Substance Abuse among In-School and Out-Of-School Youth in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate substance abuse amongst in-school and out-of-school youth in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria using cross-sectional descriptive survey. In the course of the survey, the commonly use substances, causes, effects, and protection were assessed. The data obtained show that, most of the respondents were males (93%), only few were females (6.7%). All the respondents were Muslims. Most of the out-of-school youth (OSY) were married (80%) and only 6.7% are married among in-school youth (ISY).The respondent’s age was within 18-22 years in most cases. Most (80%) of ISY were at senior secondary classes, 46.7% of OSY left school after primary education, 26.7% never attended school. Most of the respondents have more than 2 kids (93.3%), only 6.7% have about 10 kids. Commonly cited drugs are: cigarette, cannabis, alcohol,  inhalants, tranquilizers, opiates, and hallucinogens. Reasons for substance abuse were: social/ peer pressure, rebellion, overwork/learning, shyness, fear, parental influence, fun and lack of role model. It also revealed that ISY started drug use earlier than the OSY. Friends, drug pushers, curiosity introduced youth to drugs. Effects of substance abuse are: bad temper, disturbed sleep, ill-health, depression, anxiety, tiredness, disrespect, failure at workplace/school on individual. At family level the effects include: disgrace, breakdown of relationship, loss of confidence in child, and ill-health. While at friend’s level, the effects include: breakdown of relationship, fear, anxiety. And at community or society levels, the effects listed were: crime, reduced productivity, violence, ill-health, high cost of treatment, accidents. To protect youth from substance abuse diverse efforts by governmentand NGOs and interventions are required. Keywords: Substance abuse, drug, out-of-school youth, in-school youth, key informants, public healt

Spectro-analytical Research of Selected Heavy Metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Four Different Single-use Plastics Commonly in Contact with Food from Sokoto, Nigeria

Single use plastics are types of plastics discarded after one usage. They are everywhere you go because of their wide range of applications in life. In plastics, additives are incorporated to supplant properties of plastics. One of the common additives is the heavy metals, which could leach out along the plastics lifecycle, thereby creating a problem. This study was stimulated to determine the levels of heavy metals in selected single-use-plastics commonly in contact with food (as containers or wrappings or relations) in Sokoto. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methodology was utilized to determine the levels of copper, chromium, lead, zinc and cadmium. The results for determination of selected heavy metals in selected single use plastics from Sokoto State University, Nigeria were revealed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therein, the concentrations of copper (Cu) ranges from 0.335+0.002 to 0.540+0.002(ug/kg), levels of cadmium (Cd) ranges from 0.0551+0.003 to 0.0041+0.0003(ug/kg), levels of chromium (Cr) ranges from 0.0959 +0.004 to 0.0265+0.001(ug/kg), levels of lead (Pb) ranges from -1.791+0.02 to -0.0706+0.008(ug/kg).  Thus, the results revealed disparity in the levels of the analyzed heavy metals in the selected single use plastics.  However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway (T); Cd was highest in Straw (S), and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup (IC) and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. The concentrations of Cupper, Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium in plastic bottle, Takeaway, Straw and lce cream cup, have shown disparity. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway; Cd was highest in Straw, and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. They levels determined are within the permissible limits

Soils and Nutrients Losses and Gains during Rainy Season in the Fadama of Semi-Arid Sokoto, Nigeria

A study was conducted to quantify the amount of soil and plant nutrients losses and gains during rainy season in the fadama land in the Sokoto semi-arid ecosystem, Nigeria. Field measurements revealed that about 33.3 tonne ha-1 of soil was moved from the adjacent uplands by run-off and wind and subsequently deposited in the fadama, while 22 ton ha-1 was removed from the fadama land during the period of the study (May-September). Over the same period, plant nutrients losses (in kg ha-1) with the eroded soil amounted to 30.8 organic matter, 0.3 K, 9.0 Na and 0.07 available P. Nutrient gains (in kg ha-1) amounted to 2.2 Total N and 4.4 Mg. Soil deposition was found to be greater than soil removal because of the gusty winds that accompany early and late rains.The major problem of erosion in the fadama lands is the deposition of sandy materials moved from the upland which are by far less fertile. The continuous deposition of these materials could render the fertile fadama infertile. Soil removal is not a very serious threat to the fadama as soil deposition because the land is often flat and covered with vegetation in almost all part of the year with little cover in the dry season and early part of the rainy season.Key words: Nutrient losses, Erosion, Fadama, Semi-arid Sokoto and Rainy seaso

Comparative Effects of Cowpea and Soybean Genotypes on N2 - Fixation and N-Balance in Sokoto Dry Sub-Humid Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria.

