A Prospective Study on the Incidence and Predictors of Postpartum Depression among Pregnant Women Attending an Antenatal Clinic in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Depressive disorder is a major contributor to years lived with disability (YLD) globally. It is estimated that 13% of all women experience the disorder in the first year postpartum. Postpartum depression (PPD) has significant implications to the physical and mental wellbeing of both the mother and her baby. Only non-depressed pregnant women (score of ≤ 6 on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were recruited into this study. Data collection was done at 2 different stages;at recruitment stage (during the third trimester of pregnancy) and at the follow up stage (4th - 6th week postpartum). During the recruitment stage, intimate partner violence (IPV) and level of social support perception, among the women, were assessed using Hurt Insult Threaten Scream (HITS) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaires respectively. While at the follow up stage, the Obstetric questionnaire and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-7) were used respectively to obtain obstetric-related data and to diagnose for occurrence of depression. The incidence of PPD was found to be 16.34%. Several factors such as level of education, husband’s socioeconomic status, stressful life events, low perception of social support, obstetric instrumentation and not having a baby of preferred gender were significantly associated with PPD. Positive predictors of PPD included not practicing breast feeding (OR = 186.72, 95% CI = 8.32 - 4188.35), family history of mental illness (OR = 4.95, 95% CI = 1.04 - 23.81) and pregnancy lasting beyond 40 weeks (OR = 7.26, 95% CI = 1.51 - 34.88). High incidence of PPD with numerous associated but largely modifiable risk factors call for more proactive measures, such as PPD screening among pregnant women.

Comparison of Allergic Rhinitis and Bronchial Asthma Impacts on Tympanometric Parameters in Children at Kano, Nigeria

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a multifocal IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity reaction that affects sino-nasal mucosa and is characterized by excessive sneezing, watery rhinorrhea, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness and eyes itching. Bronchial asthma (BA) is one of the common childhood diseases that affects the respiratory system characterized by recurrent cough, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty with breathing. The two conditions are different manifestations of allergic disease of the airway;the composition of the inflammatory substrate in the mucosa of allergic patients is similar to the late-phase allergic response seen elsewhere in the respiratory tract, such as in bronchial asthma. Aim: The aim was to compare the impacts of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma on tympanometric parameters in children. Patients & Methods: This is a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study. Two groups of participants aged 4 - 12 years, one group with documented clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and the other group with documented clinical diagnosis of bronchial asthma were consecutively selected from ear, nose and throat (ENT) and pediatrics cardiopulmonary outpatient clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano respectively. Equal number of children aged 4 - 12 years with no history of ENT diseases or bronchial asthma that were selected from elementary schools within the same community served as a control group. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was filled out for all the participants, complete ENT and chest examinations were carried out and subsequently all the selected participants had tympanometry done, findings were recorded and analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants with bronchial asthma was found to be 7.5 ± 2.6 years while participants with allergic rhinitis had the mean age of 6.8 ± 2.1 years. The mean middle ear pressure (MEP) of participants with bronchial asthma was found to be -15.22 dapa and -40.32 dapa in those with allergic rhinitis. Acoustic reflex was found to be absent in 15.4% of the participants with bronchial asthma and 29.6% of allergic rhinitis participants. Type B tympanogram was found in 2.8% of bronchial asthma participants and 7.3% in participants with allergic rhinitis. Type C tympanogram was found in 4.6% of participants with bronchial asthma and 15.5% of participants with allergic rhinitis. Type A tympanogram was found in 90% of participants with bronchial asthma and 75% of participants with allergic rhinitis. The difference between type A, B and C tympanograms of participants with bronchial asthma and those with allergic rhinitis was found to be statistically significant (Type A χ2 = 14.62, df = 4, p value = 0.01, Type B χ2 = 14.06, df = 4, p value = 0.01, Type C χ2 = 17.01, df = 6, p value = 0.01). Conclusion: Participants with allergic rhinitis were found to have more abnormalities of tympanometric parameters compared to participants with bronchial asthma which signifies allergic rhinitis conferred an increased risk of having middle ear diseases and otitis media with effusion compared to bronchial asthma.

