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Entrepreneurship is one of the key drivers for development in any society. The level of awareness of individual members, of a society, of their capacity to contribute to the economic, social and political development of their society is a key factor in development. A process of creating this self-awareness and the development of individual capacity for creative and innovative thinking, decision making and action/policy implementation should be an integral constituent of what people learn in schools, colleges and universities. The ability of the educational system to provide such training for individuals depends on the availability of the requisite capacity in terms of personnel and other facilities for appropriate transfer of knowledge, skills and building of mindset. Thus, this paper focuses on ways for developing the capacity appropriate for providing entrepreneurship education at all levels of education particularly in Africa. This paper is of the view that a wholesome education integrating entrepreneurship as part of the curriculum will provide the catalytic platform for jumpstarting development in all spheres of life, particularly in the developing world. The paper tries to find out how capacity building for entrepreneurship education has been pursued with particular reference to Nigeria, and opine how best this can be achieved in the light of the perceived lack of entrepreneurial approach to doing things, including in the public service. Also, the low level of entrepreneurship education as exemplified in the number of entrepreneurship courses offered in our Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and the absence of entrepreneurship as courses of study that award certificates, diplomas and degrees in this part of the world are part of the factors necessitating this paper. Part of the focus of the paper also includes the possibility of inclusion of entrepreneurship in the educational curricula at all levels of education, establishing faculties of entrepreneurship studies in the colleges, polytechnics and the universities. It is obvious that these cannot be achieved without the necessary capacity in terms of personnel and other facilities that facilitate learning. Thus we are canvassing for a holistic approach to developing capacity for this, which should include training and retraining of personnel, including faculty members in the colleges, polytechnics and universities. There should also be a collaborative effort in terms of partnership with universities in the West where entrepreneurship education has taken root and are more developed. Such partnership should also include the private sector and the non-governmental organizations. The increasing economic and social challenges, especially in the developing countries, makes all this imperative.

For organometallic halide solar cells (OHSC), it is expected that their performance in hot climates is to be challenged by high operating temperature conditions typical of these regions. This study explores, for the first time, the performance of formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) solar cells under variations of seasonal and climatic conditions in Nigeria using a non-steady-state thermal model. From the thermal analysis, results show that the air temperature in the location of the solar cell under study played a significant role in the increase and decrease of the rate of the overall heat transfer coefficient of the OHSC. However, the cell temperature depended on the rate of heat loss and the solar radiation absorbed by the OHSC. The electrical analysis was based on the numerical simulation of a FASnI3 solar cell with the aid of a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS). A decrease in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) as the cell temperature increased was observed. Overall, while the OHSC suffered losses in efficiency in all locations during the hot season, the wet season saw an improvement in the PCE, especially in Twon-Brass (0.5% increase) where the most heat loss and least insolation were recorded. This shows that the power conversion efficiency of an operating OHSC is temperature-dependent, rather than the abundance of solar irradiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection poses a global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income African countries. Illicit drug use exacerbates the problem, with drug users having a higher HBV infection risk and maintaining a quiet transmission pool. This study aimed to determine HBV infection prevalence, immune status, and risk factors among illegal drug users in Enugu State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Enugu State, using privileged access interviewer methods to enroll drug users. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered after informed consent was obtained. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb using immunochromatographic rapid test kits. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: One hundred drug users were recruited into the study. Overall, 7% of the drug users had HBV infection. 61% were found to be susceptible to HBV infection, 15% showed serological evidence of immunity from HBV vaccination and 1% developed natural immunity from HBV exposure. Significant risk factors for HBV infection were age less than 20 years, young age (≤ 20 years) at drug initiation, being single, injecting drugs more than or equal to 20 times per month and injecting with used syringes. Conclusion: This study shows high intermediate endemicity of HBV infection among drug users, low vaccination uptake, and high susceptibility to HBV infection. This calls for the urgent inclusion of drug users in national HBV vaccination campaigns and the adoption of the World Health Organization's recommendations on the prevention of viral hepatitis among people who inject drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposal of solid wastes in an unlined dumpsite is the most common waste disposal practice in Nigeria. Percolations of leachates containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from unlined dumpsites are known to cause environmental hazards which pose significant health risks to human lives. The collection of the leachates were done during the wet season for 4 months. The levels of PAHs concentration in the leachates were determined using gas chromatography. The health-related risks were determined using toxicity and mutagenic health risk assessment. Isomeric ratios were used to deduce possible origins of PAHs in the leachates. The mean values of the PAH levels ranged from 0.1 − 14.9 µg/L. The benzo (g,h,i) pyrene reported the maximum level of PAHs (14.9 µg/L) followed by anthracene (12.7 µg/L). The 3 – ring PAHs recorded the highest PAHs, while the 2- ring was the least dominant PAHs. The isomeric profile indicated mixed sources (pyrolytic and petrogenic) with a dominant petrogenic source observed. The benzo(a)pyrene toxicity and mutagenic quotients disclosed its ability to trigger cancer and non–cancer-related risks to a living organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from unlined dumpsites have contributed significantly to the pollution of the environment. This study investigates the pollution level of unlined dumpsite by determining the PAH levels of boreholes around the dumpsite. 16 upstream samples and 16 downstream samples (control) were obtained during the wet and dry seasons. The levels of PAH were evaluated using Gas Chromatography interfaced with a flame ionisation detector. Carcinogenic (TEQ) and mutagenic (MEQ) equivalents of PAHs in the borehole samples were evaluated. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic related risks were evaluated via dermal and ingestion pathways. Possible sources of PAHs in the borehole were evaluated. The PAH levels in the upstream and downstream locations ranged from ND – 113.13 µg/L and ND – 1.25 µg/L respectively. Total PAHs concentrations in the upstream and downstream ranged from 12.36–135.68 µg/L and 3.63–5.57 µg/L respectively. The upstream samples PAHs concentrations were greater than the downstream samples PAHs values in the wet and dry seasons. The PAH values in the rainy season were greater than the dry season values, which was associated with leachate infiltration from the dumpsite. Dibenz(a,h)anthracene was established to be of greater carcinogenic and mutagenic threats in the borehole samples from the study areas. The non-carcinogenic risk seems unlikely through dermal absorption, while they are a possibility of carcinogenic risk through dermal absorption for both child and adult age categories. The hazard index value of 3.219 recorded for the child age category at the upstream location, was the only possible chance of non-carcinogenic risk through ingestion. Carcinogenic risks through ingestion were unlikely but can accumulate to toxic levels if not checked. Diagnostic ratio's values inferred that PAH's origins arepredominantly from pyrolytic and petrogenic sources for upstream sites and petrogenic sources for downstream sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated employee cynicism and workplace ostracism as pathways through which perceived organizational politics (POPs) is related to counterproductive work behavior (CWB) targeted at individual coworkers (CWB-I) and the organization (CWB-O). Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 794 university employees in Southeastern, Nigeria at three-point of measurements. Findings: Results of the Structural Equation Modelling showed that POPs positively predicted CWB-I but did not predict CWB-O directly. POPs positively predicted both employee cynicism and workplace ostracism. Employee cynicism did not predict CWB-I and CWB-O, but workplace ostracism positively predicted both CWB-I and CWB-O. Moreover, whilst POPs did not predict both CWB-I and CWB-O through employee cynicism; workplace ostracism partially mediated the relationship between POPs and the two dimensions of CWB. Originality/value: The relationship between POPs and CWB has been documented in the literature, but whether affect-laden processes (employee cynicism and workplace ostracism) explain this relationship is new. Conducting the study in a context previously neglected extended our understanding of the indirect relationship between POPs and CWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the relationship between religiosity and punctuality, and whether self-regulation mediates this relationship. The study also explored whether personality traits moderate the positive relationship between religiosity and self-regulation and between religiosity and punctuality. Using PROCESS model 4, among 734 federal university employees in the South-east Nigeria, the results of the study showed that religiosity related positively to punctuality. Consistent with our proposition, self-regulation mediated the relationship between religiosity and punctuality. Religiosity associated with self-regulation and punctuality for individuals who are low on extraversion. Religiosity was related to self-regulation and punctuality both for individuals high on agreeableness and those high on conscientiousness. Religiosity related positively to self-regulation and punctuality for individuals low on emotional stability. Religiosity related to self-regulation and punctuality for individuals low on openness to experience. These results imply that self-regulation is key to punctuality, while individuals' personality disposition propel individuals' punctuality to appointments. These findings have implications for improving punctuality to work and appointments among public service employees and overall service delivery. Future studies should extend the present study by comparing punctuality among private and public service employees and explore the outcomes of punctuality at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the major causes of disputes and dispute resolution methods used in the construction industry with a view towards suggesting possible ways through which dispute can be controlled, mitigated, or eliminated. The random sampling technique was used to sample construction stakeholders and professionals (Clients, Contractors, Quantity Surveyors, Builders, Architects, Civil Engineers) identified in the study area. Data analysis was carried out using frequencies, percentile, and Mean Item Score (MIS) through the use of a wellstructured questionnaire. Result of this study proved that irrespective of the fact that disputes and dispute resolution methods are not new philosophy in the construction industry, undefined channel of communication, diversity in expertise of project participants, and difference in interests, concerns, training and perceptions of individuals involved in the construction project has proven to be the major causes of construction dispute. Therefore, this research outlined excellent planning with the project team members before works begin to ensure that you will finish on time, careful understanding and negotiation of the contract terms and conditions with the client, and documentation of daily report of defects that may arise during project execution as the best possible ways of mitigating construction dispute in the construction industry. The study recommends among others that strict adherence to the outlined possible ways of mitigating construction disputes be practiced amongst construction participants and stakeholders in other to eliminate the negative effects of disputes in the Nigerian construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common contaminants in the environment that can threaten the populace living close to contaminated soil. Soil samples were collected from the study and control areas which were analyzed for PAHs using Gas chromatography. The detected PAHs concentrations varied from ND to 6.83 ± 10.58 µg/kg for the study sample and ND − 3.23 ± 4.72 µg/kg for the control sample for the wet season. The study sample dry season concentration values of PAHs ranged from ND to 4.73 ± 5.69 µg/kg and varied from ND to 3.67 ± 5.49 µg/kg for the control sample in the dry season. The study sample ( ∑ PAHs) values were significantly higher than the control location in both seasons. The detected 2–3 ringed PAHs values were higher than the 4–6 ringed PAHs for both locations and seasons. The ratios of the molecular groups indicated that the PAHs were delivered to the soil from pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The values of the cancer risks for adults and children ranged from 1.02 × 10 − 9 − 5.68 × 10 − 10 to 2.27 × 10 − 9 − 4.3 × 10 − 9 for dermal and ingestion pathways respectively which makes cancer risks unlikely for both age categories in both locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of value decadence and degeneration of moral value as it applies to work ethic amongst teachers is worrisome, especially in Nigeria. This value decadence amongst Nigerian teachers could have been triggered off as a result of their false perceptions in placing demands. This study therefore investigated the effect of rational emotive occupational intervention on the perceptions of work value and ethical practices amongst teachers in primary schools in Nigeria. Randomized group control intervention was adopted with 168 primary school teachers selected as participants for this study. The participants were allocated to (treatment group: n = 84) and (waitlisted control group: n = 84). The participants in the treatment group received a 12-week program of activities (REBOI) whereas the waitlisted group received the conventional means of counseling. The results showed that rational emotive behavioural occupational intervention was significant in the work values of primary school teachers in Nigeria as measured by the Organizational Values Scale. Rational emotive occupational intervention was significant in the ethical sensitivity of primary school teachers in Nigeria as measured by the Ethical Sensitivity Scale. It was also found that rational emotive behavioral occupational intervention has significant long-term effects on work value and ethical practices among primary school teachers in Nigeria as measured by the Organizational Values Scale, Ethical Sensitivity Scale. Therefore, we conclude that rational emotive behavioral occupational intervention is effective in changing the false perceptions of work value and ethical practices among primary school teachers in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physostigmine, or