A field trial was conducted to asses N2 - fixation and N balance in five cultivars each of soybean (TGX 1945 – 1F, TGX 1951 – 4F, TGX 36 – 54KT, TGX 1951 – 3F and TGX 1935 – 3F) and cowpea (IT88D-867-11, IT89KD-288, IT90K-l372-1-2, IT90K – 82-2 and Bahaushe (local). The legume genotypes and reference millet crop (ZM – 01- 58) were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. N difference method and the difference between N2 - fixed and N exported in grain at harvest were used to estimate N2 - fixed and N balance respectively. The biomass yield (2.9 to 5.23 t ha-1) in cowpea cultivars were significantly (

Substance Abuse among In-School and Out-Of-School Youth in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate substance abuse amongst in-school and out-of-school youth in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria using cross-sectional descriptive survey. In the course of the survey, the commonly use substances, causes, effects, and protection were assessed. The data obtained show that, most of the respondents were males (93%), only few were females (6.7%). All the respondents were Muslims. Most of the out-of-school youth (OSY) were married (80%) and only 6.7% are married among in-school youth (ISY).The respondent\u2019s age was within 18-22 years in most cases. Most (80%) of ISY were at senior secondary classes, 46.7% of OSY left school after primary education, 26.7% never attended school. Most of the respondents have more than 2 kids (93.3%), only 6.7% have about 10 kids. Commonly cited drugs are: cigarette, cannabis, alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers, opiates, and hallucinogens. Reasons for substance abuse were: social/ peer pressure, rebellion, overwork/learning, shyness, fear, parental influence, fun and lack of role model. It also revealed that ISY started drug use earlier than the OSY. Friends, drug pushers, curiosity introduced youth to drugs. Effects of substance abuse are: bad temper, disturbed sleep, ill-health, depression, anxiety, tiredness, disrespect, failure at workplace/school on individual. At family level the effects include: disgrace, breakdown of relationship, loss of confidence in child, and ill-health. While at friend\u2019s level, the effects include: breakdown of relationship, fear, anxiety. And at community or society levels, the effects listed were: crime, reduced productivity, violence, ill-health, high cost of treatment, accidents. To protect youth from substance abuse diverse efforts by government and NGOs and interventions are required

Body Weight Determination and Histological Examination of Livers in Normal Rats Administered with Tamsulosin

The objective of this study was to investigate histopathology of livers and carry out body weight determination in normal rats administered with tamsulosin. Standard methods and procedures were used in this study. The results were revealed. Pertaining weight, at the 3rd , 6th and 8th weeks of the study, no significant difference (P>0.05) in weight was found in the group of rats treated with carvedilol (positive control), tamsulosin low dose (12\u3bcg/kg) and high dose tamsulosin (40\u3bcg/kg) compared to normal control group, respectively. Other inter-groups comparisons were not significantly different, respectively. Pertaining liver morphology, liver sections of groups revealed no significant histological lesions compared to the normal control group at the 6th and 8th weeks of the study, respectively. This study revealed that the tamsulosin cause no histopathological lesion, thus the drug might be safe to the liver and its biochemical processes

Evaluation of Substance Abuse Among In-School and Out-of-School Youths in Sokoto State, Northwestern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate Substance abuse among in school and Out-of-school youth in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, the commonly use substances, causes, effects, and protection. Cross-sectional descriptive survey was used to cover some selected schools and Out-of-school groups, key informants and selling points in Sokoto. The obtained data was analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study show that, most of the respondents are males (93%), only few are females (6.7%). All the respondents are Muslims. Most of the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) are married (80%) and only 6.7% are married among in school youth (ISY).The respondent’s age was within 18-22 years in most cases. Most (80%) of ISY are at senior secondary classes, 46.7% of OSY left school after primary education, 26.7% never attended school. Most of the respondents have more than 2 kids (93.3%), only 6.7% have about 10 kids. Commonly submitted drugs/substances are: cigarette, cannabis, alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers, opiates, and hallucinogens. Therein, reasons for substance abuse were: social/ peer pressure, rebellion, overwork/learning, shyness, fear, parental influence, fun and lack of role model. It also revealed that ISY st arted drug use earlier than the OSY. Friends, drug pushers, curiosity introduced youth to drugs. There are several effects of substance abuse on the individual, friends, and Community. At individual level there are: bad temper, disturbed sleep, ill-health, depression, anxiety, tiredness, disrespect, failure at workplace/school. At family level the effects include: disgrace, breakdown of relationship, loss of confidence in child, and ill-health. At friend’s level, the effects include: breakdown of relationship, fear, anxiety. And at community or society levels, the effects listed were: crime, reduced productivity, violence, ill-health, high cost of treatment, accidents. To protect youth from substance abuse, the following measures were submitted by the respondents: parents should not expose children to drugs, parents should give them confidence and proper knowledge to make decisions, peer group educators should work, and there should be national campaign against drugs. Key informants (KIs) submitted similar assertions like the youth respondents. During observation of sell outlets, mostly, youth (18-25 years) patronize the sell outlets in Sokoto. The inhabitants exhibits calmness and peace during their transactions and it mostly occur in the night and it become peak during rainy seasons. Diverse efforts and interventions are required to prevent substance abuse in youth

