Search

Background: Severe neonatal jaundice remains common in Nigeria. Phototherapy is the most commonly used inhospital treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. Objectives: To describe the availability and distribution of phototherapy services as an essential neonatal service in hospitals in Jos, North-Central Nigeria. Methods: This was a crosssectional study of all secondary and tertiary level health facilities in Jos-North, Jos-South and Jos- East Local government Areas (LGAs) between January and March 2015. Results: There were 30 (90.9%) secondary and three (9.1%) tertiary health facilities. Twenty – eight (84.8%) were privately owned. Fourteen (42.4%) of the 33 hospitals provided phototherapy services, of which 11 (78.6%) were private. Phototherapy services were available in all the tertiary facilities and in only 11 (36.7%) of the secondary level health facilities. Most (10; 71.4%) of the hospitals with phototherapy were located in Jos-North LGA. There were 38 phototherapy units in all the 14 hospitals that offered phototherapy, consisting of 8 (21.1%) light emitting diodes (LED) and 30(78.9%) conventional units of which 25(83.3%) were locally fabricated. In all the hospitals that provided phototherapy, jaundiced neonates were managed by physicians of whom only 12% were fulltime paediatricians. All hospitals that offered phototherapy had laboratory facilities to assay bilirubin. Conclusions: Phototherapy services in Jos, Nigeria are inadequate and are concentrated in the urban private sector. An increase in phototherapy services especially in secondary public facilities is needed.

Background: In adolescents sexual risk behaviours are believed to enhance the transmission of HIV infection. This study, therefore aims to examine prevalent sexual risk behaviours of adolescents in secondary schools in a town in northern Nigeria and its relation to HIV infection. Method: A total of 883 subjects drawn from 10 schools out of 37, were recruited for the study. Structured self administered questionnaire was given to each subject. Consenting subjects received group pretest counseling and had HIV screening using Determine HIV test kits. HIV positive subjects had confirmatory test using Unigold test kit. Result: Males accounted for 42.5% (374) out of the 883 students studied. Of this, 169 (19.2%) were sexually active. Mean age at sexual debut was 13.8±2.9 years; 13.3±2.7 years for males and 14.6±3.2 years for females, p=0.006. Males 101 (27%) were more sexually experienced as against 13.4% of the females, p

There exists a persistent gap in landownership rights between men and women in Nigeria which is greatly influenced by cultural and traditional practices that discriminate against women. Despite all global, regional and national efforts to enact legal instruments, the signing and ratification of international agreements and the passage of laws which seek to protect the rights of women, by granting them equal land and property rights as their male counterparts, women in Nigeria still face discrimination over land and property ownership. This study was conducted in Kwang village, Jos south of Plateau state, Nigeria using a qualitative approach. Data were obtained using interviews and the respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Cultural practices which are patriarchal that favour the male above the female were the major barrier to women’s rights to land and property. The majority of the women are not aware of the existence of legal instruments and non-implementation of such policies in the country is the reason for that. The study recommends strong political will to enforce the enacted gender-related laws and the need for awareness and advocacy campaigns within the society to create enlightenment on the need to incorporate women in inheritance sharing and land decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is conceived within a theoretical framework that seeks to rationalise the linkages between space, peacebuilding and urban resilience. fle paper responds to the research question: How do city residents build urban resilience and prevent violent conflict, fle study obtained primary data by fusing both qualitative and quantitative research methods through household data collection and the Geographic Information System (GIS). fle study notes indigenous con9ict management, the traditional justice system and community policing, civic education, non-governmental interventions, and political and economic measures as factors of urban resilience to violent con9ict. fle study concludes that collaboration becomes egective when initiatives are designed at the community level with ties to speci1c government agencies for additional support, expertise and an enabling environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which tends to affect more women compared with men. The estrogen receptor (ER) has a significant impact on the pathogenesis and outcome of the disease. Objective: The objective was to determine the rate of expression of ERs in PTC at Jos University Teaching Hospital and other health institutions in Jos Metropolis Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based multicenter retrospective study over a period of 23 years. Histologically, diagnosed PTC biodata was obtained from surgical pathology cancer registries and archived histology request forms between January 01, 1998 and December 31, 2020. The slides were reviewed, classified, and immunohistochemically stained (polymer technique). They were scored (using the Allred scoring system) and the data was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Results: In this study, 53 (56%) thyroid cancers were histologically diagnosed PTCs, ranging in age from 13 to 80 years with a mean of 44.7 ± 15.4 years. The majority of patients (81%) were females, which was true throughout the entire age range. There were 37 cases (67.9%) of classical PTC, and 17 cases (32.1%) of follicular PTC. Nine of the cases were positive for ER, whereas 44 cases (83%) were negative. Out of the positive cases, 7 (77.8%) were female, and 2 (22.2%) were male. A total of 3 (66.7%) and 4 (33.3%) overall scores were assigned to positive cases and were more common among females in the fourth decade, and all the positive cases are of classical variants. Conclusion: A large majority of PTC were seen in females who were negative for ERs. Therefore, surgery, chemotherapy, and radioiodine therapy remain the mainstays of treatment for most cases in the study population.

Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum at the time specified for an animal species. The study was designed to determine the occurrence of cryptorchidism in bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir. Out of 255 bulls examined, 3(1.18%) had cryptorchid testes. Unilateral cryptorchidism occurred more than bilateral and was majorly on the right. The condition was more prevalent in bulls 2≥ - <2½ years old than in other age groups, while subcutaneous testis was seen more than other abnormal types of cryptorchid testis. The longitudinal length, weight and mid-testicular circumference of the cryptorchid testes were significantly (p<0.05) smaller than the descended testes. The study showed a low prevalence of cryptorchid testis among bulls slaughtered at the Jos main abattoir. In addition, the cryptorchid bulls showed pathological lesions characterized by testicular degeneration suggesting the bulls may not be fit for reproduction. It is therefore recommended that further studies be carried out to determine the fertility and pathological differences among the various types of undescended cryptorchid testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing concern for exploring the animal-human interface through surveillance of peri-urban animals. Wildlife at this interface has been reported to pick up and redistribute antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and other infectious diseases. Samples from two stray Owl fledglings found at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria were used for this study. Corynebacterium amycolatum, Mammalicoccus siuri, and Escherichia coli were isolated and identified from cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs collected from the birds. Almost all (4/5) of the isolates had multidrug resistance. Also, three species of Leptospira (L. enterohaemorrhagica. L grippotyphosa, and L. mini) were identified by the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT). Our findings emphasised the growing One Health concerns for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread in the environment and the importance of Wildlife in periurban centres as sentinels for potential zoonotic transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have reported that Genital herpes is of high public health implications in immuno-compromised individuals. Aim: The study seeks to determine how common herpes simplex virus -1 (HSV-1) infections are among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers and identify associated risk factors. Methods: Eighty-seven (87) apparently healthy subjects were tested for HSV-1 and HIV-1 using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test Kit (Clinotech, Canada, USA), containing HSV-1 type-specific glycoprotein; Determine Kit (Inverness Medicom, Japan) and UniGold Kit (Trinity Biotech, Bray, Ireland), containing recombinant antigens. Results: Of 87 sera, 76(87.4%), and 30(34.5%) were seropositive for HSV-1 and HIV respectively while the co-infection seroprevalence rate of both viruses was 26(29.9%). The co-infection seroprevalence rate of HSV-1 and HIV-1 was highest in the age group ≥45 years (47.4%) while the age group 15-24 years had the lowest co-infection seroprevalence rate of 14.3% (p < /em>>0.05). Women had a higher co-infection seroprevalence rate of 34.0% than men (24.3%). Of all the socio-demographics assessed, only the level of education was significantly associated with the prevalence of HIV and HSV-1/HIV co-infection respectively (p = 0.003; 0.001). Conclusions: The present study showed that HSV-1 infections are common among HIV carriers and HSV-1 is endemic in the study population as all age groups were affected. This finding underscores the need for further research to understand the interactions between HSV-1 and HIV to provide effective methods of reducing the infection burden.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most frequent opportunistic pathogens causing wide range of infections and the emergence and spread of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are problems currently threatening global health. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and to detect carbapenem resistance genes in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 19 clinical specimens were collected from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Jos, Nigeria. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were tested for carbapenemase production and blaKPC, blaVIM,and blaNDM genes using Modified Hodges Test and multiplex PCR respectively. Results: Of the 19 clinical specimens examined, 8(42.10%) were positive for Klebsiella pneumonia and most of the isolates were recovered from urine 5(62.50%), followed by sputum 2(25.00%) and isolates from wounds swab recorded the lowest occurrence, 1(12.50%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that isolates were highly resistant to gentamicin (62.50%), ceftriaxone (50.00%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.50%), ciprofloxacin (37.50%), cefepime (62.50%), clarithromycin (50.00%) and meropenem 3(37.50%). Polymerase chain reaction screening for blaKPC, blaVIM,and blaNDM genes which code for carbapenemases among the 3 meropenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were not detected. Conclusion: The expression of high phenotypic antibiotic resistance recorded in this study could be suggestive of other resistance genes which this study was limited for. Therefore, monitoring of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with the aim of screening other antibiotic resistance genes is strongly recommended

Hans Georg Gadamer in his studies on the essence of hermeneutics emphasizes in a special way the role of language in cognition and the understanding of the world. The paper intends to find an application of Gadamer’s hermeneutics in the linguists’ research of the linguistic worldview. Section 1 of the paper considers the worldview in linguistics, section 2 analyzes some aspects of Gadamer’s hermeneutics, while section 3 connects the problems considered in sections 1 and 2 and determines the aim of the paper. The presented considerations are situated in the reflection on the philosophical foundations of linguistic research.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most frequent opportunistic pathogens causing wide range of infections and the emergence and spread of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are problems currently threatening global health. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and to detect carbapenem resistance genes in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 19 clinical specimens were collected from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Jos, Nigeria. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were tested for carbapenemase production and blaKPC, blaVIM, and blaNDM genes using Modified Hodges Test and multiplex PCR respectively. Results: Of the 19 clinical specimens examined, 8(42.10%) were positive for Klebsiella pneumonia and most of the isolates were recovered from urine 5(62.50%), followed by sputum 2(25.00%) and isolates from wounds swab recorded the lowest occurrence, 1(12.50%). Antibiotic susceptibility test showed that isolates were highly resistant to gentamicin (62.50%), ceftriaxone (50.00%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.50%), ciprofloxacin (37.50%), cefepime (62.50%), clarithromycin (50.00%) and meropenem 3(37.50%). Polymerase chain reaction screening for blaKPC, blaVIM, and blaNDM genes which code for carbapenemases among the 3 meropenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were not detected. Conclusion: The expression of high phenotypic antibiotic resistance recorded in this study could be suggestive of other resistance genes which this study was limited for. Therefore, monitoring of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with the aim of screening other antibiotic resistance genes is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have reported that Genital herpes is of high public health implications in immuno-compromised individuals. Aim: The study seeks to determine how common herpes simplex virus -1 (HSV-1) infections are among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers and identify associated risk factors. Methods: Eighty-seven (87) apparently healthy subjects were tested for HSV-1 and HIV-1 using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test Kit (Clinotech, Canada, USA), containing HSV-1 type-specific glycoprotein; Determine Kit (Inverness Medicom, Japan) and UniGold Kit (Trinity Biotech, Bray, Ireland), containing recombinant antigens. Results: Of 87 sera, 76(87.4%), and 30(34.5%) were seropositive for HSV-1 and HIV respectively while the co-infection seroprevalence rate of both viruses was 26(29.9%). The co-infection seroprevalence rate of HSV-1 and HIV-1 was highest in the age group =45 years (47.4%) while the age group 15-24 years had the lowest co-infection seroprevalence rate of 14.3% (p>0.05). Women had a higher co-infection seroprevalence rate of 34.0% than men (24.3%). Of all the socio-demographics assessed, only the level of education was significantly