Toxic effects of endosulfan on haematological and biochemical indices of Clarias gariepinus

The effects of endosulfan pesticide were investigated on juvenile of Clarias gariepinus. Acute test was carried out using 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07 and 0.08 ppm of endosulfan pesticide with the 96 h LC50 value determined by probit analysis. Chronic bioassays were evaluated on haematological and biochemical indices of the fish for a period of 60 days using four sub lethal concentrations (0.0005, 0.0010, 0.0025 and 0.0050 ppm). Blood sample was collected on days 15, 30, 45 and 60 for haematological and at day 60 only for biochemical analysis. The 96 h LC50 value of endosulfan for C. gareipinus was 0.052 ppm. There was significant reduction (P<0.05) in red blood cell (RBC) at days 15, 30 and 45, haemoglobin (Hb) at days 15 and 45, and packed cell volume (PCV) at all days of the evaluation. White blood cell (WBC) values however showed significant increase (P<0.05) at days 45 and 60. There were variations in mean values of mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with significant increase observed only at day 15 of MCHC. Significant reduction in values was obtained for total protein and globulin while significant increase was observed in cholesterol. Results obtained in this study suggest that exposure to low concentrations of endosulfan induced stress and altered the haematological and biochemical indices of treated fish.Key words: Chronic, acute, biochemical, haematological, endosulfan, cholesterol and glucose, Clarias

Predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients

Aim: Evaluation of the predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients managed at the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: A case control study to evaluate the predictors of maternal mortality among critically ill obstetric patients managed at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria from 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2013. Participants were critically ill obstetric patients who were admitted and managed at the ICU during the study period. Subjects were those who died while controls were age and parity matched survivors. Statistical analysis was with SPSS-20 to determine chi square, Cox-regression and odds ratio; p value < 0.05 was significant.Results: The mean age of subjects and controls were 28.92 ± 5.09 versus 29.44 ± 5.74 (p = 0.736), the level of education was higher among controls (p = 0.048) while more subjects were of low social class (p = 0.321), did not have antenatal care (p = 0.131) and had partners with lower level of education (p = 0.156) compared to controls. The two leading indications for admission among subjects and controls were massive postpartum haemorrhage and severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. The mean duration of admission was higher among controls (3.32 ± 2.46 versus 3.00 ± 2.58; p = 0.656) while the mean cost of ICU care was higher among the subjects (p = 0.472). The statistical significant predictors of maternal deaths were the patient’s level of education, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, oxygen saturation, multiple organ failure at ICU admission and the need for mechanical ventilation or inotrophic drugs after admission.Conclusion: The clinical state at ICU admission of the critically ill obstetric patients is the major outcome determinant. Therefore, early recognition of the need for ICU care, adequate pre-ICU admission supportive care and prompt transfer will improve the outcome

Toxicity of cassava wastewater effluents to African catfish: Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The relative lethal and sublethal toxicity of cassava wastewater effluents from a local food factory were investigated on Clarias gariepinus fingerlings using a renewable static bioassay. The physico-chemical characteristics of the cassava wastewater effluents showed a number of deviations from the standards of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) on the guidelines for effluent discharges. Considering the pollutants of the effluent, cyanide (CN) is suspected to be primarily responsible for the toxicity, although synergistic effect of other pollutants cannot be ruled out. At each exposure, in the two tests, the test-organisms showed signs of serious stress, swimming pattern changed and mortality increased over relatively small increase in concentration. The LC50 for lethal and sublethal tests were 0.024 mg1-1 and 0.0064 mg1-1, respectively. The differences observed in the mortalities and bioconcentration of metals in fish muscles of varying concentrations were significant (

Polluted Alamuyo River: Impacts on surrounding wells, microbial attributes and toxic effects on Allium cepa root cells

