Burst pressure of super duplex stainless steel pipes subject to combined axial tension, internal pressure and elevated temperature

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Is Cannabis Use Related to Road Crashes? A Study of Long Distance Commercial Drivers in Nigeria

Factors associated with driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) and related road crashes among 422 commercial drivers were studied. A multivariate analysis was conducted to understand the associations between risk factors and DUIC and car crashes respectively. Young age, OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.9-7.6; cannabis abuse, OR = 4.1, 95% CI, 1.9-8.2; cannabis dependence, OR = 4.4, 95% CI, 2.1- 7.8; hire- driver, OR = 5.3, 95% CI, 2.0- 14.2, remained associated with DUIC after model adjustments while previous DUIC accidents, OR = 4.5, 95% CI, 2.2 -11.0; combined DUIC and driving under influence of alcohol (DUIA), OR = 5.1, 95% CI, 2.7 – 14.0, remained associated with cannabis related crashes after model adjustment. DUIC increases the risk of involvement in a crash most particularly if there is associated DUIA. Key Words: Cannabis, driving under influence, Nigeria, road crashes, commercial driver

Autoclave design for high pressure-high temperature corrosion studies

Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Steve Cawley of John Cardwell Limited and Jim Herrmann of Cortest Inc. for the manufacture of the autoclave and for the permission to use the vessel design schematic drawings (Figures 8 and 9) in the paper; these figures are not to be used for production without the express written permission of Cortest Inc. The assistance of the technical staff of the School of Engineering Central Workshop is much appreciated.Peer reviewedPostprin

Rapid situation assessments of alcohol and substance use among commercial vehicle drivers in Nigeria

Objectives: To describe the current situation with respect to substance use and related harms among commercial vehicle drivers, and to identify a range of interventions that could be feasibly implemented to minimise harms related to substance use.Study design: Observational and group interviews.Setting: Four different motor parks in Ibadan, Nigeria.Subjects: Data were obtained from a sample of commercial vehicle drivers, community and members of the law enforcement agencies.Results: Widespread use of psychoactive substances was reported. New trend of local alcohol beverage generally called ‘sepe’ tended to have replaced older ones such as palm wine. All substances of abuse were freely available and openly displayed at motor parks except for cocaine and narcotics. There was poor law provision and enforcement of laws prohibiting sale and use around motor parks or while driving.Conclusions: This study shows the feasibility and value of conducting rapid assessments among commercial vehicle drivers in Nigeria. One outcome of this study is the development of a guide on rapid assessment of alcohol and other substance use assessment and a measure of brief intervention among them. Presentation of these findings should contribute to increased awareness and improved response from the government

The effect of hydrogen sulphide on ammonium bisulphite when used as an oxygen scavenger in aqueous solutions

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Alcohol use disorders in multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients and their non-tuberculosis family contacts in Nigeria

Introduction: the main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in patients with Multi-Drug Treatment-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) compared with their non-tuberculosis control, and its association with disease pattern and associated medical comorbidities. Methods: MDR-TB patients (128) and their respective caregivers were interviewed in a treatment unit in Nigeria. Diagnosis of AUD was made using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder, information was obtained on the severity of the TB and associated health problems. Results: prevalence of AUD was (21.9%) and was significantly higher among cases than in controls (2.3%), p = 0.006. Severe TB, OR = 3.33 (1.56-6.83), hematological diseases, OR = 2.34 (1.06-4.33) and HIV/AIDS, OR = 3.01 (1.67-7.01) were the strongest predictors of AUD at 95% CI. Conclusion: AUD was highly prevalent in MDR-TB and was associated with certain medical comorbidities and increased severity of the illness

Burnout among Nurses in a Nigerian General Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among nurses in a Nigerian general hospital. Methods. A total sampling method was utilized. Measurements. Burnout was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory; GHQ-12 was used to determine the presence of psychiatric morbidity. Results. A high level of burnout was identified in 39.1% of the respondents in the area of emotional exhaustion (EE), 29.2% in the area of depersonalization and 40.0% in the area of reduced personal accomplishment. Multivariate analysis showed that doctor/nurse conflict (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.9−6.3), inadequate nursing personnel (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5–5.1), and too frequent night duties (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7–5.6) were predictors of burnout in the area of EE, doctor/nurse conflict (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.2–7.6) and too frequent night duties (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–4.8) in the area of D, high nursing hierarchy (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–4.8), poor wages (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.6–5,6), and too frequent night duties (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 2.3–4.5) in the area of RPA. Conclusions. Prevalence of burnout among these nurses was high. The government therefore needs to look into factors that will enhance nurses' recruitment and retention for effective health care delivery system

