Aim: The following work studied how tribal affiliation, educational level and occupation of some women that had PPH in Maiduguri metropolis between September 2007 and March 2009 relate with PPH occurrence. The study w...Aim: The following work studied how tribal affiliation, educational level and occupation of some women that had PPH in Maiduguri metropolis between September 2007 and March 2009 relate with PPH occurrence. The study was aimed at identifying possible risk factors and also to compare the relative prevention efficacies of oxytocin or misoprostol within the matrix of these factors. Method: A total of 1800 pregnant women who have received either oxytocin injection or oral misoprostol in third stage of labour as a prophylaxis of postpartum haemorrhage, were enrolled within three health care facilities in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Each patient was observed at parturition and for 24 h after, during which blood lost was estimated to the nearest millilitres. Demographic characteristics were recorded in a structured proforma. The relationship of the occurrence of PPH (occurrence of blood loss > 500 ml) and mean blood loss (MBL) was studied with respect to the prophylactic medication used and some demographic factors. Results: The incidence of PPH was higher in Igbo, and some “minority” tribes of Borno state (Babur, Bura, Mafa). The tribes that constituted the majority of the study population (Kanuri, and Hausa) exhibited low incidences of PPH. Significant relationships were demonstrated between PPH and educational levels and occupations of participants. Conclussions: It was concluded that PPH occurrence is related to tribal affiliation, educational level and occupation, and the relative efficacies of oxytocin and misoprostol varies between the tribal groups.展开更多
Water safety plan as conceived by WHO can lead to prevention of pollution in each component of water supply chain which leads to ensuring safe drinking water. Risk assessment is one of the key components during the de...Water safety plan as conceived by WHO can lead to prevention of pollution in each component of water supply chain which leads to ensuring safe drinking water. Risk assessment is one of the key components during the development of water safety plan, achieved by identifying hazardous events and estimating their risk towards implementing control measures. This study reports the risk assessment from catchment to consumers in Maiduguri water treatment plant in Northeast Nigeria. Tools such as the field visits, key informant interviews, questionnaire and water quality monitoring were used to identify the hazards and estimate their risk using semi-quantitative matrix. With the existing control measures, the study showed a total of 33 hazardous events;5 in catchment, 16 in treatment plant, 6 in distribution system and 6 at consumers’ points. The risk score indicated 6 are of medium risk and 9 of high risk. Catchment activities, upgrade of treatment facilities and lack of routine maintenance in the treatment plant, pipeline damages in distribution lines, and consumers’ lack of hygiene knowledge and awareness were found to be the major contributory factors which affect the desired quality. Therefore participation and commitment by all relevant stakeholders are fundamental requisite to manage the identified health risks.展开更多
This study examined the level of turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria. Five years (2011-2015) temperature and wind speed data at 1000 mbar pressure level retrieved from Era-...This study examined the level of turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria. Five years (2011-2015) temperature and wind speed data at 1000 mbar pressure level retrieved from Era-Interim Reanalysis Platform was used. These data were gotten at 6-hourly synoptic hours: 0000H, 0600H, 1200H and 1800H at 0.125° grid resolution. The gradient Richardson (Rig) number method was utilised in analysing turbulence across three layers: 10 - 50 m (surface layer);50 - 100 m (mid layer) and 100 - 1300 m (upper layer). Findings shows that the surface layer is always in a turbulent state as over 95% of Rig values were below Richardson Critical (Ric) value of 0.25 with range 0.02 - 0.94. However, all values across the hours were below the Richardson Termination (RT) value of 1. Laminar conditions exist at the mid layer across the hours as 99.9% of Rig values ranging 0.88 - 8.02 were greater than RT of 1. Rig values for the upper layer were largely negative and ranged between -78.71 to -724.14. This indicates robust turbulent conditions. Turbulence generated through forced and free ascents prevailed at the surface layer and upper layer respectively. This shows that wind shear is dominant at the surface while thermal buoyancy prevails at the upper level. The months of February and September at 1200 and 1800 hours respectively are the periods of maximum (about 134 m) and minimum (below 15 m) heights were free convection destabilises forced convection in the study area. Relating findings to emission dispersion suggests that air pollutants will be transported across far and near distances at the upper layer and surface layers respectively. This is due to the stable nature of the mid layer that will limits vertical emission dispersion. Policy makers should ensure that potential emission sources stacks are above 50 m to ensure pollutants are dispersed aloft in the area.展开更多
