Aetiological agents of surgical site infection in a specialist hospital in Kano, north-western Nigeria

Despite the advances made in asepsis, antimicrobial drugs, sterilization and operative techniques, surgical site infections (SSI) continue to be a major problem in all branches of surgery in the hospitals. The objective of this study was to establish the incidence of SSI, the type and frequency of various pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano, Nigeria. A total of 2,920 consecutive patients who underwent different surgical procedures between January 2009 and December 2010 at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital were enrolled in this study. Samples of pus were collected from infected cases and screened for bacterial and fungal pathogens by standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were done by disc diffusion technique. A total 878 patients were found to be clinically infected and 919 isolates were obtained in all. This gave an incidence of 30.1% infection rate. While 783(89.2%) cultures yielded single organism, 77(9.8%) yielded mixed growth and 18(8.1%) cultures yielded no growth. The most frequently isolated organism was E. coli (25.5%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 20.6%. The incidence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 35.7%. Ceftriaxone, ceftazidime and ofloxacin showed good results against most isolates while ampicillin and cotrimoxazole which are commonly used drugs were ineffective. An understanding of the various types of pathogen involved in SSI and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern will reduce indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics and help in infection control

Bacteriological profile and in vitro antibacterial activities of some liquid herbal preparations sold in Abia State, south-eastern Nigeria

Background: The use of liquid herbal preparations in the treatment and management of human diseases has long been practiced before the advent of chemotherapy and is a fundamental component of the African traditional healthcare system. Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze the bacteriological profile and in vitro antibacterial activities of selected indigenous liquid herbal products sold in Abia State, Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 315 bacterial strains were isolated from 150 therapeutic liquid herbal preparations (LHPs) sold in different parts of Abia State. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from these products; the isolates were evaluated for total aerobic plate count, Gram’s reaction, biochemical reaction. Antibacterial activity was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and inhibitory zone diameter (IZD).The MBC, MIC and invitro antibacterial activities of LHPs were carried out against 3 test clinical bacterial isolates; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using agar well diffusion methods. Results: The number of isolates obtained in this study were; 100 (31.4%), 84 (26.7%) 131 (41.6%) from Umuahia, Ohafia and Aba respectively. The genera isolated included Salmonella, Bacillus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas. Out of 150 LHPs processed, 20 showed no bacterial growth. Different concentrations of these LHPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activities. MIC for LHPs with antibacterial activities range from 6.25-100%. MBC ranged from 12.5-100%, while IZD had range of 6-20mm. Conclusion: The study revealed that some tested liquid herbal preparations were grossly contaminated with bacteria while some had antibacterial activities. Key words: Liquid herbal preparations, Antibacterial activit

Comparative Analysis of Corrosion Behavior of Martensitic and Annealed Stainless Steel in H2SO4 and NaOH

Using weight lose techniques (WLT), the comparative analysis of the corrosion characterization behavior of cast stainless steel (70.90% Fe, 19% Cr 10%Ni, 0.0% C) alloys in ( 0.25M- 0.5M)   H2SO4 and NaOH has been evaluated. The cast stainless steel specimen was sectioned  into three sets labeled M, A, U and machined to the same cross sectional area. M and A is subjected to a temperature of 900oC (1173K or 1652oF) where the grains forms austenitic phase which was further heat- treated  to form martensitic stainless steel (M) and annealed stainless steel (A) test coupon respectively. Then, (U) is left untreated as a control test coupon sample. These preweighed test coupon samples were immersed in 0.25M and 0.5M simulated  tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid (H2SO4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) respectively. The experimental process is allowed for a total of 168hr with each set withdrawn 24hr interval for weight lose analysis. The findings showed that of a passivating metals with initial steady rise in corrosion penetration rate (CPR) followed by gradual decrease in CPR which increases as molar concentration increase for the annealed specimen(A) in  H2S04 while the martensitic test specimen(M) is severely attacked in NaOH. The annealed specimen exhibit high passivity in   H2S04 with lowest CPR of 0.0071mm/yr. The severe attack of the annealed specimen is due to increase in ionization which results in redistribution of grain boundary structure. Key words: Passivation, Corrosion  kinetics, Basic Environment, Acidic Environment, Martensitic, Annealing, Weight Lose Techniques, Austenitic phase

Rampant introgressive hybridization in Pogoniulus tinkerbirds (Piciformes: Lybiidae) despite millions of years of divergence

