Characterization of the cecal microbiome composition of Nigerian indigenous chickens.

Poultry cecum microbes are dynamic and complex. They play important roles in disease prevention, detoxification of harmful substances, nutrient processing, and ingestion harvesting. It may be possible to increase poultry productivity by better understanding and controlling the microbial population. We analyzed the composition and function of Nigerian hens' cecal microbiota using high-throughput sequencing methods. Using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes (V1-V9) hypervariable regions, the cecal microbiota of three Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes (Naked neck, Frizzle, and Normal feather) was described and compared. A total of two phyla were represented among the three genotypes (Firmicutes and Proteobacteria). Microbiological diversity was found in the community, with naked neck having the most evenness, followed by normal feather, which had the least. There were a lot of similarities between the naked neck and frizzle feather chicken groups when it came to genetic diversity between them. For example, the bacterial cecal microbiota of the naked neck chickens was more diverse, with a higher concentration of motility proteins, two-component systems, bacterial secretion systems, and the formation and breakdown of secondary metabolites. More understanding on gut microbiota roles and interactions will help Nigerian poultry farmers improve their methods and give valuable data for the study of bacteria in the chicken gut.

Investigation of physicochemical characteristics of selected lignocellulose biomass.

The beneficial effects of biofuels as components of the worldwide energy supply are unquantifiable because they have versatile applications. However, an adequate understanding of the chemical properties of typical biomass is an integral aspect of maximizing the energy potentials because it is susceptible to biomass behavior during the conversion process, especially anaerobic digestion. Therefore, this study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of selected lignocellulose biomass, namely; cow dung, mango pulp, and Chromolaena odorata of Nigerian origin. The raw biomasses were characterized by proximate, calorific, ultimate, compositional, and microbial (for cow dung only) analyses using ASTM standards and equipment. Raw biomass characterization showed that cow dung, mango pulp, and Chromolaena odorata leaves recorded percentages; fixed carbon, volatile matter, and ash contents in addition to calorific values in the ranges of 6.22-7.25%, 5.02-7.79%, 1.14-1.91,% and 13.77-16.16 MJ/kg, respectively. The ultimate analysis of cow dung, mango pulp and Chromolaena odorata recorded carbon (43.08, 39.98, 41.69%); hydrogen (7.87, 6.74, 9.86%); nitrogen (1.53, 1.34, 1.51%); sulphur (0.46, 0.12, 0.25%) and oxygen (47.06, 51.82, 46.69%), respectively. Compositional analysis of the biomass gave percentages in the range of 7.47-11.37 for hemicellulose, 0.22-6.33 for lignin, and 3.71-12.03 for cellulose, while the microbial analysis of cow dung gave total bacteria counts of 5.78 × 108 and 3.93 × 105 cfu/g on wet and dry bases, respectively, which implied that it was rich in microbial colonies, evidently from the various species found, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Proteus morganii, and Micrococcus spp. In this regard, the physicochemical properties of selected biomass of Nigerian origin were established to conform with those of the literature and thus can be regarded as suitable feedstock for anaerobic digestion resulting in methane-rich biogas products.

Sustainability of multifaceted usage of biomass: A review.

The paper focuses on collection of information on recent multifaceted usage of biomass materials with critical examination on its sustainability. The use of biomass is becoming popular, with wide global acceptance as it is considered as green technology. The use of biomass products across industrial parallels, the material combination and production processes were elucidated in this paper. Biomass materials are seen as affordable alternative to conventional materials for domestic and industrial applications. The multifaceted use of biomass, which includes, energy generation, metallurgical applications, construction purposes, reinforcement in metal matrix composite, microelectromechanical system, biochemical and traditional medicine were discussed. This underscores the need to develop a sustainable plan to meet with its diverse usage to be beyond laboratory efforts. This paper examined whether the availability of biomass can sustain its multifaceted usage or not. It also examined the modalities to ensure sustainable use of biomass. Different policies were highlighted and discussed in line with continuous multifaceted use of biomass.

Development of smart switch for household appliances using web-based technology

ABSTRACT: The paper depicts design and prototypic implementation of household automation switching system for electrical appliances using web based interface technology. The proposed system consists of two parts, the first part is the hardware module, which provides appropriate interface to switches of home appliances. Second part is the software component that comprises the user control interface which monitors and controls energy consuming units in the household. Users and system administrator can locally (LAN) or remotely (WAN) control system code to activate or deactivate a desired appliance. The outcome of the study revealed that the smart household switch engendered substantial reduction in energy consumption on all kinds of appliance and it poses no threat to security of lives and properties. The device is desirable for conservation and efficient use of energy

PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF ORAL HISTOPATHOLOGY SERVICES BY GENERAL PRACTICE DENTIST IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Oral histopathology services are oral diagnostic procedures. General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) are routinely exposed to oral lesions that require biopsies. Hence, the study's objective of assessing the perception and the utilization of oral histopathology services by GDPs. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at dental clinics distributed across Southwest Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of sections addressing the socio-demographic/professional aspects; the beliefs of GDPs and their utilization of oral histopathology services was used to collect data. A modified 5-point Likert rating scale was used to indicate the extent of agreement or disagreement with statement constructs. Analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 20.0. Significance was assessed at 5%. RESULTS: There were 56.1% males and 43.9% females. The peak age range was 30-39 years (35.4%), while 58.5% had ≤ 10 years of practice and 79.3% work in government dental centres. Many of the respondents (61.0%) thought suspicious lesions should be biopsied, 47.6% thought that specialists' skills were not required for biopsy. Furthermore, 53.7% had poor perception scores while 81.1% of those who had seen oral lesions that required biopsies, had poor utilization scores. CONCLUSION: The GDPs had a poor perception and utilization of oral histopathology services. Continuous medical education is needed to increase awareness amongst dentists.

