Clinico-histopahological patterns of benign gynecological lesions at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Nigeria: a 5 year review

Background: Gynecological lesions are a common reason for women to seek specialist care. Even benign lesions manifest with a wide variety of clinical features. This study set out to analyze the prevalence of histopathologically evaluated benign lesions of the genital tract and their diverse clinical presentations within a tertiary healthcare institution.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 265 cases of gynecological specimens sent for histopathology at department of morbid anatomy, relevant clinical data on each case was retrieved from patient case notes obtained from the medical records department of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu, all data were retrieved from these departments from the period of 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2013. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 265 specimens (100%) were received during a 5 year period. The benign lesions seen included; uterine leiomyomas 120 cases (45.3%), cervicitis had 32 (12.1%), there were 22 cases (8.3%) of uterovaginal prolapse, product of conception had 20 (7.6%), cervical polyps and cysts had 11cases (4.2%), adenomyosis and endometriosis had 4 cases (1.5%), serous cystadenoma reported 9 cases (3.4%). Cystic teratoma and simple ovarian cyst had 8 cases (3.0%) each. Endometrial hyperplasia, ovarian thecoma and corpus luteum cyst all had 7 cases (2.6%) respectively. There were 3 cases (1.1%) each of Nabothian cyst and ectopic pregnancy. Fibromas accounted for 2 cases (0.6%). Bartholin’s cyst and hydrosalpinx had 1 case (0.4%) each.Conclusions: Uterine fibroids were the commonest benign lesion for which women underwent gynecological surgery

Anti-diarrhoeal potential of the ethanol extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves in rats

The leaves of Gongronema latifolium is used in Nigeria for the treatment of diarrhoea and thus, the phytochemical constituents as well as the acute toxicity of the ethanol extract of the leaves of G. latifolium and its effects [at graded doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight (b.w)] against castor oil-induced diarrhoea models in rats were evaluated. The parameters used for the evaluation of the castor oil-induced diarrhoea were: reductions in the wetness of faeces and rate of defaecation. To further understand the probable mechanisms of its anti-diarrhoeal action, its effects were evaluated on gastro-intestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling. The phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract of the leaves of G. latifolium revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and cardiac glycosides. The ethanol extract of the leaves of G. latifolium at the tested doses caused significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent reductions of castor oil-induced diarrhoea, gastro-intestinal motility and castor oil-induced enteropooling in the treated rats. The results were comparable with those of the standard anti-diarrhoeal drug, atropine sulphate (2.5 mg/kg b.w). The extract was found to be non-toxic even at a dose as high as 5000 mg/kg b.w. The results indicate that the ethanol extract of the leaves of G. latifolium contains compounds with anti-diarrhoeal effect and may possibly originate an anti-diarrhoeal drug in time to come.Keywords: Gongronema latifolium, diarrhoea, castor oil and atropine sulphateAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(27), pp. 4399-440

Taxation and the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

This study examines the impact of taxation on the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria from 2007 to 2019. Data was gathered from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The study adopted the co-integration and error correction modelling as its technique of analysis. While Company Income Tax (CIT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) were found to have significant impact on the growth of SMEs in Nigeria, Custom and Excise Duty (CEDT) was found to have insignificant impact on their growth. As expected however, the three variables, CIT, VAT and CEDT were found to be inversely related with SMEs growth. The study therefore recommends among others, that for taxation to grow the SMEs, tax policies especially those relating to CIT and VAT should be properly formulated and carefully administered in such a way that such policies directly promote the growth of SMEs. In particular, the government should consider a downward review of the current VAT rate of 7.5%. In addition to reducing tax rates for the SMEs, other incentives, reliefs and allowances such as loss reliefs, pioneer status, tax holidays, capital allowance etc. should be specially packaged for SMEs to enhance their productivity and growth

Analysis of containers used by fishermen at Lake Alau community in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria

Good handling of fish from the point of harvest to consumption is very essential and the quality of fish can only be maintained if only suitable containers are used in its processing, transportation, distribution and marketing. This study analyzed the different containers used by fishermen at lake Alau community in Konduga Local Government Area of Bomo State. The study was carried out in two prominent leading sites of lake Alau community which are kachalari and Abbari with the aid of questionnaires interview conducted with 50 randomly selected respondents fishermen. Both primary and secondary data were collected. The collected data were analyzed using the market cost of the various fish containers. The result shows that fish containers such as Metal basin, sacks, flat sacks and Metal trays have strong strength while Baskets, jerry cans and calabash have moderate strength the polythene bags, stationery and news print are very weak. Also baskets have the highest percentage of usage 20% while flat sacks, polythene bags and stationery have the highest percentage of 4%, which are the lowest. It can be concluded that, the different containers are afforded to fishermen but most of the containers are often kept dirty, which lead to poor hygiene, rough handling and invariably post-harvest losses and shortage in food supply. It can be recommended that, sheds should be provided at the landing sites to protect fresh fish the direct heat of the sun and enlightment of fishermen and traders on the minimum standard o fthe quality and hygiene for fish and fishery products

Impact Assessment of Exclusive Breastfeeding Media Campaign Among Mothers in Selected Metropolitan Cities in South East Nigeria

