Analysis of Forest Dynamics using Landscape Metrics and Markov Chain Model in Omo Forest Reserve, Ogun State, Nigeria

Forest Canopy density (FCD) is an important index in the assessment and monitoring of forest ecosystems and it is a significant indicator for potential management interventions. The objective of this study was to analyse forest cover and landscape changes with Landsat images of 1990 and 2018 using FCD and Landscape metrics and, Markov Chain and CA-Markov to project the forest cover classes in Omo Forest Reserve. The FCD was obtained from the combination of data from the Advance Vegetation Density index (AVI), Bare soil index (BI), and Forest Shadow Index (FSI). Four categories of change were identified in the reserve, no change, growth, degradation, and deforestation. There was no change in 41798.79ha (44.36%), growth had 22498.11ha (23.87%), degradation with 24916.05ha (26.45%), and deforestation with the least change with 5006.43 (5.32%). Deforestation had the least area coverage with 5006.43 ha. Degradation with a change rate of 0.27 % contributed more in terms of change. There was a slight increase in the values of the three diversity indices (SHDI, SHEI, SIDI) while a high degree of homogeneity is recorded in the no forest class, and the three others classes were fragmented. The 28years projection showed a slight change with no forest area gaining 1.7% while the high forest density losing 2%. Assessment and monitoring of the forest ecosystem will enhance its ecosystem services potential

HAEMOGRAM OF NIGERIAN MONGREL BITCH AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE

The haematologic parameters of the Nigerian Mongrel bitch were investigated at different stages of the reproductive cycle to determine their clinical values. Results showed that red blood cell (RBC) counts were highest during anoestrus, with a mean of 5.09  0.62 x 106/µL, while lowest values were recorded during pregnancy, the difference was significant (P<0.05). White blood cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) showed an increasing pattern from anoestrus to proestrus and then decreased with transition from proestrus to oestrus. Total WBC counts were highest during dioestrus and almost twice the value recorded in pregnancy. It appears that WBC count may be used for pregnancy diagnosis in the Nigerian Mongrel bitch

Can Action Research Strengthen District Health Management and Improve Health Workforce Performance? A Research Protocol.

The single biggest barrier for countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to scale up the necessary health services for addressing the three health-related Millennium Development Goals and achieving Universal Health Coverage is the lack of an adequate and well-performing health workforce. This deficit needs to be addressed both by training more new health personnel and by improving the performance of the existing and future health workforce. However, efforts have mostly been focused on training new staff and less on improving the performance of the existing health workforce. The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the protocol for the PERFORM project and reflect on the key challenges encountered during the development of this methodology and how they are being overcome. The overall aim of the PERFORM project is to identify ways of strengthening district management in order to address health workforce inadequacies by improving health workforce performance in SSA. The study will take place in three districts each in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda using an action research approach. With the support of the country research teams, the district health management teams (DHMTs) will lead on planning, implementation, observation, reflection and redefinition of the activities in the study. Taking into account the national and local human resource (HR) and health systems (HS) policies and practices already in place, 'bundles' of HR/HS strategies that are feasible within the context and affordable within the districts' budget will be developed by the DHMTs to strengthen priority areas of health workforce performance. A comparative analysis of the findings from the three districts in each country will add new knowledge on the effects of these HR/HS bundles on DHMT management and workforce performance and the impact of an action research approach on improving the effectiveness of the DHMTs in implementing these interventions. Different challenges were faced during the development of the methodology. These include the changing context in the study districts, competing with other projects and duties for the time of district managers, complexity of the study design, maintaining the anonymity and confidentiality of study participants as well as how to record the processes during the study. We also discuss how these challenges are being addressed. The dissemination of this research protocol is intended to generate interest in the PERFORM project and also stimulate discussion on the use of action research in complex studies such as this on strengthening district health management to improve health workforce performance

Effects of Soya Bean Oil and Vitamin C on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Ethanol -Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Abstract: The aim of this experiment is to investigate the effects of Soya bean oil and vitamin C o

Isolation of oleanolic acid from Parinari curatellifolia (Planch Ex. Benth) stem bark and evaluation of its anticonvulsant and sedative activities in rodents

