Hypercholesterolaemia in pregnancy as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome

Background: Prevention of viable spontaneous preterm birth and low birth weight through screening is one of the key aims of antenatal care as these have implications for the child, mother and society. If women can be identified to be at high risk of these adverse birth outcomes in early pregnancy, they can be targeted for more intensive antenatal surveillance and prophylactic interventions.Objectives: This study is therefore aimed to determine the association between elevated maternal serum cholesterol level in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods: It was a prospective observational cohort study in which eligible participants were enrolled at gestational age of 14 to 20 weeks. Blood samples were obtained to measure total serum cholesterol concentrations and the sera were then analyzed enzymatically by the cholesterol oxidase: p-aminophenazone (CHOD PAP) method. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained by extraction from medical records and the labour ward register.Results: The incidences of the two adverse pregnancy outcomes examined in the study (preterm births and low birth weight (LBW) in term neonates) were 8.0% and 14.4% respectively. Preterm birth was 6.89-times more common in mothers with high cholesterol than in control mothers with normal total cholesterol level (38.5% versus 5.4%, P=0.029) while LBW was 7.99-times more common in mothers with high total maternal cholesterol than in mothers with normal cholesterol (87.5% versus 10.5%, P=0.019).Conclusion: We can infer that the high maternal serum cholesterol hypercholesterolaemia) is associated with preterm delivery/ low birth weight (LBW) in term infants. However, further validation of these findings with more robust prospective and longitudinal characterization of maternal serum cholesterol profiles is required in subsequent investigations.Keywords: Adverse birth outcome, cholesterol, hypercholesterolaemia, LBW, preterm birth

Comparison of Chlorhexidine - Alcohol and Providone Iodine Skin Preparation Skin Preparation Solutions in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery at An African Tertiary Hospital

No Abstract

Normal values of key pinch strength in a healthy Nigerian population

Background: With the severity of machine hand injuries in our environment, the need to determine the normal values for key pinch strength with which to compare restorative surgeries was justified.Methods: A cross sectional survey of participants who had no previous hand injuries limiting hand function. Data obtained included age, gender, body mass index, hand dominance and hand span. The Baseline Hydraulic Pinch Gauge was used to obtain key pinch strength. The influence of the above variables on measured pinch strength was analyzed using independent sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation.Results: Of the 242 recruited participants, age range between 20 and 80 years, 163(67.4%) were male and 79 (32.6%) were female. Males had higher pinch strength (right-8.3±2.7kg, left-7.6±2.5kg) than females (right-6.3±1.5kg, left-5.8±1.5kg). Pinch strength varied with age peaking in the fifth decade in males and females. Interestingly, the left handed dominant female had higher right pinch strength than her right handed counterpart (p<0.009). Height, and hand span correlated with pinch strength in females.Conclusion: Normal values for key pinch strength in this Nigerian population are lower than that of Caucasians.Keywords: Key pinch, Nigerians, Normal value

Quality Assessment and Suitability Evaluation of Soils under Tuber-based Cropping System in Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Crop yields together with economic and social benefits of farming depend in part on land management and soil quality. Soil management and cropping systems have long-term effects on agronomic and environmental functions. This study aimed at assessing soils under yam-based cropping systems for quality and suitability so as to enhance sustainable production. The study was carried out in Katsina Ala local government area of Benue state where yam is a major crop. Sixteen modal profile were dug, described for characterization and suitability evaluation. Ten cluster locations were selected and twenty soil samples randomly collected within each cluster. The soils were subjected to laboratory analyses and results subjected descriptive statistics. Suitability of the soils for yam, citrus and groundnut were evaluated using parametric approach and soil quality of the area was assessed using Relative Soil Quality Indices (RSQI). The soils encountered are sandy to silty in nature with some having plinthite at depth. The soils, classified as Alfisol, Entisol and Inceptisol are moderately (S2) to highly suitable S1) for the three crops and have moderate to high quality for crop production with percentage soil quality index ranging from 60. 37 to 74.31 %. Soils of the study site are of good quality and are suitable for production of yam, citrus and groundnut. However, because yam is a great feeder and tropical soils are fragile making them prone to degradation, there is need for maintenance of soil fertility through organic matter management for sustainable use

