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Citizen science projects are expanding globally, with the African continent, particularly Nigeria, registering significant growth. Here, we document and analyse novel operations of the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project (NIBAP), 2015–2022. This project has employed the use of ornithologists, mainly trained at the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) located in Jos, Nigeria, and its 28 bird clubs established across Nigeria to enlist 827 bird enthusiasts that contribute regular and near real‐time data about bird distribution and relative abundance in the country. Interestingly, NiBAP has recorded about 75% of the bird species known from Nigeria in only about 50% of Nigeria's total surface area, including 39 nationally threatened species. The Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis, and Grey‐backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata were the most commonly recorded species, while Amurum Forest Reserve, Rennajj Fish Farm, and Obudu Cattle Ranch were the most surveyed sites during the period. Thus, our approach reveals how to increase involvement of nature enthusiasts, ornithologists, and a regional research institute to build local capacity and contribute rich information necessary to alleviate the lack of distributional data about Afrotropical avifauna. We strongly recommend our approach to boost other citizen science projects across Africa and beyond to address the huge lack of biodiversity data, create public awareness, and foster conservation education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated comparative profitability and technical efficiency of small-scale rice farmers with and without access to improved production technology in North Central Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. The data were collected through a wellstructured questionnaire of 1500 small-scale rice farmers with access to technology and 1500 smallscale rice farmers without access to technology making a total of 3000 rice farmers in the study area. The results showed that the average age of the sampled rice farmers with access to technology was 36 years, while those without - 46 years. The results showed that the rice production was profitable for both farmers with and without access to technology. The statistically significant factors influencing the rice production for small-scale farmers with access to technology were the land size (p<0.01), labour (p<0.01), fertilizer (p<0.01) and agrochemical (p<0.01), while the statistically significant factors influencing the rice production for small-scale farmers without access to technology were land size (p<0.01), labour (p<0.01) and agrochemical (p<0.10). The major challenges faced by the small-scale rice farmers with access to technology were the poor credit facilities, shortage of farm input, inadequate rainfall season, high cost of labour and instability in the planting calendar. The F-Chow test showed that there was significant impact on the technical efficiency, productivity and profitability of rice farmers with access to improved technology. Therefore, the study recommends that inputs such as improved seed varieties, fertilizers and chemical inputs should be provided to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parameters of the aquifers in Idah area were characterized by integrating resistivity and litholog data. To achieve this, a total of twenty-three (23) Soundings were conducted by applying the 1-D Schlumberger resistivity array and integrating it with borehole lithologs to empirically determine the aquifer parameters in the Idah area, Northern Anambra Basin, Nigeria. The results of the analyses indicate that the aquifer zone resistivity ranges from 36.65 - 2065.31 Om while the aquifer thickness is between 15.60 m and 66.66 m. Its values of the longitudinal conductance (S), transverse resistance (TR), and hydraulic conductivity (k) are 0.01-1.13 mhos, 2 1518.90-90265.88 Om, and 0.31-13.44 m/day, respectively. The transmissivity (T) values vary from 4.88 to 2 557.78 m/day. T is inversely proportional to TR with a correlation coefficient of 0.28. The result of the reflection coefficient is in the range of -0.79 to 0.66, while that of the fractured contrast is between 0.11 and 5.06. The results suggest that an aquifer system that is predominantly fracture-based is underlying the region. Lithification and diagenesis influence the hydrological properties. The northern-central portions of the map are more suitable for groundwater exploration/exploitation than the southern/eastern ends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sickle cell disease is a genetic abnormality involving the haemoglobin synthesis. Although it is a primary red cell disorder, white blood cells (WBC) and platelets are also affected by the mutation. Aim: To assess and compare the hematological parameters of homozygous sickle cell disease in a steady state with age-matched and sex-matched hemoglobin AA controls. Methods: A total of 150 apparently healthy young adults (18-35 years) participated in this study. They were classified into two groups 88 cases with hemoglobin SS and 62 controls. Venous blood collected into EDTA tubes from participants were used for the full blood count analysis which was done using hematological autoanalyzer (SFRI blood cell counter, H18 light, France). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the alpha value was set at P value less than 0.05. Results: The mean values for white blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean cell volume, red cell distribution width and platelet count were significantly higher in the Hb SS cohort while the packed cell volume and red cell count were significantly lower in the Hb SS cohort. Conclusions: homozygous sickle cell disease patients have lower values of hemoglobin concentration, PCV, the red cell indices but higher values of white cell count and platelets compared with hemoglobin phenotype AA controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African trypanosomosis remains one of the major diseases affecting food security and human healthy living in sub-Saharan Africa. This study screened domesticated animals for the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in 1,050 slaughtered animals comprising 858 and 100 cattle respectively from Zango and Kawo abattoirs and 92 camels from Zango as Kawo abattoir neither slaughters nor sell camel meat. Both abattoirs are government-owned and located in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The animals examined were sourced from Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Chad Republic. Blood samples were collected from each animal at the point of slaughter and examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman-stained thick film for trypanosome identification. Packed cell volume (PCV) determination was conducted to assess the level of anaemia. Results indicated that 25 cattle and 2 camels (27) had an overall trypanosome infection rate of 2.57%. The trypanosomes observed were mainly Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma vivax. This study showed that sources of livestock slaughtered at various abattoirs can be a useful indicator in quantifying trypanosomosis risk. Continuous sensitization and awareness creation among the herders at the grass-root level is recommended for effective disease management towards increased livestock production and productivity required to sustain the rural economy and improve the livelihoods of the local populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulture and raptor populations have declined across West Africa during recent decades due to numerous and widespread anthropogenic threats. To estimate encounter rates of vultures and raptors in northern Nigeria, we conducted a total of 248 km driven transects on 195 km and 53 km of paved and unpaved roads, respectively. We also conducted walked surveys beneath 79 km of power transmission lines to search for dead vultures and raptors; and visited 12 abattoirs, 11 slaughterhouses, and 12 dumpsites to assess the occurrence of vultures and raptors. All fieldwork was done between October and December 2018. Overall, 357 individuals of 23 species were detected, most of which were recorded at low encounter rates. Only one Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus was recorded across all surveys, and no other vulture species were seen. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius, Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis, and Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus had the highest encounter rates of 0.351, 0.262, and 0.189 individuals km-1, respectively. In contrast, the largest raptor species, Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Beaudouin's Snake-eagle, and Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus had the lowest encounter rate of 0.004 individuals km-1 (one individual each). No dead vultures or raptors were found during the walked surveys beneath power lines. Although historical data about vulture and raptor distribution and abundance in northern Nigeria are limited, our results show an apparent absence of vultures from the wider landscape and a low density of raptors. Support among local stakeholders for the conservation of vultures and raptors should be encouraged through wider dissemination of information about the importance of these birds, as well as stronger deterrents again illegal killing and trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean air is an important requirement for human health and wellbeing. In this paper, the impact of urban air pollution on human health, safety and the environment in Nigeria was critically examined. It was observed that most cities and metropolises in Nigeria are characterized by high levels of air pollutants particularly when compared to European Union (EU) standards for air quality. The findings are largely ascribed to various natural or anthropogenic activities such as open-air burning of wastes, combustion of fossil and solid fuels, car exhaust fumes, land clearing, mining, agriculture, cement production and utilization, among others. The long- and short-term exposure to the high levels of air pollutants emitted from such activities pose significant risks to human health, safety and the environment in Nigeria. The review of the literature revealed that air pollutant largely accounts for the exacerbated or soaring cases of asthma, cancer, lung/respiratory diseases, other cardiovascular diseases, and eventually premature death in Nigeria. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a critical plan of action for the promotion of clean air and sustainable utilization of fuel and energy materials that cause air pollution, which severely impacts air quality and human health, safety and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arewa Atlas Team (AAT) in northern Nigeria has set an example for a robust methodological data collection and made a big impact for the African Bird Atlas Project. To broaden national bird atlas projects and coverage across the continent, this paper reports on the activities and protocols of the AAT. We set out how we have galvanised bird clubs and bird club members to participate in this important monitoring project. We then focus on a bird atlas expedition conducted to the Bauchi State as an example. The outing was carried out from 24 to 28 September 2020 in line with the BirdMap protocol. For the first time, the AAT atlased 100 pentads and recorded 8 591 individual birds of 222 species (24.21% of Nigerian birds) from 67 families. We explore what can be done with these data, by presenting a summary of descriptions of the birds observed. For instance, we recorded 184 resident species, nine intra-African and 24 Palearctic migrants. The highest bird abundance (120 individuals) was recorded at 11°00′26.9″ N, 9°29′46.5″ E, pentad 1105C0925. Furthermore, the Rock Firefinch Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis was out-of-range from Lumba. The Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax (Vulnerable) and Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Near Threatened) were species of conservation concern. Results of this survey shows that citizen science is a powerful tool to make rapid biodiversity assessments of bird species richness and abundance and provides insights into bird occurrence and composition. This can be extended to distribution over time at a local geographic scale. Continuous efforts to map bird distributions are therefore recommended, mostly in regions and countries where atlas projects have not been established or still in the formative stages. It is important that bird atlas teams maximise ways to accomplish more noteworthy coverage in their respective national bird atlas projects and here we outline how we accomplished this as motivation and a model for the African Bird Atlas Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor nutritional status during adolescence is an important determinant of health outcome and sustainable development. Roughly 19.7% of the world's adolescents reside in Africa. Nigeria has about 21% of its population as adolescents. Adequate nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) among adolescents are necessary for improved nutrition status. However, there is limited data on nutrition KAP among adolescents to inform decision-making in the Northern Nigeria. The study assessed the nutritional status, knowledge, attitude and practices of secondary school girls in Kano, Nigeria. Descriptive research design was used for data collection, 137 students 10-22 years were randomly selected for the study. Data was collected using modified KAP questionnaire developed by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nation (FAO-UN). Height, weight was measured and used for the calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using SPSS-20. Correlation analysis was used to assess relationship between Nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices. P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results obtained indicated that majority of the participants (55.42%) were underweight, 43.06% normal, 0.79% overweight and 0.73% obesed. Nutritional Knowledge was found to be 62.77% good, 21.39% fair and 15.84% poor. Nutritional attitude and practice were found to be 16.06% good, 50.36% fair, 33.58% poor, and 1.46% good, 15.33% fair, and 83.21 poor respectively. Correlation between knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, as well as practice and attitude were 0.338 (p=0.001), 0.058 (p= 0.504) and 0.235 (p= 0.006) and respectively. Therefore, the study reveals poor nutritional status, adequate knowledge and no significant correlation was found between knowledge and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study entails the production of bioethanol from the peels of sweet potato of white cultivar variety obtained in Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria. Fresh cultivar with the proximate composition of 72% moisture content, 9.71% ash content, 24.52% crude fiber, 78.74% total carbohydrate and crude protein of 6.42% were hydrolyzed with 3% sulphuric acid solution at 130oC and 60 minutes in an improvised reactor to generate 54.5ml of hydrolyzate after steam pretreatment step. The fermentable reducing sugar of 10.68% was achieved through glucose standardization with UV-spectrophotometer at 540nm wavelength. The fermentation of the hydrolyzate -yeast/media mixture (155ml) at 30oC for 72hours was achieved by commercial grade saccharomyces cerevisiae to yield 20.5g/54.5ml, which corresponds to 0.8198g/ml specific gravity and 93.6% ethanol concentration. The molecular sieve was eventually adopted in dehydrating the bioethanol to 99.9% (0.8072g/ml) concentration and the final yield of 1.61% per 50g of w. cultivar. FTIR spectrum that declares the ethanolic identity with the stretching vibrations of O-H, C-O and C-H at 3391, 1055 and 2981cm-1 respectively with the symmetric stretching vibration of the methyl groups at 2930cm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (ABTs) was supposed to increase conservation awareness in different countries and regions of the world. However, there seems to be a limited understanding of the importance of ecosystem services, offered by biological diversity. Thus, the continued decline in biodiversity, especially in developing countries. This study appraised the level of success of the first target of Nigeria's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which is hinged on the first ABT. In a national survey, data were obtained from a total of 1,124 respondents (839 professionals and 285 non-professionals), using a structured questionnaire. Information on the respondents' knowledge of biodiversity conservation and the associated ecosystem services, were elicited. Most of the non-professionals had a low level of understanding of biodiversity concepts (4.9 ± 1.7 to 20.5 ± 3.4%), while there was a moderate level of understanding among the professionals (48.0 ± 8.6 to 88.8 ± 3.4%). Awareness of the NBSAP was low for both groups (43.8 ± 7.2% professionals and 12.1 ± 3.7% non-professionals). The study concludes that there is a need to step up campaigns on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria and promote visits to natural sites. Youth engagement through the employment of graduates of biology-related disciplines, to educate the public on biodiversity conservation and the action plan, could also be a strong determinant to the success of the NBSAP targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of drug abuse is becoming a public health concern in Nigeria. Preventive measures should include identifying the root causes of the burden for targeted intervention. We, therefore, aim to conduct a scoping review of the literature to summarize the findings of epidemiological studies on drug abuse and provisions of drug laws in Nigeria. The review also provides appropriate recommendations as interventions for prevention. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the literature on PubMed to identify information on drug abuse and drug laws in Nigeria from the inception of the database to March 2020. Additional information was retrieved from Google Scholar, a manual search of included articles, discussion with experts on the subject matter, and gray literature. Study selection was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements. Information from gray literature was assessed for quality and accuracy using the AACODS checklist (authority, accuracy, coverage, objectively, date, significance). Results: The systematic search of the literature generated 253 studies. Nine articles were obtained from other sources. After the selection process, 23 eligible studies were included for review. A prevalence of 20–40% and 20.9% of drug abuse was reported among students and youths, respectively. Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup and tramadol. Sources where abusers obtained drugs, were pharmacies/patent medicine shops, open drug markets, drug hawkers, fellow drug abusers, friends, and drug pushers. Drug abuse was common among undergraduates and secondary school students, youths, commercial bus drivers, farmers, and sex workers. Reason for use included to increase physical performance, stress and to derive pleasure. Poor socioeconomic factors and low educational background were the common risk factors associated with drug abuse. We identified several drug laws and policies that were established under government agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and a Presidential Advisory Committee. Conclusion: Findings from epidemiological studies on drug abuse in Nigeria has demonstrated that the burden of drug abuse is still high despite the existing drug laws, policies, and strategies for prevention. Measures to reduce the burden should involve the community, government, and religious bodies. Preventive measures should target the youths, the students, identified sources of the drugs, reasons and risk factors associated with drug abuse in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Target Hazard Quotient and Water Quality Index approaches to evaluate hand-dug wells. • Water characteristics in relation to human health and designated water uses determined. • p-values for most parameters were (p < 0.05). Thus, the null hypothesis is discredited. • Maximum THQ values were 2.53133 × 10−3 and 3.00418 × 10−3 for adults and children, respectively. • HI < 1 found, suggest no significant danger by consuming the water. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control recently reported an outbreak of yellow fever in Bauchi state. To strategize mitigation measures, an investigation into water sources became necessary. This study adopted Water Quality Index (WQI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) approaches to evaluate water quality from hand-dug wells within Rafin Zurfi area, Bauchi State. The specific objectives were; sample characterization, statistical analysis by SPSS, and determination of health risk analysis by WQI. Water from Hand-dug wells were examined using standard methods of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Experimental results proved that pH values of samples are adequate according to NSDWQ, while samples E and L exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Turbidity, Total hardness, TSS, EC, BOD, Ca, SO 4 2−, Cl−, Cu and Zn measurements were all within permissible limits. The analytical results were taken in to Geographic Information Systems environment (GIS) to generate numerical spatial variation maps for parameters examined and show the health risk associated to heavy metals. HI values for adults and children were found to be 4.365119 × 10−3 and 5.180528 × 10−3, respectively. Therefore, the study concludes that, there is no significant danger of metal toxicity from the sample wells (since HI < 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanolic leaf extracts of Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton, Lawsonia inermis L., Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. and Senna obtusifolia L were tested on their efficacy against Callosobruchus maculatus in stored cowpea under laboratory conditions of 28 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% r.h. The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Biology, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina (UMYUK), Nigeria, between July 2018 to February 2019. Four plant extract was tested by exposing five pairs of adult weevils to 20 4 g of cowpea mixed with ethanolic leaf extracts of the test botanicals at 2.5 x 104, 5.0x104 and 10.0 x 104 ppm separately in four replicates. No plant extract was added to the control. Results showed that all the four plants extract caused significant adult mortality of C. maculatus after 96 hours post-treatment. E. balsamifera causedtotal mortality of thebeetles at all doses, while similar results were obtainedat the highest dose of 10.0 x 104 ppmonly of L. inermis and M. hirtus. The findings of this study also showed that E. balsamifera plant extract was the most virulent with the lowest LC50 value of 2.0x 10² ppm. There was no adult emergence in all the treatments except in the control. Similarly, there was no seed weight loss was recorded in all the four treatments. The plant species could, therefore, be suggested as biopesticides against C. maculatus infesting stored cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the presence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in livestock to ascertain their reservoir role and also screened for other pathogenic trypanosomes of animals in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger state, Nigeria. A total of 460 livestock comprising (cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs) selected at random were bled, examined using the buffy coat and Giemsa stained thin film and packed cell volume estimated. Questionnaire was filled for each animal on demography, awareness and management practices. An overall prevalence of 2.17% with Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, T. vivax and a mixed infection of T. brucei and T. congolense observed microscopically awaiting characterization. Interviews revealed high awareness (82.8%) of tsetse and trypanosomiasis described as bush disease and abortion in four cows. The PCV values were within the normal range, however, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in sheep aged 7months to 4years in two communities. Therefore, the study indicated the presence of T. brucei and other trypanosomes suggesting that animal trypanosomiasis is still a problem to animal health and wellbeing in the study area. The study recommends effective integrated chemotherapy and vector control including livestock rearing under intensive management system to boost livestock production and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to explore the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and growth potential of microenterprises. To test the research hypotheses, multiple regression and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used. Multiple regression was used in explaining how well EO predicts microenterprises growth potential. MANOVA compares the groups and indicates whether the mean differences between the groups on the combination of dependent variables are likely to have occurred by chance. Our study contributes to the literature by exploring the growth potential of the existing microenterprises and explains its relationship to owners' EO in both urban and rural informal sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite a high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in developing countries such as Nigeria, intestinal obstruction secondary to lithobezoar (an accumulation of ingested stones within the gastrointestinal tract) is uncommon. Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of acute intestinal obstruction secondary to ingestion of large pebbles and IDA in a 5-year-old Nigerian boy. The patient was managed conservatively with the use of laxatives and a rectal wash-out, and the pebbles were excreted over 3 days. Oral iron therapy was also commenced with cessation of pica. Discussion: Although the direction of causal relationship between pica and IDA remains debatable, routine screening for iron deficiency among children with lithobezoar is recommended. Besides managing complications associated with lithobezoar, such as intestinal obstruction, prompt initiation of iron therapy among those who present with features of iron deficiency may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the levels of heavy metals accumulation in water, gills and liver of Tilapia zilli fish collected from Kafinchiri water Reservoir for a period of four months with the aim of predicting health risk effect on consumers. Water and Tilapia zilli samples were collected from three different sites along the course of the dam; upstream, midstream and downstream. The concentration of copper, lead, chromium and cadmium in water and their accumulation in the liver and gills of the sampled fishes were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results revealed that concentration of dissolved heavy metals in the water ranges from Cu (0.4mg/L-0.6mg/L), Pb (0.9 mg/L - 1.4mg/L), Cr (undetected - 0.1mg/L) and Cd (0.01mg/L - 0.02mg/L). Accumulation in the gills of tilapia fish ranges from Cu (0.8μg/g - 0.85μg/g), Pb (0.3μg/g -0.9μg/g), Cr (<0.1μg/g) and Cd was not detected. The accumulation of heavy metals in the liver were Cu (3.0μg/g - 5.4μg/g), Pb (2.7μg/g - 9.6μg/g) and Cr (0.1μg/g - 0.15μg/g) and Cd not detected. Water content chemical analysis indicated that; sampling point B (midstream) had the highest concentration of the heavy metals in which Pb recorded had the highest Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of 5.76. The mean range of physicochemical parameters studied were temperature (25.90 - 27.37 °C), pH (7.60 - 8.52), DO (6.27 - 7.47mg/L), BOD (2.02 - 3.02mg/L), turbidity (28.05 - 34.00 NTU), electrical conductivity(187.60 - 361.17yS/cm), TDS (211 - 363mg/L), Total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, turbidity and nitrate recorded significant difference between sites (P<0.05). It was believed that domestic activities around the reservoir is the major contributing factor to the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in fish examined. It is recommended that intervention by relevant authorities is needed curtail potential long term effect of this pollutants in the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to determine prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis among two villages located along Hadejia valley in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of 125 urine sample from people residing in each of the two villages (Yamidi and Shawara), were screened for the presence or absence of S. haematobium eggs. Urine sample were screened using Concentration Sedimentation Technique. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection in Yamidi was 76.8% with mean Eggs per cubic Centiliter (EPC) of 2.9, and in Shawara the overall prevalence was 77.6% with mean EPC of 3.4. Males were found to be more infected than female in both the two villages. People aged 1 to 5 years have highest prevalence of the infection in both the two villages than people among older age group. People with haematuria have highest prevalence of 95.1% and mean EPC of 6.0 than people without haematuria that have lower prevalence of 72.0% and mean EPC of 3.4.There was no significant relationship (p > 0.05) between the infection and presence or absence of haematuria. This study has established that urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we designed, developed and implemented an examination result processing template for all the Postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna. The designed template when fed in with data computes and grades students appropriately. Its design was done using the "IF" and "OR" logical functions. It was deployed and tested for the performance in terms of accuracy and speed, and as attested by the end users, it is excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly women in entrepreneurial activity. The paper uses a qualitative approach to obtain the necessary information from micro and small entrepreneurs. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 25 key informants who own micro and small enterprises that have been in operation for at least five years. The qualitative data was transcribed and presented in a narrative manner. The paper found liquidity constraints to be the most serious problem as most of the entrepreneurs cannot access microfinance from government agencies or microfinance institutions. It is also discovered that the participation of women in entrepreneurship is lower in comparison to their male counterparts. The existing microfinance policy should be revisited to ascertain loopholes that render the policy less effective. Close supervision of the microfinance institutions is needed to ensure compliance to ethical standards and practices in the issuance of credit and loans. To make more generalizable conclusions, similar studies are needed in Nigerian states where the participation of women is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management & Innovation is the property of Wyzsza Szkola Biznesu-National Louis University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper is a continuation of our research work on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market uncertainties, In our first paper (Magaji et al, 2013) we presented the Naive Bayes algorithm as a tool for predicting the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market; subsequently we used the same transformed data of the NSE and explored the implementation of the Support Vector Machine algorithm on the WEKA platform, and results obtained, made us to also conclude that the Support Vector Machine-SOM is another algorithm that provides an avenue for predicting the Nigerian Stock Exchange [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Apropos the propagation of Islamic banking in Nigeria, it is stated that in the Holy Quran appear commandments of Allah and there are Traditions of Prophet which condemn levying of interest in any financial deal and warns sinners of severe punishment Hereafter. On the basis of the above religious requirement, a whole edifice of rules, principles have been framed by Shariah for strict observance by Muslims. The Islamic banking therefore does not merely mean prohibition of interest but a whole code has to be implemented in practicing Islamic banking. However in Nigeria there are demands to drop the Islamic nomenclature and to call the system non-interest banking or divine banking because Bible also rules against interest. The Muslims have reservations against these suggestions on the grounds: (i) Islamic banking is not merely meant to ban interest. (ii) It has to implement all the Shariah rules in its working. (iii) Under the two proposed changed names the entire practice of banking prescribed by Shariah will be continued but Islamic system will get no recognition for it and the Muslims most probably will start distancing themselves from such banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebite is an important cause of amputation and disability in rural communities throughout the tropics. However, the details of the causes, types and estimates of disability are lacking. This report describes 16 snakebite victims who had amputations, including two who had above-knee amputations. The patients presented with limb swelling (16), gangrene (15), ischaemia (4) and three had possible compartment syndrome. All the patients used ineffective time wasting remedies that were potentially harmful as first-aid. The median delay to hospital following bite was 2.5 days. In order to prevent disability, efforts should be made to: reduce delay before hospital presentation; improve the knowledge of first-aid; provide effective antivenoms; improve wound and clinical care in communities; and improve facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of baseline data on soil fertility status for most semiarid areas to a very large extent hampers the success of land degradation monitoring. However, this can be overcome by adopting an inferential approach which presupposes that soils of an area of uniform geologic, geomorphic and climatic characteristics differ mainly because of the uses to which they are put. On this basis, soil conditions of a long-standing vegetation community can be used to assess the extent of soil changes resulting from land-use practices, provided that both the vegetation community and the land-use plots are located in an area having the uniform environmental parameters noted above. This approach wasadopted in the Kabomo area of Nigeria, a typical semiarid tropical ecosystem, to monitor the extent of soil degradation resulting from 20years (1972- -92) of arable farming, livestock ranching and legume grass farming. Using a systematic sampling procedure, topsoil (0--15 cm) and subsoil (20--30 cm) samples were collected from both the long-standing vegetation community plot (over 80 years old) which was chosen to serve as the control, and the three land-use plots. The collected samples were then analysed for texture, bulk density, water content, water stable aggregates greater than 0.50 mm, organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable bases. The mean value of every property for each plot was then divided by the mean value of the same property for the control plot in order to assess the extent of change (i.e. extent of degradation) in the property. The Student's t-test was then used to assess the significance of such a change. The results obtained revealed that, in general, the mean values of the various soil properties, withthe exception of sand and bulk density have declined by between 3 per cent and 72 per cent, and in most cases the declines are statistically significant. Sand and bulk density, on the other hand, show some inc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluvio-deltaic strata host significant volumes of hydrocarbons in different basins across the world, and are characterized by depositional heterogeneities and varying diagenetic overprints, owing to complex interactions of different depositional processes in diverse sub-environments. An understanding of the heterogeneities at different scales is critical to the prediction of reservoir quality distribution and architecture in these strata. The Campanian-Maastrichtian Gombe Sandstone is one of the targeted reservoirs in recent hydrocarbon exploration in the Northern Benue Trough, NE Nigeria. However, to date, the diagenetic and reservoir quality evolutions of the sandstone are not well understood. In this study, a multi-technique approach (consisting of thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses) was employed to link depositional facies and diagenesis to reservoir quality. Results of the study indicate that the sandstones are principally arkosic and subarkosic in composition, and were deposited in lower delta front/prodelta, upper delta front/mouth bar, distributary channel, and interdistributary tidal bar/channel depositional environments. The sandstones experienced both shallow burial and some relatively of deep burial diagenesis. Kaolinite is the most abundant eogenetic cement in the sandstones, and was particularly found to be more abundant in the interdistributary tidal bar/channel and lower delta front/prodelta depositional environments due to their significant amounts of reactive detrital feldspars and muscovite precursors, respectively. The interdistributary tidal bar/channel and the distributary channel depositional facies were highly susceptible to siderite cementation, owing to their proximity to organic-rich mudstone lithofacies. Mechanical compaction was more intense in the lower delta front/prodelta than in the interdistributary tidal bar/channel sandstones, due to the presence of high clay matrix content in the former, which enhanced ductility and close packing. The interdistributary tidal bar/channel sandstones form the best reservoir quality because of the very low amounts of detrital pore-filling matrix (average 1%; n = 24) and less compaction compared to the lower delta front/prodelta, upper delta front/mouth bar and distributary channel sandstones. Grain-coating smectitic clays were best developed in the lower delta front/prodelta, upper delta front/mouth bar and distributary channel, whereas they are poorly developed in the interdistributary tidal bar/channel sandstones. The overall low volumes of deep burial, mesogenetic cements in the sandstones (e.g., illite, dickite, and quartz overgrowths) suggest that the Gombe Sandstone spent short residence time in mesogenetic realm before being uplifted. The results of this study would provide useful input data and understanding that can be utilized for forward diagenetic modelling and burial history construction for the subsurface Gombe Sandstone reservoir in the Northern Benue Trough and similar