Southeastern Part Of Nigeria Research Articles

Relationship Between Lifestyle, Health Factors, and Severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Amongst Men Living in Southeast Nigeria.

Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refer to a group of symptoms related to the storage and voiding of urine that comprises storage, voiding, and post-micturition symptoms affecting the lower urinary tract, and the prevalence in men in our society is on the rise as a result of an increase in the life expectancy. This study investigates the relationship between lifestyle, health factors, and severity of LUTS amongst men living in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Method A cross-sectional study of 389 men aged 42-96 years was conducted. The severity of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Health factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, age, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, body mass index, and others were examined using the chi-square test. Results Out of the 389 participants enrolled in the study, the mean age was 69.21 ± 9.683 years. Nocturiawasthe most reported symptom in 337 participants. Over half of the respondents (212) experienced severe symptoms, while 152 (39.1%) reported moderate issues, and 25 (6.4%) had mild symptoms. Mean values were as follows: prostate volume of 69.62 ± 34.82 g, post-void residual urine of 52.72 ± 14.96 mL, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 23.42 ± 28.78 ng/mL. Using the chi-square test, significant associations were found between LUTS severity and age (x2=37.454; p≤0.001), diet (x2=16.341; p=0.003), BMI (x2=21.152; p=0.002), diabetes mellitus (x2=7.690; p=0.021), prostate volume (x2=22.001; p≤0.001), and post-void residual urine (x2=10.779; p=0.005). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and clinical parameters in predicting LUTS severity. These findings can inform prevention and management strategies for LUTS.

Accelerating Nigeria’s Economy in the 21st Century Through Mechanized Production: A Thematic Approach

Accelerating Nigeria’s economy in the 21st century through mechanized production is the bedrock of this study. Nigeria’s government has recognized that enhancing her economy in the 21st century through mechanized production is a desideratum to attain solid and sustainable economic growth due to the instability and uncertainty in global crude oil prices. This research adopted secondary sources of data collection such as text books, journals, government documents etc and subsequently analyzed the data through the use of descriptive method of analysis also known as content analysis. The paper found out that farming systems currently practised in some parts of Nigeria do not encourage mechanized production. Majority of roads especially in the South Eastern part of Nigeria are not accessible. The paper recommends among others that Nigerian government should give utmost priority to road reconstruction in other to make them accessible to agricultural machines. The study concludes by asserting that if Nigeria fails to enhance her economy through mechanized, perhaps, she is announcing her economic doom.

Mineral and elemental compositions of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments from major rivers in the Southeastern Nigeria

Mineral and elemental compositions of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments from Great Kwa, Calabar, Cross River, Imo, and Qua Iboe Rivers in the Southeastern part of Nigeria were assessed in this study. SPM samples were obtained by the collection of water samples from the studied Rivers, passing the water through dried and weighed Whatman fiberglass filters and the sediments obtained were dried to a constant weight. Bottom sediments were obtained using Van Veen Grab sampler, transported to the laboratory, and air-dried at room temperature for seven days. These samples were subjected to Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD),and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). EDX analysis revealed that, high levels of Si and Al were common for all the studied samples. Silicate mineral was observed in all the sediments. XRD revealed that Quartz, clays, micas, hornblende, potassium-feldspars and mafics were the major minerals in the SPM and sediments. Quartz, gypsum and gibbsite minerals higher during the high than in low tide. Zircon, amphibole, pyroxene, biotite, pyrite, and iron hydroxide were idenfied by SEM in the samples.The mineral and elemental compositions of SPM and sediments from the studied rivers revealed and the pollution status established.

Antioxidant and phytochemical profiling of ethanol leaf extract of Ficus pachyneura and derived fractions

A total of 16, 18-weeks old chickens with mean weight 1.99±0.12 kg (1.85-2.30kg) were used to compare the serum biochemical characteristics of four chicken genotypes (breeds/strains) from south-eastern part of Nigeria. The chickens were grouped based on their genotypes (breeds/strain) in a Completely Randomized Design for the four-week study. The genotypes (breeds) considered were Black Australorp (BA), Isa Brown (IB), Noiler (NOI) and Local chicken (LC) at 4 chickens per genotype. At the end of the experiment, four (4) birds per genotype were drawn and their blood samples analysed for serum biochemical studies. The mean total cholesterol (TC), triaceylglycerol (TAG) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations of local chicken (LC) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the Isa brown (IB) values. Similarly, the mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations of LC was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the Noiler value. The mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of black Australorp (BA) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the value of Noiler but showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference when compared to the values of IB and LC. There were however no significant (p > 0.05) variations in the mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and creatinine concentrations among all the breeds investigated. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study will be helpful in creating a baseline data on biochemical profiles of indigenous and exotic chicken breeds in Nigeria which in turn can be used for assessing the health status of these birds, improving desirable breeds/traits and designing appropriate breeding strategies for indigenous poultry birds in the country.

