Nutritional Contents of Two Varieties of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam ) Cultivated IN North Western Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Food shortages and nutritional imbalances are among the main food security problems in many countries around the world. In this study, the nutrients content of the yellow and red-fleshed sweet potatoes varieties cultivated in Nigeria were assessed. Materials and Methods: The proximate composition, mineral elements analysis, phytochemicals, and vitamins content of the red and yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes were determined using the standard methods of analysis. Results: The proximate analysis has shown that, the moisture (17.927%) and fat (2.703%) content of the yellow sweet potato were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the red potato with a content of 16.68% and 1.693% respectively. The protein and fiber content of the red potato are 14.280% and 14.572% respectively, this is quite higher than in the yellow cultivar having 12.987% and 10.443% of the nutrients respectively. The ash and carbohydrate content were same in both. The red potato exhibits high level of sodium (11.420 mg/l), potassium (1.206 mg/l), and magnesium (8.468 mg/l) in contrast to the red potato containing 10.270 mg/l, 1.035 mg/l and 6.127 mg/l of the respective elements. Iron and zinc content were comparable in both cultivars while the calcium content (1.444 mg/l) of the yellow cultivar is significantly higher than in the red variety (1.144 mg/l). The vitamin A, B and E content of the red potato are 8.740 µmol/L, 2.977 mg/dl, and 13.267 mg/dl respectively. These values are significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the yellow potato containing 6.047 µmol/L, 1.680 mg/dl, and 11.110 mg/dl of the respective vitamins. There is no significant difference with respect to the vitamin C content of both yellow (11.850 mg/dl) and red potato (12.520 mg/dl). The phytochemicals: tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and anthocyanins content of the red sweet potato are 0.967 mg/g, 1.577 mg/g, 1.867 mg/g, 6.590 mg/g and 2.660 mg/g respectively. Terpenes and anthocyanins were not found in the yellow cultivar. However, saponins (0.823 mg/g) were found in the yellow variety but not in the red potato. Amount of the tannins, flavonoids and phenols observed in the yellow-fleshed potato are 0.667 mg/g, 1.027 mg/g and 1.287 mg/g respectively. These values are lower than in the corresponding red potato. Conclusion: In this study, the nutritional contents of sweet potato varieties have been assessed which will immensely contribute to reducing the menace of malnutrition bedeviling the Northwestern part of Nigeria.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used as remedies for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Sokoto North Western Nigeria

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) represents one of the most prevalent urological disorders among older men. Medicinal plants have been used since antiquity in treating various types of human illnesses, including prostatic diseases. Despite the plethora of published ethnobotanical surveys on Nigerian medicinal plants for treating various diseases, there is a paucity of such research in the country with respect to botanical agents used in treating BPH. Aims and Objectives: The present study is aimed at obtaining ethnobotanical information regarding the use of herbs by the residents of Sokoto metropolis in the treatment of BPH. Materials and Methods: After permission from departmental ethics committee, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted on medicinal plants utilised for the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia in Sokoto state, North Western Nigeria using semistructured oral interviews. Results: Findings from this survey showed a total of 44 plant species belonging to 22 families. Among the species, Cassia sieberiana DC., Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr. and Lawsonia inermis L. were the most commonly utilised. The part most commonly used for BPH are the stembark, followed by the roots. Seeds, leaves, and bulbs were found to be infrequently used. Irrespective of the plant parts used water was the most frequently employed medium of extraction. Though less popular, fermented milk, fermented milk-millet mixture, and a traditional cereal-based beverage were also employed. The most common modes of preparation were decoctions and infusions, while oral was the main route of administration. Conclusion: This survey documented 44 plant species used traditionally in Sokoto metropolis as a remedy for BPH. Further studies are recommended to confirm the efficacy and evaluate the mechanisms of action of standardized formulations of the herbal recipes individually and in combination.

