Cytological screening and Seroincidence of IgM with possible risk factors associated with naturally selected high risk group for Oncogenic Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Daura, Katsina State

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the developing countries and the seventh commonest cancer in the developed countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now known to be the main factor in the aetiology of cervical cancer with over 99.7% of cases being associated with previous high risk HPV infection. The aim of the research is to determine the risk factors and incidence of oncogenic human papilloma virus among women of reproductive age in Daura. This was a cross-sectional prospective study involving a total of 120 women. Questionnaires were administered to collect data such as socio-demographic and possible risk factors. Endocervical swab and serum samples were then collected from the participants. Samples were analyzed by Enzyme Linked immunosorbent Assay and Pap smear respectively. The findings of this research revealed and overall high seroincidence of 36.6% as well as significant difference between seroincidence rate of pregnant and non-pregnant women. The findings also revealed that 10-20 age groups had the higher seroincidence rate of (50.0%) with no statistical significant difference between age groups. None of the sociodermographic factors involved in the research show significant association with HPV infections. The result by type of marriage shows that similar seroincidence rate was obtained in both monogamy and polygamy forms of marriage (36.7%). The study also reveals that risk factors like sexual partners, HIV status and sexual debut are significantly associated with HPV infection (P<0.05). Sixty (60) participants show normal cytole under microscope with prevalence of 50.0% and those with abnormal cytole had prevalence of (16.7%) while lowest prevalence of (3.3%) was obtained from participants with high squamous intraepithelial lesions. These results demonstrate a high seroincidence of HPV infection among women in the study area. We recommend improved education regarding HPV and cervical cancer among the populace and increasing cervical cancer screening particularly to attendees of antenatal care to prevent HPV related morbidity and mortality. Keywords: HPV; Cervical cancer; Endocervical swab; Seroincidenc

Catheter associated urinary tract infection among patients attending some selected hospitals in Kano Metropolis

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection has become one of the major global health concerns, especially in developing countries including Nigeria. Risk factors for CAUTIs include prolongation of the catheterization and possible contamination of the indwelling catheter by normal microbial flora. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate catheter-associated urinary tract infection among patients attending some selected hospitals in the Kano metropolis. Methodology: This is cross sectional prospective study among 231 consented patients, ages ≥18 years that were catheterize. Urine samples were collected and subjected to standard bacteriological procedure for culture and sensitivity test. Patient data were collected using structured questionnaire. Result: The overall CAUTIs incidence of 163(70.6%) was obtained in this study, Escherichia coli was the highest uropathogene 62(38.0%) obtained followed by 58(35.6%) with Staphylococcus aureus. Majority of the participants are male 89(54.6%) and participants within the age group of 68 – 77 years had the highest incidence 37(22.7%) and least incidence was obtained among ages group ≥88 years 3(1.8%). Nitrofurantoin and Amoxicillin were found to be the most active antibiotics. Prolonging stay of the catheter showed the great impart in the occurrence of CAUTIs. Conclusion: An incidence rate of 70.6% was obtained in this study. The present study revealed the presence of bacteria associated with urinary catheters in individuals with UTIs. High incidence was observed in male participant than female counterpart. Keywords: Catheter; CAUTIs; E. coli; Urinary tract infection

Effects of habitat and beehive type on the yield of honey in Hong local government area of Adamawa state, Nigeria.

The study examined the effects of habitat and beehive type on the yield of honey in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Habitat potentials that could guarantee possible apicultural industry have not been examined in the study area. Data on list of plant species (trees and shrubs plants) utilized by honeybees were obtained through ocular assessment and total count method. Information on the micro-climatic factors were gathered from the Department of Meteorological Services, Adamawa State University, Mubi. Yield of honey was recorded from different bee hives for 2 years. Data on species of plants visited by honeybees were subjected to descriptive statistics (*occasionally, **frequently and *** very frequently visited), while that on woody plant species diversity was analyzed using Simpson Diversity Index. Multiple regressions were used in the assessment of effect of micro-climatic factors, woody plant species diversity on the yield of honey. A total of 19 trees belonging to 12 families and 13 shrubs belonging to 7 families were visited either occasionally, frequently and very frequently by honeybees in the study area. Results of woody and herbaceous plant species diversity indicated 0.807638712 and 0.903150826 respectively. Woody plant species diversity (11.297**) and temperature (0.527*) contributed more than other factors {P<0.05}. R.Square (65.9%) indicated high coefficient of determination between the determinant factors. Total honey yield of 94.30kg and 60.40kg were obtained for first and second years respectively. Langstroth and clay pot hives had the highest (38.39kg) and lowest (8.50kg) yields in the first year; while Israeli top-bar (25.30kg) and clay pot (4.50kg) were noted in the second year. Further research on plants visited by honeybees and their nectar status has been recommended.Keywords: Habitat, effects, beehives, honey yiel

Prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated risk factors among pregnant women in a tertiary health facility in Northeast, Nigeria

Background: One of the commonest symptoms observed in pregnant women before the 20th week of gestation is nausea and vomiting, an exaggeration of these symptoms hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) could result in maternal and fetal catastrophes and even death. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for hyperemesis gravidarum among pregnant women at booking.Methods: A prospective institutional based study design was done among 452 pregnant women seen at booking in a tertiary hospital in Northeast Nigeria from the 1st February 2019 to 30th June 2019. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics. OR was used to measure significant risk.Results: The observed prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum among pregnant women in the study is 44.9%. The Majority (81.4%) of these women were between the age range of 21 and 35 years. Mean age of 27 years. Multiparity (33.4%), previous (44.9%) and family history of HEG (31.6%) were identified as important risk factors for developing HEG. Grand multiparity (11.5%) and gestational age less than 13 weeks (6.64%) were however less likely observed to be risks for HEG.Conclusions: HEG is a common problem in pregnancy with almost half of the number of pregnant women at booking affected. Multiparity and past history of HEG are pointers to developing the condition and it should be looked out for among at risk group of pregnant women, so that early intervention can be instituted to avoid any possible adverse outcome

Prevalence of malaria parasites among blood donors in Kaduna, Nigeria

Background: Transmission of malaria parasites through blood transfusion is a well-known serious risk. Screening of blood donors for malaria as recommended by WHO is currently not included in the protocols of many Nigerian blood banks. Presence of asymptomatic Plasmodium species carriers (APCs) in some northern parts of the state has already been demonstrated using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopic examination of Giemsa stained blood films. This research was undertaken to determine the prevalence of malaria parasites among blood donors in Kaduna state, Nigeria.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the blood donors in the three selected Hospitals of Kaduna state. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding demographic profile. Written informed consent was obtained and questionnaire was completed by respondents selected through simple random sampling. 360 blood donors were tested for malaria parasites through microscopic examination of Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films. The data were analysed using Statistical analysis system (SAS) and statistical software for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results: A total of 27 (7.5%) of the blood donors had malaria parasites in their blood. Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite species encountered. There were no mixed infections and no other blood parasites were observed. The prevalence of malaria parasites in the blood donors was significantly associated with occupation (c2=24.0845, df=6, p= 0.0005) and blood group (c2=10.589, df=4, p= O.032). The infected subjects had parasites densities of between 88-250 parasites/µl with a mean parasite density of 126 parasites/µl of blood.Conclusions: The prevalence of malaria parasites among blood donors was 7.5% Blood donors should be routinely screened for malaria parasites and the blood marked negative or positive as the case may be. Recipients of malaria parasites positive blood should be given prophylactic treatment to prevent transfusion related malaria (TRM).

Gynaecological malignancies in Azare, North-East Nigeria: an assessment of types, stage at presentation and treatment affordability

Background: In many parts of the world, presentations for most gynecological cancers are late; this makes treatment difficult due to the cost of chemotherapy or radiotherapy which form the bedrock for cure or palliation. Objective of this study was to determine the types, stage at diagnosis, affordability of care and outcome of treatment of gynaecological cancers in Federal Medical Centre Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.Methods: All cases of gynaecological cancers seen over a ten-year period, from 1st January, 2003 to 31st December, 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The number of all gynaecological cases seen during the period was also extracted.Results: Gynaecological cancer cases accounted for 11.84 % of 8,642 gynaecological cases seen during the period of study.  The mean age and parity of the women were 42±5 SD years and 5±1 SD respectively. Cervical cancer accounted for 55 %, ovarian cancer 30%, endometrial cancer 6%, choriocarcinoma 5%, secondaries/ cancers of undetermined origin were 4%.  Ninety-two percent presented with advanced stage of diseases. Only 25.3% could afford the cost of full treatment, and 8.4% attained cure of their disease. The modalities of treatment available were surgery and chemotherapy.Conclusions: Cervical and Ovarian Cancers remain the leading types of gynaecological cancers in our environment and late presentations are frequent occurrence. Late presentation and unaffordability of treatments are major challenges associated with the management of these patients. Early presentation and funding mechanisms for gynaecological cancers are keys to improved cure rate and reduced mortality

