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This investigation tested the hypothesis that the alternate wet and dry (AWD) water regime would increase soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and microbial count. Variations in MBC, MBN and grain yield could be due to varietal differences in a derived savanna. Experiments (both pot and field ones) were conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Latitude 7° 12' to 7° 20' N and Longitude 3° 20' to 3° 28' E), Nigeria in 2015. In both trials, the treatments consisted of water regimes (continuous flooding [control] and AWD imposed on lowland rice varieties [NERICA® L-19] and Ofada [local check]) at the vegetative growth stage in three cycles. The design in both trials was a completely randomised and randomised complete block design for the pot and field experiments respectively, with three replicates. In the screen house, MBC and MBN were significantly higher in AWD than in continuously flooded soil, especially at the beginning of the AWD cycles. This could have caused nutrient pulses to sustain the improved performance of lowland rice under AWD. A converse pattern was observed in the field in the third cycle. Ofada rice had a significantly higher microbial count and MBC (cycle 1) than NERICA L-19, however, a converse pattern was observed in MBC (cycles 2 and 3) and MBN (cycle 1). Composition of their rhizodeposition and timing of cycles could explain the observed varietal differences in MBC and MBN.

Two field studies were conducted to investigate growth and yield responses of NERICA rice cultivars to organic fertiliser sources, at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) between May 31 and September 30 of 2009 and OgbeEruku Village (OEV), Owode - Egba, Ogun State, Nigeria between July 7 and November 30 also in 2009. FUNAAB is a transition between rainforest and a derived savanna whereas OEV is in a rainforest zone. The experiment was a 10 × 3 × 2 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. The treatments were three rice varieties (NERICA 1, NERICA 2, and Ofada) and three application rates of different manure types (poultry manure at 0 t/ha-1, 10 t/ha-1 and 20 t/ha-1; cow dung at 0 t/ha-1, 7 t/ha-1 and 14 t/ha-1; swine manure at 0 t/ha-1, 3.5 t/ha-1 and 7 t/ha-1). These levels are equivalent to 0 kg N/ha-1, 45 kg N/ha-1, and 90 kg N/ha-1. The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) varietal variability on dry matter accumulation at maturity in the order NERICA 1 > Ofada > NERICA 3. Inorganic fertiliser source at recommended rate recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher effect on all growth parameters compared to organic sources. Growth characters were significantly higher at FUNAAB than OEV, conversely grain yield was significantly higher at OEV, where NERICA 1 at higher application rates of poultry and swine manure recorded grain yield comparative to inorganic fertiliser at recommended rate.

Context: Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children aged less than 5 years. Healthcare providers are responsible for implementing strategies for control of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Aims: To determine knowledge of healthcare providers regarding rotavirus gastroenteritis, its burden, management, and prevention. Materials and Methods: The study was a crosssectional descriptive survey of healthcare providers working in facilities caring for children. A selfadministered questionnaire was given to subjects containing questions on demographics and knowledge covering burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis, modes of transmission, age of occurrence, prevention, and rotavirus vaccines. Statistical analysis used: Data analysis was carried out with SPSS version 20. Results: Questionnaires were issued to 75 participants of which 65 (response rate = 86.7%) returned filled questionnaires. Majority (70.8%) of the subjects were females. Subjects included medical doctors (33.8%), nurses (32.3%), community health extension workers (27.7%), and laboratory scientists (4.6%). Most [39, 60.0%] subjects identified rotavirus as the commonest cause of diarrhea and only 21 (32.3%) indicated rotavirus contributed over 30% to the burden of diarrhea in these children. Fecooral route was recognized as a route of transmission by most subjects (95.4%) and 67.7% identified vaccination as a modality for prevention. Only six (9.2%) respondents could name any rotavirus vaccine. None of the demographic or occupational characteristics of the subjects was significantly related to awareness of effective rotavirus vaccines (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Healthcare providers were aware of rotavirus as a cause of gastroenteritis in underfive children but most had poor understanding regarding its burden, prevention, and existing vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence, frequency and reasons for the consumption of energy drinks among members of registered football clubs in Lagos, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed and the study setting was Onikan Stadium Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 350 members of the football clubs. Method: A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence, frequency and reasons for consumption of energy drinks. Epi Info® software (version 6.04) was used