Correlation between dipstick urinalysis and urine sediment microscopy in detecting haematuria among children with sickle cell anaemia in steady state in Ilorin, Nigeria

Introduction: Haematuria is one of the clinical manifestations of sickle cell nephropathy. Although dipstick urinalysis detects haemoglobin and by extension haematuria; it does not confirm haematuria. Urine sediment microscopy confirms haematuria and constitutes a non-invasive "renal biopsy". The need to correlate dipstick urinalysis and urine sediment microscopy findings becomes important because of the cheapness, quickness and simplicity of the former procedure. Methods: Dipstick urinalysis and urine sediment microscopy were carried (both on first contact and a month after) among consecutive steady state sickle cell anaemia children attending sickle cell clinic at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between October 2004 and July 2005. Results: A total of 75 sickle cell anemia children aged between 1-17 years met the inclusion criteria. Haematuria was found in 12 children (16.0%) and persistent haematuria in 10 children 13.3%. Age and gender did not have significant relationship with haematuria both at first contact (p values 0.087 and 0.654 respectively) and at follow-up (p values 0.075 and 0.630 respectively). Eumorphic haematuria was confirmed in all the children with persistent haematuria with Pearson correlation +0.623 and significant p value of 0.000. Conclusion: The study has revealed a direct significant correlation for haematuria detected on dipstick urinalysis and at urine sediment microscopy. It may therefore be inferred that dipstick urinalysis is an easy and readily available tool for the screening of haematuria among children with sickle cell anaemia and should therefore be done routinely at the sickle cell clinics.Key words: Sickle cell nephropathy, children, haematuria, dipstick urinalysis, urine sediment microscop

Cyclosporine -induced Kaposi Sarcoma; a Case Report of an Adolescent Male with Steroid-resistant Nephrotic Syndrome

Although there are many reported cases of immunosuppressive-induced Kaposi sarcoma in renal transplant patients on immunosuppressive therapy, a similar report of Kaposi sarcoma among steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) patients on immunosuppressive therapy is rare.This is a report of a 12-year-old Nigerian adolescent male with SRNS who developed cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma following a prolong use of cyclosporine A. This case should serve as a reminder for the possibility of malignancy development, especially Kaposi sarcoma, when SRNS patients receive cyclosporine as a steroid-sparing immunosuppressive therapy.Keywords: Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome; cyclosporine A; Immunosuppression; Kaposi Sarcoma

Geotechnical Site Investigation for Proposed Minna City Centre Development in Niger State

This study was carried out to investigate and determine the geotechnical parameters required for adequate design and positioning of structures and facilities of the proposed Minna City Centre, at Minna the capital of Niger state. The soil samples used for the study were obtained from 10 SPT boreholes at 0.6, 2.1 and 3.6 m depths and all laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with BS 1377. Results show that soil particle sizes increases with boring depth up to the basement complex and values of cohesion and angle of internal friction show that the shearing resistance and bearing capacity of soils will be relatively high and favourable for the intended structures. Average allowable bearing capacity values in the range of 100 – 300 kN/m2 are recommended for use in the study area with embedment depth between 1 – 3 m

Strength Improvement of Weak Subgrade Soil Using Cement and Lime

The study investigate the suitability of subgrade soil in Baure Local Government Area of Kastina State Nigeria for road construction. The strength properties of the  subgrade was improved using lime and cement. Several analysis including the particle size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength and California bearing ratio tests were performed on natural and lime/cement treated soil samples in accordance with BS 1377 (1990) and BS 1924 (1990) respectively. Soil specimens were prepared by mixing the soil with lime and cement in steps of 0, 3, 6, and 9% by weight of dry soil in several percentage combinations. The Atterberg limits of the weak subgrade soils improved having a minimum plasticity index value of 5.70 % at 3%Lime/6%Cement contents. The maximum dry density (MDD) values obtained showed a significant improvement having a peak value of 1.66 kN/m3 at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents. Similarly, a minimum value of 18.50 % was observed for optimum moisture content at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents which is a desirable reduction from a value of 25.00 % for the natural soil. The unconfined compressive test value increased from 167.30 kN/m2 for the natural soil to 446.77 kN/m2 at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents 28 days curing period. Likewise, the soaked California bearing ratio values increased from 2.90 % for the natural soil to 83.90 % at 9%Lime/9%Cement contents. Generally, there were improvements in the engineering properties of the weak subgrade soil when treated with lime and cement. However, the peak UCS value of 446.77 kN/m2 fails to meet the recommended UCS value of 1710 KN/m2 specified by TRRL (1977) as a criterion for adequate stabilization using Ordinary Portland Cement.            Keywords: Weak subgrade soil, Lime, Cement, Atterberg limits, Maximum dry density, Optimum moisture content, Unconfined compressive strength, California bearing rati