Optimization of thermoluminescence response of copper doped zinc lithium borate glass co-doped with Na2O

Establishing the basic procedures that will influence the enhancement of the TL yield of a phosphor is paramount in the issue of dosimetry. Melt quenching method was adopted in synthesizing lithium borate glass modified with ZnO, doped with CuO and codoped with Na2O. The structural and optical properties of zinc lithium borate and some TL properties of copper doped zinc lithium borate were reported in our previous works. The amorphous nature of the prepared glasses was confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Physical properties of the glass were obtained via Archimedes principle. The copper doped zinc lithium borate was co-doped with different concentration of Na2O (0.025 mol % to 0.1 mol %). The glasses were irradiated with 4 Gy dose of gamma rays using 60Co gamma cell. The highest TL response was recorded against 0.05 mol% concentration of Na2O. The best settings for TLD reading of the proposed TLD were determined. The optimal annealing temperature and time for this composition was found to be 300 oC and 50 min respectively. The best heating rate at which the new TLD can be readout was 3 oC S-1

Yield and Yield Attributes of Extra-early Maize (Zea Mays L.) as Affected by Rates of Npk Fertilizer Succeeding Chilli Pepper (Capsicum Frutescens) Supplied with Different Rates Sheep Manure

Field experiment was conducted in 2005 and 2006 to study response of extra-early maize variety (95TZEE-Y1) to rates of NPK (0, 40:20:20, 80:40:40 and 120:60:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1) and residual FYM (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1 applied to chilli pepper the previous season) in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. Randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. Higher values for soil physical and chemical properties were obtained in plots supplied with manure the previous season with soil from 2006 experiment more fertile than for the first year, hence produced 21% more grain yield. All the applied NPK rates in 2005 and except 40:20:20 ha1 in 2006 had resulted in early maize crop as compared to control. Husked and de-husked cob and 100-grain weights and grain yield/ha were higher at 120:60:60 kg NPK ha-1. Maize grown in plot supplied with 15 t FYM ha1 the previous year matured earlier. Cobs and 100-grain weights and grain yield were highest in plot supplied with 10 t FYM ha1. The 10t FYM ha-1 had 69% and 68% more grain yield than the control in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Highest maize yield was obtained at 120:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 or 10t FYM ha-1. All the parameters measured significantly and positively related to each other when the two years data were combined

Simulation of Hydrodesulphurization (HDS) Unit of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited

This research was carried out to simulate the Hydrodesulphurization unit using ASPEN HYSYS with the aim of removing impurities such as Sulphur, Nitrogen and Oxygen in raw Kerosene. The simulation is based on conditions and parameters (mass flow rates, temperature and pressure readings) obtained from the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC). After the successful completion of the simulation, total removal of impurities was achieved as the concentration of sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen in mole fraction present in the treated Kerosene stream was approximately zero. The treated Kerosene composition indicated 0.0021, 0.3342, 0.3322 and 0.3315 mole fractions of n-C13, n-C14, n-C15 and n-C16 respectively. Key words: Simulation, Hydrodesulphurization, Aspen Hysys, Impurities

Role of the Three Tiers of Government in the Provision of Sustainable Agricultural Extension Service in Nigeria

This paper focused on how the three tiers of government actually work in delivering extension services, and whether there is synergy of responsibilities—both financial and managerial—to improve accountability and performance. This analysis provides some informed speculation on what could be expected in terms of outcomes/performance if roles and responsibilities are clearly stated. Thus, it aims to contribute to the process of transformation in the country to reach an agreement on which tier is best suited to undertake extension expenditure responsibilities and how these should be financed. What institutional arrangements would enable better performance in the delivery of extension services? The public extension delivery system operative in Nigeria was reviewed highlighting the major challenges and way forward. The need for a legislated agricultural extension policy championed by the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension (FDAE) was recommended