Comparison of indications for cesarean section in Zaria, Nigeria: 1985 and 1995

Background: Cesarean section (CS) rates and indications give a reflection of the maternal health status in the environment. This study was carried out to compare the CS rates and indications in this unit in 1985 and 1995, with a view to determining changes in the health seeking behaviour and possibly maternal health of women in Zaria and its environs. Method: A retrospective review of the records of CS performed in 1985 and 1995. Results: The cesarean section rates in this center in 1985 (9.21%) and 1995 (11.41%) are within the range reported previously. The CS rate was significantly higher in 1995 as compared to 1985 (p = 0.02). Cephalo-pelvic disproportion and its sequelae formed the majority of indications for CS unit in both 1985 and 1995 but the proportion constituted by this indication was significantly lower in 1995 (p

Improved determination of the optimum maturity of maize based on Alexnet

The increase in the number of humans and animals, particularly livestock in Sub-Sahara Africa without a correspondent increase in land resources has led to shortages, and consequently metamorphose into unhealthy clashes between farmers and herders. The unpredictable changes in climatic conditions in recent times and human activities has also contributed to deforestation and desertification. The maize plant is being considered to mitigate for the shortage by the application of Computational Intelligence technique and image processing in the determination of the optimum maturity of the maize. There are different varieties of maize that are quite suitable for different climatic conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper, the optimum maturity of SAMMAZ 17 variety of maize seedling is selected due to its high resilient to drought, striga condition and its good composition of nutrients. The maturity is determined by the application of Alexnet on 3000 samples of maize comb captured at different maturity stages cultivated in the same farm land. The network gave an accuracy of 72.44%. The result obtained showed a 4.44% improvement over an earlier result obtained by the use of Resnet-50. The finding is a window of opportunity for improvement in the determination of the optimum maturity of maize

Cervical cancer management in Zaria, Nigeria

The paper's objective was to identify factors influencing cervical cancer management in Zaria with a view to improving the outcome of management. Case notes of patients managed for cervical cancer in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria between January 1 1999 and December 31 2003, were retrieved and relevant information extracted and analyzed using MINITAB statistical software. There were 70 women with cervical cancer managed during the study period and their mean age was 47.61 years. Risk factors included high parity (mean = 7.4), low age at first coitus (mean = 14.62 years), multiple sex partners (81.63% in polygamous marriages, 42.55% with multiple marriages), and smoking (15.09%). Poor prognostic factors included delayed presentation - mean duration of symptoms was 12.59 months and only 4.35% presented with stage I disease. Lack of funds for investigations and treatment was also a risk factor for poor prognosis (only 25% of the 24 patients who needed blood transfusion were adequately transfused and only 21.74% of all patients had complete treatment). The paper concludes that increased public awareness about cervical cancer is needed to minimise risk factors and encourage early presentation. Governments and other funding agencies need to devote more funds for cervical cancer prevention, screening and treatment

Comparison of Indications for Cesarean Section in Zaria, Nigeria: 1985 and 1995

Background: Cesarean section (CS) rates and indications give a reflection of the maternal health status in the environment. This study was carried out to compare the CS rates and indications in this unit in 1985 and 1995, with a view to determining changes in the health seeking behaviour and possibly maternal health of women in Zaria and its environs. Method: A retrospective review of the records of CS performed in 1985 and 1995. Results: The cesarean section rates in this center in 1985 (9.21%) and 1995 (11.41%) are within the range reported previously. The CS rate was significantly higher in 1995 as compared to 1985 (p = 0.02). Cephalo-pelvic disproportion and its sequelae formed the majority of indications for CS unit in both 1985 and 1995 but the proportion constituted by this indication was significantly lower in 1995 (p = <0.001). Placenta praevia and breech presentation formed significantly greater proportions of the indications for CS in 1995 than in 1985 (p = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: These findings suggest some improvement in the maternal health among women that utilize the services of this hospital, which may be a reflection of the situation in the general population. The changes observed may also have resulted from improved diagnostic facilities, increased awareness and referral of problem cases, and the more liberal policy towards CS deliveries and the current trend away from difficult vaginal deliveries. There is a need to maintain and improve public enlightenment programs on issues affecting the health of mothers in this environment

Relative quantification of human B-defensins gene expression in pterygium and normal conjunctiva samples

