Why Northern Ghana Lags Behind in Ghana's Growth and Poverty Reduction Success

Ghana's post adjustment growth and poverty reduction performance has been hailed as impressive, albeit with spatial disparities in the distribution of welfare, especially between the north and south of the country. Researchers generally agree that economic growth does not always reduce poverty. Indeed, the effectiveness of growth in reducing poverty depends on the level of inequality in the population. Growth that increases inequality may not reduce poverty; growth that does not change inequality (distribution-neutral growth) and growth that reduces inequality (pro-poor growth) result in poverty reduction. Policy makers can promote pro-poor growth by empowering the poor to participate in growth directly. Policy makers can focus on interventions that improve productivity in smallholder agriculture, particularly export crops, increasing employment of semi-skilled or unskilled labour, promoting technology adoption, increasing access to production assets, as well as effective participation in input and product markets. Also, increasing public spending on social services and infrastructure made possible by redistribution of the benefits of growth benefits the poor, indirectly

Molecular Identification of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Isolates from Nigerian Children

A study was conducted to detect and identify enteric microsporidian species in 43 children from Oyo state, Nigeria. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, 9.3% of the children were identified as positive for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. DNA sequencing of the PCR products showed the presence of three known genotypes (two isolates of genotype D and one of genotype K) and one new genotype. This study suggests that either human or animal (or both) could be the infection source for the children, since identified genotypes D and K have been previously detected in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients and domestic animals. The identification of high diversity also suggests intensive transmission of microsporidiosis in the studied area

Comparative efficacy of herbal and synthetic methionine on performance of some haematological and biochemical parameters in domestic laying hens

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the bioefficacy of herbal methionine (HM) compared to synthetic methionine (SM) in the diets of domestic laying hens. The herbal methionine (Meth-o-Tas®) was supplied by Intas Pharmaceutical Limited, India. The HM and SM were added to a standard diet at 0.5 and 1.0 kg per ton and fed to 144 laying birds, 30 weeks of age, housed in 3 birds per cage unit. The birds were divided into 4 dietary treatments of 36 birds each and each treatment group was replicated 4 times with 9 birds per replicate. The trial lasted for 112 days and was divided into 4 periods of 28 days each. At the end of the feeding trial, 2 birds per replicate, representing 8 birds per treatment were sacrificed for the determinations of haematological and plasma biochemical profiles, liver weight and abdominal fat pad. Layers fed on diets supplemented with HM produced less (P ≤ 0.01) eggs, had lower egg mass output (P ≤ 0.01) and final body weight (P ≤ 0.05) and poorer feed conversion efficiency (P ≤ 0.05) than those layers fed on diets supplemented with SM. Feed intake was not affected (P ≥ 0.05) by dietary methionine source. Exterior and interior egg quality characteristics such as egg weight, shell thickness, albumen weight and albumen height decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with dietary supplementation of HM. Dietary supplementation of HM reduced (P ≤ 0.05) abdominal fat pad. Total protein and albumin decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with dietary supplementation of HM. Plasma and liver total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were lowered (P ≥ 0.05) in birds fed on diets supplemented with HM. The activities of plasma and liver alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were not altered (P ≥ 0.05) by HM supplementation. All haematological variables determined were not affected by HM supplementation. Under the conditions of this study, it was concluded that herbal methionine (Meth-o-Tas®) is not an effective substitute for synthetic methionine for optimum production performance.Keywords: Herbal methionine, synthetic methionine, performance, laying hen

Vestibular disorders in elderly patients: characteristics, causes and consequences

Introduction: this study assessed vestibular disorders in elderly patients, describing the causes,  clinical characteristics, therapies and treatment outcomes. Methods: five-year hospital-based  prospective study, conducted at the ENT clinic of a tertiary referral center. Subjects were consecutive elderly patients with dizziness, treated and followed-up for a minimum of six months. Data was  generated using structured questionnaire and case record files. Analyzed results were presented in  simple descriptive forms as graphs and tables.Results: among the elderly patients, prevalence of vestibular disorders was 18.6%, 49.1% were retired, 71.9% were married, M:F was 1:1.1. Mean age ±SD were 69.4±1.1 and 69.0±0.8 years for males and females respectively. 56.9% of the patients presented early on experiencing the vestibular symptoms.  The symptoms were associated with nausea or vomiting in 26.3%, with an aura in 12.3%. While 50.9% of the patients experienced intermittent symptoms, laterality of the symptoms was not clear in 45.6%. Positional vertigo was diagnosed in 33.3% while in 17.5%, the symptoms could be attributable to  previous trauma or assaults. 31.6% of the elderly were referred to ENT surgeons by other specialties, 45.6% were managed with multidisciplinary approach, while 82.5% had the vestibular symptoms initially controlled with labyrinthine sedatives. At follow-up, 43.9% had intermittent periods of recurrence of symptoms. Conclusion: prevalence of vestibular disorders in elderly patients is high, most patients present early with intermittent, relatively innocuous symptoms which may be difficult to lateralize. Positional vertigo was the most common cause, it is frequently relieved with labyrinthine sedatives but tends to recur  intermittently.Key words: Dizziness, elderly, vertigo, causes, characteristics, Nigeri

