Evaluation of some heavy metals and physico-chemical properties of soil under two sampling depths in Gambari Forest Reserve (GFR) , Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

This study was carried out with the aim of determined the soil depth variations in heavy metals and some physico-chemical properties of soil depths sampled in Gambari Forest Reserve (GFR). It was examined with the purpose of evaluating the environmental impact of human activities on the Forest Reserve. Soil samples were collected randomly from eight plots within the forest at two different depth of 0-15 and 0-30 cm with the aid of soil auger. Systematic sampling design was used to lay two straight line transects, each of 1000 m long and separated by 500 m, in the reserve. Four Temporary Sample Plots (TSP) of size 50 m×50 m were laid along each transect at 250 m interval. Furthermore, a 6 × 6 m subplot was laid out at the centre of each plot. Samples of about 500 g each were collected in plastic bags and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The physico-chemical properties were evaluated using standard methods, while metal contents were conducted with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer following wet acid digestion. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The content of metals (mgkg-1) gave the ranges: 3.02-5.92 Cd, 8.69-14.25 Cr, 1.39-1.67 Cu, 5.01-6.83 Mn, 13.37-14.25 Ni, 3.69-5.89 Pb and 1.59-1.75 Zn, with a variation pattern in order: Ni ˃ Cr ˃ Mn ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Zn ˃ Cu in both soil depths. With the exception of Cadmium, the degree of pollution varied with, by values that were far less than the upper tolerable limits set by Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization for agricultural soils. Results show that sand had the highest % in soil of the area (92.34). Bulk densities were at ranges of (1.43, 1.45 and 1.23g/cm3) at the depth of 0-15 and 15-30, respectively. The textural classification for each depth of soil was Sandy-loam with percentages of sand (89.9-86.0), silts (10.94-4.41) and clay (5.68-3.03). Considerable spatial variations in contents were observed for all physico-chemical properties in all part of the study sites. GFR is relative nutritious and contain high amount of heavy metals. Therefore, it recommended that reserve should be enriched with tree and properly protected and monitored from encroachment of both human being and animals

Development of tree height-diameter models for Arakanga forest reserve, Abeokuta, Ogun state

The study focused on the development of models for height- diameter relationship for Arakanga Forest Reserve. A Random sampling technique was dopted for sample plot allocation while a total of 10 sample plots of 25 X 25m were laid in line transects for data collection. A total of 163 trees were encountered. The data collected was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean DBH and the mean Height for the study area were 55.69cm and 13.25m respectively. The Height- diameter relationship was modelled using Curve Expert Professional software. Ratkowsky, Logistics and Richards models gave good result in describing the relationship between DBH and Height. All three models had the lowest AICC value of 123.08, 123.08 and 124.5 and Standard Error values 1.99, 1.99 and 2.0 rescpectively. Validation of the models was carried out using student Ttest and Ratkowsky returned the best model with t-Statistics value of 0.02. Therefore, Ratkowsky model was adjudged as the best model for describing DBH and Height relationship in Arakanga Forest Reserve. Keywords: Tree Height-Diameter, Arakanga, Forest Reserve and Abeokut

Arbuscular mycorrhiza contribution to the growth performance and heavy metal uptake of Helianthus annuus LINN in pot culture

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the arbuscular mycorrhiza contribution to the growth performance and heavy metals (Cd and Pb) uptake of Helianthus annuus L. from polluted soils. Cadmium sulfate (CdSO4.8H2O) and lead acetate ((CH3COO)2Pb.3H2O) were applied at the concentrations: Cd- 0,20,40,60,80 mg kg-1 and Pb-0,250,500,750,1000 mg kg-1 in 90 plastic pots filled with 5 kg of topsoil each. Propagules of Glomus mosseae (GM) and Glomus intraradices (GI) at 25 g per pot were applied. Non-inoculated pots served as controls. Each treatment was replicated thrice in completely randomized design. Data were analysed using ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Results showed that arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced the number of leaves, plant height and stem girth of sunflower plants only at 80 mg Cd kg-1 concentration. Highest values of 0.11 mg Cd kg-1 and 0.29 mg Pb kg-1 were obtained with GI in the dry shoot of Helianthus annuus while 0.05 mg Cd kg-1 and 0.23 mg Pb kg-1 were remediated with GM application. Least values of Cd and Pb were removed when no AM was applied. GM and GI fungi enhanced the growth of Helianthus annuus and the uptake of Cd and Pb; but GI performed better. Also, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of AM fungi colonization percentage was obtained with increase in Cd and Pb concentrations.Key words: Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices, Helianthus annuus, phytoremediation, polluted soil