The human ocular surface produces highly conserved cationic peptides. Human β‑defensins (HBDs) serve an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. They are primarily expressed in epithelial cells in response to infection and provide the first line of defence against invading microbes. Defensin β1 (DEFB1) is constitutively expressed and regulated by inflammatory mediators including interferon‑γ, lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycans. DEFB4A is locally induced in response to microbial infection while DEFB109 is induced via Toll‑like receptor 2. The present study examined the expression of the HBD DEFB1, DEFB4A and DEFB109 genes in pterygium. The pterygium tissues and normal conjunctiva samples were obtained from 18 patients undergoing pterygium surgery. The reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was employed to determine the expression of DEFB1, DEFB4A and DEFB109 genes. The results revealed that the expression of DEFB1 and DEFB4A was significantly higher and upregulated in pterygium samples when compared with normal conjunctiva samples from each patient (P<0.05), while the expression of DEFB109 was observed to be lower in pterygium samples when compared with normal samples from the same patient. Previous studies have revealed that DEFB1 and DEFB4A genes are present in low concentrations inside the human eye, and they are upregulated during the maturation of keratinocytes, suggesting a possible role in cell differentiation. The DEFB109 gene is present in higher concentrations inside the human eye, though it is newly discovered. It has also been reported that DEFB1 may be involved in carcinogenesis epithelial tumours. Collectively, the current data suggests that HBDs may serve a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of pterygia, and thus may be considered as novel molecular targets in understanding pterygia development

Isolation of Janthinobacterium lividum from early onset neonatal sepsis in Malaysia

Background: The term early onset neonatal septicaemia (EONS) refers to invasive bacterial infections that primarily involve the blood stream of neonates during the rst 3 days of life. Although early onset neonatal septicaemia is relatively uncommon, it may be associated with case fatality rates of 15-30% and substantial morbidity in surviving infants. Objectives: This study describes an unusual septicaemia cases with Janthinobacterium lividum in neonatal Intensive Care Units. Methods: Bacterial causes of early onset neonatal sepsis in Kuala Lumpur Hospital Malaysia were investigated using broad range 16S rDNA PCR and sequencing. The bacterial DNA was isolated directly from blood without pre-incubation. All samples collected were equally cultured and incubated in automated BACTEC system. Results: Two hundred and fty two neonates were recruited in this study with mean (SD) gestational age of 35.9. Neonates with J. lividum infection lacked microbiological evidence of septicaemia as their blood culture yielded no bacterial growth. However, the PCR analysis of these samples yielded 1100bp corresponding to bacteria species. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the value of PCR in detecting bacteria where special growth requirement is involved

PERAN TAKMIR DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAKMURAN MASJID (STUDI KASUS DI MASJID AL-HUDA CITRODIWANGSAN LUMAJANG)

Al-Huda Mosque, in Dewi Sartika street no.01, carries outsome constructive activities. The mosque takmir always strives to improve the advancement of the mosque. The focus of this study is the role of the mosquetakmir in increasing mosque prosperity in terms of idarah, imarah, and ri'ayah. This study employs qualitative methods with a case study approach. The conclusions of this study are as follows: First, the roles of takmir in increasing mosque prosperity in terms of idarah, among others, are planning a program ofworkingcompetently; forming the mosque management through a deliberation; running administration role effectively. Second, the roles of takmir in increasing the prosperity of the mosque in terms of imarah, among others, are holding magdzoh and gairu magdzoh; organizing Islamic education and teaching; organizing da'wah; holding social activities. Third, the roles of takmir in increasing the prosperity of the mosque in terms of ri'ayah among others, are completing mosque facilities and infrastructure; maintaining cleanliness, attractiveness, and security of the mosque; maintaining the appearance of the mosque. Key Words: the Role of Takmir, Mosque Prosperity, Idarah, Imarah, Ri’aya

Cervical cancer management in Zaria, Nigeria

The paper's objective was to identify factors influencing cervical cancer management in Zaria with a view to improving the outcome of management. Case notes of patients managed for cervical cancer in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria between January 1 1999 and December 31 2003, were retrieved and relevant information extracted and analyzed using MINITAB statistical software. There were 70 women with cervical cancer managed during the study period and their mean age was 47.61 years. Risk factors included high parity (mean = 7.4), low age at first coitus (mean = 14.62 years), multiple sex partners (81.63% in polygamous marriages, 42.55% with multiple marriages), and smoking (15.09%). Poor prognostic factors included delayed presentation - mean duration of symptoms was 12.59 months and only 4.35% presented with stage I disease. Lack of funds for investigations and treatment was also a risk factor for poor prognosis (only 25% of the 24 patients who needed blood transfusion were adequately transfused and only 21.74% of all patients had complete treatment). The paper concludes that increased public awareness about cervical cancer is needed to minimise risk factors and encourage early presentation. Governments and other funding agencies need to devote more funds for cervical cancer prevention, screening and treatment