Incomplete reproductive isolation between related species of birds at contact zones is increasingly being documented. Such hybridization typically occurs between sister taxa that diverged in relatively recent times, and hybrids are most often identified based on their intermediate phenotypic characteristics and, increasingly, through genetic admixture analysis. When species have been diverging over relatively longer time scales, prezygotic isolation barriers are expected to evolve, precluding maladaptive interbreeding. Here, we examine the extent of introgressive hybridization in a pair of African barbets, the yellow-fronted tinkerbird (Pogoniulus chrysoconus extoni) and the red-fronted tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus pusillus), which were not previously known to interbreed, across a contact zone in Southern Africa. Although there were significant differences in the coloration of plumage between the species, we found a pattern of extensive admixture in and around the contact zone. Nonetheless, the two species appear to have diverged > 4 Mya and might not even be sister taxa, suggesting that time of divergence alone might not be sufficient for the evolution of prezygotic reproductive barriers. Significantly more phenotypically red-fronted individuals had a P. c. extoni (yellow-fronted) genetic background than vice versa, suggesting possible asymmetry in mate preferences. Sexual selection may thus play a role in breaking down species barriers despite the extent of genetic divergence.A Marie Curie International Reintegration Grant (A.N.G.K.) and the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (E.C.N. and B.O.O.).https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean2020-04-03hj2019Mammal Research Institut

CYP2J19 mediates carotenoid colour introgression across a natural avian hybrid zone

It has long been of interest to identify the phenotypic traits that mediate reproductive isolation between related species, and more recently, the genes that underpin them. Much work has focused on identifying genes associated with animal colour, with the candidate gene CYP2J19 identified in laboratory studies as the ketolase converting yellow dietary carotenoids to red ketocarotenoids in birds with red pigments. However, evidence that CYP2J19 explains variation between red and yellow feather coloration in wild populations of birds is lacking. Hybrid zones provide the opportunity to identify genes associated with specific traits. Here we investigate genomic regions associated with colour in red‐fronted and yellow‐fronted tinkerbirds across a hybrid zone in southern Africa. We sampled 85 individuals, measuring spectral reflectance of forecrown feathers and scoring colours from photographs, while testing for carotenoid presence with Raman spectroscopy. We performed a genome‐wide association study to identify associations with carotenoid‐based coloration, using double‐digest RAD sequencing aligned to a short‐read whole genome of a Pogoniulus tinkerbird. Admixture mapping using 104,933 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a region of chromosome 8 that includes CYP2J19 as the only locus with more than two SNPs significantly associated with both crown hue and crown score, while Raman spectra provided evidence of ketocarotenoids in red feathers. Asymmetric backcrossing in the hybrid zone suggests that yellow‐fronted females mate more often with red‐fronted males than vice versa. Female red‐fronted tinkerbirds mating assortatively with red‐crowned males is consistent with the hypothesis that converted carotenoids are an honest signal of quality.DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The Pogoniulus pusillus genome assembly has been deposited at NCBI SRA in BioProject PRJNA630018, with DDRAD sequencing reads under BioProject PRJNA666541. The master VCF file and gemma and R Code have been deposited in the Dryad Digital Repository (https://doi-org.uplib.idm.oclc.org/10.5061/dryad.jm63xsj87).FP7 Marie Curie Reintegration Grant, a University of Cyprus Research Grant, an AG Leventis Foundation grant and by the AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Jos, Nigeria.http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/mec2021-10-15hj2021Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the fungus endophytic extracts isolated from Azadirachta indica using gas chromatography- flame ionization detector

Background information: The phytochemicals of endophytes have generated substantial interest in drug discovery programs because they offer the possibility of discovering new biologically active molecules. Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify and analyze the phytochemical profile of the fungus endophytic extracts isolated from Azadirachta indica leaves, which have been used ethnobotanically for treating malaria and bacterial infections. Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated, solid-state fermentation of rice medium was performed, and secondary metabolites were extracted according to standard techniques. An analytical system that uses gas chromatography and flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to determine the phytochemical constituents contained in the endophytes. Results: The results of GC-FID analysis showed the presence of Ribalinidine, Naringenin, Sparteine, Phenol, Steroids, Kaempferol, Flavone, Oxalate, Catechin, Tannin, and Rutin at different concentrations. Conclusion: This study reveals the promising ability of the endophytic fungi of A. indica as a foundation of naturally occurring bioactive. The quantitative phytochemical assessment of the endophyte extracts from the leaves of A.indica showed that endophyte extracts from the plant are rich in both alkaloids and flavonoids (Phenolics). Keywords: GC-FID, Phytochemical, Endophytes, Secondary metabolites, Fermentation

Complementary roles of hysterosalpingography and transabdominal ultrasonography in the assessment of the uterus among women with infertility in a developing nation

