The Physico-Chemical Water Quality of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm Lake, O.A.U. Campus, Ile-Ife, Southwest, Nigeria

The physico-chemical water quality of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm Lake, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, was studied over an annual cycle (September 2006 to August 2007) almost 40 years after its impoundment in 1967. This was with a view to obtaining the then current state of physico-chemical water quality parameters with their variations in time and space as well as using some of the data obtained to evaluate the aging process of the lake for the 40 years of its existence. There was no significant (p > 0.05) horizontal variation (i.e. upstream-dowstream) in the physico-chemical characteristics of the lake whereas, Apparent-color, True color, Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Solids (TS) and Total Acidity increased significantly (p < 0.05) from the lake surface towards the bottom of the lake. On the other hand, water pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO);Dissolved Oxygen Saturation (DO% Sat.) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from the lake surface towards the bottom of the lake. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Dissolved Oxygen Saturation (DO% Sat.) and Nitrate ion (NO-3) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the dry season than in the rainy season while, True colour, pH, Conductivity, Total Hardness, Calcium ion (Ca2+), Magnesium ion (Mg2+), Potassium ion (K+) and Sulphate ion (SO2-4) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the rainy season than in the dry season. The lake water could be regarded as shallow, coloured, turbid, less transparent, slightly acidic, soft and well-buffered fresh-waterbodies with evidence of aging (i.e. transforming the lake from an oligotrophic status to a eutrophic waterbody). The results indicated that the lake is suitable for most of its applications with little or no adjustments as the case may be;except probably for drinking purposes where some microbial analysis may be necessary.

An Assessment of Indoor Acoustic Condition in Students Hostels within Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

It has been hypothesized that objective assessment for building acoustic conditions only may not always be representative of the users’ perception in occupied indoor spaces. This study objectively and subjectively examined indoor acoustic condition in rooms within students’ hostels in Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. The objective assessment considered the physical measurement of sound pressure level in the rooms in relation to the rooms’ physical characteristics like window to external wall area and window to floor area ratios. The subjective assessment considered the occupants’ perception of the acoustic condition in the rooms in relation to their personal characteristics like age, gender, body mass index, metabolic rate, and body skin area. The sound pressure level was measured in each of the randomly selected 44 rooms at 15 minute intervals between 7 hours and 19 hours daily through a period of eight weeks. The measurement was done with High Accuracy Digital Sound Noise Level Data Loggers placed at work plane at the centre of the rooms. The geometry of the rooms was documented through physical measurements. All the occupants of the selected rooms as well as the two adjoining rooms, amounting to 696 respondents, were purposively selected to fill a questionnaire regarding activities carried out in the rooms, the frequency of fenestration opening, the personal characteristics of the occupants and the rooms’ occupancy ratio. This study established a strong correlation between the objective and subjective assessments of the acoustic condition in the spaces. Moreover, out of all the occupants’ personal characteristics considered, it was the age that has a relationship with the occupants’ perception of the acoustic condition that is closest to significant level.The relationship between their perception and measured sound pressure level was slightly more pronounced among the male gender than the female with correlation coefficients of 0.115 and 0.096 respectively. This study concluded that none of the considered occupants’ personal characteristics can effectively predict their response to indoor acoustic condition in the spaces.

Distribution, health and ecological risk assessments of trace elements in Nigerian oil sands

The Nigerian oil sands represent the largest oil sand deposit in Africa, yet there is little published information on the distribution and potential health and ecological risks of trace elements in the oil resource. In the present study, we investigated the distribution pattern of 18trace elements(including biophile and chalcophile elements) as well as the estimated risks associated with exposure to these elements. The results of the study indicated that Fe was the most abundant element, with a mean concentration of 22,131 mg/kg while Br had the lowest mean concentration of 48 mg/kg. The high occurrence of Fe and Ti suggested a possible occurrence of ilmenite(Fe TiO_(3)) in the oil sands. Source apportionment using positive matrix factorization showed that the possible sources of detected elements in the oil sands were geogenic, metal production, and crustal. The contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, modified degree of contamination, pollution load index, and Nemerow pollution index indicated that the oil sands are heavily polluted by the elements. Health risk assessment showed that children were relatively more susceptible to the potentially toxic elements in the oil sands principally via ingestion exposure route(HQ > 1E-04). Cancer risks from inhalation are unlikely due to CR < 1E-06 but ingestion and dermal contact pose severe risks(CR > 1E-04). The high concentrations of the elements pose serious threats due to the potential for atmospheric transport, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability.

