Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among Pregnant Women with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Maiduguri

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy represents a risk factor in the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and clinical features associated with abnormal vaginal discharge and C. albicans infection in pregnant women.METHODS: High vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological characteristics were collected from 400 pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge at booking clinic of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 statistical software.RESULTS: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was 31.5%. The frequency of abnormal vaginal discharge was 183 (45.8%) among those aged 20-24 years, 291 (72.8%) in multipara, 223 (55.8%) in those with Primary education and 293 (73.2%) in unemployed. Vulval pruritus 300 (75.0%) was significantly related to abnormal vaginal discharge (P<0.001). The prevalence of C. albicans was 41%. The frequencies of Vulval itching, Dyspareunia and vulval excoriation among those with candidiasis were 151 (50.3%), 14 (56.0%) and 75 (75.0%) respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was high in this study and C. albicans was the commonest cause. It is recommended that a pregnant woman complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge be assessed and Laboratory diagnosis done in order to give appropriate treatment. Erratum Note: Ibrahim SM, Mohammed B, Yahaya M, Audu BM, Ibrahim HA on the article ”Prevalence of VaginalCandidiasis among Pregnant Women with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Maiduguri” on Page Nig. J. Med2013. 138-142. Should read: Ibrahim SM, Bukar M, Mohammed Y, Audu BM, Ibrahim HM

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women in Maiduguri, North‑Eastern Nigeria

Objective: This study determined the prevalence and socio‑demographic characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge.Study Design: Descriptive cross‑sectional study.Setting: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.Materials and Methods: Vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological risk factors were collected from 400 consecutive pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Association between variables was compared by using the Chi‑square (χ2) and Fisher’s exact tests while P < 0.05 was considered significant at 95.0% confidence level.Result: The prevalence of BV among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge was 17.3%. Age 20‑24 years, multigravidity, lack of western education and unemployment were associated with increased prevalence of BV. Yellowish, watery vaginal discharge (P = 0.001) was associated with BV. Dysuria, dyspareunia and lower abdominal tenderness were associated with BV (P = 0.001). Fifty three (77%) of patients had BV during the second trimester compared to 6 (9%) who had it in the 1st trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.012).Conclusion: The high prevalence of BV in this study may necessitate adequate screening of pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in order to give appropriate treatment and avoid complications associated with it.Key words: Bacterial vaginosis, pregnancy, vaginal discharg

Inhibitory Effect of African Pumpkin (Momordica balsamina Linn.) Leaf Extract on Copper Corrosion in Acidic Media

Inhibition of copper corrosion in acidic medium by ethanolic extract of Momordica balsamina leaves was investigated. Findings reveal that the rate of copper corrosion increases with increasing temperature of the medium but decreases as the concentration of the Momordica balsamina extract added to the medium increases. Examination of the surface morphology of copper using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) also reveals that while the surface of copper was seriously damaged in acidic solution in the absence of Momordica balsamina extract, addition of 0.8 mgL-1 of the extract significantly protected the copper surface from corrosion. Results obtained from adsorption and thermodynamic studies reveal that the adsorption of the inhibitor on the surface of the copper metal fitted well to both Freundlich ( R2≥ 0.948) and Temkin ( R2≥ 0.940) adsorption models and the low values of activation energies obtained ( Ea≤ 34.02 kjmol-1) indicate that the adsorption of the inhibitor on the copper surface favors the mechanism of physical adsorption. Negative signs of ΔGads obtained in the study suggest that the adsorption of Momordica balsamina on the copper metal is thermodynamically favorable. The data obtained in this study demonstrate that extract of Momordica balsamina leaves probably contains one or more chemical species that protect copper against corrosion through the mechanism of physical adsorption. Keywords: Adsorption, Copper, Corrosion, Inhibitor, Momordica balsamin

Tuberculous Ileal Perforation In A HiV Positive Patient A Case Report And Review Of Literature

Tuberculosis is prevalent worldwide. Even in developed countries there is a resurgence of tuberculosis mainly due to increasing HIV infection. Tuberculous ileal perforation is uncommon. It is, however, a potentially fatal complication of intestinal tuberculosis especially inHIV/AIDS patient. To highlight tuberculous ileal perforation as an underestimated complication of intestinal tuberculosis in anHIVpatient presentingwith acute abdomen. A 42 year old HIV positive long distance truck driver with tuberculous ileal perforation is presented and related literatures reviewed. Intestinal perforation due to abdominal tuberculosis is an aetiological factor in acute HIV abdomen.High index of suspicion remains the key to diagnosis.Keywords: Tuberculosis, Ileal Perforation,HIV Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (4) 2008: pp. 386-38

Therapeutic effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of nigella sativa (black seed) on some haematological parameters of Albino rats after lead exposure