Background: The uterus plays a vital role in female infertility. In our environment, it is commonly separately examined with either transabdominal ultrasonography (TAUS) or hysterosalpingography (HSG) which are cheap and readily available. A concurrent use of the two procedures might have a complementary effect with a good outcome especially in a developing economy where three dimensional (3-D) ultrasound, sonohysterography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which are more sensitive are neither readily available nor affordable.Objectives: To document the uterine, tubal and adnexal lesions diagnosed using each of the two procedures and to check if the procedures can complement each other in a poor resource economy.Methodology: This is a six month, paired group and analytical observational study of 200 women with infertility. HSG was booked in keeping with the ten-day rule and TAUS was performed on the same day before HSG. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21 was used for the analysis. Ρ ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: With TAUS evaluation, 158(79%) of the subjects appeared normal. Fibroids were detected in 39(19.5%) subjects, and in 37(94.9%) of this subset, they were localized. Intrauterine adhesions were seen in 0(0%), endometrial polyp in 1(0.5%), and endometrial hyperplasia in 2(1%). With HSG, 149(74.5%) appeared normal. Fibroids were detected in 27(13.5%) and in 19(70.4%) of this subset, they were localized. Intrauterine adhesions were seen in 23(11.5%), endometrial polyp in 1(0.5%) and endometrial hyperplasia in 0(0%). With HSG, tubal occlusion was seen in 63(31.5%), peritubal adhesions in 34(17%), hydrosalpinges in 5(2.5%) and loculated spill in 7(3.5%). None of these were seen with TAUS. With TAUS adnexal masses were in 12(6%) and with HSG they were demonstrated in 2(1%). There was significant difference between TAUS and HSG findings with regard to detection of fibroids, localization of fibroids, detection of tubal lesions and detection of adnexal lesions.Conclusion: The two modalities played important complementary roles since TAUS was able to detect more lesions on the wall of the uterus and in the adnexae, while HSG was able to detect more intracavitory and tubal lesions. The combined study is recommended especially in a poor resource economy where other more sensitive modalities are neither available nor affordable

Determinants of bed net use in Southeast Nigeria following mass distribution of LLINs: implications for social behavior change interventions

Millions of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) have been distributed as part of the global malaria control strategy. LLIN ownership, however, does not necessarily guarantee use. Thus, even in the ideal setting in which universal coverage with LLINs has been achieved, maximal malaria protection will only be achieved if LLINs are used both correctly and consistently. This study investigated the factors associated with net use, independent of net ownership. Data were collected during a household survey conducted in Ebonyi State in southeastern Nigeria in November 2011 following a statewide mass LLIN distribution campaign and, in select locations, a community-based social behavior change (SBC) intervention. Logistic regression analyses, controlling for household bed net ownership, were conducted to examine the association between individual net use and various demographic, environmental, behavioral and social factors. The odds of net use increased among individuals who were exposed to tailored SBC in the context of a home visit (OR = 17.11; 95% CI 4.45–65.79) or who received greater degrees of social support from friends and family (ptrend < 0.001). Factors associated with decreased odds of net use included: increasing education level (ptrend = 0.020), increasing malaria knowledge level (ptrend = 0.022), and reporting any disadvantage of bed nets (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.23–0.78). The findings suggest that LLIN use is significantly influenced by social support and exposure to a malaria-related SBC home visit. The malaria community should thus further consider the importance of community outreach, interpersonal communication and social support on adoption of net use behaviors when designing future research and interventions

Aquatic macrophytes (Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea L.) as substrates for biofuel production: potentials and challenges

Green fuel represents one of the most promising means of sustainably replacing liquid fuels, and freshwater macrophytes has become one of the auspicious substrates for biofuel production due to high cellulose and hemicellulose contents. In this study, the use of Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea alba Linn for biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas production was investigated with other feedstocks (rice husk and biochar) using dry and wet extraction methods. Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea alba Linn were harvested from a freshwater lake in Ndufu Echara in Ikwo Local Government, Ebonyi State, Nigeria and thoroughly washed. Biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas production by an alkali-catalysed transesterification using mechanical and chemical methods, acid and base simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and anaerobic digestion was carried out, respectively. Results showed that freshwater macrophytes produced more biodiesel compared to rice husk and biochar. S. porticalis and Nymphaea L. yielded higher biodiesel using chemical and mechanical methods, respectively. Quality evaluation of the diesel oil according to ASTM standard revealed that chemical method was the most proficient for biodiesel production because of its proximity to ASTM D6751 standard. For bioethanol, acid hydrolysis (1M HCl) produced more bioethanol than the base (1M NaOH) with Nymphaea L. yielding 60% ethanol. However, the macrophytes did not generate biogas after 30-d of anaerobic digestion compared to other feedstocks. Further analysis revealed sample acidification and inhibitions on the anaerobes responsible for anaerobic digestion (p<0.05). This suggests that acidification and/or toxicity may be a major factor associated with anaerobic digestion and biogas production from aquatic macrophytes. Thus, optimization and/or combined pre-treatment methods (biological, mechanical, enzymatic) are recommended. This suggests that Spirogyra porticalis and Nymphaea alba Linn could be major substrates for biofuel production, and tropical freshwater ecosystems can be good for their large-scale cultivatio