Evaluation of the Water Quality of River Kaduna, Nigeria Using Water Quality Index

Twelve (12) water quality parameters (turbidity, TDS, pH, Cl- , EC, DO, BOD5, COD, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, Fe and Mn) were analyzed in River Kaduna, Nigeria on a monthly basis for a period of one year in 15 sampling locations using standard methods. The data obtained were used to develop Water Quality Index (WQI) across the 15 sampling locations. The WQI revealed that the water quality of 4 sampling locations were poor as their index values ranged between 17.77 to 25.47. On the other hand, the generalized water quality of the remaining 11 sampling locations was marginal as the index values ranged between 44.95 to 60.80. The index values of the various sampling locations were thereafter used as weights in mapping the WQI of the entire sampled portion of the river using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method. The WQI of the entire river was suggestively ranked marginal as 11 sampling locations out of 15 (73.3%) fell into the marginal category. Hence, regulatory agencies were advised to check the anthropogenic activities along the watershed with more emphasis at the hot spot areas or locations that recorded poor WQI. Key Words: WQI, Canadian, Mapping, Sampling, Locations

Quality of life among Latina breast cancer patients: a systematic review of the literature

Introduction The Latino population is the most rapidly growing ethnic minority in the United States and Latinas have higher rates of advanced breast cancer and more rigorous treatments than White women. However, the literature lacks reviews on quality of life among this population of breast cancer patients. Methods A systematic review of the breast cancer quality of life (QOL) literature was conducted among studies that provided a comparison of mental, physical, social, or sexual QOL between Latinas and other racial/ethnic groups. Of the 375 studies reviewed, 20 quantitative studies and two qualitative studies met criteria for inclusion. Results Latinas were more likely to report poor mental, physical, and social QOL, relative to non-Latinas. Only four studies assessed sexual QOL, making it difficult to draw any conclusions. Of these four QOL domains, the largest disparity was found in the area of mental health in which Latinas reported poorer QOL compared to non-Latina Whites and Blacks. Discussion/conclusions Most quantitative studies revealed either that Latinas consistently evidenced significantly lower QOL than non-Latinas on all measures (6 studies) or reported mixed findings in which Latinas generally demonstrated significantly worse QOL on most, but not all, measures (12 studies) included in the study. Explanatory mechanisms including socio-demographic, treatment-related, and culturally-relevant factors are discussed. Implications for research design, measurement, and clinical work are also included. Implications for cancer survivors Although not entirely consistent, data suggest that Latina breast cancer survivors on average experience worse QOL than non-Latina Whites. Understanding ethnic differences in QOL among breast cancer survivors can inform interventions targeted at improving health status for Latinas

The potential impact of expanding target age groups for polio immunization campaigns

BACKGROUND: Global efforts to eradicate wild polioviruses (WPVs) continue to face challenges due to uninterrupted endemic WPV transmission in three countries and importation-related outbreaks into previously polio-free countries. We explore the potential role of including older children and adults in supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) to more rapidly increase population immunity and prevent or stop transmission. METHODS: We use a differential equation-based dynamic poliovirus transmission model to analyze the epidemiological impact and vaccine resource implications of expanding target age groups in SIAs. We explore the use of older age groups in SIAs for three situations: alternative responses to the 2010 outbreak in Tajikistan, retrospective examination of elimination in two high-risk states in northern India, and prospective and retrospective strategies to accelerate elimination in endemic northwestern Nigeria. Our model recognizes the ability of individuals with waned mucosal immunity (i.e., immunity from a historical live poliovirus infection) to become re-infected and contribute to transmission to a limited extent. RESULTS: SIAs involving expanded age groups reduce overall caseloads, decrease transmission, and generally lead to a small reduction in the time to achieve WPV elimination. Analysis of preventive expanded age group SIAs in Tajikistan or prior to type-specific surges in incidence in high-risk areas of India and Nigeria showed the greatest potential benefits of expanded age groups. Analysis of expanded age group SIAs in outbreak situations or to accelerate the interruption of endemic transmission showed relatively less benefit, largely due to the circulation of WPV reaching individuals sooner or more effectively than the SIAs. The India and Nigeria results depend strongly on how well SIAs involving expanded age groups reach relatively isolated subpopulations that sustain clusters of susceptible children, which we assume play a key role in persistent endemic WPV transmission in these areas. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the need to carefully consider the epidemiological situation in the context of decisions to use expanded age group SIAs. Subpopulations of susceptible individuals may independently sustain transmission, which will reduce the overall benefits associated with using expanded age group SIAs to increase population immunity to a sufficiently high level to stop transmission and reduce the incidence of paralytic cases

Evaluation of the Water Quality of River Kaduna, Nigeria Using Water Quality Index

Twelve (12) water quality parameters (turbidity, TDS, pH, Cl- , EC, DO, BOD5, COD, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, Fe and Mn) were analyzed in River Kaduna, Nigeria on a monthly basis for a period of one year in 15 sampling locations using standard methods. The data obtained were used to develop Water Quality Index (WQI) across the 15 sampling locations. The WQI revealed that the water quality of 4 sampling locations were poor as their index values ranged between 17.77 to 25.47. On the other hand, the generalized water quality of the remaining 11 sampling locations was marginal as the index values ranged between 44.95 to 60.80. The index values of the various sampling locations were thereafter used as weights in mapping the WQI of the entire sampled portion of the river using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method. The WQI of the entire river was suggestively ranked marginal as 11 sampling locations out of 15 (73.3%) fell into the marginal category. Hence, regulatory agencies were advised to check the anthropogenic activities along the watershed with more emphasis at the hot spot areas or locations that recorded poor WQI. Key Words: WQI, Canadian, Mapping, Sampling, Locations

The influence of dyadic symptom distress on threat appraisals and self-efficacy in advanced cancer and caregiving

PURPOSE: Physical and psychological symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer influence their wellbeing; how patient and family caregivers' symptom distress influence each other's wellbeing is less understood. This study examined the influence of patient and caregiver symptom distress on their threat appraisals and self-efficacy to cope with cancer. METHODS: We conducted secondary analysis of baseline data from an RCT that enrolled patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers (N=484 dyads). Structural equation modeling and the actor-partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) were used to examine two models: threat appraisals as a mediator of the relationship between symptom distress and individual and family-related self-efficacy; and, self-efficacy (individual and family dimensions) as mediators of the relationship between symptom distress and threat appraisals. RESULTS: Data suggest the self-efficacy mediation model was the preferred model. More patient and caregiver symptom distress was directly associated with their own lower self-efficacy and more threatening appraisals. Patient and caregiver individual self-efficacy also mediated the relationship between their own symptom distress and threat appraisals. There were also significant interdependent effects. More patient symptom distress was associated with less caregiver family-related self-efficacy; and, more caregiver symptom distress was directly associated with more threatening patient appraisals. CONCLUSIONS: Patient and caregiver symptom distress influenced their own, and in some cases each other's, cognitive appraisals. Limitations of this study include the use of cross-sectional data and assessments of individually-focused (vs. family-focused) threat appraisals. These findings highlight the need to consider the management of patient and caregiver symptoms during advanced cancer