Female genital mutilation/cutting: Knowledge, practice and experiences of secondary schoolteachers in North Central Nigeria

Background. Despite global efforts at eradicating female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), the act continues to be performed globally. Objective. To determine the experience of schoolteachers about FGM/C and their possible role in contributing to its eradication. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional survey involving secondary schoolteachers from 18 secondary schools in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria, was undertaken during October and November 2014. All consenting participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on FGM/C. Statistical analysis was with SPSS version 20.0 with χ2 and logistic regression; a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results. There were 371 participants (113 males (30.5%) and 258 females (69.5%)). More females than males were aware of FGM/C (205 v. 94; χ2 41.2; p=0.001); 180 women (69.8%) and 81 men (71.7%) wanted awareness and the implications of FGM/C to be taught in schools, while 46 women (17.8%) and 23 men (20.4%) had previously educated students about FGM/C. Also, 109 (42.3%) of the female teachers had been mutilated (mean (standard deviation) age 4.76 (4.86) years), and 49 mutilations (45.0%) had been performed by traditional circumcisers. Of the teachers, 44.0% of men and 24.5% of women had subjected their daughters to FGM/C (p=0.029), mostly for religious reasons. The men initiated the majority of their daughters' mutilations, while the mothers-in-law were the main initiators among the women; 44 (17.0%) women and 23 (20.4%) men held the opinion that females should be circumcised, while the majority considered education and legislation to be the most important interventions to encourage its eradication. Predictors of the likelihood to support discontinuation of FGM/C include awareness of government policy about FGM/C and having a mutilated daughter. Conclusion. Education, reorientation and motivation of teachers will position them as agents for eradicating FGM/C

Devolatilisation kinetics and pyrolytic analyses of Tectona grandis (teak).

Devolatilisation kinetics and pyrolytic analyses were carried out on Tectona grandis (teak) using iso-conversional methods (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Starink) and analytical Py-GC/MS technique respectively. Proximate and elemental analyses were also performed and they showed that the ash and C contents and the HHV were 0.7%, 49.6% and 19.8MJ/kg respectively. Biomass sample was subjected to multiple heating rates (5-35K/min) in thermogravimetric experiments and kinetic parameters were evaluated from the non-isothermal TGA curves. The activation energy (E) varied between 222 and 300kJ/mol as a function of degree of conversion. Similarly, the pre-exponential frequency factor (A) varied between 9.6×10(17) and 9.55×10(24)min(-1). Analytical Py-GC/MS showed the presence of CO2, acetic acid, furan+2-butanone, levoglucosan, trans-coniferyl alcohol and lignin derivatives. The proportion of phenolic compounds identified was more than one-third with isoeugenol, acetoguaiacone, and 4-vinylguaiacol showing dominance.

Pediatric fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss: problems in medical management.

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the diagnosis and management of children with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, especially focusing on those problems dealing with autoimmune inner ear disease. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of a large pediatric otolaryngology practice. A series of 40 children with progressive hearing losses was identified. Of that group, 22 children, aged 1.5 to 12.2 years at first audiogram, were considered to have fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (FSNHL). Criteria for inclusion in the FSNHL group were threshold variations of 15 dB or more in at least one ear at two or more of the standard audiometric frequencies on at least 2 testing days. METHODS: Charts were reviewed for age, sex, otologic history, laboratory evaluations, medical or surgical treatments, significant medical history, and family medical history. RESULTS: Twenty-two children met the criteria for fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. Of those with fluctuating hearing loss, 15 were idiopathic, 3 had positive lymphocyte transformation tests (LTT) suggestive of autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), and 4 had fistula on middle ear exploration. Average fluctuation for all groups was 29.1 dB. Average duration of fluctuations was 4.95 years. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pediatric FSNHL cases (15 of 22) were idiopathic in nature. Of those FSNHL children with positive LTTs, only one was treated with steroid therapy. In the other patients with positive LTTs, parents or other physicians were often reluctant to treat, or the patient was lost to follow-up. Mean fluctuations varied substantially across all standard audiometric frequencies for all groups.

Electrical (faradic) stimulation versus active mobilization exercise in the physical management of post-surgical temporomandibular joint hypomobility.

This clinical study compared the efficacy of faradic stimulation and active mobilization exercises in the physical management of patients with post-surgical immobilization of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) resulting in hypomobility of the joint. Eight volunteer dental patients with post-surgical immobilization TMJ hypomobility at the University College Hospital (U.C.H.), Ibadan, Nigeria participated in the study. Duration of TMJ immobilization was between 6 and 10 weeks (mean 7.13 +/- 1.55). Patients were alternately assigned to two groups as they became available. Patients in group A received mild infra-red radiation to the TMJ region and faradic stimulation to the muscles that move the joint while patients in group B had mild infra-red radiation and TMJ mobilization exercises. Treatment continued until pain relief and full range of the TMJ were attained. However after three treatment sessions, attendance became irregular because the patients were satisfied with their recovery. Pain perception was measured using the visual analogue scale. Interincisal opening was measured using a pair of mathematical set divider and a measuring ruler. The results showed that both faradic stimulation and exercises significantly improved the interincisal opening and pain perception although electrical stimulation improved mouth opening more significantly than active exercise.

An appraisal of body image among Nigerian university students.

This study was designed to provide baseline data on the attitudes of Nigerian university students toward their own bodies. 286 students completed the 25-item version of the Body Cathexis Scale of Berscheid, et al. These students were more satisfied than they were dissatisfied with their body parts. The body weight and general muscle development were aspects with which they were most dissatisfied. Compared to men, women were significantly more satisfied with their ears, body weight, general muscle development, chest/breast, size of sex organs, and appearance of sex organs. These baseline data may help screen Nigerian university students with negative body ideation.