Dimensions, septation, and pattern of pneumatization of the sphenoidal sinus

The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EEA) to treat sellar, parasellar, and suprasellar tumours continues to gain increased significance. Due to the close proximity of the sphenoid sinus to the carotid artery and the optic canal, it is very important for surgeons to know the anatomical features and variations of the sphenoid sinus as relevant to EEA. A prospective study of the sphenoid sinus morphology was carried out on the cranial tomographic (CT) scan images of 60 Nigerian adult patients. The CTs were reviewed regarding the different anatomical variations of the sphenoid sinus: dimensions, septation, and pattern of pneumatisation. There were 37 males and 23 females. The patients’ ages ranged from 18 years to 85 years, with a mean of 47.2 years. There was a main single intersphenoid septum in most patients (95%). The insertion of the septum was usually to the right posteriorly (38%) and in the midline anterior (65%). Although there is usually a main septum, the septa present were multiple in 29 of the sinuses studied. There was no gender difference with respect to the attachment of the main sphenoid sinus septum. The sphenoid anterior, posterior, and transverse dimensions were not significantly dependent on age, but they were longer in males than in females. Sellar pneumatization was present in the majority of the patients (83%), with 4 patients having postsellar pneumatization (6.7%) and 3 patients having presellar pneumatization (5%).There were no cases with conchal pneumatization or lateral pneumatization of the greater wing of the sphenoid. The present study provides anatomical information about the sphenoid sinus dimensions morphology that is essential for avoiding complications in performing an endoscopic sphenoidotomy

Performance characteristics, nutrient digestibility and blood profile of rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Moringa oleifera seed powder

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the performance, nutrient digestibility and blood profile of rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MSP). Twenty-four male growing rabbits of mixed breeds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments. Each treatment group was further sub-divided into three (3) replicates of two (2) rabbits each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four diets were formulated to include MSP at varying inclusion levels of 0, 0.5, 1 and 2% for treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, which were pelletized. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. Data were collected on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of rabbits fed the experimental diet while at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to determine the effect of different inclusion levels of MSP on haematological and serum biochemical indices of rabbits. Result revealed that the average daily feed intake (68.76-78.93g) decreased significantly (p<0.05) across the dietary treatments as the MSP inclusion levels increased but a rise was noticed at the highest inclusion level of MSP (T4). The weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly influenced (p >0.05) by the dietary treatments. No significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments were observed on all the blood profile except the lymphocyte, monocytes, total protein and globulin. Rabbits on T4 recorded the highest values in total protein (6.91 g/dl) and globulin (3.03 g/dl). Digestibility studies however showed that all the parameters were significantly affected (p<0.05) by dietary treatments in which rabbits on T2 had the highest dry matter (82.03%), crude protein (62.23%) and ash (89.48%) digestibility values. It can be concluded that Moringa oleifera seed powder (MSP) can be supplemented in growing rabbit’s diet without any deleterious effects on performance, blood profile and nutrient digestibility.Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Performance, Blood profile, Nutrient digestibility, Rabbit

Seasonal Variations in the Composition and Distribution of Planktonic Fauna in the Eastern Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

The composition and distribution of planktonic fauna (adult form of zooplankton and planktonic juvenile forms of higher animals) within the eastern part of the Lagos Lagoon were investigated in July, 2008 and March, 2009 representing rainy and dry season respectively. Samples of water and planktonic fauna were collected from twelve stations within the eastern axis of the Lagoon and analyzed using standard methods. The study area had brackish water characteristics with fresh water condition (0\u2030 salinity across the 12 stations) in the rainy season whereas the salinity ranged from 11.4\u2030 to 30.5\u2030 in the dry season. The adult forms zooplankton recorded in the rainy season were mainly Crustaceans, Chaetognathans and Rotifers while those collected during dry season belonged to Crustacean, Cnidaria and Chordata. Crustaceans dominate both adult zooplankton and planktonic juvenile fauna in the two seasons. The rainy season adult zooplankton count (515) was lower than that of dry season (580) but the reverse was the case for the juvenile stages count (520 and 325 in rainy and dry season respectively). Higher species abundance was recorded for both adult zooplankton (20) and juvenile stages (10) in rainy than dry season when 14 and 8 were recorded for the two groups respectively. Higher values were also of community structure indices (Margalef species richness and Shannon-Wiener species diversity) were recorded in the rainy than dry season for the two groups of planktonic fauna. The findings show the influence of salinity gradients on distribution of planktonic fauna of the Lagos Lagoon

