Lassa Fever: Patients Profile and Treatment Outcomes at Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever found mostly in West Africa where it is endemic but generates periodic outbreaks in the dry seasons. The virus is spread by the rat species named mastomys natalensis. While the illness is minor in most cases, the mortality is significant in hospitalized patients. Few completely equipped treatment centers existed in Nigeria previous to current increase in frequency requiring demand for new treatment centers without the full complement of essential capabilities. Aim: To analyze the profile and treatment outcome in patients hospitalized in one of such new resource-constrained centers at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive hospital-based research encompassing January 2020 to March 2023. Medical records of those admitted to the isolation center were reviewed. The relevant data was coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: One hundred and ten (110) individuals were hospitalized for probable or suspected Lassa fever throughout the research period. A total of 35 confirmed patients satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included as the study subjects. There were 23 (65.7%) men and 12 (34.3%) females. Their mean age was 35.36 ± 12.21 years (range 15-61 years). The treatment outcome showed that 24 (75%) survived and were discharged, 5 (15.6%) were referred out of the facility for dialysis and 3 died, providing a mortality of 8.6%. The causes of mortality in study patients were acute kidney injury and encephalopathy. Conclusion: Lassa fever is endemic in Benue state with all types of individuals afflicted. The outcome of treatment was good despite resource difficulties. Lassa fever can be successfully managed even in resource-challenged situations typically encountered in developing countries.

Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from naturally infected children in north-central Nigeria using the merozoite surface protein-2 as molecular marker

Objective: To characterize the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum ( P. falciparum ) field isolates in children from Lafia, North-central Nigeria, using the highly polymorphic P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) gene as molecular marker. Methods: Three hundred and twenty children were enrolled into the study between 2005 and 2006. These included 140 children who presented with uncomplicated malaria at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia and another 180 children from the study area with asymptomatic infection. DNA was extracted from blood spot on filter paper and MSP-2 genes were genotyped using allele-specific nested PCR in order to analyze the genetic diversity of parasite isolates. Results: A total of 31 and 34 distinct MSP-2 alleles were identified in the asymptomatic and uncomplicated malaria groups respectively. No difference was found between the multiplicity of infection in the asymptomatic group and that of the uncomplicated malaria group ( P >0.05). However, isolates of the FC27 allele type were dominant in the asymptomatic group whereas isolates of the 3D7 allele type were dominant in the uncomplicated malaria group. Conclusions: This study showed a high genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates in North-central Nigeria and is comparable to reports from similar areas with high malaria transmission intensity.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physicians in the Treatment of Hypertension in North-Central Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is a global health hazard and most cases are first attended to by the physicians. Achieving a control will depend on the knowledge, attitude and practice of the physicians. We therefore determined the knowledge, attitude and practices of physicians on the detection and treatment of arterial hypertension in north-central Nigeria. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 of the 250 physicians attending a continuing medical education lecture series in Bida was conducted using a pre-validated self administered questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the physicians was 41.05 ± 8.71 years and 59 (73.8%) were males. Forty-one (51.2%) of them have practiced for more than 10 years. Arterial hypertension was considered an important health problem by 93.8% of the physicians, 30% of them believed that it should not be referred to a specialist. Majority of the physicians request for urinalysis (96.2%), electrocardiogram (95.0%), fasting blood glucose (88.8%), blood urea nitrogen (98.8%) and fasting lipid profile (97.5%) to either assess target organ damage or associated co-morbid conditions. Fifty-seven (71.2%) of the physicians prescribe diuretics as the initial drug. However, the knowledge of the other drugs on initiation of therapy of mild uncomplicated hypertension was poor. The sources of information on arterial hypertension by physicians were scientific programs (73.8%), drug companies (38.8%) and journals in 11.3%. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians in the detection and management of hypertension were modest. Educative programs like continuing medical education, seminars, and conferences on cardiovascular disorders are advised to be organized regularly to strengthen these and update the physicians.