CRX-527 as a candidate adjuvant in a recombinant BCG-based malaria vaccine

Objective:To investigate the role of CRX-527,a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist,as the possible adjuvant for recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin expressing merozoite surface protein 1C(BCG-MSP-1C).Methods:The mice were immunized with BCG and BCG-MSP-1C in the presence and absence of CRX-527.The untreated mice(injected with PBS-T80 only)were the negative control.The ability of CRX-527 to enhance IgG and its subclasses,as well as IL-4 and IFN-γproduction in the serum and spleen supernatant was evaluated using ELISA.Results:Mice immunized with BCG-MSP-1C exhibited the highest production of IgGs,IL-4 and IFN-γafter third immunization.In addition,CRX-527 further promoted the production of total IgG and IgG subclasses as well as IFN-γand IL-4 in the serum and splenocytes of immunized mice.Conclusions:CRX-527 has the potential as an adjuvant candidate for the candidate vaccines.Further study is needed to verify appropriate dosage for immunization and its efficacy.

Analysis of CH_(4) and H_(2) Adsorption on Heterogeneous Shale Surfaces Using aMolecular Dynamics Approach

Determining the adsorption of shale gas on complex surfaces remains a challenge in molecular simulation studies.Difficulties essentially stem from the need to create a realistic shale structure model in terms of mineral heterogeneityand multiplicity.Moreover,precise characterization of the competitive adsorption of hydrogen andmethane in shale generally requires the experimental determination of the related adsorptive capacity.In thisstudy,the adsorption of adsorbates,methane(CH_(4)),and hydrogen(H_(2))on heterogeneous shale surface modelsof Kaolinite,Orthoclase,Muscovite,Mica,C_(60),and Butane has been simulated in the frame of a moleculardynamic’s numerical technique.The results show that these behaviors are influenced by pressure and potentialenergy.On increasing the pressure from 500 to 2000 psi,the sorption effect for CH_(4)significantly increasesbut shows a decline at a certain stage(if compared to H_(2)).The research findings also indicate that raw shalehas a higher capacity to adsorb CH_(4)compared to hydrogen.However,in shale,this difference is negligible.

Epidemiology of Mpox Outbreaks and Implications for Surveillance in Imo State, Nigeria

Mpox disease is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days while symptoms and signs may persist for 2 to 5 weeks. Although, the clinical features are usually less severe when compared to the deadly smallpox, the disease can be fatal with case fatality rate between 1% and 10%. In Imo State, Nigeria, there has been a changing epidemiology of the disease in the last 6 years and the frequency and geographic distribution of cases have progressively increased. This study aims to conduct a review of the disease epidemiology between 2017 and 2023 and implications for surveillance in Imo State. Surveillance data from the Surveillance Outbreak Response and Management System (SORMAS) was extracted between January 2017 and December 2023 across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State. A line list of 231 suspected cases was downloaded into an excel template and analyzed using SPSS® version 20 software. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and associations were tested using Fischer’s exact at 0.05 level of significance. Of the 231 suspected cases, 57.1% (132) were males, 42.9% (99) were females and the modal age group was between the ages of 0 - 4 (32.5%). Eight (8) LGAs (districts) accounted for 71% (n = 164) of all the suspected cases. 21.2% (49) were confirmed positive, 27 males (55.1%) and 22 females (44.9%) (p > 0.05). Modal age group was 20 - 24 (22.4%, n = 11), 18% (9) were children under 14 years, p > 0.05. Case fatality rate was 8% (n = 4). There was no significant association between mortality and age group. Five (5) LGAs accounted for about 60% (29) of all confirmed cases. These LGAs contribute only 20% to the total population in the State. Only 5.6% and 4% of suspected and confirmed cases, respectively, had knowledge of contact with an infectious source. The study described the epidemiology of Mpox outbreaks between 2017 and 2023 and the findings have significant implications on detection and outbreak response activities.

