The present investigation provides a case study of water vending in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State of South Eastern Nigeria. Questionnaire copies were randomly distributed in the study area to 200 hous...The present investigation provides a case study of water vending in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State of South Eastern Nigeria. Questionnaire copies were randomly distributed in the study area to 200 households. Data obtained from the field were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The analysis revealed that almost all the residents of Enugu North L.G.A. obtain their water from independent water vending systems which are operated by the private sector. Tanker truck, distributing and small retail water vendors all operate in the study area. There are an estimated number of 250 tanker truck drivers serving Enugu North L.G.A. Approximately 35 tanker trucks serve Hill- top/Udi siding ward, while there are a total of 52 retail vendors in Onuasata ward. Majority of the respondents are low income earners who spend within the ranges of NGN500 ($3.33) and NGN1500 ($10) a month on water on the average. 50.0 percent of these respondents opined that vended water was expensive. Of the respondents, 49.4 percent consumed 91 - 100 litres per capita per day, which is less than the 120 litres per capita per day recommended by the Federal Re- public of Nigeria’s National water supply and sanitation policy document of 2000. This deficit can be attributed to the cost of vended water. From the chi-square test, there is significant difference in the unit cost of water sold by vendors in the various wards in Enugu North L.G.A. In the absence of regular water provision through pipe-connections from the public utility, water vending should be supported but regulated. Meeting the water and sanitation target and optimizing water resources for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 will require a dramatic scaling up of joint efforts by the state government and the people in ensuring that vendors provide safe water at a low cost.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a major cause of referral to the Spine clinic. In the adult population 50% - 90% may present with low back pain at least once in their life time. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosin...BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a major cause of referral to the Spine clinic. In the adult population 50% - 90% may present with low back pain at least once in their life time. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosing the etiology of low back pain is MRI. The protocol at NOHE is to request MRI for patients whose clinical patterns are indicative for invasive intervention. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of MRI findings in patients with low back pain attending spine clinic at NOHE. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 60 MRI of adult patients with low back pain with clinical need for invasive intervention. The scan was carried out with A Basda BTI 0.35T MRI System using the standard protocol, with sagital and axial T1 and T2-weighted and STIR. Images were from Onis 2.5 digital co. limited. RESULT: Thirty five (58.3%) were males while 25 (41.7%) were females with majority aged between 40 - 59 years. About 90% of the images had disc prolapse while 73% had disc height reduction. The commonest cause of spinal canal stenosis was disc prolapse, thickened ligamentum flavum, spondylolisthesis and osteophytes. Six (10%) of the patient did not have any lesion on MRI. L4/5 was the commonest affected segment while 90% of abnormal cases had multilevel involvement. CONCLUSION: There is high yield of diagnosis with MRI scan among low back pain patients with clinical need for invasive intervention, hence an excellent navigating tool. L4/L5 disc level remains the commonest culprit.展开更多
The effects of blending Enugu coal and anthracite on tin smelting using Nigerian Dogo Na Hauwa cassiterite have been studied. The work utilized various blends ranging from 100% to 0% anthracite. The content of the Enu...The effects of blending Enugu coal and anthracite on tin smelting using Nigerian Dogo Na Hauwa cassiterite have been studied. The work utilized various blends ranging from 100% to 0% anthracite. The content of the Enugu coal in the blend varied from 5% to 100%. The various tin metal recovery percentage for each batch of smelting using various blends was noted. Anthracite alone had the highest recovery of 71.90% followed by 5% blend of Enugu with anthracite. The result, however, showed that as the Enugu Coal was increased in the blend, the recovery was also decreasing. This equally affected the quality of tin metal recovered by increasing the grade. The work recommended that since the cost of production is the critical issue, 5% - 15% range of Enugu Coal should be used in preparing blends to bring down the cost of imported anthracite which is put at $906.69 per ton. The use of 15% Enugu coal will result in lowering the cost of imported anthracite by $136.0.展开更多