eserine, is an alkaloid found in the Calabar bean (eséré), Physostigma venenosum (Balfour). The scientific discovery of physostigmine played a pivotal role in our understanding of chemical neurotransmission and the emergence of pharmacology as a science. The Efik people of Old Calabar, in present day Cross River State of Nigeria, used the bean as an ordeal poison to determine if persons accused of certain allegations such as witchcraft were guilty or innocent. Scottish missionaries working in Old Calabar witnessed eséré ordeal trials and attended to patients inadvertently poisoned by the plant. Perplexed by the ordeal trials and concerned for their patients, the missionaries sent reports of their observations and samples of the beans to scientists back in Britain for study. Evaluations of the plant material for its chemical constituents and biological activity led to the discovery of its active principle, physostigmine. Further explorations with physostigmine led to the discovery of acetylcholine and chemical neurotransmission, and the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1936. From a classic practice of ethno-jurisprudence, the world came to understand the chemical basis of synaptic transmission, and the nature of substrate-enzyme and ligand-receptor interactions as underlying principles in biochemistry and pharmacology. Numerous medicines including physostigmine have been developed based on these principles and are being used in current pharmacotherapy. The rich history of eséré plant and its physostigmine alkaloid anchors a compelling story of the role natural products have played in the discovery of modern therapeutic agents. Moreover, the story highlights the reality that probably many more medicinal plants in Africa remain to be explored for their chemical constituents as potential leads in breakthrough drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private developers in Nigeria’s housing development industry still face challenges of increasing housing stock, with a current housing deficit of 20 million units. Prefabrication, a known, yet unpopular housing construction method, has witnessed low usage. The effect of system characteristics on user acceptance of prefabrication technology is examined through the Perceived Usefulness (PU), of prefabrication system amongst private developers in the Nigerian housing development. The paper draws on the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the basis for investigation. A quantitative research approach and convenient sampling technique to select 400 private developers- members of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) in Lagos and Abuja. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis and Freidman’s ANOVA test. Findings showed that prefabrication amongst private developers in Nigeria is perceived as being highly useful for increasing housing stock. PU increases the degree of positivity toward usage, which subsequently triggers the intention to adopt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human waste is as important to mankind as life itself. As people feed for survival, the process of digestion leads to the production of human waste. Lagos being a Mega city with a population of more than fifteen million, the human waste generated is significant. How the generated human waste is handled is worthy of assessment. This paper examines the methods through which human wastes are collected and disposed in Ikeja residential quarters. The case study has the three classified residential zones of high density, medium density and low density. Sample frame was based on the number of buildings. Findings reveal that, residents across the density zones rely basically on septic tanks for human waste storage, which leads to a recommendation that septic tanks and soakaways be kept at appropriate distances to boreholes and wells, to prevent water contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In order to inform sub-national action plan for control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and benchmark interventions to improve antibiotic use, it is essential to define situations on antibiotic use using standardized tools. We sought to assess quality of antimicrobial prescription across all government healthcare facilities with capacities for in-patient care in the first of the 36 states in Nigeria as part of ongoing state-wide situation analysis on AMR. Methods: A survey was conducted between 10-27 June 2019 using the WHO methodology for point prevalence survey on antibiotic use in hospitals. Data was collected from hospital administrators and records of hospitalized patients. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2010 (Redmond Washington). Results: Prevalence of antibiotic use amongst all 321 included patients was 76.6% (246/321). Of all indications recorded, the highest was surgical prophylaxis (96/260, 36.9%) for which there were multiple doses beyond 24 hours in almost all cases (91/96, 94.8%). The largest volume of prescribing took place in the surgical wards, and the most common prescriptions were metronidazole (142/564, 25.2%), cefuroxime (104/564, 18.4%), and ceftriaxone (77/564, 13.7%). Overall, 46.3% of the antibiotics used belong to Access group, 53.5% to watch and only 0.2% to Reserve. Treatment in almost all instances 544/563 (96.6%) was empiric. Conclusions: The majority of patients received multiple antibiotics mostly without compliance to guidelines. There was low prescribing of Access antibiotics and excessive use of antibiotics in the Watch group. Antibiotics were used most commonly for surgical prophylaxis but inappropriately. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in this study underscores the crucial need for an action plan incorporating antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hard ticks are not only haematophagus ectoparasites of vertebrates, but vectors of several micro-organisms that cause severe diseases around the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, tick infestation is major setback to improvement of livestock and companion animals due to misdiagnosis. The combination of morphological and molecular approach has been documented as a reliable and most appropriate procedure for accurate identification of tick species. Therefore, this study aimed to identify ticks that infest dogs across the six Area Councils of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja-Nigeria. Ticks (n=2041) were collected from dogs sampled (n=480) for a period of one year and identified morphologically. Genomic DNA was extracted from representative identified tick specimen (n=30) and were amplified in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using genus specific primers targeting 18S rRNA gene. The products were electrophoresed on 1.5% agarose gel, purified, and sequenced bidirectionally. The nucleotide sequences were analysed in BLASTn in NCBI data base. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Neighbour-Joining Algorithms. The identification by morphology showed that ticks were belonging to 2 Genera: Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma. The most abundant genus was Rhipicephalus (99.9%), and then Amblyomma (0.1%). DNA amplification showed bands size of 173 bp and the BLASTn search analysis revealed 99-100% identity with R. sanguineus in the GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis showed that strains of the R. sanguineus were similar to those previously reported in Israel and Cuba. In conclusion, Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick found among dogs screened in Abuja, Nigeria, irrespective of their use. This is the first molecular identification of dog ticks in the FCT and may have epidemiological significance in the control of ticks and tick-borne disease in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of political advertorials in educating the electorate on the need to vote during elections in Nigeria. The study focused on the 2015 general election in Nigeria with particular attention to North Central Nigeria. The population of the study was 191,554, comprising the number of state civil servants in North-Central Nigeria, while multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 382 as the