Occupational exposure to metals among blacksmiths in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

mining activities are excessively exposed to many toxic metals, which affect them. This study was conducted to determine the metal concentrations in body fluids of blacksmiths exposed to metals. Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 140 male blacksmiths and 120 male controls in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. All information related to working conditions such as duration of engagement and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), health history, life style, etc. were obtained using an interview questionnaire. Blood samples were also collected, digested, and subsequently, subjected to flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) analysis to determine the heavy metals concentration in the samples. Results: Exposure to heavy metals led to various degrees of health complications including headache (68%), fever (52%), chest pain (44%), itching (43%), irritation (35%), shortness of breath (31%), and coughing (27%). Meanwhile, the concentration of blood heavy metals of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Zn was 0.17, 0.076, 0.24, 4.50 μg/mL, respectively. The values were above the permissible limits of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and significantly differ from those in controls (P<0.05), which was directly proportional to age and exposure rates. Conclusion: According to the results, blacksmithing is an occupation with health hazards, which affect blood metals levels, and subsequently, lead to serious health complications. Keywords: Humans, Heavy metals, Occupation, Questionnaire

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Antenatal Care Utilization in Zaria Local Government Area Kaduna State, Nigeria

Antenatal care is a global strategy instituted to encourage adequate utilisation of healthcare services by women of reproductive age and particularly to reduce maternal mortality affecting the world. This paper examines the socio-economic factors influencing antenatal care utilization in Zaria Local Government Area Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study was anchored on Liberal Feministtheory to provide a theoretical explanation for the topic under investigation. Data for this study were obtained through the administration of questionnaire to respondents purposively selected in the study area. A total of 384 women were selected using the systematic and simple random sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. Findings of this study reveal that the highest educational attainment of the respondents was secondary school with (38.1%) and respondent’s husband with tertiary was (43.5%). A large proportion (52.4%) of the respondents are into business/trading, while 53.2% of the respondent’s husbands are civil servant and 68.0% of the respondents get support financially from their husbands. Maternal mortality is common in areas where women are educationally disadvantaged and are not well informed about issues that concerntheir health as priority should be given to girl-child education, sustainable poverty alleviation programmes through income generating activities should be optimized

Ectopic pelvic kidney in a neonate in Gusau, Zamfara, North Western Nigeria

Ectopic kidney occurs as a result of cessation in migration of kidneys to their usual position in the lumbar region. Several cases have been reported worldwide, however only one case of ectopic kidney in infant has been reported in North Western Nigeria which was not a pelvic kidney. We present an incidental case of unilateral ectopic pelvic kidney managed in our facility. A 28-day-old male infant presented with a week history of crying while defecating and fever. He had normal abdominal findings. Abdominal ultra sound scan revealed a unilateral left ectopic pelvic kidney with no associated abnormalities. Full blood count showed elevated white blood cell count predominately neutrophils. He was managed as a case of neonatal sepsis with antibiotics. A thorough antenatal ultrasonography and early neonatal ultrasound are required for early diagnosis. Asymptomatic and noncomplicated cases are managed conservatively

EXAMINING THE ROLE OF MARKETING RESEARCH ON INCREASED PROFITABILITY IN NICON INSURANCE COMPANY KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of marketing research on the profitability of NICON insurance in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research sampling the opinion of 14 staff of NICON Insurance, composed of senior management staff, administrative staff, and marketing staff. Their opinion was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed by tabulation and percentages, and the formulated hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient method. The findings revealed that marketing research exerts a statistically significant effect on NICON insurance profitability. More so, the study found that marketing research has a statistically significant effect on NICON insurance total premium. The study concluded that for insurance firms to maximize profit at an optimum level, they have to expand the scope of marketing research and development in order to eliminate the risk involved in today’s marketing trend. The study therefore recommended that NICON Insurance Kaduna State should fully embrace the marketing research tasks, and establish departments or units dedicated to this crucial task, staffing them with qualified and experienced personnel. They should also step up their research to deliver timely information on the development of insurance products and other aspects of their business. Furthermore, through market scenario research, they have to make a consistent effort to track the level of client satisfaction with their offerings

Familial athrogryposis multiplex congenita in Gusau, Nigeria: Case report and review of the literature

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is characterized by contractions of multiple joints present at birth with fat or fibrous tissue partially or totally replacing muscles. The etiology is from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. A 2-day-old male term neonate presented with a history of multiple contractures in all limbs since birth, fever, and vomiting of 1-day duration. An older sibling, a male child had similar multiple contractures in all limbs and died a few days after birth. A maternal aunt had a male child with multiple contractures of all limbs who also died a few days after birth. Parents are young and not related. Our case had multiple contractures and specific posture involving all the limbs; however no cardiac or neurological abnormality was observed. He was managed as a case of neonatal sepsis with AMC (likely X-linked) with antibiotics and had plaster of Paris applied on the lower limbs. He did well and was discharged home to be followed up at the clinic. He, however, did not come for follow-up and died at home at the age of 10 weeks. Arthrogryposis is a common congenital presentation which requires comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation and genetic consultation. Early rehabilitation requires the involvement of the parents or guardians and a multidisciplinary approach. This is to optimize possibility of making a diagnosis and providing parents with accurate information regarding the likelihood of recurrence. However, accurate information on recurrence is only possible when the cause of the AMC in any patient/family under investigation is identified

Wilms' Tumour in a Child with Horse Shoe Kidney seen at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto- A Case Report

Background- Occurrence of Wilms' tumour in patients with horseshoe kidney is an unusual presentation, with incidence being higher than in the general population. Hence, it can lead to diagnostic and management challenges.Objective- To report a case of Wilms' tumour that occurred in a child with horse shoe kidney in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto.Case report- UA an 18 month old boy presented with a six weeks history of progressive painless abdominal swelling. Abdominal examination revealed a huge right sided abdominal mass extending from the hypochrondium to the iliac fossa. Ultrasound revealed a huge heterogenous mass occupying the right hemi-abdomen extending from the right hypochondrium to pelvis. It crossed the midline to the contralateral side with multiple cystic portions and calcifications. The right kidney was not demonstrated while the left kidney was normal. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a huge heterogeneously enhancing isodense mass occupying most part of the right lumbar region extending to the pelvis and crossing the midline. The mass was continuous with normal renal parenchyma on the inferomedial aspect consistent with Wilms' tumour. The inferior poles of both kidneys were merged in the midline in keeping with horse shoe kidney. Chemotherapy was commenced however he deterioratedand died after 2 courses.Conclusion- Wilms' tumour can occasionally occur in a child with horse shoe kidney. Hence, patients with horseshoe kidney should therefore be closely monitored for the possibility of co-existing Wilms' tumour.Key words- Horse shoe kidneys, Wilms' tumour, Child, diagnostic challenge