associated with the prevalence of HIV and HSV-1/HIV coinfection respectively (p = 0.003; 0.001). Conclusions: The present study showed that HSV-1 infections are common among HIV carriers and HSV-1 is endemic in the study population as all age groups were affected. This finding underscores the need for further research to understand the interactions between HSV-1 and HIV to provide effective methods of reducing the infection burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging threat to global health security. Globally, an estimated 700,000 deaths are attributed to AMR annually. Annual deaths due to AMR are projected to reach 10 million by 2050 if current trends persist. Extended Spectrum P-Lactamases (ESBLs) have the ability to hydrolyse penicillins, cephalosporins up to the third generation, and monobactams, but not P-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid. ESBLs undergo continuous mutation, leading to the development of new enzymes with over 400 different ESBL variants described. This study aimed to detect selected CTX-M genes, SHV, and TEM genes in Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Jos, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 110, non-replicated isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia and 125 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified phenotypically from clinical specimens of patients at a tertiary hospital in Jos, Northcentral Nigeria. The isolates were screened for ESBL production using the disk diffusion method of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) breakpoints. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL production was done using the double-disc synergy test. Multiplex PCR was used to detect ESBL genes. Results: Fifty (45.5%) of the 110 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 9(7.2%) of the 125 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were ESBL-positive. Typing of 20 representative ESBL isolates (17 Klebsiella and 3 Pseudomonas spp) showed the presence ofblaCTX-M1, blaCTX-M9, and blaSHV genes in these isolates. All 20 (100%) isolates had the blaCTX-M1 gene. The blaSHV gene was detected in 16(80%) while CTX-M9 was detected in 6(30%) of the isolates studied. Conclusion: The study showed that there is a high prevalence of ESBL genes among isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in North-central Nigeria. This emphasizes the need for continuous surveillance and coordinated infection prevention and control to curtail its spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was carried out to investigate the haematological reference values in Russian Shepherd dogs raised in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Clinically healthy eighty subjects of the same breed were considered in this study. The sample population constituted adult and young dogs. Methods: The haematological parameters were obtained using the Auto Haemoanalyzer, while a pair of thin blood smear was made for each blood sample for differential Leukocyte count. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all the data obtained. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. The total white blood cell count (TWBC) count, absolute neutrophil and relative lymphocyte counts in the young female (2month -9 months) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the young male (2 month -9 months). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the female adult dogs were significantly lower than in the adult male Russian shepherd. The TWBC count and platelet count were significantly higher in the young male Russian shepherd compared to the adult male Russian shepherd dogs. Results: The red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) in the adult male were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the young male Russian Shepherd dogs. The relative and absolute neutrophil counts in the adult female Russian shepherd dogs were significantly higher compared to the young female while the relative lymphocyte count in the young female was significantly higher than that in the adult female. No statistically significant difference was observed with other haematological parameters. Significance: This study was able to establish the haematological reference values of Russian Shepherd breed of dogs raised in Jos, plateau state, Nigeria Therefore, the haematological reference values obtained from these dogs could be used for interpretation of laboratory data in locally raised Russian Shepherd dogs raised in Plateau State, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) in blood donors increase the risk of acquisition of these infections in blood and blood products recipients. Sensitive screening methods reduce the risk of transmission of TTIs to blood and products recipients. Objectives: The study sought to determine the prevalence of TTIs among voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRBDs) and examine the need for the use of advanced donor screening methods to ensure blood infection safety.. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). Consenting VNRBD aged 18–65 years, were consecutively recruited during routine blood drives organized by the NBTS, between August and October 2016 after completing a structured questionnaire. Samples from donated blood units were screened for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis using the fourth-generation ELISA. Results: The data obtained from 865 participants were analyzed. One hundred and eighty-two (21%) participants tested positive for TTIs. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis among the participants was 14.7%, 4.6%, 1.8%, and 1.6%, respectively. Coinfection was found in 8.7% of the study participants. A statistically significant association was established between the sex of the participants and TTIs (χ2= 6.217, P = 0.0013). Conclusion: The prevalence of TTIs among VNRBD was high. Due to its attendant consequences on blood infection safety and implication on donor retention, there is a need for adoption of sensitive screening assays to ensure blood safety.

This paper revisits the longstanding question of why segregation douses ethnic tensions in some places but exacerbates them in others. Anchored on the concept of social distance and drawing on empirical evidence from Jos, Nigeria's hotbed of ethnoterritorial conflict, this article provides a nuanced analysis of why segregation mediates both the emergence and the prevention of ethnic conflict. In the examined case study, the role of social distance in conflict mitigation varies according to neighbourhood type. Animosity was already deep-seated across the region when social distancing – the effect of partition and segregation – was cemented following the outbreak of conflict in some communities in 2001. Yet the conflict spread to some ethnically unmixed neighbourhoods but not others. In conflict-affected areas, social distance did not avert future conflicts compared to neighbourhoods where the initial conflict was avoided. However, past conflict is not a predictor of future outbreaks in socially distanced neighbourhoods given that in the areas that avoided future conflicts, social distance occurred simultaneously with extensive informal bi-communal leadership engagements. Therefore, the paper shows that even imperfect unmixing can dampen violence when combined with observable leadership engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug residue is a serious issue for the food chain when antimicrobial substances are inappropriately used or when the withdrawal times before slaughtering the treated animals are not respected. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of antibiotic residues in pork slaughtered for human consumption in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 96 samples which included muscles (n=32), liver (n=32) and kidneys (n=32), were randomly collected from Gyel, Kuru, Du, and Vwang slaughter slabs in the LGA. The three-plate-test (TPT) technique was conducted where three batches of nutrient agar plates were aseptically prepared and adjusted to pH 6.0, 7.2 and 8.0. Each plate was seeded with isolated Bacillus subtilis and 5 holes were made on the plate with a sterile cork borer. The holes were inoculated with 80 μl of each organ extract, 10 μg/ml gentamicin (positive control) and distill water (negative control), and incubated aerobically at 37oC for 18-24 hours. Positive antibiotic residue was shown by a clear zone of inhibition (annular diameter of ≥ 2 mm) around the holes. Results: The result showed that 55.2% (53/96) of the organs tested positive for antibiotic residues while 44.8% (43/96) tested negative. The liver had the highest prevalence of antibiotic residues (68.8%, 22/32), followed by the kidneys (56.3%, 18/32) and the muscles (40.6%, 13/32). The difference in the prevalence of antibiotic residues between the organs was not statistically significant (𝜒2=5.1391, p=0.0765). Detection of tetracycline at pH 6.0 was highest in the organs while detection of sulphonamides was lowest at pH 7.2. Conclusion: The determination of antibiotic residues in pork slaughtered for consumption in Jos South LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria posed potential public health risks. This situation indicates a wide spread uncontrolled use of antimicrobials in pig production, and requires urgent attention of government to enforce regulations guiding antibiotic use in veterinary settings in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, tuberculosis still remains a disease of public health concern and accounts for high morbidity and mortality particularly in developing countries, where it is fuelled by a number of factors. Methodology: Through a cross-sectional descriptive study, this study aims to determine the predictors of knowledge about TB among 261 mothers of children under 5 years of age attending Child Welfare Clinic, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 31.54 ± 5.28 years, and 249 (98.4%) aware of TB. About two-third having sufficient knowledge and positive attitude regarding TB. Significant statistical association was found between knowledge and attainment of post-secondary education (OR 4.0; 95% CI 12.09, 7.63; p < 0.001), monthly income ≤ 25,000 naira (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.02, 4.65; p = 0.042), monthly income > 51,000 naira (OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.43, 7.31; p = 0.005), women engaged in business (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.22, 0.83; p = 0.012) and possessing positive attitude (OR 3.87; 95% CI 2.16, 6.93; p < 0.001) in the univariate analysis. However, in the multivariate logistic regression, it was only attitude that was found to be a predictor of TB knowledge of mothers. Conclusions: TB knowledge among the mothers was high, only attitude regarding thoughts and beliefs about TB was found as an independent predictor of TB knowledge. With the positive influence of attitude on knowledge among the mothers, it is recommended that this be strengthened for sustenance to prevent further infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Contraceptive implants are popular methods among women accessing family planning in Jos. Women appear to be using these methods for longer periods despite adequate counselling including the use for a maximum period prescribed by the manufacturers. Methodology: This was a retrospective, cross sectional study of all clients who had Implanon" classic removed between May 2006 and December 2019. The register of acceptors of the implant was retrieved and relevant variables collated and analyzed for age, duration of use of the implant and the indication for removal. The data was analyzed using the Stata statistical software version 14, College Station, Texas, USA. Results: A total of 1,805 implants were inserted, when all of them would have been removed, only 596(33%) were documented to have been removed. The mean age of the clients was 31.031 ± 5.56 years, range 18-51 years. The mean duration of use of Implanon1* was 29.370 ± 11.756 months, range 0.5-72months. About 83( 13.9%) implants were used beyond the expected duration of use of 36 months. By the 3rd, 4"' and 5,h years, 86.1%, 97.5% and 99.2% had had the implants removed. Clients used the method beyond the stipulated expiration of the implants, up to twice the period expected. There was no failure or pregnancy recorded. Conclusion: About one-sixth of women extended the use of Implanon" implants. This may be more as only 33.0% of them returned for removal at the facility where it was inserted. However, there was no pregnancy recorded in this group of women despite the extended duration of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Filozofia i Nauka is the property of Institute of Philosophy & Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences 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.)

In extant scholarship on intergroup conflict, perceived threat is portrayed as either positively linked with conflict occurrence or neutralizable by individuals' internal psychological inhibitors, such as feelings about a past experience or encounter or pre-existing dovish disposition. Yet, conflict avoidance is possible even in the absence of such internal guardrails against destructive responses to threat. This comparative qualitative study of two similarly structured communities in Jos, Nigeria's ethnic conflict hotbed, reveals that while perceived threat may create aggressive dispositions, as established in extant scholarship on intergroup conflict, conflict avoidance remains possible in the absence of both internal inhibitors and external coercion. The compared Jos communities, Angwan Doki and Dadin Kowa, are similar in terms of widespread fear of the outgroup and significant willingness to respond aggressively to threat. Yet, conflict avoidance was possible in the latter because its community leaders both wittingly and unwittingly confronted the underlying threat that drove people's violent dispositions. Past variability analyses omit this dynamic of external malleability of perceived threat outcomes – aggression and violence. Generally, the findings show that low-tech threat management interventions are more effective at mitigating intergroup conflict in weak states than interventions that seek to forcefully suppress the threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of parasitic gastrointestinal diseases on poultry production are enormous, especially where birds are kept under extensive or semi-intensive systems, but the diseases are rarely recognized as primary problems except during necropsy examinations. A two-year longitudinal cohort prospective study was conducted from October 2018 to September 2020 to determine the prevalence and diagnostic features of parasitic gastrointestinal diseases of poultry in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 2,989 cases were diagnosed over the study period, out of which 749 (25.1%) were parasitic gastrointestinal diseases. Protozoan gastrointestinal diseases were more prevalent among cases of parasitic gastrointestinal diseases with a total of 610 (81.4%), while gastrointestinal helminths had 139 (18.6%) cases. The prevalence of helminthiasis was more in the months of August, September, December, January and February, while gastrointestinal protozoan diseases were more in the months of April, May, June, July, October and November. Helminths species commonly diagnosed were Ascaridia galli (8.3%); Heterakis gallinarum (4.7%); Capillaria spp (1.9%); Tetramere spp. (0.5%), Gongylonema spp. (0.1%), Strongyloides avium (0.1%), Raillietina spp (1.5%), Hymenolepis carioca (1.1%) and Davainea spp. (0.4%). The intestinal protozoan parasites of poultry predominantly diagnosed were Eimeria spp. (78.0%) but Histomonas meleagridis (2.7%), Trichomonas spp (0.7%) and Hexamita spp. (0.1%) were also seen. It is concluded that the prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal diseases of poultry was high and could be some of the leading causes of low productivity and mortality in the study area even in commercial poultry farms under intensive production systems. It is recommended that attention should be given to good litter management where birds are reared on the floor to prevent the multiplication of the developmental stages of the gastrointestinal parasites in the environment, as well as the adoption of other control strategies against parasitic gastrointestinal diseases of poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indigenous knowledge is progressively fading out because of a lack of proper record-keeping, as the knowledge is transmitted verbally. There is, therefore, a dire need for preserving this valuable knowledge by ensuring proper documentation and sharing of traditional knowledge. Aim: This research study sought to explore the indigenous knowledge used by herbal medicine practitioners for treating various human ailments in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. Setting: The study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 registered traditional healers in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. Methods: Selected medicinal plants were collected, pressed and transported to the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan for identification, authentication and deposition of voucher specimens for voucher number at FRIN herbarium, Ibadan. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the ethnomedicinal data. Results: Thirty-nine plant species, distributed in 33 families and 39 genera, were cited by the respondents. The Fabaceae was the most represented family, followed by the Euphorbiaceae and Myrtaceae. Leaves were the most used plant part (29%), whilstthe most cited plant habit forms include trees (48%) and herbs (31%). The herbal remedies were mostly administered orally (53%) and topically (26%), whilst the most common method of preparation was decoction (42%). The highest consensus factor (1.00) was detected for chickenpox or measles or leprosy, haemorrhoids and sickle cell ailments. Conclusion: There is an existence of a wide gap in traditional healing knowledge between the elderly and the younger generations in the study area. The high fidelity level observed in this study implied a general acceptance and preferred usage of such herbal plants for the treatment of particular ailments.

