The Use of Offender Profiling Evidence in Criminal Cases

This dissertation examined the use of offender profiling evidence in criminal cases. The meaning, history, approaches and legal admissibility of offender profiling have been discussed. The introduction of offender profiling into the courtroom has been controversial, problematic and full of inconsistencies. This dissertation therefore, examined the central problems with offender profiling evidence, and answered such questions as - Is offender profiling impermissible character evidence? Who is qualified to give expert profiling evidence? Is offender profiling too prejudicial than probative? Is offender profiling an opinion on the ultimate issue? Is offender profiling sufficiently reliable as to be admissible? This dissertation has noted that in United States, there are inconsistencies in the court decisions on offender profiling evidence as a result of the three conflicting rules governing the admissibility of expert evidence. After a critical examination of the three rules, the adoption of one rule has been suggested. The Frye test standard combined with the Federal Rules of Evidence 702 provides the best admissibility standard. Many people are confused as to the appropriate discipline of offender profiling. This dissertation has therefore, presented a step by step analysis of the history and development of offender profiling. Offender profiling is a multi-disciplinary practice that cuts across many disciplines. At the moment, it is best described as an art with the potential of becoming a science. This dissertation concludes that offender profiling is not sufficiently reliable as to be admissible. It is too prejudicial than probative. This dissertation also concludes that there is an uneasy relationship, lack of unity and absence of sharing information amongst the different segments involved with offender profiling, and that this problem has limited the potential of offender profiling. Hence, some courts are not convinced as to the reliability and validity of this technique. Several recommendations have been made

Comparison of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug susceptibility using solid and liquid culture in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: This study compares Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture isolation and drug sensitivity testing (DST) using solid (LJ) and liquid (BACTEC-MGIT-960) media in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross sectional survey of adults attending reference centres in Abuja, Ibadan and Nnewi with a new diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) or having failed the first-line TB treatment. Patients were requested to provide three sputum specimens for smear-microscopy and culture on LJ and BACTEC-MGIT-960. Positive cultures underwent DST for streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol. RESULTS: 527 specimens were cultured. 428 (81%) were positive with BACTEC-MGIT-960, 59 (11%) negative, 36 (7%) contaminated and 4 (1%) had non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM). 411 (78%) LJ cultures were positive, 89 (17%) negative, 22 (4%) contaminated and 5 (1%) had NTM. The mean (SD) detection time was 11 (6) and 30 (11) days for BACTEC-MGIT-960 and LJ. DST patterns were compared in the 389 concordant positive BACTEC-MGIT-960 and LJ cultures. Rifampicin and isoniazid DST patterns were similar. Streptomycin resistance was detected more frequently with LJ than BACTEC-MGIT-960 and ethambutol resistance was detected more frequently with BACTEC-MGIT-960 than LJ, but differences were not statistically significant. MDR-TB was detected in 27 cases by LJ and 25 by BACTEC-MGIT-960 and using both methods detected 29 cases. CONCLUSIONS: There was a substantial degree of agreement between the two methods. However using the two in tandem increased the number of culture-positive patients and those with MDR-TB. The choice of culture method should depend on local availability, cost and test performance characteristics

Human cytomegalovirus infection, viraemia and retinitis among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kano, North-Western Nigeria

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients. HCMV viraemia is an active infection marker and prelude to end-organ diseases (EODs), such as retinitis. The aim of the study was to assess the burden and associated factors of HCMV infection, viraemia and retinitis among HIV-infected patients in Nigeria.Methods: Comparative cross-sectional study of 160 HIV-infected adults, comprising 80 participants in each of <100/mm3 and ≥100 cells/mm3 CD4+ cell count groups, who attended HIV clinic at a tertiary hospital located in a major Nigerian city.  A questionnaire was used to collect data from eligible consenting participants and their case files. Sera from all participants were tested for anti-HCMV IgG using ELISA method, and plasma of seropositive participants were subjected to PCR for HCMV viraemia. Participants whose samples were HCMV viraemic were examined for HCMV retinitis using indirect ophthalmoscopy. Data was analyzed using Minitab vs 14.1.1PP.Results: All 160 participants tested positive for anti-HCMV IgG. HCMV viraemia was 14.4% (23 of 160) generally, but comparatively more among <100 CD4 cells/mm3 group (18.8%; 15 of 80) than in ≥100 cells/mm3 patient group (10%; 8 of 80). Only HCMV viraemic patients in <100 CD4 cells/mm3 group (20%; 3 of 15) were diagnosed with HCMV retinitis. WHO stage was associated with HCMV viraemia (χ2= 7.79, p=0.05) and HCMV retinitis (χ2= 4.60, p=0.03). The only predictor of HCMV retinitis was WHO staging I and II [aOR = 0.04, 95%CI (0.01- 0.52)].  Conclusions: Evidence of previous and active HCMV infection is prevalent among PLWHA in Nigeria with WHO staging being associated and a predictor of HCMV viraemia and retinitis, respectively

Accommodative-Convergence Mechanism failure in HIV-Positive Non Presbyopic Patient on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy: A case report