Traditional medicine for HIV infected patients in antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary hospital in Kano,Northwest Nigeria

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of use of traditional medicines amongst patients with HIV infection receiving therapies of antiretroviral(ARV) drugs at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital(AKTH),Kano,Northwest Nigeria,and to assess the attitude of these patients to their ARV therapy.Methods:A cross sectional prospective study using pretested structured questionnaires administered on 430 patients with antiretroviral therapy attending the AKTH between April and June 2009.Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics,use of traditional medicine and attitude to antiretroviral therapy.Results:A mean age of(33.6±8.4) years old was found with 67.2%females and 32.8%males.A total of 29%had no formal education while 10.5%had postgraduate education;12%earned above 35 000 naira(230 USD) per month;63.8%were married;39.8%had at least 2 sexual partners;27.5%used traditional medicine before commencement of antiretroviral therapy(ART),but only 4.25%of patients used ARV and traditional medicine concurrently.There was no significant difference in most of the socio-demographic indices between the concurrent users and other patients(P】0.05).A total of 28.8%HIV patients,14.6%patients used traditional medicine before ART and 29.4%concurrent users had missed at least a dose of their ARVs since commencement of therapy.148(37%) of the patients had their drug regimen changed at least once while 23(20.90%) patients receiving traditional medicine before ART and 5(29.41%) patients having two treatments had their drug regimen changed.Conclusions:A total of 4.25%patients used ARV and traditional medicine concurrently.In conclusion,the widespread use of traditional medicine by patients living with HIV/AIDS should be of concern to clinicians and policy makers.

Indications and Outcome of Gynaecological Hysterectomy at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano: A 5-Year Review

Background: Hysterectomy, is a common operation worldwide. It is a major surgery, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality, hence, there must be a justifiable indication before the procedure is undertaken. Symptomatic uterine fibroid and utero-vaginal prolapse are common indications in this environment. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, indications and outcome of hysterectomy at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Study Design: A retrospective study of all the hysterectomies that were done in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between 1st of Jan 2009 and 31st of Dec 2013. Result: During the period of study, there were 3843 major gynaecological operations. Out of which hysterectomy was 196, giving hysterectomy rate of 5.1% of all major gynaecological operations. Hysterectomy was highest among patient aged 40 - 49 years accounting for 54.6% of cases and the commonest indication was uterine fibroid, constituting 66.4% of all hysterectomies. Total abdominal hysterectomy was the most frequently preformed, accounting for 78.1% while, vaginal hysterectomy accounts for 20.9% of cases and subtotal hysterectomy was 1%. Hysterectomy was mostly complicated with post-operative pyrexia constituting 24% of all the complications while ureteric injury was the least, constituting 1%. There was no mortality recorded. Most of the patients who had hysterectomy were discharge in less than 10th post-operative day accounting for 91.3% of cases. However, 80.5% of patients who had vagina hysterectomy were discharge in less than 5th post-operative day. Conclusion: The prevalence of hysterectomy was 5.1%. Uterine fibroid was the commonest indication while post-operative pyrexia was the commonest complication found.

Post-intervention assessment of long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) distributed in the Kano metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

Kano state has distributed about 4,137,464 Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) in 2009 being one of the main malariavector control strategy developed by the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health(FMOH) in line with Roll Back Malaria. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLINs in use, the knowledge, attitude and practicesof some net users inthe Kano metropolis. A Cone bioassay with laboratory reared Anopheles was performed. Knock down after 60 minutes and mortality after 24 hours followed with a 3 minutes exposure were evaluated. A total of 210 households were administered with a structured questionnaire on two hundred and five (205) respondents (97.6%) indicated knowledge about LLINs while five (5) respondents (2.4%) were not aware. Very high and consistent knockdown and mortality in all 5 replicates were found. Respondent still holds some reservation on the use of LLINs, and one hundred and five respondents (54.8%) believed it causes heat. The respondents replied that they did not rely mostly on LLINs, despite their beliefs in the efficacy of it rather. 41.4% of the people that participated in the research still resorted to use of aerosols and 26.2% use smoke screens to prevent mosquito bites. It can be concluded from the findings that respondents were aware of long lasting insecticide net and agreed on its effectiveness against the vector of malaria parasite and other insects, with some having reservations on the use of smoke screens and indoor residual insecticide sprays to prevent mosquitobites. Considering that the nets are expected tobe effective for three years or more years, it is reasonable to conclude that the nets were effective in preventing mosquito bites based on the knock-down and exposure mortality results obtained during this study.