sample for the study, arrived at, using the Kretcie and Morgan sampling table. After a descriptive and inferential data analysis, it was found out that there was high level of use of political advertorials for voter education in 2015 elections. Most of the respondents were exposed to political advertorials on voter education in North-Central Nigeria, since more than 90% of them read the advertorials, most of the political advertorials were written to favour certain candidates and political parties; hence the voter education content was bias, among others. It was recommended, among others, that there should be more of political advertorials regularly on the pages of Nigeria newspaper, instead of limiting such publications to the election years alone, as it will lead to consistency in the messages, thereby registering on peoples’ minds political consciousness, needed for voter education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental programming is a process where stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of growth and development might permanently alter tissue anatomy and physiology so as to produce adverse effects in adult life. Most forms of exposure include maternal nutrient deprivation, nutrient excess, exogenous glucocorticoid excess and endogenous glucocorticoid due to maternal stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) are highly rich in phenolic compounds with marked physiological activities, the sweetened aqueous extract of Hs, commonly known as "Zobo' in Nigeria, is consumed by humans including pregnant and lactating mothers. This study aimed at determining effects of perinatal administration of flavonoid-rich extract from Hs to feed-restricted rats, on offspring postnatal growth and reproductive development. Twenty-five pregnant female rats were used. Rats were randomly placed into five groups of five rats per group (one animal per cage): Group I (Normal control); Group II (feed-restricted control); Group III (5 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet); Group IV (10 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet); Group V (20 mg/kg extract + 70% feed-restricted diet). Dams were allowed to nurse only 8 pups. Pups were weaned to ad libitum feed and water and were observed daily for puberty onset. Weights, lengths and body mass index (BMI) of pups were measured at delivery, weaning and puberty onset. At onset of puberty in each of the rats, blood samples were collected for determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol and testosterone. Reproductive organs were excised and weighed for histology. The extract caused significant increase in postnatal weight, length and BMI of offspring at birth, weaning and puberty onset and significantly delayed puberty onset in both sexes. There was significant increase in absolute and relative weights of testes and ovaries with alterations in histology. This study has shown that maternal consumption of flavonoid-rich extract of Hs during pregnancy and lactation may accelerate offspring postnatal growth with delay in onset of puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS are major public health issues globally. The burden of these diseases is particularly significant in Nigeria due to the high TB and HIV/AIDS prevalence. This meta-analysis for the 1st time addressed the TB/HIV coinfection prevalence in Nigeria at the regional level. A total of 58 relevant publications comprising 80 studies (n = 44,508) were obtained from PUBMED, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, and Cochrane Library databases using carefully constructed keywords combinations. The PRISMA guideline was followed for this meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers conducted the publication screening, data extraction and methodological quality appraisal with a third reviewer serving as arbitrator. The pooled estimates were calculated using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistic. Univariate and multivariate meta-regressions were done to predict sources of between-study heterogeneity. Overall, the pooled prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection was 25.8%. The highest coinfection prevalence of 34.3% was recorded among the North Central States of Nigeria, while the least prevalence of 19.3% was recorded among the Southeastern states of Nigeria. There was a paucity of published articles from the Northeastern states of Nigeria. There was a significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 > 90%, p < 0.001), but meta-regression analysis only explained < 10% of it. This study has shown that the prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection remains significantly high in Nigeria. Constant surveillance should be rigorously implemented with special attention given to the Northeast due to the ongoing crises that are compounding the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diaphragm is a fibro-muscular partition that separates the relatively low-pressure thoracic cavity from the relatively high-pressure abdominal cavity. This difference in pressure causes transmigration of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity whenever there is a defect, often resulting in cardiorespiratory disturbances. Objective: To describe the profile of diaphragmatic hernias managed in three tertiary hospitals in, South-East Nigeria and compare same with global outcomes. Methodology: Retrospective study of patients with different types of diaphragmatic hernias managed in three centre over a 13-year period was done. Data on demography, types of hernias, mode of presentation, diagnostic methodology, treatment offered and prognosis including complications were obtained from Record Departments of each hospital. Results: There were a total of 44 patients with male to female ratio of 9:2. The ages ranged from 21 days to 840 months. The profile of the hernias was congenital (n=8, 18.2%), acquired traumatic (n= 30, 68.2%) and acquired non-traumatic (n=6, 13.6%). Among the congenital types-four (50%) were central, three (37.5%) were posterior while one (12.5%) was anterior. In the acquired traumatic types, left side was dominant. In the hiatal hernia (acquired nontraumatic), types 1 has the highest occurrence followed by type IV. Associated injuries in traumatic diaphragmatic hernias were the determinants of morbidity. Conclusion: Thoraco-abdominal hernias as described are not uncommon in our centre. Multidisciplinary approach and functional Intensive care unit (ICU) played significant role in the outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria has abundant surface and ground water resources many of which are polluted and can be detrimental to human health when consumed. This study investigated the effects of effluents discharged by industries into streams on the health of people who depend on stream water for domestic purposes in the Onitsha urban area of eastern Nigeria. Water samples collected from eleven discharge locations underwent physico-chemical and microbiological analyses. Data on the effects of industrial effluents on health were obtained from records in the public hospitals located in Onitsha as well as through questionnaire surveys and field observations. The results of the analyses revealed that the effluents grossly degrade surface water bodies; several parameters (temperature, iron, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, lead, magnesium, total heterotrophic counts, total coliform group, pH) had values which were higher than the WHO (2011) safety limits for drinking water. The contamination of investigated streams by effluents had negative impact on the health of stream users. The discussion included health effects of polluted water and the prevalence of water borne or related diseases in the area. Implications of these findings were also discussed. Management measures capable of minimizing contamination of surface water in the study area were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in food animals, associated products, and their zoonotic potential in Nigeria are poorly understood. This study aimed to provide data on the prevalence, genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus isolated from chicken and pig carcasses, and persons in contact with