Small Ruminant Farmers' Perception of Climate Change in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examined the small ruminant farmers’ perception of climate change in Moro Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, Nigeria. About 120 small ruminant farmers were selected for the study. Analyticall tools such as descriptive (frequency count, percentage, mean score) and inferential [Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC)] statistics were used to analyse the data. The result revealed that about 57.5% of the respondents were male, average age of 38.3years, income of N56633.33, and household size of about 5 persons. The average number of goat and sheep was 10 and 5 respectively. About 52% of the respondents utilized extensive system of rearing and 60.8% had access to extension services. About 77.5% of the respondents indicated Ministry of Agriculture as their main source of information on small ruminant production. The result revealed that planting of trees/erecting cover to serve as shades to reduce heat stress (90.8%) was the most frequently used adaptation strategies to climate change. About 59.2% of the respondents have high level/status of use of adaptation strategies. The highest ranked perception statement was increase in temperature (4.48), while disease outbreak and high mortality (2.78) ranked highest as factor affecting small ruminant production. It is therefore recommended that there should be provision of information on the adaptation strategies as climate change is now a reality that is not going away and provision of veterinary services to reduce disease outbreak

Decontamination of T-2 Toxin in Maize by Modified Montmorillonite Clay

Montmorillonite clay has a wide range of applications, one of which includes the binding of mycotoxins in foods and feeds through adsorption. T-2 toxin, produced by some Fusarium,Myrothecium, and Stachybotrys species, causes dystrophy in the brain, heart, and kidney. Various formulations that include lemongrass essential oil-modified montmorillonite clay (LGEO-MMT), lemongrass powder (LGP), montmorillonite clay washed with 1mMNaCl (Na-MMT),montmorillonite clay (MMT), and lemongrass powder mixed with montmorillonite clay (LGP-MMT) were applied to maize at concentrations of 8% and 12% and stored for a period of onemonth at 30 �C. Unmodifiedmontmorillonite clay and LGP served as the negative controls alongside untreated maize. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of the various treatments showed themajor functional groups as Si-O and -OH. All treatment formulationswere effective in the decontamination of T-2 toxin inmaize. Accordingly, itwas revealed that the inclusion ofNa-MMT in maize atMontmorillonite clay has a wide range of applications, one of which includes the binding of mycotoxins in foods and feeds through adsorption. T-2 toxin, produced by some Fusarium,Myrothecium, and Stachybotrys species, causes dystrophy in the brain, heart, and kidney. Various formulations that include lemongrass essential oil-modified montmorillonite clay (LGEO-MMT), lemongrass powder (LGP), montmorillonite clay washed with 1mMNaCl (Na-MMT),montmorillonite clay (MMT), and lemongrass powder mixed with montmorillonite clay (LGP-MMT) were applied to maize at concentrations of 8% and 12% and stored for a period of onemonth at 30 �C. Unmodifiedmontmorillonite clay and LGP served as the negative controls alongside untreated maize. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of the various treatments showed themajor functional groups as Si-O and -OH. All treatment formulationswere effective in the decontamination of T-2 toxin inmaize. Accordingly, itwas revealed that the inclusion ofNa-MMT in maize at a concentration of 8% was most effective in decontaminating T-2 toxin by 66% in maize followed by LGP-MMT at 12% inclusion level recording a 56% decontamination of T-2 toxin in maize (p = 0.05). Montmorillonite clay can be effectivelymodified with plant extracts for the decontamination of T-2 toxin a concentration of 8% was most effective in decontaminating T-2 toxin by 66% in maize followed by LGP-MMT at 12% inclusion level recording a 56% decontamination of T-2 toxin in maize (p = 0.05). Montmorillonite clay can be effectivelymodified with plant extracts for the decontamination of T-2 toxi

Thermogravimetric Analysis of Modified Montmorillonite Clay for Mycotoxin Decontamination in Cereal Grains

-ermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to study the stability of nanoformulations used for the decontamination of mycotoxins. -e TGA patterns of the nanoformulations from montmorillonite clay and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) extracts were assessed with temperature ranging from ambient (20°C) to 1000°C. -e various nanoformulations studied included unmodified montmorillonite clay (Mont), montmorillonite washed with sodium chloride (Mont-Na), montmorillonite mixed with lemongrass essential oil (Mont-LGEO), and montmorillonite mixed with an equal quantity of lemongrass powder (Mont- LGP). -ere was no significant difference in the median of the various nanoformulations within 4 weeks at p < 0.05 using the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test. For the TGA, the first degradation for montmorillonite clay and the nanoformulations occurred at a temperature between 80 and 101°C and was attributed to the loss of lattice water outside the coordination sphere with a range of 3.5–6.5% weight loss. -e second degradation occurred within the temperature of 338 to 344°C, and the third, at a temperature between 640 and 668°C for Mont and the formulations of Mont-Na, Mont-LGEO, and Mont-LGP. -ere were strong similarities in the degradation patterns of Mont and Mont-Na with the minimum difference being the relatively higher weight loss of the sodium-exchanged cation for Mont-Na at the third degradation step. Hence, the order of stability from the most resistant to the least resistant to degradation is as follows: Mont-LGEO ≥ Mont-Na ≥ Mont ≥ Mont-LGP

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10&nbsp;years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37&nbsp;years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Abdominal Hysterectomy at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital: A 5-year Review

Background: Hysterectomy is the commonest major gynaecological operation performed on women for treatment of a diverse disorder. The indications are mostly gynaecologic but may occasionally be obstetric. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the procedure, the indications, the operative and histological findings and the pattern of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who had abdominal hysterectomy at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. The case notes of patients who had the procedure over a 5-year period were retrieved from the hospital records department. Variables considered in the study were socio-demographic characteristics, pre-operative investigations done, operative findings, histological findings, associated complications and follow-up findings. Results:A total of 2054 major gynaecological operations were performed from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2008 of which 255 were abdominal hysterectomies, giving an incidence of 12.4% of major gynaecological surgeries. The mean age at which the procedure was performed was 43.8 + 7.3 years. Menorrhagia was the commonest presenting symptom, occurring in 62.9% of patients while uterine fibroid was the commonest indication for surgery. The commonest complication was superficial wound infection and less than half (47.2%) of the patients reported for follow-up. Conclusion: Abdominal hysterectomy is a safe operative procedure and i/t is a viable treatment option to a variety of gynaecological disorders. Adequate preoperative assessment, intraoperative and post operative measures to reduce infection can improve outcome of the procedure. Key words:Abdominal hysterectomy, findings, follow-up

Symptoms profile among breast cancer patients accessing care at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women in developing countries. Advanced stage disease with limited treatment options implies a significant symptom burden, which poses a challenge to attending health care providers.Objectives: To determine prevalence and the severity of symptoms among breast cancer patients.Design of the Study: Descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based studyStudy Area and Population: Breast cancer patients attending the University of Ilorin Teaching hospital.Materials and Methods: Breast cancer patients attending surgical outpatient clinics and those on admission during the study period were recruited. The patients completed an interviewer administered symptom assessment tool consisting of 32 physical and psychological symptoms. Demographics, cancer stages, treatments and referrals for palliative care interventions were obtained from the case notes.Results: Sixty breast cancer patients were studied, and eighty percent (80%) of the patients had advanced cancer. The number of symptoms ranged from 0-18, and the overall mean number of symptoms was 5.5 + 4.4. The top 5 symptoms were; pain (63.3%), worrying (45%), feeling sad (41.7%), weight loss (46.7%) and insomnia (35%). Pain, poor body image, breast swellings were the most distressing symptoms. Five percent (5%) of the patients had referral to palliative care team.Conclusion. This study showed that breast cancer patients manifest significant physical and psychological symptoms. Pain was the most prevalent and distressing symptom. Systematic symptom assessment and palliative care service provision are recommended for breast cancer patients with advanced disease

