A Comparative Study on User Satisfaction with the Management of Library Services in Three Academic Libraries in Benue State-Nigeria

This study sought to compare user-satisfaction with services in three academic libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 500 registered library users was randomly selected for the study. Instrument for data collection was a 25 item questionnaire. A research question and hypothesis was tested using one-way analysis of variance and Fisher's protected t-test analysis at 0.05 alpha levels. The findings of the study revealed that; type of institutions was a function of user satisfaction with library service and those users of Federal University of Agriculture library Makurdi were significantly more satisfied with their library services than users of Benue State University and College of Education Katsina-Ala libraries. The study recommends that academic libraries should store information materials in the right quantity and quality and they should be properly organized to meet the needs of clientele

Reflecting on One Health in Action During the COVID-19 Response

The COVID-19 pandemic, a singular disruptive event in recent human history, has required rapid, innovative, coordinated and collaborative approaches to manage and ameliorate its worst impacts. However, the threat remains, and learning from initial efforts may benefit the response management in the future. One Health approaches to managing health challenges through multi-stakeholder engagement are underscored by an enabling environment. Here we describe three case studies from state (New South Wales, Australia), national (Ireland), and international (sub-Saharan Africa) scales which illustrate different aspects of One Health in action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Ireland, a One Health team was assembled to help parameterise complex mathematical and resource models. In New South Wales, state authorities engaged collaboratively with animal health veterinarians and epidemiologists to leverage disease outbreak knowledge, expertise and technical and support structures for application to the COVID-19 emergency. The African One Health University Network linked members from health institutions and universities from eight countries to provide a virtual platform knowledge exchange on COVID-19 to support the response. Themes common to successful experiences included a shared resource base, interdisciplinary engagement, communication network strategies, and looking global to address local need. The One Health approaches used, particularly shared responsibility and knowledge integration, are benefiting the management of this pandemic and future One Health global challenges

Atypical presentation of colon adenocarcinoma: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Adenocarcinoma of the colon is the most common histopathological type of colorectal cancer. In Western Europe and the United States, it is the third most common type and accounts for 98% of cancers of the large intestine. In Uganda, as elsewhere in Africa, the majority of patients are elderly (at least 60 years old). However, more recently, it has been observed that younger patients (less than 40 years of age) are presenting with the disease. There is also an increase in its incidence and most patients present late, possibly because of the lack of a comprehensive national screening and preventive health-care program. We describe the clinicopathological features of colorectal carcinoma in the case of a young man in Kampala, Uganda.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 27-year-old man from Kampala, Uganda, presented with gross abdominal distension, progressive loss of weight, and fever. He was initially screened for tuberculosis, hepatitis, and lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome infection. After a battery of tests, a diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma was finally established with hematoxylin and eosin staining of a cell block made from the sediment of a liter of cytospun ascitic fluid, which showed atypical glands floating in abundant extracellular mucin, suggestive of adenocarcinoma. Ancillary tests with alcian blue/periodic acid Schiff and mucicarmine staining revealed that it was a mucinous adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity with CDX2, confirming that the origin of the tumor was the colon.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Colorectal carcinoma has been noted to occur with increasing frequency in young adults in Africa. Most patients have mucinous adenocarcinoma, present late, and have rapid disease progression and poor outcome. Therefore, colorectal malignancy should no longer be excluded from consideration only on the basis of a patient's age. A high index of suspicion is important in the diagnosis of colorectal malignancy in young African patients.</p

An Estimate of the Incidence of Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is rated the second most common cancer and sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among men globally. Reports show that African men suffer disproportionately from PCa compared to men from other parts of the world. It is still quite difficult to accurately describe the burden of PCa in Africa due to poor cancer registration systems.We systematically reviewed the literature on prostate cancer in Africa and provided a continentwide incidence rate of PCa based on available data in the regio

Experience In The Management Of Neural Tube Defects At The University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Between January 1986 and December 1997, 97 cases of neural tube defects were seen at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Maiduguri. Male to female (M:F) ratio of 1.4:1 was observed with the commonest location of lesion being at the lumbo-sacral region. Majority of the patients came from rural subsistent communities. The first order birth was noticed to be the most susceptible to neural tube defect. Commonly associated abnormalities included hydrocephalus, sphincteric dysfunction, limb paralysis and dysfunction. Keywords: Neural tube defects, Management, Experience. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 1 (2) 2002: pp. 136-14

Management of adult incisional hernias at the University of Maiduguri teaching hospital.