Parinari curatellifolia is used by traditional medicine practitioners for the treatment of epilepsy. So far, no study has isolated the active principle that may be responsible for its anticonvulsant activity. The study aimed to isolate compound(s) present from Parinari curatellifolia that may be responsible for its anticonvulsant activity. The ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark of Parinari curatellifolia was chromatographed over silica gel column chromatography which led to the isolation of compound C. The structure of the compound was elucidated using IR, 1H-NMR, 13CNMR and DEPT-135 spectroscopy. Acute toxicity study of the isolated compound was evaluated in mice using OECD 425 guidelines (2000 mg/kg orally). The anticonvulsant study of the isolated compound (at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- induced convulsion. The sedative properties of the compound (at 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were evaluated using the diazepam-induced sleep model in rats. Structure elucidation of the isolated compound confirmed the compound to be oleanolic acid. Acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects at 2000 mg/kg. the compound (oleanolic acid) significantly (p<0.05) increased the onset of seizure at all doses and resulted in 25% protection against seizure at 100 mg/kg. It exerted sedative effect at all doses by significantly (p<0.05) reducing sleep latency and increasing total duration of sleep induced by diazepam. The results obtained from this study have revealed the presence of oleanolic acid in P. curatellifolia and have shown its anticonvulsant and sedative activities for the first time.The authors expressed their sincere appreciation to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFund) and the management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto for their financial support.The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFund) and the management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.https://www.tjnpr.orgam2020Chemistr

Environmental risk perceptions of residential and commercial neighborhoods of petrol stations in Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria

Environment for decades has been subjected to varied degree of degradations majorly by anthropogenic activities at the detriment of its full potentials. In light of this, the paper evaluates environmental risk perceptions of residential and commercial outfits in the neighborhoods of petrol stations in Maiduguri metropolis. Data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively with the aid of questionnaires, interview schedules and literatures. Seventy (70) residential houses and 28 commercial shops within 100m radius proximity to 14 petrol stations were targeted at random; given 5 houses and 2 shops around each sampled station picked along 7 routes. From each sample, 1 respondent was picked purposively and issued questionnaire or administered interview. The results as revealed, 73.5% respondents complained of persistent inhalation of fuel-polluted air at their location due to their close proximities to the facilities. Whilst 67.5% claimed they do not derive benefits directly from the neighbourhood facilities. However, 81.9% respondents were compelled to live with the risk and hazard challenges perceived to be associated with the neighbourhood facilities, since they lack effective voice that could help to make a change. Given this, location and activities of petrol stations within human settlements are playing significant role in adding pollutants into the environment. Consequently, it seems obvious that in most of urban Nigeria, location of many obnoxious facilities like petrol stations have compromised stipulated guidelines; thereby heightening challenges confronting the weak. As such their presences are evidently chaotic and this is likely to continue without regards to basic environmental best practices

Posttransfusion Haematocrit Equilibration: Timing Posttransfusion Haematocrit Check in Neonates at the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria

Anaemia is a common morbidity in the NICU and often requires transfusion of packed red blood cells. Haematocrit equilibration following red cell transfusion occurs over time ultimately resulting in a stable packed cell volume (PCV). Knowledge of this equilibration process is pertinent in the accurate timing of posttransfusion (PT) PCV. We conducted a prospective study to determine an appropriate timing for PT PCV estimation on 47 stable anaemic babies at the Neonatal Unit of National Hospital, Abuja. Values of PCV were determined before transfusion and at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours posttransfusion. Forty of the recruited neonates and young infants were analyzed. Their gestational age range was 26 to 40 weeks. 1-hour PT PCV (48.5% ± 5.5%) was similar to the 6-hour PT PCV (47.8% ± 5.6%) P=0.516, but both were significantly different from the 12-hour (46.8% ± 5.9%), 24-hour (45.9 ± 5.8%), and 48-hour (45.4% ± 6.2%) PT PCVs. The 12-hour PT PCV was similar to the 24-hour and 48-hour PT PCVs (P=0.237 and 0.063, resp.). We concluded that, in stable nonhaemorrhaging and nonhaemolysing young infants, the estimated timing of haematocrit equilibration and, consequently, posttransfusion PCV is 12 hours after red blood cell transfusion