sedimentary formations elsewhere. • Reservoir quality of Gombe Sandstone is controlled by depositional facies and diagenesis. • Porosity is lost mainly due to compaction than due to cementation. • Kaolinite is the most important cement and was more developed in prodelta and interdistributary tidal bar/channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Priapism is a persistent penile erection that continues for more than four hours beyond sexual stimulation and orgasm or unrelated to sexual stimulation1. The objective is to document the pattern and management of priapism in our hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients managed for Priapism by Urology Unit of our hospital, from January 2009 to December 2015. Results: Thirty patients were managed for managed for priapism within the study period. The mean age at presentation was 23.9 ± 12.2 years with a range of 8-55 years. Fifteen patients (57.7 %) presented beyond 72 hours of the onset of priapism. All the patients had ischaemic priapism. Half of the patients had sickle cell disease, two (7.7 %) had chronic myeloid leukaemia, five (19.2%) used aphrodisiacs and cause was not established in six (23.1%). The most effective forms of treatments were corporal aspiration and glanulocavernosal shunt. Hydroxyurea was used for the patients with leukaemia. Thirteen (50.0%) of the patients were loss to follow-up after their first visits. Three patients (11.5%) developed erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: Sickle cell disease is the commonest cause of ischaemic priapism in our practice. Late presentation is common and is usually associated with the development of erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection is one of the major factors that determine clinical outcome among patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) support. The attending mortality is high and depends on source of infection, organisms associated, timeliness and appropriateness of the treatment received. Methods&Materials: Case records of patientswhowere admitted into our 5bedded ICU over a 4 year period were retrospectively reviewed. The average number of admission was 20 per month. A preformed questionnaire was administered and data on clinical and microbiological profile of all the patients with documented infection was obtained. Results: Eighty four episodes of infections were identified in 76 patients. Road traffic accident 29/76(38.2%) and pulmonary embolism12/76(15.8%) were the leading cause of admission. The most common infection was skin and soft tissue infection (SSI) 30/84(35.7%) followed by UTI 23/84(27.4) and primary bacteraemia 18/84(21.4) with the least beingVAP3/84(3.6%). Most of the cases of UTI occurred in patients with RTA and renal failure, while the highest number of primary bacteraemia was seen among patients with burns and renal failure. The most frequent isolates were S. aureus 35/84(41.7%), K. pneumonia 18/84(21.4%) and E. coli 13/84(15.5%). K. pneumonia 2/5(40%) and P. aerugenosa 1/5(20%) were the leading cause of pneumonia, while S. aureus was the commonest cause of SSI 16/30(53.3%), primary bacteremia 10/18(55.6%) and line infection 5/5(100%). There were 3 cases of VAP one each caused by K. pneumonia, P. aerugenosa and S. aureus. High rate of resistance to cloxacillin 19/35(54.3%) and co-trimoxazole 17/26(65.4%) was noted among the S. aureus isolates. All the enterobactrecae isolates that were tested against meropenem were fully susceptible, while resistance rate to ceftriaxone was high; E. coli 5/9(55.6%), K. pneumoniae 10/14 (71.4%) and proteus spp 2/4 (50%). With exception to meropenem and colistin, ciprofloxacin had a better resistance profile against P. aerugenosa and isolated enterobactriacae compared to the other tested B-lactam agents. Conclusion: The study underscores the need to improve infection control practice in our ICU. Resistance to commonly used antibiotic was high and this makes the choice of empiric antibiotic difficult, hence measures to curtail the emergence of resistance pathogens need to be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, female-perpetrated IPV has been well studied among various groups but little is known about IPV against heterosexual men living with HIV. This study sought to identify the prevalence and determinants of female-perpetrated IPV among heterosexual HIV-positive men in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Nigeria., Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive crosssectional study carried out at one secondary and tertiary health facility respectively, both situated in Birnin Kudu. Using an intervieweradministered pre-tested questionnaire, the prevalence and determinants of female-perpetrated IPV was assessed among 322 heterosexual HIV-positive men attending the anti-retroviral therapy clinics at the two health facilities. Data was entered into and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 25., Results: The prevalence of IPV in the last year was 45% (145D 322). Out of the survivors of IPV, 143 (98.6%), 75 (51.7%), and 51 (35.2%) had experienced psychological aggression, physical assault and sexual coercion respectively. The number of children fathered, experience of childhood violence, and marital status were significantly associated with IPV (p< 0.05) However, they remained significant determinants of IPV after controlling for confounders (ethnicity, marital status, educational status ) {Adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) = 7.34 and 95% confidence interval (C.I.) = 1.49 - 35.4; aOR= 1.84 C.I. 1.33 - 2.80; aOR = O.51 (0.29 - 0.90) respectively}., Conclusion: This study identified a high prevalence of femaleperpetrated IPV against heterosexual men living with HIV and emphasizes that exposure to childhood violence and being childless are determinants of IPV. Efforts should be made to screen for IPV among men living with HIV so as to optimize their health and wellbeing., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists., (Copyright © 2023 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are immature progenitor cells that are found in developing and adult brains that have the potential of dividing actively and renewing themselves, with a complex form of gene expression. The generation of new brain cells in adult individuals was initially considered impossible, however, the landmark discovery of human neural stem cells in the hippocampus has been followed by further discoveries in other discreet regions of the brain. Investigation into the current state in Africa of the research and use of NSCs shows relatively limited activities on the continent. Information on the African application of NSCs for modelling disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and therapeutics is still limited. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)-African Regional Committee (ARC), with support from the Company of Biologists, and the Movement Disorder Society, sponsored the first African Basic School on NSC in Ibadan, Nigeria, with the vision of bringing together young neuroscientists and physicians across different fields in neuroscience to learn from leaders who have applied NSCs in stem cell research, the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, neuroanatomy, and neurotherapeutics. Twenty early-career researchers in academic institutions at junior and senior faculty cadres were selected from South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria. The students and organizer of the school, who wrote this review on the state of NSCs research in Africa, recommended the following: (1) other African countries can take a cue from South Africa and Nigeria in probing the phenomena of adult neurogenesis in unique animal species on the continent; (2) Africa should leverage the expertise and facilities of South African scientists and international collaborators in scaling up NSC research into these unique species and (3) Centers of Excellence should be established on the continent to serve as research hubs for training postgraduate students, and facilities for African scientists who trained overseas on NSCs., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2022. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions., Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments., Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2)., Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]., Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical., Competing Interests: None

Background: Reconstruction of mandibular defects can be challenging because an acceptable aesthetic and functional outcome must be achieved simultaneously., Aim: To evaluate the pattern of mandibulectomy and reconstruction materials used in the reconstruction of mandibular defects., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of mandibulectomies with reconstruction in Sokoto, Nigeria between 2012 and 2016. Data such as demographics, type of tumour, type of resection and type of reconstruction materials used were extracted and stored., Results: Fifty-two cases of mandibulectomies were done comprising 24 males and 28 females (ratio 1:1.2). Age ranged 5-80 years with mean±SD (37.8±15). Most of the cases 30 (57.7%) were on the right. There are 35 (67.3%) benign and 17 (32.7%) malignant cases. Thirty (57.7%) lateral, 16 (30.8%) condylar, 1 (1.9%) central and 5 (9.6%) combined mandibular defects were seen. Reconstruction plate alone was used in 11 (21.2%) cases, reconstruction plate with rib and tibia grafts in 16 (30.8%) cases, reconstruction plate with Iliac crest and tibia grafts in 15 (28.8%) cases. Graft length ranged from 0-20cm. There was satisfactory outcome altogether in 32 (80.0%)., Conclusion: This study has shown the types of mandibulectomies and reconstruction materials used in our centre., (© 2019 Braimah et al.)

