Evaluation of the probability of using total lymphocyte count as an alternative to CD4 count in initiation of art

Measurement of CD4+ T cell count in the diagnosis of HIV in a resource-constrain settings is often difficult due to high cost of equipments, reagents, and demand for trained personnel. There is need for relatively cost effective technique with good Prognosis for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Two hundred and fourty four (244) HIV seropositive (tests) and fifty (50) HIV seronegative individuals (controls) were analyzed for CD4 count and TLC. The result of the study was analyzed using SPSS 14, the mean + SEM 930 + 43 cells/ìl (CD4 count) and 2026 + 75 cells/mm3 Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) in control and 196 + 8.0 cells/ìl (CD4 count) and 1969 + 66 cells/mm3 (TLC) in Test group were obtained. There was significant difference between the values of CD4 count recorded in Test (196 + 8.0 cells/ì) when compared with the value recorded in Control (930 + 43 cells/ìl) (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference in the values of TLC recorded in Test (1969 + 66 cells/mm3) when compared with the values recorded in the control (2026 + 75 cells/mm3) (p<0.01). This is due to the fact that CD4+T lymphocyte are specificallytargeted by HIV which results in linear reduction in CD4 count not the whole population of Tlymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. A spearman’s correlation study was done between the CD4 counts and TLC, indicated a slightly positive correlation (r= 0.586) among the test individuals and strongpositive correlation in the control (r = 0.739). It could be concluded that  total lymphocyte count can not be used alone as an alternative to CD4 count in initiating ART, but in conjunction with clinical sign and symptoms.Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus, CD4 count, Total lymphocyte count, and Antiretroviral therapy

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Extended Spectrum Betalactamase Producers In Gram-Negative Urogenital Isolates In Kano, Nigeria

The emergence of resistant strains of urogenital extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing isolates has presented a serious set back in the treatment option for urogenital tract infection. Emergence and spread of these strains resulted in treatment failure and disease complications. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL producers in Gram-negative urogenital isolates and their susceptibility to 10 selected antimicrobial agents [aztreonam, cefoxitin cefepime, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin.]. A total of 500 isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from Microbiology Department of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano. The isolates were tested against third generation cephalosporins using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) recommended, WHO modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Isolates with reduced susceptibility to cefpodoxime, cefpotaxime and ceftriaxone were considered to be a possible ESBL producers and were confirmed using double disc synergy method. The number of ESBL producers in 500 urogenital gram negative isolates was found to be 77/500 (15.4%). Out of the 77 ESBL producing urogenital isolates 47 (61%) isolates which include E. coli, (33, 70%), K. aerogene (3, 6%), K. pneumoniae (6, 13%), P. mirabilis (9%) and P. aeruginosa (2%) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using CLSI recommended, WHO modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Zone diameters were interpreted using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoint tables for interpretation of zone diameters. The overall result demonstrates high resistance rate (≥60%) to the selected antibiotics. The isolates were found to be more susceptible to Cefoxitin (40%), and Cefepime (38%); followed by Kanamycin (32%), Levofloxacin (28%), and Ciprofloxacin (28%). With Gentamicin (16%) Clarithromycin (11%), Streptomycin (9%), Aztreonam (4%) and Erythromycin (2%), showing low antimicrobial activity against the isolates. The result of this study shows that multidrug resistant ESBLs producing strains are present among urogenital bacterial pathogens in Kano. It is recommended that urogenital ESBLs isolates treatment option be based on antimicrobial susceptibility results

Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Extended Spectrum Betalactamase (ESBL) Producers and other Bacterial Pathogens in Kano, Nigeria

Purpose: To evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of various bacterial pathogens including extended spectrum betalactamase (ESBL) producers in Kano, Nigeria.Method: A total of 604 consecutive clinical samples obtained from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano between January and July 2010 were analyzed for bacterial pathogens using standard microbiological techniques for the isolation and identification of pathogens. Antibiotics susceptibility tests including, ESBL screening and confirmation, were carried out by disc diffusion technique using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) criteria.Results: Ten different types of bacteria genera were observed from nine different clinical samples. E. coli was the most frequently isolated bacteria (30.5 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (21.3 %). ESBL producers showed high-level resistance against the quinolones, aminoglycoside and cotrimoxazole but were sensitive to carbapenems and levofloxaccin. Non-ESBL organisms showed increased resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline and amoxycillin. The prevalence of ESBL producers was 12.8 %. E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed ESBL production of 17.3, 14.9 and 10.0 %, respectively.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that regular surveys should be carried out in this locality to provide baseline data that would always be of clinical relevance in the treatment of patients and to detect the emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance strains.Keywords: Antibiotic Susceptibility, Multiple antibiotic Resistance, Extended Spectrum Betalactamase, Bacterial Pathogen