the carcasses at slaughterhouses in Nigeria. Surface swabs were collected randomly from 600 chicken and 600 pig carcasses. Nasal swabs were collected from 45 workers in chicken slaughterhouses and 45 pig slaughterhouse workers. S. aureus isolates were analyzed by spa typing. They were also examined for presence of the Panton-Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) and mecA genes, as well as for antimicrobial resistance phenotype. Overall, 53 S. aureus isolates were recovered (28 from chicken carcasses, 17 from pig carcasses, 5 from chicken carcass handlers and 3 from pig carcass handlers). Among the isolates, 19 (35.8%) were PVL-positive and 12 (22.6%) carried the mecA gene. The 53 isolates belonged to 19 spa types. The Based Upon Repeat Pattern (BURP) algorithm separated the isolates into 2 spa-clonal complexes (spa-CC) and 9 singletons including 2 novel spa types (t18345 and t18346). The clonal complexes (CC) detected were CC1, CC5, CC8, CC15, CC88 and CC152. CC15-related isolates represented by spa type t084 (32.1%) and CC5 represented by spa type t311 (35.3%) predominated among isolates from chicken carcasses/ handlers, and pig carcasses/ handlers, respectively. Multidrug resistance exhibited by all the CC except CC8, was observed among isolates from chicken carcasses (64.3%), pig carcasses (41.2%), handlers of chicken meat (40.0%) and handlers of pork (33.3%). All the CC showed varying degrees of resistance to tetracycline while CC15 and CC5 exhibited the highest resistance to sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim and erythromycin, respectively. The predominant antimicrobial resistance pattern observed was penicillin-tetracycline-sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (PEN-TET-SXT). In conclusion, food animals processed in Enugu State in Southeast Nigeria are potential vehicles for transmission of PVL-positive multiple-drug resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus from farm to slaughterhouse and potentially to the human population. Public health intervention programs at pre- and post-slaughter stages should be considered in Nigerian slaughterhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fate of marriage gifts during a customary law divorce is significant for the interaction of legal orders in sub- Saharan Africa, especially in the context of scholars' fixation with conflict of laws. In analysing this fatet, this article introduces normative intersectionality as a theoretical framework for a nuanced understanding of how laws and socio-economic forces interact in post-colonial settings. Normative intersectionality rejects a legal positivist view of rights, which neglects people's adaptation of indigenous norms to socioeconomic changes. In this sense, normative intersectionality is useful for addressing the traditional Igbo law of matrimonial property, which regards a married woman's property rights as subsumed in her husband's rights. Using the division of marriage gifts in Southern Nigeria as a case study, the article draws attention to how legal orders speak to, rather than against, each other, and in so doing, stresses the adaptive character of indigenous laws. It argues that normative intersectionality illumines the interplay of gender equality, property rights and legal pluralism. Accordingly, it urges judges to use the imitative nature of legal pluralism in post-colonial settings to remedy entrenched systems of injustice and inequality, which often hide under the banner of tradition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the consensus of scholars that the productivity of the construction industry is very low when compared with other industries. Concurrent Engineering (CE), which has a primary goal of reducing the total time from designing a product to releasing it into the market, while creating better designs as well, has been identified as one of the concepts that has yielded effective adaptation in the construction industry. An exploratory survey was used to identify 63 variables with the capacity to influence the uptake of Concurrent Engineering in Nigeria and was used to design a questionnaire, which was distributed to 50 stratified construction industry stakeholders. A statistical software package (STATISTIXL) was used to analyse the severity index of each variable, in order to establish the importance of each variable in influencing the uptake of Concurrent engineering and also to compute the Kendall's coefficient of concordance, which assess the levels of agreement among the judges on the consistency of the rankings. A Kendall's coefficient of concordance of W=0.57365 was recorded. A lack of awareness emerged as the most important barrier against the integration of this concept into the Nigerian construction industry. The top five variables are all human factors that can be ameliorated by proper education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing public and professional awareness of autism spectrum disorders with early recognition, diagnosis and interventions that are known to improve prognosis. Poor knowledge about childhood autism among paediatric and psychiatric nurses who are members of multidisciplinary teams that care for such children may be a major barrier to early interventions that could improve quality of life and prognosis in childhood autism. Factors that influence knowledge about childhood autism among these nurses are not known. This study assessed knowledge about childhood autism among paediatric and psychiatric nurses in Ebonyi state, Nigeria and determined the factors that could be influencing such knowledge. Methods: Forty specialist paediatric and forty psychiatric nurses, making a total sample of eighty, were randomly selected from all the health care facilities in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. A socio-demographic questionnaire and knowledge about childhood autism among health workers (KCAHW) questionnaire were administered to them and the study was a point survey. Results: The total mean score on the KCAHW questionnaire among the nurses that participated in the study was 12.56 ± 3.23 out of a total of 19 possible. The mean score for the paediatric nurses was 11.78 ± 3.64 while psychiatric nurses had mean score of 13.35 ± 2.58. The mean scores in Domain 1 were 6.17 ± 1.75 for the paediatric nurses and 6.52 ± 1.43 for the psychiatric nurses. The mean scores in Domain 2 were 0.65 ± 0.48 for the paediatric nurses and 0.80 ± 0.41 for the psychiatric nurses. Domain 3 showed mean scores of 1.97 ± 1.25 for the paediatric nurses while psychiatric nurses scored 2.62 ± 1.23. Domain 4 yielded the mean scores of 2.97 ± 1.54 and 3.42 ± 0.98 for the paediatric and psychiatric nurses respectively. There was significant relationship between the total mean score on the KCAHW questionnaire for the two groups and the area of specialisation of the nurses (t = -2.23, df = 78, p = 0.03) and there was also significant relationship between previous involvement in managing children with childhood autism as a specialist paediatric or psychiatric nurse and the total mean score on the KCAHW questionnaire (t = 6.90, df = 78, p = 0.00). Conclusion: The scores reflect deficits in knowledge about childhood autism among the study cohorts. Paediatric and psychiatric nurses as members of multidisciplinary teams that care for children with childhood autism are expected to provide holistic care and adequate counselling to the families of these children. Unfortunately in this environment, they are not fully equipped with enough knowledge about childhood autism. Education on childhood autism is therefore needed and can be provided through continuing medical education and emphasizing childhood autism in their training curriculum. This will enhance early identification and diagnosis of childhood autism with early interventions that are known to improve prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the status of the clinical trials market in Nigeria. It states that the country is ranked as the most populous nation in Africa in 2008 and this population provides a rich naive patient base with a wide spectrum of disease conditions. Furthermore, cost efficiency as well as relevant expertise that is available in the country are discussed in the article.