Beyond Food Security: Understanding Access to Cultural Food for Urban Indigenous People in Winnipeg as Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Access to safe, affordable and nutritious food is an obstacle facing many Indigenous people in the inner city of Winnipeg, which is known for having vast food deserts. While food security is an urgent social, economic, cultural and health issue for Indigenous people in urban areas, and particularly those living in inner city areas, there are some unique elements of food security related to cultural values. Access to cultural food in urban communities is a challenge for Indigenous people. This paper discusses the results of some preliminary research conducted which explored the experiences and meanings associated with Indigenous cultural food for Indigenous people living in urban communities and the larger goals of what is being called “Indigenous Food Sovereignty” (IFS) with regards to cultural food specifically. When Indigenous people have the skills to practice IFS, a whole range of positive benefits to their social and economic well-being can unfold. Three themes which emerged from this research include (1) growing, harvesting, preparing and eating cultural food as ceremony, (2) cultural food as a part of connection to land through reciprocity and (3) re-learning IFS to address food insecurity in the city."Th is project was generously funded by the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (SSHRC), Manitoba Research Alliance (SSHRC), Government of Manitoba Ministry of Indigenous Aff airs, University of Winnipeg Major Research Award, University of Winnipeg Partnership Development Grant, and the University of Winnipeg Discretionary Grant."http://cjur.uwinnipeg.ca/index.php/cjur/article/view/

Usporedno istraživanje triju metoda za određivanje invazije metiljem Fasciola gigantica u nigerijskih goveda.

Qualitative examination of Fasciola gigantica eggs in faeces and bile were compared with the detection of precipitating antibodies in sera by agar gel precipitation test (AGPT) in 1000 cattle slaughtered at the Bodija municipal abattoir in Ibadan, Nigeria. Faecal and bile examination methods detected (196) 33.5% and (389) 38.9% of the animals as positive for fasciolosis, while (474) 47.4% were positive by AGPT. Both direct bile examination and faecal egg detection methods have high specificity and positive predictive value (100%) when compared with AGPT. However, lower values for sensitivity and negative predictive value were observed for both faecal egg examination (66.5% and 67.9% respectively) and bile examination (81.0% and 78.9% respectively). Fecal and bile examination failed to detect 33.5% and 19.0% of the cases detected by AGPT. The results of this study revealed that the AGPT could become a better test for the herd diagnosis of bovine fasciolosis for veterinarians and other investigators in Nigeria.Uspoređeni su rezultati pretrage na prisutnost jajašaca metilja Fasciola gigantica u žuči i izmetu s rezultatima pretrage na prisutnost specifičnih protutijela testom gel-difuzijske precipitacije. Istraživanje je provedeno na 1000 goveda zaklanih u gradskoj klaonici Bodija u Ibadanu u Nigeriji. Određivanjem jajašaca u žuči, prisutnost metilja dokazana je u 196 (33,5%), dok su u izmetu jajašca dokazana u 389 (38,9%) životinja. Metodom precipitacije u gelu protutijela su bila dokazana u 474 (47,4%) životinje. Postupak izravnog dokaza jajašaca u izmetu i žuči vrlo je specifičan i ima pozitivnu prediktivnu vrijednost (100%) u usporedbi s precipitacijskim testom. Međutim, slabija osjetljivost (66,5%) i negativna prediktivna vrijednost (67,9%) dobivene su za pretragu jajašaca u izmetu te 81,0% za osjetljivost i 78,9% za negativnu prediktivnu vrijednost za dokaz jajašaca u žuči. Pretragom izmeta na jajašca nije se uspjela otkriti prisutnost metilja u 33,5% životinja, dok pretragom žuči na jajašca metiljavost nije bila dokazana u 19% goveda u odnosu na precipitaciju u gelu. Rezultati pokazuju da je precipitacija u gelu bolja za dokazivanje goveđe fascioloze u nekom stadu te vrlo prikladan test za veterinare u Nigeriji

Spatial analysis of tuberculosis and risk factors at the lowest administrative level in Nigeria

BACKGROUNDFew studies have utilized modern techniques of spatial data analysis to understand the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) and its possible predictors. In 2013, an estimated 9 million new TB cases and 1.5 million deaths occurred worldwide, out of which 360,000 deaths were HIV related. AIMTo assist in planning key interventions for the control of TB at a sub-national level, the studysought to explore the spatial distribution of TB and associated risk factors at the lowest administrative level in Nigeria. METHODOLOGYThis was an ecological study carried out using number of notified TB cases for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 2013. Bayesian spatial regression analysis was conducted to identify high-risk clusters of the disease and to assess associated factors . RESULTSAnalysis revealed that TB was significantly clustered in 138 (17%) LGAs. Significant associations were found with household size, urban residence, access to transportation, population density, number of TB diagnostic services. Other predictors, including a composite index of socioeconomic status, living in a single room, number of TB treatment centres, and total health facilities in the LGA were not significantly associated with TB incidence. CONCLUSIONThe study identified LGAs with elevated risk as well as significant factors associated with TB. This information can assist policymakers in rationally planning targeted specific interventions with the potential to effectively control TB in the country