Influence of Sokoto Phosphate Rock on Some Soil Properties and the Growth and Yield of Cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L)Walp.] Varieties in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Phosphate rock has been used over the years as source of P fertilizer especial in acid soils. Sokoto state is rich in PR deposit and could be used to complement the conventional P fertilizer whose use by peasant farmers have been limited by high cost and scarcity. Sequel to this, an Experiment was conducted in 2009 at the Botanical Garden, Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the influence of Sokoto Phosphate Rock (SPR) on some chemical properties of soil, growth and yield of cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L)Walp.]. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of two varieties (Dan Gusau (v1) and IT90K-82-2 (v2) and three levels of SPR at 0.062, 0.125 and 0.187g/5kg (25, 50, 75 kg ha-1) as well as a control (without fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times. SPR applied enhanced availability of nutrients in soil and the general performance of cowpea varieties which increased with increased rate of application. The results of the study indicated a significant difference (p<0.05) in soil available phosphorus, plant tissue phosphorus, soil total nitrogen and plant tissue nitrogen due to application of SPR. Significant difference was also observed in plant height at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (WAP). Similarly, the response of cowpea varieties, dry matter yield at harvest (8WAP) due to application of SPR was significant (p<0.05). Significant interaction effect between variety and applied SPR on plant height, number of branches and dry matter yield were also observed. The results of this investigation revealed that, increased rate of application of SPR progressively increased the growth and yield performance of cowpea and soil available phosphorus. However, absolute values were not high perhaps because of the weekly acidic nature of the soil which does not encourage fast solubilization of P from SPR. Therefore, application of SPR at a rate of 75kg ha-1 could improve cowpea production and therefore recommended. Keywords: Sokoto phosphate rock; Soil parameters; Sudan savanna; Cowpea yiel

Effect of Tamsulosin Use on Plasma Insulin Status in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria

The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of tamsulosin use on plasma insulin status in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients in Sokoto, Nigeria. Standard methods and procedures were used. At 2nd and 3rd months of tamsulosin use, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was revealed compared to baseline and 2nd month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). Plasma insulin at 4th months of the study in BPH patients (45-54 years) treated with tamsulosin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to baseline values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). BPH patients (aged 55-64 years) at 3rd month showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline values. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase  (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was seen compared to baseline and 1st month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). In BPH patients aged 65 and above, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in plasma insulin values from 1st through 4th month compared to baseline and other inter mean values comparisons. Plasma insulin at 0th , 1st , 2nd , 3rd and 4th months of BPH patients of different age groups treated with tamsulosin revealed no significant differences (P>0.05). This study revealed that tamsulosin use in the patients lead to significant increase in plasma insulin level (hyperinsulinemia). Careful and routine monitoring of BPH patients should be done. Patients need enough exercise activities and some drugs can be administered to alleviate elevated glucose or insulin. Keywords: Tamsulosin, hyperinsulinemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, insulin resistanc

Climate change impacts on the availability of anti-malarial plants in Kenya

In many rural East African areas, anti-malarial plants are commonly used as first-line treatment against malaria. However, spatially explicit information about the future availability of anti-malarial plant species and its relation to future suitable habitat for malaria vectors is limited. In this study we (1) model the distribution of anti-malarial plant and malaria vector species and assess the drivers of their distributions taking the example of the Samburu dryland in Kenya, (2) map the modeled overlap in this area, (3) assess the impact of future climate change on anti-malarial plant and malaria vector species and (4) report their future overlaps. Our results show that mean temperature of warmest quarter, precipitation of wettest quarter and mean temperature of coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables that affected the distribution of anti-malarial species. The effects of climate change will vary, with some areas characterized by huge losses in anti-malarial species habitat while others gained or remained stable under both SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate change scenarios by 2050s and 2070s. According to most of our scenarios, more than half of the anti-malarial species will become vulnerable or threatened by 2050s and 2070s. A comparison between distribution patterns of future anti-malarial species richness and malaria vector species suitable habitat suggests that the former will decrease considerably while the later will increase. Because the availability of anti-malarial species will decrease in the areas affected by malaria vectors, geographically targeted conservation strategies and further control measures against malaria vectors are all the more important