Spatial Analysis and Modelling of Wind Farm Site Suitability in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria

There has been an increasing global and local interest in developing renewable, clean, and cheap energy towards achieving Goal number 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, decisions involving suitable and sustainable locations for renewable energy projects remain an important task. This study employed Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to spatially analyze and model wind farm site suitability in Nasarawa State. The aim is to integrate the environmental, social, and economic aspects of decision-making for identifying sustainable wind farm sites. The study distinguished between two sets of decision criteria: decision constraints and decision factors. The former defined the exclusion zones while the latter were standardized based on fuzzy logic to depict varying degrees of suitability across the State. The MCDA applied the weighted linear combination method, with relative weights generated through pairwise comparisons of the analytic hierarchy process to analyze three policy scenarios: equal weights, environmental/social priority, and economic priority scenario. A combination of resulting composite maps from the constraints and the factors gave the final suitability maps. The resulting suitability index (SI) for the respective policy scenario describes the degrees of suitability: Ideal locations were denoted by one (1) and the not suitable locations by zero (0), with values in-between depicting varying degrees of wind farm site suitability. Based on the SI, priority locations indicating areas with good prospects, in addition to the most suitable parcels of land, were identified and delineated. The composite decision constraint revealed that wind farm projects would not be viable in more than half (57.58%) of the State. Wind speed was the major constraint and accounted for the exclusion of 46.25%, with a mean fuzzy membership value of 0.2008 indicating low suitability across the State. Also, the average acceptable wind farm location for the three-policy scenario was 33.33% of the entire study area. Lafia, Obi, Keana, Awe, Nasarawa-Eggon, Wamba and Kokona LGAs were the identified priority Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, only Lafia, Obi, and Nasarawa-Eggon were consistent with changes in the policy objectives. All the priority LGAs have one or more of the most suitable parcels within their administrative boundaries except for Wamba. Despite the severe limitations of wind speed, substantial parts of Nasarawa State still provide great development potentials for wind energy. The “most suitable” locations in Lafia, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Obi LGAs should have first consideration for the development of wind energy in the State.

Quantitative relationship between surface sedimentary diatoms and water depth in North-Central Bohai Bay,China

To study the quantitative relationship between surface sedimentary diatoms and water depth,67 surface samples were collected for diatom analysis on eight profiles with water depth variation from the muddy intertidal zone to the shallow sea area in North-Central Bohai Bay,China.The results showed that the distribution of diatoms changed significantly in response to the change in water depth.Furthermore,the quantitative relationship between the distribution of dominant diatom species,their assemblages,and the water depth was established.The water depth optima for seven dominant species such as Cyclotella striata/stylorum,Paralia sulcata,and Coscinodiscus perforatus and the water depth indication range of seven diatom assemblages were obtained in the study area above the water depth(elevation)of-10 m.The quantitative relationship between surface sedimentary diatoms and water depth provides a proxy index for diatom-paleo-water depth reconstruction in the strata in Bohai Bay,China.

Geospatial Technology Potentials in Reawakening the Consciousness of Soil Distribution in Nigeria’s North-Central Region and Mediating the Herdsmen-Farmers Conflicts

The pervasive herdsmen-farmers conflicts in the north-central region of Nigeria have changed the narrative of Nigeria’s enduring ethnic crises to ideologies, which are in-controvertibly sinister. The consequences of this tension, which has defied possible military responses, political, religious and cultural strategies are potentially devastating, not just for Nigeria, but the whole of West African region. Since the particular nature of these conflicts increasingly highlights the significance and inevitability of land resources for crops farming and cattle rearing, it is imperative to create awareness of the elemental nature of soils, especially their diversities in these conflict-prone areas. This study’s objective was to produce a Geographic Information System (GIS) based digital soil map (DSM) of the north-central region of Nigeria, and to delineate soil distribution and unique properties. Based on this study, the DSM offers a quick access to quantitative soil data covering the study area. It indicates that soil mapping units 15d, 18d and 24b are dominant, and constitute about 40% of the local arable lands. The broad pattern of distribution of these soils reflects both the climatic conditions and the geological structure of the region. The soils are highly weathered with limited capacities to supply essential nutrients needed by crop plants. These issues raise a number of questions, most of which focuses on the best possible way to maximize these soils to accommodate both crop farming and cattle rearing. It is our hope that taking the advantage of GIS to stimulate the knowledge and consciousness of soil distribution in the region will place the weight where it is appropriate in terms of food security through crops production and cattle rearing, and hence forge a more realistic pathway to reconciliation and conflict resolution.