Spatial distribution and potential ecological and health risks associated with heavy metals in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria

Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the formulation of policies to monitor the Ijero-Ekiti mining site and other regions in Nigeria where indiscriminate artisanal gold mining activities exist.

Assessment of the performance of the TOPGNSS and ANN-MB antennas for ionospheric measurements using low-cost u-blox GNSS receivers

Low-cost GNSS receivers have recently been gaining reliability as good candidates for ionospheric studies. In line with these gains are genuine concerns about improving the performance of these receivers. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the performances of two antennas(the u-blox ANN-MB and the TOPGNSS TOP-106) used on a low-cost GNSS receiver known as the u-blox ZED-F9P. The two antennas were installed on two identical and co-located u-blox receivers. Data used from both receivers cover the period from January to June 2022. Results from the study indicate that the signal strengths are dominantly greater for the receiver with the TOPGNSS antenna than for the receiver with the ANN-MB antenna, implying that the TOPGNSS antenna is better than the ANN-MB antenna in terms of providing greater signal strengths. Summarily, the TOPGNSS antenna also performed better in minimizing the occurrence of cycle slips on phase TEC measurements. There are no conspicuous differences between the variances(computed as 5-min standard deviations) of phase TEC measurements for the two antennas, except for a period around May-June when the TOPGNSS gave a better performance in terms of minimizing the variances in phase TEC. Remarkably, the ANN-MB antenna gave a better performance than the TOPGNSS antenna in terms of minimizing the variances in pseudorange TEC for some satellite observations. For precise horizontal(North and East) positioning, the receiver with the TOPGNSS antenna gave better results, while the receiver with the ANN-MB antenna gave better vertical(Up) positioning. The errors for the receivers of both antennas are typically within about 5 m(the monthly mean was usually smaller than 1 m) in the horizontal direction and within about 10 m(the monthly mean was usually smaller than 4 m) in the vertical direction.

One and Half Centuries of Church Architecture in Ibadan,Nigeria

By the end of the 19th century,the missionaries had successfully planted Christianity in Ibadan,Nigeria with its distinguishable architecture.The history of church architecture in Ibadan is synonymous with the beginning of Christianity in Yoruba Country.Based on historical data obtained from the archives and field investigations,the paper traces the development of the church buildings of the missionary churches in Ibadan from the late 19th century to early 21st century.With shifts in the thinking about ideological and liturgical issues in church architecture globally,three distinct phases of development of church buildings in Ibadan are suggested beginning with the mission stations and ending with the modernist church buildings.The paper concludes that attempts to introduce modern architectural expressions in church buildings in Ibadan were increasingly common and strong but traditionalist and historicist approaches to architectural planning of church buildings remained predominant into the 21st century.

Comparative Efficacy of Lifestyle Modifications versus Pharmacotherapy on Weight Loss and Metabolic Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Obesity has become a serious global public health challenge, given that it leads to various adverse health outcomes that include cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that, at the end of 2022, 1 out of every 8 individuals were obese, and that the global adult obesity rates have over doubled since 1990, even as the adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled. Thus, as of 2022, nearly 2.5 billion adults, aged 18 years and above, were overweight, with 890 million being obese. Obesity and overweight incidence rate has been gradually increasing over the years, presenting significant challenges to the healthcare systems throughout the globe. In this regard, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. Methodology: To attain the above stated study objective, a systematic evaluation of previous studies was carried out, particularly studies that assessed the effectiveness and safety of lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity) and pharmacotherapy in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health in overweight adults. The authors have used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in the selection of eligible studies for inclusion in the study. Results: The findings indicate that lifestyle interventions resulted in 5% - 10% weight reduction and significant improvements in metabolic indicators, while pharmacotherapy (GLP-1 receptor agonists) achieved up to 15% weight reduction and considerable metabolic health benefits. Further, comparative studies show lifestyle modifications provide overall health benefits, while medication is necessary for non-responders. Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategies are crucial, and further research is needed on long-term consequences and combination therapies.

