Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a adult female

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinico-neuroradiologic diagnosis, with rapidly evolving neurologic condition, characterized by headache, confusion, altered mental status, seizures, cortical blindness, lethargy, stupor, and occasionally, focal neurological signs accompanied by a typical computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging pattern. With early recognition and treatment, complete resolution of symptoms occurs. Typical imaging findings characteristically involve the white matter bilaterally in the parieto-occipital regions. Atypical imaging finding of contrast enhancement of lesion can occur, but is less common. A 20-year-old primiparous lady presented with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case in Nigeria. This case-report highlights the importance of recognizing the salient imaging features in this lethal but reversible entity with prompt management.Keywords: Female, leukoencephalopathy, Nigerian, posterior, reversibl

Pharmacological Exposure of Pregnant Mothers in Ilorin, Nigeria

Context: Use of drug during pregnancy is a universal event. However, in developing countries, drug use is poorly controlled as most of the drugs could be obtained without prescription. This constitutes potential hazard both for the mother and the fetus.Objective: To determine the pattern of drug use (including alcohol and smoking) prescription and non prescription of drug by pregnant mothers in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.Study Design: A cross sectional study of pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin.Result: Four hundred 400 pregnant women participated in the study, 335 adequately completed questionnaire for data analysis. Majority of the respondents 273 (81.5%) had taken one or more drugs, 62 (18.5%) had not used any. Average number of drugs used was 2.7. Routine haematinics (folic acid and Ferrous Sulphate) are the common drug taken by 241 (81.5%) of the respondents. Anti malarial drugs were taken by 47 (14%) while herbal drug was taken by 41 (12.2%). Five (1.5%) of the respondents admitted to taking alcohol and only one woman (0.3%) admitted to smoking cigarette. One (0.3%) each of the respondents was on anti depressant and anticonvulsant drugs. Occupation was significantly related to herbal use. Parity was also significantly related to alcohol consumption and the use of unprescribed drugs.Conclusion: Drug use is common during pregnancy. Haematinics were the commonest drug used. Herbs are used to some extent and antimalarials are underutilized. Alcohol is minimally used and smoking during pregnancy is virtually non- existent. There is need to caution our pregnant mothers on the use of herbs as there is no full understanding of their pharmacokinetics

Sexual behavior and experience of sexual coercion among secondary school students in three states in North Eastern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Interest in the reproductive health of adolescents continues to grow throughout the world. Few studies had explored the reproductive health knowledge, sexual behavior and experience of sexual coercion among secondary school students in North Eastern states of Nigeria. The objectives of this descriptive survey were to collect data to plan appropriate interventions that meet the reproductive health knowledge, service and skills needs of students in Bauchi, Borno and Gombe states. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted for 624 consenting students who were randomly selected from eighteen secondary schools using an 83-item structured questionnaire. Data were collected on demographic profile, reproductive health knowledge, sexual behavior and experience of sexual coercion. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 16.5 years. There were slightly more males (52%) than females (48%). Students' knowledge about reproductive health was generally low even though girls had better knowledge than boys. Thirteen percent of the entire students had had sexual experience; significantly more males (19%) than females (6%) had done so (p < 0.001). Among boys the age at sexual debut ranged from 10–26 with a mean of 15.7 and median of 16. By contrast, the age at first sex among girls ranged from 10 to 18 years with a mean and median of 16.1 and 17 years respectively. Only 24% of those who were sexually active used a condom during their last sexual encounter. Overall 11% of the students reported that they had been tricked into having sex, 9% had experienced unwanted touch of breast and backside, and 5% reported rape. CONCLUSION: Students low reproductive health knowledge and involvement in risky sexual activities predispose them to undesirable reproductive health outcomes

Malaria knowledge and agricultural practices that promote mosquito breeding in two rural farming communities in Oyo State, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Agricultural practices such as the use of irrigation during rice cultivation, the use of ponds for fish farming and the storage of water in tanks for livestock provide suitable breeding grounds for anthropophylic mosquitoes. The most common anthropophylic mosquito in Nigeria which causes much of the morbidity and mortality associated with malaria is the anopheles mosquito. Farmers are therefore at high risk of malaria - a disease which seriously impacts on agricultural productivity. Unfortunately information relating to agricultural practices and farmers' behavioural antecedent factors that could assist malaria programmers plan and implement interventions to reduce risk of infections among farmers is scanty. Farmers' knowledge about malaria and agricultural practices which favour the breeding of mosquitoes in Fashola and Soku, two rural farming communities in Oyo State were therefore assessed in two rural farming communities in Oyo State.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This descriptive cross-sectional study involved the collection of data through the use of eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and the interview of 403 randomly selected farmers using semi-structured questionnaires. These sets of information were supplemented with observations of agricultural practices made in 40 randomly selected farms. The FGD data were recorded on audio-tapes, transcribed and subjected to content analysis while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most respondents in the two communities had low level of knowledge of malaria causation as only 12.4% stated that mosquito bite could transmit the disease. Less than half (46.7%) correctly mentioned the signs and symptoms of malaria as high body temperature, body pains, headache, body weakness and cold/fever. The reported main methods for preventing mosquito bites in the farming communities included removal of heaps of cassava tuber peelings (62.3%), bush burning/clearing (54.6%) and clearing of ditches (33.7%). The dumping of cassava tuber peelings which allows the collection of pools of water in the farms storage of peeled cassava tubers soaked in water in uncovered plastic containers, digging of trenches, irrigation of farms and the presence of fish ponds were the observed major agricultural practices that favoured mosquito breeding on the farms. A significant association was observed between respondents' knowledge about malaria and agricultural practices which promote mosquito breeding. Respondents' wealth quintile level was also seen to be associated with respondents' knowledge about malaria and agricultural practices which promote mosquito breeding.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Farmers' knowledge of malaria causation and signs and symptoms was low, while agricultural practices which favour mosquito breeding in the farming communities were common. There is an urgent need to engage farmers in meaningful dialogue on malaria reduction initiatives including the modification of agricultural practices which favour mosquito breeding. Multiple intervention strategies are needed to tackle the factors related to malaria prevalence and mosquito abundance in the communities.</p