Combination of soil classification and some selected soil properties to improve yield prediction: An experience from southwestern Nigeria

The advantage in the combined use of soil classification and top soil analysis for explaining crop yield variation was examined. Soil properties and yields of maize (Zea mays L) on different soil types were measured on farmers' fields for 2 years. Yield prediction improved from 2 per cent at the Order and Association levels to 31 per cent at the Series level in the 1st year. The following year, it improved from 5-6 per cent (at the Order and Association levels) to 39 per cent (at the Series level). Regression of yield on soil properties showed that, with one soil property in the regression, yield prediction improved from 30 per cent at the Order level to 37 per cent at the Association level and 38 per cent at the Series level. With five properties in the regression, yield prediction improved from 42 per cent at the Order level to 44 per cent at the Association level and 66 per cent at the Series level. With 10 properties in the regression, yield prediction improved from 50-51 per cent (Order and Association levels) to 84 per cent at the Series level. Combinaison de la classification de sol et quelques propriétés de sol sélectionnées pour améliorer la prédiction de rendement: Une expérience de sud-ouest du Nigéria. Résumé L'avantage d'utilisation de la combinaison de la classification de sol et d'analyse de la couche arable pour l'explication de la variation de rendement des cultures, était étudié. Les propriétés de sol et les rendements de mais (Zea mays L.) sur les différents types de sol, étaient évalués sur les champs des cultivateurs pour 2 ans. La prédiction de rendement améliorait de 2 pour cent aux niveaux d'Ordre et d'Association à 31 pour cent au niveau de Séries dans la 1e année. L'année suivante l'amélioration était de 5-6 pour cent (aux niveaux d'Ordre et d'Association) à 39 pour cent (au niveau de Séries). La régression de rendement sur les propriétés de sol révélait que, avec une propriété de sol en régression, la prédiction de rendement améliorait de 30 pour cent au niveau d'Ordre à 37 pour cent au niveau d'Association et 38 pour cent au niveau de Séries. Avec cinq propriétés en régression la prédiction de rendement améliorait de 42 pour cent au niveau d'Ordre à 44 pour cent au niveau d'Association et 66 pour cent au niveau de Séries. Avec 10 propriétés en régression, la prédiction de rendement améliorait de 50-51 pour cent (aux niveaux d'Ordre et d'Association) à 84 pour cent au niveau de Séries. Ghana Jnl agric. Sci. Vol.33(1) 2000: 15-2

Antibiotics profiling of Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from some commercial poultry farms in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are attracting attention as pathogenic organisms of public health importance, not only as agents of various infections in human and food animals(poultry inclusive), but also due to their ability to carry multidrug resistant traits that are often transferable to other pathogens of both human and animal. Constant tracking of the antibiotic susceptibilities of these organisms at different region within each country is of great epidemiological value to formulate well informed and scientific based preventive measures to curtail the spread of drug resistant pathogens through the food chain.We screened 19 Proteus mirabilis and 35 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the cloaca swab of some commercial poultry from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; for their antibiotics susceptibilities to 10 commonly used antibiotics for food animals and humans in Nigeria; using standard methods. The fluoroquinolone resistant isolates were subsequently studied for point mutation at the GyrA of the quinolone resistant determining region by PCR assay. The Proteus mirabilis isolates had 100% resistance to: ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, amikacin, sulfamethoxazole,   chloramphenicol, and streptomycin and between 78.95% - 94.7% resistance to other antibiotics used. The fluoroquinolone resistant isolates possessed high MICs ranges between 16μg/mL ->128 μg/mL. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates  likewise displayed 100% resistance to: cefepime, sulfamethoxazole,    chloramphenicol, ampicillin and streptomycin and 71.43% - 97 14% resistance to the other antibiotics tested. The levofloxacin resistant isolates also exhibited a highMICs ranges between 16μg/mL ->128 μg/mL and 5/21(23.8%) of the levofloxacin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates exhibited 4-23 point mutations at the GyrA region of the quinolone resistant determining region. The study showed that the poultry in the studied area carries multidrug resistant pathogens that can serve as a source of drug resistant pathogen through the food chain to the public. Proper public health education on the potential health risk associated with the findings is advocated in the region