Geophysical Site Investigation for Groundwater Prospecting in the Permanent Site of Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Nigeria

Geophysical investigation of the permanent site of Federal University, Dutsin-Ma located in Katsina State site was carried out with the objective of investigating the subsoil conditions based on geophysical site exploration methodology in order to take precise engineering decisions on the best locations for different utilities and ground water profile establishment. The major instruments used in carrying out the fieldwork include: SAS 300, Reels of cables, sets of electrode, hammer, tapes and sealed battery. Six survey profiles were used with 200m length each. Dedicated geophysical software was used for the data processing. Results show that the thickness of the overburden which ranges between 2 m to 35 m is more in the southern part of the survey area than the northern part that has thin overburden thickness. This suggests that the thickness of the underground water aquifer will be more in the southern part of the survey area. Best locations of boreholes were recommended and alternative source of water was suggested based on observation.Keywords: Fresh basement, Geophysics, Resistivity imaging, Site investigation, Subsoil exploration, Aquife

Microanalysis and Compactive Efforts Study of Black Cotton Soil Treated With Cement Kiln Dust

An expansive clay, also known as Black cotton soil (BCS) was treated with up to 10 % cement kiln dust (CKD) using three different compactive efforts; British Standard light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS) and British Standard heavy (BSH) energies. Laboratory tests were performed on the natural soil and CKD treated soil samples in accordance with BS 1377 (1990) and BS 1924 (1990) respectively with the aim of improving the deficient soil to meet engineering requirements. Preliminary evaluations on the natural black cotton soil showed that it fell under A-7-6 (16) using AASHTO classification and CL according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Results of laboratory tests carried out on soil specimens show that the properties of the soil generally improved with CKD treatment. Peak unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values of 357.07, 382.49 and 528.82 kN/m2 and California bearing ratio (CBR) of 7, 10 and 19 % as well as resistance to loss in strength of 44, 55 and 55 % were recorded at 10 % CKD treatment, respectively, for BSL, WAS and BSH compactive energies. Reduction in the particle sizes with curing period was observed when samples were viewed through the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study showed that CKD can be beneficially used to improve the subgrade of lightly trafficked roads and as admixture in lime stabilization during construction of flexible pavements over expansive soil.Keywords: California bearing ratio; Cement kiln dust, Durability; Expansive soil; Microanalysis, Unconfined compressive strength; Scanning electron microscope

Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) at Nigeria's petrol stations: a review of current status, challenges and future directions

Introduction: In Nigeria, because of increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, and auto-mobilization, petrol is the most everyday non-edible commodity, and it is the leading petroleum product traded at the proliferating Nigeria's petrol stations (NPSs). However, because of inadequate occupational health and safety (OHS) regulatory measures, working at NPSs exposes petrol station workers (PSWs) to a large amount of hazardous benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds. Methods: Studies on BTEX exposures among Nigerian PSWs are scarce. Thus, constraints in quantifying the health risks of BTEX limit stakeholders' ability to design practical risk assessment and risk control strategies. This paper reviews studies on the OHS of Nigerian PSWs at the NPSs. Results: Although knowledge, attitude, and practices on OHS in NPSs vary from one Nigeria's study setting to another, generally, safety practices, awareness about hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of PPE among PSWs fell below expectations. Additionally, air quality at NPSs was poor, with a high content of BTEX and levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde higher than the World Health Organization guideline limits. Discussion: Currently, regulatory bodies' effectiveness and accountability in safeguarding OHS at NPSs leave much to be desired. Understanding the OHS of NPSs would inform future initiatives, policies, and regulations that would promote the health and safety of workers at NPSs. However, further studies need to be conducted to describe the vulnerability of PSWs and other Nigerians who are occupationally exposed to BTEX pollution. More importantly, controlling air pollution from hazardous air pollutants like BTEX is an essential component of OHS and integral to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 7, and 11

