Assessment of Temperature Variability Effect on Rice Production in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The output of cereal farmlands is imperative for sustainable global food security. Quantity of production from cereal croplands are partly a function of climatic elements and are connected to the pulses of climatic variation. Hence, this paper assessed temperature variability effect on rice production in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Daily maximum and minimum temperature data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and converted into monthly averages while annual rice production data was obtained from the office of Nasarawa State’s Agricultural Development Programme. Acquired data were analysed using Linear Multiple Regression Model, coefficient of variation and spatial data analysis techniques. Although rice production in the State is being affected by the fluctuations in both minimum and maximum monthly temperature, the later poses grave concern for sustainability of rice production with a negative effect size of -3.145 and a coefficient value of -191,324.30 metric tons. This negative impact of maximum temperature fluctuations on rice production indicates that rice production in Nasarawa State is vulnerable to climate variability with increasing maximum temperature. LGAs in the south senatorial district has more favourable locations for rice production in comparison to those in the North and West districts given that less temperature fluctuation was observed in the former. Government and non-governmental institutions as well as individuals planning to establish rice farm project(s) in the study area should consider doing so in the South Senatorial District in order to avoid the adverse effect of temperature variability.

Evaluation of prescription pattern of analgesic use among ambulatory elderly in South-Western Nigeria

Inappropriate prescribing of analgesics has a global impact on the health of elderly patients and the society. Empirical evidence on the prescription of analgesics among elderly Nigerians is scarce. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prescription pattern of analgesics and describe the co-prescribing of gastroprotective agents with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) among elderly patients at the geriatric center, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional, hospital-based study was carried out among elderly patients (≥60 years) who were prescribed analgesics. Using a data extraction sheet, information on demographic characteristics, drug utilization pattern, and morbidities was obtained from patients' case files via electronic health records. Results: A total of 337 patients case files were reviewed, the mean age was 72 ± 8.8 years, and 210 (62.3%) were females. There were a total of 2074 medications prescribed, with 733 (35.3%) being analgesics. Majority of the elderly patients (259, 76.9%) were on nonopioids, with 252 (74.8%) on NSAIDs. Paracetamol was the most commonly prescribed analgesics (181, 24.6%), followed by diclofenac/misoprostol (177, 24.1%), opioid analgesic prescribed was 88 (12.0%), with paracetamol/codeine 58 (65.9%), and tramadol 16 (18.2%) being the most prescribed opioid. A significant proportion of the hypertensive elderly patients (160, 78.8%; P < 0.036) were on NSAIDs. The oral route of administration (302, 89.6%) was the most common route of administration. Majority (310, 92%) of elderly patients taking NSAIDs had a co-prescription for gastroprotective agents. Conclusions: Majority of hypertensive patients were on NSAIDs. This calls for prompt awareness of rational analgesic use among the elderly to improve management and their survival

Global disability burden and its predictors among adult Nigerians living with type-2 diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a public health issue associated with a high prevalence of disability.Studies on disability profile in terms of reduction in body structure and function, personal activities and societal participation, defined as 'global disability', are scarce among people living with T2DM in Nigeria. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of global disability and its predictors among Nigerian living with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 162 patients diagnosed with T2DM and attending a tertiary health facility was performed for global disability measure and function. Their clinical and socio-demographic data were obtained. Poisson regression analysis was applied to assess the predicting factors of disability. Results: A mean global disability score of 22.1 was reported among the participants, varying from moderate to high in each item. About 25.0% had mild disability, while 60.5% reported moderate to severe disability. Elevated glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, age, disease duration and marital status predicted disability. A unit increase in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and 1 month increase in DM duration had more disability reported estimates [1.062 (CI=1.050-1.075), 1.005 (CI=1.002-1.007) and 1.001 (CI=1.000-1.002) times, respectively]. Married participants were 1.13 (CI=1.02-1.23) times more likely to be disabled than unmarried. Conclusions: There is mild to moderate burden and risk of global disability among Nigerian living with T2DM. Age, DM duration, marital status, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and systolic hypertension significantly predicted disability

Factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services and institutional delivery at Koghum in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria

Access to antenatal care services promotes safe motherhood and delivery. This study identified factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care services and health facility-based delivery. A cross sectional survey was conducted. Households were enumerated, and a systematic sampling method was deployed. A sample size of 200 was used. Of the 200 HHs, 198 women were interviewed using pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Data was collected on socio-demographics, attendance at the antenatal clinic (ANC), institutional delivery, and reasons for non-utilisation of ANC services. Data analysis was conducted using Epi Info version 3.5.3. The median age of respondents was 29 years (range: 17 - 55). Overall, 192 (97%) women had at least one ANC visit, 116 (58.6%) had ≥ 4 ANC visits and 93 (47.9%) commenced ANC in the second trimester in the last delivery. One hundred and twenty-five (63.1%) had their last delivery at home by a traditional birth attendant (TBA). The independent risk factors for utilization of ANC were partners' consent (aOR 11.5; 95% CI 1.6-82.3) and knowledge on the importance of ANC (aOR 7.4; 95% CI 1.4-38.6). Pregnant women in a polygamous union were less likely to use to ANC (aOR 0.1; 95% CI 0.0 - 0.4). Being a woman with a lower educational status was associated withassisted home delivery (aOR0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.7). Most women utilized ANC services at least once. Community sensitization on the benefits of ANC and institutional delivery should be targeted at women in polygamous unions, with low educational level and without partner's consent for ANC

Fine needle aspiration cytology of breast lumps with histopathologic correlation in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria: a five-year review

Objective: To determine the histopathologic correlation of fine needle aspiration cytology FNAC of breast masses seen in the department of histopathology of the Federal Medical Center Owo, Southwestern Nigeria.Design: This is a 5-year retrospective study of breast lumps seen at Department of Histopathology, Federal Medical Centre Owo, a tertiary health care facility in Southwestern Nigeria between January 1 2010 and December 31 2014.Participants: All patients who had Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Breast lumps with subsequent histological confirmation over this period were included in the study.Results: In the five years under review (2010-2014), a total of 289 FNAC of breast lumps were done. The aspirates were obtained from 275 (95.2%) females and 14 (4.8%) males. There were 161 cases of FNAC with corresponding tissue for histological correlation giving a biopsy rate of 55.7%. The sensitivity of FNAC in determining the final histologic diagnosis was found to be 99.4% while the specificity was 100%. FNAC was able to determine final histologic diagnosis conclusively in 86.3% of cases.Conclusion: We therefore concluded that FNAC is a reliable diagnostic tool of breast lumps in our centre. Being a fast and cheap diagnostic tool as highlighted by previous studies, we advocate that clinicians should continue to embrace this diagnostic technique in the surgical management of breast lumps

Model Comparison and Factors Associated with Quality of Life of Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Gender Differentials.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disease has become public health concern, because of its increasing rate worldwide especially in developing countries. Previous studies have used statistical methods like multiple regression and correlation to show factors associated with Quality of life (QoL) assessed by SF-36 despite the scoring nature of the items. This study aimed at identifying best model and factors associated with gender differentials in QoL among T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited T2DM from Diabetes Care Centre of a teaching hospital, South-western, Nigeria. The models considered were Poisson Model with log link function and square-root link function. The model selection criteria used was Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The model with the smaller AIC was considered to be better. Results: The AIC values for Poisson model with log and square-root link functions for Physical Component Summary (PCS) were 1713 and 1708.3, Mental Component Summary (MCS): 1482.2 and 1480.7, QoL: 2359.7 and 235.8 respectively. Age and diastolic blood pressure had significant negative association with PCS, MCS and QoL in both gender (p<0.05), while occupation and education had significant positive association with PCS, MCS and QoL more in male than female. BMI of normal weight had significant reduction in PCS and QoL of female, whereas this had significant increase in the MCS of male. Conclusion: Poisson model with square-root link function was of better fit to model QoL in T2DM. The significant positive effect of occupation and education on QoL and its domains was more in male than female.

