Jos Plateau seem to suggest that the area which was previously assumed to be Trypanosoma-free may have acquired infection status. Key Words: Trypanosomosis, Bovine, Sedentary, Plateau State, Nigeria. (Nigerian Veterinary Journal: 2003 24(1): 33-36)

Seed bed preparation as the post land clearing operation, is crucial as a sustainable soil resource base for crop production in the rainforest agroecology. The study investigated the effects of four types of seedbed preparation (minimum tillage, harrowed flat, bed and ridge making) and three mulching methods (unmulched, surface and soil incorporation) using oil palm fruit fibre (fruit fibre) and multispecies thrash in owerri southeastern Nigeria. Owerri is located on latitude 50271N and longitude 50021E. The 4 x 3 factorial experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Fruit fibre incorporation in beds and harrowed flat seed bed preparations significantly (P

Keyword: Abattoir, fasciolosis, oesophagostomosis, emaciation, Imo State The prevalence of fasciolosis and oesophagostomosis among cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in Imo State from 1995 to 1999 and their correlation with cases of emaciation observed at ante-mortem inspection were studied. Of the 62362 cattle, 4265 sheep and 17904 goats slaughtered during the period, 4378 (7.0%), 144 (3.4%) and 505 (2.8%) were infected with fasciola respectively. Oesophagostomosis was observed among goats only and gave an overall prevalence of 2.2%. There was a clear seasonal pattern of fasciolosis in all the species with highest rates being witnessed in early dry and wet seasons. Monthly prevalence rates of fasciolosis, oesophagostomosis and emaciation among the species were significantly (P Trop. Vet. Vol. 20(3) 2002: 139-148

A pentacyclic lupane-type triterpene, was isolated from the stem bark of Canarium schweinfurthii (Engl) using open column chromatography, purified by preparative thin layer chromatography and established to be 3 β -hydroxyllup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (C 30 H 48 O 3 ) by spectral techniques. The ovicidal activity of 3â-hydroxyllup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid against the pre-infective stages of Ascaris suum showed percentage inhibition between 38% and 58% at two different concentrations. The larvicidal activity of 3â-hydroxyllup-20(29)-en-28- oic acid against the infective stages of Ascaris suum showed percentage inhibition 25% and 37% compared to albendazole with 96.1 % and 97.5 %. The result obtained indicates that 3â-hydroxyllup- 20(29)-en-28-oic acid is a potent ovicidal compound compared to its larvicidal potency. Keywords: Canarium schweinfurthii , helminth, ovicidal activity, larvicidal activity and albendazole

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the anti-bacterial activity of Congronemalatifolium , a local plant used in ethno medicine among the local populations in Nigeria. The methanolic extract of Congronema latifolium leaf meal (CLLM) was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp . Determination of anti-bacterial activity was carried out using the procedures of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and the zone of inhibition test (ZIT). P. aeruginosa and E. coli were the most sensitive to CLLM extract, with MIC of 15.625, MBC of 31.25mg/ml, and a ZIT score of 1.4 and 1.5cm, respectively, while the other test organisms exhibited minimal sensitivity. The results suggest that themethanolic extract of CLLM could be used as an organic antibiotic against some enteric organisms of monogastric animals.

A study was carried out to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Congronema latifolium (CLLM). Four experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 (control) contained 0% CLLM, while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 10%, 20% and 30% CLLM, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 9 grower rabbits for 49 days. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) for average final body weight gain and average daily feed intake. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by treatments.Also, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) among treatment means in dressing percentage, and percentage weights of some internal organs (hearts, lungs and pancreas). However, dietary levels of 20% and 30% CLLM significantly (P

