Evaluation of aquifer hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity of Ezza/Ikwo area, Southeastern Nigeria, using pumping test and surficial resistivity techniques.

Aquifer hydraulic parameters including hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity play a very important role in the assessment and management of groundwater. Conventionally, these parameters are best estimated employing pump test, which is usually expensive and time-consuming. The use of surficial electrical resistivity data integrated with few available pumping test data provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative. A total of thirty-five (35) vertical electrical soundings with a maximum half-current electrode spacing of 150 m using the Schlumberger array were used in this study. Five (5) of these soundings were parametric soundings carried out in the vicinity of monitoring wells for correlation and comparative purposes. The empirical relationships between the hydraulic parameters derived from the pump test data and the aquifer resistivity data were established for the Ebonyi and Abakaliki Formations, respectively, and, in turn, used to estimate aquifer hydraulic parameters in areas away from wells. Aquifer hydraulic conductivity estimated across the study area varies from 0.49 to 1.5735 m/day with a mean value of 0.9205 m/day for the Ebonyi Formation, while the Abakaliki Formation has hydraulic conductivity values that vary from 0.0775 to 1.3023 m/day, with a mean value of 0.2883 m/day. The transmissivity values estimated across the study area range between 0.29 and 57.27 m2/day with a mean value of 6.59 m2/day. Transmissivity values obtained were interpreted with Krásný's transmissivity classification, and this delineated the study area into three groundwater potential zones: very low, low, and intermediate zones. The study shows that the areas underlain by the Ebonyi Formation have a higher groundwater potential than those underlain by the Abakaliki Formation. These findings are supported by the geology of the area, which revealed that the Abakaliki Formation is dominated by shales with very low permeability, while the Ebonyi Formation consists of shales with alternations of sand/sandstones, which statistical analysis of the different model equations used in estimating the hydraulic parameters of the study area revealed that the new model empirical equations proposed and used in the present study proved to be the best alternatives to pumping test data.

Hepatobiliary Findings in Nigerian Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatobiliary abnormalities occur commonly in sickle cell anaemia and these have been extensively reported in the adult patients. However, complications have been sparsely reported in children especially in the sub-Saharan African continent. This study aimed to highlight the hepatobiliary complications in this group of children using clinical examination, laboratory testing and abdominal ultrasonography. The challenges in a resource limited country are also highlighted. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty- four (134) children aged 1-18years with sickle cell anaemia in steady state were recruited into this crossectional study. Clinical history and physical examination obtained were documented. Relevant basic haematologic and biochemical indices (Full blood count, liver enzymes and viral markers for hepatitis B and C) and abdominal ultrasonographic parameters were documented for all the children. The relationship between the complications and possible risk factors (age, frequency of crisis and blood transfusions) were also documented. RESULT: Fifty-three (39.6%) of the children had hepatobiliary abnormalities. Chronic hepatitis B infection was the most prevalent complication (14.9%) seen followed by cholelithiasis (12.7%) and Hepatitis C infection (4.5%). Other complications identified were cholecystitis (3.0%), biliary sludge (1.5%), liver cirrhosis (0.7%). Age was significantly associated with viral hepatitis (p=0.003) and cholelithiasis (p=0.0007) and the conditions were more prevalent in the older age group. The hepatobilary complications were also more prevalent in the males. Frequent blood transfusions was significantly related to viral hepatitis (p=0.03). The use of hydroxyurea was not significantly related to any of the complications. CONCLUSION: Hepatobiliary abnormalities are prevalent in children with sickle cell anaemia. Clinical screening and the use of ultrasonography would aid early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention in this group of children.

