Detecting and monitoring arrhythmia recurrence following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia prompting clinical presentation, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence and prevalence of this arrhythmia is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Of the available pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options, the fastest growing and most intensely studied is catheter-based ablation therapy for AF. Given the varying success rates for AF ablation, the increasingly complex factors that need to be taken into account when deciding to proceed with ablation, as well as varying definitions of procedural success, accurate detection of arrhythmia recurrence and its burden is of significance. Detecting and monitoring AF recurrence following catheter ablation is therefore an important consideration. Multiple studies have demonstrated the close relationship between the intensity of rhythm monitoring with wearable ambulatory cardiac monitors, or implantable cardiac rhythm monitors and the detection of arrhythmia recurrence. Other studies have employed algorithms dependent on intensive monitoring and arrhythmia detection in the decision tree on whether to proceed with repeat ablation or medical therapy. In this review, we discuss these considerations, types of monitoring devices, and implications for monitoring AF recurrence following catheter ablation

Intermestic politics and the evolution of Nigerian foreign policy in the post-independence era

Internationally, state behaviour has long been acknowledged to be the result of a variety of factors originating both within the state and within its constituting external environment. These factors have widely different degrees of influence across states. Using Nigeria as an example, this study sought to determine whether Nigerian foreign policy is determined by internal or external factors. The framework of analysis used is neoclassical realism to capture the intersection of internal and external influences, namely, intermestic politics, in the formulation of Nigerian foreign policy. Following a review of the literature on foreign policy sources and a historical overview of Nigerian foreign policy, evidence of relevant sources in relation to Nigerian foreign policy was presented and Utilized to create a questionnaires, The Methodology utilized is mixedmethods sequential research design comprising both quantitative survey questionnaire and qualitative semi structure interview techniques. The evidence was then compared to the answers to the survey questionnaires and interview questions in the hopes of uncovering more information. The research findings from the quantitative hypotheses result collectively predicted that when it comes to Nigerian foreign policy, internal influences take precedence over external influences. Internal influences in the regard of Nigerian foreign policy have been found to be more pervasive than external influences,mas expected. This is not to say that external influences have been non-existent, but rather that internal considerations account for the majority of Nigerian foreign policy decisions. The findings from the qualitative interview reveal and corroborated to quantitative results as the majority of the interviewers elaborated that external factors are part of the foreign policy but not a determinant of a state’s foreign policy and Nigeria is not an exemption. Furthermore, the introduction of leadership personality and perception as a mediator shows positive impact on the relationship between external environment and foreign policy behaviour. Thus, this study recommends for the relevant stakeholders to formulate the policies that will enhance the internal and external environment to stimulate better foreign policy behaviour in and beyond Nigeria

Aspects of the growth and reproductive characteristics of Labeo coubie (Ruppell 1832) in Upper Benue River, Nigeria

Labio coubie is an ecologically and economically important fish of River Benue, thus the length-weight relationship, condition factor and fecundity of the fish were investigated in order to provide information essential for its sustainable management. Fish specimens were collected monthly from sampling stations at Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State between September, 2017 and February, 2019. A total of 849 specimens were collected and their standard length, body weight and fecundity measured. Regression analysis of the length-weight relationship produced positive allometric growth coefficient, the values of regression coefficient (b) in males, females and combined sexes were 4.02, 3.52 and 3.34, respectively. Condition factor obtained ranged from 2.35-3.38 (mean=2.54±0.22), 2.36-2.78 (mean=2.52±0.11) and 2.36-3.00 (mean=2.53±0.14) for males, females and combined sexes, respectively. Fish condition factor was generally not significantly different (p˃0.05) between seasons. The fecundity of L. coubie ranged between 33,331eggs and 596,250 eggs (mean 78,017±165,667eggs). The mean values of condition factor showed that L. coubie was in a good state of wellbeing in the habitat during the period of study. These results confirm the suitability of upper River Benue for survival of Labeo coubie. There is however need for a systematic closed fishing regime to be employed in order to make way for sustainable growth of L. coubie fisheries in the river

RNA Sequencing Reveals Novel Transcripts from Sympathetic Stellate Ganglia During Cardiac Sympathetic Hyperactivity.

Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent age-related illness worldwide, causing approximately 15 million deaths every year. Hypertension is central in determining cardiovascular risk and is a strong predictive indicator of morbidity and mortality; however, there remains an unmet clinical need for disease-modifying and prophylactic interventions. Enhanced sympathetic activity is a well-established contributor to the pathophysiology of hypertension, however the cellular and molecular changes that increase sympathetic neurotransmission are not known. The aim of this study was to identify key changes in the transcriptome in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. We validated 15 of our top-scoring genes using qRT-PCR, and network and enrichment analyses suggest that glutamatergic signalling plays a key role in modulating Ca2+ balance within these ganglia. Additionally, phosphodiesterase activity was found to be altered in stellates obtained from the hypertensive rat, suggesting that impaired cyclic nucleotide signalling may contribute to disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis and sympathetic hyperactivity in hypertension. We have also confirmed the presence of these transcripts in human donor stellate samples, suggesting that key genes coupled to neurotransmission are conserved. The data described here may provide novel targets for future interventions aimed at treating sympathetic hyperactivity associated with cardiovascular disease and other dysautonomias