Parental Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescent Sexuality Education in Rural and Urban Communities of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background: Parents play a key role in shaping the attitudes and behaviour of adolescents, thereby reducing risky sexual behaviour and promoting healthy sexual development. This study assessed and compared parental knowledge and attitude towards adolescent sexuality education (ASE) in rural and urban communities of Ekiti State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study of 800 parents (or guardians) of adolescents in selected rural and urban communities, recruited through a multi-stage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.Result: A significantly higher proportion of parents from the urban communities had a good knowledge of ASE (72.5% versus 66.0%, p-value 0.046). However, knowledge of safe sex and dating was low in both communities. About three-quarters of the respondents had a positive attitude towards ASE with no statistically significant difference in both rural and urban communities (p-value: 0.363).Conclusion: Parental knowledge of ASE is high in Ekiti State, and it is higher in the urban compared to the rural communities. Attitude towards ASE is high in both communities but not significantly different. However, the knowledge of the various components of ASE varies significantly amongst the communities. While it is recommended that government should create a supportive environment to assist parents in their roles as sexuality educators, parents should see sexuality education as their responsibility and also start the discussion early

The integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging practice: Perspectives of African radiographers

Introduction The current technological developments in medical imaging are centred largely on the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into all equipment modalities. This survey assessed the perspectives of African radiographers on the integration of AI in medical imaging in order to offer unique recommendations to support the training of the radiography workforce. Methods An exploratory cross-sectional online survey of radiographers working within Africa was conducted from March to August 2020. The survey obtained data about their demographics and perspectives on AI implementation and usage. Data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of 1020 valid responses were obtained. Majority of the respondents (n = 883,86.6%) were working in general X-ray departments. Of the respondents, 84.9% (n = 866) indicated that AI technology would improve radiography practice and quality assurance for efficient diagnosis and improved clinical care. Fear of job losses following the implementation of AI was a key concern of most radiographers (n = 625,61.3%). Conclusion Generally, radiographers were delighted about the integration of AI into medical imaging, however; there were concerns about job security and lack of knowledge. There is an urgent need for stakeholders in medical imaging infrastructure development and practices in Africa to start empowering radiographers through training programmes, funding, motivational support, and create clear roadmaps to guide the adoption and integration of AI in medical imaging in Africa. Implication for practice The current study offers unique suggestions and recommendations to support the training of the African radiography workforce and others in similar resource-limited settings to provide quality care using AI-integrated imaging modalities

A rare case of pyometrocolpos with obstructive uropathy: sequelae of distal vaginal atresia

Hydrometrocolpos is a rare abnormality in female newborns. It follows congenital vaginal obstruction which may present as a midline abdominal mass causing either urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract obstruction without a coexisting bowel anomaly. Our experience was that of an infant with obstructive uropathy from an infected hydrometrocolpos.Keywords: Hydrometrocolpos, Vaginal obstruction, Obstructive uropath

Hydrostatic reduction of intussusception with normal saline using the gravity aided method in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Background: The non-operative treatment of intussusception has evolved over the years. One of such treatment modalities is ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction using barium, saline and other water soluble agents. Despite the benefits of this method, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in our hospital as well as in many other Nigerian hospitals.Aim: To evaluate the success rate of ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction of intussusception using the gravity aided saline reduction method.Method: This is a prospective study of hydrostatic reduction of intussusception using the gravity aided saline reduction method. Patients were seen between January and December 2015.Results: Thirty five cases who were confirmed to have intussusception by ultrasonography were seen but only 12 were suitable for the procedure. Seven patients (58.3%) had successful hydrostatic gravity aided saline reductions while five (41.7%) had failed reductions. One patient had a recurrence. Bowel perforation complicated the procedure in one patient, who required a laparotomy for further management.Conclusion: Ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction with normal saline by gravity method is a reliable and safe method of reducing intussusceptions in carefully selected cases. Thus, it should be recommended as the primary mode of treatment provided there are no features of peritonitis.Keywords: Intussusception; ultrasound guided gravity and saline reductio