Globally, diarrhoea is the second commonest infectious cause of death in children less than 5 years old. It is estimated that more than one billion diarrhoea episodes occur every year causing up to 700,000 deaths amon...Globally, diarrhoea is the second commonest infectious cause of death in children less than 5 years old. It is estimated that more than one billion diarrhoea episodes occur every year causing up to 700,000 deaths among children younger than 5 years of age. Seventy-two percent of these deaths occur in children below two years and enteric viruses have been recognized as a major cause of childhood diarrhoea. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of enteric Adenoviruses and Rotaviruses in children with diarrhoea in rural Enugu communities of Enugu State South East Nigeria. Methods: Stool samples were collected from children less than 5 years with diarrhoea seen in any of the participating hospitals in Enugu State. Samples were collected between June 2015 and May 2017. Detection of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens were performed using commercially available ELISA kit (Oxoid-ProspecT®). Demographic data of the children were also collected. Results: Of the 290 stool samples that had sufficient materials for adenovirus and rotavirus ELISA, 14 (4.8%) and 89 (30.7%) were positive for enteric adenovirus and rotavirus respectively. 3 (1%) were co-infected with adenovirus and rotavirus. Rotavirus positive cases were more among hospitalized patients while enteric adenovirus was more among outpatients. Marked peaks of rotavirus positivity were seen in January of each year but no peak was seen among adenovirus positive cases. Higher vomiting frequencies and severe dehydration were more among rotavirus positive cases compared to adenovirus positive cases (p = 0.030 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Many diarrhoea cases among children aged <5 in the population studied were associated with enteric adenoviruses and rotavirus. This finding suggests that enteric viral agents (adenovirus and rotavirus) are important aetiologies for childhood diarrhoea in Enugu state Nigeria. Appropriate preventive, diagnostic and treatment interventions should be instituted so as to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with these viruses.展开更多
Background: Diabetes in Nigeria presents a rising public health challenge and many cases are probably undetected. Poor glycemic control is a risk factor to both micro and macro vascular complications of diabetes and a...Background: Diabetes in Nigeria presents a rising public health challenge and many cases are probably undetected. Poor glycemic control is a risk factor to both micro and macro vascular complications of diabetes and a major factor in the burden of the disease world-wide. The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of glycemic control among adult diabetes patients attending a medical outpatient clinic in Enugu. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we conducted a cross sectional descriptive study of patients with diabetes attending the medical out-patient clinic of one of the tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Good glycemic control was defined as fasting blood glucose of less than 100 mg/dl. Study duration was 6 months. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS software. Results: A total of 119 participants were recruited for the study: 74 (62.2%) females and 45 males (37.8%) with a mean age of 62.2 (11.7) years. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 138.4 (24.3) mmHg and 81.2 (12.9) mmHg respectively. Eight (6.7%) had a docu-mented history of diabetes-related coma in the past. The mean fasting blood glucose was 127.9 (22.4) mg/dl. Good, fair and poor glycemic control was achieved in 16.8%, 30.3% and 63% (52.9%) respectively. Correlation statistics showed that low level of adherence and abstaining from alcohol/tobacco are correlated with poor glycemic control. Conclusion: Majority (52.9%) of patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health center in Enugu, Nigeria has poor glycemic control status. Medication adherence and substance use are correlated with poor control.展开更多
This study compares CH4 emissions from different livestock farms （poultry, cattle and swine farms） in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Data on animal type, number and age were obtained by direct observations while the concen...This study compares CH4 emissions from different livestock farms （poultry, cattle and swine farms） in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Data on animal type, number and age were obtained by direct observations while the concentrations of CH4 in the livestock farms were measured with the Gasman Crowcrown Gas Monitor. Daily ambient air temperature and rainfall data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency （NIMET） Enugu. Regression analysis was used to determine possible relationships existing between weather parameters and CH4 emissions while the One-Way ANOVA was used to determine variance equality in means of greenhouse gas emission spatially at P 〈 0.05. Minimum and maximum temperatures ranged between 21.9 and 22.7 ℃ and 26.2 and 30.6 ℃ respectively, with rainfall ranging between 0.0 and 12.5 mm during the study period. Of the livestock farms sampled, swine farm emitted the highest concentrations of the greenhouse gas at both the livestock house （2.88 ± 0.28 ppm） and feaces decomposition site （2.30 ±0.30 ppm）, while poultry emitted the least concentrations of 1.96 ± 0.23 and 1.92 ± 0.10 ppm in the livestock house and faeces decomposition locations respectively. Age and number of livestock did not affect emissions of greenhouse gas. Though the prevailing weather parameters measured （temperature and rainfall） did not exert significant influences on greenhouse gas emissions, significant spatial variations in emissions in the feaces decomposition sites of the farmhouses was observed at P 〈 0.05. CH4emission in cattle farmhouse （2.80 ± 0.46 ppm） and swine farmhouse （2.88 ± 0.28 ppm） as well as those measured in the faeces decomposition locations of swine farmhouse （2.30 ± 0.30 ppm） exceeded the CH4 concentration level of 2.0 ppm measured in dry air at sea level. There is need for a further research on the effects of animal age, growth rate and biochemistry on CH4 emissions at the farmhouses.展开更多