Ethnic variations exist in the relationship of adiposity indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS).  There are however, limited studies on the usefulness of body adiposity index (BAI) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) among Hausas of Kano, Northern Nigeria.  The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of measures of adiposity to the components of MetS in Hausas of Kano. The study included 465 (266 males and 199 females) subjects, with mean age of 34.4 years and 32.0 years for males and females respectively. Anthropometric measures were obtained using standard protocols. Visceral adiposity was estimated using sex specific VAI.  Fasting blood sample was obtained for serum analyses of lipid profiles, glucose, protein and uric acid. Pearson's correlation was used to test the association between adiposity measures with MetS indices while Student's t test was used for group comparison. The results of the study showed that the adiposity indices significantly correlate with metabolic syndrome indices. Visceral adiposity index was superior to other adiposity measures and Waist to hip ratio was the strongest anthropometric correlate of MetS components. In conclusion, WHR is the strongest anthropometric correlate of MetS components. Body adiposity index, NC and HC are weaker adiposity tools. Visceral adiposity index is superior to all other adiposity tools.

Background: Stroke has been a global burden, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Serum cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) fraction are reported to be elevated in patients admitted with acute ischaemic stroke and high level of these biomarkers indicated more severe stroke and neurologic deficit in some of the patients., Objective: To evaluate the serum levels cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and relate the analytes to severity of stroke., Method: Patients with clinical diagnosis of ischaemic stroke diagnosed, confirmed by brain Computerized Tomography scan and equal number of apparently healthy age and sex-matched were recruited. Serum cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) were analysed using ELISA method and Stroke severity was determined using National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS)., Results: Mean serum cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) in stroke patients were found to be higher than age sex matched control (p<0.05). NIHS Score of 12.2 ± 5.43 and 9.78 ± 3.97 were observed in Patients with elevated and normal cTnT respectively (p=0.009) while NIHS Score were similar in patients with elevated and normal CK-MB (p = 0.772)., Conclusion: The mean values of serum cTnT and CK-MB were higher in acute ischaemic stroke patients compared to controls. Serum cardiac Troponin t level may be a significant biomarker of the severity of stroke.

Introduction: Infection is a major determinant of clinical outcome among patients in the intensive care unit. However, these data are lacking in most developing countries; hence, we set out to describe the profile of nosocomial infection in one of the major tertiary hospitals in northern Nigeria., Method: Case records of patients who were admitted into the intensive care unit over a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. A preformed questionnaire was administered, and data on clinical and microbiological profile of patients with documented infection were obtained., Results: Eighty-our episodes of nosocomial infections were identified in 76 patients. Road traffic accident (29/76, 38.2%) was the leading cause of admission. The most common infections were skin and soft tissue infections (30/84, 35.7%) followed by urinary tract infection (23/84, 27.4%). The most frequent isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (35/84, 41.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18/84, 21.4%), and Escherichia coli (13/84, 15.5%). High rate of resistance to cloxacillin (19/35, 54.3%) and cotrimoxazole (17/26, 65.4%) was noted among the S aureus isolates. All the Enterobacteriaceae isolates were susceptible to meropenem, whereas resistance rate to ceftriaxone was high (E coli, 55.6%; K pneumoniae, 71.4%; Proteus spp, 50%)., Conclusion: Infection control practice and measures to curtail the emergence of antimicrobial resistance need to be improved., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) otherwise call nosocomial infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients and predisposes healthcare workers (HCWs) to an increased risk of infections. The study explores the knowledge and practices of infection control among HCW in a tertiary referral center in North-Western Nigeria., Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the study group (of doctors and nurses). Data on knowledge and practice of infection control were obtained and analyzed. Study population were selected by convenience sampling., Results: A total of 200 responses were analyzed, 152 were nurses while 48 were doctors. The median age and years of working experience of the respondents were 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31-39) and 7 years (IQR 4-12), respectively. Most of the respondents 174/198 (87.9%) correctly identified hand washing as the most effective method to prevent HCAI, with nurses having better knowledge 139/152 (91%) (P = 0.001). Majority agreed that avoiding injury with sharps 172/200 (86%), use of barrier precaution 180/200 (90%) and hand hygiene 184/200 (92%) effectively prevent HCAI. Only 88/198 (44.4%), 122/198 (61.6%), and 84/198 (42.4%) of the respondents were aware of the risks of infection following exposure to human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus-infected blood, respectively. About 52% of doctors and 76% of nurses (P = 0.002) always practice hand hygiene in between patient care., Conclusion: Gaps have been identified in knowledge and practice of infection control among doctors' and nurses' in the study; hence, it will be beneficial for all HCW to receive formal and periodic refresher trainings.

