Effect of Organic and Inorganic Manures and Time of Application on Soil Properties and Yield of Sweetpotato in a Tropical Ultisol

The effect of different rates of a mixture of organic and inorganic manure and time of application on the root yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam) in a tropical Ultisol of South Eastern Nigeria was investigated during 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. The research was carried out at the Eastern farm of National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike (NRCRI). The institute is located within latitude 05, 291 N and Long 7° 33 E1 of the Equator at an elevation of 122m above sea level. The aim was to determine the optimum rate and time of application of the mixture of organic and inorganic manure and their effect on some of the soil properties and root yield of Sweetpotato. The rates were 600kg/ha inorganic fertilizer,(NPK) 3.2t/ha poultry manure ,(PM) 450kg /ha NPK +0.8t/ha PM, 300kg/ha PM NPK+1.6t/ha, 150kg/ha NPK+2.4t/ha PM and a control. Time intervals were; at planting,2 weeks after planting, 4 weeks after planting and 6 weeks after planting. Results showed that amongst the various rates and time intervals investigated, application of 300kg/ha NPK +1.6t/ha PM of the two manure sources gave the highest economic root yield. The time interval of between 2-4 weeks after planting also gave the highest economical root yield of the crop .At this period also the recommended range of the investigated soil properties favourable to the root yield of the crop were obtained. These were pH, organic matter, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potasium and Exchangeable acidity

Micronucleus Assay and Heavy Metals Characterization of E-waste Dumpsites in Lagos and Osun States, Southwest Nigeria

The contamination of the aquatic ecosystem with heavy metals arising from the discharge of electronic waste (e-waste) or seepage of leachate from open waste dumpsites is on the increase. The impact of e-waste leachate on the micronucleus (MN) of Tilapia guineensis and the levels of heavy metals ( Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Al and Ba) in the sediments, water, leachate and aquatic fauna (Tilapia guineensis, Callinectes amnicola and Cardiosoma armatum) found in and around e-waste dumpsites in Lagos and Osun States was studied. The levels of heavy metals were determined using PyeUnicam model 969 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Inductive Coupling Plasma Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ICP-AAS).The heavy metal concentrations decreased in the order: Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cr ˃ Hg ˃ Al ˃Ba ˃As in the samples. The level of Cd in fish muscle from Lagos (1.4mg/kg) exceeded the Environment Canada threshold effect level (EC TEL, 2006) recommended for sea food (1.0mg/kg). The calculated bioconcentration factor (BCF) for fish gills (1.4 and1.0) and fish muscles. (3.6 and 1.2) from Lagos and Osun States respectively as well as the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for crabs (1.78 and 1.36) are strong indications of the ability of the organisms to bioaccumulate the heavy metals. The MN assay showed an initial increase in the frequency of mionccronuclei on the 7th day which gradually decreased on the 14th and 21st day. The result of this study reveals the toxic impacts of e-waste contamination on ecological and human health in a developing economy

Baseline and follow-up assessment of regional left ventricular volume using 3-dimensional echocardiography: comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance

The assessment of regional volumes is an option for analysis of the response of LV segments to interventions such as revascularization or cell therapy. We sought to compare regional volumes from 3D-echocardiography (3DE) with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) over follow-up

Semi-automated quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recent studies have shown that real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (RT3DE) gives more accurate and reproducible left ventricular (LV) volume and ejection fraction (EF) measurements than traditional two-dimensional methods. A new semi-automated tool (4DLVQ) for volume measurements in RT3DE has been developed. We sought to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of this method compared to a 3D echo standard.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>LV end-diastolic volumes (EDV), end-systolic volumes (ESV), and EF measured using 4DLVQ were compared with a commercially available semi-automated analysis tool (TomTec 4D LV-Analysis ver. 2.2) in 35 patients. Repeated measurements were performed to investigate inter- and intra-observer variability.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Average analysis time of the new tool was 141s, significantly shorter than 261s using TomTec (<it>p </it>< 0.001). Bland Altman analysis revealed high agreement of measured EDV, ESV, and EF compared to TomTec (<it>p </it>= <it>NS</it>), with bias and 95% limits of agreement of 2.1 ± 21 ml, -0.88 ± 17 ml, and 1.6 ± 11% for EDV, ESV, and EF respectively. Intra-observer variability of 4DLVQ vs. TomTec was 7.5 ± 6.2 ml vs. 7.7 ± 7.3 ml for EDV, 5.5 ± 5.6 ml vs. 5.0 ± 5.9 ml for ESV, and 3.0 ± 2.7% vs. 2.1 ± 2.0% for EF (<it>p </it>= <it>NS</it>). The inter-observer variability of 4DLVQ vs. TomTec was 9.0 ± 5.9 ml vs. 17 ± 6.3 ml for EDV (<it>p </it>< 0.05), 5.0 ± 3.6 ml vs. 12 ± 7.7 ml for ESV (<it>p </it>< 0.05), and 2.7 ± 2.8% vs. 3.0 ± 2.1% for EF (<it>p </it>= <it>NS</it>).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, the new analysis tool gives rapid and reproducible measurements of LV volumes and EF, with good agreement compared to another RT3DE volume quantification tool.</p