Obesity is known to be a major risk factor of type 2 diabetes （T2D） and responsible for most lipid abnormalities associated with the disease but limited data on such association are available for diabetic patients o...Obesity is known to be a major risk factor of type 2 diabetes （T2D） and responsible for most lipid abnormalities associated with the disease but limited data on such association are available for diabetic patients of Igbo ethnicity in the South East region of Nigeria. A case-control study involving 72 T2D patients and 75 non-diabetic （ND） patients （control） ofIgbo ethnicity was conducted. Demographic and anthropometric data were obtained followed by blood collection for the determination of fasting blood sugar （FBS）, total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG）, high density lipoprotein （HDL） and low density lipoprotein （LDL）. Obesity based on waist circumference （WC） was significantly higher （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Similarly, TC, TG and LDL levels were significantly （p 〈 0.001） higher in T2D patients while HDL was significantly lower （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients compared to the control. The proportion of dyslipidaemia characterized by high TC, high TG, high LDL and low HDL was significantly higher （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients. BMI correlated positively （p 〈 0.05） with WC, TC, and LDL while FBS correlated positively （p 〈 0.05） with TG but negatively with HDL. In conclusion, dyslipidaemia characterised by hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated LDL and reduced HDL, as well as obesity were associated with T2D and correlated with FBS in this population.展开更多
Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) is established for evaluating several acute and chronic medical conditions of neurological basis. In much of Nigeria and Africa, it is largely unavailable and underutilized due...Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) is established for evaluating several acute and chronic medical conditions of neurological basis. In much of Nigeria and Africa, it is largely unavailable and underutilized due to scarcity of neurologists and high costs of the equipment. It offers a relatively simple and efficient way to help manage many encephalopathies if well utilized in trained hands. Aim: This study aimed to determine how physicians practicing in Enugu perceive and utilize electroencephalography routinely. Method: Physicians attending a statewide meeting in Enugu in August 2018 were consecutively recruited and a pretested questionnaire was administered after obtaining prior consent. Sociodemographic data as well as their knowledge, attitude and practice of electroencephalography were documented and analyzed. Results: There were 486 respondents (males 335: females 151) and 345 (71%) were specialists in various disciplines while 141 (29%) were general practitioners. Only 7 doctors (1.4%) claimed ignorance of electroencephalography and 6 (1.2%) stated it was not useful. Majority, 333 doctors (69.1%) believed it had no impact on routine patient management. This perception was highest for Dental Surgery (100%) and lowest for Internal Medicine (23%) specialists. Most doctors (425, 87.4%) agreed that neurologists should analyze recordings. Most physicians had no access to electroencephalography (61.7%) and had no interest in acquiring the machine (50.8%). Conclusion: Electroencephalography is an underappreciated investigative modality amongst physicians in Enugu, despite a high burden of neurological diseases in the population. More education, training and awareness of its utility are needed for medical students and doctors to reverse the trend.展开更多
In this study, we investigated the presence of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ca in rice cultivated in four local government areas (Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, Isi Uzo) within Enugu state, Nigeria. We employed an Atomic Absorptio...In this study, we investigated the presence of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ca in rice cultivated in four local government areas (Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, Isi Uzo) within Enugu state, Nigeria. We employed an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with an air acetylene flame to analyze these metals after digesting the rice samples. Risk assessment studies were carried out to determine any potential health risk to consumers by evaluating the estimated daily intake (EDI), the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The average concentration (mg/kg) of trace