Pattern of substance abuse at the drug de-addiction unit of a Nigerian psychiatric hospital

Substance abuse is a complex challenge of modern society with significant public health importance. The aim of the study was to identify the common drugs of abuse, socio-demographic features and clinical characteristics of individuals who abuse substance in a drug de-addiction unit of a psychiatric hospital in Nigeria. It was a crosssectional descriptive survey of 86 in-patients of the drug de-addiction unit of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria. A modified questionnaire by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Nigeria Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (NENDU) was used to obtain the data. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. Results show that the primary substances of abuse were cannabis (81.4%) and alcohol (16.5%), while cocaine and other stimulants were rarely used (1.2%). The mean age of the participants and age at initiation of substance use were 30.88±8.49 and 22.59±5.98, respectively. Indices of social disadvantage were seen in people with substance use disorders. The commonest route of use was by smoking (81.3%) with mental disorders, as the most common comorbidity seen (88.3%). The finding in this study on cannabis is conceded by existing literature, which reports a persistent rise in its use despite international and national efforts to reduce its supply. The early age at initiation begs for more comprehensive drug prevention programmes especially in the various levels of education.Keywords: Pattern of substance use, De-addiction Unit, Nigeria, Cross-sectional stud

Endothelin-1 and Exercise Intensity in Sedentary Adolescents with Obesity

Inactivity combined with obesity during adolescence increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease. The study purpose was to compare the influence of differing intensities of exercise on endothelial function in sedentary adolescents with obesity. Participants were randomized to one of two groups in a 6-week exercise intervention: moderate intensity (MOD) or high intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Endothelial function was assessed pre- and post-intervention via fasted serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Pre-measures of ET-1 concentrations were elevated at baseline. No significant differences in ET-1 were found between or within exercise groups. However, in the HIIE group, ET-1 was inversely associated with percentages of age predicted maximal heart rate achieved during the intervention (p=0.035, r=-0.567). The exercise interventions did not positively change ET-1 levels, yet participants who exercised at higher intensities in the HIIE group experienced greater decreases in ET-1.Keywords: childhood obesity, endothelial function, high intensity interval exercis

Endothelin-1 and Exercise Intensity in Sedentary Adolescents with Obesity

Inactivity combined with obesity during adolescence increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease. The study purpose was to compare the influence of differing intensities of exercise on endothelial function in sedentary adolescents with obesity. Participants were randomized to one of two groups in a 6-week exercise intervention: moderate intensity (MOD) or high intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Endothelial function was assessed pre- and post-intervention via fasted serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Pre-measures of ET-1 concentrations were elevated at baseline. No significant differences in ET-1 were found between or within exercise groups. However, in the HIIE group, ET-1 was inversely associated with percentages of age predicted maximal heart rate achieved during the intervention (p=0.035, r=-0.567). The exercise interventions did not positively change ET-1 levels, yet participants who exercised at higher intensities in the HIIE group experienced greater decreases in ET-1.Keywords: childhood obesity, endothelial function, high intensity interval exercis

Estimated Aerobic Capacity Changes in Adolescents with Obesity Following High Intensity Interval Exercise

Vigorous aerobic exercise may improve aerobic capacity (VO2max) and cardiometabolic profiles in adolescents with obesity, independent of changes to weight. Our aim was to assess changes in estimated VO2max in obese adolescents following a 6-week exercise program of varying intensities. Adolescents with obesity were recruited from an American mid-west children’s hospital and randomized into moderate exercise (MOD) or high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) groups for a 6-week exercise intervention, consisting of cycle ergometry for 40 minutes, 3 days per week. Heart rate was measured every two minutes during each exercise session.  Estimated VO2max measured via Åstrand cycle test, body composition, and physical activity (PA) enjoyment evaluated via questionnaire were assessed pre/post-intervention. Twenty-seven adolescents (age 14.7±1.5; 17 female, 10 male) completed the intervention. Estimated VO2max increased only in the HIIE group (20.0±5.7 to 22.7±6.5 ml/kg/min, p=0.015). The HIIE group also demonstrated increased PA enjoyment, which was correlated with average heart rate achieved during the intervention (r=0.55; p=0.043). Six weeks of HIIE elicited improvements to estimated VO2max in adolescents with obesity. Furthermore, those exercising at higher heart rates demonstrated greater PA enjoyment, implicating enjoyment as an important determinant of VO2max, specifically following higher intensity activities

Targeting Feeding and Eating Behaviors: Development of the Feeding Dynamic Intervention for Caregivers of 2- to 5-Year-Old Children

Targeting feeding dynamics, a concept centered on the roles and interaction of the caregiver and child in a feeding relationship, may have significant potential for obesity intervention. The aim of this paper is to describe the 3-phase development of the Feeding Dynamics Intervention (FDI), an acceptability and feasibility study on implementing the feeding dynamic roles (Study 1), development of the FDI content (Study 2), and a pilot study on use of the 6-lesson FDI to promote behaviors consistent with a feeding dynamic approach (Study 3). Sample population was mothers with young children, 2–5 years old. An effect size (Hedges’ g) greater than 0.20 was seen in more than half (57%) of maternal feeding behaviors, with the largest effect sizes (Hedges’ g≥0.8) occurring with behaviors that represent the mother adopting her roles of determining what food is served, not using food as a reward, and not controlling her child’s intake. There was a significant decline in Pressure to Eat behaviors (2.9 versus 2.2, p<0.01) and Monitoring (4.1 versus 3.5, p<0.001). The FDI emerged as an acceptable and implementable intervention. Future studies need to investigate effects of the FDI on the child’s eating behaviors, self-regulation of energy intake, and anthropometrics

Determination of heavy metals content and biochar toxicity in a pristine tropical agricultural soil

Accumulation of heavy metals results in soil degradation and impairs the normal functioning of ecosystems. Thus, monitoring of heavy metals is essential in both pristine and polluted soils. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined in a pristine tropical agricultural soil using acid digestion procedures. The soil samples were also analyzed the physico-chemical parameters and biochar toxicity to earthworms. Data shows that the soil is acidic, with low organic matter content. The level of heavy metals ranged from <0.06 ± 0.0 – 595.8 ± 2.8 µg g−1. However, the concentrations were found to be below the soil regulatory standards of heavy metals in agricultural soils. Furthermore, increased addition of biochar to the soil caused toxic effect on earthworms over a 90 d biochar-soil contact time. The data provides baseline information of heavy metals in pristine agricultural soils from the region, and the effect of biochar amendments on tropical soils