Work related risk factors for lower back pain among nurses in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria-Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the work-related risk factors for Lower Back Pain (LBP) among nurses in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika - Zaria. The main objective of this Study is to determine the prevalence and duration of LBP as well as to identify the work-related risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) among Nurses in ABUTH. This Study also examines the relationship between Socio-demographic characteristics of Nurses in ABUTH and development of LBP. The descriptive survey design was adopted and data were collected with help of pre-established Questionnaires. Multi-stage sampling method was used among nurses working in various departments/ units of the hospital. The Study sampled 120 Nurses of which 98 fully participated and filled the questionnaires completely. The major findings of this study were as follows: The cumulative point-prevalence of LBP among nurses was 82.7%. The duration of LBP among nurses were noted to be highest among those in pain for within 3 weeks (69.1%), this is followed by those whose pain is more than 12 weeks (12.3%). Risk factors associated with LBP were highest in lifting of patients or objects (90%), standing on duty (88.9%) and moving of heavy objects/equipments (81.5%). Furthermore, there were significant relationship between LBP and gender (X2 =3.77), and then LBP and Nurses’ Ward/Unit of work (X2 = 11.754). Therefore, it is recommended that efforts be made to prevent lower back pain among nurses working in ABUTH by implementing preventive measures using a multi-dimensional approach such as Sensitizing and encouraging nurses about using safe handling techniques while at work through workshops and use of posters, Training and providing manual laborers for transferring and lifting of patients, among others

Ranking method for Z-numbers based on centroid-point

Zadeh introduced the concept of Z-number to provide a basis for computation with numbers that are not completely reliable, and it has the ability to portray fuzziness and reliability of information concurrently. Ranking of Z-numbers is an important aspect, especially in decision making Objective: Ranking method for Z-numbers. Method: By converting Z-number into fuzzy number, and then the centroid-point method and decision rules are used to rank the obtained fuzzy numbers. Results: A ranking method for Z-numbers is proposed, and a numerical example is provided to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. Conclusions: However, converting Z-number into fuzzy number can lead to loss of original Z-information

Dissolution Kinetics of the Hydrometallurgical Extraction of Tin from a Nigerian Cassiterite Ore Obtained From Jibia Local Government Katsina State

Communication in Physical Sciences, 2023, 9(4): 510-520 Kehinde Israel Omoniyi*, Zaharaddeen Nasir Garba, Mustapha Yusuf Hamza, Baba Abdullahi Alafara, Aroh Augustina Oyibo and Owolabi Ayowole Awwal Received: 11 June 2023/Accepted 29 September 2023 The importance of exploiting mineral resources has grown significantly in developing countries, including Nigeria, as a result of excessive reliance on revenue generated from oil and gas exports and insufficient attention given to exploring solid minerals. This study focused on investigating the leaching kinetics of a Nigerian cassiterite ore in hydrochloric acid. The raw ore and leached residue were subjected to EDXRF analysis to determine chemical composition, SEM imaging to assess morphological structure and photomicrograph, and XRD for mineralogical analysis; The effects of hydrochloric acid concentration, agitation speed, temperature and particle size on the dissolution rates of the ore were examined. The findings revealed that agitation speed, temperature and concentration of hydrochloric acid positively influenced the leaching rate of the cassiterite ore. However, the leaching rate decreased with an increase in particle size. Under optimal leaching conditions (HCl 2.0 mol/L, 75°C, 45 µm, 400 rpm, 120 min.), approximately 87% of the ore reacted within 120 minutes. The reaction order was calculated to be 0.58, while the activation energy was evaluated as 23.72 J/mol from the dissolution data. Therefore, the findings find relevance in the design of industrial plants for beneficiation of tin ore; towards boosting sustainable and efficient methods for tin recovery from its ore, and boosting Nigeria's foreign reserve

Neonatal Tetanus Immunity in Nigeria: The Effect of HIV Infection on Serum Levels and Transplacental Transfer of Antibodies

Background. Tetanus toxoid immunisation of pregnant mother has remained the most effective strategy in eliminating neonatal tetanus. Impaired production and/or transplacental transfer of antibodies may affect the effectiveness of this strategy. We studied the effect of maternal HIV infection on serum levels and transplacental transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies. Methods. A total of 162 mother-baby paired serum samples were taken and analysed for anti-tetanus antibody levels using ELISA. Maternal HIV status was also determined by double ELISA technique. Maternal TT vaccination status was also documented. Results. Thirty-eight (23.5%) mothers and 41 (25.3%) babies were seronegative, out of whom 8 mothers were HIV positive and 9 babies were HIV exposed. HIV infected mothers and HIV exposed infants were, respectively, 16.27 times (OR = 16.27, 95% CI = 3.28 to 80.61) and 33.75 times (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 4.12 to 276.40) more likely to be seronegative for anti-tetanus antibody. Similarly, HIV positive mother-newborn pairs were 7.46 times more likely to have a poor transplacental transfer of tetanus antibodies (OR = 7.46, 95% CI = 1.96 to 28.41). Conclusions. Maternal HIV infection is associated with impaired maternofoetal transfer of anti-tetanus antibodies and seronegativity among mothers and their newborns. Hence, this may hinder efforts to eliminate neonatal tetanus

High pyrethroid-resistance intensity in Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations from Jigawa, North-West, Nigeria.