The distributions of frequency of occurrence (FOO) of ‘thick dust haze’ (TDH) and of ‘light dust haze’ (LDH) with respect to latitude, longitude, elevation and distance from source during Harmattan season (from November to February) are investigated, using 30-year visibility data collected from 27 synoptic stations located in Nigeria between the West African Sahel and the coasts of Gulf of Guinea. This region lies along the Harmattan season trajectory of Saharan dust. Also investigated is the temporal variability of TDH and LDH on intra-seasonal and inter-annual timescales spanning three decades from 1971 to 2000. Dust haze distribution over the region is found to correlate with the four geographical variables to different extents, with latitude, distance from source and elevation showing strong correlations with both TDH and LDH. The investigation also shows that while FOO of TDH days increases with latitude (correlation coefficient, r lat,FOO_TDH=0.88), FOO of LDH days decreases with latitude over the region (correlation coefficient, r lat,FOO_LDH=−0.74). The correlation coefficients with longitude over the region are r lon,FOO_TDH=0.44 and r lon,FOO_LDH=−0.25, respectively, indicating weaker dependence of TDH and LDH on longitude. The average number of TDH days per month during the Harmattan season in the region ranges from about 0.5 in the humid coastal zone near the Gulf of Guinea in the south, to approximately 6 in the dry semi-arid zone near the West African Sahel. An empirical equation which shows that FOO of TDH increases exponentially with latitude over the region is derived. The FOO of TDH is found to be most variable in or near the Sahel zone and decreases southwards towards the Gulf of Guinea. The average of the standard deviations is 1.13 for the six northernmost synoptic stations and decreases to 0.51 over the six coastal and southernmost locations. In contrast, the FOO of LDH is most variable in the south (with standard deviation of 2.11 (over the six southernmost and coastal stations) and decreases to an average of 0.30 (over six of the extreme northern stations). The observed patterns of TDH and LDH distribution are attributed to distance from dust source region, decrease in dust particle size and wind speed from north to south, increase in atmospheric humidity and vegetation cover from the Sahel in the north to the coastal zone in the south, as well as inter-annual variability of Sahel rainfall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Notwithstanding the increased toxic heavy metals/metalloids (THMs) accumulation in (edible) organs owed to goat′s feeding habit and anthropogenic activities, the chevon remains increasingly relished as a special delicacy in Nigeria. Specific to the South-Eastern region, however, there is paucity of relevant data regarding the prevalence of THMs in goat carcasses processed for human consumption. This work was, therefore, aimed to investigate the detection, distribution and health risk assessment of THMs in goat carcass processed for human consumption in South-Eastern Nigeria. To achieve this, a total of 450 meat samples (kidney, liver and muscle) were evaluated from 150 randomly selected goat carcasses processed in two major slaughterhouses in Enugu State. The detection, distribution, as well as health risk assessment parameters followed standard procedures. Results revealed that at least one THM was detected in 56% of the carcasses. Mean concentrations of arsenic (As) were 0.53 ± 0.10 mg/kg, 0.57 ± 0.09 mg/kg and 0.45 ± 0.08 mg/kg, lead (Pb) were 0.48 ± 0.38 mg/kg, 0.45 ± 0.24 mg/kg and 0.82 ± 0.39 mg/kg, cadmium (Cd) was 0.06 ± 0.32 mg/kg, 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg, and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg for kidney, liver and muscle tissues, respectively. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) for all THMs were above the recommended safe limits. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) computed for all As, Cd and Pb fell below unity in all the studied organs, which indicated no non-carcinogenic risks. Curtailing the anthropogenic activities that aid the THM-contamination in goat production/processing lines is recommended. Screening for THM-contamination in Nigerian slaughterhouses is imperative, so as to ascertain the toxicological safety of meats intended for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment guidelines recommend the use of antipsychotic monotherapy at effective doses for the treatment of schizophrenia, although about a third of the sufferers still receive high-dose antipsychotic treatment. Current evidence suggests that high-dose antipsychotic prescription (HDAP) not only fails to improve outcomes but also increases side effects. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of HDAP and its association with illness severity, medication adherence behaviour and side effects amongst outpatients with schizophrenia. Setting: The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 320 attendees with schizophrenia at the outpatient department was undertaken. We administered a sociodemographic and antipsychotic medication questionnaire, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effects Rating Scales and Medication Adherence Rating Scales. High-dose antipsychotic prescription was determined by the ratio of prescribed daily dose to defined daily dose greater than 1.5. Results: The prevalence of HDAP was 38.4%. Greater severity of illness, experiencing more side effects and poor medication adherence were significantly associated with HDAP. The major predictors of HDAP were antipsychotic polypharmacy and concurrent anticholinergic use. Conclusion: We conclude that although the use of HDAP amongst patients with schizophrenia remains common, its persistent use should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing globally. Risk scores are useful tools for identifying individuals at risk of developing the disease. There is a dearth of data on the diabetes risk profile and indices of adiposity in young adult Nigerians. Objective: The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of some adiposity indices and predict the 10-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a young adult population in Umudike, South East, Nigeria using the FINDRISC tool. Data source: This study was carried out in Umudike, Nigeria and involved a total of 165 participants (90 males and 75 females), aged 18-30 years. Methods: Blood pressure measurements and anthropometric readings were taken based on standard procedures and body mass index was determined. Diabetes risk scoring was done using the validated Finnish Diabetes Risk Scoring (FINDRISC) tool. Results: Overweight and obesity was found in 27.9% and 3.6% of the population while hypertension was found in 18.8% of the population. The females had a higher mean BMI (24.7 ± 2.9 vs 22.0 ± 2.4), waist circumference (77.7 ± 7.8 vs 75.9 ± 5.9), waist-to-height ratio (0.47 ± 0.05 vs 0.43 ± 0.03), risk score (6.1 ± 4.0 vs 4.3 ± 3.3) and a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, abdominal obesity, waist-to-height ratio and high risk score relative to males. Conclusion: The study reported a 66.7% low risk, 24.2% slightly elevated risk, 8.5% moderately elevated risk and 0.6% high risk of developing diabetes mellitus within the next 10 years. There is an urgent need for lifestyle modification in the population with particular emphasis on the females. This will prevent a potential boom in diabetes prevalence in the future. Summary: This population based study was carried out amongst young adults in Umudike, Nigeria. The study was carried out to assess the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus using the validated Finnish Diabetes Risk Scoring (FINDRISC) tool. The young adults in the study