Pattern of Bone Tumours Seen In A Regional Orthopaedic Hospital In Nigeria

Background: Primary bone tumour is a challenge to Orthopaedic surgeons working in developing countries due to late presentation as a result of ignorance and poverty. This is further compounded by limited number of specialist personnel, diagnostic and therapeutic centres. Consequently, they are associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality, which can be reduced with early presentation.Materials and methods: This is a retrospective review of all histologically proven primary bone tumours seen at National Orthopaedic hospital Enugu,South east Nigeria, over a 6 year period.Results: Sixty eight (68) cases met the study criteria and were reviewed. Male:Female ratio was 1.35:1, with a mean age of 22.8years and peak frequency in the 11-20years age range. A total of 28(41.1%) were benign, 21(30.9%) were malignant while 19(27.9%) were tumour-like conditions. The commonest benign tumour was osteochondroma, accounting for 44.7% of non-malignant lesions, while fibrous dysplasia was the commonest tumour-like condition(23.4%). Primary malignant bone tumours accounted for 30.9% of all pathologies, with osteosarcoma(17) accounting for 80.1% of all malignant lesions. The commonest region affected is the leg i.e proximal tibia. Duration of symptoms before presentation ranged from 1month to 12years, with the commonest presenting complaint being apainless lump.Conclusion: Primary bone tumours is commonest in young males, usually benign and affecting the Tibia. Associated late presentation results in increased morbidity and mortality. Hence, efforts need to be geared towards public enlightenment in developing countries, to ensure early presentation, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality

Effect of Adiposity and Type of Antipsychotic Medication on Plasma Levels of Resistin and Adiponectin in Patients with Major Mental Illnesses

Metabolic alteration is not uncommon in patients with major mental illnesses (MMI) and adipokines are thought to play some roles. Presently, the link between adiposity, adipokines release and MMI is still poorly understood. This study was carried out to determine the possible impact of central adiposity and type of antipsychotic medication on plasma levels of adiponectin and resistin in patients with MMI. Plasma levels of adiponectin and resistin were determined in ninety adults comprising 65 patients with MMI and 25 apparently healthy individuals, who served as controls. Anthropometry and blood pressure (BP) of the study participants were taken using standard methods. Anthropometric indices, BP and plasma level of adiponectin, but not resistin, were significantly higher in patients with MMI compared with the controls. The median plasma adiponectin level was significantly higher in patients with depression compared with patients with schizophrenia and the controls. However, the median plasma levels of adiponectin and resistin were insignificantly higher in patients with central obesity compared with patients without central obesity and in patients on atypical drugs compared with patients on typical drugs. Also, there was no significant difference in the median plasma levels of adiponectin and resistin in patients on clozapine or olanzapine compared with those on risperidone. It could be concluded from this study that patients with MMI have elevated level of adiponectin which does not appear to be influenced by central adiposity and type of antipsychotic medication

Risk and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with major mental health disorders

Background: The bi directional association between major mental health disorders (MMHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is well established. Presently, there is little information on the risk and prevalence of DM in Nigerians with MMHD.Objective: To determine the risk and prevalence of DM in Nigerians with MMHD.Design: Cross-sectional studySetting: New World Psychiatry Hospital, Ibadan, NigeriaSubjects: Plasma levels of glucose was determined after an overnight fast and at 120 minutes (2-h PG) of a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test in 124 patients with MMHD. Thereafter, normoglycaemia, pre-diabetes and diabetes were defined using the American Diabetes Association criteria. Also, the risk of developing DM within 10 years was assessed using the Finnish Diabetes Association DM Risk Assessment Form.Results: Seventy eight (62.9%), 37 (29.8%) and 9 (7.3%) of the patients had normoglycaemia, pre-diabetes and DM respectively. Only 2 patients had high diabetes risk score. There was progressive rise in 2-h PG level as the diabetes risk score increases. The mean 2-h PG was significantly higher in moderate-and-high risk group combined (MHR) compared with the low risk (LR) group. Also, the proportion of patients with pre-diabetes increased progressively from LR through MHR.Conclusion: Dysglycaemia is not a rare occurrence in Nigerians with MMHD and it appears to be more prevalent in them than in the Nigerian general population. Also, high diabetes risk score could be a strong indication for glucose tolerance testing