This study examined pyrethroid resistance intensity and mechanisms in Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations from Jigawa, North-West Nigeria. Resistance statuses to permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and alphacypermethrin were determined with both WHO and CDC resistance bioassays. Synergist assay was conducted by pre-exposing the populations to Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) using the WHO method. Resistance intensities to 2x, 5x and 10x of diagnostic concentrations were determined with the CDC bottle method. Species analysis and presence of knockdown mutation (Leu-Phe) were done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results showed that Cx. quinquefasciatus was the only Culex spp. present and "Kdr-west" mutation was not detected in all analyzed samples. Using WHO method, Cx. quinquefasciatus resistance to permethrin was detected in Dutse (12.2%) and Kafin-Hausa (77.78%). Lambda-cyhalothrin resistance was recorded only in Kafin-Hausa (83.95%) with resistance suspected in Ringim (90%). Resistance to alphacypermethrin was recorded in all locations. Pre-exposure to PBO led to 100% mortality to alphacypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin in Ringim while mortality to permethrin and alphacypermethrin in Dutse increased from 12.2% to 97.5% and 64.37% to 79.52% respectively. Using CDC bottle bioassay, resistance was also recorded in all populations and the result shows a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.728, p = 0.026) with the result from the WHO bioassay. Results of resistance intensity revealed a very high level of resistance in Kafin-Hausa with susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin and alphacypermethrin not achieved at 10x of diagnostic doses. Resistance intensity was also high in Dutse with susceptibility to all insecticides not achieved at 5x of diagnostic doses. Widespread and high intensity of resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus from North-West Nigeria is a major threat to the control of diseases transmitted by Culex and other mosquito species. It is a challenge that needs to be adequately addressed so as to prevent the failure of pyrethroid-based vector control tools

Median reciprocal antibody titers by IPV status.

<p>Median reciprocal antibody titers by IPV status.</p

Univariate analysis of predictors of seropositivity among subjects 6–9 months by demographic or other attributes, Yobe State, North-Eastern Nigeria, 2016.

<p>SIA = supplementary immunization activity; RI = routine immunization; OPV = oral poliovirus vaccine; n = number of children; N = total number of children.</p

Survey of poliovirus antibodies in Borno and Yobe States, North-Eastern Nigeria

<div><p>Background</p><p>Nigeria remains one of only three polio-endemic countries in the world. In 2016, after an absence of 2 years, wild poliovirus serotype 1 was again detected in North-Eastern Nigeria. To better guide programmatic action, we assessed the immunity status of infants and children in Borno and Yobe states, and evaluated the impact of recently introduced inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) on antibody seroprevalence.</p><p>Methods and findings</p><p>We conducted a facility-based study of seroprevalence to poliovirus serotypes 1, 2 and 3 among health-seeking patients in two sites each of Borno and Yobe States. Enrolment was conducted amongst children 6–9 and 36–47 months of age attending the paediatrics outpatient department of the selected hospitals in the two states between 11 January and 5 February 2016. Detailed demographic and immunization history of the child was taken and an assessment of the child’s health and nutritional state was conducted via physical examination. Blood was collected to test for levels of neutralizing antibody titres against the three poliovirus serotypes. The seroprevalence in the two age groups, potential determinants of seropositivity and the impact of one dose of IPV on humoral immunity were assessed. A total of 583 subjects were enrolled and provided sufficient quantities of serum for testing. Among 6-9-month-old infants, the seroprevalence was 81% (74–87%), 86% (79–91%), and 72% (65–79%) in Borno State, and 75% (67–81%), 74% (66–81%) and 69% (61–76%) in Yobe States, for serotypes-1, 2 and 3, respectively. Among children aged 36–47 months, the seroprevalence was >90% in both states for all three serotypes, with the exception of type 3 seroprevalence in Borno [87% (80–91%)]. Median reciprocal anti-polio neutralizing antibody titers were consistently >900 for serotypes 1 and 2 across age groups and states; with lower estimates for serotype 3, particularly in Borno. IPV received in routine immunization was found to be a significant determinant of seropositivity and anti-polio neutralizing antibodies among 6-9-month-old infants for serotypes 1 and 3, but demonstrated a non-significant positive association for serotype 2. Children receiving IPV through SIAs demonstrated significantly higher anti-polio neutralizing antibodies for serotypes 1 and 3.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The seroprevalence to poliovirus remains suboptimal in both Borno and Yobe States in Nigeria. The low seroprevalence facilitated the continued transmission of both wild serotype 1 and serotype 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus detected in Borno State in 2016. Further efforts are necessary to improve the immunity status of these populations to ensure sufficient population immunity to interrupt transmission.</p></div

Additional impact of IPV on seropositivity in Borno and Yobe States, North-Eastern Nigeria, 2013.

<p>IPV in routine immunisation (RI) in 6–9 month olds and IPV in supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs) in 36–47 month olds. Analysis restricted to children receiving at least 3 OPV doses. SIA = supplementary immunization activity; RI = routine immunization; OPV = oral poliovirus vaccine; IPV = inactivated poliovirus vaccine; n = number of children; N = total number of children.</p

Seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals, by poliovirus serotype and age group, Borno and Yobe States, North-Eastern Nigeria, 2016.

<p>(A) Borno; and (B) Yobe.</p