for data analysis. Results: Most of the respondents (76.3%) were energy-drink consumers but none of them was a daily user. Most of those who took it (71.9%) drank at least two cans a week. Power Horse™ was the most preferred choice (58.4%) and more than one-third (37.1%) mixed it with alcohol. The commonest reasons for using energy drinks were leisure (42%), performance enhancement (25.1%) and drinking with friends (25.1%). Single students between ages 21 and 30 years consumed energy drinks more than married, younger or older workers (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The majority of the football players were weekly energy-drink users and the commonest reason for consumption was leisure. Although it can be expected that football players consume energy drinks to enhance their sporting performance, it was of concern to find that one-third of the football players mixed energy drinks with alcohol. Education regarding the effects of energy-drink consumption and alcohol is needed among the football players in Lagos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Inconsistent operational definitions during asthma surveillance can lead to inaccurate estimation of disease burden and formulation of health policy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different definitions on the prevalence estimates and predictors of asthma among university students in Ilorin, Nigeria. The secondary aim was to compare level of agreement of the different definitions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out from June to August 2015. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was self-administered by 1485 students. Asthma diagnosis was based on five definitions used in previous studies in the country. These were ECRHS, International Study of Asthma, Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), Probable, Modified ECRHS and Modified Probable asthma definitions. RESULTS: The prevalence rates varied from 10.4 to 24.1% depending on the definition. Prevalence obtained by using ECRHS definition significantly differed from estimates by other definitions (Z score = 1.96 p<0.0001) except modified probable asthma. Identified predictors of asthma varied from five to six depending on the definition, and their strength also differed by definition. Regardless of the definition, reported nasal allergy, skin allergy, family history of nasal allergy, asthma and parental smoking were the predictors of asthma. The Kappa statistics demonstrated a fair to almost perfect association between the ECRHS and other asthma definitions (Kappa = 0.334-0.841, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence rates and predictors of asthma are affected by operational definitions. Researchers need to adopt a uniform definition for accurate estimation of disease burden, international comparison of result and formulation of prevention policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is currently one of the most common sexual dysfunctions worldwide but it is usually underestimated because it is not a life threatening condition. The associated stigma makes men who have it to suffer in silence. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and the possible associated risk factors among Nigerian men. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional population based survey among men aged 30-80 years in Ogbomoso, South-west, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling method was used. The instrument used was the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5). Unadjusted odds ratios of possible risk factors were calculated by univariate analyses. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to eliminate the effect of possible confounders on the risk factors to get the adjusted odds ratios. Results: The general prevalence of ED in this study was 58.9%. Sixty-seven (47.2%), 16 (11.3%) and 59(41.5%) respondents had mild, moderate and severe ED respectively. Age, hypertension, use of anti-hypertensive drugs, diabetes mellitus and heart disease all had significant unadjusted associations with ED, but their adjusted associations were not statistically significant. Diabetes mellitus maintained a positive statistically significant relationship with ED after adjustment for potential confounders [OR= 8.31(95% CI 1.02 - 67.65), P= 0.048]. Conclusion: The prevalence of ED is high among south-western Nigeria male adults. Physicians, especially primary care ones, need to pay more attention to the sexual history of their patients in order to diagnose and manage ED more frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Research on occupational exposures in sawmill has suggested that workers in sawmills are at risk of developing allergenic disorders, cancer and lung diseases. To determine the perception of occupational hazards, health problems and use of safety measures among sawmill workers in Ilorin. METHODS: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using two hundred and fifty seven (257) workers in sawmill industries who had been in continuous employment in sawmill factories for a minimum of one year. They were selected by a multistage sampling process from sawmills in Ilorin. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents were wood traders, and machine operators. The occurrences of minor accidents were reported. Less then 20% of the sawmill workers wore protective devices/clothing, and health and safety standards were neither practiced nor enforced. Most perceived occupational hazards in the sawmill were dust and noise among 28.1% and 26.1% of the respondents respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The level of awareness of various occupational hazards was low except that of electric shock that was high. The most common health problems experienced was minor accidents. Availability and use of safety devices were also poor. Sociodemographic factors were not found to influence the attitude and use of safety measures at workplace but awareness had significant influence on the level of use of safety measures. There is a need to improve the level of awareness, availability and use of safety measures among the workers through subsequent sensitization and awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historically, Nigeria has experienced large bacterial meningitis outbreaks with high mortality in children. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), and Haemophilus influenzae are major causes of this invasive disease. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, we conducted longitudinal surveillance in sentinel hospitals within Nigeria to establish the burden of pediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM)., Methods: From 2010 to 2016, cerebrospinal fluid was collected from children <5 years of age, admitted to 5 sentinel hospitals in 5 Nigerian states. Microbiological and latex agglutination techniques were performed to detect the presence of pneumococcus, meningococcus, and H. influenzae. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction and serotyping/grouping were conducted to determine specific causative agents of PBM., Results: A total of 5134 children with suspected meningitis were enrolled at the participating hospitals; of these 153 (2.9%) were confirmed PBM cases. The mortality rate for those infected was 15.0% (23/153). The dominant pathogen was pneumococcus (46.4%: 71/153) followed by meningococcus (34.6%: 53/153) and H. influenzae (19.0%: 29/153). Nearly half the pneumococcal meningitis cases successfully serotyped (46.4%: 13/28) were caused by serotypes that are included in the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The most prevalent meningococcal and H. influenzae strains were serogroup W and serotype b, respectively., Conclusions: Vaccine-type bacterial meningitis continues to be common among children <5 years in Nigeria. Challenges with vaccine introduction and coverage may explain some of these finding. Continued surveillance is needed to determine the distribution of serotypes/groups of meningeal pathogens across Nigeria and help inform and sustain vaccination policies in the country., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

Background: The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among blood donors in Ilorin has not been documented. In this study, we determined the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among blood donors in Ilorin, as well as, the sociodemographic and other factors associated with it., Method: This was a hospital-based cross sectional study involving 308 consenting blood donors. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants as well as blood donation history were obtained using structured questionnaires specifically designed for this purpose. Giemsastained thick and thin blood films to identify malaria parasites were performed using standard method. ABO blood grouping and haemoglobin electrophoresis tests were also done using standard methods., Results: The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among blood donors in Ilorin was 27.3%. The parasite species found were more of Plasmodium falciparum(85.7%) than Plasmodium malariae(14.3%) . There was no age or sex difference in malaria parasitaemia. (p-value of 0.8 and 0.32 respectively). A greater proportion of blood group O individuals had malaria parasitaemia than groups A and B but this difference was not significant (p-value = 0.13). There was also no significant difference among haemoglobin genotypes., Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria parasites among blood donors in Ilorin is considerably high and lack of routine screening of blood puts recipients at risk. We recommend that routine screening for malaria parasites be commenced in our blood banks. Treatment of donor blood with riboflavin and UV light to inactivate malaria parasites and other infectious pathogens before they are transfused to patients may also be considered in our blood banks.

Aims and Objectives: The aim was to identify any relationship between obesity and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetic subjects., Subjects and Methods: Male and female diabetic subjects aged 50-89 years. Body mass index (BMI) was used to estimate total body weight and the waist-to- hip ratio (WHR) as well as waist circumference (WC) were used for abdominal fat distribution estimation. Peripheral arterial disease was defined by an ankle brachial index <0.9., Results: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was observed in 52.5% of the subjects. BMI, WHR and WC did not correlate with PAD., Conclusion: None of the parameters (i.e BMI, WHR and WC) used to assess the relationship between obesity and PAD was found to correlate with PAD.