population had a 9.1% moderate to high risk of developing diabetes with a female preponderance of diabetes risk. An urgent lifestyle modification is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Little is known about perception and determination of child maltreatment across countries. Although differences in perception and determination of maltreatment across regions of a single country are well documented, comparative knowledge across countries remains sparse. This internet survey examined perception of abusive behaviors and factors considered important in determining maltreatment in three countries (i.e., the United States, Ghana, and Nigeria). Method: Forty-five abusive behaviors comprising physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, child neglect, and child labor, as well as 13 factors considered important in determining maltreatment, were examined among a convenience sample of 327 respondents in the United States, Ghana, and Nigeria. Respondents were recruited within and outside universities in the three countries and links to the survey were sent to respondents who are nonstudents. Results: With all the countries combined, consensus was high for 15 of the 45 abusive behaviors, although levels of consensus and perceptions varied by country and race. Consensus was high for all of the abusive behaviors among respondents in the United States, 36 of the abusive behaviors among respondents in Ghana, and none of the abusive behaviors among respondents in Nigeria. Respondents who are White/Caucasian were significantly more likely to perceive 5 of the behaviors as abuse than respondents who are Black/non-Caucasian. Similarly, factors considered important in determining maltreatment differed by country and race. Respondents in the United States and Ghana were more likely to consider 9 of the 13 factors important in determining maltreatment compared to respondents in Nigeria. Also, Caucasians/Whites were more likely to consider 6 of the 13 factors important in determining maltreatment compared to Blacks/non-Caucasians. Conclusion: Despite racial and regional differences, there are indications that cross-cultural consensus on perception and determination of abusive behaviors is possible. Understanding differences in socio-cultural experiences may help bridge the current gaps in cross-cultural consensus on perception and determination of abusive behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we have provided more insights on the relationship between under five morbidity in Nigeria and some background characteristics using a Poisson regression model and the most recent 2018 NDHS data on Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), diarrhoea and fever. Some of our results are that children 36-47 months old have the highest risk of ARI [OR = 1.45; CI (1.31,1.60)] while children less than 6 months old have the lowest risk of ARI [OR = 0.14; CI (0.11,0.17)]. The prevalence of diarrhoea is generally high among children under 48-59 months old but highest among children 6-11 months old [OR = 4.34; CI (3.69,5.09)]. Compared to children 48-59 months old, children in all other age categories except 24-34 months old have a high risk of fever [OR = 0.95; CI (0.73,1.24)]. ARI is more prevalent among female children [OR = 8.88; CI (8.02,9.82)] while diarrhoea [OR = 21.75; (19.10,24.76)] and fever [OR = 4.78; CI (4.31,5.32)] are more prevalent among male children. Children in urban areas are more likely to suffer ARI [OR = 9.49; CI (8.31,10.85)] while children in rural areas are more likely to suffer both diarrhoea [OR = 21.75; CI (19.10,24.76)] and fever [OR = 4.90; CI (4.26,5.63)]. Children in the South-South have the highest risk of ARI [OR = 4.03; CI (3.65,4.454)] while children in the North Central have the lowest risk of ARI [OR = 1.55; CI (1.38,1.74)] and highest risk of diarrhoea [OR = 3.34; CI (2.30,5.11)]. Children in the Northeast have the highest risk of fever [OR = 1.30; CI (1.14,1.48)]. In the Northcentral region, Kogi state has the highest prevalence of fever [OR = 2.27; CI (1.62,3.17)], while Benue state has the lowest [OR = 0.35; CI (0.20,0.60)]. Children in Abuja state face similar risks of fever and diarrhoea [OR = 0.84; CI (0.55,1.27)], with the risk of diarrhoea in Abuja being comparable to that in Plateau state [OR = 1.57; CI (0.92,2.70)]. Nasarawa state records the highest incidence of diarrhoea in the Northcentral [OR = 5.12; CI (3.03,8.65)], whereas Kogi state reports the lowest [OR = 0.29; CI (0.16,0.53)]. In the Northeast, Borno state has the highest rate of fever [OR = 3.28; CI (2.80,3.84)], and Bauchi state the lowest [OR = 0.38; CI (0.29,0.50)]. In Adamawa state, the risks of fever and diarrhoea are nearly equivalent [OR = 1.17; CI (0.97,1.41)], and the risk of fever there is similar to that in Taraba state [OR = 0.92; CI (0.75,1.12)]. Diarrhoea is most prevalent in Yobe state [OR = 3.17; CI (2.37,4.23)] and least prevalent in Borno state [OR = 0.26; CI (0.20,0.33)]. In the Northwest, the risk of fever is similarly high in Zamfara and Kebbi states [OR = 1.04; CI (0.93,1.17)], with Kastina state showing the lowest risk [OR = 0.39; CI (0.34,0.46)]. Children in Zamfara state experience notably different risks of fever and diarrhoea [OR = 0.07; CI (0.05,0.10)]. Kaduna state reports the highest incidence of diarrhoea [OR = 21.88; CI (15.54,30.82)], while Kano state has the lowest [OR = 2.50; CI (1.73,3.63)]. In the Southeast, Imo state leads in fever incidence [OR = 8.20; CI (5.61,11.98)], while Anambra state has the lowest [OR = 0.40; CI (0.21,0.78)]. In Abia state, the risk of fever is comparable to that in Enugu state [OR = 1.03; CI (0.63,1.71)], but the risks of fever and diarrhoea in Abia differ significantly [OR = 2.67; CI (1.75,4.06)]. Abia state also has the highest diarrhoea rate in the Southeast [OR = 2.67; CI (1.75,4.06)], with Ebonyi state having the lowest [OR = 0.05; CI (0.03,0.09)]. In the South-South region, Bayelsa and Edo states have similar risks of fever [OR = 1.28; CI (0.84,1.95)], with Akwa Ibom state reporting the highest fever rate [OR = 4.62; CI (3.27,6.52)] and Delta state the lowest [OR = 0.08; CI (0.02,0.25)]. Children in Bayelsa state face distinctly different risks of fever and diarrhoea [OR = 0.56; CI (0.34,0.95)]. Rivers state shows the highest incidence of diarrhoea in the South-South [OR = 10.50; CI (4.78,23.06)], while Akwa Ibom state has the lowest [OR = 0.30; CI (0.15,0.57)]. In the Southwest, Lagos and Osun states have similar risks of fever [OR = 1.00; CI (0.59,1.69)], with Ogun state experiencing the highest incidence [OR = 3.47; CI (2.28,5.28)] and Oyo state the lowest [OR = 0.18; CI (0.07,0.46)]. In Lagos state, the risks of fever and diarrhoea are comparable [OR = 0.96; CI (0.57,1.64)], and the risk of diarrhoea is similar to those in Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states. Oyo state has the highest diarrhoea rate in the Southwest [OR = 10.99; CI (3.81,31.67)], with Ogun state reporting the lowest [OR = 0.77; CI (0.42,1.42)]. Children of mothers with more than secondary education are significantly less likely to suffer ARI [OR = 0.35; CI (0.29,0.42)], whereas children of mothers without any education run a higher risk of diarrhoea [OR = 2.12; CI (1.89,2.38)] and fever [OR = 2.61; CI (2.34,2.91)]. Our analysis also indicated that household wealth quintile is a significant determinant of morbidity. The results in this paper could help the government and non-governmental agencies to focus and target intervention programs for ARI, diarrhoea and fever on the most vulnerable and risky under five groups and populations in Nigeria., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are contaminants of interest in the ecosystem due to associated health risks. Therefore, their detection in the environment is important. In this