Effects of Chromolaena and Tithonia Mulches on Soil Properties, Leaf Nutrient Composition, Growth and Yam Yield

Plant materials differ in their chemical composition, rate of decomposition and suitability as mulch materials. Experiments were conducted on an Oxic Tropuldalf of southwestern Nigeria at Owo to study the effect of Chromolaena and Tithonia mulches applied at 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 t ha-1 on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient composition, growth and tuber yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir). Both Chromolaena and Tithonia mulches reduced soil bulk density and temperature. They also increased concentrations of organic matter, N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the soil, and N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the leaves. The mulches also increased growth and yield of yam compared with the control. The values of soil organic matter, N and P, and leaf N and P concentrations increased with increasing mulch rate. Chromolaena mulch and Tithonia mulch applied at 10.0 and 7.5 t ha-1, respectively, were found to be suitable for yam production. Tithonia mulch compared with Chromolaena mulch produced higher values of soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth and yield of yam. Tithonia mulch produced 19% and 18% higher tuber yield compared with Chromolaena mulch in the first and second cropping seasons, respectively

Acute toxicity of diazinon to the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Pesticides and drugs used in agriculture and veterinary medicine may end up in aquatic environments and bioaccumulate in the food chain, thus posing serious problems for fauna and human health. Thelethal concentrations of 50% of sample (LC50) and 25% (LC25) were determined using semi-static method. Eighty-four adult catfish were used for the toxicity study. Seven fish per test concentration in 2replicates were exposed to varying concentrations of diazinon (0, 1.62, 3.24, 6.48, 12.96 and 25.96 ppm) in water. The effect of diazinon (LC50) 6.6 ppm was further studied to determine the effect on behavioural, blood parameters and plasma biochemistry. The fish in the experimental group showed restlessness, increased reaction to exogenous stimuli, incoordination of movement and postural orientation before death. It is obvious from this study that diazinon negatively affects respiration and produces nervous signs with decrease acetylcholinesterase activities in fishes

Antiretroviral treatment among students of tertiary institutions in Ilorin; Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice

No Abstract.Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 53 (6) 2008: pp. 94-9

Perceptions of inhibitors and facilitators for adhering to hypertension treatment among insured patients in rural Nigeria: a qualitative study

Universal health care coverage has been identified as a promising strategy for improving hypertension treatment and control rates in sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, even when quality care is accessible, poor adherence can compromise treatment outcomes. To provide information for adherence support interventions, this study explored what low income patients who received hypertension care in the context of a community based health insurance program in Nigeria perceive as inhibitors and facilitators for adhering to pharmacotherapy and healthy behaviors. We conducted a qualitative interview study with 40 insured hypertensive patients who had received hypertension care for > 1 year in a rural primary care hospital in Kwara state, Nigeria. Supported by MAXQDA software, interview transcripts were inductively coded. Codes were then grouped into concepts and thematic categories, leading to matrices for inhibitors and facilitators of treatment adherence. Important patient-identified facilitators of medication adherence included: affordability of care (through health insurance); trust in orthodox "western" medicines; trust in Doctor; dreaded dangers of hypertension; and use of prayer to support efficacy of pills. Inhibitors of medication adherence included: inconvenient clinic operating hours; long waiting times; under-dispensing of prescriptions; side-effects of pills; faith motivated changes of medication regimen; herbal supplementation/substitution of pills; and ignorance that regular use is needed. Local practices and norms were identified as important inhibitors to the uptake of healthier behaviors (e.g. use of salt for food preservation; negative cultural images associated with decreased body size and physical activity). Important factors facilitating such behaviors were the awareness that salt substitutes and products for composing healthier meals were cheaply available at local markets and that exercise could be integrated in people's daily activities (e.g. farming, yam pounding, and household chores). With a better understanding of patient perceived inhibitors and facilitators of adherence to hypertension treatment, this study provides information for patient education and health system level interventions that can be designed to improve compliance. ISRCTN4789440