Yield evaluation of yellow cassava varieties as affected by inorganic fertilizer in two agro ecological zones of Nigeria

Field experiment was conducted at the InternationalInstitute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan and Ikene substation during the 2012 rainy season to study the effect of variety and Crystallizer fertilizer on the yield of four yellow cassava varieties. Four (4) IITA yellow cassava varieties (IITA TMS 01/1368, IITATMS 01/1371 and IITA TMS01/1412 and IITA TMS 01/1593), were tested at three different rates (0 kgha -1 , 400 kgha -1 kg/ha and 600 kgha -1 ) in split plot fitted to RCBD. Data collected on yield parameters were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated with Least Significant Difference. The varieties TMS01/1371 and TMS01/1412 significantly (P≤0.05) produced highest fresh tuber yield of (9.33tonsha -1 ) and (8.99tonsha -1 ) at Ibadan and Ikene respectively. The variety TMS 01/1593 significantly (P <0.05) produced highest dry matter content (35.50%) and total carotene value (7) of all the yellow cassava varieties in Ibadan. It was concluded, that since the variety TMS01/1593 produced highest total carotene content (7.00) and dry matter content (35.50%), it can therefore be recommended for cultivation and consumption in Ibadan to increase the quantity of cassava products and enhance vitamin A intake. Since TMS01/1371 produced the highest fresh tuber yield of (9.33tonsha -1 ) without the application of Crystallizer fertilizer in Ibadan, it can be cultivated in Ibadan to obtain 9.33tonsha -1 fresh. A further research is recommended to determine the rates of Crystallizer fertilizer to increase yields obtainable in both locations

Efficient health care service delivery using network analysis: a case study of Kwara State, Nigeria

This paper addresses challenges with prompt health care delivery using Network Analysis of Critical Path Model (CPM) to plan the hospital capacity with a view to achieving prompt health care service delivery. Hospital activities were identified as either critical and non critical, time or cost consideration was factored in. In all, 16 state health institutions were purposively selected on the basis of most equipped from 55 state health institutions. Data on patients’ arrival and departure were observed and recorded for a period of six months. This was subjected to further analysis to identify the most important activities (critical path) and less important together with their time duration. The average total time spent in the hospital was 43 minutes but with effective capacity planning using network analysis the total time was reduced to 18 minutes and the critical path (activities) were identified to be: A - Card section, F - Medical Doctor and H – Medical Team.Keywords: Critical Path Model (CPM), Capacity Planning (CP), Hospital Services, Network Analysi

Pro-ulcerogenic activity of sodium arsenite in the gastric mucosa of male wistar rats

Background: The gastrointestinal tract is constantly exposed to various protective and aggressive factors from food and the environment. Recent studies have shown that environmental factors, including heavy metal exposure and diet may alter gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Arsenic (extensively available in the form of oxides or sulfides or as a salt of iron, sodium, calcium, copper, etc) is a major contaminant of soil, air as well as various water sources used for human and industrial activities, making it a huge public health burden. The present study was designed to characterize gastrointestinal alterations induced by sodium arsenite (SA) exposure.Methods: Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 16) in two separate studies. Groups I and 2 received distilled water and indomethacin (40mg/kg, p.o) respectively while groups 3 and 4 animals received 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg SA respectively for two weeks prior to administration of indomethacin. In the first study, gastric acid secretion (GAS) was studied using the continuous perfusion technique. In the second study, animals were sacrificed after indomethacin administration. Ulcer was assessed based on macroscopic appearance of the stomach using an ulcer score scale. Each excised stomach was thoroughly cleaned and small sections were taken for histological analysis. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and differences considered significant at p&lt;0.05.Results: Basal GAS was 0.08 ± 0.004 mEq/L in control rats. Indomethacin increased GAS significantly (0.14 mEq/L). The effect of indomethacin was augmented in rats with prior exposure to SA in a dose-dependent manner (0.17±0.01 and 0.26±0.02 mEq/L respectively). In the second study, SA significantly increased mean ulcer score, parietal and mucous cell counts when compared with the unexposed groups. Moderate epithelial erosion with infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as decreased intraglandular mucin and mucous secreting cells were observed in the stomach tissues of sodium arsenite treated rats.Conclusion: It is suggested that sodium arsenite potentiates gastric ulceration during indomethacin induced ulceration by increasing basal gastric acid secretion, increased parietal cell counts with extensive damage to the mucous secreting cells thereby distrupting the cyto-protecting ability of the stomach.Keywords: Sodium arsenite, gastric ulcer, gastric acid secretion, parietal cell coun

Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer in a resource limited environment