Duration of labour with spontaneous onset at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background/Objective: Duration of labor varies from one pregnancy to another and a period of less than 12 hours is regarded as normal. Modern obstetric practice involves active management of labor with the aim of preventing prolonged labor and its sequelae. The main objective of this study was to determine and compare the average duration of labor of spontaneous onset between nulliparas (Po) and multiparas (P ≥ 1) and to determine factors affecting duration of labor. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective study carried out between 15 May and 14 June 2004 at the Labor Ward of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty-eight women who satisfied the inclusion criteria were studied. The inclusion criteria were term pregnancy with vertex presentation, labor with spontaneous onset, live fetus at presentation and spontaneous vertex delivery. Results: The mean ± SD admission-delivery interval in labor ward was shorter (3.77 ± 2.88 hours) among multiparas than that of nulliparas (5.00 ± 3.17 hours) (P = 0.235). The mean ± SD duration of labor (from the onset of labor to delivery) was shorter among multiparas (8.73 ± 4.17 hours) than that of nulliparas (11.23 ± 4.29 hours) (P = 0.426). The differences were not significant (t-test, P > 0.05). Maternal age and individual parity had significant correlation with the duration of labor in this study (Pearson correlation = -0.019, -0.027, respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Interestingly, duration of labor was not significantly different among multiparas and nulliparas although it was shorter. Correlation existed between duration of labor and maternal age and individual parity.DOI: 10.4103/1596-3519.8207

Antenatal blood donation: Pregnant mothers' attitude, fears and preferences

Up to 150,000 pregnancy-related deaths could be avoided each year through access to safe blood. Antenatal blood donation, which will increase access to safe blood, is one of the ways to reduce maternal mortality in this environment. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, fears and preferences of pregnant mothers regarding antenatal blood donation. The study was carried out in Kwara State Specialist Hospital (KSSH) Sobi. All (400) consenting pregnant women accessing ANC services at the HF were recruited. Data was collected using pretested semistructured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. A P- value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence level. The age range of the respondents is between 16 to 42 years, with a mean age of 27.81± 5.21. More than half (58.5%) of the respondents had the knowledge that blood transfusion may be required for pregnant women. Over 80% of the respondents think that the donor of blood for pregnant woman could be the spouse, the siblings, parents, in-laws or paid donor However, majority (62.5%) would prefer blood transfusion from a family member. Risk of contracting infection was most feared among the respondents (52.5%). There is good awareness among the study population on the possible need for blood transfusion during pregnancy and childbirth but great misconception and concerns over receiving blood transfusion still persists. There is need for continuing public education to clear misconceptions and baseless concerns over receiving blood transfusion.Key words: pregnant mothers, attitude, antenatal blood donation, Ilori

Duration of labor with spontaneous onset at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background/Objective: Duration of labor varies from one pregnancy to another and a period of less than 12 hours is regarded as normal. Modern obstetric practice involves active management of labor with the aim of preventing prolonged labor and its sequelae. The main objective of this study was to determine and compare the average duration of labor of spontaneous onset between nulliparas (Po) and multiparas (P 65 1) and to determine factors affecting duration of labor. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective study carried out between 15 May and 14 June 2004 at the Labor Ward of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty-eight women who satisfied the inclusion criteria were studied. The inclusion criteria were term pregnancy with vertex presentation, labor with spontaneous onset, live fetus at presentation and spontaneous vertex delivery. Results: The mean \ub1 SD admission-delivery interval in labor ward was shorter (3.77 \ub1 2.88 hours) among multiparas than that of nulliparas (5.00 \ub1 3.17 hours) (P = 0.235). The mean \ub1 SD duration of labor (from the onset of labor to delivery) was shorter among multiparas (8.73 \ub1 4.17 hours) than that of nulliparas (11.23 \ub1 4.29 hours) (P = 0.426). The differences were not significant (t-test, P &gt; 0.05). Maternal age and individual parity had significant correlation with the duration of labor in this study (Pearson correlation = 120.019, 120.027, respectively, P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Interestingly, duration of labor was not significantly different among multiparas and nulliparas although it was shorter. Correlation existed between duration of labor and maternal age and individual parity