Performance Evaluation of Waste Stabilization Pond for Treatment of Wastewater from a Tertiary Institution Campus Located in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Appropriate treatment of wastewater before disposal into the environment or reuse is very important in the quest to protect the environment and safeguard public health. This paper investigated the performance evaluation of a waste stabilization pond (WSP) for treatment of wastewater from a tertiary institution campus located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State in North Central Nigeria. The waste stabilization pond of the tertiary institution campus was designed for a wastewater flow rate of 12,945 m3/day. In order to evaluate the performance of the WSP, a model was developed following the Froude’s number dimensional analysis technique. The model was evaulated based on a wastewater flow of 0.4 m3/day. The final effluent from the maturation pond had 80 mg/L BOD, 195 mg/L COD, 75 CFU/100ml Total Coliforms, 610 mg/L Total solids, 19 mg/L Total Nitrogen, 210 mg/L Chloride, 28 mg/L Phosphate, 1.3 mg/L Ammonia and 7.0 pH. The WSP was able to achieve an overall efficiency of 77.78% reducing all quality parameters to recommended limited with exception of total nitrogen and phosphate. The implementation of this design will go along way to aid the treatment of wastewater from the campus of the university

Functional assessments and histopathology of hepatorenal tissues of rats treated with raw and processed herbs

The present study ascertained the functional integrity of hepatic and renal tissues, concurrently with blood lipid patterns, of Wistar rats infused with CCl4 and treated with raw and hydrothermal processed herbs, namely, Monodora myristica, Chromolaena odorata, Buccholzia coriacea and Sphenostylis stenocarpa. Measurement of phytochemical contents of the herbs was according to standard methods. The rats were randomly designated on the bases of diets and treatments received for 28 consecutive days. Fibrosis was induced in the Wistar rats by single dose intra-peritoneal injection of CCl4 for 2 consecutive days. Liver and kidney function tests and serum lipid profile were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Renal and hepatic tissues were subjected to histopathological examinations. The concentrations of alkaloids in the four herbal extracts were within the range of 4.83±0.03 - 31.33±0.29 mg/100 g sample, whereas the concentrations of saponins varied within a relatively narrow range: 0.33±0.09 - 4.33±0.02 mg/100 g dry sample; p > 0.05. The activity ratios of AST to ALT of the rat groups were generally less than 1.0 unit. Atherogenic indices of fibrotic rats were within the following ranges: TAG/HDL-C ratio (3.59±0.03 - 6.76±0.06), TC/HDL-C ratio (3.72±0.02 - 6.94±0.05) and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (2.00±0.01 - 4.59±0.02). Losses in phytochemical contents following hydrothermal processing of the herbs did not substantially affect their overall therapeutic scores against morpho-logical and functional impairments of hepatic and renal tissues following CCl4 intoxication of the rats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.82322

Benefit Cost Analysis of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties under Varying Planting Density

An investigation was conducted at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike and at the Research Farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State (Nigeria), to determine the benefit cost analysis of orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties under varying planting density (25,000; 33,333 and 50,000 plants/ha). The output of the production was computed by the use of benefit cost ratio (BCR) of the orange-fleshed sweet potato production. The benefit cost ratio analysis indicated that enterprise was successful and growing of the ‘Melinda’ variety at 50,000 plants/ha was a more profitable enterprise. The benefit cost-cost ratio of ‘Melinda’ variety at 50,000 plants/ha in 2015 and 2016 was 1.45 and 1.56 respectively while that of ‘Tio-joe’ at 50,000 plants/ha in both cropping seasons gave a benefit cost ratio of 1.14 and 1.42 respectively. The returns from selling of the vine cuttings brought about an incredible hike in the net return of the enterprise. ‘Melinda’ at 50,000 plants/ha is recommended to farmers as the most profitable venture in this experiment

Antiplasmodial activity of the ethanol extract of Dacryodes edulis leaf in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Background: Malaria treatment in Africa is increasingly becoming difficult resulting from Plasmodium falciparum resistant to available antimalarial agents. Therefore, evaluating plants used in traditional medicines can lead to alternative treatment against malaria.Methods: This study evaluated the antiplasmodial activity of ethanol extract of Dacryodes edulis in chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain in mice. The 4-day suppressive test, repository and curative effect against established rodent malaria infection models were assayed in this study. The oral acute toxicity test and phytochemical screening were also carried out on the ethanol leaf extract.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of Dacryodes edulis (D. edulis) at varying doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) exhibited dose-dependent decrease in parasitaemia at suppressive, repository and curative studies. Chloroquine 10 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreased parasitaemia levels in the three models of malaria infections. The antiplasmodial activity of the leaf extract is comparable with the standard drug. The extract was found to be non-toxic acutely in mice.Conclusions: The findings show that D. edulis ethanol leaf extract demonstrated high antiplasmodial activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Thus, supporting claims of the plant traditional therapeutic importance for malaria treatment, and can be developed as an alternative therapy against the disease

