Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Secondary School Boarding Students in Potiskum Metropolis, Yobe State, North-Eastern Nigeria

Schistosomiasis remains one of the world’s most prevalent diseases of public health importance. Despite more than a century of control efforts and the introduction of highly effective antischistosomal drug the eradication of the disease is still far from actualization. Six hundred (300 stool and300 urine) samples were collected randomly from the students who consented after obtaining some vital demographic data from them. The stool samples were processed using formol ether concentration techniques while the urine samples were processed by ordinary centrifugal sedimentation technique. The result obtained was tested using Chi-square. Of 600 samples, 30 urine samples were positive for S.haematobium giving 10.0% urinary schistosomiasis, while 6 faecal samples were positive for S. mansoni giving 2.0% intestinal schistosomiasis and an overall 6.0% of schistosomiasis.The result indicates that there is an increase in prevalence with increase in age. The infection rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among males (8.5%) than among females (1.0%).Infection was higher (11.2%) among students whose normal source of drinking water is stream, followed by those whose source of drinking water is well (4.0%) and the least among those using tap water (2.2%). The prevalence of schistosomiasis in relation to schools indicates a significant relationship (p < 0.05).FGSS had the highest prevalence (11.5%), followed by GSSTSS with 5.5% and GGSS recorded the least with 1.0%. Lack of prompt diagnosis, inadequate knowledge on the causes of schistosomiasis, unsuitable water supply and exposure to water bodies may be the likely predisposing factors responsible for the prevalence rate recorded in the study area

Synthesis and White-Light Emission of ZnO/HfO2: Eu Nanocables

ZnO/HfO2:Eu nanocables were prepared by radio frequency sputtering with electrospun ZnO nanofibers as cores. The well-crystallized ZnO/HfO2:Eu nanocables showed a uniform intact core–shell structure, which consisted of a hexagonal ZnO core and a monoclinic HfO2 shell. The photoluminescence properties of the samples were characterized. A white-light band emission consisted of blue, green, and red emissions was observed in the nanocables. The blue and green emissions can be attributed to the zinc vacancy and oxygen vacancy defects in ZnO/HfO2:Eu nanocables, and the yellow–red emissions are derived from the inner 4f-shell transitions of corresponding Eu3+ ions in HfO2:Eu shells. Enhanced white-light emission was observed in the nanocables. The enhancement of the emission is ascribed to the structural changes after coaxial synthesis

Autologous microsurgical breast reconstruction and coronary artery bypass grafting: an anatomical study and clinical implications

OBJECTIVE: To identify possible avenues of sparing the internal mammary artery (IMA) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in women undergoing autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps. BACKGROUND: Optimal autologous reconstruction of the breast and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are often mutually exclusive as they both require utilisation of the IMA as the preferred arterial conduit. Given the prevalence of both breast cancer and coronary artery disease, this is an important issue for women's health as women with DIEP flap reconstructions and women at increased risk of developing coronary artery disease are potentially restricted from receiving this reconstructive option should the other condition arise. METHODS: The largest clinical and cadaveric anatomical study (n=315) to date was performed, investigating four solutions to this predicament by correlating the precise requirements of breast reconstruction and CABG against the anatomical features of the in situ IMAs. This information was supplemented by a thorough literature review. RESULTS: Minimum lengths of the left and right IMA needed for grafting to the left-anterior descending artery are 160.08 and 177.80 mm, respectively. Based on anatomical findings, the suitable options for anastomosis to each intercostals space are offered. In addition, 87-91% of patients have IMA perforator vessels to which DIEP flaps can be anastomosed in the first- and second-intercostal spaces. CONCLUSION: We outline five methods of preserving the IMA for future CABG: (1) lowering the level of DIEP flaps to the fourth- and fifth-intercostals spaces, (2) using the DIEP pedicle as an intermediary for CABG, (3) using IMA perforators to spare the IMA proper, (4) using and end-to-side anastomosis between the DIEP pedicle and IMA and (5) anastomosis of DIEP flaps using retrograde flow from the distal IMA. With careful patient selection, we hypothesize using the IMA for autologous breast reconstruction need not be an absolute contraindication for future CABG

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: an update

A large number of scientists from a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines have reported on the existence and characteristics of the clinical syndrome of pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy. This syndrome refers to a musculoskeletal type of persistent pain localised at the anterior and/or posterior aspect of the pelvic ring. The pain may radiate across the hip joint and the thigh bones. The symptoms may begin either during the first trimester of pregnancy, at labour or even during the postpartum period. The physiological processes characterising this clinical entity remain obscure. In this review, the definition and epidemiology, as well as a proposed diagnostic algorithm and treatment options, are presented. Ongoing research is desirable to establish clear management strategies that are based on the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the escalation of the syndrome's symptoms to a fraction of the population of pregnant women

Gender differences in the use of cardiovascular interventions in HIV-positive persons; the D:A:D Study

Peer reviewe

Schistosomiasis among students in a local government area of Kaduna State in Northern Nigeria

Aim: Was to determine prevalence of schestosomiasis among secondary school students in Jama'a local government Area of Kaduna State between April and July 2005. Material Method: A total of 306 students were recruited from 774 students into the study and each submitted a sample of urine and stool. The stool samples were examined both macroscopically and microscopically (Direct and formal ether concentration techniques) while urine samples were prepared using the sedimentation techniques. The specimens were examined for eggs of Schistosoma spp. Result: The Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in the study was 19.0%. Schistosoma mansoni had 12.4% while Schistosoma haematobium was 6.5%. Infections were more common in males (23.6%) than the females (12.2%). Students that got their water supply from the river and pond were the most infected, while those that use tap water were the least infected. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated that Schistosomiasis is endemic in the study area. More attention should be given to personal hygiene and prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected persons as a way of controlling the disease. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4(1) 2006: 60-6

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Pupils in Rural North Eastern, Nigeria

Background: The study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitism among pupils in rural schools (Almajiris) in Konduga local Government Area of Borno state. Materials and Methods: A total of 257 stool specimens were collected at random among pupils (Almajiris) in rural quranic schools; the stools were processed and examined both macroscopically and microscopically by concentration techniques. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism among the Almajiris was 80.9%. The highest prevalence rate was 97.8% while the least prevalence was 67.4%. The 6-8 years age group had the highest prevalence of 85.7% while the least prevalence of 77.7% in the 13-16years age bracket. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of (19.1%) while Trichuris trichiura had the least prevalence of (3.5%). Thirteen pupils in the 5-8 years had multiple parasites; multiple parasitism also occurred in 22 pupils aged 9-12 years and in 11 pupils aged 13-16 years. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence rate of intestinal parasites with attendant risk of intestinal obstruction among the Almajiris in rural north eastern Nigeria.Keywords: Almajiris, intestinal parasites, intestinal obstructio

Effictiveness of Hrp-2-Based Rapid Diagnostic Test To Microscopy In The Diagnosis Of Malaria In HIV Positive Pregnant Women In Jos, North Central Nigeria

No Abstract