The physicochemical analysis and microbial load of polluted Alamuyo River in Ibadan, Nigeria and selected wells along its course were evaluated. Toxic effects of water samples obtained from upstream(A) and down stream (F) of the river were also evaluated using Allium cepa root assay. The result of the analysis revealed that the water sample contained toxic substances. However, almost all parametersevaluated were within the allowable limit of treated wastewater. High microbial load was observed in river water samples compared to the well water samples throughout the sampling periods with overall highest value observed at Late Rainy Season upstream water sample (LRS-A). MPN of faecal coliform showed that LDS-A, ERS-F and LRS from A – F were significantly different. Echerichia coli, Bacillus substillis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fragii were among the microbes observed in the samples. T-test analysis on A. cepa root length showed that only 50% of LDS-A, LDS-F and LRS-A were significantly different from control (P < 0.05) though there were reduction in root length in allconcentrations tested through out the sampling period except 5% ERSA, 10% ERSF and 10% LRSF. Microscopic evaluation of A. cepa cells showed decreasing number of dividing cells and mitotic indiceswere not dose dependent in most cases. Chromosome fragments, bridge, lag and disturbed spindle were the aberrations observed in this study. Our result showed that water samples from the rivercontained toxic substances and high microbial load, which have effects on the surrounding wells due to infiltration

Rural-Urban Differences in Maternal Responses to Childhood Fever in South East Nigeria

Childhood fevers due to malaria remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Nigeria. The degree of vulnerability perceived by mothers will affect their perception of the severity and threat of their child's fever and the patterns of health care use. This study was undertaken to compare maternal responses to childhood fever in urban and rural areas of Enugu, south east Nigeria.Data was collected with pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires from 276 and 124 urban and rural households respectively. In each household, only one woman aged 15-49 years who had lived in each of the urban and rural communities for at least one year and had at least one child less than 5 years old was interviewed. Malaria was mentioned as the commonest cause of childhood fevers. Rural mothers were more likely to recognize danger signs and symptoms than urban mothers. Rural mothers use more of informal than formal health services, and there is more home management of the fever with urban than rural mothers. Chloroquine, ACT, SP and Paracetamol are the main drugs given at home for childhood fevers, but the rural mothers were more likely to use leftover drugs from previous treatment to treat the fevers than urban mothers. The urban respondents were also more likely to use a preventive measure. Urban mothers sought actions faster than rural mothers and the total cost of treatment was also higher in urban areas.Both urban and rural mothers are aware that malaria is the major cause of childhood fevers. Although rural mothers recognize childhood fever and danger signs better than urban mothers, the urban mothers' responses to fever seem to be better than that for rural mothers. These responses and differences may be important for geographical targeting by policy makers for malaria interventions

The Knowledge Base and Acceptability of Prenatal Diagnosis by Pregnant Women in Ibadan

This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge and acceptability of prenatal diagnosis among 500 pregnant women at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Most participants were aged 25-34 years , self-employed, Muslim, monogamy, secondary school leavers, on income of &lt; ₦10,000.00 (US$ 67.00)/month. Attitudinal mean score was dependent on age (p = 0.006), educational attainment (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.025) and religion (p = 0.012). Knowledge mean score was influenced by marital status (p = 0.028). Overall, acceptance of prenatal diagnosis was high. There was a direct correlation between acceptance and educational attainment: 41.5%, 31.5%, 19%, 19% of women who agreed to have prenatal diagnosis had tertiary, secondary school, primary school and no formal education respectively. Determinants of acceptability were age, educational attainment, marital status and religion. Being married significantly affected knowledge scores, while tertiary education, being divorced, unskilled and self-employed positively influenced attitude towards prenatal diagnosis. (Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[1]: 127-132).Keywords: Prenatal Diagnosis Knowledge Acceptanc

Attitude and practices of obstetricians and gynecologists towards involvement of physiotherapists in management of obstetric and gynecologic conditions

Nse A Odunaiya,1 Temitayo Ilesanmi,1 Adeniran O Fawole,2 Oluwafemi O Oguntibeju3 1Department of Physiotherapy, 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Bellville, South Africa Background: The role of physiotherapists in obstetrics and gynecology is pivotal. However, utilization of their capabilities depends on the cooperation of other health professionals in discharging their services to patients, who are the focus of the team. This study was designed to assess the attitude of obstetricians and gynecologists in south-western Nigeria towards involving physiotherapists in the management of patients with obstetric and gynecologic conditions. Methods: This was a descriptive survey of obstetricians and gynecologists from seven hospitals in south-western Nigeria. Sixty-seven participants, including 41 senior registrars and 26 consultants, participated in the study. More consultants (73.1%) than senior registrars (46.3%) had a good knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in obstetric and gynecological practice. All participants had general knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in obstetrics and gynecology, but a limited knowledge of specific conditions amenable to treatment by physiotherapists. More senior registrars had a better attitude (73.2%) than consultants (53.8%) towards involvement of physiotherapists in their practice, and 94.0% of the obstetricians and gynecologists utilized the services of physiotherapists, with referral of patients (56.7%) mainly to physiotherapists working in general/state hospitals. Conclusion: There is a need for better interaction and communication between physiotherapists and obstetricians and gynecologists, which could be achieved through clinical meetings, seminars, and workshops. Keywords: obstetricians, gynecologists, attitude, practice, physiotherapists, referra