Analysing key influences over actors' use of evidence in developing policies and strategies in Nigeria: a retrospective study of the Integrated Maternal Newborn and Child Health strategy

Background Evidence-informed policymaking has been promoted as a means of ensuring better outcomes. However, what counts as evidence in policymaking lies within a spectrum of expert knowledge and scientifically generated information. Since not all forms of evidence share an equal validity or weighting for policymakers, it is important to understand the key factors that influence their preferences for different types of evidence in policy and strategy development. Method A retrospective study was carried out at the national level in Nigeria using a case-study approach to examine the Nigerian Integrated Maternal Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) strategy. Two frameworks were used for conceptualization and data analysis, namely (1) to analyse the role of evidence in policymaking and (2) the policy triangle. They were used to explore the key contextual and participatory influences on choice of evidence in developing the IMNCH strategy. Data was collected through review of relevant national documents and in-depth interviews of purposively selected key policy and strategic decision makers. Thematic analysis was applied to generate information from collected data. Results The breadth of evidence used was wide, ranging from expert opinions to systematic reviews. The choice of different types of evidence was found to overlap across actor categories. Key influences over actors’ choice of evidence were: (1) perceived robustness of evidence – comprehensive, representative, recent, scientifically sound; (2) roles in evidence process, i.e. their degree and level of participation in evidence generation and dissemination, with regards to their role in the policy process; and (3) contextual factors such as global agenda and influence, timeline for strategy development, availability of resources for evidence generation, and lessons learnt from previous unsuccessful policies/plans. Conclusion Actors’ preferences for different types of evidence for policy are influenced not only by the characteristics of evidence itself, but on actors’ roles in the evidence process, their power to influence the policy, and the context in which evidence is used

Possible association between ABCC8 C49620T polymorphism and type 2 diabetes in a Nigerian population

The association between ABCC8 gene C49620T polymorphism and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in populations of diverse ethnic backgrounds has been reported. However, such occurrence in an African population is yet to be established. This case-control study involving 73 T2D and 75 non-diabetic (ND) patients investigated the occurrence of this polymorphism among T2D patients in Nigeria and assessed its relationship with body lipids of patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected and lipid profile indices including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were assayed. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) was employed to genotype the ABCC8-C49620T polymorphism using PstI restriction enzyme. This study revealed significantly (p 0.05) of T2D for the unadjusted codominant, dominant and recessive models. Following age adjustment, the mutant genotypes (CT and TT) showed significant (p<0.05) risk of T2D for all the models with the recessive model presenting the greatest risk of T2D (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.16-4.91, p<0.018). The TT genotype significantly (p<0.05) associated with high level of HDL and reduced levels of TC, TG and LDL in non-diabetic patients but was not associated with any of the demographic and clinical characteristics among T2D patients. ABCC8 C49620T polymorphism showed possible association with T2D marked by predominance of the mutant TT genotype in T2D patients. However, the relationship between TT genotype and lipid abnormalities for possible beneficial effect on people suffering from T2D is unclear

Primary Caesarean Deliveries in a Private Hospital in Lagos

Context: Primary caesarean section increases the chances of subsequent operative delivery with its attendant problems. It is necessary to frequently review the indications for primary section in order to reduce rates. Objective: To examine the indications for primary caesarean section. Study Design, Setting and Subjects: A descriptive, fifteen-year report (1983 through 1997) of primary caesarean section from a private hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Main Outcome Measures: Primary caesarean section rates in nulliparae and multiparae. Results: The overall primary caesarean section rate was 19.6%. It was higher for nulliparae than for previously parous women (32.0% Vs 11.5%, p < 0.0001) with cephalopelvic disproportion and poor progress in labour accounting for 72.2% of the difference in rates. About 90% and 80% of sections in nulliparae and multiparae respectively, were emergencies; cephalopelvic disproportion and poorly progressing labour accounted for twothirds and one-half of each subgroup respectively. Fetal malpresentation was the dominant indication for elective surgery in nulliparae (59.6%) and multiparae (32.6%). The incidence rates of cephalopelvic disproportion, failure to progress in labour, severe hypertension and fetal distress were all higher in nulliparae than in multiparae. but it was the reverse with antepartum haemorrhage Conclusions and Recommendations: Primary caesarean section is commoner in nulliparae than multiparae probably because previous successful vaginal delivery encourages more patient trial of labour in the latter group. A critical, individualised evaluation of cases of poor progress in labour is advocated to effect a decline in the incidence of this indication for surgery. Key Words: Primary Caesarean Section, Cephalopelvic Disproportion, Malpresentation. [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004; 21:156-159