Epidemiology of Epilepsy in Nigeria: A Community-Based Study From 3 Sites

BACKGROUND: We determined the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for epilepsy in Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a door-to-door survey to identify cases of epilepsy in 3 regions. We estimated age-standardized prevalence adjusted for nonresponse and sensitivity and the 1-year retrospective incidence for active epilepsy. To assess potential risk factors, we conducted a case-control study by collecting sociodemographic and risk factor data. We estimated odds ratios using logistic regression analysis and corresponding population attributable fractions (PAFs). RESULTS: We screened 42,427 persons (age ≥6 years), of whom 254 had confirmed active epilepsy. The pooled prevalence of active epilepsy per 1,000 was 9.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.6-11.1), 17.7 (14.2-20.6) in Gwandu, 4.8 (3.4-6.6) in Afikpo, and 3.3 (2.0-5.1) in Ijebu-Jesa. The pooled incidence per 100,000 was 101.3 (95% CI 57.9-167.6), 201.2 (105.0-358.9) in Gwandu, 27.6 (3.3-128.0) in Afikpo, and 23.9 (3.2-157.0) in Ijebu-Jesa. Children's significant risk factors included febrile seizures, meningitis, poor perinatal care, open defecation, measles, and family history in first-degree relatives. In adults, head injury, poor perinatal care, febrile seizures, family history in second-degree relatives, and consanguinity were significant. Gwandu had more significant risk factors. The PAF for the important factors in children was 74.0% (71.0%-76.0%) and in adults was 79.0% (75.0%-81.0%). CONCLUSION: This work suggests varied epidemiologic numbers, which may be explained by differences in risk factors and population structure in the different regions. These variations should differentially determine and drive prevention and health care responses

Gestational age-related neonatal survival at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria: The age of fetal viability dilemma

Background: Although the official age of fetal viability in Nigeria is 28 weeks, there are pockets of reports some anecdotal, of survival of babies delivered at younger gestational age (GA) from different parts of the country. The routine resuscitation and management of premature infants born before the official age of fetal viability (28 weeks) is likely to generate important ethical and medical concerns that are bound to influence our approach to the management of such infants. Aim: To determine the GAspecific neonatal mortality and survival among preterm deliveries at the National Hospital Abuja. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective review of relevant data from the National Hospital Neonatal Registry Database based on the Research Electronic Data Capture software (REDCap) was undertaken to determine the mortality rate of preterm babies managed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from January 2017 to February 2018. Disaggregated GA specific mortality rates were also computed to determine the fetal age at which extra uterine neonatal survival rate was at least 50%. Gestational age estimation was based on mothers’ last menstrual period (LMP) in over 96% of cases.Results: Sixty-three (63) of 305 preterm babies admitted died during hospitalization giving a mortality rate of 20.7%. This was significantly higher than the mortality rate among term babies (7.5%, P=0.01) hospitalized over the same period. Antenatal corticosteroid use was low (11.2%), 188 (25.8%) received CPAP for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), and none of the babies received surfactant or mechanical ventilation. There were no survivors among babies delivered at GA of 22-25 weeks (11, 3.6%). However, the survival rate at 26 weeks gestation was 53.8%, and this subsequently increased, reaching a peak of 96.5% survival at 35 weeks. RDS accounted for 53.9% of all deaths. Conclusion: It is concluded that the survival rate (53.8%) of babies at GA of 26 weeks despite minimal antenatal interventions and limited postnatal respiratory support was reasonably high, and this could serve the basis for discussions for a downward review of the age of fetal viability in Nigeria. Key words: Gestational age. Fetal viabilit

A participatory action research approach to strengthening health managers’ capacity at district level in Eastern Uganda

BACKGROUND: Many approaches to improving health managers’ capacity in poor countries, particularly those pursued by external agencies, employ non-participatory approaches and often seek to circumvent (rather than strengthen) weak public management structures. This limits opportunities for strengthening local health managers’ capacity, improving resource utilisation and enhancing service delivery. This study explored the contribution of a participatory action research approach to strengthening health managers’ capacity in Eastern Uganda. METHODS: This was a qualitative study that used open-ended key informant interviews, combined with review of meeting minutes and observations to collect data. Both inductive and deductive thematic analysis was undertaken. The Competing Values Framework of organisational management functions guided the deductive process of analysis and the interpretation of the findings. The framework builds on four earlier models of management and regards them as complementary rather than conflicting, and identifies four managers’ capacities (collaborate, create, compete and control) by categorising them along two axes, one contrasting flexibility versus control and the other internal versus external organisational focus. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the participatory action research approach enhanced health managers’ capacity to collaborate with others, be creative, attain goals and review progress. The enablers included expanded interaction spaces, encouragement of flexibility, empowerment of local managers, and the promotion of reflection and accountability. Tension and conflict across different management functions was apparent; for example, while there was a need to collaborate, maintaining control over processes was also needed. These tensions meant that managers needed to learn to simultaneously draw upon and use different capacities as reflected by the Competing Values Framework in order to maximise their effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Improved health manager capacity is essential if sustained improvements in health outcomes in lowincome countries are to be attained. The expansion of interaction spaces, encouragement of flexibility, empowerment of local managers, and the promotion of reflection and accountability were the key means by which participatory action research strengthened health managers’ capacity. The participatory approach to implementation therefore created opportunities to strengthen health managers’ capacity