This research is funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) of the Federal Government of Nigeria through Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. Abstract Unarguably, the mass media by virtue of their information dissemination function play vital role in communication for health and sustainable development of the society. Health communication involves the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individuals and community decisions in enhancing healthy living. Therefore, the health sector, like any given sector of the society, shares a remarkable and unalienable relationship with the mass media, as evidenced through the radio, television, newspapers and magazines, among others, in communicating health policies, reporting activities in the health sector, embarking on health campaigns and in publicizing health programmes. The study is an impact assessment of exclusive breastfeeding media campaign among mothers in selected metropolitan cities in South East Nigeria to ascertain their disposition to exclusive breastfeeding media campaign messages amidst prevailing lack of interest among majority of mothers in upholding this auspicious agelong practice which invariably impacts on the wellbeing of the infant child, perhaps as a result of ignorance and lack of education, among other social factors. Qualitative and quantitative (mixed) research approaches were employed in this study. Findings reveal evident positive impact of exclusive breastfeeding media campaign messages on mother in South East Nigeria. However, antenatal channel rather than the traditional media channels remains the major source of information to mothers on exclusive breastfeeding practice in the region. The study, therefore, strongly affirms that much more is still required from the traditional media platforms especially in terms of enlivened programme design and committed publicity to rightly occupy their place in this campaign role considering the heterogeneous nature of the audience they serve, which predisposes them more advantageous to reach even prospective mothers (those not yet expecting babies) who may not have immediate need to come for antenatal to access such beneficial nutritional and health information. Key words: exclusive breastfeeding, health communication, media campaign, mothers, South East Nigeria, sustainable development DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-14-16 Publication date:July 31st 201

Perception and willingness of medical students towards working in rural communities

Introduction: The preference for the place of practice plays a vital role in the distribution of human resources for health. Research evidence points at specific medical student characteristics and preferences that can predict their practice preferences. This study aims to ascertain medical students' perception and willingness to practice in rural areas after graduation.Methods: The study was carried out among 400-600 level undergraduate medical students at University of Nigeria Enugu Campus in Enugu metropolis, Enugu state. Nigeria. An analytical cross sectional study design involving use of questionnaire was done. Chi Square test and Binary logistic regression were used to ascertain socio-demographic factors associated with willingness to practice in rural areas.Results: Majority of respondents were aged 21-25 years 134(67.0%), males 133(66.5%) and parents lives in urban area 166(83.0%),. About 6(3.0%) were satisfied on current status of rural health service, 132(66.0%) stated that medical training for rural practice were adequate while 67(33.5%) were willing to work in rural area. There was statistically significant association of father's occupation with willingness to practice in rural area (p=0.017). Determinant identified was fathers being farmers 1.4 times (AOR 1.143; 95% CI 1.27-1.84).Conclusion: Perception of working in rural areas was good, while the willingness was poor. The major reasons for not willing to work in rural area includes; low standard of living and poor educational opportunities for children Giving doctors special allowances and changing duration of rural postings will encourage them to look forward to working in rural areas.Keywords: Perception, willingness, practice, rural are

Coping strategies of families of persons with learning disability in Imo state of Nigeria

Background: Coping with a relative with a learning disability could be a stressful experience for family members. The present study is aimed at exploring the coping strategies adopted by families in trying to make meaning of their situation. Method: A qualitative study design using focus group discussions (FGDs) was adopted. Ten FGD sessions were held with family members of persons with a learning disability. Results: Findings revealed patterns of family coping to include problem-focused, emotion-focused, and spiritual/religious-focused. Also, coping responses to a learning disability varied based on the level of information available to families about the condition of their relative. In some cases, interspousal relationship was strained due to stress. Conclusion: It was recommended that families of persons with a learning disability need social support and professional help from social workers to facilitate the adoption of more positive-oriented coping strategies by family members

THE NIGERIAN FASHION INDUSTRY: TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND MARKET EXPANSION

The global fashion sector is worth more than $2.5 trillion, with the share of Africa projected to be less than one per cent. technological innovations in the Nigerian fashion industry can enhance, distinguish and differentiate the products offered to create additional value as well as satisfy customers. The study examined technological innovation and market expansion of small scale enterprises in Etiosa L.G.A Lagos State. Data was analysed using regression analysis. The results gotten from this study shows that technological innovations have significant effects on market expansion of SMEs in the fashion industry in Lagos State. In conclusion the researcher provided recommendations in line with enhancing new market and innovative procedures for market expansion of fashionpreneurs

Exploring The Influence of Environmental Complexity on Entrepreneurial Decision Making: A Conceptual Review

Practicing entrepreneurs make decisions in their business operations. These decisions are influenced by the environmental force and contextual issues that affect their operational process. This research paper focuses on exploring environmental complexities and their influence on entrepreneurial decision-making. The research applies a conceptual approach to unpack the effects of complexities, stakeholders’ perspectives and contextual issues on entrepreneurial decision process. A key suggestion is the adoption of meaningful engagement approach to addressing emerging complexities between entrepreneurship practice and environmental issues. While the research finds that interactive engagement can be slow

Investigating the effectiveness of many-core network processors for high performance cyber protection systems. Part I, FY2011.

This report documents our first year efforts to address the use of many-core processors for high performance cyber protection. As the demands grow for higher bandwidth (beyond 1 Gbits/sec) on network connections, the need to provide faster and more efficient solution to cyber security grows. Fortunately, in recent years, the development of many-core network processors have seen increased interest. Prior working experiences with many-core processors have led us to investigate its effectiveness for cyber protection tools, with particular emphasis on high performance firewalls. Although advanced algorithms for smarter cyber protection of high-speed network traffic are being developed, these advanced analysis techniques require significantly more computational capabilities than static techniques. Moreover, many locations where cyber protections are deployed have limited power, space and cooling resources. This makes the use of traditionally large computing systems impractical for the front-end systems that process large network streams; hence, the drive for this study which could potentially yield a highly reconfigurable and rapidly scalable solution