Reduced Levels of Some Iron Parameters of Protein Energy Malnourished Children in Calabar, Nigeria

Hunger and malnutrition are among the most devastating problems dominating the health of the world’s poorest nations. This research was carried out to assess iron related parameters of protein energy malnourished children in Calabar. One hundred (100) malnourished children within the ages of 1-10 years and admitted in the Paediatric clinic of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar were enrolled for this study. Fifty (50) apparently healthy children of similar age were used as controls. Assays were performed using standard methods. The mean values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and serum ferritin obtained from protein energy malnourished (PEM) children were significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared to values for control subjects. Conversely, the serum iron and transferrin saturation of the test group were significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of the controls. Serum ferritin level of the protein energy malnourished children who were 6-10 years of age was significantly lower (P<0.05) than their counterparts who were 1-5 years old. Iron parameters were observed to be the same irrespective of the type of PEM. The body mass index (BMI) of the control was higher than that of the test group. The iron stores of protein energy malnourished children has been observed to be significantly reduced (P<0.05) when compared with apparently healthy children. Poor diet and the low socio-economic status of the parents are implicated. Key words: Protein energy malnutrition, iron, kwashiorkor, marasmu

Application of blended integrated revision course in clinical surgery in West Africa in response to Covid-19 pandemic: perception of trainee surgeons

Background/Objective: This study assessed the surgery residents’ evaluation of blended delivery of the 2020 Integrated Revision Course in Clinical Surgery (IRCCS) of the West African College of Surgeons undertaken as a result of COVID-19pandemic. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of 234 participants of the 2020 IRCCS using self-administered questionnaire. The survey assessed the previous traditional course and various aspects of the novel blended course using 5-point Likert scale. Results: Overall, 186 (79.5%) responded. The blended course had overall mean rating of 4.92 (on a 5-point scale) compared to 4.05 for the previous traditional course. Of the virtual aspect of the blended course, didactic lectures had the best mean rating of 4.32, while unmanned OSCE had the least with mean rating of 3.30. Aspects of the multicentre component of the blended course were rated highly with conduct of manned OSCE receiving the best mean rating of 4.26. The major challenge of the blended course format was poor internet connectivity (n =102; 54.8%), Conclusion: Blended format of surgical training course is well rated by the surgery residents, and may be an effective means of delivery of clinical and non-clinical course contents during periods of disruption. Keywords: Surgical training; COVID-19 pandemic; virtual training; blended format; West Africa

Evaluation of Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in Hypertensive Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Calabar, Nigeria

Introduction. Several biomedical findings have established the effects of hypertension on haemostasis and roles of blood coagulation products in the clinical course of hypertension. Methods. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining effects of hypertension on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in hypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive subjects attending a tertiary hospital in Calabar. Forty-two (42) hypertensive patients and thirty-nine (39) normotensive control subjects were investigated for PT and APTT using Quick one-stage methods. Results. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) correlated positively with APTT (r=0.3072, r=0.4988; P<0.05) in hypertensive patients. DBP, SBP, PT, and APTT were significantly higher in hypertensive patients when compared to normotensive subjects (P<0.05). DBP correlated negatively with duration of illness (r=-0.3097; P<0.05) in hypertensive patients and positively with age of normotensive subjects (r=0.3523; P<0.05). Conclusion. The results obtained indicated that measurements of PT and APTT may serve as indices for evaluating hemostatic abnormalities in hypertensive patients and guide for antihypertensive therapy. However, to have better understanding of hemostatic activities in hypertension, it is recommended to conduct D-dimer, platelet factors, and protein assays

Assessing the Hydrocarbon Prospectivity in the Nigeria Offshore West Delta Using Seismic Volume and Well Log Data

Evaluation of Z-Field prospect located in the western Niger Delta at a shallow water depth of about 100m was carried out using 3-D seismic and well data. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the target bed (R01A reservoir) using checkshot, seismic and well log data. Results of the structural interpretation revealed extensional tectonics characterized by rollover structures which are bounded by regional and counter-regional listric (growth) normal faults. These structural features are associated with normal deltaic progradation and are conspicuous throughout the whole delta province. A key finding of this study is that subsurface structures in the study area lack closure to accumulate hydrocarbon. This is attributed to the small throw of faults relative to sand thickness, causing a significant sand to sand juxtaposition across faults. Consequently, the R01A reservoir is interpreted as wet sand. A lack of amplitude coherence with structure provided additional validation of the interpreted wet sand scenario and above all, increased our confidence on the result. Keywords: prospect evaluation, seismic and well log data, Niger Delta, structural interpretation, faults, horizons DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-10-06 Publication date:October 31st 201