Objective: Assess the outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel (AC-P regime) in breast cancer.Methods: A prospective observational study of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with palpable breast lumps on neoadjuvant chemotherapy of AC-P regime. Age of the patients, tumour size, stage, estrogen, progestogen and HER2 receptor status were noted. Tumour size measured at presentation, first, third, fifth, sixth and eighth doses to determine response as defined by the UICC method i.e. complete clinical response, partial clinical response, stable disease and progressive disease.Results: Complete clinical response was observed in 40% of 35 patients studied. Complete clinical response was found in 81.8% tumours less than 5cm in diameter while 20.8% of tumours greater 5cm.had complete clinical response. (X2 =11.6, p= 0.001) Eighty-eight percent complied with treatment schedule. Mastectomy was done in 34.2%, Breast conservation surgery (BCS) in 14.2%, and 17.1% lost to follow up.Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy using AC-P sequential regime is effective in breast cancer with tolerable side effects and excellent treatment compliance in the study population.Keywords: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast cancer, clinical response, compliance, limited resourc

Nosocomial infections and the challenges of control in developing countries.

Nosocomial infection is a recognized public health problem world-wide with a prevalence rate of 3.0-20.7% and an incidence rate of 5-10%. It has become increasingly obvious that infections acquired in the hospital lead to increased morbidity and mortality which has added noticeably to economic burden. However, after about three decades of nosocomial infection surveillance and control world-wide, it still remains an important problem for hospitals today. Studies have shown that most hospitals in developing countries especially Africa, have no effective infection control programme due to lack of awareness of the problem, lack of personnel, poor water supply, erratic electricity supply, ineffective antibiotic policies with emergence of multiply antibiotic resistant microbes, poor laboratory backup, poor funding and non-adherence to safe practices by health workers. It is recommended that the cost of hospital infection control programme should be included in the health budget of the country and fund allocated for the infection control committee for routine control purposes and to bear the cost of outbreaks. There is need for adequate staffing and continuous education of staff on the principles of infection control, especially hand washing which is the single most important effective measure to reduce the risks of cross infection.

Demographic attributes of COVID-19 patients in an Infectious Disease Center of Nigeria

Background: As part of our contribution to the growing pool of knowledge on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study describes the demographic features of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized at Infectious Disease Center (IDC), Olodo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of COVID-19 patients whose data were collected during admission between April 27, 2020 and June 20, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed on nasopharyngeal specimen using a real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., USA) version 20.0Results: Among 131 patients, 58% were between age 18 and 35 years, 48.1% were employees of private establishments, and 64.1% were males. High proportion (84.3%) of the patients spent less than 14 days on admission. As at June 20, 2020, the overall COVID-19 mortality in the IDC was 0.0%.Conclusion: This study concluded that COVID-19 was common among male Nigerians, those working in private establishments, and those aged 18-35 years. Future researches on COVID-19 in Nigeria must put gender and age into consideration. Keywords: SARS-COV2; COVID-19; age; gender; occupation French Title: Attributs démographiques des patients atteints de COVID-19dans un centre de maladies infectieuses du Nigéria Contexte: Dans le cadre de notre contribution au pool croissant de connaissances sur la prévention et le contrôle de la pandémie COVID-19, cette étude décrit les caractéristiques démographiques des patients atteints de COVID19 hospitalisés au Centre des maladies infectieuses (IDC), Olodo, Ibadan, État d'Oyo, Nigéria. Méthodologie: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive de patients atteints de COVID-19 dont lesdonnées ont été collectées lors de l'admission entre le 27 avril 2020 et le 20 juin 2020. L'infection par le&nbsp; SRASCoV-2 a été diagnostiquée sur un échantillon nasopharyngé à l'aide d'une transcription inverse en temps réel–Test de réaction en chaîne par polymérase (rRT-PCR). Les données ont été analysées à l'aide du StatisticalPackage for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., USA) version 20.0 Résultats: Parmi 131 patients, 58% avaient entre 18 et 35 ans, 48,1% étaient des employés d'établissementsprivés et 64,1% étaient des hommes. Une forte proportion (84,3%) des patients ont passé moins de 14 jours àl'admission. Au 20 juin 2020, la mortalité globale par COVID-19 dans l'IDC était de 0,0%. Conclusion: Cette étude a conclu que le COVID-19 était courant chez les hommes Nigérians, ceux travaillantdans des établissements privés et ceux âgés de 18 à 35 ans. Les futures recherches sur le COVID-19 au Nigériadoivent prendre en compte le sexe et l'âge. Mots clés: SRAS-COV2; COVID-19; âge; le sexe; occupatio