Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) indices of Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species isolates in Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Background/Objectives: Pseudomonas and Klebsiella infections are important nosocomial infections because of the attendant significant morbidity, mortality and socio-economic impact. These infections are difficult to treat due to the innate and acquired resistance mediated by the organisms’ genome and other transferable genetic elements. We determined the multiple antibiotic resistance indices of Pseudomonas spp and Klebsiella spp isolated from clinical specimens in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.Methods: 110 clinical isolates were evaluated using MicrobactTM 24E (Oxoid, UK) and Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species isolates were 34 and 21 respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the  Pseudomonas and Klebsiella isolates were determined by Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method and results interpreted by CLSI interpretative values. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance index (MAR) were calculated.Results: MAR index of the Pseudomonas and Klebsiella samples was 0.4, as 31 (91.2%) and 14 (66.7%) of Pseudomonas spp and Klebsiella spp respectively were multi drug resistant. Isolates of Pseudomonas spp demonstrated the highest level of resistance to Ceftazidime (79.4%), Cefixime (76.5%), Cedipime (50%) and Piperacillin (44.1%); while that of Klebsiella spp were carbenicillin (76.4%), pipericillin (71.4%), cefixime (52.4%) and cefradoxil (42.9%) respectively. There was a low levelof resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides.Conclusion: The MAR index shows increase in the rates of resistance among these organisms thus making antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and testing more crucial in selecting empiric regimen or definitive treatment.KEY WORDS: Lagos, multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR), antimicrobial susceptibility, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella spp

Heavy Metals and Proximate Composition of Forest Leafy Vegetables in Oil Producing Area of Nigeria

This work investigated heavy metals content of Forest Leafy Vegetables (FLVs) consumed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Fresh samples of eight commonly consumed FLV species were obtained from two major markets in Port Harcourt. FLVs were dried, digested and analysed with flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for heavy metals.  Proximate analysis of FLVs was carried out using standard method of AOAC. Concentrations of Iron (Fe) ranged from 4.69ppm (Heinsia crinata) - 8.97ppm (Gongronema latifolia), Manganese was highest in Liasanthera africana (6.03ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.45ppm) while Magnesium levels ranged from 0.609 – 1.630ppm. P.guineense accumulate highest Pb (1.004ppm) compared to Ocimum basilicum Pb (0.380ppm). Copper was highest in H.crinata (1.165ppm) and lowest in O.gratissimum (0.218ppm). O. gratissimum had lowest Cadmium (0.022ppm), Arsenic (0.003ppm), Mercury (0.002ppm) and Zinc (0.044ppm). P.guineense contains highest concentration of Chromium (3.792ppm) while H. crinata possess the lowest (0.409ppm). Nickel was highest in O.bassilicum (0.665ppm) and least in G.latifolia (0.388ppm). FLVs were rich in crude protein, fat and crude fibre. O.bassilicum (21.00%) was the richest in crude protein while H.crinata has the lowest level (11.55%). Crude fibre content of the FLVs range from 11.0% to 14.0% while fat content varied between 2.4% for O. bassilicum and 4.0% for H. crinata. FLVs sourced from natural forests in crude oil exploration areas in Nigeria is safe for consumption, since heavy metals of FLVs samples were less than maximum limits recommended by FAO/WHO.  Proximate analyses showed that the FLVs possess useful nutritional contents required for healthy growth.Key Words: Forest leafy vegetables, Heavy metals, Proximate composition, Nigeri

Utilization of allanblackia floribunda for rural livelihood sustenance in rivers state, Nigeria

Allanblackia floribundaOliv. (Clusiaceae) is valued for food, medicine, timber and soap making across tropical African regions. This study was carried out in five local government areas in Rivers State; Eleme, Emohua, ObioAkpor, Ndoni and Oyigbo to evaluate indigenous uses of the plant. The five local government areas were selected using random sampling technique. One community was randomly selected in each local government area; Eneka, Ebubu, Obukegi, Ubimini and Mgboji. Also, 20 households were randomly selected further in each community. The results showed that A. floribunda is used as food [oil (26.90%), condiment (15.97%)], medicine for treating [malaria (17.30%), stomach ache (65.65%), head ache (1.60%), body pain (4.00%) and infertility (4.13%)], timber [construction (13.35%), building (52.65%), pole (13.35%)]. It was also observed that there are some factors that predispose the species to endangeredness/extinction such as urbanization (19.18%), shifting cultivation (8.80%), logging (33.26%), bush burning (21.10%), oil spillage (7.82%). The respondents expressed willingness to support conservation strategies for A. floribunda such as seedling provision by agencies/government, domestication of seedlings and appropriate policy with adequate implementation by government. If the strategies listed above are adopted the species will be preserved and prevented from being extinct.Keywords: Allanblanchia, Conservation, Ethnobotany, Rural dwellers, Rivers Stat