Background: Incisional hernias (IH) represent a breakdown or loss of continuity of a fascial closure. They are thus unique as the only external wall hernias that are iatrogenic in aetiology. Incisional hernias are not uncommon complications of laparotomy closure with reported incidence of 2 to 11%. Objectives: To review our experience,with incisional hernaia identify possible risk factors and proffer preventable strategies. Patients and methods: All case records of adult patients managed with IH at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between January 1995 and December 2004 were retrieved from the Medical Records Department. Relevant data on age, sex, type and institution of index surgery (General Hospital or Private Hospital), premorbid factors, type of repair, post-operative complications were extracted. Case records with inadequate information were excluded. Results: Between January 1995 and December 2004 a total of 440 patients with external abdominal hernias were treated at UMTH. Out of these: 38 (11.6%) were Incisional hernias and form the basis of this study. Their ages ranged between 18 and 80 years, with peak age range of 40-49 years. There were 6 males and 32 females giving a male to female ratio of 1:5.3. The commonest index surgeries were caesarean section in 12 patients (31.6%) and appendicectomy 10 patients ( 26.3%). Of the index surgeries 26 (68.4) and 10 (26.3) were performed in general and private hospitals respectively. Only 2(5.3%) were done at UMTH. Wound sepsis, in 18patients ( 47.4%), postoperative cough, 8 ( 21.1%) and obesity 6 ( 15.8%) were the commonest risk factors. Poor surgical technique was found in 36 patients (94.7%) Most of the patients presented late; 8(21.1%) with recurrence and 6(15.8%) were giant in size. All but one were successfully repaired. Only one (2.3%) had recurrence. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Incisional hernias are not uncommon constituting 11.6% of all adult external abdominal wall hernias repaired at UMTH. Most of the causes are preventable with 94.7% of the index surgery done at peripheral hospitals where poor surgical technique was common to all. There is urgent need to re-train our general duty doctors on proper surgical techniques of abdominal wound closure. Keywords: Pattern and problems, Management, Incisional hernia, Experiences, UMTHNigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 10 (3) 2007 pp. 184-18

Primary Cutaneous Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

We present a 32-year-old woman with primary cutaneous aspergillosis and an apparently normal immune status. She is a dietitian who carried out research on Aspergillus contamination of palm oil over a six-month period, during which she apparently shaved her axillae and perineum using a safety razor blade. She presented with nodular lesions, which became extensive ulcers after an attempt at incision and drainage. Diagnosis was based on culture and histology. The patient was treated with itraconazole 200 mg twice a day, with surgical excision and a rhomboid flap cover of the axillae. She has remained disease-free five years after discharge. This highlights the likely benefits of a combination of surgical excision and drug therapy, in achieving a cure in this patient

Fistula-in-Ano complicated by Fournier′s gangrene our experience in North-Eastern region of Nigeria

Background: Fistula-in-ano when complicated by Fournier′s gangrene is an unusual finding and always carries high morbidity. This study details our experience in managing 10 cases. Methods of Study: Case files of all patients managed in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Center of Yola and Gombe from January, 2007 to December, 2011 were retrieved from Medical Record Departments and other Hospital Records. These were analyzed for demographic, clinical and pathological variables, the type of treatment and follow-up. Results: A total of 10 men with a mean age of 50.5 years (35-60) were managed in the period of study. Nearly, 50% of the patients were farmers, 30% businessmen and 20% were civil servant. 7 (70%) of these patients presented with Fournier′s gangrene within 4 weeks of development of fistula-in-ano and the rest within 8 weeks. 4 (40%) of these patients had inadequate drainage of their perianal abscess and 2 (20%) had incision and drainage. Another 4 (40%) had spontaneously rupture of the perianal abscess. 6 (60%) of the fistula-in-ano was submuscular, 30% subcutaneous and 10% were complex or recurrent. Nearly, 20% of patients had fistulotomy and seton application for adequate drainage. Mucosal advancement flap was performed in 5 (50%) and fistulotomy in 3 (30%) patients. Another 30% had fistulotomy and continuing sitz bath. Conclusion: Cryptoglandular infection is an important cause of perianal abscesses and fistula-in-ano and if poorly managed results in Fournier′s gangrene. Early broad spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy and primary surgical treatment can prevent Fournier′s gangrene

Improved open-sun drying method for local swamp rice in Uganda

“Kaiso” and “Supa” are the main local swamp-rice (Oryza Sativa) varieties currently grown in Uganda mainly by smallholder farmers on small gardens (0.5 – 2ha). Due to lack of mechanized drying equipment and owing to the low volumes of their harvests, these farmers use open-sun drying methods, where the paddy is spread on tarpaulins, cemented floors or bare ground. In most cases the paddy is badly dried and is highly fissured. Such paddy on milling contributes to low levels of mill recovery and head rice count of the milled rice. Compared to other varieties and countries, the mill recovery and head rice levels are ostensibly low. The study aimed to improve the above method under the Ugandan weather conditions with a view to increase the mill recovery and head rice levels. Paddy of the predominant “Kaiso” variety was dried in sun on cemented floor at ten depths: control (farmers’ method), 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 and 110 mm. The results showed that the best paddy drying depth was between 70 and 80 mm. However at these depths, the paddy takes 7 – 8 days to dry. To reduce the drying time, the paddy was first set to dry at 80 mm depth for two days; after which time, it was divided into three different potions that were further dried at different depths of 80, 40 and 30 mm. The results showed that samples whose drying depths were reduced to 40 mm and 30 mm took four days to dry while samples whose depths remained at 80 mm took 7-8 days. There were no significant differences in mill recovery values (p = 0.2968) and head rice levels (p = 0.5890). Improvement index in mill recovery was 1.14 and that of head rice was 1.24. Average aflatoxin level in the samples whose depth was reduced to 40mm was 4.8ppb and that reduced to 30 mm was 2.3ppb. From these results, it was recommended that “Kaiso” variety should be dried at 80 mm depth for two days and drying depth should be reduced between 30 and 40 mm for subsequent drying. It was further recommended that the method be tested with other swamp varieties before general conclusion is drawn that it can work for all swamp varieties.Keywords: Head rice, mill recover