Efeito do nitrogênio mineralizado através da decomposição de resíduos vegetais na absorção de milho (Zea mays L.) na zona ecológica da sava-na sudanesa da Nigéria

A field experiment was designed to determine the effect of mineralized nitrogen (N) through the decomposition of leafy biomass of agroforestry tree species as residues to underscore its uptake by maize under Sudan savannah conditions. The experiment was laid out as 3 x 4 x 2 factorial in a split-split plot design with three replicates for two cropping seasons. The factors considered include: control, biomass species (Albizia lebbeck and Parkia biglobosa) as main plots, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) as sub-plots, and two maize varieties (DMR-ESR-7 and 2009 EVAT) as sub-sub plots. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Chemical composition of A. lebbeck biomass had higher average contents of N (32.4 g kg-1) and C (186.4 g kg-1) and lower average C: N ratio (57.5) than P. biglobosa and this affected their decomposition rates, hence, A. lebbeck decomposed faster than P. biglobosa. 56 % of N in the litter bags were released within the first 2 weeks of biomass incorporation and progressively increased up to 10 weeks after planting (WAP). Total N uptake by maize was lowest (2.8 kg N ha-1) in P. biglobosa and was highest (8.6 kg N ha-1) in A. lebbeck amended plots. It is then concluded that total N uptake by maize crop increased rapidly between 4-6 WAP, and the impact was obvious in plots amended with A. lebbeck biomass than in P. biglobosa plots during the two cropping seasons.Um experimento de campo foi projetado para determinar o efeito do nitrogênio mineralizado (N) através da decomposição da biomassa foliar de espécies de árvores agroflorestais como resíduos para destacar sua absorção pelo milho em condições de savana do Sudão. O experimento foi estabelecido como fatorial 3 x 4 x 2 em um delineamento de parcelas subdivididas com três repetições para duas safras. Os fatores considerados incluem: controle, espécies de biomassa (Albizia lebbeck e Parkia biglobosa) como parcelas principais, quatro níveis de fertilizante nitrogenado (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha-1) como subparcelas e duas variedades de milho (DMR -ESR-7 e EVAT 2009) como sub-subparcelas. Os dados foram analisados por meio de Análise de Variância (ANOVA). A composição química da biomassa de A. lebbeck apresentou maiores teores médios de N (32,4 g kg-1) e C (186,4 g kg-1) e menor relação C:N média (57,5) do que P. biglobosa e isso afetou suas taxas de decomposição, portanto, A. lebbeck se decompôs mais rápido que P. biglobosa. 56% do N nos sacos de lixo foram liberados nas primeiras 2 semanas de incorporação da biomassa e aumentaram progressivamente até 10 semanas após o plantio (WAP). A absorção total de N pelo milho foi menor (2,8 kg N ha-1) em P. biglobosa e maior (8,6 kg N ha-1) em parcelas corrigidas de A. lebbeck. Conclui-se então que a absorção total de N pela cultura do milho aumentou rapidamente entre 4-6 WAP, e o impacto foi óbvio em parcelas alteradas com biomassa de A. lebbeck do que em parcelas de P. biglobosa durante as duas safras

Effect of dietary palm oil on growth and carcass composition of Heterobranchus longifilis fingerlings

This study investigated the effects of dietary palm oil (PO) on growth performance and carcass composition of Heterobranchus longifilis with the goal of replacing dietary fish oil with palm oil. In this study triplicate groups of H. longifilis fingerlings were fed the experimental diets for 8 weeks. Five isonitrogenous (45% crude protein), isoenergetic (20 KJg-1) experimental diets were made containing either 6.0% FO and 0% PO, 4.5% FO and 1.5% PO; 3.0% FO and 3.0% PO; 1.5% FO and 4.5% PO; or 0% FO and 6.0% PO using soybean and fish meal as the protein source. Dietary palm oil had no significant effect on growth rate or feed conversion ratio. Similarly, No significant differences were observed between dietary treatments for moisture, protein and ash content in H. longifilis fingerlings. However, fillet saturated, monounsaturated fatty acids and liver lipid deposition were significantly (P0.05) higher in fish fed 6.0% PO diet. This study suggests that the replacement of cod liver oil by palm oil as lipid supplement in the diet permitted a clear improvement of growth and FCR of H. longifilis. This indicates that PO can effectively replace FO in the diet of the fish without compromising fish growth and feed efficiency

Urologic Emergencies in a Low‑Resource Setting: A 10‑Year Review from South‑Western Nigeria