Clinical effectiveness and tolerability of phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia - A systematic review of systematic reviews

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is defined as a progressive nonmalignant enlargement of smooth muscle and epithelial cells in the prostate. A lot of studies have been published on the efficacy and safety of phytotherapeutic agents against BPH, making it a daunting task to review comprehensively. Aim and Objectives: The present article aimed to review the existing systematic reviews of primary studies on the subject. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were used in searching the articles. Materials and Methods: After permission from the departmental ethics committee, the quality of the retrieved articles was assessed using a revised assessment of multiple systematic reviews scale. Results: Sixteen reviews were included, with the majority (11 out of 16) focusing on Serenoa repens extracts. Such evidence for other phytotherapeutic agents studied is either limited, conflicting, or lacking. Issues about the primary studies included in the reviews were discussed and some recommendations presented. Conclusion: The reviews that focused on the most widely studied hexanic extract of S. repens, Permixon, were consistent in their conclusions that the extract is beneficial in improving the symptoms of BPH.

Factors associated with poor access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria for women and girls living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: To determine the proportion of women and girls living with HIV (WGLHIV) who had poor access to HIV, tuberculosis and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that recruited WGLHIV with six categories of vulnerability (sex work, transactional sex, injecting or using illegal drugs, people on the move, transgender women and people with a disability) through an online survey conducted in ten Nigerian states between June and October 2021. The associations between the limited access to HIV, tuberculosis and SRH services due to COVID-19, the categories of vulnerability and the financial and non-financial barriers to these services were determined using multivariable logistics regression analysis. Results: Over 6 in 10, almost 2 in 10, and almost 4 in 10 WGLHIV had limited access to HIV, tuberculosis and SRH services respectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transgender women had 3.59 (95% CI 2.19­5.91) higher odds, women who engaged in sex work had 4.51 (95% CI 2.28­8.42) higher odds, and women who inject or use illegal drugs had 2.39 (95% CI 1.47­32.90) higher odds of facing limited access to sexual and reproductive health services when it was needed. In addition, the direct consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, such as the closure of HIV services and SRH service points, exacerbated pre-existing barriers significantly. Having no money, having to pay additional unofficial fees and the lack of security on the road to the health facility were the barriers with the greatest impact on access to health services. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the access of WGLHIV to essential health services. This impact was disproportionately higher for marginalised groups. WGLHIV need non-discriminatory and affordable access to essential health services during the pandemic.

Associations between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the experience of violence among women and girls living with and at risk of HIV in Nigeria

Aim: Women and girls living with and at high risk of HIV (WGL&RHIV) had an increased risk for gender-based violence (GBV) during COVID-19. The study aimed to assess the associations between vaccine hesitancy and GBV, HIV status and psychological distress among these vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from WGL&RHIV in 10 states in Nigeria between June and October 2021. The dependent variable was vaccine hesitancy. The independent variables were the experience of physical, sexual, economic and emotional GBV, HIV status and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a multivariable logistics regression analysis to test the associations between vaccine hesitancy and the independent variables and covariates. Results: Among the 3 431 participants, 1 015 (22.8%) were not willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Not knowing or willing to disclose HIV status (aOR 1.40) and having mild (aOR 1.36) and moderate (aOR 1.38) symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly associated with higher odds of vaccine hesitancy. Being a survivor of intimate partner physical violence (aOR 5.76), non-intimate partner sexual violence (aOR 3.41), as well as emotional abuse (aOR 1.55) were significantly associated with respectively more than five, three and one and half times higher odds of vaccine hesitancy. One positive outcome is that HIV-positive women and girls appeared to be more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available. Conclusions: Sexual and gender-based violence, low socio-economic status, psychological distress and an unknown HIV status are essential determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria. National authorities and civil society organisations need to better integrate COVID-19 mitigation activities with HIV and gender-based violence interventions through a more feminist approach that promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity for better access to health services.