Evaluation of potentially toxic elements in soils developed on limestone and lead-zinc mine sites in parts of southeastern Nigeria

The present study investigated the distribution of elements and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil profiles in the southeastern region of Nigeria, where unrefined and primitive mining practices are common. Soil samples were collected from mine and non-mine sites in Ameka and Nkalagu and analyzed for total elemental concentration using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). The results showed that the Ameka mine-affected soils were heavily polluted, while the Ameka non-mine-affected soils were moderately polluted. The Nkalagu mine and non-mine-affected soils were also moderately polluted. The potential ecological risk (PER) was high in the Ameka mine-affected site due to elevated As, Cu, and Pb levels, while the Ameka non-mine-affected site had a low PER. The enrichment factor (EF) values indicated more enrichment of PTEs in the mine-affected sites compared to the non-mine-affected sites. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed moderate to extreme contamination in the Ameka mine-affected site with Cu, Zn, As, and Pb. In contrast, the Nkalagu mine-affected site had considerably lower contamination. The regression model showed that site characteristics alone were insufficient to explain elements and PTEs distribution, emphasizing the importance of considering soil properties in understanding their spatial patterns. The study highlights the higher concentrations of As, Cu, and Pb in the mine-affected sites compared to the non-mine areas and recommends remediation strategies for these elements and PTEs, especially in the vicinity of mine sites. Further laboratory analysis is recommended to understand the mobility of PTEs with depth for better remediation approaches.

Age – Grades and Community Development in Southeast Nigeria

This paper examines the involvement and participation of age-grades in community development in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is a known truism that many rural communities in southeast Nigeria just like many other rural in different parts of the country suffer massive underdevelopment as a result of successive governments’ lack of interest in developing the rural areas. Even when they do, it is not usually in consultation with the local people in terms of the kind of projects and infrastructures they need most in their communities. As a result, most times you find development projects that do not have any direct impact on the lives of the people. Different communities therefore resort to self-help in bringing development to their communities and age-grades remain one of the groups that are actively involved in community development in southeast Nigeria. This study focuses on the factors that give impetus to the involvement of age-grades in community development, roles that age-grades play in community development, challenges that age-grades face as a result of their involvement in community development, and measures that can be put in place to ensure continued strong participation of age-grades in community development in southeast Nigeria. The methodology used in this work is essentially descriptive. The theoretical framework for this study is role theory (functionalist approach). The study contends that some of the factors that encourage involvement of age-grades in community development in southeast Nigeria include; sense of identity, recognition and traditional titles, political relevance, lack of development, and replication of what is in place in the cities. Some of the roles that age-grades carry out in community development include, fund raising for development projects, conception, mobilization and implementation of self-help projects, conflict resolution, assisting the less privileged, and encouraging illustrious sons and daughters to bring their investments home. Some of the challenges confronting age-grades include, religious bias, poor funding, abandoned projects, poor leadership, division and lack of unity. Based on these findings, the study recommends amongst others that government should endeavor to partner with age-grades to promote community development. Also, traditional rulers should create awareness on the positive roles of the age-grade in development.

A Socio-Pragmatic Perspective of Some Wealth Names Ascribed to Married Igbo Women in Nigeria

Through a socio-pragmatic perspective, this research examines some wealth names that are ascribed to the married Igbo women in Nigeria. The objectives are to project some aspects of misconception of the status of the married Igbo women and their implications, as well as to advocate for the positive and progressive approaches to the perception of the status of the married Igbo women. Leech’s (1983) Socio-pragmatics provides the theoretical orientation for this research. The data is a set of some wealth names collected, through observation technique, from the ascriptions used to address married women within the Igbo context across the southeastern part of Nigeria. The method of this research is qualitative. The methodological paradigm is interpretive, based on content analysis.

