Determination of the levels of heavy metal (Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd) up take of pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves cultivated on contaminated soil

The aim of this study was to use AAS to determine the levels of concentration (g/kg) of heavy metals: copper (Cu),Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and Cadmuim (Cd) uptake by pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves cultivated in Pots containing varying concentrations of contaminated soil samples labeled A to E. The results showed that leaves from soil sample A had heavy metal concentration level of Cd: 0.268, Ni:0.040, Pb:0.033, Fe:0.025 and Cu: 0.003. The order of uptake was Cd> Ni> Pb> Fe> Cu. In soil sample B, the concentration level of the metals were Fe:0.091, Cd:0.406, Ni:0.118, Pb:0.058 and Cu:0.006. The order of uptake was Cd> Fe>Ni> Pb> Cu. Results from soil sample C showed that the level of heavy metal concentration in the leaves were: Fe:0.311, Cd:0.380 Pb:0.204, Ni:0.116 and Cu:0.029. The order of uptake is Cd> Fe> Pb> Ni> Cu. In soil sample D, the results were Fe:0.101, Cd:0.087, Ni:0.070, Pb:0.07 and Cu:0.004. The order was Fe> Cd> Ni= Pb> Cu. The results from soil sample E gave the concentration levels as Fe:0.266, Cd:0.135, Ni:0.122, Pb:0.017 and Cu:0.004. The order of uptake wasFe> Cd> Ni> Pb> Cu. The result for the uncontaminated soil sample F, showed that the heavy metal concentration levels were Fe:0.035 Cu:0.003, Pb:0.008, Cd:0.050 and Ni:0.008. The order of concentration levels was Cd> Fe> Ni= Pb> Cu. The findings of this study reveal that pumpkin leaves biaccumulate Cd more, followed by Fe while Cu was the least.  Consequently, any agricultural soil suspected to have high concentrations of Cd, Fe, Ni and Pb will not be suitable for use in the cultivation of pumpkin leaves meant for human consumption or animal feed. This because the ingestion level of these metals are far above the WHO tolerable limit. However, pumpkin plants can serve as a good scavenger of Cd and Fe in polluted soil. © JASE

Traumatic separation of the upper femoral epiphysis in a neonate

Background: Traumatic separation of the upper femoral epiphyses at birth is a rare event. Other terminologies that have been used to describe the injury include traumatic proximal femoral epiphysiolysis and apparent dislocation of the hip. This injury is associated with difficult deliveries.Aim: To report a case of traumatic separation of the upper femoral epiphysis in a neonate following a caesarean section.Case Report: A full term infant female was delivered by breech extraction through a caesarean section in 2007. She weighed 4.2kg at birth and her mother was not a known diabetic. Her mother noticed she had reduced movement in her right lower extremity five days after delivery and this necessitated an orthopaedic consultation. After a clinical review a diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the right hip was made.An initial pelvic radiograph was taken and a repeat radiograph taken 3 weeks after delivery showed callus around the neck of the right femur. This indicated a healing traumatic separation of the right upper femoral epiphysis.Conclusion: Traumatic separation of the upper femoral epiphysis in the newborn is an uncommon injury. A high index of suspicion is required as the condition is easily misdiagnosed.Keywords: Trauma; Epihysiolysis; Proximal femur; Neonate; Caesarean sectio

Shoulder Dislocation in the course of Revenue Collection: A Need to Caution Revenue Agents in Port Harcourt

Background: The shoulder joint exhibits great mobility and is the commonest major joint to be dislocated. Dislocation of the shoulder joint can result from falls, sports or trauma. We report a case of shoulder dislocation in the course of revenue collection.Methods: The case records of a patient who sustained traumatic shoulder dislocation; following assault from revenue collection agents in Port Harcourt as well as a review of the literature on the subject was utilized.Result: A 28- year- old right-hand dominant male presented with features of left anterior shoulder dislocation which he sustained in the course of preventing revenue agents gaining access into a room in his place of work. He had closed reduction of the shoulder with immobilization and post-immobilization physiotherapy. There has been no recurrence during the 15 months of follow-up so far.Conclusion: Anterior shoulder dislocation can occur in the course of revenue collection if physical force is utilized. There is a need for revenue agents to avoid use of collection methods that will cause any form of musculoskeletal injury.Keywords: Anterior; Shoulder dislocation; Violent Revenue collectio