The Use of Parkia Husk and Melon Wastes as Soil Amendments

A pot experiment was conducted to assess the effects of amending soil with agricultural wastes (Parkia biglobosa (Locust bean) husk (PAH), melon (Citrulus vulgaris) waste (MEW) and their mixture (PAH + MEW)) on some soil physical and chemical properties. The agricultural wastes were applied at two levels (7.5% and 10% w/w agricultural waste/soil) in a randomized complete block design. Changes in soil properties (bulk density, water holding capacity, organic carbon and available phosphorus contents) were observed over a period of 12 weeks. The available phosphorus (P) content of the soil was significantly increased (

A comparative study of the oral hygiene status of smokers and non‑smokers in Ibadan, Oyo state

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of tobacco smoking on gingival health and the oral hygiene status of respondents. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey of 213 adults from three communities in the Ibadan North local government was carried out. Respondents were divided into two groups comprising of 117 smokers (cases) and 96 non‑smokers (control). Intra oral examination was done using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‑S) and Gingival index (GI). Results: The mean age of the smokers was 31.2 ± 12.6 years and that of the non‑smokers 32.8 ± 9.5 years. The mean Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‑S) was 1.15 ± 0.51 for the non‑smokers and 2.19 ± 0.62 for the smokers (P &lt; 0.05). The mean GI was 1.06 ± 0.55 for the non‑smokers and 1.62 ± 0.58 for the smokers (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study shows that smoking is associated with increased severity of gingival disease. It is, therefore, recommended that smokers should be encouraged to visit a dentist for preventive procedure more regularly than the non‑smokers and better still, smokers should be encouraged to quit smoking as gingival disease is not without consequences if allowed to persist.Keywords: Cigarette smoking, dental, gingivitis, gingiva, oral hygiene status, periodontal, smokers, statusNigerian Medical Journal | Vol. 54 | Issue 4 | July-August | 201

Prevalence Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus & Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection In A Population Of Apparently Healthy Pregnant Women In University Of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin

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Development and Evaluation of Coatings from Cactus opuntia in Prolonging the Shelf-life of Mangoes (Mangifera indica) Stored under Evaporative Coolant System (ECS)

Two different coatings were developed from the mucilage of Cactus and their effects were investigated on the quality and storability of mango fruits. The two experimental coatings were: Pure mucilage extracts (ME) and Mucilage extract mixed with 5ml glycerol (MEG) which served asplasticizer. The following parameters were measured : Weight loss, ascorbic acid content, pH, firmness and microbial qualities. Four hundred and eighty (480) mango fruits of “Ogbomosho” variety were stored for seven weeks at an average temperature of 27±2°C and relative humidity55- 60% under Evaporative Coolant System(ECS) . Prior to storage, the mango samples were surface sterilized using 100mg/-1 sodium hypochlorite and arranged randomly into three treatments, thecontrol (untreated) and two coating treatments. The overall result showed that Cactus mucilage is effective in extending the shelf-life of mango fruits when compared to untreated in the order, MEG&gt;ME&gt;Control. Result revealed that coating hindered the growth of microorganismssignificantly (P&lt;0.05)

Assessment of testcross performance and genetic diversity of yellow endosperm maize lines derived from adapted x exotic backcrosses

Introduction of exotic maize (Zea mays L.) into adapted tropical germplasm may enhance genetic variability and lead to greater progress from selection. The first objective of this study was to determine if yellow endosperm lines derived from adapted x exotic backcrosses contain exotic alleles that are superior to the recurrent adapted parental line for yield and other agronomic traits in tropical environments. Thirteen exotic yellow maize inbred lines were crossed to an adapted orange line (KUSR) and the F1s were backcrossed to KUSR to generate the first backcrosses. Fifty BC1F4 lines derived from these backcrosses and the recurrent parent were crossed to a common inbred tester (L4001) to form testcrosses, which were evaluated at eight environments in Nigeria. Testcrosses of the BC-derived lines differed significantly for grain yield and other agronomic traits. Only two testcrosses yielded significantly less than L4001 x KUSR, with the best 15 testcrosses producing between 289 and 1,056 kg/ha more grain yield than L4001 x KUSR. The best testcrosses were similar to or better than L4001 x KUSR for other agronomic traits. The second objective of this study was to assess the extent of genetic diversity present among the BC-derived lines. We genotyped 46 BC-derived lines including KUSR and L4001 with 10 AFLP primer pairs and found 491 polymorphic fragments. The average allelic diversity of the lines was 0.30 +/- 0.01. The genetic distance of each BC-derived line from KUSR ranged between 0.49 and 0.91. The average genetic distance for all pairs of the BC-derived lines was 0.68 +/- 0.004, varying from 0.34 to 0.92. The increased grain yield and genetic diversity observed in these studies provide evidence that exotic germplasm can contribute new alleles to expand the genetic base of tropical maize and develop high-yielding hybrids