Enhancement of kaolin Clay Soil for Civil Engineering Application Using Rice Husk Ash and Sawdust Ash Geopolymer Cements

These days, good quality road construction materials are scarce and their haulage to the construction site is expensive. When unsuitable materials are encountered during flexible pavement construction, the most technical and economical option is always to improve them to meet design standards. One of these deficient materials mostly encountered in tropical regions is kaolin clay soils. Cement and lime that are traditional deficient soil improvement agents are on high demand therefore have kept the cost of engineering construction financially high. Thus, the use of agricultural wastes such as sawdust and rice husk as alternative construction materials will considerably reduce the cost of construction and as well mitigate the environmental hazards caused by the wastes and cement production. This study investigated and compared the performance of rice husk ash (RHA) and sawdust ash (SDA) geopolymer cements in improving the geotechnical properties of kaolin clay soil used for flexible pavement construction. All laboratory experimental tests were carried out in accordance with British Standard (BS) 1377 and BS 1924 for natural and modified kaolin clay soil samples respectively. Soil samples were mixed with geopolymer cement at stepped concentrations of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20% by dry weight of soil. Results indicated that the plasticity index value of the natural kaolin clay of 18.52% was reduced to 7.24% at 20% RHA geopolymer cement content. The unconfined compressive strength of the natural soil was improved by 600 and 400 % by RHA and SDA geopolymer cements respectively. It was concluded that the use of up to 20% RHA and SDA geopolymer cements can efficiently and eco-friendly improve kaolin clay for flexible pavement foundation purpos

A pre-COVID-19 assessment of aspects of the school health programme in some selected Nigerian primary schools: implications for school re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic in developing country contexts.

BACKGROUND: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures were part of the global public health response to limit community spread of the virus. In recent times, there has been an emphasis on safe school re-opening. This concept is likely to differ between developed and developing country settings. There are however no published studies on barriers hindering safe school re-opening within developing country contexts. This study evaluates aspects of the school health program (SHP) in some selected Nigerian schools that might relate to the pandemic control during school re-opening. METHODS: In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the SHP of 146 registered primary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council in Abuja, Nigeria. These schools provided services to about 54,562 students. We used direct observational methods and interviewer-administered questionnaires to assess the SHP of each school. We compare SHP characteristics that might relate to COVID-19 control in schools across government-owned (public) and privately-owned (private) schools using a pre-defined framework. RESULTS: Public school to pupil ratios was more than six times that of private schools. Only 6.9% of all surveyed schools employed qualified health personnel. Although 8 in every 10 schools conducted health talks for communicable disease control, the use of temporary isolation and school-based immunization were low at 1.4 and 2.7% respectively. Pipe-borne water access was present in 4 of 10 schools, with public schools having more limited access than private schools (p = 0.009). Similarly, less proportion of public schools had access to soap for handwashing (p < 0.001). Adequate classroom ventilation was present in 63% of surveyed schools, with private schools having more limited ventilation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Overcrowding and infrastructural deficits within developing country contexts represent barriers to safe school re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. In these settings, there needs to be tailored and innovative strategies which consider local practical realities when designing the COVID-19 control programs during school re-opening

Allele Diversity, Haplotype Frequency and Diversity, and Forensic Genotyping of Fulanis and Yorubas Population in North Central Region of Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous African nation, comprising over 250 ethnic groups. The Yoruba and Fulani are the second and fourth largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, respectively. Forensic genotyping of short tandem repeats (STRs) is used in computation of Combined DNA Index System databases of individuals and ethnic groups. We examined allele diversity, haplotype frequency, haplotype diversity, and forensic genotyping data of autosomal STRs in Fulani and Yoruba residents in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, in-order to further provide forensic genotyping data of these ethnic groups. Samples of 25 Fulani males and 23 Yoruba males whose ethnicity was confirmed by three generations (paternal and maternal) were collected with informed consent using purposive sampling. All individuals in the samples were unrelated. The samples were amplified and then genotyped using the SureID® 21G PCR Amplification Kit containing Amelogenin and 20 autosomal STR loci. Statistical analyses of forensic genotyping parameters confirmed no deviation from expectation of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and no dependence of alleles between loci. All tested loci were polymorphic. Expected Heterozygosity and gene diversity parameters showed lower genetic diversity amongst Fulanis compared to Yorubas. This is possibly due to the prevalent custom of marriage between cousins amongst Fulanis, which is forbidden in Yoruba customs