Prevalence, Awareness and Risk Factors for Hypertension in Adults Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria

Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is considered a major public health challenge because of its widespread prevalence globally coupled with its huge morbidity and mortality burden, which is largely preventable if early detection and prompt initiation of management are done. Hypertension prevalence is increasing especially in the developing world, despite this, its awareness among the general population is low. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of hypertension among adult attendees of the General Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, with an assessment of the proportion of hypertensives who were aware of their hypertensive status, and identifying risk factors of hypertension in the study participants. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between October and November 2022 at the General Outpatient Clinic of the FUTH, Owerri. A total of 257 consenting and eligible adult patients made up of 135 males and 122 females, aged 18 years and above, were selected by systematic random sampling method. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.6%. The prevalence was higher in females than in males (37.7% vs 31.9%, P = 0.325). Among the hypertensive subjects 56.2% had awareness of their hypertensive status. Following a multiple regression analysis, hypertension was independently associated with age, family history of hypertension, occupation (retirees, traders, farmers and the unemployed), and marital status (being widowed). Hypertension is prevalent in our environment;the prevalence rate from this study is higher than in most studies in our environment, suggesting possibly, a rising burden. The results from the study underscore the need for increased and sustained advocacy for implementation of policies and programs directed at increased detection and management of hypertension in the different population groups such as annual wellness check for employees in the formal sector, largescale dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and know your numbers (an approach to population driven blood pressure check for all adults). Also, health workers should use any opportunity of contact with a patient to screen for hypertension.

Pattern of Referral of Obstetric Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Health challenges that are difficult to manage at primary health centres should be referred to secondary health facilities, and if untreated, to the tertiary hospitals. A good referral should include the patient’s biography, such as age, gender, tribe, religion, occupation, medical history, the reason for the referral, treatments received, and clinical diagnosis. Objectives: To evaluate the referral patterns, indications for referrals, and feto-maternal outcomes for obstetric patients who were referred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of patients admitted to the Obstetric unit from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Data was collected from patients while on admission or clinic visits and recorded in an excel spread sheet. Data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: Of the 3469 patients were admitted to the obstetric unit, 1476 and 1993 were admitted in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Most (70.35%) of the patients were in the 20-34 years age group, parity 1-4 was the most frequent (66.49%), while 85.39% of patients were booked. 10.46% of the booked patients were referred from other facilities, whereas 89.54% of patients were booked at our facility from the onset. Most common indications of referrals were previous caesarean section (CS) at term (40.09%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (17.59%). The outcome for 2021 indicated 17 maternal deaths, 132 fetal deaths and 1010 live births, giving maternal mortality ratio (MMR) as 1810.44 per 100,000 live births and perinatal mortality ratio (PMR) of 130.7 per 1000 births respectively. In 2022, there were 17 maternal deaths, 130 fetal deaths and 1297 deliveries, giving a MMR of 1399 per 100,000 live births and a PMR of 100.2 per 1000 births. Conclusion: The pattern of referral among obstetric patients in this study shows that a lot of the patients do not get adequate care at the lower cadre of the referral system, hence adequate facilities should be made available in primary and secondary health centres to tackle obstetric emergencies.

Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery

Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staff management and patient care processes, validating the positive influence of quality improvement projects. Financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge, aligning with existing literature emphasizing the pragmatic difficulties faced by private healthcare providers. Conclusions: This study illuminates the complex landscape of private healthcare provision in Lagos State, emphasizing the positive impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects. The findings provide nuanced insights, guiding policymakers, healthcare managers, and practitioners toward collaborative, sustainable improvements. As Nigeria progresses, these lessons will be crucial in shaping healthcare policies prioritizing population well-being.

