Coagulation / flocculation process in the removal of trace metals present in industrial wastewater

Attempts were made in this study to examine the effectiveness of polymer addition to coagulation process during treatment of a beverage industrial wastewater to remove some of its trace metals content such as lead, cadmium, total iron, total chromium, nickel and zinc. Experiments were conducted using the standard Jar test procedure to determine the performance of both ferric chloride and organic polymer (a non-ionic polyacrylamide) individually and ferric chloride-polymer combination. The dosages used for ferric chloride ranged from 0 to 500mg/l, whereas polymer dosages varied between 0 and 100mg/l. The (optimal) removal efficiency for total chromium in the wastewater was obtained at 300mg /l for ferric chloride and 65mg/l for polymer. Whereas for zinc and total iron, the optimal removal efficiencies were obtained at 500mg/l for ferric chloride and 65mg/l for polymer. Addition of ferric chloride resulted in significant removal of the metals reaching up to 91%, 72% and 54% of total chromium, zinc and total iron respectively while addition of polymer achieved 95%, 87% and 88% of total chromium, zinc and total iron respectively. Ferric chloride produced more voluminous and more compacted sludge than polymer. Combinations of ferric chloride and polymer at different ratio achieved better removal efficiencies of the metals in the range 84-97% for total chromium, 69-90% for zinc and 69-92% for total iron, also less sludge was produced. Lead, cadmium and nickel were not detected in the raw wastewater. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(3) 2006: 159-16

Blood tumour necrosis factor-α and the pathogenesis of anaemia in Trypanosoma brucei infected rabbits

Trypanosomosis is a protozoan infection of domestic and wild animals characterized by anaemia, however, the pathogenesis of trypanosomosis-induced anaemia is not fully understood. This study evaluated the possible roles of Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of anaemia induced by Trypanosoma brucei in rabbits. Twelve adult rabbits of both sexes with mean weight of 2.1 ± 0.1kg were randomly assigned into two groups of six rabbits each. Group A rabbits were intraperitoneally (i.p) infected with blood containing 2 x 106/ml of T. brucei, while group B (control) rabbits were injected with one ml of normal saline i.p. Blood was collected from the ear vein before infection and weekly thereafter for six weeks post-infection (p.i), in order to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, reticulocyte count (RC) and serum concentrations of TNF-α. The PCV, RBC count and Hb concentration were significantly (p<0.05) lower in group A than group B rabbits throughout the duration of the study. Serum concentration of TNF-α was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group A (227.5 ± 8.1 ng/ml) than group B (51.3 ± 8.2 ng/ml) at week four post-infection. The serum concentration of TNF-α negatively correlated with PCV (r=-0.513) and Hb (r=-0.769) in group A. The study concluded that anaemia observed during experimental infection in rabbits with trypanosomosis was associated with increased levels of TNF-α.Keywords: Anaemia, Rabbits, Pathogenesis, Trypanosomosis, Tumour Necrosis Factor-

Recent advances in understanding hypertension development in sub-Saharan Africa

Consistent reports indicate that hypertension is a particularly common finding in black populations. Hypertension occurs at younger ages and is often more severe in terms of blood pressure levels and organ damage than in whites, resulting in a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. This review provides an outline of recent advances in the pathophysiological understanding of blood pressure elevation and the consequences thereof in black populations in Africa. This is set against the backdrop of populations undergoing demanding and rapid demographic transition, where infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus predominates, and where under and over-nutrition coexist. Collectively, recent findings from Africa illustrate an increased lifetime risk to hypertension from foetal life onwards. From young ages black populations display early endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular tone and reactivity, microvascular structural adaptions, as well as increased aortic stiffness resulting in elevated central and brachial blood pressures during the day and night, when compared to whites. Together with knowledge on the contributions of sympathetic activation and abnormal renal sodium handling, these pathophysiological adaptations result in subclinical and clinical organ damage at younger ages. This overall enhanced understanding on the determinants of blood pressure elevation in blacks encourages (a) novel approaches to assess and manage hypertension in Africa better, (b) further scientific discovery to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies, and (c) policymakers and health advocates to collectively contribute in creating health-promoting environments in Africa

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer

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

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 middle-income 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 low-income 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 low-income, 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

Application of electrical conductivity to predict field strength for medium frequency transmitter in Ondo State, Nigeria

The ground electrical conductivity in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria, has been measured using electrical resistivity method. The Wenner arrangement of electrodes was used for the measurement. Results obtained show that the average ground conductivity for different soil types in the state is 3.02±0.29mS/m. This value was used along with well known propagation formulae to draw ground wave propagation curves for the state-owned 50kW radio station – the Ondo State Radio Corporation (OSRC) transmitting on frequency 531kHz – for the prediction of its field strength at different locations all over the geographical coverage of the radio transmitter. Propagation curves were also drawn for use in planning future medium frequency (MF) links in the State. Keywords: electrical conductivity, field strength, propagation, medium frequency, broadcasting Nigerian Journal of Physics Vol. 17, 2005: 83-9

Analysis of knowledge, attitude and practices of small ruminant farmers for training needs identification in Southwestern Nigeria

The knowledge, skills and attitude of small ruminant farmers were studied to determine their training needs. Socio-economic characteristics of the small ruminant farmers, their knowledge, skills and attitude in small  ruminant  production were evaluated alongside their training needs. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 183  respondents for the study. Pretested and duly validated (r = 0.76) interview schedule was used to  collect requisite information from the respondents. Data were summarized using frequency distribution and  percentages. Result of the analysis showed that mean age of the  respondents and annual income from small ruminant production were 50.4 years and N9, 041 respectively. Also, all the farmers were members of one  association or the other and 83.6 percent of them were educated. Majority of the farmers (71.6%) had extension agents as information source on small ruminant production. Furthermore, the mean scores of farmers’ knowledge was highest in identification of sick animal (9.1) and lowest in vaccination (1.3) while the mean scores of farmers’ skill was highest in feeding of animals (4.3) and lowest in health management (2.5). Majority (73.2%) of the  farmers had indifferent attitude towards small ruminant production. The identified training needs included   construction of small ruminant houses, drug selection and administration, record keeping and vaccination. The study concluded that training programme specialists and policy makers should inculcate the aforementioned identified training needs in conducting training  programmes for small ruminant farmers for better production and greater return on investment.Keywords: Sheep and goat, Needs analysi