Survey of haemoparasitic infections among Fulani pastoralists in Rivers State

This investigation was conducted between March 2010 and November 2011, to determine the prevalence and transmission of haemoparasites amongst Fulani pastoralists in six communities of Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria- Ahoada – East, Elele, Eleme, Elelenwo, Oyigbo and Bori. 2mls of intravenous blood samples were collected from 593 Fulani pastoralists. Thick and thin blood smear techniques were utilized and thin film was stained with Delafield’s haematoxylin. Of the entire pastoralists sampled, 538(90.7%) were positive for different heamoparasites, showing 564 (78.2%) for Plasmodium falciparum, while 74(2.5%) were positive for microfilariae of human filariasis. The microfilariae recovered, showed prevalence of 27 (4.6) for Loa loa; 38(6.4%) for Mansonella perstans and 9(1.5%) for Wuchereria bancrofti. No Oncherca volvulus was recovered during the study. Differences in the prevalence of haemoparasitic infections varied significantly in the six communities (x2=14.6, df = 3, p>0.05). The prevalence of haemoparasites was higher in Elelenwo community, with 114(99.1%). Sex-related prevalence showed, 326(88.3%) in males and 172(76.8%) in females. The haemoparasitic infections among male and female Fulani pastoralists were statistically significant, males: (x2=145.1, df 4, P>0.05), females :(x2=92.9, df = 4 p>0.05). Infections of haemoparasites within age groups varied significantly (x2=26.9, df =3, p>0.05) with 21-30 years having the highest prevalence of 119(98.3%). A decline in prevalence was observed among 50 years and above age group. Multiple infections in males were 32(8.7%), while females were 8(3.6%).Thus, multiple infections were higher in males than females. No W. bancrofti was recorded in the females. Occupation-related prevalence was significant within the study populations (x226.9, df =3, p>0.05), and the highest prevalence recorded among the nomads, with 336(96.8%). This study examined the interacting factors enhancing the high prevalence of haemoparasitic infections and further suggests, the provision of social amenities by government and other medical agencies to reduce haemoparasitic burden among pastoralists.Keywords: Haemoparasites, pastoralist, microfilariae, prevalence, infections, vector

Proximate composition, total phenol content and sensory properties of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves dried using different methods

O. basilicum L. samples were sun dried (SUD), solar dried (SOD), shade dried (SD) and oven-dried at 50oC, 60oC, 70oC and 80oC (OV5-OV8, respectively). The samples were evaluated for  proximate composition, polyphenol content, soluble extract, appearance, aroma and general acceptability. Fresh sample served as the control. All the drying methods reduced the moisture levels of the samples to that (12%) suitable for shelf stability, and led to significantly (p0.05) higher content of protein, ash and crude fiber in dried samples. The polyphenol content of water extract of dried samples (1.55 mg GAE/100 ml in OV5 to 2.25 mg GAE/100 ml in OV6) were significantly (p0.05) higher than that of fresh sample (1.13 mg GAE/100 ml) and those of SUD, OV5 and OV8 were significantly (p0.05) lower than that of OV6. Sample OV6 was higher in water and ethanol soluble extracts (69% and 61%, respectively) than the fresh sample (37%, respectively) and the other dried samples (16-37% and 2-19%, respectively). The scores of the dried samples for appearance (5.15 in SUD to 6.40 in OV6), aroma (5.30 in SUD to 6.85 in OV6) and general acceptability (5.10 in OV5 to 7.25 in OV8) were significantly (p0.05) lower than those of the fresh sample (8.65, 8.45 and 8.55, respectively). The aroma score for OV6 (6.85) was significantly (p0.05) higher than the aroma scores for OV5, SUD, SOD and SD (5.30-5.55). Oven drying at 60oC was identified as the best drying method for O. basilicum in terms of aroma and soluble extracts contents.Keywords: O. basilicum, sensory attributes, drying methods, physicochemical Propertie

Quality evaluation of powdered Ogi produced from maizesorghum and soybean flour blends in Nigeria