Feasibility Study of Assist-Linked Brief Intervention for Substance Use Disorders in a Rural Community of Plateau State, Nigeria

Objective: We studied the feasibility of using Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) linked with Brief Intervention (ALBI) in treating Substance Use Disorder in Nigeria. There is a clear gap in meeting the needs for treatment and care for people with drug use disorders in Nigeria with many users reporting a self-perceived need for treatment and about 40% of them wanting to receive drug treatment but were unable to access such services. Methods: ASSIST questionnaire was used to gather baseline data, and ALBI along with Motivational Interviewing (MI) was used to intervene for 6 weeks following which ASSIST score was repeated and compared with baseline. Results: Majority of the participants were aged 21 - 30 years, mostly males with (61.3%) lacking steady jobs. Lifetime prevalence of any drug use was (88.2%). Three months prevalence was nicotine (72.0%), alcohol (66.7%), cannabis (47.3%), opioids (11.8%) among others. The ASSIST scores were mostly on the severe ranges. ASSIST result after six weeks showed marked reduction. The Mean Difference (MD) in the ASSIST scores after intervention was significant for tobacco, opioids, alcohol, and cannabis. The Cohen’s D effect size was large for tobacco (1.08), alcohol (0.92) and cannabis (0.73) but low for other substances. Conclusion: ALBI along with MI was helpful in combating the menace of substance use.

Evaluation of Ear and Facial Indices of Ibibio and Efik Female Children of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria

Background: The ear and face are indispensable and distinctive features for hearing and identification. Objectives: This study was designed to generate anthropometric data of the ear and facial indices of females of Efik and Ibibio children in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, show morphological and aesthetic differences and ethnicity. Methods: A total of 600 female children (300 Efiks and 300 Ibibios) aged 2 to 10 years that met the inclusion criteria were chosen from selected primary schools in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South of Cross River State and from Uyo, Itu of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Standardized measurements of face length, face width, ear length, and ear width were taken with a spreading caliper;the facial (proscopic) and ear (auricular) indices were determined. Results: Efik subjects presented a mean face length of 8.36 ± 0.06 cm, face width of 11.04 ± 0.04 cm, ear length of 4.92 ± 0.02 cm, and ear width of 3.06 ± 0.01 cm. Ibibio subjects had mean values for face length, face width, ear length, and ear width as 8.17 ± 0.05 cm, 10.75 ± 0.05 cm, 4.77 ± 0.03 cm, and 2.94 ± 0.02 cm respectively. The mean facial index and ear index for Efik subjects were 75.68 ± 0.31 and 62.16 ± 0.27 respectively;while the mean facial and ear indices for Ibibio subjects were 74.79 ± 0.36 and 61.80 ± 0.34 respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in face length, ear length, ear width and facial index, with the Efik subjects having higher values than Ibibio subjects (p Conclusion: The results showed hypereuryproscopic face as the prevalent face type among females of both ethnic groups, therefore can be of importance in sex, ethnic, and racial differentiation, and in clinical practice, aesthetics and forensic medicine.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hypertension among People Living with HIV Receiving Care in Three Large HIV Clinics in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