Adolescent and adult cleft lip and palate, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Introduction: Congenital cleft lip and palate (CLP) defects usually present in childhood, especially in places with available and affordable care. In Nigeria, their incidence is low but late presentation in Adult life have been reported. This article aims at reviewing adolescent and adult CLP patients in our center, with the advent of free and available care, and to documentthe patterns and management outcomes of these patients as an addition to existing literature on the subject of adult CLP. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of adolescent and adult CLP patients managed from May 2006 to April 2010. Demographic data as well as clinical information were retrieved from the hospital records and include the type of cleft deformity, surgical intervention prior to presentation, the type of surgery performed and postoperative outcomes. Some pertinent clinical photos were also reviewed. Results: Adolescent and adults constituted 24% of the 137 patients, their age ranged from 13 to 76 years, with a mean, median and modal age of 28, 22 and 20 years respectively. Unilateral cleft of primary palate was commonest with female preponderance. Most never had surgery, others desired revision surgery or secondary procedures. Theoutcomes were satisfactory in the 37 procedures performed on 33 patients.Conclusion: A relatively high ratio of adolescent and adult clefts is observed. Most of them have never had surgical intervention. Some had failed surgical intervention prior to presentation. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved despite late intervention but failed initial intervention was associated with poorer outcomes

IMPROVING THE TRANSIENT STABILITY OF NIGERIAN 330KV TRANSMISSION NETWORK USING STATIC VAR COMPENSATION PART I: THE BASE STUDY

In this paper, the base study for improving the transient stability of Nigerian 330kV transmission network using Static Var Compensation (SVC) is conducted with the focus of developing indices that can appropriately size and locate SVC within the network. The study is performed using commercially available software Dig SILENT Power Factory. The overloaded lines which could excite instability in the network are identified. Fixed capacitor thyristor controlled reactor is used to model the SVC and is appropriately sized and located within the network. Transient stability of the network is analysed by determining the critical clearing time of the acute generators when a balanced three phase fault is applied to the middle of the critical lines within the network using step-by step technique. Some of the key results reveal that the lines: Jebba- Osogbo, Shiroro-Kaduna, Benin-Sapele and Benin-Onitsha are the critical lines within the network. The Critical Clearing Times (CCTs) of the acute generators when 3-phase fault is applied at Jebba- Osogbo and Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines are 380ms and 480ms, respectively. However, generators located at Afam and Sapele that are close to Benin-Sapele and Benin-Onitsha transmission line, respectively are always losing synchronism to 3-phasefault of any duration.  Appropriately sized SVCs with values 124Mvar, 73Mvar, 62Mvar and 110Mvar located at Osogbo, Kaduna and Benin compensated the network and increase the CCTs to 470ms, 500ms, 220ms and 120ms, respectively. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i1.2

Epidermiology of Hand Injuries Seen at Two Teaching Hospitals in Sothern Nigeria

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Removal of Pb and Zn from Soil using cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) Plants

This study investigated the potential of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) plants to remove Pb and Zn from soil. The crops were exposed to three concentrations (100, 150 and 200 mgkg-1) of each metal salts during the study. When the plants were treated with lead nitrate at a concentration of 150 mgkg-1, the amount and percentage of Pb removed and accumulated within plants’ tissues were 65.68 m mgkg-1g/kg (44.79%) and 78.93 mgkg-1 (53.0%) for cowpea and maize with bioconcentration factors 0.80 and 0.78 respectively. However, when the plants were assisted they had greater bioconcentration factors. Farmyard manure enhanced metal uptake by cowpea and maize significantly than EDTA. Maize extracted more Pb into its roots and translocated to shoots when assisted with EDTA than cowpea. Maize was able to translocate more Pb while cowpea translocated more Zn through the vascular system, thereby acting as phytoextractors for the different metals respectively