Maiduguri metropolis Nigeria, lies on a relatively flat terrain of about 350 meters above sea level and is part of the undulating Borno Plain that slopes towards the Lake Chad. The rapid physical expansion of the metr...Maiduguri metropolis Nigeria, lies on a relatively flat terrain of about 350 meters above sea level and is part of the undulating Borno Plain that slopes towards the Lake Chad. The rapid physical expansion of the metropolis and the annual recurrent flash flooding and inundation problems within the city continues to impact devastating socioeconomic effects on the livelihood of residents sometimes leading to loss of lives and property. It is important therefore to understand the spatial pattern of floods and terrain characteristics in Maiduguri for planning purposes. The paper examined the spatial pattern of urban flash floods and inundations, and the terrain characteristics in Maiduguri metropolis. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generated from the Shuttle Raddar Topography Mission was used to provide the basis for the terrain analysis to generate hydrological parameters such as elevation, flow accumulation and direction, drainage network and slope angle as well as classified elevation images and terrain wetness index to map out potential flood risk areas. The DTM identified potential areas liable to flash flood and inundation. The 3D Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the area showed where potential floods or traps were located in the metropolis. The findings further revealed that Maiduguri was generally characterized by low lying locations with slope angles of less than 5 degrees covering an area of 144.4 km<sup>2</sup> out of 148 km<sup>2</sup> making it extremely difficult to drain. The processed flow accumulation of the study area showed a high flow accumulation pixel value of 19,972 that drained into outlet, suggesting that a large proportion of the study area was getting flooded during a rainstorm. Even though the calculated drainage density of 0.73 for the study area indicated a very good drainage system, this was also undermined by the flat terrain and urbanization. The study recommends for improved land use planning;raising awareness of the residents, provision of more drainages and continued vulnerability mapping improved the functionality of bodies responsible for flood management among others for sustainable flood management in the study area.展开更多
The use of Levamisole hydrochloride as an immunostimulant has been successful in the control of certain diseases such as Derzsy’s disease in chicken as well as in increasing lymphocytes and weight gain in pigs. Howev...The use of Levamisole hydrochloride as an immunostimulant has been successful in the control of certain diseases such as Derzsy’s disease in chicken as well as in increasing lymphocytes and weight gain in pigs. However, its use as immunostimulant in the prevention of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in goats has not been investigated. In this study, the use of Levamisole in enhancing immune response to PPR vaccination including its effects on weight gain was investigated among groups of goats (groups A, B, C and D). Virus neutralization test was used to determine the antibody profile in vaccinated goats while the total and differential leucocyte counts and body mass index (BMI) were determined using standard procedures. Goats in group A (Levamisole primed and PPR vaccinated) seroconverted to more than 3-folds of the initial pre-vaccination geometric mean titre (GMT) of neutralizing antibody beginning from second week post-vaccination and remained high throughout the period of the experiment. Similarly, there was significant increase (p 0.05) in BMI of animals in other groups throughout the period of the experiment. The results of this study further confirm the immunostimulatory effect of Levamisole when used in combination with a vaccine.展开更多