In the last decade, the long-term survival among people living with HIV (PLHIV) has significantly improved. This is accompanied by an increased burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension due to the combined effect of the aging population and the metabolic effect of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) virion and antiretroviral therapy. This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among people living with HIV in three large health facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study employed a multistage sampling technique to select 309 adults with HIV, 18 years and above, receiving HIV care in three large health facilities in Nasarawa State. The outcome variable was the participants’ self-reported history of hypertension, confirmed through a positive history of hypertension treatment. Exposure variables included the participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and HIV care and treatment history. Data were presented using frequency tables. Factors associated with hypertension were assessed using binary logistic regression at a 0.05 level of statistical significance. A total of 309 adults living with HIV were sampled. A larger percentage of the participants were married 228 (73.8%), female, 191 (61.8%), within the age group 41 - 50 years, 141 (45.6%). Most of the participants had no family history of hypertension, 188 (60.8%). The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 11.0% (34/309). Factors associated with hypertension at the bivariate level were age group 21 - 30 years, 41 - 50 years, being widow/widower, divorced, retired from employment or with family history of hypertension. Only participants age group 31 - 40 years [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.91, p = 0.04] and family history of hypertension [(AOR): 83.44, 95%CI: 15.75 - 442.11, p < 0.01] were found to predict hypertension among the study participants after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, Hypertension remains a public health issue among PLHIV. Factors associated with hypertension among PLHIV include age and family history of hypertension. Regular screening for hypertension, its appropriate treatment and optimal control are essential in PLHIV.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impact of Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) Program on Viral Load Suppression amongst Members of the Adolescent Club in 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba Lagos, Nigeria

Background: In Nigeria, adolescents and young people (AYP) aged 10 - 24, comprise 22.3% of the population and with HIV prevalence of 3.5%. The AYP living with HIV enrolled at the 68 NARHY, Lagos reflects the national challenges with poor viral suppression. The OTZ program aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. It seeks to empower AYPLHIV to be in charge of their treatment and commit to triple zero outcomeszero missed appointments, zero missed drugs, and zero viral loads. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of the OTZ program on viral load suppression among members of the adolescent club in 68 NARHY, Lagos. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective study to evaluate the impact of the OTZ program on the viral load of 53 AYP enrolled in the OTZ program between March 2019 to December 2019 was analyzed. The Percentage of viral load suppression before enrollment compared with 6 and 12 months after enrollment into the OTZ program. The AYP is grouped into 10 - 14, 15 - 19, and 20 - 24 years. Activities conducted were peer driven monthly meetings with the AYP during which the adolescents interacted on issues relating to improving their treatment outcomes, healthcare workers reviewed their clinical status, viral load result, provider peer counseling, and caregivers engagement to support adherence to medication and ARV refills. Results: Before OTZ, 81% aged 10 - 14 years, 75% aged 15 - 19 years, and 25% aged 20 - 24 years were virally suppressed (VL less than 1000 copies/ml). Six months after enrollment, 94% were virally suppressed95% aged 10 - 14 years, 96% aged 15 - 19 years, and 66% aged 20-24 years. Twelve months after enrollment, 96% of AYP were virally suppressed100% aged 10-14 years, 93% aged 15 - 19 years, and 100% aged 20 - 24 years. Males viral load (VL) suppression improved from 79% to 96% and 92%, while females VL suppression improved from 69% to 93% and 100% at 6 and 12 months respectively. Conclusion: The OTZ activities contributed to improved viral load suppression in the AYP of the facility.

The Effect of Uterine Artery Occlusion with Tourniquet on Ovarian Reserve during Open Myomectomy at a University Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: The most common surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, particularly in women with fertility concerns, is open myomectomy. Given the high vascularity of the uterus, haemorrhage during the procedure is a serious risk that is often mitigated with a uterine tourniquet. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the effect of uterine artery occlusion with a tourniquet during open myomectomy on ovarian reserve using serial anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) measurements. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study with a quasi-experimental design and a convenient sampling technique. The study enrolled 47 women who had abdominal myomectomy between September 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia was administered in theatre, on day two, and three months after open abdominal myomectomy for anti-Mullerian hormone assay. The data was collected using a semi-structured proforma, entered into an Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The pre-surgery AMH mean value was 1.67 ± 1.44 ng/ml, while the values after using a uterine tourniquet at myomectomy on the second day and three months later were 1.22 ± 1.24 ng/ml and 1.59 ± 1.43 ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in AMH levels, and there was no statistically significant relationship between blood loss and tourniquet time and AMH after open abdominal myomectomy. Conclusion: The use of a uterine tourniquet and blood loss during open myomectomy has no effect on ovarian reserve.