The Effect of the Challawa Industrial Estate on the Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Levels of Portable Water Supply in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

It has been observed that the portable water quality obtained from various locations in Kano Metropolis has shown greater variations in the recent past. Attempts have been made to ascertain the reasons for the variations even though the supplies were from only two treatments plants that obtain their raw water from the same source. A total of 92 water samples comprising of raw (from plants) and treated (from the plants and taps) were collected during rainy and dry seasons between April 2010 and May, 2012 and analyzed using standard analytical techniques. The results of analysis gave the physiochemical properties with range as follows: pH (0.06 ± 6.7 - 6.04 ± 0.02) conductivity (7.23 ±0.04 - 13.33 ± 0.22 S/Cm), turbidity (5.00 ± 0.01 - 449.22 ±1.32 NTU), suspended solids (107.33±3.45 - 712.11 ±5.33 mg/dm3), total dissolved solids (18.50 ± 0.85 -186 .78 ± 2.48 mg/dm3 ), alkalinity (12.53± 0.32 - 80.75 ± 1.23 mg/dm3) and hardness (29.50 ± 1.22 - 58.67 ± 2.34 mg/dm3). The pH values were generally acidic while the turbidity and total solid especially in some locations were higher than the permissible levels set by the World Health Organization for portable water. The concentration of heavy metals (mg/dm3) were found in the following ranges Fe (0.10 ± 0.04 - 0.30 ± 0.02), Cu (0.01 ± 0.001 - 0.03 ± 0.002), Zn (0.13 ± 0.06 - 0.39 ±0.02), Pb (0.03 ± 0.01 - 0.17 ± 0.02), Mn (0.03 ± 0.004 - 0.13 ± 0.003), Cr (0.10 ± 0.04 - 0.31 ± 0.03). The highest values of Fe, Cu and Mn were recorded along the older distribution channel of Challawa. The levels of Pb and Cr were generally high in both routes which are also observed in the raw water used at the two treatments plants. The results obtained from heavy metal concentrations fell within the maximum allowable limit set by the World Health Organization for portable water except in the cases of Pb and Cr. The high Fe, Mn, Cu levels as obtained in the Challawa route were attributed to leaching from rusting in the old galvanized metal pipe-work in the distribution channel. The levels of chromium and lead were similar in the two networks showing that the raw water used in the both treatment plants were responsible for the high values obtained and were not effectively removed by the treatment processes.

Evaluation of Onchocerciasis: A Decade of Post Treatment with Ivermectin in Zainabi and Ririwai Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State

Rapid Assessment Method (RAM) were carried out to assess the current situation of Onchocerciasis after repetition of annual community directed distribution of Ivermectin in Zainabi and Ririwai of Doguwa Local Government area of Kano State. Certain manifestations, like nodules, leopard skin and blindness, were used to measure the endemicity level in the community. The subjects of 30 - 50 years who are engaged in rural occupation, resident in that community, were examined for the presence of nodules, skin lesion and blindness. The common manifestation in both communities is nodules with 3 (3.40%) and 2 (3.44%). Leopard skin and blindness were found in Zainabi with 2 (2.27%) and 2 (2.27%). The manifestation of Onchocerciasis was found in older age groups of 49 - 70 and 50 - 69 respectively, which give an indication that the disease was eliminated in the community due to mass distribution of Ivermectin in the previously known endemic community. We recommend mass distribution of Mectizan in other identified endemic foci.

