Chronic Toxicity of Pharmaceutical Effluent to Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The aim of this study was to investigate the chronic toxicity of pharmaceutical effluent on Clarias gariepinus gills and liver as biomarkers of environmental quality in toxicity testing of pharmaceutical effluent. The chronic toxicity test of pharmaceutical effluent was carried out on the histopathology of the gill and liver of juvenile African catfish (C. gariepinus) with mean weight of 10 ± 0.2g and standard length of 6.3 ± 0.3 cm. A range finding test was conducted prior to the experiment. The fish were later exposed to 0%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100% concentrations of the effluent for 21 days in a static renewal bioassay procedure. The median lethal concentration (LC50) value was 12.16%. Respiratory disturbance, erratic swimming, loss of equilibrium, lethargies and sudden death were observed in the exposed fish and these varied greatly with increase in concentration of the toxicant. This shows that mortality increases with increase in concentration. The differences observed in the mortalities of C. gariepinus at varying concentrations were significant (p < 0.05). The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of C. gariepinus as potential biomarkers of environmental quality with respect to pharmaceutical effluent toxicity testing. The gill histopathological changes observed were epithelial lifting, interstitial oedema, leucocyte infiltration, hyperplasia of the epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, vasodilatation and necrosis. Abnormalies observed in the liver tissues of the treated fish were congestion of the central vein, vacoulation of hepatocyte, oedema, cellular infiltration and cellular necrosis (i.e cell death). Occurrence of the gill and liver anomalies in the test fish show their suitability for use in toxicity testing of pharmaceutical effluent.Keywords: Gill histopathology, liver histopathology, chronic toxicity, pharmaceutical effluent, Clarias gariepinu

MICROBIAL QUALITY OF IMPORTED FROZEN Sardinella species AND Micromesistius poutassou OFFERED FOR SALE IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

Microbial quality of frozen fish offered for sale in Oyo state markets was investigated. The four Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) zones of the state were used for the study. Sardinella species and Micromesistius poutassou were selected among the commercially important imported frozen fish species in the state based on their availability in all zones. Bacterial and Fungal counts were determined using standard procedures. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, percentages and t-test. Ten bacteria and three fungi and three yeast species were isolated from the fishes evaluated.  Predominant bacteria isolates were Shewanella putrefaciens and Streptococcus faecium, fungi included Penicillium notatum and Aspergillus niger while yeast were Cryptococccus laurentii and Torulaspora debrueckii. Total viable counts for bacterial and fungal counts were 3.1x105cfu/g and 1.8x105cfu/g, respectively for Sardinella spp. and 3.2x105cfu/g and 2.4x105cfu/g for M. poutassou. Although all the fish samples were within acceptable limit, the number of bacteria isolated showed that the quality of frozen fish did not reach expected standard in Oyo state. Keywords: Microbial quality; Frozen fish; Bacteria count; Fungi count, ADP zones DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/85-08 Publication date:March 31st 201

Assessment of Distribution and Handling Procedures of Imported Frozen Fish in Oyo State, Nigeria

Fish is a highly perishable food and there is dearth of information on quality control along the distribution chain to the final consumer. Therefore quality and handling procedures of imported frozen fish within Oyo state were investigated. The study area was stratified into four Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) zones (Ibadan/Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Saki). All cold store operators (n=67) and 5.0% of registered retailers per zone (n=150) were randomly selected and assessed using 217 structured questionnaires to obtain information on compliance level on temperature management, personal hygiene, facilities’ sanitation and handling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages. Compliance level to quality measures by cold store operators in all the zones were 65.7%, 83.6% and 92.5% for temperature management, personal hygiene and facilities’ sanitation, respectively. Ibadan/Ibarapa zone had the highest cold storage capacity of 7,433 tonnes and the least was Saki zone with 61 tonnes. Transportation of fish to retail points were by motorcycle (43.3%), taxi cab (31.1%) and by head load (24.0%). Fish was displayed by retailers using bowls (50.0%), wooden tables (36.7%) and wooden boards (10.0%). Only 57.3% of retailers washed their tables daily and none used chlorinated water. Most cold stores met the recommended temperature for cold storage. Keywords: Frozen fish, Fish storage, Cold store operators, Fish retailers

Screening of Siam Weed (Chromolaena Odorata) and African Custard Apple (Annona Senegalensis) for Nematicidal Activity

Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and closely related species of Annona senegalensis had been investigated for nematicidal activity for the control of nematodes. This study was carried out to provide some information on the phytochemical constituents in these plants for nematode management. Chromolaena odorata leaves and roots, Annona senegalensis leaves and bark collected, air-dried and ground into powder, were taken to The Central Laboratory, University of Ibadan for Infrared (IR) analysis. Phytochemical analysis was carried out in the Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan. The IR revealed that functional groups were alcohols, alkenes, carbonyl, carboxylic acids and phenols. The phytochemicals were tannins (46.2 ± 17.9 mgg-1), saponins (81.5 ± 76.8 mgg-1), alkaloids (12.6 ± 0.7 mgg-1), flavonoids (5.3 ± 2.6 mgg-1), phenols (43.7 ± 1.6 mgg-1), cardenolides and anthraquinones. Saponins were of the highest concentrations, followed by tannins, phenols.The phytochemicals identified have been reported to be nematicidal in activity. Keywords: constituents, dry powders, functional groups, nematode management, phytochemicals

Attitude of health care workers to patients and colleagues infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS in hospital settings has been documented. This study examined the attitude of health care workers (HCWs) to nurses, doctors and patients infected with HIV. A total of 345 respondents selected by multistage sampling techniques were surveyed, using a semi-structured questionnaire, which explored respondents’ attitude to HIV-infected patients and colleagues with HIV/AIDS. HCWs were unwilling to accept that medical procedures be carried out on them by HIV-infected doctors and nurses, with almost 80% refusing surgery or assistance at surgery on them by an HIV-infected doctor or nurse. They were also significantly more unwilling to accept that medical procedures be carried out on them by an infected colleague, compared with their carrying out the same procedure on an HIV-infected patient. Thus, HCWs seemed to believe that the risk of contracting HIV was higher if an infected HCW were to perform medical procedures on them, and fear of contracting HIV seemed to be the driving force for their negative attitudes. Education on occupational risks of HIV, provision of a safe working environment with enforcement of universal precautions, as well as provision of post-exposure prophylaxis are suggested as ways to enable HCWs to change their attitudes

Comparative Analysis of CMA and MMSE in MIMO-OFDM System

Channel estimation is one of the techniques used to achieve high data rates and low bit error rates in wireless communications. In wireless communication system, where Multiple Input Multiple Output - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) exists, the effect of channel causes the received signal to be distorted which necessitates the receiver to have an insight of the channel known as the channel estimation. However, most of the existing techniques such as Least Square Error (LSE), Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) and Best Linear Unbiased Estimation Algorithm (BLUE) employ pilot symbols. High errors are observed in addition to computational complexity and in the platform other than MIMO-OFDM. In this paper, performances of Constant Modulus Algorithm (CMA) and MMSE are evaluated, and compared with each other in the 3x3 MIMO-OFDM systems. The system model for 3x3 MIMO-OFDM system incorporating each of CMA and MMSE consists of a transmitter, frequency selective channel and the receiver. 1000 bits are generated randomly and served as input signal. Three antennas configurations at the input of the frequency selective channel radiate the signal. The three antennas at the output of the channel receive the radiated power, processed by appropriate signal processing techniques. Each of MMSE and CMA techniques is performed at SNR of 5, 10 and 15dB. The system model is simulated using MATLAB 7.2 application package and evaluated using Mean Square Error (MSE) and convergence value. The results obtained show that CMA gives lower error than the MMSE and converges faster. Therefore, the study has shown the significant reduction in computational complexity and can be used by wireless design. Keywords: Constant Modulus Algorithm, Orthogonality, Channel Estimation, Multiple Antenna, Cyclic Prefix

Land use correlates of street children in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Following the observation of increasing incidence of street children phenomenon in Nigerian urban centers, this study examines the relationship between land use and street children in Ogbomoso. Data on incidence of street children were obtained through the method of direct counting which was done on four different days of the week within defined Data Delineated Areas (DDAs) purposively selected across the residential zones of the city. The study employs z scores to compare the intensity of the problem across the selected DDAs. Data were also analyzed using pie chart, bar chart, graph and percentages. The study reveals that the incidence and categories of street children varies with land uses. It recommends, therefore that urban planners, governments as well as individuals have roles to play in proffering solutions to the menace. It also calls for more research works on the problem of street children.Keywords: street children, land use, child hawkers, child beggarsRésumé:Suite à l’observation de l’incidence croissante de la rue phénomène des enfants dans les centres urbains du Nigeria, cette étude examine la relation entre l’utilisation des terres et les enfants des rues dans Ogbomoso. Les données sur l’incidence des enfants des rues ont été obtenues par la méthode de comptage direct qui a été fait sur quatre jours différents de la semaine dans les zones définies données délimitées choisis à dessein dans les zones résidentielles de la ville. L’étude emploie z-scores pour comparer l’intensité du problème à travers les DDA sélectionnés. Les données ont également été analysées à l’aide camembert, histogramme, graphique et pourcentages. L’étude révèle que l’incidence et les catégories d’enfants des rues varie avec l’utilisation des terres. Il recommande donc que les planificateurs urbains, les gouvernements ainsi que les individus ont un rôle à jouer dans proférer des solutions à la menace. Il appelle également à plus de travaux de recherche sur le problème des enfants des rues. Mots-clés: enfants des rues, l’utilisation des terres, les colporteurs de l’enfant, les enfants mendiant