The effects of COVID-19 on food insecurity, financial vulnerability and housing insecurity among women and girls living with or at risk of HIV in Nigeria

Aim: Women and girls living with or at high risk of acquiring HIV (WGL&RHIV) in Africa are economically vulnerable. This study aims to advance understanding of the economic impact of COVID-19 on WGL&RHIV and to identify the factors associated with this insecurity.Methods: Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey conducted among a convenience sample of WGL&RHIV in Nigeria between May and September 2021. Logistic regressions enabled the study of the role of HIV status, mental health and macrosocial characteristics (people with disability, transgender women, sex workers, persons engaged in transactional sex, substance users, and people on the move) on economic vulnerability, measured by food, financial and housing insecurity, since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The model accounted for the possible interactions between the macrosocial characteristics and controlled for confounders.Results: There were 3 313 (76.1%) of 4 355 respondents facing food insecurity, 3 664 (83.6%) of 4 385 with financial vulnerability and 1 282 (36.2%) of 3 544 with housing insecurity. Being a member of the key and vulnerable groups was strongly associated with food insecurity, financial vulnerability and housing insecurity, regardless of HIV serostatus. For example, WGL&RHIV engaging in transactional sex were more than four times more likely (aOR 4.42; 95% CI 2.57­7.59) to face housing insecurity and more than twice more likely to face food insecurity (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.35­4.52) and financial vulnerability (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.39­5.93). This economic vulnerability may reduce their negotiating power for safer sex or the use of HIV prevention methods, exposing them to increased risks of HIV infection. Poor mental health was also associated with the three forms of economic vulnerability.Conclusions: As the long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on African economies unfolds, HIV programmes at the country level must include economic vulnerability and mental unwellness mitigation activities for WGL&RHIV

Hospital-acquired Sphingomonas paucimobilis Infection in a Neonate: A Case Report

Introduction: The organism Sphingom on as paucimobilis formerly known as Pseudomonas paucimobilis is a strict aerobe, motile, non-sporeforming, non-fermentative, Gram-negativebacillus,characterizedbycatalaseandoxidaseactivities.Itisanopportunisticpathogenthatcausesinfectioninhealthyandimmunocompromisedindividuals.Sphingomonaspaucimobilisisubiquitousandhasbeenisolatedfromdiversesourcesincludingthehospitalenvironment.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiology among Physicians in a Tertiary Hospital in North-Central Nigeria

Objective:To assess physicians’ knowledge, attitude and practice of radiology.Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous questionnaire responded to by physicians, divided into parts as follows: one with questions about the physicians’ knowledge of imaging modalities, availability of the modalities at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), modalities with ionizing radiation, radiologist reports and way forward in improving services at radiology department.Results: A total of 123 physicians participated in the study. Majority of the physicians (65.0%) were males. Male to female ratio was nearly 2:1. Concerning the impression about radiology, the study showed that 101(82.1%) like radiology as a specialty. There was however poor knowledge about the risks and hazards associated with radiological imaging modalities.Conclusion:The non-radiologist physicians’ knowledge is heterogeneous and, in some aspects, needs to be improved. Multidisciplinary clinical meetings and teaching activities are important ways to disseminate information on the subject

Ultrasound derived-parameters and symptom severity scores as noninvasive predictors of bladder outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic enlargem

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men over 50 years and causes lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms. There is an emerging need to explore the value of utilizing ultrasound (US)-derived parameters of the LUT as noninvasive predictors of the degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) from BPH and determine if they correlate with the symptom severity observed in these patients. This study aimed to determine the utility of US-derived parameters of the LUT (prostate volume [PV], bladder wall thickness [BWT], and postvoid residual volume [PVR]) in predicting severity of BOO and correlating them with the symptom severity scores ­ International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) ­ in patients with BPH in our practice.Methodology: We prospectively studied 100 newly diagnosed patients with symptomatic BPH who presented to the urology outpatient clinic and were referred to the radiology department for transabdominal scan of the urinary bladder and prostate. The patients' age, IPSS, and QoL and their BWT1 (full bladder), BWT2 (empty bladder), PV, and PVR were measured using transabdominal US scan. Correlation was done using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean age of the participants was 60 years. The mean BTW1 and BTW2 were 4.66 mm and 25.80 mm, respectively. The mean IPSS was 16, with a majority (42%) having severe symptoms. There is a negative insignificant correlation between PVR and BTW2 (r = −0.053, P = 0.603). There is a weak but statistically insignificant correlation between QoL and BWT. There is a weak but insignificant correlation between PV and IPSS (r = 0.193, P = 0.055). There is a weak but insignificant correlation between IPSS and BWT. There is a moderate and statistically significant correlation between IPSS and PVR (r = 0.350, P < 0.001).Conclusion: In our patients, we found that BWT had an insignificant correlation with QoL and a negative correlation with PVR, respectively. We could show, however, that in them, PVR and IPSS were significantly correlated