Birth Asphyxia, Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Associated With Caesarean Section

Context: Caesarean section is sometimes required to improve maternal and neonatal outcome but adverse results occasionally occur. A review of associated adverse consequences is useful in identifying areas requiring improvement. Objective: To study the association between caesarean delivery and maternal/fetal outcome. Study Design, Setting and Subjects: A descriptive, fifteen-year report (1983 through 1997) from a private hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. The subjects were mothers delivered by caesarean section and their singleton babies. Main Outcome Measures: Perinatal asphyxia rate, stillbirth rate, early neonatal death rate, maternal mortality rate. Results: There were 1140 total deliveries. There were 240 cases (21.2%) of birth asphyxia and 16 early neonatal deaths (14.4/1000) among the 1113 live deliveries. There were 27 stillbirths (33.68/1000) and 3 maternal deaths (2.63/1000), all from emergency caesarean deliveries. Preterm delivery was associated with higher asphyxia rate (37.3% vs 22.8%, p < 0.05), while elective section had a lower asphyxia rate than emergency surgery (10.8% vs 24.3%, p < 0.05). Non-booked cases had significantly higher asphyxia rate (22.8% vs 3.9%), five-fold early stillbirth rate (95.54/1000 vs 18.24/1000), four-fold early neonatal death rate (42.25/1000 vs 10.40/1000) and a 12-fold higher maternal mortality rate (12.74/1000 vs 1.02/1000). Antepartum haemorrhage and hypertensive disease were the indications for surgery most frequently associated with perinatal mortality. Conclusions: The hazards of caesarean section are worse with emergency surgery but significant asphyxia occurs even following elective section. Early appropriate referral of high-risk cases will help to reduce perinatal/maternal morbidity and mortality. Key Words: Caesarean Section, Maternal, Neonatal, Mortality, Birth Asphyxia [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol 2002; 19: 25-29]

Caesarean Delivery: Why The Aversion?

Objective: To examine the reason for aversion to caesarean section among pregnant Nigerian women receiving antenatal care at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and Havana Specialist Hospital, Lagos Nigeria. Method: Structured questionnaires were administered to pregnant women receiving antenatal care in both hospitals. The response to questions on their knowledge, attitudes and reason for aversion to caesarean section and experience of patients who have had caesarean section were analyzed. Result: The 6224 patients interviewed know what caesarean section is, however only 33.3% known reasons for performing caesarean section. While only 28.9% will accept caesarean section on doctor\'s advice, 71.1% will not accept caesarean delivery for any reason. 26.8% of the patients that have had previous caesarean section prefer to die while attempting vaginal delivery than to have a repeat caesarean section. Reasons for refusing caesarean section were essentially that of sense of reproductive failure after caesarean section (81.2%) and financial implication (66.5%). It also shows that education and social class has little or no effect on the aversion to caesarean section in our environment. Conclusion: Meaningful attempt at solving the problem of caesarean aversion must go beyond the confines of hospital wards to the communities since it is deep-rooted in culture. Key Words: Caesarean Section, Aversion, Reproductive Failure, Culture [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004;21:164-167

The Environmental Management and Recreational Facilities Usage: a Study of Kainji Lake National Park

Assessment of Environmental and Recreation Facility Maintenance was carried out in Kainji Lake National Park. Questionnaire method of data collection was employed to collect the data needed. Purposive and simple random techniques were adopted to sample respondents in the study area. One hundred questionnaires were designed and administered. The data collected were analyzed through simple percentage and presented in table and charts. However, the results showed that recreation facilities are 99% present, while swimming pool is 65% functional. The study showed that visitors came there three times in a week indicating 44% of the respondents while on maintenance of the park environment and the facilities indicated 94% and 88% of the respondents respectively. The study further recommended the followings facilities basketball pitch. Hockey game, volley ball and well-constructed swimming pool