Suitability Assessment of Soils around Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan for Maize Production: A Parametric Analyses

The sustainable use of soil resources requires extensive knowledge about its morphology and other properties. The study was carried out to evaluate the suitability of soils for maize production in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria’s (FRIN), environment, Ibadan, using the parametric method. Four profile pits were dug, described and the soil samples collected and analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable bases and extractable micro nutrients. The textures of the soils were loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam which varied in response to changes in slope and drainage position. The soil’s pH ranged from strong to slightly acidity (4.32 – 6.75). Organic matter (17.2 -61.2g kg-1), total exchangeable base and total nitrogen (0.7 – 3.1g kg-1) were high, while the extractable micro nutrients; Fe (37 – 67mg kg-1), Cu (7 – 13mg kg-1), Mn (5 – 142mg kg-1) and Zn (38 -134mg kg-1) were at toxic level. Suitability evaluation of the soil using parametric approach shows that the soils are presently not suitable (NS) for the cultivation of maize, while, the potential of suitability of the soil for maize cultivation was ranked marginally suitable (S3). The soils of the study area were classified as Egbeda association which is not currently suitable for maize production, because of its present status. However, the soils suitability potential can be improved through conservative agronomic practices and also to prevent rapid degradation

The burden experienced by family caregivers of patients with epilepsy attending the government psychiatric hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Caring for patients with chronic medical and psychiatric disorders is associated with significant burden. However little is known about the burden experience by caregivers of patients with epilepsy in Nigeria. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the level and correlates of burden among caregivers of patients with epilepsy. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study carried out among 231 eligible caregivers of patients with epilepsy attending the psychiatric clinic of government psychiatric hospital in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. Socio demographic/clinical characteristics of patients and sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers were recorded, and the Zarit Burden Interview administered to caregivers to assess their experience of burden. RESULTS: The mean age of the caregivers was 43.6 ±9.5 years, 52.4% lived outside Kaduna and the mean seizure-free period for the patients was 26.4 ±36.5 weeks. One hundred and twenty (51.9%) caregivers had high burden. High burden was significantly associated with patients aged less than20 years, patient’s unemployment, long duration of epilepsy, short seizure-free period, family history of epilepsy and living outside Kaduna (p valu

The effects of etonorgestrel implant (ImplanonR) on the lipid profile of Nigerian women

Background: Provision of contraceptive methods with minimal side effects will enhance uptake of contraception particularly in Nigeria where contraceptive prevalence rate remains low. The safety profile of ImplanonR, a long‑acting hormonal subdermal contraceptive containing etonogestrel, has not been adequately evaluated among Nigerian women.Objective: To assess the effects of etonogestrel subdermal implant (ImplanonR) on lipid profile among Nigerian women.Materials and Methods: The study was a longitudinal follow‑up of 54 consenting women selected over a 6‑month period at the Family Planning Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. After ImplanonR insertion, each woman was followed‑up monthly for a period of 12 months. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for quantification of serum lipids prior to insertion of the implant, then at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of follow‑up.Results: The mean age of the women was 34.4 ± 5.6 with a range of 22–47 years. The modal number of children was 2 ranging from 1 to 6. Total cholesterol (TC) levels showed a general tendency toward a rise. The rise was, however, only significant in the 3rd and 12th months of use. Serum triglycerides showed a tendency toward reduced levels, which were only significant at the 6th and 9th months of use. High‑density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were consistently and significantly elevated above baseline levels. Beyond the 3rd month, low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were lower but not significantly compared with baseline levels. HDL/TC and HDL/LDL ratios were consistently and significantly elevated in comparison with baseline values.Conclusion: Etonogestrel implant seems to cause significant effects on the lipid profile of Nigerian women. The increases were mainly in the HDL fraction, which suggests that the atherogenic and cardiovascular disease risks are reduced. We recommend larger studies to confirm our findings.Keywords: Implanon; laevonorgestrel; subdermal implan