regard, the risk assessment of PAHs in borehole water near the unlined dumpsite in Anambra State was investigated. Samples of borehole water (16 each) were collected from the study and control areas during both seasons. The PAH concentrations in the borehole water samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. The mean PAH concentration in the study and control samples for the wet season varied from BL-7.65 µg/L to BL-2.98 µg/L, respectively. The study samples' dry season values ranged from BL to 3.33 µg/L, while control samples ranged from BL to 1.87 µg/L. [Formula: see text]PAHs for the wet and dry seasons varied from 5.8 to 13.94 µg/L and 4.25 to 10.09 µg/L for study and control samples, respectively. The four and five rings PAH were the most dominant group in the [Formula: see text] PAHs for the study and control samples, respectively. Diagnostic ratios suggested pyrolytic and petrogenic sources for both locations. The cluster analysis showed different sources of the congeners in the samples. The non-carcinogenic risk showed no possibility of risks via dermal and ingestion routes. In addition, the possibility of cancer risks via ingestion routes was doubtful. The carcinogenic risk index through dermal contact exceeded the acceptable limit for adults and is at a tolerable limit for children, indicating potential threats to humans, with adults more susceptible to cancer risks. Therefore, this study recommends that sanitary dumpsites be constructed for waste disposal and implementation of environmental laws to prevent underground water pollution and the environment., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Prolonged QTc interval, a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia, occurs in sickle cell anemia. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of prolonged QTc interval and its relationship with vaso-occlusive painful crises (VOCs) and follow-up steady-state in the same children with sickle cell anemia. This prospective cohort study enrolled 38 subjects, aged 5-17 years. History of bone pain and examination were obtained during VOC and steady-state. Assessment of QTc interval was with 12-lead electrocardiography. The QTc interval value >0.440 seconds was taken as prolonged. Median (interquartile range) of QTc interval was higher during VOC [0.447 (0.438-0.459) seconds] than during steady-state [0.435 (0.417-0.440) seconds]. Risk of prolonged QTc interval was higher during VOC (68.4%) than in steady-state (21.1%) with relative risk of 3.250 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.692-6.241]. Prolonged QTc interval was likely to occur [area under curve (AUC) = 0.759, p <0.001] during VOC with 68.4% sensitivity, 78.9% specificity and at cutoff point of 0.441 seconds. Prolonged QTc interval negatively correlated with packed cell volume (PCV) during VOC [ r s (36) = -0.14, p  = 0.387]. Binary logistics of the combined effect of PCV and gender on QTc interval showed that during VOC, males were more likely to have prolonged QTc [odds ratio (OR): 1.337 (95% CI: 0.327-5.464; p  = 0.686]. Children with sickle cell anemia, particularly males, were three-times more likely to have prolonged QTc interval during VOC when QTc interval was >0.441 seconds. Routine electrocardiography may help to identify those with QTc intervals above this threshold for prompt cardiac-oriented management.

A source of comprehensive information on the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can help researchers and policymakers address HSV related burden in the society. At the moment, this is not readily available. This study aims to fill this gap by attempting to estimate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in Nigeria on the basis of published data. A systematic review and meta-analysis including cross-sectional studies on HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Nigeria was conducted. Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, African Journals Online (AJOL), ScienceDirect, WHO-Afro Library, WHO-IRIS and African Index Medicus were searched for English Language publications on HSV-1 and HSV-2. Seven relevant publications were identified. Seroprevalence measures of 3 and 23 for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively, were extracted. The pooled mean seroprevalences for HSV-1 and HSV-2 were 74.0% (37.4-99.4%) and 63.4% (56.1-70.4%) respectively. The mean seroprevalence of HSV-1 was higher among females, 82.4% (n = 509, CI, 36.6-100.0%), than males, 54.5% (n = 198, CI, 47.6-61.4%). The mean seroprevalence of HSV-2 were 51.8% (n = 1414, CI: 39.4-64.0%) and 86.5% (n = 162, CI: 80.8-91.3%) among healthy and clinical populations, respectively. The study was limited by the paucity of quality studies, variations in diagnostic methods and high heterogeneity in seroprevalence estimates. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 remain high in Nigeria. Large and representative national epidemiological surveys covering all regions and specific groups are recommended.

Laboratory screening for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in blood donors currently consists of testing for hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) antigen alone. The prevalence of isolated anti-HBc-IgM is not yet known in the semi arid region of Nigeria. The major objective of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc-IgM) and other infectious agent markers; HBsAg, HCV, HIV and Syphilis among blood donors in the North Eastern region of Nigeria. In a cross sectional study from October 2010 to January 2011, 266 blood donors were tested for the infectious disease markers using standard ELISA procedures as contained in the manufacturer's standard operating procedures. The prevalence of various infectious markers obtained were as follows: HBsAg (8.6%); anti-HCV (1.5%); HIV (2.6%) and anti-HBc-IgM(18.4%). There was a zero percent prevalence of Syphilis in this donor population. The proportion of isolated anti- HBc-IgM antibody obtained was 18.1%. Performance indices for HBsAg were as follows: Sensitivity (10.2%), specificity (91.7%), positive predictive value (PPV) (21.7%), Negative predictive value (81.9%), and efficiency (76.7%). The prevalence of anti-HBc- IgM antibody was higher among first time blood donors (21.4%), and in some ethnic groups. There is a high prevalence of isolated anti-HBc-IgM antibody among blood donors in Maiduguri. The sensitivity of HBsAg was found to be very low and as such many recent HBV infections may be missed during pre-transfusion screening. The use of anti-HBc-IgM screening as a mandatory pre-transfusion screening test is hereby advocated.

Background: Several investigators studying patient satisfaction have shown that the mode of medical care delivery appears to be more important to the patient than the care itself., Objective: This study investigated patient satisfaction ratings with obstetric ultrasonography based on variables that the operator of the ultrasound equipment can influence., Method: A total of 100 self-completion questionnaires were delivered to 4 ultrasound centers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria (25 to each center). The questionnaire included questions on patient demographics as well as ordinal scales for patients to rate their satisfaction on various indices. Ninety-two questionnaires (92%) were returned. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Tests were 2 tailed with P<.05 indicating statistical significance., Results: The results were encouraging. Average satisfaction ratings above 50% were noted for all the indices except for patients' perception of the time between arrival and departure, which was slightly below 50%., Conclusion: Good staff-patient interaction and proper organizational behavior could improve satisfaction ratings.