metals in the rice samples was within the acceptable limits established by FAO/WHO. Specifically, Zn ranged from 0.265 to 0.632 mg/kg, Fe from 2.73 to 4.131 mg/kg, Cu from 0.205 to 4.131 mg/kg, and Ca from 9.718 to 12.150 mg/kg. There were no statistically significant differences in metal concentrations among the various locations. Consequently, the rice analyzed in this study can be considered safe for consumption. The calculated EDI (mg/kg-day) values were below the maximum tolerable daily intake thresholds. THQ values also fell within safe levels, and the HI values were less than 1, signifying no potential health risks associated with consuming rice from these locations. In conclusion, there is no significant non-carcinogenic health risk associated with exposure to trace metals through the consumption of rice from these areas.展开更多
Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of ...Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of increased local production and availability of alcohol in the country. Knowledge of the prevalence and pattern of current alcohol use is important considering the public health and socio-economic effects of alcohol use. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence of current alcohol use among adults 18 years and older living in urban slums in Enugu South East Nigeria. Current use of alcohol was defined as use of any or all alcohol beverages in the past 4 weeks. The safe limit of alcohol was defined using WHO guidelines. Study duration was 5 months. Results: A total of 1411 individuals were recruited into the study. Males were 658 (46.6%) and females were 753 (53.4%). The overall prevalence of current use of alcohol was 66.7%;males 75.7% and females 58.8% (p Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of current alcohol use among urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures for reducing alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for abstinence.展开更多
Application of Tourist Area Life Cycle(TALC)in tourism destinations in the global south(i.e.,Nigeria)is limited despite its predictive values.This study evaluates ecotourism destinations in southeastern Nigeria using ...Application of Tourist Area Life Cycle(TALC)in tourism destinations in the global south(i.e.,Nigeria)is limited despite its predictive values.This study evaluates ecotourism destinations in southeastern Nigeria using the TALC model and its implications to tourism planning and development.Focus Group Discussions(FGDs)and in-depth interviews were used in the study,and the results were discussed based on variables in the model.The results showed the following:“Instant resorts”were developed near lakes;limited development and stagnations,the uncertainty of destination growth,stages over-lap,among others were characteristics of tourism destinations in southeastern Nigeria due to socio-political landscape shaping tourism in Nigeria.Tourism destinations in the region fall between exploration and development stages;this is not unconnected to government“slapdash attitude”to tourism.Conversely,the status of these destinations offers the opportunity for community involvement for sustainability reasons.The qualitative means used to gauge tourism destinations’stages is novel and worthy of academic attention;it is invaluable where numeric data are missing.The study is suggestive of theoretical underpinning in tourism studies in developing nations.Keywords:Anambra,Butler,destination,ecotourism,Enugu,Tourism Area Life Cycle(TALC)展开更多
文摘The present investigation provides a case study of water vending in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State of South Eastern Nigeria. Questionnaire copies were randomly distributed in the study area to 200 households. Data obtained from the field were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The analysis revealed that almost all the residents of Enugu North L.G.A. obtain their water from independent water vending systems which are operated by the private sector. Tanker truck, distributing and small retail water vendors all operate in the study area. There are an estimated number of 250 tanker truck drivers serving Enugu North L.G.A. Approximately 35 tanker trucks serve Hill- top/Udi siding ward, while there are a total of 52 retail vendors in Onuasata ward. Majority of the respondents are low income earners who spend within the ranges of NGN500 ($3.33) and NGN1500 ($10) a month on water on the average. 50.0 percent of these respondents opined that vended water was expensive. Of the respondents, 49.4 percent consumed 91 - 100 litres per capita per day, which is less than the 120 litres per capita per day recommended by the Federal Re- public of Nigeria’s National water supply and sanitation policy document of 2000. This deficit can be attributed to the cost of vended water. From the chi-square test, there is significant difference in the unit cost of water sold by vendors in the various wards in Enugu North L.G.A. In the absence of regular water provision through pipe-connections from the public utility, water vending should be supported but regulated. Meeting the water and sanitation target and optimizing water resources for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 will require a dramatic scaling up of joint efforts by the state government and the people in ensuring that vendors provide safe water at a low cost.