Many cities of developing countries experience widespread poverty due to accelerated migration of people from rural to urban areas as well as high population growth rates. The city of Jos in Plateau State is experiencing rapid population growth as well, with the attendant problems of food insecurity, insufficient income, unemployment and environmental degradation. This study assessed the role that urban vegetable production plays in providing a source of livelihood to small-scale farmers in Jos. The farmers were registered with the third Fadama Project in Nigeria. Such projects derive their name from the native Hausa word 'fadama' which means irrigable lands on floodprone and low-lying plains. Forty percent (40%) of urban vegetable farmers were randomly selected to have a sample size of 94 participants. A mixed method approach was used and this involved questionnaire-administered interviews. The primary data obtained were transcribed and subjected to ANOVA and t-test analysis. From the results obtained, most of the vegetables farm plots are located predominantly in the southern part of the study area. Results indicated that vegetable farming is playing an important role in providing 84% part-time and 5% full-time employment opportunities as well as reducing food insecurity among the study participants. In addition, most farmers achieved an income of more than the minimum wage of N30, 000 (US$ 72. 24) as approved by the Nigerian Government. The results also showed that lack of credit facilities, seasonal variations and the high cost of farm inputs and equipment are the most serious problems faced by participants. Other challenges associated with smallscale urban farming entailed the negative environmental impacts that may lead to the decline of environmental quality, thus undermining long term sustainability. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences among participants in terms of the relationship between the type of vegetables they produce, incomes generated, environmental impacts and their demographical attributes. These attributes are the age, gender, marital status, and educational background of participants. Based on these findings, and the socio-economic importance of vegetable farming in this study area, governments and financial institutions should establish better policies in order to solve the problems faced by small-scale vegetable farmers in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stimulant use is recognized as an important factor in road safety worldwide, and concerns are growing over the incidence of road traffic accidents among drivers who drive under the influence of stimulants. Yearly, more than 1.25 million people lose their lives as a result of road traffic accidents, many of which are associated with stimulant use. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with stimulant use among long-distance truck drivers in a truck part in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a truck park in Marraraban Jos in Kaduna State. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. A total of 152 respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to identify the relationship between categorical variables with a level of significance at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 152 respondents participated in the study with a mean age of 33 ± 5 years. The prevalence of stimulant use was 64.5%. Only 92 (60.7%) drivers reported using stimulants on rare occasions. Years of driving experience was found to be associated with stimulant use (P = 0.031). Other sociodemographic variables were shown not to be significantly related to stimulant use. Conclusion: The prevalence of stimulant use was found to be high among the drivers, with less experienced drivers more likely to use stimulants. Efforts on improving road safety should include reducing stimulant use, especially among the younger less experienced drivers.

Dermatophilosis is a contagious zoonotic skin disease affecting a variety of domestic and wild animals with grave economic consequences. The status of bovine dermatophilosis and associated risk factors in Sabon-Gari, Kaduna State and Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria are yet to be fully determined. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine dermatophilosis in Sabon-Gari and Jos. One thousand, nine hundred and twenty skin scab samples consisting of 1,530 from Sabon-Gari and 390 from Jos were obtained from cattle having cutaneous lesions including papules, exudative dermatitis with matting of the hair, cream colored, thickly crusted and scabby lesions suggestive of Dermatophilus infection. Smears were made from the underneath surface of each specimen on a clean glass slide, air dried, heat fixed and Gram stained. The stained smears were examined microscopically for Gram-positive filamentous organism having both longitudinal and transverse division, typical of Dermatophilus congolensis. Further identification was done by isolating the causative agent in 5% de-fibrinated sheep blood agar. Data were analyzed using tables, percentages and Chi square test. P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered significant. One hundred and forty-six (9.5 %) and 21 (5.4%) of the samples from Sabon-Gari and Jos respectively were positive for D. congolensis. The overall prevalence of bovine dermatophilosis in Sabon-Gari and Jos was 8.7% (167/1,920), respectively. Breed, age, management practice and season were found to be significant risk factors associated with bovine dermatophilosis. Methods for control of the disease in cattle as well as prevention of human exposure were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines urban inequalities and minority politics in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Jos (Nigeria). Though advanced democracies are considered to be generally more egalitarian than their emergent counterparts, there is very little, if any, scholarly attention dedicated to understanding the specific ways in which the dimensions and parameters of inequalities resemble or contrast between the two contexts. Moreover, while there is growing interest in the identity-to-politics link among urban groups, there is very little comparative sense of how the processes play out across different contexts. Based on a critical analysis of theoretical and empirical perspectives, we show that in Amsterdam, an anti-Muslim discourse, rather than group level inequalities, led to the politicization of immigrant groups. In Jos, however, minority politics is driven by a strong overlap between ascribed identities and inequalities. Though the identity-to-politics link is characterised by a complex set of processes in both cases, the outcomes vary. While minority groups in Amsterdam articulate and pursue their interests within the confines of a well-regulated political space, parties in Jos deploy violent strategies in pursuing their interests because of the prevalence of weak institutions and an unregulated political space that operates on a winner-takes-all logic. The conclusion reiterates a few key insights derived from this cross-fertilization.