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnant Women in the Antenatal Booking Clinic at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in pregnant women and if untreated could lead to serious complications. Despite this, its prevalence and microbiological characteristics have not been well studied in Kano and they vary among different populations. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, microbiological characteristics and pregnancy outcome of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy among women who came for antenatal booking clinic at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected 200 consenting pregnant women who came for antenatal booking from November 2010 to January 2011. Samples of 10 - 15 mls urine were examined for pus cells and bacteria and then cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar. Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of 105/ml or more of pure isolates were deemed significant. Isolates were identified to specie level. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done, treatment was given and pregnancy outcome was determined. Urinalysis and Full Blood Count were done. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy was 9%. Parity and Pyuria had statistically significant association with asymptomatic bacteriuria (P < 0.05). The commonest organisms isolated wereKlebsiella?spp. and?Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Following treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, there was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcome compared to patients who did not have the condition. The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy in AKTH is low. Screening of pregnant women using urine microscopy culture and sensitivity should be reserved for pregnant women with higher risk of developing asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Assessment of the Affordability of Out-of-Pocket Payments among Some Selected People Living with HIV in Kano, Nigeria

Introduction: With an estimated 1.8 million People Living with HIV (PLHIV), Nigeria’s HIV response is still heavily donor dependent. However, with anticipated decline in donor funding for HIV/AIDS program as the country takes ownership of the program, understanding financing options for PLHIV is important. One of such financing options is affordability of out-of-pocket payments (OOP) for anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) by PLHIV. We assessed affordability of OOP payments for ARVs in Kano State, North-Western Nigeria. Methods: Four Hundred and sixty-nine PLHIV receiving donor-supported-free ARV in Kano, North Western Nigeria were systematically selected and interviewed during routine clinic visits. Affordability for ARV was assessed by a combination of variables including willingness and financial means to incur extra expense for full dose of ARV based on landing and distribution cost of 8.3 USD (about 3,000 NGN) per month dose. Results: Four hundred and sixty-nine respondents were interviewed. Of those, 72 (15.4%, 95% CI: [13.2 - 19.7]) can afford ARV OOP on monthly base. The proportion of males able to pay 3,000 NGN (8.3 USD) or more OOP for ARVs was not different from that of women (15.5% versus 15.2%). Attending school, education level, employment, monthly income and wealth have all been found to be associated with willingness and ability to pay for monthly dose of ARV OOP (p < 0.0001). Conclusion/recommendation: Majority of PLHIV in Kano State may not afford ARV OOP in the event of withdrawal of supports by international donors. Innovative sustainable financing mechanisms from domestic resources are needed for HIV program sustainability.

Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Psychoactive Substance Use among Commercial Motorcycle Operators in Kano, Nigeria

Background: Psychoactive substance use was common among commercial motorcycle operators. Studies had shown that there were some socio-demographic factors which were commoner among commercial motorcycle operators who used psychoactive substances. However, this was not explored among commercial motorcycle operators in Kano, North Western Nigeria. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the socio-demographic factors associated with psychoactive substance use among motorcycle operators in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Instrument used for data collection included socio-demographic questionnaire and World Health Organisation Student Drug Use Questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16th edition. Results: Commercial motorcycle operators who used substances were found to be of younger age group (X2 = 10.9, P < 0.001), single (X2 = 4.3, P = 0.034) and had a father who used tobacco (X2 = 4.28, P = 0.04). Participants who were single were more likely to use inhalants (X2 = 21.06, P =0.001), opiates (X2 = 11.82, P = 0.012), cannabis (X2 = 5.12, P = 0.028) and stimulants (X2 = 5.12, P = 0.028) compared to those who were married. Conclusion: This study found that being of younger age, being single, and having a father who smoked were significantly associated with psychoactive substance use. Participants who were singles were more likely to use inhalants, opiates, cannabis and stimulants. No relationship was observed between the age of the respondents and specific substance use. Legislations should be enacted to reduce the rate of psychoactive substance use among motorcycle operators and general population at large.