Larvicidal potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts against anopheles’ mosquito

Despite recent improvements in the methods used to eradicate and minimize mosquito populations, they still pose severe threats to human health. This study aimed to investigate the Larvicidal potentials of silver nanoparticles of Ocimum gratissimum on wild Anopheles larvae from Lagos. The plant used in this study was collected from the southeastern part of Nigeria, Ibite-Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Wild Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected from a field at Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria where resistant Anopheline populations have been reported in and around Lagos State were brought to the laboratory and kept under standard insectary conditions (25–29 ℃;78–82% relative humidity). Aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum was made and subsequently into the silver nanoparticles. A bioassay test was performed according to WHO guidelines, with six different concentrations to assess the larvicidal activity and values obtained were subjected to log prohibit regression analysis to obtain LC50 and values with 95% confidence limit. The results of the larvicidal activities of the silver nanoparticles of Ocimum gratissimum showed that the mortality rate was dose-dependent with the percentage mortality increasing at a direct proportional rate as with dose and time of exposure. Ocimum gratissimum gave LC50 at 0.5 ppm and LC95 at 2.5 ppm respectively. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles augmented the larvicidal activity of the silver nanoparticles of Ocimum gratissimum on wild Anopheles larvae from Lagos. Therefore, this study showed that the silver nanoparticles of Ocimum gratissimum have the potency to be used against an insecticide-resistant mosquito vector and are a suitable candidate for the development of novel natural insecticides.

Evaluations of the effect of genetic variations on the serum renal function markers, bilirubin and lipid profile of laying domestic fowls

A total of 16, 18 weeks old chickens with mean weight 1.99±0.12 kg (1.85-2.30kg) were used to compare the serum biochemical characteristics of four chicken genotypes (breeds/strains) from south-eastern part of Nigeria. The chickens were grouped based on their genotypes (breeds/strain) in a Completely Randomized Design for the four-week study. The genotypes (breeds) considered were Black Australorp (BA), Isa Brown (IB), Noiler (NOI) and Local chicken (LC) at 4 chickens per genotype. At the end of the experiment, four (4) birds per genotype were drawn and their blood samples analysed for serum biochemical studies. The mean total cholesterol (TC), triaceylglycerol (TAG) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations of local chicken (LC) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the Isa brown (IB) values. Similarly, the mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations of LC was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the Noiler value. The mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of black Australorp (BA) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the value of Noiler but showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference when compared to the values of IB and LC. There were however no significant (p > 0.05) variations in the mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and creatinine concentrations among all the breeds investigated. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study will be helpful in creating a baseline data on biochemical profiles of indigenous and exotic chicken breeds in Nigeria which in turn can be used for assessing the health status of these birds, improving desirable breeds/traits and designing appropriate breeding strategies for indigenous poultry birds in the country..

Covid-19 and Malaria Co-Infection in Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Seroprevalence Study

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and malaria syndemic poses colossal challenge in prompt diagnosis and effective management of both infections especially in tropical regions. Therefore, this survey was conducted in order to ascertain the seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies and malaria parasite in a Federal University of Technology Owerri, located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria, shortly after the waves of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study was carried out among staff and students in the School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria within the age range of twenty-one (21) and above.
 Method: A total of 600 randomly selected participants (400 students and 200 staff) who had provided informed consent, were randomly selected from the School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri. Questionnaires were administered to collect data on respondents’ demographics and clinical history. Then, blood samples were aseptically collected by needle prick and tested for COVID-19 and malaria using the SARS-COV-2 IgM/IgG antibody test kit and the malaria test kit (Malaria Pf (HRP2) respectively.
 Results: Malaria and COVID-19 co-infection rates observed among the staff and students in this survey were 5% and 1.8% respectively. Out of the 200 staff tested in this study, 45(22.5%) were IgG positive, 0(0%) were positive for IgM while 10(5%) tested positive to malaria parasite. Although, all IgG positives were junior staff. Then, amongst the 400 students tested, 37(9.25%) tested positive for IgG while none (0%) were IgM positive but, 62(15.5%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum infection. The interrelated symptoms of malaria and COVID-19 mostly observed in our respondents were fever, headache and fatigue.
 Conclusion: Results from this study further explained that the level of co-infection prevalence varies directly with the level of malaria prevalence and vice versa.