INTRODUCTION: Les anomalies hépatobiliaires sont fréquentes dans la drépanocytose et ont été largement rapportées chez les patients adultes. Cependant, les complications ont été peu rapportées chez les enfants, en particulier sur le continent africain sub-saharien. Cette étude visait à mettre en évidence les complications hépatobiliaires dans ce groupe d'enfants en utilisant l'examen clinique, les tests de laboratoire et l'échographie abdominale. Les défis à relever dans un pays aux ressources limitées sont également soulignés. SUJETS, MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Cent trente-quatre (134) enfants âgés de 1 à 18 ans atteints de drépanocytose à l'état stable ont été recrutés dans cette étude transversale. L'histoire clinique et l'examen physique obtenus ont été documentés. Les indices hématologiques et biochimiques de base pertinents (numération globulaire, enzymes hépatiques et marqueurs viraux pour l'hépatite B et C) et les paramètres échographiques abdominaux ont été documentés pour tous les enfants. La relation entre les complications et les éventuels facteurs de risque (âge, fréquence des crises et des transfusions sanguines) a également été documentée. RÉSULTAT: Cinquante-trois (39,6 %) des enfants présentaient des anomalies hépatobiliaires. L'infection chronique par l'hépatite B était la complication la plus fréquente (14,9 %), suivie par la cholélithiase (12,7 %) et l'infection par l'hépatite C (4,5 %). Les autres complications identifiées étaient la cholécystite (3,0 %), les boues biliaires (1,5 %) et la cirrhose du foie (0,7 %). L'âge était significativement associé à l'hépatite virale (p=0,003) et à la cholélithiase (p=0,0007) et ces affections étaient plus fréquentes dans le groupe d'âge le plus élevé. Les complications hépatobiliaires étaient également plus fréquentes chez les hommes. Les transfusions sanguines fréquentes étaient significativement liées à l'hépatite virale (p=0,03). L'utilisation de l'hydroxyurée n'était pas significativement liée à aucune des complications. CONCLUSION: Les anomalies hépatobiliaires sont prévalentes chez lesenfants atteints de drépanocytose. Le dépistage clinique et l'utilisation de l'échographie permettraient un diagnostic précoce et une intervention thérapeutique appropriée chez ce groupe d'enfants. MOTS CLÉS: Hépatobiliaire, complications, enfants, drépanocytose, Nigeria.

Application of the research electronic data capture (REDCap) system in a low- and middle income country- experiences, lessons, and challenges.

The challenges of reliably collecting, storing, organizing, and analyzing research data are critical in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where several healthcare and biomedical research organizations have limited data infrastructure. The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) System has been widely used by many institutions and hospitals in the USA for data collection, entry, and management and could help solve this problem. This study reports on the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from establishing and applying REDCap for a large US-Nigeria research partnership that includes two sites in Nigeria, (the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)) and Northwestern University (NU) in Chicago, Illinois in the United States. The largest challenges to this implementation were significant technical obstacles: the lack of REDCap-trained personnel, transient electrical power supply, and slow/intermittent internet connectivity. However, asynchronous communication and on-site hands-on collaboration between the Nigerian sites and NU led to the successful installation and configuration of REDCap to meet the needs of the Nigerian sites. An example of one lesson learned is the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) as a solution to poor internet connectivity at one of the sites, and its adoption is underway at the other. Virtual Private Servers (VPS) or shared online hosting were also evaluated and offer alternative solutions. Installing and using REDCap in LMIC institutions for research data management is feasible; however, planning for trained personnel and addressing electrical and internet infrastructural requirements are essential to optimize its use. Building this fundamental research capacity within LMICs across Africa could substantially enhance the potential for more cross-institutional and cross-country collaboration in future research endeavors.

Trematode infections of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi from a south-east Nigerian community with emphasis on cercariae of Schistosoma.