Ogi is a fermented cereal porridge usually made from single cereals such as maize (Zea mays). In traditional production, it is sometimes combined  with other cereals such as sorghum or millet. It is usually in semi-solid form after production and has low shelf stability. This study was carried out  to produce and evaluate the quality of ogi powder from mixtures of selected cereals (maize and sorghum), with soybean inclusion as advancement  for improving the nutritive value of the product. Ogi flour was obtained from grains of maize and sorghum by weighing, sorting, soaking (for 72  hours), wet milling, sieving, dewatering, oven-drying, pulverizing and sieving through muslin cloth with maximum pore size of 20 mm. Optimal  blend (70:30) for maize - sorghum ogi cumulating to 100% maize - sorghum mixture was obtained from a preliminary study; and fortified with  soybean in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 100:0. The samples were analyzed for functional, proximate and micronutrient  properties using standard methods. Results of water absorption and swelling capacity showed significant (p<0.05) differences among the samples.  Proximate composition results showed significant (p<0.05) differences in all samples and ranged as follows: moisture (5.39 - 7.72%), protein (6.22 - 21. 46%), ash (2.66 - 3.64%), crude fibre (2.22 - 2.65%), crude fat (4.22 - 10.22%) and carbohydrate (51.31 - 79.14%). The micronutrient levels were  improved and ranged from 166 - 360 mg/100g calcium, 1.15 - 3.22 mg/100g iron, 24.3 - 47.6 IU ß-carotene and 0.59 - 0.89 mg/100g thiamine.  Soybean addition generally improved the quality of the samples. Protein increase was observed from 20% inclusion of soybean. The maximum  inclusion level of 50% increased the protein content of the sample to 21.5%. Despite adding value and variety to ogi meal due to its powdered form,  fortifying maize-sorghum ogi with soybean would reduce the problem of malnutrition especially among children who are usually fed ogi as infant  formulae in developing countries

Female life expectancy, maternal mortality, fertility and birth rates of female genital mutilation high prevalence countries

© 2020 The Author(s) Female genital mutilation/cutting FGM/C is the process of removing part or all of the female external genitalia. Twenty-nine countries are known to be FGM/C prevalent. The prevalent countries are mostly in Sub Saharan Africa, Middle East, and Asia. FGM/C prevalence countries have total high fertility rate (TFR), high maternal mortality ratio (MMR), low female life expectancy (LEF) and high birth rate (BR). This paper extracted the TFR, MMR, LEF, and BR of FGM/C prevalent countries from each metric's comprehensive databases. Correlation analysis was used to find links between FGM/C and the four health metrics. There is a significant negative correlation between TFR and the duo of LEF and BR, which implies that having more children reduces women's life expectancy and FGM/C prevalent countries. The average TFR, MMR, LEF and BR for the 29 countries are 4.44 children, 517.24 deaths per 10,000, 63.03 years, and 33.83 per 1000 population. Behavioral change and maternal education are recommended to change the religious and cultural view of female sexuality and reduce FGM/C prevalence

An entomological survey and determination of vectoral infection rates for lymphatic filariasis in Ogoniland, Niger Delta, Nigeria