Application of Machine Learning for Flood Prediction and Evaluation in Southern Nigeria

This study explored the application of machine learning techniques for flood prediction and analysis in southern Nigeria. Machine learning is an artificial intelligence technique that uses computer-based instructions to analyze and transform data into useful information to enable systems to make predictions. Traditional methods of flood prediction and analysis often fall short of providing accurate and timely information for effective disaster management. More so, numerical forecasting of flood disasters in the 19th century is not very accurate due to its inability to simplify complex atmospheric dynamics into simple equations. Here, we used Machine learning (ML) techniques including Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Neural Networks (NN) to model the complex physical processes that cause floods. The dataset contains 59 cases with the goal feature “Event-Type”, including 39 cases of floods and 20 cases of flood/rainstorms. Based on comparison of assessment metrics from models created using historical records, the result shows that NB performed better than all other techniques, followed by RF. The developed model can be used to predict the frequency of flood incidents. The majority of flood scenarios demonstrate that the event poses a significant risk to people’s lives. Therefore, each of the emergency response elements requires adequate knowledge of the flood incidences, continuous early warning service and accurate prediction model. This study can expand knowledge and research on flood predictive modeling in vulnerable areas to inform effective and sustainable contingency planning, policy, and management actions on flood disaster incidents, especially in other technologically underdeveloped settings.

Diagnostic Analysis on a Regional Rainstorm Weather in North-central Henan Province

[Objective] The research aimed to analyze a regional rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province. [Method] Based on the conventional meteorological observation data and the rainfall data of Henan Meteorological Station, the diagnostic analysis of atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics on a rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province on July 19, 2010 was carried out. The characteristics of physical quantity field and the evolution of weather situation in north-central Henan Province when the rainstorm happened were studied. [Result] Western Pacific subtropical high strengthened to extend westward. The dynamic uplifting of low vortex at the middle and low layers, the strong water vapor transportation of southwest low-level jet caused the regional rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province. The diagnostic results of physical quantity showed that the deep, thick wet layer and the sustained water vapor convergence provided the abundant water vapor for rainstorm generation. The positive vorticity advection center developed and spread from northwest to southeast, which was favorable for the development of vertical movement. The structure maintenance of positive vorticity at the middle and low layers, negative vorticity at the middle and high levels provided the power condition for the regional rainstorm generation. The pumping effect of convergence at the middle and low layers, divergence at the high layer was favorable for the strengthening of vertical ascending motion at the low layer. The uplifting effect of dew point front at the middle and low layers triggered the release of unstable energy. The confrontation of warm and cold air was one of the important reasons for the regional rainstorm. TBB characteristic analysis showed that TBB was from -60 to -50 ℃ in north-central Henan Province in the whole strong precipitation time, and the moving speed was equivalent to that of southwest vortex. The low-value belt of TBB corresponded with the rainstorm occurrence zone in Henan, and the minimum-value center of TBB was basically consistent with the strongest center of precipitation. [Conclusion] The research provided the scientific basis for the short-term forecast of rainstorm.

Latest Zircon U-Pb Age of the Baiyingaolao Formation Volcanic Rocks in the Keyihe Area of North-Central Da Hinggan Mountains

Objective Mesozoic volcanic rocks are mainly distributed in the Da Hinggan Mountains.The Baiyingaolao Formation is the main stratum in this area and has been considered to be formed in the Late Jurassic.Many scholars have researched these Mesozoic volcanic rocks in this area,which have been much debatable（Zhang Xiangxin et al.,2017）.A series of studies focusing on the Baiyingaolao Formation volcanic rocks in the middle-south section of

Spatial Disparity in Availability of Tuberculosis Diagnostic Services Based on Sector and Level of Care in Nigeria