Comparative effect of two indigenous organic biopesticides and Furadan 3g in the management of Meloidogyne incognita in soybean (Glycine max (l.) Merrill

The soybean crop improvement programme in Nigeria led to the development of several high-yielding varieties. However, TGx 1019-2EN which is one of the top-yielding varieties has been devasted by Meloidogyne incognita, the most predominant phytonematodes attacking crops worldwide, including Nigeria. Due to the increasing health hazards associated with the use of some synthetic nematicides globally, scientists have continued to explore several non-chemicals, especially biopestides as safer and cheaper nematode disease management alternatives, especially in organic agriculture production system. Therefore, leaf powder of organically grown Azadirachta indica, and Carica papaya, were evaluated alongside a commonly-known synthetic pesticide, Furadan 3G, singly or in combination with each other, for their effectiveness in the management of the southern Root-knot nematode disease in susceptible TGx 1019-2EN soybean variety, a very important oilseed crop. The relative efficacy of the two leaf powders and the Furadan 3G in the reduction of Meloidogyne spp. population and soybean growth were determined. The leaf powders were prepared using leaves of A. indica (Neem leaf) and C. papaya (Pawpaw leaf) and used in amending sterilized soils potted and grown to TGx 1019-2EN, and two weeks seedlings inoculated with the nematode eggs. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications. Powder of Azadirachta indica was most effective (P ≤ 0) in reducing nematode population in the soil. Both neem leaf powder (NLP) and its counterpart pawpaw leaf powder (PLP) treatments produced taller soybean plants (57.38 – 58.40 cm, 84.50 – 85.98 cm and 89.20 – 88.38 cm at 2WAI, 4WAI, and 8WAI, when compared with the control (P ≤ 0). Soybean root gall index significantly (P ≤ 0) reduced from 15.75 in the control pots to 2.00 in NLP-treated plots, representing 87.30%

Globalization and conflict in educational system: Opportunities and challenges in lifelong learning in Nigeria and Malaysia

Since the emergence of globalisation as the new world order in the 21st century, revolution in social, economic, political and technological development became not only necessary but inevitable. However, education remain the driving force through which globalization can thrive. Against this backdrop, developing countries such as Nigeria and Malaysia were left with no option than to introduce lifelong learning as an appendage to the full time school system to facilitate reduction in illiteracy level and mitigate effects of globalization. In Malaysia, so much human and material resources have been channelled (especially with the establishment Open Distance Learning (ODL) to fast track the program keeps moving. In Nigeria unlike Malaysia, the establishment of lifelong centres popularly called Distance Learning Centres (DLS) and the subsequent introduction of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was besieged by population growth, high demand for education in the mist of underfunding, poverty, instability and conflict. To overcome this malaise, developing countries as nation states must re-define its policies on education, increase budgetary expenditures, reduce poverty and institutionalize democracy and good governance in order to suit and be suitable to the globalized world. To arrive at the above conclusion, the study relied on content analysis of secondary sourced materials mainly from journals and text books

Comparative Studies of Ethanol and Kerosene Fuels and Cook Stoves Performance

Comparative studies of ethanol and kerosene fuels and their performance with household kerosene cookstoves of the same dimensions and geometry were carried out. The authors examined the different sources of domestic cooking fuels such as LPG, kerosene, fuel wood, and ethanol. The overview of the use of bioethanol and kerosene cookstoves in different countries such as Brazil, India, Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi were also done by the researchers. Simple water boiling test was carried out to determine the boiling time for a specified volume of water. The result showed that kerosene fuel boils water in a shorter time. The study compared the advantages and disadvantages of the two brands of fuels. Keywords: cook stove, deforestation ethanol fuel, kerosene and performance

Quantitative determination of water soluble vitamins, minerals and proximate compositions of three varieties of beans in Bauchi State Nigeria