Collection Development Policy and User Satisfaction in University Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

The main purpose of the study was to examine the influence of Collection Development Policy and User Satisfaction in University Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design using questionnaire as major instrument for eliciting data. The questionnaire titled (CDPIUSUL) was used for this purpose. A total number of 65 staff constituted the population. The population was purposively adopted because of the smaller size, comprising of 33 for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and 32 for Rivers State University (RSU) respectively. All copies of questionnaire, distributed were completed and returned. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions while independent t-test was used to test the null hypotheses. The study revealed that there is a significant influence of collection development policies on users’ satisfaction based on knowledge of collection development policy, availability of current resources and evaluation of collection development policy. Based on the findings, it was recommended that librarians should always make use of the CDP to guide in the selection of relevant materials to ensure users’ satisfaction. University authorities should ensure that there is regular evaluation of collections development policies to guide weeding in the libraries and Government should partner with the University management to always donate and acquire current information resources to the libraries in order to enhance users’ satisfaction

Development of a Nigerian fermented maize food “Akamu” as a functional food

Full version unavailable due to 3rd party copyright restrictions.Akamu is a lactic acid bacteria fermented cereal-based food that complements infant diets in most African countries. Uncontrolled fermentation increases the variability in quality and safety of akamu. This study was aimed at the controlled fermentation of akamu with selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB), investigation of the probiotic potential of the LAB and the effect of variation in production method on the product quality and sensory properties. PCR-DGGE analysis of traditional akamu samples revealed LAB community dominated by Lactobacillus fermentum, L. plantarum, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and L. helveticus. Isolated yeasts were Candida tropicalis, C. albicans, Clavispora lusitaniae and Saccharomyces paradoxus. The isolated Lactobacillus plantarum strains (NGL5 and NGL7) fermented irradiated ground maize slurries and produced significant levels of lactic acid (>73 mmol L-1) and low pH ≤3.63 displaying inhibitory activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis NCTC 5188, Escherichia coli 1077 (NCTC 11560), Bacillus cereus NCIMB 11925, Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 3750 and Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 7973 in MRS agar and E. coli 1077 in maize slurry fermentation. Viability of both strains of L. plantarum at pH 2 after 3 h was reduced from ≥8.26±0.05 to ≤4.94±0.49 Log10 CFU mL-1 while incubation in 0.3% bile allowed growth to 5.73±0.13 and 7.93±0.12 Log10 CFU mL-1 after 6 h for NGL5 and NGL7 respectively. Auto-aggregation of the L. plantarum strains at 37oC (≥25 after 5 h) correlated with adhesion to hydrocarbons (<15, 26, 33 and 64% for Hexane, Hexadecane, Ethyl acetate and Chloroform respectively). The strains failed to exhibit gelatinase or haemolytic activity but adhered to porcine mucin (OD403 nm ≥0.63 with viability ≥6.52 Log10 CFU mL-1) and Caco-2 cells (≥5.13 Log10 CFU mL-1). The ash, mineral (Ca, K, Mg, Na, S and Zn), IDF, SDFP and TDF content of the L. plantarum fermented ground maize slurries were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than that of the traditional akamu but the peak and final viscosities (139.5 and 68.5 cP respectively) were significantly (p≤0.05) the least. The aroma, appearance, colour, flavour and texture of the resultant porridges were liked moderately by 75% of the assessors. This study demonstrated that fermentation with the L. plantarum strains would contribute towards product safety and the L. plantarum strains possessed some probiotic potential that could be beneficial to the consumers particularly in those developing countries were the main staple foods are fermented cereals.Rivers State Scholarship Board, Rivers State, Nigeri