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnancy is associated with obstetric complications including preeclampsia, pyelonephritis, preterm labour, low birth weight and prematurity. Determining the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women locally is needed to justify routine screening for ASB in pregnancy. This cross sectional, case controlled study examined 440 women comprising equal numbers of pregnant and non pregnant women attending various clinics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria with the aim of determining the prevalence of ASB among them and the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated organisms. Urine culture using MacConkay and blood agar were used to isolate bacteria organisms. Significant bacteriuria was defined as the finding of single pure isolate of ≥105 in two consecutive, freshly voided, midstream urine. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among the pregnant women was 19.5% (n=43) and 6.4% ( n=14) for the non pregnant women. (x 2 =16.9,0R=3.6, P=0.00). There was no significant influence of age (x 2 =1.89,P=0.39), parity (x 2 =3.92,P=0.14) or social class (x 2 =5.7, p=0.22) on the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) was the commonest isolated organism, 30(52.6%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus , 10 (17.5%) and Klebsiella sp , 9 (15.8%). The isolated E. coli was 100% sensitive to ofloxacin, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid and 83.3%, 73.3% and 66.7% sensitive to augmentin, gentamicin and cefuroxime, respectively. Sensitivity to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole were 43.3% and 30.0%, respectively. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in NAUTH is high and the isolated organisms were mainly susceptible to ofloxacin, nitrofurantoin and nalidixic acid. Routine screening for ASB in pregnancy in the hospital is recommended for all pregnant women. Keywords : Prevalence, Asymptomatic bacteriuria, Nnewi, Nigeria

This study appraised the effect of plant density and poultry manure rates on rapid multiplication of a cassava propagule during the late cropping season of 2007. Nine (9) treatments consisting of three cassava densities (1.0 x 1.0, 1.0 x 0.5, 1.0m x 0.25m) amended with three rates of poultry manure (0, 2 and 4 tons/ha) were laid out in 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete design with three replications. The research work was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Owerri in the humid rainforest of Southeastern Nigeria. Growth and yield data were collected and statistically analyzed. The soil fertility at planting was low. Poultry manure rates significantly improved the growth and yield of cassava. Cassavas spaced 1.0m x 0.25m and amended with 4 tons/ha of poultry manure were significantly tall with moderate girth and highest stem bundles and root tuber yield. Regenerative stem cuttings had good field establishment vigour. Post-harvest soil chemical analysis showed improvement in nutrient status of the soil. Cassava spaced 1.0m x 0.25m and amended with 4 tons/ha of poultry manure had highest benefit cost ratio.

The study investigated the effects of increasing poultry manure rates on the soil physicochemical properties, crop productivity and economic returns to investment of late season rapid multiplication of cassava stem enterprise at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Owerri in the humid rainforest of Southeastern Nigeria. Nine (9) treatments consisting of three cassava densities (1.0 x 1.0, 1.0 x 0.5, 1.0m x 0.25m) treated with three rates of poultry manure (0, 2 and 4 tons/ha) were laid out in 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. . Growth and yield data were collected and statistically analyzed using Genstat 2000. The application of poultry manure increased soil acidity from 4.07 to 4.31 and improved nutrient availability. The investment capital was #600,942- 1,107,422 per hectare. The benefit cost ratio was high (-0.32, - 2.21). The highest return 2.21 was achieved when cassava cuttings were spaced 1.0 x 0.25m and treated with 4tons/ha of poultry manure. Rapid multiplication of cassava stem cuttings enterprise is viable.

The study investigated the availability and utilization of new technological resources for science curriculum delivery in Nigeria universities. The purpose of the study was to appraise the availability and utilization of new technological resources. A descriptive survey was used. The population comprised all science lecturers in four federal and five state-owned universities in South- East states of Nigeria. 78 science lecturers from federal and 62 from state universities formed the sample. Stratified random sampling and census techniques were used to select the sample. The instrument was a 36-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. The instrument was validated and reliability coefficient computed. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviation and t-test statistics of p< 0.05. Results showed that some new technological resources are available. On the other hand all the listed new technological resources were under utilized except print materials. Implications of practice for sustainable development was proffered and recommendations were made among which is that federal and state governments should provide adequate quantity of new technological devices.