Knowledge of trematode infections in Biomphalaria pfeifferi from south-eastern Nigeria is scarce, due to the absence of Schistosoma mansoni infection in the region. Therefore, the present study sought to describe trematode infections in B. pfeifferi from the River Uzuru in the Nigeria Cement Factory area, Nkalagu, south-eastern Nigeria. Four hundred and sixty snails were checked for trematode infections, and mice were exposed to the Schistosoma cercariae shed from the snails. Adult worms were harvested from the mice 13 weeks post-infection, while sections of the liver and spleen were examined. Primary school children living in the area were screened for S. mansoni infection and assessed for activities involving water contact. The edges of the river were also searched for burrows and rodents. The five cercaria morphotypes found were armatae xiphidiocercariae, echinocercariae, Schistosoma cercariae, cystophorous cercariae and cercariaeum cercariae. The overall prevalence and mean intensity of trematode infections were 39.78% and 195.46, with the prevalence and mean intensity of most cercaria morphotypes higher in the hot-dry than in the cool-dry season. The infected mice showed S. mansoni-like characteristics but the stool samples of the schoolchildren were negative for S. mansoni eggs. Water-contact activities in the River Uzuru were minimal. Burrows were seen at the river edges but no Schistosoma eggs were recovered from captured rats. This is the first report of Schistosoma cercariae and other cercaria morphotypes in B. pfeifferi from south-eastern Nigeria. Additional molecular investigations are needed to identify correctly these Schistosoma cercariae, due to their public health implication.

Geographic access to street food sources for dogs and its association with spatial patterns of animal bite injuries in Enugu, Nigeria, 2005-2011.

BACKGROUND: Accessibility of street food source to dogs in Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State, south-eastern Nigeria was examined in relation to spatial patterns of animal bite injuries in the city. METHOD: Retrospective data on animal bite injuries were retrieved from records of selected hospitals in Enugu and its environs during the period 2005-2011. Victim's residence and street point where animal bite incidence occurred were geo-referenced. Street food sources, including garbage disposal points, meat markets, slaughter facilities and public vehicle terminals in the city were observed and geo-referenced. Thematic maps were designed usingArcGIS 10.1. Spatial scan statistics was used to identify cluster pattern of animal bite injuries and fatal rabies cases. Coefficient of area correspondence (Ca) in spatial cluster with selected variables was computed. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty one cases of animal bite injury cases were retrieved with traceable addresses. These comprised cat bites (n = 1, 0.76%), goat bites (n = 1, 0.76%), monkey bites (n = 2, 1.5%) and dog bites (n = 127, 96.98%). Fatal outcomes (n = 4, 3.15%) were recorded. Males within the age group, 0-15 (46.5%) were at the highest risk. A diffused spatial pattern showed that majority of the study area experienced animal bite injury during the study period. A primary cluster of 15.03km radius and a secondary cluster of 1.11 km radius traversed residential and non-residential areas were identified as rabies high- and low-risk areas. Interspecies bites from non-carnivores (goats and monkeys) and resultant deaths with neurologic signs were pathognomonic for rabies-like-illness in Enugu State. High Ca (0.8) showed a strong correlation between access to street food sources for dogs and the distribution of animal bite injuries on humans. CONCLUSION: While access to street food may support the population of free-roaming dogs, it was also shown to be partly explanatory to spatial patterns of dog bite injury. Public education about responsible pet ownership, waste management, enforcement of animal control regulations and vaccination of free-roaming dogs is critical.

Parasitological and histopathological effects of immunosuppression in guinea-pigs (Cavia porcellus) experimentally infected with Schistosoma haematobium.

The parasitological and histopathological effects of immunosuppression in guinea-pigs (Cavia porcellus) experimentally infected with Schistosoma haematobium were studied. A total of 16 guinea-pigs were divided into four groups (four per group): non-immunosuppressed, non-infected group (NN); immunosuppressed, non-infected group (IN); immunosuppressed, infected group (II); non-immunosuppressed, infected group (NI). The IN and II groups were immunosuppressed with 5 mg/kg prednisolone while the II and NI animals were infected with 200-300 S. haematobium cercariae. Excretion of eggs in urine/faeces, worm burden and histopathology of some vital organs of the guinea-pigs were studied. Eggs of S. haematobium were observed in the urine of the NI and II groups from 9 weeks post-infection and in faeces from 10 and 13 weeks post-infection for the NI and II groups, respectively. However, II animals excreted more viable eggs in urine and faeces than those of the NI group. Worm recovery at 14 weeks post-infection showed that NI and II guinea-pigs had more female worms than male worms and a greater proportion of worm recovery for NI animals was of immature worms. Significant differences (P < 0.05) existed between female, male and immature worm burden of the two groups but not in their total worm burden (P>0.05). Histological changes, which were notably reactions to adult S. haematobium worms, were observed in the organs of the NI and II groups but these changes were seen more in the organs of the immunosuppressed, infected (II) than in the non-immunosuppressed, infected (NI) guinea-pigs. The results suggest that immunosuppression before infection increased worm survival and had a moderate effect on liver and bladder histology of S. haematobium infected guinea-pigs.