The quantitative determination of water soluble vitamins, minerals and proximate compositions of three varieties of beans in Bauchi State, Nigeria, was carried out in this study. Three varieties of beans which includes one of the most commonly consumed species of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) locally called Kanannade, the least consumed (most rare) specie of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) locally called gayan-gayan and soybean (Glycine max) locally called waken soya found in Bauchi State, Nigeria were analysed. Results for the determination of the proximate composition shows that soybean (Glycine max) among three different samples had the highest protein content (34.21 %), ash content (3.11 %), Crude fat (25.30 %). While Cowpea (kanannade) has the highest Carbohydrate content (58.04 %) and Cowpea (gayan-gayan) has the highest Moisture contents (12.43 %) respectively. Soya bean has the highest contents of vitamin (B1, B3, and B6) for the three water soluble vitamins analysed although the values obtained were less than the recommended dietary allowance recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Mineral composition of the two species of cowpea beans (Vigna unguiculata), and soybean analysed, soybean had the highest content of most of the mineral elements. The concentration of potassium was found to be very much higher than all the other mineral elements that were determined in all the samples. The results from this analysis shows that the three varieties of beans analyzed were found to be rich in minerals and highly nutritious.Keywords: Vigna unguiculata, Glycine max, vitamins, minerals and proximate compositio

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in sheep in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zones of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Brucellosis is an ancient and one of the world’s most widespread zoonotic diseases affecting public health and animal production. A cross-sectional study using simple random sampling was conducted between May and December, 2016 in Maigana and Birnin Gwari Agro-ecological zones of Kaduna State to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in sheep. In addition the risk factors associated with sero-positivity in sheep were also assessed. A total of 400 sera samples comprised of 141 from males and 259 from females sheep were collected and screened for the presence of Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Sera analysis revealed that, 16.5% and 10.8% were seropositive to Brucella infection by RBPT and cELISA, respectively. There was statistically significant association between sex of the sheep and seropositivity to Brucella infection using RBPT (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, no statistically significant association between the age and breed of sheep and seropositivity to Brucella infection using RBPT and cELISA, respectively (P > 0.05). This study shows evidence of Brucella infection with high prevalence mainly among female sheep and the disease can be considered as a potential risk for both susceptible animals and humans in the study area. Therefore, creating awareness about brucellosis, interdisciplinary partnership and complementary effort between veterinary and public health professionals is very important to control the transmission of brucellosis.Keywords: Brucellosis, Kaduna State, Sheep, Sero-prevalenc

Combined effect of neem leaf powder and vermicompost in the management of root-knot nematode disease in Celosia argentea

Due to the rising demand for alternative options for root-knot nematode management, Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder and Vermicompost were tested for their efficacy in controlling this disease in Celosia argentea. An experiment, laid out in Completely Randomized Design, was carried out in the screenhouse. It involved the testing of eight treatments which were replicated four times thus making a total of 32 experimental pots. The trial was repeated once to validate results obtained. Plants were inoculated with 5000 Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) eggs. The experimental pots without Mi egg served as the control. Data were collected on plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, branches and flowers, leaf area index, shoot weight, root weight, dry weight, number of galls, final nematode and egg population and subjected to Analysis of Variance. The New Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate statistically significant treatment means. Results showed that the amendments used, reduced the infestation of the treated plantswhose final Mi nematode population (2360, 2020, 2050, 1720, 1540, 1230) and egg population (2250, 2030, 2120, 1690, 1540, 1230) which were lower (P d” 0.05) than their initial population (5000 eggs) and when compared to the untreated Mi-inoculated (control) plants which had the highest final population (5858 and 5620) that outnumbered the original inoculum. Neem leaf powder and Vermicompost combined at 1% was statistically at par with other treatments in the reduction of the root-knot disease of C. argente

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Wastewater from Waste Stabilization Pond of a Refinery and Petrochemical Industry, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The wastewater released by refineries and petrochemical industries frequently contain a range of substances categorized as physical and chemical pollutants. The objective of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties of wastewater from waste stabilization pond of a refinery and petrochemical industry, Kaduna, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results obtained showed that the wastewater had an average pH (8.18), temperature (26.29oC), dissolved oxygen (0.86 mg/L), total dissolved solids (195.33mg/L), electrical conductivity (159.71µs/cm) and chloride (40.08mg/L) which were in compliance with the limit set by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. However, chemical oxygen demand (65.85mg/L), biological oxygen demand (32.32 mg/L), oil and grease (231.97mg/L), nitrate (16.95mg/L), turbidity (5.37NTU), phosphate (10.06mg/L) and sulphate (140.36mg/L) where found to exceed the permissible limit. The mean concentrations of arsenic (4.59mg/L), nickel (0.15mg/L), iron (0.62mg/L), lead (0.67mg/L), cadmium (0.04mg/L) and chromium (0.29mg/L) were higher than the acceptable limits. However, cobalt (0.16mg/L), zinc (0.30mg/L), manganese (0.56mg/L), copper (0.13mg/L) and magnesium (1.65mg/L) contents were within the acceptable limits. These results point the need for adequate treatment of wastewater from petrochemical and related industries using appropriate wastewater treatment technologies. Continuous release of this wastewater into the environment poses great threat to both the environment and public health