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.

Preliminary Investigation of Copper(II) Ion Binding or Complex Coordination in Lysozeme Molecules

Hydrophobic Val derivative Schiff base copper(II) complexes and dipeptide (AlaAla, GlyGly) derivative Schiff base copper(II) complexes were introduced into egg white lysozyme. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed amino acid derivative Schiff base copper(II) complexes were obtained. Herein we discuss primarily on the binding mode of copper(II) of the complexes obtained with egg white lysozyme. The electron density of copper(II) ions was confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The Val derivative Schiff base copper(II) complex was weakly bound at Arg114 of egg white lysozyme. In other copper(II) complexes, binding of copper(II) ions with dissociated ligands to various residues was observed. The binding sites of copper(II) ions were compared with computational scientific predictions.

Detection of Partial and Extended Blockages: A Case Study of Edible Oil Pipeline System

This work focuses on the development and implementation of a simulation-based approach for the detection of partial and extended blockages within an edible oil pipeline system. Blockages, whether partial or extended, pose a significant operational and safety risks. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to model the flow behaviour of edible oil through pipeline under varying conditions. It leverages advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze pressure, velocity, and temperature variations along the pipeline. By simulating scenarios with different blockage characteristics, there is establishment of distinctive patterns indicative of partial and extended obstructions. Through extensive analysis of simulation data, sensing element, and monitoring system, processing signal input and response output, the system can accurately pinpoint the location and severity of blockages, providing crucial insights for timely intervention. The detection system represents a significant advancement in pipeline monitoring technology, offering a proactive and accurate approach to identify blockages and mitigate potential risks and ensure the uninterrupted flow of edible oil, thereby enabling timely intervention and maintenance.

Climate change risk,resilience,and adaptation among rural farmers in East Africa:A literature review

This study assesses the literature evidence on climate change risk,resilience,and adaptation measures used among rural farmers in East Africa.A systematic literature review was conducted comprising 30 papers from the Web of Science database published during 2000-2022.The results of the literature review showed that climate change risks have direct impacts on agricultural practices,limit rural farmers’resilience,and exacerbate their food insecurity.The most prominent risks are increasingly shorter wet seasons and heat stress,which lead to droughts and food production losses.Responding to climate risks,farmers in East Africa adopt various adaptation strategies such as mixed-and inter-cropping,conservation tillage,early planting,crop diversification,etc.Also,this review summarizes the determinants of climate change adaptation strategy selection by farmers in East Africa,including age,gender,household size,economic status and household assets,landownership and livestock,education and training,etc.Overall,the choice of adaptation strategies to climate change is strongly determined by the gender of household heads,the results of gender as a determinant of adaptation differ greatly between different case studies.Although female-headed households(FHHs)tend to perceive changes in temperature more readily than male-headed households(MHHs),the latter are generally more likely to adopt different adaptation strategies.Despite the resilience and adaptation measures used by rural farmers in East Africa now,improved weather forecasting and early warning systems are needed as a better direction towards the future.

熔融和辐射对垂直多孔嵌入微通道MHD混合对流换热的影响

研究了导电和非导电两种壁型多孔微通道的熔融和滑移效应对混合对流换热的影响。采用高阶常微分非线性耦合模型,研究了横向磁场作用下流体在微通道内注入和喷出的流动力学。这些都是在通过相似变换完成的。采用解析解的同伦摄动方法对控制热流体输运的力学模型进行了分析,并利用已有文献在简单条件下进行了验证并得到满意的结果。研究了流体输送过程中传热流变参数的影响,以提高系统运行效率,降低能耗,从而最大限度地降低成本。结果表明,熔体和辐射对热边界层的共同作用使热边界层的厚度逐渐减小。当辐射参数(R)在1<R<5范围内增加时,微通道中板处的热廓线从−0.4804减小到−1.3081。该研究为磁流体动力学熔融金属和熔盐泵以及其他实应用提供参考。