Social consequences of epilepsy: A study of 231 Nigerian patients

Background: Epilepsy is the commonest neurological disorder and majority of the sufferers are found in the developing countries. It is associated with psychological and social problems. The aim of this study was to determine the social difficulties experienced by epileptic patients and the factors that are associated with these difficulties.Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one consecutive epileptic patients who were of age 10 years and above, and who had no co-morbid major psychiatric disorder, seen over a 6-month period at the outpatient clinic of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, were interviewed. We used an instrument designed for the purpose of this study, which focused on people’s attitudes to epilepsy, relationship/marital, employment and academic problems.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 28 ± 13.2 years; 59.3% were males; 44.6% said people make negative remarks about their illness; 14.1% have been denied leadership role; 36.4% were irregular at work; 37.3% performed poorly at work; 22.5% have had their marriage proposals rejected; 19.5% have been abandoned by spouse. At least 39.4% had poor academic performance while 19.5% were withdrawn from school because of epilepsy. Short seizure-free period, long duration of seizure disorder and family history of epilepsy were significantly associatedwith social problems.Conclusion: Social difficulties are common among epileptics. Effort should be made to educate the society about epilepsy, and physicians treating patients with epilepsy should aim at achieving a good seizure contro

Prevalence of Self-Reported Low Back Pain among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Preliminary Survey

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is increasingly becoming a major health concern among patients withtype-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are often times managed primarily for their diabetic related problems at the expense of other musculoskeletal conditions.Objective: This preliminary survey aimed to determine if prevalence of self-reported LBP (srLBP) anddisability in patients with T2DM was comparable to that of patients without T2DM.Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from 143 patients with T2DM receivingtreatment at Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. The twelve month and point prevalence of srLBPwas thereafter compared between the 143 individuals with T2DM and 143 age and sex matched apparentlyhealthy controls. Pain intensity, disability and care-seeking practices for LBP were then compared between T2DM patients with srLBP and their age and sex matched non-diabetic patients with srLBP.Results: Twelve months and point prevalence of srLBP was higher among patients with T2DM (46.2%,41.3%) than their age and sex matched non-diabetic counterparts (31.5%, 12.6%). Compared with nondiabetic patients, those with T2DM reported higher disability scores (U =1029.0, p =0.001) despite reporting lower pain intensities (4.15±2.15 vs. 4.75±0.76, p= 0.05).Conclusion: Low back pain should be accorded necessary attention when treating patients with T2DM.Keywords: Low back pain, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prevalenc

Control of parasitic infections among workers and inmates in a Nigerian zoo

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and identify the species of intestinal parasitic infections among zoological garden workers and inmates (animals and birds), in the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden. Faecal samples were collected from all the animals, birds and zoo-keepers of the zoological garden, 5 days after and 2 days before another periodic routine deworming session of the animals. The faecal samples were examined, using normal saline, iodine, and brineconcentration techniques, to detect the presence of parasites. larvae or ova. The zoo-workers were given educational, behavioural and intervention techniques for the control of parasitic diseases, after the examination of stool samples. No intestinal parasites were detected in the stool samples collected 5 days after the routine deworming exercise of the zoo inmates. The ova of A. lumbricoides, hookworms, T. trichiura, E. histolytica and Giardia cysts were found in stool samples of zoo workers, whileS. stacoralis, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura were found in zoo animals, in  stool samples collected 2 days before the following deworming exercise, (which was three months after the deworming exercise- three months after the first samples were collected). The prevalence of infection among the zoo workers was 81.8 %. T. trichiura was the most prevalent, accounting for33.3% while A. lumbricoides, hookworms, Entamoeba and Giardia were 11.1%, 22.2%, 22.2% and 11.1% respectively.Among the zoo animal population, the overall prevalence of infection was 61.5%. Strongyloides was the most prevalent, accounting for 68.75% of the total infection while Trichuris and Ascaris had a prevalence of 25.0% and 6.25% respectively. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of infection among humans and zoo animals (