Seasonal Variations in the Composition and Distribution of Planktonic Fauna in the Eastern Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

The composition and distribution of planktonic fauna (adult form of zooplankton and planktonic juvenile forms of higher animals) within the eastern part of the Lagos Lagoon were investigated in July, 2008 and March, 2009 representing rainy and dry season respectively. Samples of water and planktonic fauna were collected from twelve stations within the eastern axis of the Lagoon and analyzed using standard methods. The study area had brackish water characteristics with fresh water condition (0‰ salinity across the 12 stations) in the rainy season whereas the salinity ranged from 11.4‰ to 30.5‰ in the dry season. The adult forms zooplankton recorded in the rainy season were mainly Crustaceans, Chaetognathans and Rotifers while those collected during dry season belonged to Crustacean, Cnidaria and Chordata. Crustaceans dominate both adult zooplankton and planktonic juvenile fauna in the two seasons. The rainy season adult zooplankton count (515) was lower than that of dry season (580) but the reverse was the case for the juvenile stages count (520 and 325 in rainy and dry season respectively). Higher species abundance was recorded for both adult zooplankton (20) and juvenile stages (10) in rainy than dry season when 14 and 8 were recorded for the two groups respectively. Higher values were also of community structure indices (Margalef species richness and Shannon-Wiener species diversity) were recorded in the rainy than dry season for the two groups of planktonic fauna. The findings show the influence of salinity gradients on distribution of planktonic fauna of the Lagos Lagoon

Adoption of homestead grain storage technology in the south-west agricultural zone of Nigeria

The major types of grains and pulses that are stored in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Lagos states of Nigeria at homestead level are maize, guinea corn, rice, cowpea, Soya bean and groundnut. Bags, hermetic containers and room spaces are used for storage. The adoption of improved storage technology in hermetic containers, cold treatment, polythene lined bags and application of recommended chemicals was relatively low (45%) due to lack of/and inadequate knowledge of usage of these technologies, non-availability and high costs of storage inputs especially the recommended chemicals, and lack of awareness of the technologies. The training and visits (T&V) System of the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) was found to be the most prevalent source of information to the respondents, followed by the radio. Increased use of interpersonal communication as well as prompt and adequate intervention by government in the provision of credit facilities and subsidy on storage inputs among others will enhance the rate of adoption.. [JEXT Vol.1(1) 2000: 82-88

Molecular Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta – Lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli Isolated from Pregnant Women with Urinary Tract Infections Attending Ante–Natal Clinics in Ilorin Metropolis

Background: The emergence of multidrug- resistance Enterobacteriaceae especially in E. coli bacteria  associated with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in pregnancy is a serious menace globally posing health challenges and confounding successful empirical treatment as well as increasing pregnancy – related  complications.Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Extended Spectrum Beta – Lactamases (ESBLs) producing E. coli (ESBLs – EC) isolates in pregnant women attending ante – natal clinics within Ilorin - Kwara State, Nigeria.Materials and methods: A total of 53 non - repeated E. coli isolates from urine samples of pregnant women were presumptively identified using standard bacteriological method and confirmed by commercially available Microgen® Identification Kits. Phenotypic detection of ESBLs was determined using antibiotics susceptibility test and double disc synergy Method for screening and confirmation respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was further used for the genotypic detection of ESBLs genes.Results: A total 88.67% (47/53) of E. coli exhibited resistance to the cephalosporins of which aztreonam was the highest (75.47%) and the least was cefpodoxime (35.84%) while 85.10% were confirmed positive for ESBL production. The genotypic detection showed the most occurring genotype was blaTEM (50%) blaOXA (27.7%), blaGES (22.5%), blaSHV (15%), blaCTXM and blaVEB (7.5%) while sixty – four (64%) of isolates co – harbored two or more gene. BlaTEM and blaOXA were dominant.Conclusion: This study showed high resistance of E. coli to the third generation cephalosporins harboring different ESBL genes which increases UTIs complexity and limit therapeutic options in pregnancy. Therefore, continuous monitoring of resistance in E. coli, effective appraisal of antibiotic control policies and rational use of antibiotics is therefore encouraged