Pore Pressure Prediction in Onshore West Niger Delta Using Inverted Seismic Velocity and Derived Velocity (Vp) - Vertical Effective Stress (VES) Coefficients

In this study, pore pressure has been predicted using seismic data and derived compressional wave velocity (Vp) - Vertical Effective Stress (VES) coefficients. Post Stack Time Migration (PSTM), angle stack gathers, seismic horizons, checkshot, wireline logs, drilling and pressure data from six wells in the Onshore West Niger Delta, Nigeria were analysed and interpreted. Using generated velocity and density crossplots, the active overpressure generating mechanisms for the studied area were deduced. The Vp-VES coefficients were modelled using the direct pressure data and the overburden profile computed from density log. Post stack seismic inversion was performed to improve the seismic resolution as well as derive acoustic impedance using well velocities and stacking velocities from velocity analysis of the 3-D seismic data.  The derived Vp-VES coefficients were used to transform the seismic acoustic impedance velocity into seismic pore pressure volume. Pore pressure profiles were accordingly extracted along well paths so as to test the accuracy of the model. Interpreted density-velocity crossplots revealed a decrease in velocity at constant density of 2.4 g/cc, an indication that unloading mechanisms contribute to overpressure in the field. The Bowers’ Vp-VES coefficients of 7.43 and 0.77 were determined for A and B parameters respectively. Based on the results obtained, the top of overpressure occurred at a depth of 3750 ft and 3800 ft in UMO-001 and UMO-002 wells respectively with a corresponding average pore pressure gradient of 0.47 psi/ft for both wells, indicating that the wells are mildly overpressured. Onsets of unloading were observed in UMO-001 and UMO-002 wells at depths of 6250 ft and 6800 ft with pore pressure gradients of 0.51 psi/ft and 0.60 psi/ft respectively. The Derived Seismic Pore Pressure (DSPP) matched the measured pressure value (kick) of 5300 psi at a depth of 7450 ft and this validated and further increased confidence on the values of the Vp-VES coefficients derived. These results show that the derived seismic acoustic impedance volume, vertical effective stress and overburden model produce high resolution seismic pore pressure cube in both time and space. The derived models when applied especially, with seismic acoustic impedance volume can be used to plan and drill future wells with great successes in the studied area. Keywords: pore pressure, vertical effective stress, seismic velocity, acoustic impedance DOI: 10.7176/JEES/9-10-07 Publication date:October 31st 201

Policy and planning in urban and peri-urban agriculture: The cases of Uyo and Benin City, Southern Nigeria

In Africa, the practice of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) can be traced back to ancient civilizations. However, in recent times, farming in the developing world more broadly, is promoted for its contribution to household food security and poverty alleviation. Much research effort has thus been geared toward establishing these benefits, especially as urban poverty and unemployment continue to rise. Despite these benefits, UPA is still often considered illegal in many countries, with little official recognition and support from urban authorities. This attitude on the part of officials is said to stem from the restrictions on urban farming during the colonial era through planning policies. The inclusion of UPA in urban plans and the formulation of supporting policies are proposed as a way to ensure its future sustainability and enhance its potential benefits. The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria, provides important case study cities for several reasons. First, the legal and planning context of UPA has not previously been studied in depth. Secondly, it allows for the comparison of the historical significance of UPA between a precolonial metropolis, Benin City, and the city of Uyo, which developed in the context of colonial planning regulations. Thirdly, there are gaps in our understanding of UPA in Nigeria, especially in relation to class and power. Using key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys and observation, this study has investigated the nature, significance, planning and policy implications of UPA in the two cities. This thesis explores the significance and planning context of UPA in Nigeria through a historical lens. It examines the policy implications of these findings, as well as the potential opportunities and limitations for the support of farming and its inclusion in urban plans. It argues that UPA is not simply a technical fix to the existing system, but a potential driver for positive political, environmental, social, and economic transformation and, given its significance, there is a need for alternative conceptual framings of the practice in Africa beyond survival and poverty alleviation. It is cautioned that UPA is not in itself a way out of poverty, but an important component of robust food security and poverty alleviation strategies, therefore, necessitating its inclusion in urban food policies and development strategies. While this study problematizes support and policy in the context of rapid urbanisation and the resulting pressure on land, support and policy are, nonetheless necessary. However, such policy must be sensitive to participating households on the margin and any support must be aware of the political outcomes, whether intentional or not