Descriptive epidemiology of cases of acute myocardial infarction in Tobago / Epidemiología descriptiva de casos de infarto agudo del miocardio en Tobago

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to identify co-morbidities associated with acute myocardial infarction in Tobago. METHODS: This was a longitudinal retrospective study of myocardial infarction at the Tobago Regional Hospital in two selected periods: January 2007 to April 2007 and January 2008 to April 2008. Data were retrieved from the patients' medical records. These included co-morbid conditions eg hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, ESRD, whether history of smoking or cocaine use and if any prior care. In the former period, 11 cases were confirmed as having myocardial infarction and 27 cases in the latter period. RESULTS: In 2007 and 2008, all cases had dyslipidaemia (LDL > 100 mg/dL) and were hypertensive. There were 36.4% of cases in 2007 that had diabetes mellitus, compared to 33.3% cases in 2008 and 9.1% had chronic kidney disease in 2007, compared to 25.9% in 2008. CONCLUSION: The most common co-morbidities associated with acute myocardial infarction in Tobago are dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, with ESRD, smoking and cocaine use less so. Many of these patients had never received prior care.

OBJETIVOS: El objeto de este estudio fue identificar las comorbilidades asociadas con el infarto agudo del miocardio en Tobago. METÓDOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo longitudinal del infarto del miocardio en el Hospital Regional de Tobago, en dos períodos: enero de 2007 a abril de 2007, y enero de 2008 a abril de 2008. Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de las historias clínicas de los pacientes. Estos datos incluyeron condiciones co-mórbidas, por ejemplo, hipertensión, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, ERFT, historia de hábito de fumar o uso de cocaína, y cualquier atención previa del caso, si la hubiese. En el primero de estos períodos, se confirmó que 11 casos tenían infarto del miocardio, en tanto en el último caso se confirmaron 27 casos. RESULTADOS: En 2007 y 2008, todos los casos padecían de dislipidemia (LDL > 100 mg/dL) y eran hipertensos. El 36.4% de los casos en 2007 sufría de diabetes mellitus, en comparación con el 33.3% de los casos en 2008. El 9.1% tenía la enfermedad renal crónica en 2007, en comparación con el 25.9% en 2008. CONCLUSIÓN: Las comorbilidades más comunes asociadas con el infarto agudo del miocardio en Tobago son la dislipidemia, la hipertensión y la diabetes mellitus, y en menor grado la ERET, el hábito de fumar, y el consumo de cocaína. Muchos de estos pacientes no habían recibido nunca atención con anterioridad.

Descriptive epidemiology of cases of acute myocardial infarction in Tobago.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to identify co-morbidities associated with acute myocardial infarction in Tobago. METHODS: This was a longitudinal retrospective study of myocardial infarction at the Tobago Regional Hospital in two selected periods: January 2007 to April 2007 and January 2008 to April 2008. Data were retrieved from the patients' medical records. These included co-morbid conditions eg hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, ESRD, whether history of smoking or cocaine use and if any prior care. In the former period, 11 cases were confirmed as having myocardial infarction and 27 cases in the latter period. RESULTS: In 2007 and 2008, all cases had dyslipidaemia (LDL > 100 mg/dL) and were hypertensive. There were 36.4% of cases in 2007 that had diabetes mellitus, compared to 33.3% cases in 2008 and 9.1% had chronic kidney disease in 2007, compared to 25.9% in 2008. CONCLUSION: The most common co-morbidities associated with acute myocardial infarction in Tobago are dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, with ESRD, smoking and cocaine use less so. Many of these patients had never received prior care.