Background: Delay in Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis can contribute to late presentation, severe disease, and continued transmission. KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded the TB Local Organization Network (LON) 1 and 2 projects that explored the availability of Tuberculosis services based on sector and levels of care. Methods: TB Patient Pathway Analysis was carried out in 14 states comprising 92 facilities. It involved primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of health care in both the public and private sectors. This was a cross-sectional study under program implementation. Proforma was used to collect data on the available TB diagnostic services. Results: In public health facilities, GeneXpert was available at 100% in tertiary facilities in 8 (57%) states;up to 82% in 4 (33%) states, 50% available at secondary facilities in 2 states, and There is none at the primary facilities. Smear microscopy was available at 100% in tertiary facilities in 9 (64%) states and 3 (25%) states have 50% to 82%;secondary -10 (71%) states have > 70% at facilities;primary 1 (7%) state has it in 61% of facilities. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) in tertiary 2 (17%) states have 20% and 100% respectively;secondary 4 (<30%) states have in 1 or 2 facilities;none for primary facilities. In private health facilities, 79% of states have Smear microscopy at both primary and secondary facilities, and only 2 states (14%) at tertiary facilities. Only 1 (7%) state has GeneXpert in all tertiary facilities, 2 (14%) states have secondary facilities, and 4 states in about 1% of facilities. TB LAMP was not available in any tertiary facility, one (7%) state at secondary with coverage of 1%, and 2 (14%) states at primary both with 4% overall facility coverage. Conclusions: There is an inequitable distribution of TB diagnostic services in both sectors and levels of care in Nigeria. TB care and control will improve with enhanced equitable distribution of TB diagnostic services across the health system.

Knowledge and awareness of human mpox infection among healthcare workers:A cross-sectional study in southwestern Nigeria

Objective:To identify the knowledge and awareness level of human mpox viral infection among healthcare workers in southwestern Nigeria.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ekiti State,southwest Nigeria among 316 healthcare workers that were selected through a systematic random sampling.Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured,self-administered questionnaire.The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to find the association between the independent and dependent variables.The significance level was set at P-value<0.05.Results:Two hundred and twenty-two(70.3%)of the respondents were aged≤40 years,mean age(36±9)years,189(59.8%)were female,306(96.8%)were Christians,and 203(64.2%)were married.Three hundred and fourteen(99.4%)of the respondents were aware of mpox infection.Main sources of information about mpox were medical education(44.0%),radio/television(32.0%)and newspaper(21.0%).However,among those aware of the disease,209(67.0%)demonstrated poor knowledge levels.Longer than 5 years’experience of medical practice was the only significant predictor of higher knowledge level of the disease(OR 1.76,95%CI 1.01-3.06;P=0.046).Conclusions:Despite the high awareness level of mpox infection among healthcare workers,there still exists a huge knowledge gap.It is recommended that targeted intervention could be directed towards continuous medical education and simulation exercises on re-emerging infectious diseases like mpox to improve the knowledge of the healthcare workers.

Drop Factor and Infusion Dose Calculation Discrepancies among Nurses in Southern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nurses must deliver infusions as prescribed since too slow or fast a dose could be deleterious to patients. Nurses experience challenges with infusion dose calculations, making them vulnerable to errors. The research team examined drop factor and infusion dose calculation discrepancies among nurses in southern Nigeria. Five university teaching hospitals were involved in this cross-sectional study conducted in 2019. To establish the drop factor of commonly available macro drip sets, the team randomly sourced 25 macro drip sets from the hospitals’ pharmacies. A sample of 291 nurses was selected using a proportionate random sampling technique. The team collected data using the Adult Infusion Dose Calculation Quiz and analyzed it at a 5% significance level. Twenty (80%) of the sampled macro drip sets displayed a drop factor value of 20 drops per milliliter (gtt/ml) on their packaging. When measured experimentally, 25 (100%) of the macro drip sets delivered exactly 20 gtt/ml. Only 36 (12.4%) respondents calculated macro drip infusion doses using the correct drop factor of 20 gtt/ml. Non-attendance of infusion administration training updates significantly increased the risk of error by 38% (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, the drop factor of macro drip sets used in southern Nigeria is 20 gtt/ml;nurses were prone to infusing patients at a lower dose than prescribed. Special training in infusion therapy might remedy this concern.