Background: Emergency presentations are quite an important aspect of the urologic practice, and prompt attention is necessary to relieve  symptoms, limit morbidity, and prevent mortality. Adequate knowledge of the pattern of emergency urologic presentations might aid rapid  diagnosis and provide data for hospital and public health planning purposes. We present our experience with urologic emergencies in our hospital. Objectives: The objective was to describe the pattern of presentation and the peculiar challenges of urologic emergencies in a typical low‑resource setting in South‑Western, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with urologic complaints who presented acutely to the accident and emergency  department (AED) of our hospital, between January 2008 and December 2017, was done. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Results: There were 1102 patients seen with urologic complaints, which constitute 3.2% of the total patients presenting to our AED over the 10‑year period reviewed. Urinary retention (28.7%) and gross hematuria (19.5%) were the most common emergency urology presentations, whereas urethral injury was the most common mode of urologic trauma (59%). Over half (53%) of the patients with hematuria had a urologic malignancy. Prostate cancer was the leading urologic malignancy presenting to the AED. Testicular torsion and priapism were predominantly found in young male patients. There were 2.7% mortalities, with complicated prostate cancer, the leading cause (66.7%). Immediate causes of mortality were metastatic disease and urosepsis. Conclusion: Urologic emergencies are a probable cause of morbidity and mortality in our setting. Adequate knowledge of the pattern of patientpresentation might aid diagnosis, improve outcomes, and provide data for hospital and public health planning purposes. Keywords: Emergency, urine retention, haematuria, malignancy, mortality, urolog

Mechanical and durability properties of recycled aggregate concrete with ternary binder system and optimized mix proportion

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical and durability properties of recycled aggregate concrete with a ternary binder system and optimized mix proportion. Two concrete batches were developed using a densified mix design approach (DMDA) to evaluate the required mix proportions. Batch I have GGBS content varied at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% at constant w/b ratio of 0.45, while batch II concrete mix have varied water/binder ratios: 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45 and 0.5 at constant GGBS replacement level of 30%. The fine aggregate (river sand) of the two batches was blended with fly ash at optimum loose packing density (FA + Sand) and superplasticizer (SP) was incorporated in the mix at a constant level of 1.4%. A control mix comprising of natural aggregate was also developed. The results obtained showcased the feasibility of producing structural concrete with recycled aggregates using GGBS and fly ash. The mechanical and durability properties were best at 30% GGBS content and 0.35 water/binder ratio. The DMDA for mix proportion adopted for RAC contributed significantly to improving its properties when compared to NAC, especially at the optimum observed RAC mix with compressive strength of 52 MPa. Also, the mix demonstrated good permeability resistance in terms of chloride-ion ingress and capillary water absorption

Unusual presentation of advanced prostate cancer in a black population of South-Western Nigeria

There are growing concerns on the varying pattern of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) presentation across the world. We report some of the unusual presentations of PCa at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria. A review of all patients with histologically confirmed PCa who had unusual presentations between January 2014 and December 2015 was done. Unusual presentation was defined as an atypical feature in the absence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), with the diagnosis of PCa only suspected after abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) assay. Thirteen patients had an unusual presentation in OAUTHC during the study period. Five (38.5%) had left supraclavicular swellings while four (30.8%) had haematochyzia and tenesmus. Other unusual presentations include large bowel obstruction requiring emergency colostomy (2;15.4%) and a scalp mass (1;7.7%). All patients had appropriate treatment for stage of CaP and are being followed up in the out-patient clinic. The change in presentations of PCa may suggest the need for DRE and serum PSA assay among all middle-aged and elderly men presenting at health facilities. Large scale studies on PCa across different population groups may also help at identifying related clinical, demographic and epidemiological factors as well as possible validation of some of these unusual presentations

Histomorphological pattern of urologic malignancies in Ile-Ife, south-western Nigeria

Introduction: The last decade witnessed a remarkable rise in the prevalence of several malignant diseases in Nigeria. Whether  Urologic malignancies (UM) have followed the same trend remains to be studied. The pattern of UM diagnosed in a Nigerian tertiary hospital is hereby presented. Our aim was to determine the pattern and prevalence of histologically diagnosed UM in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with UM was carried out between January 2005 and December 2014. Data was obtained from the patients’ case files and the Ife-Ijesha Cancer registry. Information obtained included demographic characteristics, site of origin and histology. Data was analysed with Statistical package for Social sciences (SPSS) Version 20.Results: A total of 4675 malignancies were histologically confirmed during the study period. UM accounted for 420 (8.9%) of totalmalignancies. Prostate cancer was the commonest UM with 315 (75%) cases. Others include renal tumours 62(14.8%), bladder  tumours 29 (6.9%), testicular tumours 13(3.1%) and scrotal tumour 1(0.2%). UM were commoner in males (348, 88.8%) than females (47, 11.2%) and accounted for 13.8% and 2.18% of all tumours in males and females respectively.Conclusion: This study revealed a rising prevalence of UM most especially Prostate and Renal Cancers among other malignancies in Ile-Ife. Keywords: Pattern, Urologic malignancies, Ile-Ife