Aims and Objectives: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been shown to reduce AIDS- defining illnesses, including neuropathies. However, it has been postulated that an increase in age -, HIV- and HAART- related neurological complications will occur as HIV-infected persons live longer. This study investigated the frequency and outcome of neuropathies in relation to CD4+ cell count and HAART status of hospitalised HIV/AIDS patients in Shika., Patients and Methods: Consecutive adult (e"15 years) non pregnant HIV- infected patients treated at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika-Zaria from January 2006 to May 2013 with neuropathies were studied. Non HIV-infected patients with neurological disorders and HIV-infected patients without neuropathies were excluded., Results: Of 5240 HIV/AIDS patients seen , 11% (566) presented with neuropathy at median CD4+ cell counts of 200 cells / ul, with yearly reduction of the frequency of patients with neuropathy from 3.9% in 2006 to 0.06% in 2013. Male: female ratio was 2:1 and respective mean years were 41.9±10.1: 45.3±17.4 (p<0.00). 253 (45%) were on HAART at presentation. 40 patients died and the mortality was associated with recurrent seizures, CD4+ cell counts d" 100 / ul, male sex, HAART-naivety and presence of co-morbidity and complications., Conclusions: The progressive reduction in the yearly frequency of neuropathy among HIV/AIDS patients suggests a beneficial effect of HAART on neuropathies. However, late presentation, low CD4+ cell counts and failure of patients to start HAART early were responsible for AIDS-related mortality thus highlighting the importance of early HIV screening and treatment.

Background: Information about diabetes mellitus (DM) from the rural populations in Nigeria, particularly among the rural Fulanis is limited., Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two rural districts of Sokoto State in Northern Nigeria. Using a modification of the WHO STEP wise approach to surveillance (STEPS) instrument, information on sociodemographic and anthropometric data was obtained. Either a casual or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was obtained in all subjects while oral glucose tolerance test was performed in a randomly selected group of 50 of the study participants., Results: Three hundred and ninety-three subjects participated in the study. The prevalence rates of DM, impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were 0.8, 6.9, and 8%, respectively. The mean (SD) FPG was higher in males (5.1 ± 0.6 mmol/L) than in females (4.9 ± 0.6 mmol/l), but not statistically significantly (P = 0.20). The major risk factors for DM among the rural Fulani were obesity and increasing age., Conclusion: The prevalence rates of DM and its principal risk factor obesity are low among the rural Nigerian Fulani. However, the prevalence of prediabetes is relatively high, a factor that may predispose to the future development of DM.

Background: There is evidence of an association between mediators of inflammation, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP), and outcome of acute ischaemic stroke. This provides a potential opportunity for interventions aimed at improving outcome. There is sparse data exploring the role of inflammatory markers such as CRP and stroke outcome in Africans. The study objective was to determine the association between admission serum CRP levels and short-term outcome in the Nigerian patient presenting with acute ischaemic stroke., Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients hospitalized for first-ever acute ischaemic stroke at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, were prospectively enrolled between October 2007 and June 2008. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Serum CRP was determined on samples obtained within 7 days of stroke onset. All stroke patients were followed up till day 30 post-stroke. Outcome measures were 30 day Glasgow outcome scale score and functional impairment on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). An age- and gender-matched healthy control group had serum CRP determined at inclusion. Elevated CRP was defined as any level above the cutoff (mean +2 x standard deviation of CRP level of controls)., Results: Eighty patients with acute ischaemic stroke (47 men and 33 women) and 40 controls (27 male and 13 female) (P = 0.47) were studied. Mean age in cases was 59.1 ± 15.0 years. Mean CRP was significantly higher in stroke cases than controls (17.7 ± 14.4 mg/L versus 1.1 ± 1.7 mg/L respectively) (P < 0.00001). The frequency of elevated CRP (>4.5 mg/L) was 76.3% in stroke (N = 61) and 5% (N = 2) in controls (P < 0.0001). The case fatality rate in stroke with elevated CRP (32.8%) was significantly higher than stroke with normal admission CRP (0%; P = 0.015). The association of higher admission CRP with fatality () was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Amongst survivors, mean CRP levels were markedly higher in the patients with unfavorable motor outcome (moderate/severe disability; n = 22; 21.5 ± 11.1) compared to those with favorable outcome (mild disability; n = 38; 6.5 ± 6.2) (P < 0.00001). In multivariate regression analysis, only high NIHSS score (P = 0.004) and admission CRP (P = 0.008) were independently associated with case fatality., Conclusions: Elevated admission CRP and high NIHSS score are independent predictors of short-term case fatality and adverse functional outcome following acute ischaemic stroke in Nigerians.

Objectives: To compare the serum lipids levels, prevalence of dyslipidaemia, and adiposity of rural versus urban dwellers in Sokoto, Nigeria., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in both rural and urban areas of Sokoto, Nigeria. One hundred participants were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. Demographic data and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Fasting blood was drawn for assessment of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol. The classification of dyslipidemia was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel guidelines., Results: The (mean [SD]) waist circumference of the urban participants (83.8 [9.5] cm) was significantly higher than the rural participants (79.2 [11.2] cm) (P = .030). The mean BMI of the urban participants (23.9 [3.9] kg/m2) was higher than the rural participants (22.2 [3.7] kg/m2) (P = .09). The mean TC was significantly higher in urban (175.9 [49.6] mg/dL) than rural participants (148.3 [24.3] mg/dL) P < .001. Mean serum LDL-C, and TG concentrations were higher in the urban than rural participants but the difference was not statistically significant. Mean serum HDL-C was also insignificantly higher in the rural (51.1 [7.9] mg/dL) than in urban participants (50.2 [11.7] mg/dL) (P = .64). The most frequent dyslipidemia was abnormally low HDL-C (13%) and this was more common in the urban participants (16%) than in rural participants (10%)., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that compared to the rural dwellers, the urban dweller were more likely to be obese and had higher frequency of adverse plasma lipid profile. This may have implications for rural-urban patterns of lipid related cardiovascular disease.

Background: Obesity and its complications are emergent health challenges in developing countries including Nigeria. We determined the concordance of perceived with measured weight and assessed the social desirability of obesity among adults in Kano metropolis in northern Nigeria., Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 adults using structured interview questionnaires., Results: Among 386 respondents, 58 (84.1%) of underweight adults, 106 (46.2%) of healthy weight adults, 46 (66.7%) of overweight adults and 16 (84.2%) of obese adults incorrectly perceived their weight category. Sixty (15.5%) participants considered obesity as socially desirable and a sign of good living and affluence. Older respondents (> or = 40 years) (P = 0.0001), Igbo or Yoruba ethnicity (P = 0.0035) and non-formal or primary education (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with positive view of obesity. However, only ethnicity; Yoruba-Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.60, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) (1.20-2.86), P = 0.018, Igbo (aOR = 3.22, 95% CI (1.64-6.3), P =0.005 and educational status; non-formal (aOR = 4.61, 95% CI 1.62-16.9), P = 0.01; primary (aOR = 4.95, 95% CI (1.4-17.8), P = 0.015 remained significant predictors after adjusting for confounding., Conclusion: The discordance between perceived and measured weight is worrisome but the low social desirability of obesity should be encouraged. Weight control using periodic weight measurements, nutritional education and physical exercise are paramount.