HIV/AIDS and the law in South Africa and Nigeria with particular reference to the right of women : a comparative perspective

LLD, North-West University, Mahikeng CampusThis thesis is an attempt to investigate the contribution of law, statutory or customary, and other associated legal and non-legal factors, including the adequacy or otherwise of public policy responses, in South Africa and Nigeria, as contributory factors rendering women more susceptible to HIV/AIDS. The analysis of women's susceptibility to HIV/AIDS in South Africa and Nigeria, is the main thrust of this work. Complimentary to this major thrust is a focus on the etiology, causes, manifestations and prevention of HIV/AIDS and the legal implications, the underlying factors that render women most susceptible to it and how the law can be utilized to redress the issue of vulnerability. Though the rights of women as guaranteed by domestic and international instruments are discussed, their application is limited to the extent of their utilization to enforce women's legal rights. Some of the major findings of the thesis are as follows : • Fewer shortcomings were identified in the South African legal regime and public policy responses on HIV/AIDS than in the Nigerian responses. • The higher vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS in both countries indicates that all the identified gender- related factors are actually impacting adversely on women. • The study established some causal nexus or connecting links between HIV/AIDS, poverty and human rights abuse ; gender discrimination, gender factors, customary law/traditional practices and HIV/AIDS. • The higher vulnerability of Nigerian children stems from the poor or inadequate legal and public policy responses to the epidemic and the vulnerability of women. These are some of the recommendations of the thesis : • Limited derogatory and coercive measures, with due regard to the tenets of human rights, in terms of mandatory HIV testing of all pregnant women and new born babies, and all intending marriage partners, to afford early diagnosis and treatment for HIV if necessary. • The South African government must take reasonable steps to ensure greater access to health care services. • The South African Constitution should be amended to incorporate justifiable right to health care in the context of HIV/AIDS, including the right to home- based care. • The Nigerian government must domesticate all her international law/treaty obligations, some of which impose both negative and positive obligations, for the benefit of those vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. • In Nigeria, constitutional amendments providing for enforceable socio-economic rights, embracing health care and home-based care , especially in the context of HIV/AIDS, and a dynamic national HIV/AIDS agenda that provides for free and voluntary HIV counselling, testing and treatment at state expense, should be undertaken. • Governments in both countries must address more vigorously the customary law and gender-related factors that render women more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS

Policy and planning in urban and peri-urban agriculture: The cases of Uyo and Benin City, Southern Nigeria

In Africa, the practice of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) can be traced back to ancient civilizations. However, in recent times, farming in the developing world more broadly, is promoted for its contribution to household food security and poverty alleviation. Much research effort has thus been geared toward establishing these benefits, especially as urban poverty and unemployment continue to rise. Despite these benefits, UPA is still often considered illegal in many countries, with little official recognition and support from urban authorities. This attitude on the part of officials is said to stem from the restrictions on urban farming during the colonial era through planning policies. The inclusion of UPA in urban plans and the formulation of supporting policies are proposed as a way to ensure its future sustainability and enhance its potential benefits. The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria, provides important case study cities for several reasons. First, the legal and planning context of UPA has not previously been studied in depth. Secondly, it allows for the comparison of the historical significance of UPA between a precolonial metropolis, Benin City, and the city of Uyo, which developed in the context of colonial planning regulations. Thirdly, there are gaps in our understanding of UPA in Nigeria, especially in relation to class and power. Using key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys and observation, this study has investigated the nature, significance, planning and policy implications of UPA in the two cities. This thesis explores the significance and planning context of UPA in Nigeria through a historical lens. It examines the policy implications of these findings, as well as the potential opportunities and limitations for the support of farming and its inclusion in urban plans. It argues that UPA is not simply a technical fix to the existing system, but a potential driver for positive political, environmental, social, and economic transformation and, given its significance, there is a need for alternative conceptual framings of the practice in Africa beyond survival and poverty alleviation. It is cautioned that UPA is not in itself a way out of poverty, but an important component of robust food security and poverty alleviation strategies, therefore, necessitating its inclusion in urban food policies and development strategies. While this study problematizes support and policy in the context of rapid urbanisation and the resulting pressure on land, support and policy are, nonetheless necessary. However, such policy must be sensitive to participating households on the margin and any support must be aware of the political outcomes, whether intentional or not