Overview Of Ultrasonographic Ocular Findings In Jos University Teaching Hospital

CONTEXT: Ocular ultrasound, also known as ocular echography or B-Scan, is a quick, non-invasive test routinely used in clinical practice to assess the structural integrity and pathologies of the eye. It can provide additional information not readily obtained by direct visualization of ocular tissues, and it is particularly useful in patients with pathologies that prevents or obscures ophthalmoscopy, e.g. large corneal opacities, dense cataracts, or vitreous hemorrhage. The gelatinous composition of the eye makes it an ideal organ for ultrasound. While direct visualization with fundoscopy is limited due to variable provider skill, ultrasound provides reproducible, non-invasive visualization of the anterior chamber, globe, and posterior elements of the eye. AIM: The aim of the study is to audit all the ocular scans done in the Department of Radiology over a one year period, to ascertain indications and findings with respect to age groups and sex. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective study carried out in the Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, over a period of one year, between January, 2013 and January 2014. RESULTS:Atotal of 99 patients were scanned over the period, 53 of which were males and 46 females. Traumatic cataract and poor vision were the most commonindicationsforocularB-Scan.Themost commonfindingwas normalscan,while intra-ocularforeignbodywasthe least common. CONCLUSION: Ocular ultrasonography is a safe imaging tool in evaluating patients with ocular diseases. Its utilization can be of great help in the management of ophthalmology cases.

Mineralization and mobilization of biosolids phosphorus in soil: A concise review

Biosolids are the product of wastewater or municipal solid waste collected through sewerage treatment; theprocesses of obtaining the biosolids involve various treatment processes, which include digestion, thermalstabilization, thickening, dewatering, and drying, in order to obtain free pathogen granules. These processesundergone by wastewater in the treatment plant ultimately clean the wastewater and remove the solids whichare further treated to an acceptable standard for beneficial soil amendments. The application of biosolids areconsidered to improve soil organic matter, moisture content, and provided essential nutrients, such as nitrogenand phosphorus in arable land as potential plant nutrients supplements for crop optimum yield. Incubationstudies on the biosolids-amended soils have shown significant increases in soil phosphorus content beingreleased as plant available P in the soil, and therefore could be a good source of phosphorus in deficientnative phosphorus soil. Field-scale experiments on wheat are grown with sewage sludge have also shown yieldproduction comparable to mineral fertilizer-treated soils. This review is thereby aimed at explaining the conceptbehind the mineralization and mobilization of biosolids phosphorus in soil. In this review paper, an overviewof the method of preparations, origin, and sources, its application in agriculture and the environment, chemicalcomposition, the environmental risk, soil amendments potentials of the biosolid sand regulatory, and globalperspective of sewage sludge disposal all are reviewed. From the review, it was concluded that mineralizationand mobilization of biosolids phosphorus in soil have beneficial input to both environment and soil nutrientamendment. It is thereby recommended that more research studies should be carried out on the mineralizationand mobilization of another essential element, such as nitrogen and biochar although more research should bedone with respect to mineralization and mobilization of biosolids phosphorus in soil.