Comparing the Effect of Two Promoters on Cassava Somatic Embryo at Transient GUS Assay Level.

35S promoter from the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (pCaMV) is a constitutive promoter commonly used in plant genetic transformation while Cassava Mosaic Virus (pCsVMV) is another promoter which is underutilized. The combination of the two promoters was used to form (pOYE153). The method adopted includes the insertion of a β–glucuronidase reporter gene (UidA) into a promoter cassette comprising the CsVMV promoter. The second construct (pCAMBIA2310) had (pCaMV) used for the selectable marker and gene of interest. This construct was mobilized into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 and then tested for expression of the UidA gene in transient assays in cassava somatic embryos. After co-cultivation of these Agrobacterium with the plant tissues, histochemical β–glucuronidase (GUS) assays were performed to determine the level of UidA gene expression in transient assays. The results showed that the pCsVMV was able to drive high gene expression of β–glucuronidase reporter gene (UidA) in the transient assays in cassava somatic embryo. Expression of the gene also increases with the increase in the day of cocultivation and likewise expression of the gene was higher for the sample in the light than the dark.

Dietary Pattern and Antioxidants Levels in Patients with Simple Goiter and Thyroid Cancer.

Background /Aims: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer and simple goiter among other diseases however; there has not been a direct comparison of the severity of the stress factor in these two conditions in relation to their dietary pattern in our environment. Objective: This study assessed oxidative stress indices, antioxidant status and dietary pattern in thyroid cancer and simple goiter compared with the controls. Study Design: This is a case-control study. Place and Duration of Study: Study groups were recruited from the Departments of Surgery and Nuclear medicine of University of Ilorin teaching hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State respectively between March 2013 and September 2013. Materials and Methodology: A total number of one hundred and five (105) age matched participants consisting of 88 females and 17 males were recruited for this study. They were divided into 3 groups; Group one 35 participants with thyroid cancer and group two, 35 participants with simple goiter and group three, 35 control participants. Plasma levels malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and total plasma peroxide (TPP) were determined by colorimetric methods. Antioxidant status was determined by measuring total antioxidant potential (TAP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) by colorimetric methods. Selenium (Se) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).Oxidative stress index (OSI) was measured and all values expressed as mean ± SD, while frequency of intake of various dietary sources of the participants were collated. Results: TAP, SOD, GPx, GSH and GST (antioxidants) levels in group 1 (552.17±74.67; 1.30±0.32; 1.91±0.23; 4.47±0.59; 0.92±0.25; 1.28±0.04 respectively) were significantly lower than group 3 (933.51±80.15; 2.85±0.39; 5.40±0.76; 8.34±1.12; 2.11±0.31). While the mean plasma levels of antioxidants in group 2 (704.74±62.22; 2.01±0.27; 4.62±0.89; 6.19± 0.56; 1.47± 0.14 and 1.40±0.04) were significantly higher than that of group 1. However, significant increase was observed in mean levels of oxidative stress markers; TPP, MDA, H2O2 and OSI, in group 1 (16.24±2.52, 13.88±2.95, 13.52±6.91 and 2.93±1.40 respectively) compared to group 3 (4.57±1.32, 3.22±1.20, 3.01±0.86 and 0.48±0.14). Oxidative stress markers in group 2 (9.79±1.40, 5.90±1.13, 3.81±1.40 and 1.62±0.23) were significantly lower than group 1. A p - value <0.05 was considered significant. Majority of the control participants consumed fruits and vegetables (sources of exogenous antioxidants) regularly more than the test groups Conclusion: The study reported higher oxidative stress markers; oxidative stress index and lower antioxidant status in study subjects compared to controls .Oxidative stress appeared more marked in thyroid malignancy than the benign thyroid disease state. Adequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables could be beneficial for thyroid cancer patients.