Introduction: Over 80% of stroke deaths occur in low-income and middle-income regions of the world. Identification of predictors of mortality is vital so that prompt therapeutic measures could be instituted to improve outcome. Previous studies have identified factors such as stroke severity, stroke type, older age, impairment of consciousness and hyperglycaemia as predictors of mortality for acute stroke but mortality remain high among patients hospitalized for acute stroke. The study objective was to determine the association between admission serum albumin levels and short-term outcome following acute ischaemic stroke in Nigerians., Methods: Consecutive first-ever acute ischaemic stroke patients were prospectively enrolled between February 2009 and May 2010. Stroke severity at presentation was determined using National Institute of Heath Stroke Score (NIHSS). Admission serum chemistry including albumin, were measured. Patients were then followed up for 30 days and outcome measures applied at the end of the study were 30-day mortality and functional outcome using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and graded as favourable(MRS 0-3) or unfavourable(MRS 4-6). Relationship between serum albumin and stroke outcome was determined., Results: 75 acute stroke cases were studied. Mean age was 57.68±12.4 years. Outcome was favourable in 48% while 30-day case fatality was 17.3%. The mean age (61.13 years) of those with poor outcome was significantly higher than those with favourable outcome. Mean serum albumin (3.03 g/dL) of those with favourable outcome was also significantly higher than (2.08 g/dL) of those with unfavourable outcome (p=0.0001). Patients that died had significantly lower serum albumin (1.66 g/dl) than survivors (p=0.0001).Receiver operating characteristics curve for optimal cut off point of serum albumin to predict survival or death within 30 days revealed area under the cure (AUC) of 0.870, p-value 0.0001, 95% C/I=0.759-0.982. Serum albumin of 1.55 g /dL has sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 61.5%. NIHSS and serum albumin were predictors of poor outcome using multiple regression., Conclusion: Low admission serum albumin was an independent determinant of poor outcome.

Between 2009 and 2010 there were increasing incidences of snakebites in Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria. Most of the cases presented were treated with the clinically approved drug of choice for snakebite, the Echitab® antisnake venom (ASV) at the Kaltungo Treatment Centre which was manufactured by MicroPharm Ltd, UK and produced in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. A total of 5,367 snakebite victims were treated for the two years under review with 82 deaths recorded. This gives a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 1.52% compared to CFR of 35-45% before treatment with this ASV. It was also noted that only one dose of this ASV is needed to effectively clear the venom in a victim while other ASVs needed up to six doses or more to clear the venom. This result obtained shows that this antivenom compares favourably with other antivenoms designed for use in Africa with respect to neutralization of the toxins present in the venom of Echis ocellatus. Caprylic acid fractionation of horse hyperimmune plasma is a simple, convenient and cheap protocol for the manufacture of high quality whole IgG antivenoms. It constitutes a potentially valuable technology for the alleviation of the critical shortage of antivenom in Africa.

Background: It is widely recognized that rabies is grossly under-reported even though it is a notifiable disease and a lack of accurate figures has rendered rabies a low public health and veterinary priority. This study aimed at determining the incidence of dog bite injuries and clinical rabies in a tertiary health care centre., Materials and Methods: Case records of patients managed at the accident and emergency unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, between June 2000 and May 2010 with diagnosis of dog bite and rabies were retrieved. Relevant clinical data were extracted using a structured questionnaire designed for the study., Results: Eighty-one persons out of 24,683 consultations in the accident and emergency unit presented with dog bite injuries with two clinical cases of human rabies. Mean age of victims of dog bite injuries was 21.1 ± 14.3 years and the majority (55.6%) were children. Males were more affected than females with a male:female ratio of 4.8:1, lower limb/buttock injuries were significantly higher in children than adults, but the adults sustained significantly more severe (type III) injury. The majority of dog bite injuries were washed with soap and irrigated with water or saline and 87.7% of the victim of dog bite received postexposure anti-rabies vaccine., Conclusion: Hospital incidence of dog bite injuries was low, but the use of postexposure prophylaxis was high.

Background: Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is shown to significantly improve the outcome of intrauterine adhesions (IUA). The Minimally Invasive Surgical Unit (MISU) of our Department recently acquired a hysteroscope which is being used for hysteroscopic adhesiolysis among others., Materials and Methods: There were 57 patients diagnosed to have IUA of which 54 case notes were available for analysis, giving a retrieval rate of 95%. The information extracted includes age, parity, and menstrual pattern, predisposing factors, treatment option, outcome, complications and the year of the procedure. The data extracted were analyzed using Epi info Version 3.4.1. Chi squared test (Fisher's exact test) was used to test for statistical difference in the outcome of the modalities of treatment. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant., Results: There were 57 cases of IUA out of 4160 gynecological patients seen, giving a prevalence of 14/1000. The mean age was 28.9 years (SD 4.5) and mean parity was 1.4 (SD 1.4). Etiologic factors include Dilatation and curettage (D and C) (33.3%), Caesarean section (C/S) (31.5%), manual removal of placenta and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (7.4% each), and unexplained (3.7%). Mode of presentation was secondary amenorrhoea (50%), oligomenorrhoea (22.2%), and hypomenorrhoea (10%). As for the management, 68% had blind procedure while 25.9% had hysteroscopic procedure. Lippes loop was used in all except three patients who had pediatric Foleys catheter instead. Upon follow-up 59.3% resumed normal menses, 11.1% had oligomenorrhoea, hypomenorrhoea 13% and amenorrhoea 5.6%. There was no statistical difference in the outcome of treatment between hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and the blind procedure when return to normal menses is considered as the end point, OR=2.27, CI 0.45-12.65, Fisher exact test (one-tailed) P=0.2184818., Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the blind and hysteroscopic procedures. Dilatation and curettage was found to be the commonest cause of IUA.

Objective: Periodic patient satisfaction surveys provide feedback to hospital management and staff regarding the quality of services rendered. These surveys have become routine as part of total quality management in developed countries. We assessed patient satisfaction with services provided in a teaching hospital in northern Nigeria., Method: Structured questionnaires were administered on a cross-section of 201 patients and two focus group discussions were held with patient relatives at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital., Results: Overall, 83% of the patients were satisfied with the services received from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, while the remaining 17% were dissatisfied. Specifically, 88%, 88%, 87% and 84% of the patients were satisfied with patient provider relationship, in-patient services, hospital facilities and access to care. However, 30% and 27% of the patients were dissatisfied with waiting time and cost of treatment respectively. Patients and their relatives complained about delayed appointments, missing folders, missing laboratory results and long appointments for ultrasound and other radiological investigations., Conclusion: The high patient satisfaction notwithstanding, health workers need to consider patients as customers by being friendly and reducing waiting time for consultation and investigations. Widespread implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme will also reduce the cost of services and drugs to patients.