Lead poisoning is a great public health concern in Africa and Nigeria, especially regions where illegal mining activities occurs such as widespread gold ore mining in Zamfara by artisan miners using rudimentary and unsafe processing techniques. Lead (Pb) which often have no biological function remain in the system causes havoc and distortion of normal physiologic functions. Currently, the toxic effects of lead poisoning are clinically treated using chelation therapy which have been associated with many side effects and setbacks. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used as a major source of treatment for numerous human diseases. Plants that possess hematinic and antioxidant properties in the plant kingdom are often used in such scenarios. One of such plants is Nigella sativa commonly known as black cumin. Objectives: In this study, therapeutic effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa was assessed on hematological parameters of lead- poisoned albino rats as a curative therapy for management of lead poisoning. Method: Thirty- five (35) adult albino wistar rats of both sexes were used for this study. Group I (Normal control) received 2ml/kg of distilled water, Group II (Negative control), Group III treated with 10 mg/kg of Meso-2,3 Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), IV treated with 200 mg/kg of Nigella sativa seed extract, V treated with 400 mg/kg of Nigella sativa seed extract, and VI treated with 800mg/kg of Nigella sativa seed extract for Group VII (Recovery) were allowed to recover without treatment. The study lasted for a duration of 21days. Blood samples were collected from the rats through cardiac puncture after anesthetizing the animals and analysed for haematological parameters which included RBC count, PCV, Hb concentration, platelet count, WBC profile and haematological indices using an automated digital blood analyser. Results: Nigella sativa seed extract significantly (P<0.05) reversed the adverse effect of Lead exposure on RBC count, PCV, Hb concentration, platelet count, WBC profile and haematological indices. Conclusion: Nigella sativa showed therapeutic effects on hematological parameters and indices of lead poisoned albino rats

PEMBERDAYAAN PEKERJA TAMBAK DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESEJAHTERAAN KELUARGA DI DESA BARU-BARU TANGA KECAMATAN PANGKAJENE KABUPATEN PANGKEP

This research was conducted to determine the form of empowerment of tambak workers in improving family welfare in Baru-Baru Tanga Village, Pangkajene Subdistrict, Pangkep Regency and to find out how the constraints of farmworkers in improving family welfare from economic aspects in the Baru-Baru Tanga Village, Pangkajene Subdistrict, Pangkep Regency. The results showed that the efforts to empower pond workers in promoting family welfare were beneficial in covering their family's daily needs as well as maintaining and maintaining the family's survival. There are several obstacles faced by farmworkers in improving family welfare, namely lack of business capital, low education, sometimes unsupportive weather and minimal equipment/tools

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among apparently healthy adults in a rural community, in north-western Nigeria

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of multiple metabolic abnormalities that increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and a resultant severe economic implication.This study assessed the burden of MetS in a Nigerian rural community setting.Method: This was a cross-sectional, community based study on apparently healthy subjects.A multi stage cluster sampling technique was employed to recruit the study subjects.A standardized pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain data, and blood samples from subjects were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. MetS was defined using the NCEP-ATP3 criteria. Data were analysed using STATA version 11, and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 450 subjects completed the study, with 38% being males, and a mean age of 40.27±16.41 years. MetS was found in 116 (25.78%) of the subjects.Of these, systemic hypertension was found in 91(78.45%), while all (116) had elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.Abdominal adiposity was found in 45 (38.79%) subjects and 44 (37.93%) had Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The prevalence of MetS and its components in our studied population was high; hence the need for further large population based studies to determine its predictors in our environment

Magnetar-like X-ray Bursts from an Anomalous X-ray Pulsar

Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) are a class of rare X-ray pulsars whose energy source has been perplexing for some 20 years. Unlike other, better understood X-ray pulsars, AXPs cannot be powered by rotation or by accretion from a binary companion, hence the designation ``anomalous.'' AXP rotational and radiative properties are strikingly similar to those of another class of exotic objects, the Soft Gamma Repeaters (SGRs). However, the defining property of SGRs, namely their low-energy gamma-ray and X-ray bursts, have heretofore not been seen in AXPs. SGRs are thought to be ``magnetars,'' young neutron stars powered by the decay of an ultra-high magnetic field. The suggestion that AXPs are magnetars has been controversial. Here we report the discovery, from the direction of AXP 1E 1048-5937, of two X-ray bursts that have many properties similar to those of SGR bursts. These events imply a close relationship between AXPs and SGRs, with both being magnetars.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in Nature. Note: The content of this paper is embargoed until 1900 hrs London time / 1400 US Eastern Time on Sept 1

Magnetars and pulsars: a missing link

There is growing evidence that soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) and anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) are isolated neutron stars with superstrong magnetic fields, i.e., magnetars, marking them a distinguished species from the conventional species of spindown-powered isolated neutron stars, i.e., radio pulsars. The current arguments in favor of the magnetar interpretation of SGR/AXP phenomenology will be outlined, and the two energy sources in magnetars, i.e. a magnetic dissipation energy and a spindown energy, will be reviewed. I will then discuss a missing link between magnetars and pulsars, i.e., lack of the observational evidence of the spindown-powered behaviors in known magnetars. Some recent theoretical efforts in studying such behaviors will be reviewed along with some predictions testable in the near future.Comment: Invited talk at the Sixth Pacific Rim Conference on Stellar Astrophysics, a tribute to Helmut A. Abt, July 11-17, 2002, Xi'an. To appear in the proceedings (eds. K. S. Cheng, K. C. Leung & T. P. Li