Removal of locked intramedullary nails with the aid of bolts

Background: Removal of an intramedullary nail would require the extraction system of the inserted nail to be available. Sometimes the system is not available, and an alternative system would have to be utilised. Aim of the study was to document the removal of interlocked nails using bolts in the absence of appropriate fitting extraction system.Methods: A prospective study of consecutive patients seen by the authors between September 2016 and September 2018 in private clinics in Port Harcourt where the authors were invited to remove intramedullary nails. Bolts fitted to the proximal tips of the nails were utilized. With the aid of plier applied to the bolts and mallet, the nails were extracted. The patients’ socio-demographic and information relevant to the injury were obtained. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.Results: Fifteen patients were seen. Ages ranged from 29 to 72 years, consisting of 10 males and five females. The tibia was affected in six and the femur in nine. There were five united tibial fractures and one non-united tibial fracture, six united femoral fractures and three non-united femoral fractures. Indication for removal was mostly patients’ request. Duration of surgery ranged from 1 to 4 hours. All the nails were extracted. Complications included broken nail, heterotopic calcification, bony overgrowth/ ingrowth/ongrowth around the nail and interlocking screws. There was no mortality.Conclusions: In the absence of conventional intramedullary nail extraction system, appropriate size bolts can be applied to the threaded proximal tip of nails and used for nail extraction

EFFECT OF COWPEA AND CARROT INCLUSION ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL, PROXIMATE, AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF GERMINATED/PRE-GELATINIZED MAIZE COMPLEMENTARY FOOD

Objectives: Effect of addition of cowpea and carrot flour on the physicochemical, proximate, and sensory properties of germinated/pre-gelatinized maize complementary food was evaluated. Methods: Germinated and pre-gelatinized maize grains, soaked and roasted cowpea, and cleaned carrot were processed individually into flour. Maize, cowpea, and carrot flour were blended at the ratios of 95:5:0, 90:5:5, 85:10:5, 80:15:5, 75:20:5, 70:25:5, and 60:30:5 represented by letters A – G. Maize flour (100%) served as control. Analysis was by standard analytical methods. Results: pH and total titratable acidity ranged, respectively, from 6.09 to 6.33 and 0.77 to 1.13% lactic acid. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content varied significantly (p≤0.05) from 8.23 to 11.48, 7.63 to 10.59, 2.72 to 6.39, 1.25 to 2.05, 2.86 to 6.63, and 66.43 to 73.59%, respectively. Energy differed significantly (p≤0.05) from 345.44 to 374.11 Kcal/100 g. Addition of cowpea and carrot flour increased the nutrient content except for carbohydrate and energy. Assessors’ degree of likeness of the gruel was from like moderately to dislike moderately with increase in cowpea addition for aroma (2.35–7.55), taste (2.70–8.10), mouth feel (3.25–7.55), thickness and consistence (2.80–7.45), and overall acceptability (2.57–7.75) except for color (3.50–7.60), with no significant (p≥0.05) difference in texture (3.05–4.50). Sample G with 30% cowpea addition had significantly (p≤0.05) the highest protein content but the least degree of likeness for all sensory attributes except color. Conclusion: An addition of up to 10% cowpea with 5% of carrot flour for improved protein and acceptable sensory attributes is recommended

IMPLICATIONS TO RULES-BREAKING IN SOME SELECTED NIGERIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (NLA) ONLINE GROUPS AND A WAY FORWARD FOR NATIONAL UNITY

The purpose of this paper is aimed at taming the unacceptable behavioural pattern of some individuals in some professional groups as it has to do with rule breaking. Rules-breaking is a menace that could jeopardize a group if care is not taking. It does not just stop at that, rather it goes further to threaten the national unity as the nation is being represented by a small segment of group of professionals. This paper through observation and existing literature stated a brief overview of the meaning of rules and national unity and benefits of being in a group. The paper highlights some of the causes of rules-breaking, the importance of rules in a group and it also proffered a way forward. In conclusion, it was stated that professionals need one another and the need for co-existence is paramount to foster national unity in all