Comparison of Blood Pressure Patterns of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff of a Nigerian University

Objective: Differences in jobs descriptions and responsibilities may contribute to varying degree of exposure to diseases including high blood pressure. There is dearth of studies comparing blood pressure patterns and anthropometric parameters between teaching and non-teaching staff of university. Therefore, this study was designed to assess and compare the blood pressure and the anthropometric parameters of both teaching and non-teaching staff of a Nigerian university. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess blood pressure pattern and anthropometric parameters among 324 apparently healthy teaching (n = 120) and non-teaching (n = 202) staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Anthropometric parameters including height, weight and hip and waist circumferences were measured. Blood pressure was measured thrice during office hours (9.00 - 11.00 hours) using standard procedures and hypertension was defined as ≥140 ≥90 mmHg. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data at p < 0.05 alpha level. Results: The mean of ages of teaching and non-teaching staff were 46.8 ± 9.8 and 45.6 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 34.9% with a distribution of teaching to non-teaching rate of 20.1% and 14.8% respectively. There were significant correlations between blood pressure and each of weight, body mass index and waist circumference in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of high blood pressure was higher among teaching than non-teaching staff and significant correlations were found between blood pressure and some anthropometric parameters. Public health including regular physical activity enlightenment programmes to reduce blood pressure is recommended.

HIV Infection among Under-Five Malnourished Children in Kano State

Objective: Human Immunodeficiency Viral infection and Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) are highly prevalent in Nigeria and when they occur together, the outcome is usually severe as both conditions lead to immune suppression. HIV alone accounts for 14.0% of childhood mortality even though children constitute only 6% of global HIV infection burden. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection among malnourished children below 5 years in Kano State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 400 malnourished children were randomly selected and tested for the presence of HIV I & II using parallel ELISA rapid test kits, Stat park and Determine (both immunochromatographic techniques). Findings: Thirty-one samples were found to be positive to HIV 1 giving a prevalence of 7.8%. There was no statistically significant difference between sexes when male to female ratio was 1:1.3 and peak age of presentation was 2 -3 years. Sixty-four percent (64.0%) were presented with severe form of HIV infection (stage 4) according to WHO paediatric HIV clinical stage and about half of them came with marasmus by the Wellcome classification of malnutrition. There was no significant association between the type of malnutrition and the severity of HIV infection at present, (p value > 0.05). The commonest signs and symptoms were oral candidiasis (67.7%), lymphadenopathy (44.0%), fever (64.5%) and cough (54.8%). Sixty-four percent of the children were from polygamous families. There was a significant statistical correlation between polygamy and incidence of HIV infection, (p 0.01). Only 45.0% of the women were aware of their HIV status prior to this study. Seventy-four percent (74.0%) of those who were aware of their status had no knowledge of the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services and even for those who were aware, none of them accessed the care. Conclusion: A population based HIV screening is therefore recommended while perinatal HIV screening and PMTCT services need to be expanded.

Catatonia: Cavum Septum Pellucidum and Vergae, a Cause or a Coincidence?

Background: Many studies in the 20th century have reported an association between Schizophrenia and Catatonia. Structural brain abnormalities have also been found in many psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia and there are findings of association of large ventricles with chronic and deteriorating psychosis. It is possible that a large ventricular system may increase the likelihood of catatonia with a chronic course. Cavum Septum Pellucidum (CSP) and Cavum Vergae (CV) are structural abnormalities that have been associated with Schizophrenia. This is a case report of the presence of persistent CSP and CV in a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia with catatonia. Conclusion: Although there are several reports of the findings of a persistent large CSP and CV in patients with Schizophrenia, it is questionable whether the CSP and CV are the cause of the Catatonia or their occurrence is a mere coincidence.