Relationship between Serum Leptin and Adiponectin Levels in Obese Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes Subjects

Background: Obesity is rising globally, independent of ethnicity, race and age, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity especially in persons living with diabetes. The effect of adipokines such as leptin, resistin and adiponectin which are secreted by adipose tissue factors has been linked to the increased risk of the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Aim: This study aims to assess the levels of serum leptin and serum adiponectin in obese type 2 diabetes subjects, and their relationship with cardio-metabolic component (using lipid profile). Method: This is a cross-sectional comparative hospital-based study in which one hundred and fifty participants grouped into 60 obese, 60 non-obese none diabetic and 30 non-obese non-diabetic adults with similar age from the Endocrinology outpatient’s clinic, General outpatient department (GOPD) and staff clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). Anthropometric parameters and other relevant clinical details of all subjects were obtained. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from all subjects for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting lipid profile, glycosylated haemoglobin levels (HbA1C), fasting serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Twenty-eight (46.7%)) subjects were males while 32 subjects (53.3%) were females (in obese groups). There was no statistical difference between these two groups for both sexes (p = 1.000). The age range for all subjects was 34 to 64 years with their mean age being 52 ± 7.3 years, and for type 2 subjects and the obese non-diabetic 50.7 ± 7.3 years respectively. The mean body mass index of the non-obese and non-diabetic was 23.7 ± 4 Kg/m2 while the anthropometric measurements of the obese two groups were similar. The lipid profile, serum leptin and adiponectin in both the obese groups showed no difference. The relationship between components of obesity and serum leptin level in all subjects showed that serum leptin levels had significant positive correlation with BMI, WC, and serum insulin level. The correlation between adiponectin and lipid profile showed a positive correlation between serum adiponectin values and High-density lipoprotein (HDL) in obese diabetic (p = 0.02) but not in the non-diabetic group. Conclusion: In this study, there was no correlation in the serum leptin levels with the anthropometric parameters of obesity studied. For the components of the lipid profile, Triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) correlated with serum adiponectin and HDL showed a positive correlation with adiponectin. It is concluded that the effects of both serum adiponectin and serum leptin are driven by obesity rather than the glycaemic status of the obese subjects.

Source rock geochemistry of central and northwestern Niger Delta: Inference from aromatic hydrocarbons content

The influence of origin, depositional environment and thermal maturity of organic matter on the occurrence of aromatic hydrocarbons in source rocks from the central and northwestern Niger Delta was investigated. Eighty two source rock samples from four oil wells in the central and northwestern Niger Delta were analyzed for the aromatic hydrocarbon content using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of analysis of aromatic hydrocarbon fractions of the source rock extracts show the presence of many classes of aromatic hydrocarbons, which include naphthalenes, phenanthrenes, biphenyls, dibenzothiophenes and fluorenes. Trimethylnaphthalene (TMN) is the most abundant among the naphthalenes while dimethylphenanthrene (DMP) is the most abundant among the phenanthrenes. Among the biphenyls, 3-methylbiphenyl (3 MB) is the most abundant while 4-methyldibenzothiophene (4MDBT) is the most abundant among the dibenzothiphenes. Only two fluorenes were detected, and fluorene is more in abundance than 1-methylfluorene (1 MF). Depositional environment indicators of aromatic hydrocarbon organic matter reveal that the organic materials in the source rocks in these wells were deposited in marine-to-swamp depositional environments under reducing to suboxic conditions. Thermal maturity indicators calculated from the abundance of the aromatic hydrocarbons indicate that the source rock samples are thermally mature. Most of the source rocks are at the peak of oil window while a few at the early oil window. Source rocks from wells GB, OP and OT in the central Niger Delta are thermally more mature than those from well AW in the northwestern Niger Delta.