Influence of Type and Age of Primary Somatic Embryo on Secondary and Cyclic Somatic Embryogenesis of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

This study investigated the influence of age of the cotyledons, cut from primary somatic embryos (PSE) developed from shoot meristems (SM) or immature leaf lobes (LL), on secondary somatic (SSE) and cyclic (CSE) embryogenesis of two cassava cultivars at the Central Biotech Laboratory, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, between 2006 and 2010. A completely randomized design with three replicates was used for the study. Only PSE at the age of 4 weeks recorded significant (P<0.05) differences in SSE frequency and efficiency between the SM and LL sources. CSE production was highest using 0 to 4 weeks old SSE cotyledons, and significant (P<0.05) differences were only recorded between the SM and LL sources when the age of the SSE cotyledons was older than 6 weeks. The CSE frequencies from the SM source were significantly greater than that from the LL source when 8 and 10 week-old SSE cotyledons were used. The CSE frequencies from SM (81%, 82%) were still significantly higher than those from LL (41%, 40%) at the 5th and 6th cycles respectively while the CSE efficiency only differed at the 4th cycle, with SM (7.1) being significantly more than from LL (5.2). These results also enrich the literature by specifying the age of somatic cotyledon suitable for further somatic embryogenic cycles; 0 to 8 weeks for SSE and 0 to 5 weeks for CSE, irrespective of the cultivar (TME 12 or Kibaha) or source (SM or LL). This study further concluded that cyclic embryos should be discarded after the 4th CSE cycle and fresh starting material should be used to restart the somatic embryogenic process.

Primary Somatic Embryos from Axillary Meristems and Immature Leaf Lobes of Selected African Cassava Varieties.

The study evaluated high-value African cassava varieties for primary somatic embryogenesis using axillary meristems (AM) and immature leaf lobes (LL) on piclorambased medium. The study was conducted at the Central Biotech Lab, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria between 2006 and 2009. Completely randomized design with four replicates was used for the study. Using LL explants, there were significant (P=.05) differences in percent responding leaf lobes, percent explant with pre-embryogenic structure, PSEF and PSEE among cassava varieties. The PSEF of the only three varieties that produced mature somatic embryo were 93.6, 88.5 and 85.7% for TME 12, Kibaha and Albert, respectively. Similarly, significant (P=.05) differences existed among the varieties in percent enlarged axillary meristem, percent explant with pre-embryogenic structure, PSEF and PSEE when AM was the explant. The PSEFs of the only three varieties that produced mature somatic embryo were 83.6, 77.5 and 72.7% for TME 12, Kibaha and Albert, respectively. The PSEF and PSEE of LL explant were greater than those of AM by an average of 86.1% and 82.7%, respectively. The study concluded that both AM and LL were good explants for production of primary somatic embryo in cassava.

Impact of short-term Educational Interventions on Asthma Knowledge and metered-dose Inhaler Techniques among post basic nursing students in Ilorin, Nigeria-Result of a pilot study

Nurses' knowledge of asthma and inhaler device technique could positively or negatively affect the outcome of asthma treatment. There exists paucity of data on asthma knowledge and inhaler techniques in Nigeria. Our study aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge of asthma and inhaler techniques among post basic nursing students in Ilorin, Nigeria. This was a pre-post intervention design study carried out among 40 post basic nursing students from September to October 2011. A pretest was conducted which involved self-administration of asthma knowledge questionnaire and demonstration of inhaler device techniques using the pressurized metered dose inhaler [pMDI]. The pre-test was followed immediately by educational interventions [lecture, physical and video demonstrations], and after one month by a post test. Forty out of 44 nurses completed the study giving a response rate of 91%. The median years after basic nursing training was 4 [range 1-21 years]. Majority [70.0%] have not had a recent training on how to use inhalers. The total mean percentage score of asthma knowledge increased significantly from 75.9% [pre intervention] to 86.5% [post intervention]. For the demonstration of pMDI, none [0%] of the respondents had percent demonstration score of 100% pre intervention and post intervention 25.0% had a demonstration score of 100%.The knowledge of asthma was satisfactory while the demonstratior of inhaler techniques was very poor pre intervention, both of which significantly improved after educational intervention. Additional studies need to be performed in larger, mixed populations of healthcare professional to confirm these findings

