SOCIO ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE IN INTEGRATED AND NON - INTEGRATED FISH FARMING IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined socio economic factors influencing farmer’s knowledge of Integrated and Non – integrated fish farming in Ogun Sate, Nigeria. Multistage simple  random sampling techniques was used to select 133 non - integrated fish farmers (NIFF) and 216 integrated fish farmers (IFF) making a total of n = 349. Data were analysed using chi-square, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results showed that 92.5% of NIFF were males compared with 90.7% IFF. Also, 96.8% of IFF and 79.7% of NIFF were married. The mean ages of sampled farmers were 44 years (NIFF) and 46 years (IFF) while the mean fish farming experiences were 4 years (NIFF) and 5 years (IFF). Also, 41.2%of the respondents had moderate level of knowledge. knowledge of fish farming had significant association with respondents sex (χ2 = 9.44, df = 2, p < 0.05), marital status (χ2 = 23.2, df = 4, p < 0.05), occupation (χ2 = 25.5, df = 8, p < 0.05), mode of involvement (χ2 = 17.1, df = 2, p < 0.05), interaction with friend and relatives (χ2= 14.0, df = 2, p < 0.05), radio/television (χ2 = 21.7, df = 2, p < 0.05) and internet usage (χ2 = 6.40, df = 2, p < 0.05). Correlation analyses showed significant relationship between farmers knowledge and age (r = 0.20, p < 0.05), fish farming experience (r = 0.17, p < 0.05), level of cosmopoliteness (r = 0.16, p < 0.05), livestock population capacity (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), fish production capacity (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), area of land cultivated (r = 0.55, p < 0.05) and production constraints (r = -0.00, p < 0.05).Â

High Cadmium / Zinc Ratio In Cigarette Smokers: Potential Implications As A Biomarker Of Risk Of Prostate Cancer.

Tobacco smoke may be one of the most common sources of cadmium (Cd) in the general population, particularly in the rising population of smokers in developing countries. Although a relationship between both cigarette smoking and environmental Cd contamination with prostate cancer exist, the mechanisms are unclear. Most prospective cohort studies found a positive association between current smoking and a fatal cancer of the prostate. We investigated the interaction between zinc and cadmium and the potential risk of prostate cancer in smokers. Serum cadmium level was significantly (P<0.001) higher in smokers compared with non-smokers, the level in smokers was three-fold that in non-smokers. In contrast zinc was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers. Unlike Zn, Cu was significantly (P<0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Iron (Fe) though higher in smokers was not significantly different. Zinc: cadmium ratio was very significantly (P<0.001) reduced, implying high cadmium: zinc ratio. This ratio was 4.5-fold the level in non-smokers. Total protein, albumin and total globulin levels were all significantly (P<0.001) reduced in smokers compared with non-smokers respectively. Potassium (K+) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Magnesium (Mg) was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in smokers compared to non-smokers. Altered Zn status culminating in high Cd:Zn ratio appears the central factor in smokers; leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage, mutation, impaired DNA repair, P53 expression, angiogenic effect of Cu and impaired vitamin A metabolism. These converge in the risk of the carcinogenic process, suggesting high Cd: Zn ratio as the critical determinant of the risk of prostate cancer in smokers and possibly a biomarker of susceptibility to this environmental disease

A basic investigation for inherited metabolic diseases: indication for genomic approach

The inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) or Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are mostly determined by single abnormal autosomal recessive genes; which though rare as a group account for a sizeable proportion of disorders in very large populations. There is neither a screening policy as in many advanced countries nor have the diseases been investigated in the concomitant institution for the handicapped in Nigeria. Sixty-one (61) subjects (40M, 20F); Mean age 18.38 + 1.3 (SD) years who were residents of the Oluyole Cheshire School and the School for the Handicapped both in the Eleyele area of Ibadan, were selected for the study. Thirty-five (35) apparently healthy (no manifest genetic disorder) individuals, mean age 19.00 + 1.30 (SD) years were selected as controls. The mean weight of the handicapped was 40.9 + 1.1kg while the controls was 47.63 + 1.17 (SD) kg. Mid morning urine samples were collected from all subjects and controls. Aversion for venepuncture by both subjects and their care providers prevented some blood assays. All subjects were subjected to Benedicts reaction, the Ferric Chloride (FeC13) test, clinstix, and the ninhydrin reactions. Thirty-two (32) out of a population of 45 (71.1%) at the Oluyole Chesire Home and 29 out of a population 42 (69.1%) at the School for the handicapped participated in the study. The handicapped subjects had significantly lower weight than controls (