Evaluating the level of Press Freedom in Nigeria

In this study, press freedom in Nigeria is investigated, together with its recent developments and historical background. It looks at the state of press freedom, highlighting obstacles, worldwide forces that contribute to its restriction and the benefits it provides. Despite legislative restrictions, government control over Nigeria's media has persisted since the Newspaper Ordinance of 1903. The study places press freedom within several theoretical frameworks, such as authoritarian, libertarian, and democratic participant theories, using McQuail's theories of mass communication. Using Google Forms and the River sampling method, the study obtained data from 60 Nigerian journalists with a 100% response rate. The study underscores the critical function of press freedom in democratic nations, calls for its protection, and emphasizes its ability to influence open government, the defense of human rights, and socioeconomic progress

Mass Communication and Mass Incommunication: A Revisit

The need to revisit Adesanoye’s view on the prevailing communication gap between the urban and the rural areas over twenty-five years ago which he termed “mass incommunication” was as a result of the fact that the situation, rather than improving is increasingly deteriorating.  The authors in analyzing the situation discovered that even when and where concerted efforts are made by the media industry to involve the Nigerian populace in a participatory and interactive communication process, the success is always limited by factors such as  poverty, illiteracy, infrastructure, ownership, legal constraints, technology and media commercialization.  The writers suggested and agreed with other media scholars on the establishment of rural radio and community newspaper.  The government must revive the Adult Literacy campaign to improve the literacy level among the populace. Finally, there should be a return to the era of public service broadcasting. In essence, government news media should be well funded so as to accommodate the interest of everybody in participatory and interactive process of communication. Keywords: Mass Communication, Mass Incommunicatio

Factors Influencing Meat Consumption in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun States, Nigeria

This study examines the factors influencing meat consumption in Ijebu North local government area of Ogun state. This area was chosen because it has the best ultra modern abattoirs in Ogun state. Simple random sampling was used to gather data from one hundred (100) respondents with the aid of structured questionnaire. Demographic characteristics of the respondents showed that those whose age ranges between 30-40years consume more meat than the rest age groups; majority of the respondents (52%) has secondary education. The average monthly household income of the respondents is N65,979.80, majority of them (54%) preferred beef to other type of available sources of meat in the study area.  Multiple regression result revealed that the age and income of the consumers were significant at 1% while household size and educational level of the consumers were significant at 5%. Gender and marital status have positive relationship to meat consumption. It was recommended that government should make sure that there is constant electricity for adequate storage which will make meat available at all times, also there is need for promotion of means of employment generation to the youths for income generation that will enable them to purchase enough meat to supply adequate protein. Also, consumer should form cooperative society so that they can purchase cattle and sell at cheaper price for members. Keywords: Household, Consumption, Meat, Preference, Ogun state                                DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/52-0

A RISK ADJUSTED CAPITATION REGIME FOR COMMUNITY BASED SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMME

The general poor state of Nigeria’s healthcare services informed the need for the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Health care providers reimbursing systems under the scheme include among others reimbursement method, capitation and fee-for-service with capitation specifically being used under Community Based Social Health Insurance Programme (CBSHIP). This study applies a risk adjustment model on managed care organizations with the goal of attaining a fair and adequate reimbursement. The risk-based reimbursements reflect cost differences attributable to the enrolees. Using enrolees data of 23,375 individuals, results show that a sum of N528, 546.52 ($1,679.26) will be saved by the scheme and cream-skimming of members by health status and plans due to morbidity risk will be neutralized

Impact of Agricultural Value Added on Current Account Balances in Nigeria

The aim of this research paper is to explore the relationship between agriculture value added and current account balances in Nigeria. The study therefore examines the agricultural value added on current account balances over 33 years in Nigeria using data from different sources, from 1980 to 2013. The study found that the variables of interest were stationary at first difference. The Engel Granger two step test of co - integration found that the variables have a long run relationship, while the Johansen test found at least one co-integration relationship among the variables. Agriculture value added has a negative relationship with current account balances in the country in both the long run and the short run. Terms of trade and per capita gross domestic product also have negative with the current account position, while net foreign asset, real effective exchange rate and the gross domestic output have positive effects on the current account position. The short run adjustment parameters however showed that agricultural value added as a percentage of the GDP as well as the net foreign assets are the only variables capable of adjusting to their long run equilibrium within the economy. Keywords: Current account, Agriculture, Value added, Time series, Nigeri

Evaluating the level of Press Freedom in Modern Nigeria

In this study, press freedom in Nigeria is investigated, together with its recent developments and historical background. It looks at the state of press freedom, highlighting obstacles, worldwide forces that contribute to its restriction and the benefits it provides. Despite legislative restrictions, government control over Nigeria's media has persisted since the Newspaper Ordinance of 1903. The study places press freedom within several theoretical frameworks, such as authoritarian, libertarian, and democratic participant theories, using McQuail's theories of mass communication. Using Google Forms and the River sampling method, the study obtained data from 60 Nigerian journalists with a 100% response rate. The study underscores the critical function of press freedom in democratic nations, calls for its protection, and emphasizes its ability to influence open government, the defense of human rights, and socioeconomic progress