Background: Infant health inequalities responsible for high infant sicknesses and deaths in our setting could depend to a large extend on maternal inequalities like socioeconomic class (SEC), age and human immunodefic...Background: Infant health inequalities responsible for high infant sicknesses and deaths in our setting could depend to a large extend on maternal inequalities like socioeconomic class (SEC), age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: To look at maternal inequalities (SEC, Age and HIV), to predict well-being of neonates during infancy. Methods: Subjects were selected using systematic random sampling. Maternal education, occupation, age and HIV status were obtained using a questionnaire;their SEC was derived using the Oyedeji’s model. Gestational age (GA) of the neonates was estimated from their mother’s last menstrual period, obstetric ultrasound scan reports or the Dubowitz criteria;and birthweight (BW) was determined using the basinet weighing scale, which has a sensitivity of 50 grams. Results: Ninety mother-neonatal pairs were enrolled, 47 (52.2%) neonates were males and 43 (47.8%) females. Most of the neonates were term 66 (73.3%) and of normal BW 75 (83.4%). A significant association existed between maternal variables and the likely hood of the subjects being less healthy during infancy (χ2 = 126.528, p < 0.005). Maternal age had a negative correlation coefficient with GA (r = -0.200) and BW (r = -0.115) and comparison of MA, GA and BW was significant (F = 2662.92, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The combine effects of maternal SEC, Age and HIV have predicted less healthy neonates during infancy. Neonates in the present work are more prone to sicknesses and ill-health during infancy.展开更多
Background: Some researchers have suggested that when Naegle’s rule (NR) and Dubowitz score (DS) are combined, it could out-perform obstetric ultrasound scan (USS). Others still believe that obstetric USS alone is st...Background: Some researchers have suggested that when Naegle’s rule (NR) and Dubowitz score (DS) are combined, it could out-perform obstetric ultrasound scan (USS). Others still believe that obstetric USS alone is still effective relative to the combination of NR rule and DS in assessing the gestational age (GA) of babies. Objectives: To determine and compare the GA of babies using obstetric USS, NR and DS;and to provide relevant public health information on obstetric USS in the 21st century. Methods: Subjects were selected using systematic random sampling and the GA of babies was determined using obstetric USS, NR, and DS. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) statistical software version 16, Illinois, Chicago USA was used for all data analysis. Results: Eightyfive mother-baby pairs were studied. Forty-four babies (52%) were males and 41 (48%) females. Sixty four (75%) were term with a mean (SD) BW of 3.02 (0.59) at 95%CI (2.89 -?3.14) kg. The overall mean GA of the babies was 38.49 (2.89) at 95%CI (38.14 -?38.85) weeks. The mean GA using obstetric USS, NR and DS were 38.52 (1.98) at 95%CI (38.14 -?38.99), 38.09 (4.13) at 95%CI (37.20-?38.99) and 38.82 (2.02) at 95%CI (38.39 -?39.26), but comparison of these means was not significant (p = 0.256). Combined mean GA by NR and DS was 38.46 (3.26) at 95%CI (37.96 -?38.95). Comparing this mean with mean GA obtained by obstetric USS was also not significant (p = 0.885). Conclusion: The GA assessments by Obstetric USS, NR and DS were all reliable, and Obstetric USS performed effectively relative to combined NR and DS.展开更多
文摘Aim: The following work studied how tribal affiliation, educational level and occupation of some women that had PPH in Maiduguri metropolis between September 2007 and March 2009 relate with PPH occurrence. The study was aimed at identifying possible risk factors and also to compare the relative prevention efficacies of oxytocin or misoprostol within the matrix of these factors. Method: A total of 1800 pregnant women who have received either oxytocin injection or oral misoprostol in third stage of labour as a prophylaxis of postpartum haemorrhage, were enrolled within three health care facilities in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Each patient was observed at parturition and for 24 h after, during which blood lost was estimated to the nearest millilitres. Demographic characteristics were recorded in a structured proforma. The relationship of the occurrence of PPH (occurrence of blood loss > 500 ml) and mean blood loss (MBL) was studied with respect to the prophylactic medication used and some demographic factors. Results: The incidence of PPH was higher in Igbo, and some “minority” tribes of Borno state (Babur, Bura, Mafa). The tribes that constituted the majority of the study population (Kanuri, and Hausa) exhibited low incidences of PPH. Significant relationships were demonstrated between PPH and educational levels and occupations of participants. Conclussions: It was concluded that PPH occurrence is related to tribal affiliation, educational level and occupation, and the relative efficacies of oxytocin and misoprostol varies between the tribal groups.
