Comparative study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. in the biodegradation of automotive gas oil (AGO) and premium motor spirit (PMS)

The comparative study of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. in the biodegradation of automotive gas oil (AGO) and premium motor spirit (PMS) was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of using these microorganisms in cleaning and restoring the ecosystem when polluted by petroleum products. These fungi were observed to grow at all concentrations of the petroleum products (pollutant) used, but the growth on AGO was considerably reduced compared to the growth on PMS. The mycelia growth of A. niger was observed to be faster in PMS than in AGO. The ability of A. niger and Penicillium sp. totolerate these pollutants and grow on them, suggest that they can be employed as bioremediation agents and can be used in restoring the ecosystem when contaminated by these pollutants

Effectiveness of data collection and information transmission process for disease notification in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) has been shown to be weak in Nigeria, thus, its inability to promptly detect and control epidemics.Objective: To examine the completeness and timeliness of data collection and information transmission process for DSN in the Anambra state.Materials and Methods: The study was of cross‑sectional design and employed the multistage sampling method to select 270 health workers who are involved in DSN in Anambra state. Data were collected by a mix method of interviewer administered questionnaire and observational checklist preceded by key informant interviews and desk review.Results: One hundred (43.9%) health workers reported regular supply of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) forms, 25% and 16.2% reported it was irregular and usually out of stock, respectively. Most facilities (81.5%) returned completed forms monthly. Secondary health facilities were less likely to submit completed forms, while majority of primary health facilities submitted theirs monthly (X2 = 4.42, P = 0.035). With respect to correctness of records, Health Management Information System records (55.6%) were the least correct, while out‑patient register (88.9%) was the most correct. Only 10.0% of health facilities submitted completed forms 5 days after completion, 88.9% of them submitted completed IDSR002 forms within 2 days of completion, while the remainder was submitted 4 days later.Conclusion: The health workers were not operating the DSN system in the State to optimal functionality. Recommendations were therefore made for the periodic training–retraining of health personnel on DSN, improved funding, provision of logistics, improved supervision, and feedback of information.Keywords: Data collection, disease notification, effectiveness, information transmission processNigerian Journal of Clinical Practice • Oct-Dec 2013 • Vol 16 • Issue

Sexual knowledge and behaviour among female seconday school students in a local government area in Anambra state.

No Abstract.ABSUMSAJ Vol. 3 (1) 2006: pp.25-2

Determination of benefit of early identification of severe forms of malaria in peripheral centres in South Eastern Nigeria

Background/Aims: A pilot study to determine benefits of early identification of severe forms of malaria in peripheral centres was carried out in 3 rural communities of South Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: The study area is located in the rain forest belt of South Eastern Nigeria with high temperature and humidity. It is a typical rural setting with hardly accessible roads, very little physical infrastructure and difficulty in access to health care facilities. Results: After 4 months of the study, a total of 788 patients were seen in the 3 sites. Patients presenting with malaria symptoms totalled 543 representing (68.9%). The male /female distribution is 297 and 246 respectively. Out of 421 blood smears for malaria parasite done, 192 were positive. Most (335) of the patients with malaria symptoms were children aged less than 4 years. Forty-seven patients presented with severe forms of malaria of which 35 (74.5%) were children under 10 years. All the 47 patients with severe malaria were referred to the usual centre and followed up subsequently. While 2 (4.26%) of them died, the rest 45 (95.74%) survived and were discharged after a mean duration of stay of 6 days. Conclusion: The importance of immediate referral of identified cases was validated by this study. Keywords: benefits, treatment, severe malaria Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(4) 2005: 79-8

Assessment of Pattern of Cigarette Smoking and Associated Factors among Male Students in Public Secondary Schools in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: The WHO has estimated that there are about 1,300 million smokers globally and about 75% of these are in the developing countries. It is also predicted that if the current pattern of smoking continues, by 2020, there will be 10 million tobacco-related deaths annually worldwide and seven million (70%) of these deaths will occur in the developing countries. The objective of the study was to assess the cigarette smoking pattern and associated factors among male students in public secondary schools in Anambra State. Methods: The setting was public secondary schools in Anambra State. The study was in April 2008. It was a cross-sectional survey involving six schools, selected by multistage sampling technique. Eight hundred and fifty male students participated in the study. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used. Qualitative data were collected using Focus group discussion (FGD). Results: The mean age of respondents was 16±2.1 years. The ever-smoked and current smoking prevalence were 13.1% and 8.7% respectively. Mean age of commencement of cigarette smoking was 13.7±2.6 years. Among smokers, 37.8% were daily smokers. Television (40.7%) and radio (33.3%) were the main sources of advertisement. Peer influence (34.2%) was the main reason for uptake of cigarette smoking. Major reason for not smoking among non-smokers was health concerns (57.9%). There were significant associations between smoking status and age of respondents (2=25.08; P= <0.05), father's smoking status (2=158.77, P < 0.05), awareness of health hazards of smoking (2= 5.13, P = 0.023) and advertisement on television (2= 4.05, P = 0.044) and billboards (2= 44.39, P<0.05). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking prevalence among secondary school boys in Anambra State is high. Health education and strict implementation of anti-smoking policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria is recommended. Keywords: Cigarette smoking, Anambra state, male students, health education, smoking prevalenc

Knowledge, attitude and practice of church workers to HIV/AIDS

No Abstract.ABSUMSAJ Vol. 3 (1) 2006: pp.14-1