文摘BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a major cause of referral to the Spine clinic. In the adult population 50% - 90% may present with low back pain at least once in their life time. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosing the etiology of low back pain is MRI. The protocol at NOHE is to request MRI for patients whose clinical patterns are indicative for invasive intervention. OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of MRI findings in patients with low back pain attending spine clinic at NOHE. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 60 MRI of adult patients with low back pain with clinical need for invasive intervention. The scan was carried out with A Basda BTI 0.35T MRI System using the standard protocol, with sagital and axial T1 and T2-weighted and STIR. Images were from Onis 2.5 digital co. limited. RESULT: Thirty five (58.3%) were males while 25 (41.7%) were females with majority aged between 40 - 59 years. About 90% of the images had disc prolapse while 73% had disc height reduction. The commonest cause of spinal canal stenosis was disc prolapse, thickened ligamentum flavum, spondylolisthesis and osteophytes. Six (10%) of the patient did not have any lesion on MRI. L4/5 was the commonest affected segment while 90% of abnormal cases had multilevel involvement. CONCLUSION: There is high yield of diagnosis with MRI scan among low back pain patients with clinical need for invasive intervention, hence an excellent navigating tool. L4/L5 disc level remains the commonest culprit.
文摘The effects of blending Enugu coal and anthracite on tin smelting using Nigerian Dogo Na Hauwa cassiterite have been studied. The work utilized various blends ranging from 100% to 0% anthracite. The content of the Enugu coal in the blend varied from 5% to 100%. The various tin metal recovery percentage for each batch of smelting using various blends was noted. Anthracite alone had the highest recovery of 71.90% followed by 5% blend of Enugu with anthracite. The result, however, showed that as the Enugu Coal was increased in the blend, the recovery was also decreasing. This equally affected the quality of tin metal recovered by increasing the grade. The work recommended that since the cost of production is the critical issue, 5% - 15% range of Enugu Coal should be used in preparing blends to bring down the cost of imported anthracite which is put at $906.69 per ton. The use of 15% Enugu coal will result in lowering the cost of imported anthracite by $136.0.
文摘Globally, diarrhoea is the second commonest infectious cause of death in children less than 5 years old. It is estimated that more than one billion diarrhoea episodes occur every year causing up to 700,000 deaths among children younger than 5 years of age. Seventy-two percent of these deaths occur in children below two years and enteric viruses have been recognized as a major cause of childhood diarrhoea. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of enteric Adenoviruses and Rotaviruses in children with diarrhoea in rural Enugu communities of Enugu State South East Nigeria. Methods: Stool samples were collected from children less than 5 years with diarrhoea seen in any of the participating hospitals in Enugu State. Samples were collected between June 2015 and May 2017. Detection of rotavirus and enteric adenovirus antigens were performed using commercially available ELISA kit (Oxoid-ProspecT®). Demographic data of the children were also collected. Results: Of the 290 stool samples that had sufficient materials for adenovirus and rotavirus ELISA, 14 (4.8%) and 89 (30.7%) were positive for enteric adenovirus and rotavirus respectively. 3 (1%) were co-infected with adenovirus and rotavirus. Rotavirus positive cases were more among hospitalized patients while enteric adenovirus was more among outpatients. Marked peaks of rotavirus positivity were seen in January of each year but no peak was seen among adenovirus positive cases. Higher vomiting frequencies and severe dehydration were more among rotavirus positive cases compared to adenovirus positive cases (p = 0.030 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Many diarrhoea cases among children aged <5 in the population studied were associated with enteric adenoviruses and rotavirus. This finding suggests that enteric viral agents (adenovirus and rotavirus) are important aetiologies for childhood diarrhoea in Enugu state Nigeria. Appropriate preventive, diagnostic and treatment interventions should be instituted so as to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with these viruses.