Informed Consent In Surgery: An Audit Of Practice In Ile-ife, Nigeria

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess patients\' knowledge of their diagnoses and proposed surgical procedures before giving consent for such procedures in the various surgical units of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 80 consecutive patients who had just undergone an elective major surgery in general surgery, gyneacology, orthopaedics and surgical subspecialty units of the hospital. Results: Sixty patients (75%) gave consent themselves, while other consents were obtained from close relations. Thirty-seven (46.25%) respondents were informed of the diagnoses and procedure by the unit consultants but no consultant was involved in the completion of the consent form. Seventy-five (93.75%) respondents had a knowledge of the diagnoses, 68(85%) understood the procedure but only 21(26.25%) knew any alternative to the procedure, 29(36.25%) knew at least one complication of the procedure and 12(15%) knew an option or complication of anaesthesia. Forty-five (56.25%) of the consent forms were properly filled while other forms had one error or another. Conclusion: Well structured and standardized method of obtaining informed consent from surgical patients should be adopted. While educating patients, the various alternatives to the procedure and possible complications should be carefully explained to the patients who should be carried along in decision making. Keywords: Informed consent, Surgical practice. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (3) 2008: pp. 206-21

Effect of Calcium (Hardness of Water) on the Uptake of Ciprofloxacin in Bath-Medicated African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Seventy -two catfishes weighing between 200 and 250g (and distributed into 3 groups) were subjected to bath medication with ciprofloxacin at 25mg/litre of water. Medicated water of each group (24 catfishes/group) had the same pH of 6.6, after adjustment using sodium carbonate, but different levels of calcium hardness .Group A water had 12.5mg/litre of calcium hardness, while for groups B and C, the levels of the calciumhardness were adjusted to 212.5mg/litre and 412.5mg/litre respectively using calcium chloride. Samples (blood, liver, kidney and muscle) were taken from two randomly selected fishes in each group within 8hours of exposure to ciprofloxacin. These were taken at 0 h, 0.5h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h and were preserved at - 0.5°C, prior to processing and drug extraction. Ciprofloxacin level was quantified by ELISA. The seraarea under the curve (AUC) values of groups A, B and C were 17,938.13 ìg.hr./L, 18,883.75 ìg.hr./L and 12,273.75 ìg.hr./L respectively, showing that at the highest concentration of calcium ions in medicated water (as seen in group c ) level of the absorption .of ciprofloxacin will be reduced , hence reduced bioavailability There was also a direct linear relationship between the AUC values for tissue and the level of calcium hardness of water. This study therefore suggests a need to strongly consider the influence of corechemical parameters of fish culture water such as hardness, alkalinity and pH, as these can reduce efficacy or increase toxicity of drugs that are administered to fish by bath method

In-vitro antifungal effect of Garcinia kola and garlic (Alliums sativum) on vaginal isolates of candida

Background/Objectives:Within the last decade there has been an emergence of antifungal drug resistance. Alliums sativum and Garcinia kola seeds were tested for their anticandidal properties in comparison with fluconazole and miconazole.Methods: High Vaginal swab samples from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis were processed and identified to the species level by germ tube method, morphology on corn meal agar and sugar fermentation reactions. Methanol and aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola and Alliums sativum, as well as fluconazole and miconazole were tested in-vitro using the agar dilution method.Results: One hundred and twenty six women with symptoms of  vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled and Candida species were isolated from 25 of them. Candida spp. identified were C. albicans (44%), C. tropicalis (28%), C. glabrata (16%) and C. parapsilosis (12%). All species except C. glabrata were inhibited by fluconazole and miconazole, all isolates of the same species having same minimum inhibitory  concentrations (MICs). The highest MICs (25 mg/ml) with the alcoholic extracts were shown by C. albicans and C. glabrata and the lowest MICs (12.5 mg/ml) were shown by C parapsilosis and C tropicalis. All the isolates tested with Garcinia kola aqueous extract had a uniform MIC of 50 mg/ml, those tested with garlic aqueous extract had an MIC of 200 mg/ml. C. albicans and C. glabrata had MIC of 200 mg/ml of the alcoholic extract but C. tropicalis was inhibited at 25 mg/ml.Conclusion: We found that Garcinia kola and Alliums ativum have activity against the vaginal Candida species isolated thus showing promise as alternative therapy for vaginal candidiasis.Keywords: Alliums ativum, Candida spp, Garcinia kola, Minimum inhibitory concentration