Fruits and vegetables moderate lipid cardiovascular risk factor in hypertensive patients

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor in etiology of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have shown association between vegetarian diet and low total serum cholesterol as well as LDL-cholesterol which is a pointer to low risk of cardiovascular disease. Dietary fiber, antioxidants and other classes of nutrients have been reported to ameliorate cardiovascular risk factors. Fruits and vegetables being rich sources of fiber and antioxidants have been the focus in intervention studies. The current work reports the effect local fruits and vegetables on cardiovascular risk factors in African hypertensive subjects in an 8 week study. Though there was no significant difference in the Body Mass Index and HDL-cholesterol at the end of the eighth week, there were significant reductions (P < 0.05) in serum triglycerides (125.87 ± 6.0 to108.27 ± 5.49 mgdL(-1)); total serum cholesterol (226.60 ± 6.15 to 179.20 ± 5.78) and LDL-cholesterol (135.69 ± 5.56 to 93.07 ± 7.18 mgdL(-1)). We concluded that consumption of combination of local fruits and vegetables may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors in Africans

DEVELOPMENT OF MELTED EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AS ΒITUMEN MODIFIER FOR PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION

This study was designed to investigate the Performance of melted Expanded Polystrene (EPS) wastes on the quality of bitumen used in asphaltic concrete. The EPS materials were ground and then melted (200-400 oC) to form a slurry. Specific gravity of the EPS and chemical composition were determined by AAS analyses. The melted EPS was used as a modifier in mix proportions of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% by weight of bitumen. The 5% unmodified bitumen content obtained from the Marshall mix design was used to prepare asphalt concrete samples with 0 to 10% contents of melted EPS. The products were tested for Marshall stability, specific gravity, penetration, softening point, ductility, loss on heating, viscosity, flash and fire points and the melting point tests using standard methods. The ground EPS was uniform and well-graded (4.750-0.010 mm) with a specific gravity of 0.012, having a styrene structure with methanol on the ring. The specimen prepared with the specified mix proportion of EPS produced results that ranged between 5598.71-16937.70 N for Marshal stability; 2.02-3.54 for specific gravity; 129-152 mm for penetration; 42.80-47.50 oC for softening point; 75.00-32.90 cm for ductility; 0-3.48% for loss on heating; 208-2204 sec.STV for viscosity; 243.3-269.0 oC for flash point; 196.1-211.0 oC for melting point. The results also showed that with correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.658-0.999, there is a strong positive correlation between the improvement exhibited in the specimen tested properties and melted EPS used in bitumen. At the 5% bitumen with 5% EPS by weight of asphalt concrete, the results of stability, flow and optimum bitumen content satisfied the British Standard Specification framework for polymer-modified bitumen and it is therefore suitable for flexible pavement construction

DEVELOPMENT OF MELTED EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE AS ΒITUMEN MODIFIER FOR PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION

This study was designed to investigate the Performance of melted Expanded Polystrene (EPS) wastes on the quality of bitumen used in asphaltic concrete. The EPS materials were ground and then melted (200-400 oC) to form a slurry. Specific gravity of the EPS and chemical composition were determined by AAS analyses. The melted EPS was used as a modifier in mix proportions of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% by weight of bitumen. The 5% unmodified bitumen content obtained from the Marshall mix design was used to prepare asphalt concrete samples with 0 to 10% contents of melted EPS. The products were tested for Marshall stability, specific gravity, penetration, softening point, ductility, loss on heating, viscosity, flash and fire points and the melting point tests using standard methods. The ground EPS was uniform and well-graded (4.750-0.010 mm) with a specific gravity of 0.012, having a styrene structure with methanol on the ring. The specimen prepared with the specified mix proportion of EPS produced results that ranged between 5598.71-16937.70 N for Marshal stability; 2.02-3.54 for specific gravity; 129-152 mm for penetration; 42.80-47.50 oC for softening point; 75.00-32.90 cm for ductility; 0-3.48% for loss on heating; 208-2204 sec.STV for viscosity; 243.3-269.0 oC for flash point; 196.1-211.0 oC for melting point. The results also showed that with correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.658-0.999, there is a strong positive correlation between the improvement exhibited in the specimen tested properties and melted EPS used in bitumen. At the 5% bitumen with 5% EPS by weight of asphalt concrete, the results of stability, flow and optimum bitumen content satisfied the British Standard Specification framework for polymer-modified bitumen and it is therefore suitable for flexible pavement construction