文摘Background: Diabetes in Nigeria presents a rising public health challenge and many cases are probably undetected. Poor glycemic control is a risk factor to both micro and macro vascular complications of diabetes and a major factor in the burden of the disease world-wide. The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of glycemic control among adult diabetes patients attending a medical outpatient clinic in Enugu. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we conducted a cross sectional descriptive study of patients with diabetes attending the medical out-patient clinic of one of the tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. Good glycemic control was defined as fasting blood glucose of less than 100 mg/dl. Study duration was 6 months. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS software. Results: A total of 119 participants were recruited for the study: 74 (62.2%) females and 45 males (37.8%) with a mean age of 62.2 (11.7) years. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 138.4 (24.3) mmHg and 81.2 (12.9) mmHg respectively. Eight (6.7%) had a docu-mented history of diabetes-related coma in the past. The mean fasting blood glucose was 127.9 (22.4) mg/dl. Good, fair and poor glycemic control was achieved in 16.8%, 30.3% and 63% (52.9%) respectively. Correlation statistics showed that low level of adherence and abstaining from alcohol/tobacco are correlated with poor glycemic control. Conclusion: Majority (52.9%) of patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health center in Enugu, Nigeria has poor glycemic control status. Medication adherence and substance use are correlated with poor control.
文摘This study compares CH4 emissions from different livestock farms （poultry, cattle and swine farms） in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. Data on animal type, number and age were obtained by direct observations while the concentrations of CH4 in the livestock farms were measured with the Gasman Crowcrown Gas Monitor. Daily ambient air temperature and rainfall data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency （NIMET） Enugu. Regression analysis was used to determine possible relationships existing between weather parameters and CH4 emissions while the One-Way ANOVA was used to determine variance equality in means of greenhouse gas emission spatially at P 〈 0.05. Minimum and maximum temperatures ranged between 21.9 and 22.7 ℃ and 26.2 and 30.6 ℃ respectively, with rainfall ranging between 0.0 and 12.5 mm during the study period. Of the livestock farms sampled, swine farm emitted the highest concentrations of the greenhouse gas at both the livestock house （2.88 ± 0.28 ppm） and feaces decomposition site （2.30 ±0.30 ppm）, while poultry emitted the least concentrations of 1.96 ± 0.23 and 1.92 ± 0.10 ppm in the livestock house and faeces decomposition locations respectively. Age and number of livestock did not affect emissions of greenhouse gas. Though the prevailing weather parameters measured （temperature and rainfall） did not exert significant influences on greenhouse gas emissions, significant spatial variations in emissions in the feaces decomposition sites of the farmhouses was observed at P 〈 0.05. CH4emission in cattle farmhouse （2.80 ± 0.46 ppm） and swine farmhouse （2.88 ± 0.28 ppm） as well as those measured in the faeces decomposition locations of swine farmhouse （2.30 ± 0.30 ppm） exceeded the CH4 concentration level of 2.0 ppm measured in dry air at sea level. There is need for a further research on the effects of animal age, growth rate and biochemistry on CH4 emissions at the farmhouses.
文摘Obesity is known to be a major risk factor of type 2 diabetes （T2D） and responsible for most lipid abnormalities associated with the disease but limited data on such association are available for diabetic patients of Igbo ethnicity in the South East region of Nigeria. A case-control study involving 72 T2D patients and 75 non-diabetic （ND） patients （control） ofIgbo ethnicity was conducted. Demographic and anthropometric data were obtained followed by blood collection for the determination of fasting blood sugar （FBS）, total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG）, high density lipoprotein （HDL） and low density lipoprotein （LDL）. Obesity based on waist circumference （WC） was significantly higher （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Similarly, TC, TG and LDL levels were significantly （p 〈 0.001） higher in T2D patients while HDL was significantly lower （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients compared to the control. The proportion of dyslipidaemia characterized by high TC, high TG, high LDL and low HDL was significantly higher （p 〈 0.001） in T2D patients. BMI correlated positively （p 〈 0.05） with WC, TC, and LDL while FBS correlated positively （p 〈 0.05） with TG but negatively with HDL. In conclusion, dyslipidaemia characterised by hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated LDL and reduced HDL, as well as obesity were associated with T2D and correlated with FBS in this population.