The relationship between kinaesthesia, motor performance, physical fitness and joint mobility in children living in Nigeria

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the relationship between kinaesthesia, motor performance, fitness, and joint mobility in children.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving children from two primary schools in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. The Beighton criteria were used to measure joint mobility. Motor performance, fitness, and kinaesthesia were measured in all the children. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the outcomes.ResultsA total of 91 children (51.6% girls) participated in the study. The mean age of the children was 8.20 ± 1.98 years. Using a Beighton score of ≥ 6, Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) was identified in a total of 35 (38.46%) children and was more prevalent in females (60.0%). Joint mobility had significant correlations with most fitness and motor performance items, but not kinaesthesia. Agility & power, and motor performance seem to be reduced if mobility is larger. Kinaesthesia was correlated with most fitness and motor performance items, indicating that better fitness and better motor performance cooccur with better kinaesthesia or vice versa.ConclusionJoint mobility may have a significant influence on fitness and motor performance in children. Hence, it may be useful for future studies to investigate how fitness and motor performance modulate the onset and progression of musculoskeletal symptoms in GJH.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF POST-HARVEST LOSSES ALONG THE CASSAVA VALUE CHAIN IN ANAMBRA STATE

Addressing food security challenges is vital to the future of Africans and Nigerians. Despite the economic importance of cassava to the teaming populace in Nigeria, it is not devoid of post-harvest losses. This study explored the extent of post-harvest losses along the cassava value chain in Anambra State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and was conducted in Anambra State in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. The study population comprises all cassava farmers in the state's four Agricultural Zones (AZs): Onitsha, Aguata, Awka, and Anambra. Multistage, purposive, and random sampling techniques will be used to select the respondents for the study. Primary data was used for the study and collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shannon's diversity index, and the Tobit regression model based on the study's objectives. The study revealed that the size of cassava postharvest loss is 266,116 kg. The chain of highest loss is at harvesting, which accounts for about 55 % of the total loss, followed by the loss at processing, 33 %, and then a loss at distribution, 12 %. The Tobit regression result of the factors responsible for cassava post-harvest loss shows that poor processing skills, farmers' well-being, poor planning, and pest and disease attacks are the significant factors determining cassava post-harvest loss in the study area. The study, therefore, recommends that policies be implemented to help the farmers reduce the losses, especially by enforcing adequate training of local farmers in cassava processing.

ERODIBILITY INDICES UNDER DIFFERENT LAND USES IN AWKA, NIGERIA

Erosion problems are on the increase, worldwide, especially in the Southeastern part of Nigeria, where this problem is becoming uncontrollable. In this study, erodibility indices were studied in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria under four land uses (cultivated land, fallow land, bush and bare land). The land uses are located in the Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Farm Workshop, apart from the bush, which is located close to the farm workshop. Soil samples were collected from each of the land uses at 0-25cm depth using soil auger. The soil samples were taken to the laboratory for determination of %silt, %clay, %sand and organic matter content. Soil structure, permeability, clay ratio (CR), modified clay ratio (MCR), critical level of organic matter (CLOM) and erodibility (K) index were also determined. From the result. %sand and % silt had negative correlation with k index, while % clay and organic matter content has positive correlations. The average CR and MCR obtained were 2.303 and 1.98 respectively, while CLOM of soil obtained in all the land uses were less than 5%. The result of the CLOM indicates poor soil structure and high susceptibility of erosion, while conclusion could not be drawn from CR and MCR.

Rainfall variability patterns in Nigeria during the rainy season

To enhance the physical understanding of the circulation patterns associated with rainfall variations in Nigeria, we spatially decomposed rainfall during the rainy season and uncovered the asymmetric atmospheric circulation patterns driving wet and dry regimes in specific parts of Nigeria. Also, we examined linear trends in rainfall and the circulation patterns driving the trends. Our result shows that during the analysis period (1979–2022), northern part of Nigeria has coherent rainfall anomaly that is coupled with rainfall variations over the Sahel (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) is 0.55), and sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTa) in the global oceans (r = left|0.5right|). The negative phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, and the North Pacific Oscillation; and the positive phases of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Pacific warm pool are associated with rainfall increase over the northern part of Nigeria. Owing to the increasing trend in SSTa over the Mediterranean and the adjacent oceans, implying the weakening of dry northerly winds penetrating northern Nigeria, the rainfall trend is significantly positive in the northern part of Nigeria during the rainy season—with an increase of about 2–4 mm/year, especially during August. The circulation patterns associated with rainfall formation at the western and southeastern parts of Nigeria are shown to be associated with SSTa over the tropical Atlantic Ocean, south coast of Nigeria (r = left|0.4right|). Moreover, rainfall shows a negative trend, with a decrease of about 5 mm/year, in the southeastern parts of Nigeria, which can be linked to the warming trend over the Gulf of Guinea.