文摘Water safety plan as conceived by WHO can lead to prevention of pollution in each component of water supply chain which leads to ensuring safe drinking water. Risk assessment is one of the key components during the development of water safety plan, achieved by identifying hazardous events and estimating their risk towards implementing control measures. This study reports the risk assessment from catchment to consumers in Maiduguri water treatment plant in Northeast Nigeria. Tools such as the field visits, key informant interviews, questionnaire and water quality monitoring were used to identify the hazards and estimate their risk using semi-quantitative matrix. With the existing control measures, the study showed a total of 33 hazardous events;5 in catchment, 16 in treatment plant, 6 in distribution system and 6 at consumers’ points. The risk score indicated 6 are of medium risk and 9 of high risk. Catchment activities, upgrade of treatment facilities and lack of routine maintenance in the treatment plant, pipeline damages in distribution lines, and consumers’ lack of hygiene knowledge and awareness were found to be the major contributory factors which affect the desired quality. Therefore participation and commitment by all relevant stakeholders are fundamental requisite to manage the identified health risks.
文摘This study examined the level of turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria. Five years (2011-2015) temperature and wind speed data at 1000 mbar pressure level retrieved from Era-Interim Reanalysis Platform was used. These data were gotten at 6-hourly synoptic hours: 0000H, 0600H, 1200H and 1800H at 0.125° grid resolution. The gradient Richardson (Rig) number method was utilised in analysing turbulence across three layers: 10 - 50 m (surface layer);50 - 100 m (mid layer) and 100 - 1300 m (upper layer). Findings shows that the surface layer is always in a turbulent state as over 95% of Rig values were below Richardson Critical (Ric) value of 0.25 with range 0.02 - 0.94. However, all values across the hours were below the Richardson Termination (RT) value of 1. Laminar conditions exist at the mid layer across the hours as 99.9% of Rig values ranging 0.88 - 8.02 were greater than RT of 1. Rig values for the upper layer were largely negative and ranged between -78.71 to -724.14. This indicates robust turbulent conditions. Turbulence generated through forced and free ascents prevailed at the surface layer and upper layer respectively. This shows that wind shear is dominant at the surface while thermal buoyancy prevails at the upper level. The months of February and September at 1200 and 1800 hours respectively are the periods of maximum (about 134 m) and minimum (below 15 m) heights were free convection destabilises forced convection in the study area. Relating findings to emission dispersion suggests that air pollutants will be transported across far and near distances at the upper layer and surface layers respectively. This is due to the stable nature of the mid layer that will limits vertical emission dispersion. Policy makers should ensure that potential emission sources stacks are above 50 m to ensure pollutants are dispersed aloft in the area.
文摘Maiduguri metropolis Nigeria, lies on a relatively flat terrain of about 350 meters above sea level and is part of the undulating Borno Plain that slopes towards the Lake Chad. The rapid physical expansion of the metropolis and the annual recurrent flash flooding and inundation problems within the city continues to impact devastating socioeconomic effects on the livelihood of residents sometimes leading to loss of lives and property. It is important therefore to understand the spatial pattern of floods and terrain characteristics in Maiduguri for planning purposes. The paper examined the spatial pattern of urban flash floods and inundations, and the terrain characteristics in Maiduguri metropolis. Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generated from the Shuttle Raddar Topography Mission was used to provide the basis for the terrain analysis to generate hydrological parameters such as elevation, flow accumulation and direction, drainage network and slope angle as well as classified elevation images and terrain wetness index to map out potential flood risk areas. The DTM identified potential areas liable to flash flood and inundation. The 3D Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the area showed where potential floods or traps were located in the metropolis. The findings further revealed that Maiduguri was generally characterized by low lying locations with slope angles of less than 5 degrees covering an area of 144.4 km<sup>2</sup> out of 148 km<sup>2</sup> making it extremely difficult to drain. The processed flow accumulation of the study area showed a high flow accumulation pixel value of 19,972 that drained into outlet, suggesting that a large proportion of the study area was getting flooded during a rainstorm. Even though the calculated drainage density of 0.73 for the study area indicated a very good drainage system, this was also undermined by the flat terrain and urbanization. The study recommends for improved land use planning;raising awareness of the residents, provision of more drainages and continued vulnerability mapping improved the functionality of bodies responsible for flood management among others for sustainable flood management in the study area.