文摘Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) is established for evaluating several acute and chronic medical conditions of neurological basis. In much of Nigeria and Africa, it is largely unavailable and underutilized due to scarcity of neurologists and high costs of the equipment. It offers a relatively simple and efficient way to help manage many encephalopathies if well utilized in trained hands. Aim: This study aimed to determine how physicians practicing in Enugu perceive and utilize electroencephalography routinely. Method: Physicians attending a statewide meeting in Enugu in August 2018 were consecutively recruited and a pretested questionnaire was administered after obtaining prior consent. Sociodemographic data as well as their knowledge, attitude and practice of electroencephalography were documented and analyzed. Results: There were 486 respondents (males 335: females 151) and 345 (71%) were specialists in various disciplines while 141 (29%) were general practitioners. Only 7 doctors (1.4%) claimed ignorance of electroencephalography and 6 (1.2%) stated it was not useful. Majority, 333 doctors (69.1%) believed it had no impact on routine patient management. This perception was highest for Dental Surgery (100%) and lowest for Internal Medicine (23%) specialists. Most doctors (425, 87.4%) agreed that neurologists should analyze recordings. Most physicians had no access to electroencephalography (61.7%) and had no interest in acquiring the machine (50.8%). Conclusion: Electroencephalography is an underappreciated investigative modality amongst physicians in Enugu, despite a high burden of neurological diseases in the population. More education, training and awareness of its utility are needed for medical students and doctors to reverse the trend.
文摘In this study, we investigated the presence of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Ca in rice cultivated in four local government areas (Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, Isi Uzo) within Enugu state, Nigeria. We employed an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with an air acetylene flame to analyze these metals after digesting the rice samples. Risk assessment studies were carried out to determine any potential health risk to consumers by evaluating the estimated daily intake (EDI), the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The average concentration (mg/kg) of trace metals in the rice samples was within the acceptable limits established by FAO/WHO. Specifically, Zn ranged from 0.265 to 0.632 mg/kg, Fe from 2.73 to 4.131 mg/kg, Cu from 0.205 to 4.131 mg/kg, and Ca from 9.718 to 12.150 mg/kg. There were no statistically significant differences in metal concentrations among the various locations. Consequently, the rice analyzed in this study can be considered safe for consumption. The calculated EDI (mg/kg-day) values were below the maximum tolerable daily intake thresholds. THQ values also fell within safe levels, and the HI values were less than 1, signifying no potential health risks associated with consuming rice from these locations. In conclusion, there is no significant non-carcinogenic health risk associated with exposure to trace metals through the consumption of rice from these areas.
文摘Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substances in the country. Studies have shown sharp increases in alcohol consumption among Nigerians. This increase is likely to continue because of increased local production and availability of alcohol in the country. Knowledge of the prevalence and pattern of current alcohol use is important considering the public health and socio-economic effects of alcohol use. Methods: Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence of current alcohol use among adults 18 years and older living in urban slums in Enugu South East Nigeria. Current use of alcohol was defined as use of any or all alcohol beverages in the past 4 weeks. The safe limit of alcohol was defined using WHO guidelines. Study duration was 5 months. Results: A total of 1411 individuals were recruited into the study. Males were 658 (46.6%) and females were 753 (53.4%). The overall prevalence of current use of alcohol was 66.7%;males 75.7% and females 58.8% (p Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of current alcohol use among urban slums in Enugu. Public health educational measures for reducing alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Efforts should be made to educate the populace on the need for abstinence.
文摘Application of Tourist Area Life Cycle(TALC)in tourism destinations in the global south(i.e.,Nigeria)is limited despite its predictive values.This study evaluates ecotourism destinations in southeastern Nigeria using the TALC model and its implications to tourism planning and development.Focus Group Discussions(FGDs)and in-depth interviews were used in the study,and the results were discussed based on variables in the model.The results showed the following:“Instant resorts”were developed near lakes;limited development and stagnations,the uncertainty of destination growth,stages over-lap,among others were characteristics of tourism destinations in southeastern Nigeria due to socio-political landscape shaping tourism in Nigeria.Tourism destinations in the region fall between exploration and development stages;this is not unconnected to government“slapdash attitude”to tourism.Conversely,the status of these destinations offers the opportunity for community involvement for sustainability reasons.The qualitative means used to gauge tourism destinations’stages is novel and worthy of academic attention;it is invaluable where numeric data are missing.The study is suggestive of theoretical underpinning in tourism studies in developing nations.Keywords:Anambra,Butler,destination,ecotourism,Enugu,Tourism Area Life Cycle(TALC)