Complications of Fracture and Dislocation Treatment By Traditional Bone Setters: A Private Practice Experience

Background: Traditional bone setting is common in developing nations. The principles of bone setting, although differing slightly among cultures are similar. The practice is not without its shortcomings as patients who have received prior traditional bonesetters (TBS) care usually present with complications to hospitals. This study seeks to document the complications seen as a result of TBS treatment of fractures and dislocations at a private ortho-trauma centre.Methods : A prospective study of consecutive patients with fractures and dislocations who had received treatment from traditional bonesetters and were seen and managed afterwards at Rehoboth Specialist Hospital , Port Harcourt st st from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007 .Results: During the study period, 71 patients were seen, consisting of 38 males and 33 females with a male to female ratio of 1.15:1. Their ages ranged from 4 years to 80 years with an average of 33.75 years. The most frequent age brackets were 20-29 years (32.39%) and 30-39 years (22.53%). Those with secondary and tertiary education constituted 81.69% of the total. More patients first consulted the TBS (63.38%) than orthodox practice (36.62%) after the injury. There were 74 fractures (86.05%) and 12 dislocations (13.95%) with more of the injuries occurring in the lower extremity. The most frequent aetiology was road traffic accidents, mostly motor-cycle related, followed by falls and sports injuries. Those who spent 4 months or more with the TBS before presentation constituted 69%. The most frequent complications were nonunion (36.47%) and malunion (24.71%) and both were associated with shortening in 31.76%. Other complications were chronic joint dislocation, ankylosis, joint stiffness, arthrosis/arthritis, chronic osteomyelitis, Volkmann's ischaemic contracture, osteonecrosis, neuropathy, limb gangrene, delayed union and pressure ulcer. The most frequent intervention was open reduction and internal fixation (60.56%) and most of the patients (78.87%) spent 4 weeks or less in the hospital. There was no mortality in this series.Conclusion: Complications following treatment of fractures and dislocations by TBS are common. The common complications include non-union, malunion which were both associated with shortening as well as chronic joint dislocation, although the largely avoidable limb gangrene still occurred. There is a need for basic training of TBS for them to be integrated into the primary care system.Keywords: Traditional bonesetters; Fractures; Dislocations; Complications

Lower extremity gangrene in children from traditional bone setters care: an avoidable cause of limb loss

Background: Worldwide, lower extremity gangrene in children is rare. In orthopaedic practice in developing countries, a frequent cause of extremity gangrene is the practice of traditional bone setting. Aim of the study was to document lower extremity gangrene in children resulting from the care of traditional bone setters’ as seen in a tertiary health institution.Methods: A prospective study of children presenting with lower extremity gangrene from the care of traditional bone setters at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2006 to December 2018. Data obtained included the patients socio-demographics and relevant information related to the diagnosis. Data was analysed with SPSS version 20.Results: Eighteen children with lower extremity gangrene were seen. Their ages ranged from 10 days to 132 months. There was a female preponderance. Their parents mostly had primary and secondary levels of education and majority were married. The most common diagnosis was tibiofibular fractures followed by congenital clubfoot. Trauma-related injuries were mostly from falls. Duration before presentation ranged from 7 to 28 days. Majority had massage, splinting and bandaging from the bone setter. Most common associated complication at presentation was sepsis. All had provisional amputation. Most common amputation was below knee. Most had stump refashioning within 15 days. One had split skin grafting. There was one mortality. Duration of hospital stay ranged from 3 to 65 days.Conclusions: Children at any age can develop lower extremity gangrene from traditional bone setters’ care. This is an avoidable and preventable sequelae of care. Parental health education is necessary to discourage their patronizing traditional bone setters