文摘The use of Levamisole hydrochloride as an immunostimulant has been successful in the control of certain diseases such as Derzsy’s disease in chicken as well as in increasing lymphocytes and weight gain in pigs. However, its use as immunostimulant in the prevention of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in goats has not been investigated. In this study, the use of Levamisole in enhancing immune response to PPR vaccination including its effects on weight gain was investigated among groups of goats (groups A, B, C and D). Virus neutralization test was used to determine the antibody profile in vaccinated goats while the total and differential leucocyte counts and body mass index (BMI) were determined using standard procedures. Goats in group A (Levamisole primed and PPR vaccinated) seroconverted to more than 3-folds of the initial pre-vaccination geometric mean titre (GMT) of neutralizing antibody beginning from second week post-vaccination and remained high throughout the period of the experiment. Similarly, there was significant increase (p 0.05) in BMI of animals in other groups throughout the period of the experiment. The results of this study further confirm the immunostimulatory effect of Levamisole when used in combination with a vaccine.
文摘Background: Infant health inequalities responsible for high infant sicknesses and deaths in our setting could depend to a large extend on maternal inequalities like socioeconomic class (SEC), age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: To look at maternal inequalities (SEC, Age and HIV), to predict well-being of neonates during infancy. Methods: Subjects were selected using systematic random sampling. Maternal education, occupation, age and HIV status were obtained using a questionnaire;their SEC was derived using the Oyedeji’s model. Gestational age (GA) of the neonates was estimated from their mother’s last menstrual period, obstetric ultrasound scan reports or the Dubowitz criteria;and birthweight (BW) was determined using the basinet weighing scale, which has a sensitivity of 50 grams. Results: Ninety mother-neonatal pairs were enrolled, 47 (52.2%) neonates were males and 43 (47.8%) females. Most of the neonates were term 66 (73.3%) and of normal BW 75 (83.4%). A significant association existed between maternal variables and the likely hood of the subjects being less healthy during infancy (χ2 = 126.528, p < 0.005). Maternal age had a negative correlation coefficient with GA (r = -0.200) and BW (r = -0.115) and comparison of MA, GA and BW was significant (F = 2662.92, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The combine effects of maternal SEC, Age and HIV have predicted less healthy neonates during infancy. Neonates in the present work are more prone to sicknesses and ill-health during infancy.
文摘Background: Some researchers have suggested that when Naegle’s rule (NR) and Dubowitz score (DS) are combined, it could out-perform obstetric ultrasound scan (USS). Others still believe that obstetric USS alone is still effective relative to the combination of NR rule and DS in assessing the gestational age (GA) of babies. Objectives: To determine and compare the GA of babies using obstetric USS, NR and DS;and to provide relevant public health information on obstetric USS in the 21st century. Methods: Subjects were selected using systematic random sampling and the GA of babies was determined using obstetric USS, NR, and DS. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) statistical software version 16, Illinois, Chicago USA was used for all data analysis. Results: Eightyfive mother-baby pairs were studied. Forty-four babies (52%) were males and 41 (48%) females. Sixty four (75%) were term with a mean (SD) BW of 3.02 (0.59) at 95%CI (2.89 -?3.14) kg. The overall mean GA of the babies was 38.49 (2.89) at 95%CI (38.14 -?38.85) weeks. The mean GA using obstetric USS, NR and DS were 38.52 (1.98) at 95%CI (38.14 -?38.99), 38.09 (4.13) at 95%CI (37.20-?38.99) and 38.82 (2.02) at 95%CI (38.39 -?39.26), but comparison of these means was not significant (p = 0.256). Combined mean GA by NR and DS was 38.46 (3.26) at 95%CI (37.96 -?38.95). Comparing this mean with mean GA obtained by obstetric USS was also not significant (p = 0.885). Conclusion: The GA assessments by Obstetric USS, NR and DS were all reliable, and Obstetric USS performed effectively relative to combined NR and DS.