A Comparison of Quality of Life, Medication Side-Effect and Adherence among Schizophrenia Patients on Conventional versus Atypical Antipsychotics

Quality of life (QoL) is becoming a widely accepted schizophrenia management outcome. But it is still not very clear if there are any significant differences between the conventional and atypical antipsychotics in terms of QoL improvement among people with schizophrenia (PWS). It is also imperative that antipsychotic drug-related factors, such as medication adherence and side-effect, which could directly or indirectly affect the QoL of PWS, are determined and compared among PWS on different classes of the drugs. Data were collected on Socio-demographic Characteristics, Quality of Life and Medication adherence using Socio-demographic and Schizophrenia Clinical Characteristics questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)-Brief, and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) respectively from 250 respondents attending a tertiary health center’s Psychiatric clinic in Kano, Nigeria. Although PWS on the two classes of antipsychotic drugs showed inequalities in different aspects and domains of QoL, as well as in the levels of adherence and side-effects, the differences were all insignificant. However, presence of drug side effects was significantly associated with lower health-related QoL in the conventional antipsychotics group (p = 0.001), and lower score in the physical domain of QoL in the atypical antipsychotics group (p = 0.044). Medication adherence was found to be associated with better scores in different domains of QoL in both groups of PWS. There are no significant differences in terms of QoL, medication side-effect and adherence among PWS on the two classes of antipsychotics. However, drug side-effects and adherence were significantly and respectively associated with lower and higher scores in different domains of QoL in both groups.

GIS Mapping, Biomonitoring and Distribution of Heavy Metal Concentrations Using Neem (Azadirachta indica) Bark in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria

The present work determined the concentration and spatial distribution of heavy metals (As, Hg, Cr, Cd and Pb) in soil samples from Makurdi and its environs using geographic information system (GIS). The specific objective is to produce the spatial distribution maps showing the spatial distribution of toxic heavy metals in the study area. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), a GIS technique was used to produce dotted maps showing the spatial distribution of heavy metals in neem bark for better visualization of contamination zones and non-contamination zones. The map reveals few hotspot areas showing areas of high concentrations of the heavy metals investigated which were identified in red colours, the following concentration ranges were obtained;As (4.71 - 6.43 mg/kg), Cd (13.9 - 16.84 mg/kg), Cr (46.3 - 60.84 mg/kg), Hg (3.70 - 5.05 mg/kg) and Pb (24.02 - 31.34 mg/kg). These hotspot areas were found close to business outlets, fuel filling and service stations, farm sites where the application of fertilizers and pesticides were persistent coupled with heavy traffic of vehicles and other machinery which was associated with As, Hg, Cd, Pb and Cr been released into the environment thus, suggesting anthropogenic activities controlling the concentration of these heavy metals in the study areas. The cumulative effect of these heavy metals into the barks of neem could pose as danger, because this plant is used as herbs in folk medicine.

Rheological and Morphological Characterization of Modified Bitumen with Cup Lump Rubber

Pure bitumen is not suitable for heavy traffic loads;hence modifiers are used to improve the bitumen performance.Recently,cup lump rubber(CLR)has become a preferred modifier due to its outstanding performance and less cost.However,little is known about the interactions between CLR and bitumen.Thus,this study investigates the behavior of bitumen with CLR.Four percentages of CLR(2.5%,5.0%,7.5%,and 10.0%by weight of bitumen)were used to modify conventional 60/70 penetration grade bitumen.The modified bitumen was evaluated through different laboratory testing such as dynamic shear rheometer,rotational viscosity,softening point,bending beam rheometer,ductility,and elastic recovery.The testing results show that the addition of CLR increased the bitumen’s rutting resistance by 3 PG grades at high temperatures.At low pavement temperatures,the cup lump rubber modified bitumen(CMB)can withstand up to−34℃.Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)analysis shows that the Aromaticity index at 1600 cm^(−1) rose as the CLR percentage increased,indicating the formation of a binder with a compact structure.This is expected to improve the elasticity of bitumen throughπ-πinteractions.Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM)results showed the Catana phase increased in size and quantity at 5.0%and 7.5%CLR content.While contact angle measurement revealed that the binders are hydrophobic and tend to repel the dropped water on the bitumen surface.