Hydrocarbon potential evaluation of Middle Benue Basin, East Central Nigeria using high resolution aeromagnetic data

Relatively cheap and non-intrusive magnetic geophysical technique has been employed to reduce the hydrocarbon exploration uncertainty in the Middle Benue Basin which straddles the northeastern and southeastern parts of Nigeria. Various derivatives and magnetic attributes extracted from the filtered, transformed and enhanced aeromagnetic data of the basin highlighted valuable information employed to appraise the hydrocarbon generating and preservation potentials of the basin, thus delineating the prospective regions where further search light of expensive and intrusive geophysical exploration tools could be focused. The trough delineated from the analyzed aeromagnetic data comprised of a massive 350 km NE-SW trending fan shaped sedimentary body bounded to the northwest and southeast by Basement Complex rocks. Active structural framework with dominant NE-SW fault systems which appeared to be the landward extension of the Chain and Charcot offshore fractures characterize the basement rocks that underlay the sediments. Sedimentary thickness of up to 3.68 km in some parts of the basin obtained from depth weighting analyses, indicate the possibility of hydrocarbon generation through the maturation of organic matter from available source rock(s). Analytic signal grids confirmed the occurrence of already documented volcanic intrusions in addition to newly delineated ones. These volcanics which are often renowned for compromising the hydrocarbon potential of a sedimentary basin are widespread in the western and southern parts the basin. Combination of adequately thick sedimentary units which overly structurally active basement rocks in regions of limited (very few/non) occurrence of volcanic intrusions delineate the north central region for further petroleum exploration prospect evaluation.

Examination of The Causes of Realignment of Electricity Wayleaves in South-East Nigeria

The research is a study of causes of realignment of electricity wayleaves in the south eastern part of Nigeria. The aim of the study is to examine the causes of realignment of electricity wayleaves in South-East, Nigeria with a view to enhance revocation and compensation process. The study identifies causes of realignment of electricity wayleaves in the south eastern part of Nigeria. The study covered Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo state. The total population of this study is 4304 comprises of 465 Estate Surveyors and Valuers, 422 Revoking Authority staff comprises of ESV consultants of TCN for the revocation and compensation exercise and ESV employees of TCN, and 3,417 Affected Rights Holders. A sample of 1031 was drawn from the five states and questionnaires were administered for the collection of data. The analytical tools used are tables, frequencies and percentages. The statistical model adopted for the study is the mean ranking, Relative Importance Index, and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. The result of the study showed that engineering factor is the major cause of realignment of power line. It also revealed that Short notice given to ARHs on realignment route, Reason of realignment not explained to ARHs and Delay payment of compensation that ranked first with (RII = 4.63) is the major challenges faced by the ARHs. and the exercise was perceived to cause disunity and disaffection among community. The study revealed also that there is no difference between causes of realignment before and after assessment. The research recommended formation of committee for serious monitoring of the exercise and as such the exercise will foment unity rather than disunity and disaffection among committee.

Determinants and spatial patterns of anaemia and haemoglobin concentration among pregnant women in Nigeria using structured additive regression models

Anaemia which is a condition that describes low haemoglobin (Hb) levels has been recognized as a major public health problem amongst pregnant women in many sub-Saharan African countries including Nigeria. The causes of maternal anaemia which are interconnected and complex vary between countries and can vary within a country. This study aimed to investigate the spatial pattern and identify demographic and socio-economic determinants associated with anaemia amongst Nigerian pregnant women aged 15–49 years using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). This study utilized chi-square tests of independence and semiparametric structured additive models to describe the relationship between the presumed factors and anaemia status or Hb level while also taking spatial effects at state level into account. The Gaussian and Binomial distributions were used for Hb level and anaemia status respectively. The overall observed prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women and average Hb level in Nigeria were 64% and 10.4 (SD = 1.6) g/dL respectively while the prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia were 27.2%, 34.6% and 2.2% respectively. Higher education, older age, and currently breastfeeding were associated with higher Hb level. Low education, being unemployed and recently having a sexually transmitted infection were identified as risk factors for maternal anaemia. Body mass index (BMI) and household size had a nonlinear effect on Hb level while BMI and age were nonlinearly related to odds of anaemia. Bivariate analysis indicated that living in rural area, low wealth class, using unsafe water and non-usage of internet were significantly associated with increased risk of anaemia. Maternal anaemia prevalence was highest in the South Eastern part of Nigeria with Imo state producing the highest prevalence of maternal anaemia while Cross River state yielded the lowest prevalence of maternal anaemia. The spatial effects associated with states were significant but unstructured indicating that states in close proximity do not necessarily share similar spatial effects. Hence, unobserved characteristics shared by states in close proximity do not influence maternal anaemia and Hb level. The findings from this study can undoubtedly help in the planning and designing of anaemia interventions that match local conditions taking into consideration the aetiology of anaemia in Nigeria.