A combined field and laboratory investigation was conducted in five communities of Ogoniland to determine the status of lymphatic filariasis in relation to mosquito vectors for both dry and wet seasons of the year. The human bait method was employed twice weekly in the morning hours (6.00 am-7.30 am), and evening hours (6.00 pm- 8.30 pm), for collection of mosquitoes that probed into the skin using an aspirator. The mosquitoes collected were taken to the laboratory for identification, and dissected in 0.9% saline using standard procedure, while the microfilariae were identified using presence of sheath at their posterior region. The infection rate was obtained by expressing the percentage of the numbers positive against the numbers caught, while ATP of the mosquitoes were obtained using the values of microfilarial density, thus addition of monthly transmission potential (MTP) will give ATP of the vector species. Three mosquito species – A. gambiaesl, A. nili, and Culex p.  fatigans, were identified as major vectors of the disease. The estimated annual vector biting and filarial prevalence rates for these mosquito species are 2, 220 and 22.2% for A. gambiae sl, 256 and 11.5% for A. nili and 7,747 and 24.3% for Culex p. fatigans. The mean microfilarial (mf) density in these vectors were 3.1 for A. gambiae sl, 0.6 for A. nili and 3.3. for Culex p. fatigans, with annual transmission potential (ATP) of 37, 4, and 50 for A. gambiae sl, A. nili, and Culex p. fatigans respectively. From the result of this study, it appears that Culex species showed greatest vectoral capacity in the transmission of lymphatic filariasis in the study area. The low microfilarial (mf) density in the human population, population density of the vectors and unsuitable ecological conditions may indicate a low endemicity of lymphatic filariasis in the study. The presence of this parasite may become health risk for the rural communities of the study area especially after a long period of infection.Keywords: Lymphatic filariasis; mosquitoe; annual transmission potential

Analysis and comparison of the agricultural development programme and university agricultural technology transfer systems in Nigeria

Project number related to IDRC support could not be determine

Building information modelling adoption for construction waste reduction in the construction industry of a developing country.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer-reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2022-0241Purpose – This paper aims to present the result of an assessment of the potential effect of building information modelling (BIM) adoption on the reduction of construction waste (CW) from a developing country’s perspective. This was done with a view to reducing the waste generated in construction projects particularly at the design and pre-contract stages. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a post-positivism philosophical approach, which informed the use of a quantitative research design and a questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The data gathered from construction professionals in the Nigeria construction industry were analysed using an array of statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, chi-square and exploratory factors analysis. Findings – The study revealed five major groups of factors causing CW at the design and pre-contract stages that can be avoided or minimised through BIM implementation. These are; (1) errors in design and documentation, (2) specification and quality factors, (3) estimating and site condition factors, (4) planning of work factors and (5) procurement-related factors. Practical implications – The findings of the study offer practical insight for industry participants on the need for BIM implementation to reduce CW by identifying the diverse areas responsible for these waste generation. Originality/value – While there has been significant literature on BIM implementation, contributions on the effect of this technology in reducing waste generation particularly at the design and pre-contract stages in developing countries has been almost non-existent. This study strives to fill in this gap by showcasing the major waste-generating activities that can be avoided through the use of BIM

Early Outcome of Spinal Decompression for Canal Stenosis at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu

Background: Spinal canal stenosis occurs most commonly in the lumbar region. The commonest etiology is degeneration disease of the spine. Spinal decompression is the treatment of choice with very good outcome with improved quality of life. Objectives: The objective is to evaluate the early outcome of decompression surgery for spinal stenosis without spinal instrumentations. Materials and Method: This is a retrospective study at National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu. Fifty patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. Patients requiring instrumentation were excluded. Clinical diagnosis was based on history and physical examination and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computed tomographic (CT) scan. The following indices viz biodata, symptomatology and pain visual analogue scale scores were extracted and analysed. Follow up was for 6 months. The pain visual analogue scale was used to assess the early outcome. Results: Fifty six case notes were retrieved but six had incomplete records or lost to follow up. The reviewed 50 patients comprised 26 males and 24 females with male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Their median age was 45years. The commonest presenting compliant was low back pain 35 (70%) patients. The commonest indication for surgery was degenerative spinal disease 43 (86%) patients. About 42 patients (84%) had the compression in the lumbar region. Forty one patients (41%) had posterior decompression. External rigid support was necessary in about 24 patients (48%). Eleven patients (22%) had superficial surgical site infection amenable to few days of wound dressings. About 43 patients (86%) had improvement in their preoperative symptoms VAS while 7 (14%) had either no or worsened VAS. Conclusion: Spinal stenosis is not uncommon in our locality. Decompression without instrumentations in well selected patients gives good symptomatic and functional outcomes with no significant postoperative complication