Isolation of Candida albicans among HIV Patients Presenting with Oral Thrush in Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Candida infections are known contributors to the high morbidity and mortality rates seen in HIV positive patients.Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was carried out at the Microbiology research laboratory, department of Medical Microbiology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. The population is made up of two hundred and ten (210) patients who presented with oral thrush between fifteen years and seventy years which comprises of 160 HIV seropositive and 50 non age and sex matched HIV seronegative patients. Culture, Microscopy and ELISA methods were used for isolation of Candida albicans. An interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire was used as the study tool Results: The mean age for the isolation of Candida albicanswas 30 ± 18.7 years, with the highest proportion of isolates within the age range of 21-30 years accounting for 27.1% of the study population recruited and the lowest proportion of isolates being 41-50 years accounting for 8.0%.From the 210 subjects withCandida albicansin the study, one hundred and sixty (160) representing 76.2 were isolated from HIV seropositive clients and Candida albicansisolation rate among HIV seronegative population was 23.8%.Conclusion: The sensitivity, specificity and positivepredictive value of using Grams reaction methods in the diagnosis of Candida albicanswas 22.9%, 95.2% and 82.6%. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of using ELISA methods was 25.7%, 86.7% and 65.9%.In this study, there was preponderance of Candida albicansisolate among the young and the old in HIV seropositive patients but largely isolated from older patients among HIV seronegative patients

A Review of Microbiologic Isolates of Adults with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Aims:This study was designed to determine the isolates from microbial cultures and the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of adults with lower respiratory tract infection. Study Design:A retrospective study.Place and Duration of Study:This study was carried out at the Pulmonology units of Medicine department and Microbiology research laboratory unit, Microbiology and Parasitology department, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) from August 2015 to September 2018 (Thirty-six months).Methodology:This was a retrospective study. patients with LRTI who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The data were extracted from patients’ case notes using well-structured tools. The quality of clinical and laboratory work up were verified by the contribution of specialist Pulmonologist and Microbiologist in the management of patients. Results: A total of one hundred and ninety-eight sample were reviewed of which fifty-seven percent (112) were males and the mean age of the study populations was 37± 13.8 years. From the positive cultures 86.9% were bacteremia and 4.0% were fungaemia. Streptococcus pneumoniae(30.3%) was the most predominant bacteria recovered from the sputum specimens; closely followed by Klebsiella pneumonieaand Staphylococcus aureus. imipenem and ofloxacin Aims:This study was designed to determine the isolates from microbial cultures and the antibiotics susceptibility pattern of adults with lower respiratory tract infection. Study Design:A retrospective study.Place and Duration of Study:This study was carried out at the Pulmonology units of Medicine department and Microbiology research laboratory unit, Microbiology and Parasitology department, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T) from August 2015 to September 2018 (Thirty-six months).Methodology:This was a retrospective study. patients with LRTI who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The data were extracted from patients’ case notes using well-structured tools. The quality of clinical and laboratory work up were verified by the contribution of specialist Pulmonologist and Microbiologist in the management of patients. Results: A total of one hundred and ninety-eight sample were reviewed of which fifty-seven percent (112) were males and the mean age of the study populations was 37± 13.8 years. From the positive cultures 86.9% were bacteremia and 4.0% were fungaemia. Streptococcus pneumoniae(30.3%) was the most predominant bacteria recovered from the sputum specimens; closely followed by Klebsiella pneumonieaand Staphylococcus aureus. imipenem and ofloxacin

Umbilical And Ovarian Endometriosis Coexisting With Multiple Uterine Myomas: A Rare Case Report

Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are both independently associated with infertility/subfertility among women of reproductive age. Primary umbilical endometriosis is very rare and usually does not coexist with ovarian endometriomas. Endometriosis coexisting with uterine myomas has only been reported in few publications. Herein, we presented a patient with primary umbilical endometriosis with no previous history of surgery, with left ovarian endometriomas coexisting with multiple uterine fibroids. The diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis should be kept in mind while evaluating an umbilical mass. The ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging features of endometriosis and uterine myomas have been presented. To the best of our knowledge, a similar case has not been reported before.