Some mosquitoes are known to be container breeders. A survey was conducted to determine some physicochemical parameters of water associated with mosquito breeding in potholes on abandoned road construction sites in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State between May and October 2016. Three sites were selected and sampled for mosquito larvae using soup ladle dipper method. The physicochemical parameters were determined using the APHA methods and were done in situ except, the Biological Oxygen Demand that was done using the Winkler method. The mosquito larvae were identified in the laboratory using some morphometric features. The result showed that the 1026 mosquito larvae collected comprised four species namely,Culex quinquefasciatus 726(70.76%), Aedes aegypti 183(17.84%) and Anopheles gambiae with Anopheles funestus 117(11.40%). Mosquito larvae abundance and physicochemical parameters determined were nearly perfectly correlated (P>0.05) which suggested that mosquito breeding had a good association with the prevailing physicochemical parameters. This study has revealed that all water parameters checked were pivotal to the composition of all species of mosquito larvae encountered.

Aspergillosis is important in poultry production and human health but difficulty in its ante mortem diagnosis in addition to the unsuccessful outcome of most management options has made the disease a lingering nightmare to farmers. This study presents the clinicopathological features and management of aspergillosis in some poultry farms in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. Thirteen cases of aspergillosis from 12 poultry farms were confirmed and managed from April, 2019 to March, 2020 with 7.6% cases in a mixed turkey-broiler farm, 15.4% in broilers and 76.9% in layers. The ages affected ranged from 3 weeks to 21 weeks with 69.2% cases in pullet grower birds of 10 - 21 weeks compared to young chicks, 3 - 9 weeks with 30.8%. The rainy season accounted for 61.8% cases while mortality ranged from 1.0% to 17.4%. The clinical features were consistent and included dyspnoea; inappetence; retarded growth and mortality. While necropsy showed consolidated lungs with caseous nodules; liver with raised grayish or yellowish irregular nodules; peritonitis with the peritoneum and air sacs laced with caseous nodules; diphtheritic membrane and caseous nodules on intestinal mucosa; haemorrhagic bursitis with granulomata; caseous nodules on osseous tissues as well as nodules on the skin and skeletal muscles. Confirmatory diagnoses of aspergillosis were made by culturing nodules on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed CuSO4 to be more susceptible which was used at the dosage of 3g/10L of drinking water for at least 7 days in all the cases. Concurrent bacterial infections were seen in some of the cases and were treated concurrently with antibiotics based on susceptibility testing while farmers using moldy feeds were asked to withdraw such feeds. Conclusively, aspergillosis is prevalent in Jos metropolis with severe impact on production and may be a silent killer disease in poultry due to constraints in diagnosis and its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmortem examination of chickens from a semi-intensive system was carried out following complaint of high mortality, loss of weight, sneezing and raising of heads and gaping. The farm had other types of birds which were also evaluated to ascertain their risk of transmission of Syngamus trachea. Lesions seen included anaemia, hyperemia of the trachea containing forked red warms (S. trachea), congested and haemorrhagic lungs and presence of Raillietina tetragona in the small intestine. Histologically, there was necrotizing trachiesis, pulmonary congestion and haemorrhages. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of S. trachea in Jos, North Central Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains a disease of grave public health concern. It ranks above HIV/AIDS as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, and as one of the 10 most common causes of mortality. This study assessed the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection and factors associated with treatment outcome among the TB patients in an HIV treatment facility in a Teaching hospital in Jos, North central Nigeria. Methods: A 10-year retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional review was conducted and data was extracted through the review of TB registers. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and bivariate analyses was conducted at P < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection was 9.25%, with the mean age of the study participants being 41.8 ± 11.6 years. Of all the participants, 87.5% had successful treatment outcome, while 12.5% had unsuccessful treatment outcome. In the bivariate analysis, place of residence was the only socio-demographic factor significantly associated with treatment outcome (-0.001). Conclusion: The TB-HIV co-infection prevalence rate was about 10% of the total HIV population with a high TB treatment success rate. With the exception of place of residence, no other factor had statistically significant relationship with the treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates information retrieval tools and library physical environment as correlates of library utilization by medical students in University of Jos. The research was guided by four objectives, and four research questions. Two hypotheses were formulated for the study. The study adopted a co-relational design. The population of the study consisted of 506 registered under-graduate medical students out of which a sample of 217 was drawn using krejcie and Morgan, 1970 Statistical table. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data collected for the research questions were analyze using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance using T-Test. The result revealed that, medical students made use of the various information resources to a high extend, information retrieval tools are provided in the library to a high extend, there is a very strong and positive relationship between information retrieval tools available and medical students use of the library. Positive and significant relationship exists between the library environment and medical students' use of the library. It was therefore, recommended among others that medical students should be sensitized more on the use of periodicals and fiction for relaxation, even though relationship between retrieval tools and use is significant, there is still need for medical students to be sensitized on how to use the library through adequate orientation on information retrieval tools. University management should ensure that good library environment is maintained and sustained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female sterilization is a permanent form of contraception offered to women who have completed their family size. Other methods are all temporary and meant to be reversible. A high-quality female sterilization service was introduced in Jos with the assistance of training in counseling and minilaparotomy under local anesthesia in May 1985. After training, female sterilization became available for couples desiring it on completion of family size. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all clients who had female sterilization for contraception between 1985 and 2019. The clinic register was retrieved and evaluated for acceptances of all contraceptive methods within the period and trends observed. Results: Over the 35 years, a total of 29,167 new clients accepted modern family planning methods. Out of these, a total of 5167 were female sterilizations, constituting 17.7% of the new acceptors. The temporary methods of contraception constituted 82.3%. The other methods used were the intrauterine device 8357 (28.7%), the oral pills 5125 (17.6%), the injectables 5235 (17.9%), and the contraceptive implants 5283 (18.1%). Although female sterilization was 4th among the five methods studied, there was however a gradual decline in its acceptance from a peak of 36.1% in 1992 to 1.4% in the year 2018. Conclusion: The acceptance of female sterilization rose to a peak in 1992 and declined to the lowest level in 2018, occasioned in part by the introduction of varieties of contraceptive implants providing long acting, reversible, and cheap contraception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emphasis on local or hybrid efforts in peacebuilding literature brings front and centre the importance of being rooted within a particular context, with leadership and vision for social change and justice proffered by local actors. This is the same emphasis found in development literature and a necessary foundation for transformation. Scholars and practitioners nevertheless also note a role for outsiders in supporting local efforts (eg Lederach in 2005). Yet a significant challenge arises for outsiders, and to some extent local actors: how do you know what was tried or is underway that you might support or from which you might learn? This paper reports findings from a collaborative research project that examined the gap between the practice of peacebuilding locally and internationally available 'knowledge' via publications produced on local peacebuilding in Jos, Nigeria, between 2001 and 2008. It identifies a staggering gap between efforts and knowledge in the form of publications. The paper discusses the implications of the findings in terms of what it means for outsiders when thinking about helping resource local transformation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is of public health importance. Estimation of it occurrence in other parts of the developed world showed prevalence rates of approximately 10%–25%. Previous prevalence studies in crisis-ridden areas showed prevalence rates ranging from 28% to 58%. However, since the entrenchment of relative peace in Jos, Nigeria there has not been any other study to the best of the authors' knowledge. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of PPD in a postethno-religious crisis period among women attending the Postnatal and Children's welfare clinic in a tertiary hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: In total, 550 women were recruited in a cross-sectional study that involved a two-stage procedure in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire and the Depression Module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I Diagnosis were used. Results: A weighted prevalence of 21.8% of PPD was found among the participants. Age (P< 0.001), marital status (P< 0.001), types of marriage (P< 0.001), and educational level (P< 0.001) were significantly associated with PPD. Conclusions: PPD was found in about a quarter of the studied sample in the postcrisis period. Therefore, screening of women in the postpartum period for depression will help in early detection and treatment of women of childbearing age.

Histórias em quadrinhos (HQs) traduzidas (PT-BR → PL) e publicadas em polaco contam 14 volumes (álbuns). Da excepcionalidade do meio, bem como da imagem linguística do mundo (JOS – językowy obraz świata) onde decorre a ação, resultam várias condições que influenciam o texto de chegada e que podem servir como exemplo vivo para formular algumas regras que moldam o texto final no caso dos comics. Pretende-se no presente artigo objetivar a própria experiência empírica do processo de tradução através da abordagem metodológica que combina a introspeção (psicologia cognitiva), teoria de tradução e teoria de comics. A reflexão que nasce desta ligação junta a perspetiva de dois autores (tradutor + pesquisador [na área dos ET e dos comics]) e permite autodefinir, descrever e resolver de uma forma objetivada os maiores problemas tradutológicos que se encontram nas HQs traduzidas.

The study assessed the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites in bile and faeces of cattle and sheep from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Bile and faeces were collected from a total of 412 cattle and 390 sheep. Bile samples were analysed using sedimentation, while the faeces were subjected to standard floatation and sedimentation techniques. An overall prevalence of 77.91% and 75.90% was obtained respectively in cattle and sheep using all the employed techniques. For both species, obtained results did not vary significantly (p>0.05) based on the sex, age, breed and month of sample collection. However, significant (p<0.05) variation in prevalence was demonstrated in cattle and sheep based on the type of technique employed in the analysis of the samples. The prevalence based on the techniques employed was 62.53%, 23.05% and 28.88% by bile sedimentation, faecal sedimentation and faecal floatation respectively in cattle, while it was 23.07%, 21.79% and 65.89% respectively in sheep. Furthermore, Fasciola spp predominated the recovery in cattle with 146(35.78%), followed by Dicrocoelium hospes 129(31.62%), strongyle 124(30.39%), Paramphistomum spp. 1(0.25%), Moniezia benedini 1(0.25%), Schistosoma bovis 1(0.25%), Toxocara vitulorum 2(0.49%), Fasciola/Paramphistomum 1(0.25%), Fasciola/strongyle 1(0.25%), Fasciola/Schistosoma bovis 1(0.25%) and Fasciola/Toxocara vitulorum 1(0.25%). Infected sheep had 95(17.43%) Fasciola spp., 50(9.17%) Dicrocoelium hospes, 166(9.17%) strongyle, 13(2.39) Moniezia benedini, 139(25.50%) coccidia, 3(0.55%) Strongyloides papillosus, 11(2.08%) Fasciola spp./Dicrocoelium hospes, 2(0.37%) Strongyloides papillosus/coccidia, 58(10.64%) strongyle/coccidia, 6(1.10%) strongyle/Moniezia benedini, 1(0.18%) Moniezia benedini/coccidia and 1(0.18%) Moniezia/strongyle/coccidia. Incidentally, Schistosoma bovis and Toxocara vitulorum were recovered from the bile of cattle. Conclusively, the result showed high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle and sheep. The finding of parasites such as Fasciola spp. in great number is of great epidemiological significance, in view of the economic and public health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an assessment of residential satisfaction with nondwelling components in segregated urban Jos, Nigeria. Data from 318 household heads collected through self-administered questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. The results showed that residents were generally not satisfied with their residential environment, but at varying degrees among the parameters that were employed for the assessment. satisfaction was higher with neighborhood social relationships and ethnoreligious homogeny than neighborhood density and access to strategic areas and social infrastructure. They were least satisfied with security and crime. The regression model that was estimated for the study explained 93% to determine residential satisfaction with nine predictor attributes. The very high beta coefficient of the model suggests that residential satisfaction of the inhabitants of segregated urban environments can be enhanced through improvement in the five parameters and more strongly on security and crime, access to strategic areas and infrastructure, and neighborhood density. The insignificance of all the sociodemographic attributes in the model implied that residential satisfaction of violence-induced segregated urban dwellers can be improved irrespective of age, gender, ethnic group, religion, education level, income, marital status, household size, housing tenure, and duration of stay in the neighborhood environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N8 in two multi-age chicken flocks in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, is described. Diagnosis was made using tissue samples from