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance for the assessment of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a pilot study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Before trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), assessment of cardiac function and accurate measurement of the aortic root are key to determine the correct size and type of the prosthesis. The aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the assessment of aortic valve measurements and left ventricular function in high-risk elderly patients submitted to TAVI.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis and contraindications for surgical aortic valve replacement were screened from April 2009 to January 2011 and imaged with TTE and CMR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients who underwent both TTE and CMR (n = 49) had a mean age of 80.8 ± 4.8 years and a mean logistic EuroSCORE of 14.9 ± 9.3%. There was a good correlation between TTE and CMR in terms of annulus size (R²= 0.48, p < 0.001), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (R²= 0.62, p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (R²= 0.47, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation in terms of aortic valve area (AVA) (R²= 0.24, p < 0.001). CMR generally tended to report larger values than TTE for all measurements. The Bland-Altman test indicated that the 95% limits of agreement between TTE and CMR ranged from -5.6 mm to + 1.0 mm for annulus size, from -0.45 mm to + 0.25 mm for LVOT, from -0.45 mm²to + 0.25 mm²for AVA and from -29.2% to 13.2% for LVEF.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In elderly patients candidates to TAVI, CMR represents a viable complement to transthoracic echocardiography.</p

Three-dimensional echocardiography for left ventricular quantification: fundamental validation and clinical applications

One of the earliest applications of clinical echocardiography is evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function and size. Accurate, reproducible and quantitative evaluation of LV function and size is vital for diagnosis, treatment and prediction of prognosis of heart disease. Early three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic techniques showed better reproducibility than two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and narrower limits of agreement for assessment of LV function and size in comparison to reference methods, mostly cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, but acquisition methods were cumbersome and a lack of user-friendly analysis software initially precluded widespread use. Through the advent of matrix transducers enabling real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and improvements in analysis software featuring semi-automated volumetric analysis, 3D echocardiography evolved into a simple and fast imaging modality for everyday clinical use. 3DE provides the possibility to evaluate the entire LV in three spatial dimensions during the complete cardiac cycle, offering a more accurate and complete quantitative evaluation the LV. Improved efficiency in acquisition and analysis may provide clinicians with important diagnostic information within minutes. The current article reviews the methodology and application of 3DE for quantitative evaluation of the LV, provides the scientific evidence for its current clinical use, and discusses its current limitations and potential future directions

Brucellosis as an Emerging Threat in Developing Economies:Lessons from Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, has a large proportion of the world's poor livestock keepers, and is a hotspot for neglected zoonoses. A review of the 127 accessible publications on brucellosis in Nigeria reveals only scant and fragmented evidence on its spatial and temporal distribution in different epidemiological contexts. The few bacteriological studies conducted demonstrate the existence of Brucella abortus in cattle and sheep, but evidence for B. melitensis in small ruminants is dated and unclear. The bulk of the evidence consists of seroprevalence studies, but test standardization and validation are not always adequately described, and misinterpretations exist with regard to sensitivity and/or specificity and ability to identify the infecting Brucella species. Despite this, early studies suggest that although brucellosis was endemic in extensive nomadic systems, seroprevalence was low, and brucellosis was not perceived as a real burden; recent studies, however, may reflect a changing trend. Concerning human brucellosis, no studies have identified the Brucella species and most reports provide only serological evidence of contact with Brucella in the classical risk groups; some suggest brucellosis misdiagnoses as malaria or other febrile conditions. The investigation of a severe outbreak that occurred in the late 1970s describes the emergence of animal and human disease caused by the settling of previously nomadic populations during the Sahelian drought. There appears to be an increasing risk of re-emergence of brucellosis in sub-Saharan Africa, as a result of the co-existence of pastoralist movements and the increase of intensive management resulting from growing urbanization and food demand. Highly contagious zoonoses like brucellosis pose a threat with far-reaching social and political consequences