Ocular Manifestations in HIV-AIDS Patients in a Nigerian Community

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the ocular manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among the study population.Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among HIV-AIDS patients at the Federal Medical Centre; Owo; Nigeria. Ethics clearance was obtained from the ethics review committee of the hospital. Informed consent was obtained from all the respondents. This study was conducted over a period of nine months; from October 2010-June 2011; at the medical outpatient centre and the eye clinic of the hospital. The obtained information included the socio-demographics of the respondents; World Health Organization clinical stage of AIDS; CD4 count; duration of HIV-positive status; history of ocular problems and the treatment sought.Results: A total of 112 consenting respondents participated in this study. Not many respondents (36; 32.1) were aware of eye complications that relate to HIV-AIDS. Most informed respondents had been enlightened by health workers (20; 55.6). Few respondents (16; 14.3) had HIV-AIDS ocular manifestations. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common ocular manifestation.Conclusion: Efforts should be made to promote the ocular health of HIV-AIDS patients to prevent blinding ocular manifestation

Knowledge of Medical Ethics among Nigerian Medical Doctors

Background: The knowledge of medical ethics is essential for health care practitioners worldwide. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of medical doctors in a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria in the area of medical ethics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involving 250 medical doctors of different levels was carried out. The questionnaire; apart from the bio-data; also sought information on undergraduate and postgraduate training in medical ethics; knowledge about the principles of biomedical ethics and the ethical dilemmas encountered in daily medical practice. Results: One hundred and ninety (190) respondents returned the filled questionnaire representing a response rate of 76 . One hundred and fifty-two respondents (80) have had some sort of medical ethics education during their undergraduate level in the medical education. The median duration of formal training or exposure to medical ethics education was 3.00 hours (range: 0-15). One hundred and twenty-nine respondents have read at least once the code of medical ethics of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria while 127 (66.8) have some general knowledge of the principles of biomedical ethics. The breakdown of the identified ethical dilemmas shows that discharge against medical advice was the most identified by the respondents (69.3) followed by religious/cultural issues (56.6) while confidentiality was recognized by 53.4 . Conclusion: The knowledge of medical ethics by Nigerian medical doctors is grossly inadequate. There is an urgent need for enhancement of the teaching of the discipline at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Nigeria

Home Management of Acute Respiratory Infections in a Nigerian District

Globally; over 2 million children die annually from acute respiratory infections (ARIs) especially pneumonia. ARI symptoms (cough and difficult/fast breathing) frequently overlap with those of malaria. In Nigeria; children with these pneumonia symptoms are frequently overlooked by the home management strategy that seeks to treat all childhood fevers as malaria. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of overlap of fever and ARI symptoms; the timeliness of care-seeking and the type of care sought for ARI with or without fever at community level. From a district; 420 households with 420 children aged over 5 years who had been sick with cough within 2 weeks of the survey were selected through systematic random sampling and their carer interviewed about the child's illness. Of the 413 children who had been sick with cough; 21reported overlapping symptoms of fever; cough and difficult/fast breathing (DFB). Of these; 27received antimalarials alone. Sixty percent of children with ARI received antibiotics and 59received care within 24 hours of symptom recognition. Carers of infants and children with DFB were more likely to seek care within 24 hours of symptom recognition (both p 0.001). Most (45) of the antibiotics used were obtained from patent medicine dealers. It was concluded that a large percentage of children have malaria and pneumonia symptom overlap; and a significant proportion of these cases are mismanaged as malaria in the community. The role of patent medicine dealers in recognising and appropriately treating ARI should be explored