Pre-rig mobilization hazard evaluation in offshore oil and gas prospect drilling:A case study of TM field,offshore Niger Delta

TM Field,located offshore Niger Delta in the Gulf of Guinea(Nigeria),has been evaluated for potential drilling hazards prior to the drilling of a proposed oil well.This is in a region where potential hazards that could inhibit successful drilling exercise have not been adequately studied.The study adopted the modern technique of offshore geohazard evaluation that relies mainly on suites of geophysical and shallow geological investigations which include ocean bathymetry using multi-beam echo sounder,sidescan sonar,sub-bottom profiler,magnetic,and 2D-high resolution seismic reflection surveys.The results were integrated to draw inferences about the risk potential of the field.From the bathymetric survey,water depths were found to range from 345 m to 650 m LAT,with seabed relief being 305 m.Water depth at the proposed well location was found to be approximately 450 m and the seabed was found to slope in the northwestern direction.Seafloor gradient was computed as 0.05 across the whole area.Two shallow sub-surface stratigraphic units,labelled A and B,were delineated.Unit A was directly beneath the seafloor and seemed to be composed mainly of clayey/silty sand.Its thickness ranged from 6 m to 70 m across the study area.Unit B appeared to be a layer of sand and its total thickness was not fully delineated.Observable kinks and displacements at the flanks of seabed undulations/depressions on subbottom profiler sections suggested that the depressions may be fault-controlled.On the map generated from the marine magnetic data,a magnetic fault was delineated and this appeared to be coincident with the shallower of the two buried faults on the cross-line seismic section cutting through the proposed well-head location.Interpreted seismic reflection data presented this fault as being inactive.Most of the faults mapped,especially the buried ones,appeared to be inactive except a few.Regions with mapped amplitude anomalies are to be avoided during rig-mobilization operations.Though engineering conditions are expected to vary vertically since layers occur as intercalation,significant lateral variation is not expected within uniform layers of bed.Risk of punch-through associated with clayey formation is expected to be low because the geologic layers are not uniformly and entirely clay.The proposed wellhead location was found to be free of potential hazard sources.

Improving Land Governance in Nigeria:The Case of Compulsory Acquisition and Compensation Practice

This paper examines land policies on acquisition and compensation practice in Nigeria with the aim of minimizing conflicts in land acquisition and compensation.It further explains the implications of uncoordinated land allocations arising from informal transactions.The paper used self-administered questionnaires on all the fifteen(15)registered estate firms in the 2009 NIESV Directory in Benin City,Edo state to obtain information that helped to determine the fairness of compensation practice and causes of conflict in some communities in the state.The paper revealed that the compensation on acquired landed properties in Nigeria violated the principles of good governance as against what is obtainable in advanced countries.It also observed that inadequacy of compensation paid and delay in payment are the causes of conflict between the acquiring authorities and the affected community/people.The paper concluded that a review of land policies on acquisition and compensation will be a panacea for achieving the principles of good governance.

Microstructures of Developed Composite Graphite-Resin Electrodes

This paper focuses on the effects of compaction on the microstructure of graphite-resin electrochemical treatment electrodes. This was with a view to understanding the relationships between forming parameters and some performance-limiting structural parameters of the electrode. Graphite resin electrodes were developed from graphite rods reclaimed from primary cells. The rods were crushed to powder of various particle sizes and compressed into the graphite-resin electrodes. The microstructure of the graphite electrode was observed, effects of compaction force and particles sizes distribution on the microstructure of the electrodes were observed. SEM/EDX revealed that there is a lack of homogeneity in the distribution of micro-constituents, with compositional variations differing at the various spots. However, there is a prevalence of carbon and oxygen at almost all the spots. This tends to confirm the even distribution of the elements throughout the material. The pores in the electrodes were noticed to be uniformly sized and permeate throughout the entire structure of the electrode. These pores serve to increase the surface area of these electrodes and promote the adsorption of environmental pollutants.