Purpose: Accommodative-convergence mechanism failure could occur in non presbyopic HIV- sero positive patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral  Therapy (HAART). This could be due to either direct neuronal infection by HIV, pathologic changes of the lens or the ciliary body or adverse effects of some individual drugs constituting the HAART regimen on the cranial nerves which play vital roles in the mechanism of accommodation and convergence. Case report: This is a case report of an accommodative- convergence mechanism failure in HIV positive non presbyopic 32-year-old male patient  that was on HAART for more than five years. He presented with distance visual acuity (VA) of OD: 6/9 +2, OS: 6/9, and near visual acuity (NVA) of N24 both eyes, 3Δ esophoria at distance and 4Δ esophoria at near. Amplitude of accommodation (AA) was 3.50D and accommodative  convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio was 6/1. Following comprehensive evaluation, his refractive correction was OD: Plano/-0.50DC X 180 6/5 and OS: Plano/-0.50DC X 90 6/5 at distance with near addition (Add) 2.50D N5. This was prescribed for regular wear in form of D-Top bifocal lens. Conclusion: These findings showed that HIV sero-positive adults on HAART could develop accommodativeconvergence mechanism failure, which may be characterized by low amplitude of accommodation, receded near point of convergence and high non presbyopic reading addition. These conditions may be under-recognized and need for reading addition of a non presbyopic age is often overlooked. Key Words: Accommodative-Convergence, HIV, Lateral Phoria, Refractive error

Self-Reported Physical Activity Level and Associated Factors among Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Background: Non-Specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that leads to impaired physical activity (PA) level and functional limitation, which might cause disability. This study evaluated the self-reported PA level and associated factors among NSCLBP patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 57 patients purposively recruited from the out-patient physiotherapy clinics of two tertiary hospitals. A self-structured questionnaire, long form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Modified Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and fitness (ALPHA) environmental questionnaires were administered to assess the patient’s socio- demographic/clinical profile, PA level, disability level and environmental characteristics respectively. Pearson Chi-square and Spearman rank correlation were used to determine the associations between the variables of interest. Alpha level was set at P <0.05. Results: Males had a higher JRPA, TRPA and LTPA. Females had a higher DGPA. Age was significantly negatively moderately correlated with JRPA (P=0.001), TRPA (P=0.016), DGPA (P=0.021) and LTPA (P=0.007). Highest Educational level was significantly positively moderately correlated with JRPA (P=0.001) and LTPA (P=0.002). Pain intensity and disability had a significant negative weak correlation with TRPA (P=0.001) and LTPA (P=0.048), respectively, while sidewalks availability was significantly positively moderately correlated with LTPA (P=0.001). Crime safety at day (P=0.001) and at night (P=0.024) was significantly moderately negatively correlated with LTPA. Conclusion: The PA level of NSCLBP patients was moderate and influenced by socio-demographic, clinical and environmental factors. These factors should be considered in the management of these patients to encourage and promote PA participation

Antibiotics Susceptibilities of Isolates from Eye Swabs of Babies Delivered through Spontaneous Vaginal and Caesarean Section Deliveries.

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the antibiotics susceptibilities of isolates from eye swabs of babies delivered through Spontaneous Vaginal (SVD) and non- elective Caesarean Section (CS).Materials and Methods: This was a three-month prospective cross-sectional study, with samples as eye swabs of new born babies delivered in the maternity ward of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Samples were collected not more than 30 minutes after delivery from 82 neonates (50 SVD and 32 CS) and stored in the refrigerator. It was evacuated in ice pack containers in batches within 24 hours to the microbiology laboratory for culturing, characterisation and sensitivity.Results: The result showed that E. coli was isolated in 25(30.5%) of the samples, P. aeruginosa, 22(26.8%), S. aureus, 21(25.6%) and K. pneumoniae 14(17.1%). In the SVD group, E. coli was isolated in 16(32%) of samples, P. aeruginosa, 14(28%), S. aureus, 11(22%) and K. pneumonia, 9(18%). In the CS group, S. aureus was isolated in 10(31.3%) samples, E. coli, 9(28.1%), P. aeruginosa, 8(25.0%) and K. pneumonia, 5(15.6). There were 47(77%) SVD and 14(23%) CS samples that were resistant to three (3) or more antibiotics but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.157). Babies born through SVD had higher bacterial isolates when compared with those delivered through CS, but this was also not statistically significant (p=0.787).Conclusion: The mode of delivery had non-significant association with bacterial isolates from eye swabs of new born babies. We recommend Randomized&nbsp; Controlled Trial to establish the risk of bacterial isolates in new born babies’ eyes

The Use of Offender Profiling Evidence in Criminal Cases

This dissertation examined the use of offender profiling evidence in criminal cases. The meaning, history, approaches and legal admissibility of offender profiling have been discussed. The introduction of offender profiling into the courtroom has been controversial, problematic and full of inconsistencies. This dissertation therefore, examined the central problems with offender profiling evidence, and answered such questions as - Is offender profiling impermissible character evidence? Who is qualified to give expert profiling evidence? Is offender profiling too prejudicial than probative? Is offender profiling an opinion on the ultimate issue? Is offender profiling sufficiently reliable as to be admissible? This dissertation has noted that in United States, there are inconsistencies in the court decisions on offender profiling evidence as a result of the three conflicting rules governing the admissibility of expert evidence. After a critical examination of the three rules, the adoption of one rule has been suggested. The Frye test standard combined with the Federal Rules of Evidence 702 provides the best admissibility standard. Many people are confused as to the appropriate discipline of offender profiling. This dissertation has therefore, presented a step by step analysis of the history and development of offender profiling. Offender profiling is a multi-disciplinary practice that cuts across many disciplines. At the moment, it is best described as an art with the potential of becoming a science. This dissertation concludes that offender profiling is not sufficiently reliable as to be admissible. It is too prejudicial than probative. This dissertation also concludes that there is an uneasy relationship, lack of unity and absence of sharing information amongst the different segments involved with offender profiling, and that this problem has limited the potential of offender profiling. Hence, some courts are not convinced as to the reliability and validity of this technique. Several recommendations have been made