Normal values for hand grip strength in healthy Nigerian adults

Background: Assessment of hand grip strength is used in a wide range of clinical settings particularly during management of hand injuries and diseases affecting hand function. This study aimed to determine age and gender specific normal values of hand grip strength in healthy adults in Nigeria and compare values obtained with those in the Western population.Materials and methods: Hand grip strength was measured using the Baseline Hydraulic Dynamometer. Results were analyzed with SPSS version 15.Results: Two hundred and forty two participants comprising 163 males and 79 females were recruited. Mean values for hand grip strength on the right and left hands were 32.1±7.6kg and 30.7±7.7kg in males and 20.3±5.3kg and 18.7±5.3kg in females. Males showed significantly higher grip strength on the right and left hands (p=0.000, p=0.000) than in females. Grip strength peaked in the 30-39 year age group in males and females. In females a positive correlation was found between the grip strengths in both hands with weight, height and body mass index. Normal grip strength in the Western population is at least 1.6 times higher than in this study.Conclusion: The study has been able to establish normal values for  handgrip strength among healthy adults in Nigeria, which differ from that in the Western population. There is the need for further studies in other regions of Nigeria in order to establish national values.Keywords: Handedness, hand injury, hand assessment

Great saphenous vein stripping using nasogastric tube

Background; Crossectomy and Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) stripping remains the gold standard of treatment for great saphenous varicose vein. Many techniques of GSV stripping have been described. However, very few hospitals in developing countries are equipped with a vein stripper.Method and result: We describe the use of nasogastric tube in the stripping of GSV. This simple technique has been successfully applied in three patients.Conclusion: There is a need to carry out a prospective study regarding the application of this technique of GSV stripping. Keywords: Great saphenous vein, crossectomy, vein stripper, nasogastric tub

Unmasking inequalities : sub-national maternal and child mortality data from two urban slums in Lagos, Nigeria tells the story

Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world as well as high perinatal mortality. Unfortunately, the country does not have the resources to assess this critical indicator with the conventional health information system and measuring its progress toward the goal of ending preventable maternal deaths is almost impossible. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) conducted a cross-sectional study to assess maternal and perinatal mortality in Makoko Riverine and Badia East, two of the most vulnerable slums of Lagos.; The study was a cross-sectional, community-based household survey. Nearly 4,000 households were surveyed. The sisterhood method was utilized to estimate maternal mortality and the preceding births technique was used to estimate newborn and child mortality. Questions regarding health seeking behavior were posed to female interviewees and self-reported data were collected.; Data was collected from 3963 respondents for a total of 7018 sisters ever married. The maternal mortality ratio was calculated at 1,050/100,000 live births (95% CI: 894-1215), and the lifetime risk of maternal death at 1:18. The neonatal mortality rate was extracted from 1967 pregnancies reported and was estimated at 28.4/1,000; infant mortality at 43.8/1,000 and under-five mortality at 103/1,000. Living in Badia, giving birth at home and belonging to the Egun ethnic group were associated with higher perinatal mortality. Half of the last pregnancies were reportedly delivered in private health facilities. Proximity to home was the main influencing factor (32.4%) associated with delivery at the health facility.; The maternal mortality ratio found in these urban slum populations within Lagos is extremely high, compared to the figure estimated for Lagos State of 545 per 100,000 live births. Urgent attention is required to address these neglected and vulnerable neighborhoods. Efforts should be invested in obtaining data from poor, marginalized, and hard-to-reach populations in order to identify pockets of marginalization needing additional resources and tailored approaches to guarantee equitable treatment and timely access to quality health services for vulnerable groups. This study demonstrates the importance of sub-regional, disaggregated data to identify and redress inequities that exist among poor, remote, vulnerable populations-as in the urban slums of Lagos