Technological Packages Extended To Farmers by Non-Governmental Organizations in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

The paper investigated technological packages extended to farmers by Non Governmental Organizations in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Data for the study was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from 450 respondents in the study area. Findings revealed that yam minisett technology, hybrid cassava varieties, and hybrid cereal crops were the significant crop production technologies extended in the study area. The livestock and fishery technology extended include sheep and goat, modern rabbitary, poultry, piggery and fish production. Modern snailery was the only identified agro forestry technology extended, while use of fertilizer, soil control measures, and land preparation/cropping technologies were the significant soil management practices extended. Farmers agreed that the following strategies should be adopted in delivering extension packages to them. These include advisory services, (M=3.29), timely supply of farm input (M=3.16), group farming (M=3.14), organization of farmers into cooperatives (M=3.53), regular access to extension advice (M=2.74), regular training programmes (M=3.29), and mass media mobilization (M=2.81). Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that the Agricultural NGOs should be encouraged to expand their areas of coverage of extension activities within the rural setting. Also, the non-agricultural NGOs operating in the region, should be encouraged to get involved in agricultural development programmes

Intensive Care Unit Admissions in Federal Medical Centre Umuahia South East Nigeria

Background: The Federal Medical Centre Umuahia(FMCU) is a tertiary referral centre in Abia state, southeast Nigeria serving a catchment area made of Abia state and environs . An intensive care unit(ICU) was established in the hospital in December 2009 to improve healthcare delivery to critically ill patients. Objective: To determine the admission patterns and report the initial experience in the intensive care of patients in the FMCU. Methods: This is a retrospective study of the patients admitted into the ICU of FMCU from December 2009 to March 2011.Data retrieved from the patients ICU records included demographics, indication for admission, length of stay in ICU, and outcome of stay. The cost of ICU care was extracted from the financial records of the patient following discharge or demise. Data acquisition and analysis was performed using the statistical package for social sciences(SPSS) version 15. Results: A total of 87 patients were studied consisting of 59 males and 28 females. The ages ranged from 2days to 87years with a mean age of 41&plusmn;2.34 years. There were 11 patients within the pediatric age range(12.6%). Post-operative surgical patients(51) accounted for the majority of the admissions (58.6%).There were also 21 non-operated trauma cases(24.1%), 7 medical cases (8.1%), 8 obstetrics and gynecological cases(9.2%). Post-operative admissions were mainly emergencies --39 cases(76.5%) cases while 12(23.5%) were elective. Most post-operative ICU admissions followed abdominal surgery -31 cases(58.8%) while neurological trauma accounted for most non-operated trauma 17cases (81%).The cost of stay per patient ranged from N2745.65 to N238123.4 ($82.23 to$1536.28) with an average cost per day of N19506.75($125.85). The cost per day for mortality cases was N28598.74($184.51) . The modal length of ICU stay was 2days with a mean of 3.63&plusmn;0.34days and a range of one to sixteen days. About 68.4% of the patients spent =3days(38.3% of total ICU days),while 31.6% spent &gt;3days(61.7% of total ICU days).Of the 87 patients,57 (65.5%)were discharged from ICU to the wards,28(32.2%) died in ICU while 2(2.3%) were referred to bigger centers. Twelve mortalities(42.8%) were among the emergency postoperative patients and 10(35.8%) non-operated trauma patients(80% of which are neurological trauma). Conclusion: From our study, most ICU admissions come from the operating theatre. The mortality is high and is comparable to other studies in Africa. The cost of stay is very high when compared with annual per capita income in Nigeria of $1190. Keywords: Intensive care unit, admissions, outcom

Timing of cardiac surgery and other intervention among children with congenital heart disease: A review article

Background: Early diagnosis and improved facilities are necessary for determining the optimal timing of surgery and other interventions in children with congenital heart diseases in Nigeria. This is because late presentation, late diagnosis and delayed surgery can lead to mortality and affect the quality of life among these children. Objectives: This review article is aimed at enumerating the timing of cardiac surgeries and other interventions and to seek if there is any factor associated with the timing of cardiac surgery. Methods: A search on PubMed database, World Health Organization libraries, Google scholar, TRIP database, and reference lists of selected articles on timing of cardiac surgery in children was done. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was also searched. We noted few data from African setting. Key words such as timing of cardiac surgery; children, congenital heart defect were used. Conclusion: Appropriate timing for cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease is very important as late surgical intervention could result in several morbidities and mortality