Survey datasets on sick building syndrome: Causes and effects on selected public buildings in Lagos, Nigeria

This dataset focuses on the causes and effects of sick building syndrome among users of selected facilities in Lagos. A mixed research approach of field measurement and cross-sectional survey was adopted. Descriptive statistics were implemented on the data acquired and are reported on tables and figures. The significance of this data leverages on providing insight and consciousness of sick building syndrome to users and occupants of constructed facilities. The survey dataset when analyzed can show direction on physical quantities levels that can be experienced in public buildings in tropical region

Management of pelviureteric junction obstruction at a tertiary teaching hospital in southwestern Nigeria: A retrospective analysis of case records

Background: Pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is an important cause of upper urinary tract obstruction. It can cause marked impairment of renal function, especially in bilateral cases, if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Surgical intervention is currently the mainstay of treatment. We aimed to review the pattern of presentation and management outcomes of patients diagnosed with PUJO. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients aged 2–60 years who presented with PUJO between January 2005 and December 2014. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, investigations, and treatment modalities were extracted from case notes. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: The age range of the 32 included PUJO patients was 2–60 years, with a median age of 30 years. Children constituted 31% of patients. There were 15 males and a male-to-female ratio of 0.88:1. Most PUJO was unilateral and left-sided (n = 19; 59%). Loin pain was the commonest symptom (n = 26; 81%), while 25% of patients had a urinary tract infection at presentation. All patients had normal renal function at the time of surgery, and Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty was the most common technique employed (72% of cases). Postoperatively, the majority of patients (n = 31; 97%) had complete symptom resolution. Surgical site infection (n = 3; 9%) was the commonest postoperative complication, and the median hospital stay was 11 days. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Most patients with PUJO presented late. Most of our patients underwent Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty with satisfactory outcomes. Keywords: pelviureteric junction obstruction; PUJO; loin pain; Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty; Foley Y-V plasty; Nigeria

Using “warm handoffs” to link hospitalized smokers with tobacco treatment after discharge: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Post-discharge support is a key component of effective treatment for hospitalized smokers, but few hospitals provide it. Many hospitals and care settings fax-refer smokers to quitlines for follow-up; however, less than half of fax-referred smokers are successfully contacted and enrolled in quitline services. “Warm handoff” is a novel approach to care transitions in which health care providers directly link patients with substance abuse problems with specialists, using face-to-face or phone transfer. Warm handoff achieves very high rates of treatment enrollment for these vulnerable groups

Using "warm handoffs" to link hospitalized smokers with tobacco treatment after discharge: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Post-discharge support is a key component of effective treatment for hospitalized smokers, but few hospitals provide it. Many hospitals and care settings fax-refer smokers to quitlines for follow-up; however, less than half of fax-referred smokers are successfully contacted and enrolled in quitline services. “Warm handoff” is a novel approach to care transitions in which health care providers directly link patients with substance abuse problems with specialists, using face-to-face or phone transfer. Warm handoff achieves very high rates of treatment enrollment for these vulnerable groups. Methods The aim of this study—“EQUIP” (Enhancing Quitline Utilization among In-Patients)—is to determine the effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness, of warm handoff versus fax referral for linking hospitalized smokers with tobacco quitlines. This study employs a two-arm, individually randomized design. It is set in two large Kansas hospitals that have dedicated tobacco treatment interventionists on staff. At each site, smokers who wish to remain abstinent after discharge will be randomly assigned to groups. For patients in the fax group, staff will provide standard in-hospital intervention and will fax-refer patients to the state tobacco quitline for counseling post-discharge. For patients in the warm handoff group, staff will provide brief in-hospital intervention and immediate warm handoff: staff will call the state quitline, notify them that a warm handoff inpatient from Kansas is on the line, then transfer the call to the patients’ mobile or bedside hospital phone for quitline enrollment and an initial counseling session. Following the quitline session, hospital staff provides a brief check-back visit. Outcome measures will be assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months post enrollment. Costs are measured to support cost-effectiveness analyses. We hypothesize that warm handoff, compared to fax referral, will improve care transitions for tobacco treatment, enroll more participants in quitline services, and lead to higher quit rates. We also hypothesize that warm handoff will be more cost-effective from a societal perspective. Discussion If successful, this project offers a low-cost solution for more efficiently linking millions of hospitalized smokers with effective outpatient treatment—smokers that might otherwise be lost in the transition to outpatient care. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registration NCT01305928Peer Reviewe