Effect of Health Education Intervention on Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and Practice of Voluntary Genotype Couselling and Testing among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: Knowledge of sickle cell disease (SCD) among students of tertiary institutions is known to influence their practice of genotype voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). This study aimed to assess the effect of health education intervention on the knowledge of SCD and practice of voluntary genotype counseling and testing among the students of a tertiary institution in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methods: A quasi-experimental non-controlled study with pre- and post-test design was conducted among 111students of a tertiary institution selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the research variables. A heath education session was held and free genotype screening was offered to the participants. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 statistical package. Results: The proportion of participants with good knowledge of SCD increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 49.54% at pre intervention to 87.38%at post intervention. The proportion of participants with good practice of voluntary genotype counseling and testing also increased significantly from 27.0% at pre-intervention to 73.0%at post-intervention. Fifty (45.0%) of the 110 participants who have never done genotype testing did so after the health education intervention. Conclusion: Health education intervention was effective in improving the knowledge of SCD and practice of genotype VCT among the participants. Sensitization of the public on SCD through the mass media and its inclusion in the school curriculum are crucial to improving the students’ knowledge of the disease and acceptance of premarital genotype counseling and testing by them later in life.

Immunodiagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus among Healthcare Givers in Resource-Limited Setting

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a highly infectious blood-borne virus (BBV) responsible for acute and chronic hepatitis B (HB) infections of the liver resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality in Sub- Saharan Africa. In a hospital setting transmission of HBV can be from patient to patient, which presents the greatest risk, followed by patient to HCW and lastly HCW to patient infections. This study determines Hepatitis B virus among Healthcare givers in Gwagwalada, Nigeria. Methods: This is a prospective cross sectional study which spanned two months (March-May 2016). The study population comprises of staffs of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and hospital identification card was used to screen the staff. A total of Two hundred (200) healthcare providers randomly selected. Results: There were 70 males (35.0%) and 130 females (65.0%) and the male to female ratio (M: F) was 1:2. Among the healthcare givers 16 (22.8%) males were HBV positives to the virus while 37 (28.5%) females were surface antigen HBV positive. The mean age of healthcare givers was 44 years. The overall seropositive to hepatitis B virus among healthcare workers in Abuja was 26.5%. Conclusion: Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus is high among health care workers. Healthcare givers should know their status in order to avoid transmission to their patients and families alike

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems category 3 (probably benign) breast lesions detected on diagnostic breast ultrasound: The prevalence, outcome and malignancy detection rate in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Probably benign breast lesions in the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS 3) constitute a crucial category and a considerable number of all palpable breast masses. Local data concerning the outcome of such lesions in the Nigerian environment is almost non-existent. Objectives: The goal of this article is to report the frequency, outcome and malignancy detection rate among palpable breast masses that were categorised on ultrasound as BI-RADS category 3 (probably benign) according to the American College of Radiology (ACR). Methods: Between January 2015 and July 2017, 603 patients had diagnostic whole-breast ultrasound scans. There were 277 women who complained of palpable breast masses, of whom 151 women were diagnosed as having BI-RADS 3 lesions. The final lesion outcome was determined by either biopsy or ultrasound follow-up examination for a total of 2 years. All data were recorded and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (Chicago, USA). Results: The frequency of BI-RADS category 3 lesions among all the women who underwent breast ultrasound was 25% (151/603); and 54% (151/277) in patients with palpable breast masses. There were 25 patients who were excluded because of incomplete data or who were lost to follow-up. A total of 122 patients had both ultrasound examination and histopathologic diagnosis, while only 4 were followed up for 2 years on ultrasound alone. Of the 122 women biopsied, 117 (95.9%) had benign histologic outcomes, and of the remaining 5, cancer was confirmed in 2 (1.6%), while the remaining 3 patients (2.5%) had lesions considered intermediate at histology (juvenile papillomatosis, borderline phylloides and atypical ductal hyperplasia). Three out of four patients who had ultrasound follow-up alone had stable lesions after 2 years, while one patient had complete resolution. Conclusion: This study found a significantly high biopsy rate of 80% (122/151) for probably benign lesions but a low detection rate for malignancy (1.6%). Follow-up with imaging rather than biopsy for lesions sonographically described as probably benign, will reduce medical costs and unwarranted invasive procedures