Individual and Systemic Factors of Under-five Mortality in Nigeria:A Cox Proportional Hazard Model

Despite considerable efforts to reduce under-five mortality nationwide,Nigeria has fallen short of achieving the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs)target of 67 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2015.Of all the documented factors of under-five mortality,little evidence exists on the impact of systemic barriers and individual factors(maternal health-seeking behaviour)on under-five mortality in Nigeria.The study used a nationally representative sample from Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey(NDHS)2013 dataset.The target population was 20,192 women aged 15-59 years who had given birth to 31,480 children five years before the survey.Stata software was used for data analysis.The risk of death was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models and results are presented as hazards ratios(HR)with 95%confidence intervals(CI).Findings from the overall Model I-IV revealed individual factors(maternal health-seeking indicators)as significant factors of under-five deaths(p<0.05).Children whose mothers received antenatal care coverage(ANC)outside health care facilities(HCF)(HR:1.60,CI:1.0-2.4,p<0.05);or delivered outside HCF(HR:1.02,CI:0.7-1.5,p<0.05)had elevated hazard risk of death before age five.Conversely,children who were presented for postnatal check within two weeks of delivery(HR:0.60,CI:0.5-0.8,p<0.05),or delivered within the longer birth interval(HR:0.67,CI:0.6-0.8,p<0.001)had significantly lower hazard risk of death before age five.As part of systemic factors,children whose mothers were covered by health insurance scheme had significantly(HR:0.52,CI:0.2-1.2,p<0.001)lower risk of death when compared with their counterparts without health insurance coverage.The study emphasized the need to revitalize strategies and programs to improve women health seeking behaviour and investment in the health sector through health insurance,infrastructure,and supplies.

Antidiabetic and haematological effect of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana(Smith) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Objective:To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana(A.africana)and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods:A total of 30 rats including 24 diabetic and 6 normal rats were used for this study.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.After being confirmed diabetic,animals were orally treated with distilled water or extracts at 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days.The haematological parameters including red blood and white blood cells and their functional indices were evaluated in diabetic treated groups compared with the controls.Results:The extract significantly reduced the blood glucose levels while the best result was obtained at 200 mg/kg body weight The feed and water intake in diabetic rats were significantly reduced while weight loss was minimized at both dosages.Similarly,the levels of red blood,white blood cells and their functional indices were significantly improved after extract administration at both doses.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of bark of A.africana possesses antihyperglycemic properties.In addition,the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters.Further experimental investigation is needed to exploit its relevant therapeutic effect to substantiate its ethnomedicinal usage.

Relationship between sonographically measured median nerve cross-sectional area and presence of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects

BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus resulting from direct damage by hyperglycemia to the nerves and/or ischemia by microvascular injury to the endoneurial vessels which supply the nerves. Median nerve is one of the peripheral nerves commonly affected in diabetic neuropathy. The median nerve size has been studied in non-Nigerian diabetic populations. In attempt to contribute to existing literature, a study in a Nigerian population is needed.AIM To evaluate the cross-sectional area(CSA) of the median nerve using B-mode ultrasonography(USS) and the presence of peripheral neuropathy(PN) in a cohort of adult diabetic Nigerians.METHODS Demographic and anthropometric data of 85 adult diabetes mellitus(DM) and 85 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy control(HC) subjects were taken. A complete physical examination was performed on all study subjects to determine the presence of PN and modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument(MNSI) was used to grade its severity. Venous blood was taken from the study subjects for fasting lipid profile(FLP), fasting blood glucose(FBG) and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1 c) while their MN CSA was evaluated at a point 5 cm proximal to(5 cmCATL) and at the carpal tunnel(CATL) by high-resolution Bmode USS. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS The mean MN CSA was significantly thicker in DM subjects compared to the HC at 5 cmCATL(P < 0.01) and at the CATL(P < 0.01) on both sides. The presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) further increased the MN CSA at the CATL(P < 0.05) but not at 5 cmCATL(P > 0.05). However, the severity of DPN had no additional effect on MN CSA 5 cm proximal to and at the CATL. There was no significant association between MN CSA and duration of DM and glycemic control.CONCLUSION Thickening of the MN CSA at 5 cmCATL and CATL is seen in DM. Presence of DPN is associated with worse thickening of the MN CSA at the CATL but not at5 cmCATL. Severity of DPN, duration of DM, and glycemic control had no additional effect on the MN CSA.