Potentially Harmful Element toxicity in Geophagic clays consumed in parts of southeastern Nigeria

An assessment of geophagic clays consumed by adults and children in Calabar and Okon-Eket areas of southeastern Nigeria was done in order to evaluate possible toxicity of Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs)- Cd, As, Pb, Cu and Zn (CALCZ). Thirteen clay samples obtained from open markets and clay mines were air-dried, pulverized and analysed for their elemental constituents using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Ecological and health risk assessments of the clays were conducted using Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF) and Degree (CDeg), Pollution Index (PI), Ecological Risk Factor (Er) and Index (RI), Hazard Index (HI) and Cancer Risk Index (CRI). The clays had PHE concentrations (ppm) in the order: Zn (13.0–148.0) > Pb (16.7–55.6) > Cu (5.7–23.0) > As (BDL-15.0) > Cd (BDL-0.2). Igeo values for Cd, As, Cu and Zn in the clays were <0, while Pb had a value of (-1) to 1. The clays from Calabar and Okon-Eket had Pb CF values of 1.8 and 1.7, and PI values of 1.4 and 1.3, respectively. Results of Igeo, CF and PI calculations revealed moderate Pb contamination in the clays. Low HQ and HI of the PHEs indicates that they pose no immediate risk of non-carcinogenic nor carcinogenic effects to the geophagic individuals. However, the moderate Pb contamination in the clays is a source of health concern, especially for geophagic children.

Attitude to Autopsy Practice by Doctors in the South Eastern Part of Nigeria

Background: There is a global decline in the autopsy rate despite its contributions to the development of medical practice. Aim: We assessed the utilization of autopsy by medical doctors in a southeastern part of Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among medical doctors practicing in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection, including demography, and information related to knowledge, experience, and attitude of respondents. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Two hundred and forty-one doctors responded, 68.9% of whom were males and 48.1% consultants. More than 80% of the respondents show that autopsy is of great benefit to clinical practice, including but not limited to serving as a tool for clinical research (n = 227), identification of atypical disease presentation (n = 217), and clinical audit (n = 210). Hindrances to autopsy requests include cultural/religious belief, lack of enabling government, and hospital policies on autopsy. There is a significant relationship between undergraduate autopsy exposure and period of graduation (χ2 = 12.451; P = 0.014) and age of respondents (χ2 = 9.860; P = 0.043), but not the status of respondents (χ2 = 6.699; P = 0.350) Conclusion: Autopsy is an indispensable tool in clinical practice notwithstanding the global decline in its rate. A multifaceted collaboration involving pathologists, clinicians, educators, hospital administrators, government, and policy makers is needed to stem the tide.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Parity-Induced Flatus Incontinence: A Case Report

Gas incontinence also known as Flatus incontinence is a common postpartum anal incontinence which impairs social participation and also lacks established protocol of management. Symptom persistency has been reported after perineal muscles repair due to weakness/ loss in function of the pelvic floor muscles. This case report describes about the importance and effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation (PMR) in a 28year old primiparous woman, four months postpartum who presented with parity-induced flatus incontinence aggravated after sexual activities at a the Physiotherapy clinic of a state government owned hospital located in the south eastern part of Nigeria. Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation (PMR) and Stabilization exercises were administered thirty minutes (30mins) to forty-five minutes (45mins) three times (3x), a week (1 week) for four weeks (4weeks). There was a significant reduction in Mark’s (Vaizey) score by more than 2 points at the end of the four weeks of physiotherapy intervention and also patient recorded improvement in all the domains of faecal incontinence quality of life scale, pelvic floor muscle strength (anal squeeze pressure) and pelvic floor muscle function (endurance and coordination).