Pattern of hearing loss in a tertiary hospital in the north western Nigeria

Background: Hearing impairment is a major public health problem in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization,approximately 15% of the world's adult population has some degree of hearing loss. About one­third of those who are affected have disabling hearing loss and two­third of them live in developing countries. Aim: This study aims to determine the causes and pattern of hearing loss in Zaria, North Western Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at ear, nose,and throat unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria. The hospital is a tertiary health­care facility in North Western Nigeria and is a referral center to many primary, secondary, tertiary and private health facilities in Nigeria. The records of all patients who were managed for hearing loss in our unit over a period of 5 years between January 2011 and December 2015 were reviewed. Information obtained from the case files included demographic characteristics, main presenting symptoms, and causes of hearing loss. Findings of pure tone audiograms, tympanograms, and otoacoustic emission were also recorded. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical package for Social Science Version 21. Results: Of the 277 patients who presented with hearing loss,only 144 met the inclusion criteria. There were 86 (59.7%) males and 58 (40.3%) females with sex ratio (M:F) of 1.4:1. The mean age was 29.9 years with standard deviation of ±2.18. The most common cause of hearing loss was presbyacusis 24 (16.7%) followed by ototoxicity 14 (9.7%), most of the patients 91 (63.2%) had bilateral hearing loss while 53 (36.8%) had unilateral hearing loss. Majority 112 (77.8%) had sensorineural hearing loss, followed by 24 (16.7%) conductive and mixed 8 (5.5%). Majority of the patients 94 (64.3%) had mild to moderately severe with the remaining 50 (34.7%) having severe to profound hearing losses, respectively. Tympanometric findings showed that 118 (90.8%) and 11 (8.5%) had Types A and B tympanograms, respectively. Conclusion: Majority of the patients were adult with bilateral mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Age­related hearing loss was the most common cause of hearing loss followed by ototoxicity

Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Premarital Screening for Sickle Cell Disease among Students of State School of Nursing Sokoto.

Background: Sickle cell disease is a condition in which an individual has inherited two abnormal hemoglobin genes at least one of which is hemoglobin S (HbS) and the resulting symptomatology or pathology is attributed to the sickling phenomenon. About 5% of the world’s population carries genes responsible for hemoglobinopathies and each year about 300 000 infants are born with major hemoglobin disorders including more than 200 000 cases of sickle-cell anemia in Africa. Sickle cell anemia is a very common disorder in Nigeria with birth rate of about 1 in 50 and about 150,000 children are born annually with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria alone. The study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of nursing students about premarital screening for sickle cell disease. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire among 176 students. Results: Majority of respondents knew sickle cell disease and also knew their genotype 97.6% and 71% respectively, although up to 9.1% selected blood group as their genotype. More than half of respondent (51.7%) said sickle cell disease can be transmitted through blood, 55.1% of respondent said they think government should prohibit marriage between incompatible couples with regard to sickle cell disease, Only about one third (34.1%) of respondent have good knowledge of SCD, and 34.3% of respondent have good knowledge of premarital screening for SCD, More than half (55.4%) of respondent have good attitude regarding premarital screening for SCD. Conclusion: The study shows that the respondent have poor knowledge of sickle cell disease and premarital screening though more than half of the respondent have good attitude towards premarital screening. The results of this study reflect the importance of health education as a keystone in improving knowledge and attitude towards premarital screening for sickle cell disease.

Prevalence of Self Reported Sleep Problems among Patients with HIV Infection in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Background: Sleep disturbance results in physical, mental and emotional disturbances among patients with HIV infection. In spite of these observations, studies of sleep problems among HIV patients from Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Aim: To determine prevalence of sleep problems among patients with HIV infection in a north western Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study among patients with HIV infection (n = 159) conducted in VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) center of a teaching hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria. Questionnaire comprising of three sections including sociodemographic, sleep pattern, and psychiatric morbidity were administered to the subjects. Sleep pattern was assessed using clinical assessment variables such as early, middle, and late insomnia, presence of nightmare and non-restorative sleep. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed through the use of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analysis was performed with frequency distribution and Pearson’s chi square test to test for associations. A significance level of 5% was established. Results: The prevalence of sleeping problems among the subjects was 20%. Non-restorative sleep is the most prevalent sleep problem among the patients. Factors associated with sleep problems included being employed and presence of psychiatric morbidity. Conclusion: This study suggested that the prevalence of sleep problems among the patients with HIV infection is high. Routine screening for sleep problems is suggested.