the affected farms that were submitted to the Regional Lab for Animal Influenza and other Transboundary Animal Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. Pullets with broilers of 9 and 4 weeks of age respectively, from farm A (fA) and broilers, 4 weeks of age from farm B (fB) were submitted from flocks experiencing a drastic increase in mortality. The February 2019 outbreak resulted in10 – 60 % and 60 % mortality on fA and fB respectively. Clinical signs included anorexia, depression, hock sitting and sudden onset of increasing mortality. Gross lesions included edema of the head with cyanosis of comb and wattle; swollen abdomen due to ascites; generalized congestion of visceral organs with frank blood in the abdomen; congested mesenteric vessels with haemorrhages in the mucosa of small and large intestines; congested and frothy lungs with severe hemorrhagic tracheitis among others. In view of the clinical and gross pathology, HPAI was considered as the tentative diagnosis. Diagnosis of HPAI subtype H5N8 was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and viral isolation in embryonated chicken eggs. The current outbreak has shown the presence of HPAI H5N8 in the country different from the H5N1 subtype that was introduced since 2006 in Nigeria. The co-circulation of these two subtypes if the current wave of infection is left unchecked will have adverse effects on poultry production, international trade and human health. Hence, the need for the re-evaluation and strengthening of the Government control policy to save the poultry industry from perennial economic loses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disseminated infection with Strongyloides stercoralis refers to the massive migration of infective larvae from the gastrointestinal tract to other organs that are not involved in the normal life cycle of the parasite. We describe the case of a Nigerian male with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in whom larvae of S. stercoralis was identified in the urine. This report involves a 60-year old male Nigerian presenting to the Urology clinic of the Jos University teaching hospital, Nigeria with disseminated S. stercoralis. The index patient presented with a 5 month history of total haematuria, urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, straining to pass urine, feeling of incomplete voiding and terminal dribbling. He also had episodes of suprapubic pain. Physical examination revealed a cachexic patient who had mild suprapubic tenderness. Urinary examination showed numerous red blood cells and rhabditiform larvae of S. stercoralis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a heterogeneous mass in the urinary bladder measuring 4.0 × 3.3 cm. Abdominal computed tomography also showed an irregular mass measuring 4.2 × 3.8 cm with HU of 41 projecting into the bladder from the posterior wall towards the dome. Histology of the biopsy specimen revealed transitional cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with a single dose of oral ivermectin but died 1 week later. Physicians working in areas that are endemic for S. stercoralis should consider investigating immunocompromised patients for S. stercoralis infection given the poor prognosis of disseminated infection in this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B and C viral infections are among the common infectious diseases with global public health importance. Nigeria is among the countries identified to be hyper-endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among healthcare seekers at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, to increase awareness among the populace and sensitize public health stakeholders., Methods: A retrospective study that involved data abstraction from the medical laboratory records of patients seeking care at Bingham University Teaching Hospital. The information collected included screening results for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24., Results: A total of 186 patients were screened for HBV infection and 96 were screened for HCV infection. The mean ages and standard deviations were 36.2 ± 15.05 years and 37.2 ± 14.48 years for those screened for HBV and HCV, respectively. The seroprevalence rate of HBV infection was 14.0% while the rate for HCV infection was 10.4%. Males had a higher HBV seroprevalence of 9.1% than females with 4.9%. For HCV seroprevalence, females recorded a higher prevalence of 6.2% compared to their male counterparts who had 4.2%. Among those screened for HBV, the young adult age group had the highest prevalence rate of 10.2%, while for the HCV screen the middle-aged group had the highest prevalence rate of 6.2%. These were, however, not statistically significant (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: This study has shown that both HBV and HCV infections are hyper-endemic. There is a need to intensify awareness campaigns and improve the implementation of preventive and management strategies for HBV and HCV infections., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists, (Copyright © 2023 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Copyright of Studia Iberystyczne is the property of Ksiegarnia Akademicka Sp. zo.o 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.)

Background Rapid diagnostic tests are frequently used in healthcare settings across Nigeria for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which is the commonest form of malaria in the country. In this study, the performance of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was compared with expert microscopy using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard in a tertiary hospital in Jos, Nigeria. Methods This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study. A total of 200 participants of all ages presenting to Jos University Teaching Hospital with a history of fever or an axillary temperature of >37.5°C were recruited. Blood specimens were collected and malaria testing was done using RDT, microscopy and PCR. Results The prevalence of malaria in this study was 17%, 15% and 13% by PCR, microscopy and RDT, respectively. Compared with microscopy, RDT had lower sensitivity of 75% (95% CI: 56.60–88.54) vs 88.24% (95% CI: 72.55–96.70), lower specificity of 98.80% (95% CI: 95.72–99.85) vs 100.0% (95% CI: 97.80–100.0), lower positive predictive value 92.31 (95% CI: 74.89–97.97) vs 100 (95% CI: 98.0–100.0), and lower negative predictive value 95.35 (95% CI: 91.83–97.39) versus 97.65 (95% CI: 94.30–99.05). Conclusion The diagnostic performance of expert microscopy was better than RDT in the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quality assurance procedures such as using expert microscopy to cross-check a proportion of RDT negative results in patients with clinical features of malaria is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable consensus among scholars of ethnic riots that ethnically mixed areas are more prone to collective violence than segregated ones. The conclusion is based on studies that compare levels of violence between segregated and mixed localities. While this addresses disparities between settlements of dissimilar ethnic composition, variations in the spread of violence across ethnically mixed areas remain a mystery. Seeking to explicate these variations, we propose an approach that examines not only the ethnic composition of a neighbourhood, but also its location in relation to adjoining neighbourhoods of similar or dissimilar ethnic makeup and their shared boundaries. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Jos, a violence-ridden Nigerian city, we demonstrate that ethnically mixed areas located between segregated ones experience more incidents of violence than mixed neighbourhoods not comparably located. Our findings have both academic and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]