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Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Prostate Cancer- A Retrospective Analysis of Prostate Cancer Patients in Southern Nigeria.
No full textBackground: Tobacco contains harmful carcinogens that have been associated with cancers. Some studies have associated tobacco smoking with prostate cancer (PCa). The relationship between alcohol consumption as a risk factor for prostate cancer has been debated. Some studies associated alcohol consumption with increased risk of PCa, associating alcohol consumption with higher-grade cancers and poorer prognosis. Other studies have found a minimal relationship with PCa, with some even suggesting that alcohol consumption may even be protective. This study evaluates the association between smoking and alcohol consumption in prostate cancer patients.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study on one hundred and fifty-two patients diagnosed with prostate cancer with a known history of both smoking and or alcohol consumption managed over a 9year period from January 2012 to December 2020 from three Urology referrals hospitals. Patients with incomplete history were excluded. Their data such as age, a history of cigarette smoking, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate biopsy histopathology reports, and Gleason’s grade were extracted. This was coded into Microsoft Excel and analyzed with SPSS version 20. The results were analyzed and presented in tables and charts.
Results: One hundred and thirty-five patients had a premorbid history of smoking and alcohol consumption with a mean age of 69years and a modal age in the 70-79year age group. Fifty-three (39.3%) of the patients had a history of cigarette smoking, ninety-four (69.6%) had a history of alcohol consumption. In comparison, fifty-one (37.8%) had a history of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. The high-risk Gleason’s 8-10 prostate cancer was commoner among smokers than nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant association between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption alone and combined with PCa.
Conclusion: The high-risk Gleason’s 8-10 prostate cancer was commoner among smokers than nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant association between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption and the risk of prostate cancer
Correlation of Foetal Liver Length with Gestational Age and Foetal Weight in Pregnant Nigerian Women
No full textBackground: This study aims to determine the relationship(s) of fetal liver length (FLL) to the gestational age, biometric parameters (BPD, FL, AC, HC), and fetal weight in third trimester pregnancies.
Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 400 fetuses in normal third trimester pregnancies recruited from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The participants were between 20-45 years of age and their gestational ages ranged from 27-40weeks. The FLL, liver thickness and transverse diameter were measured on B-mode ultrasound. Fetal liver volume (FLV) was calculated using the ellipsoid formula. The expected gestational age (EGA) was determined from the date of the last menstrual period (LMP), early first-trimester crown-rump length (CRL), or early second-trimester biparietal diameter (BPD) ultrasound. The estimated gestational age (EGA) and EFW were calculated using computer-assisted analysis of ultrasound fetal biometrics.
Results: The mean height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 1.62±0.08m, 72.07±13.26kg and 27±4.70kg/m2 respectively. FLL had a linear relationship and a positive correlation with EGA and EFW. There was also a positive correlation between FLL and fetal biometrics, maternal weight, and BMI. Percentile distribution of FLL and FLV for the GA 27–40weeks was developed.
Conclusion: FLL could be used to predict GA in normal pregnancies especially when LMP is uncertain
Reported incidence of Cluster Seizures in Persons with Epilepsy. Experience from Two Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu South East Nigeria.
No full textBackground: Repetitive seizures are neurological emergencies which may occur in people with epilepsy. Ascertaining the incidence of these episodes of such seizures in the community is wrought with many challenges and few reports exist in sub Saharan Africa, a region with a high burden of epilepsy. The aim of this study was to describe the caregiver reported frequency of acute recurrent seizures in people with epilepsy attending neurology outpatient clinic in Enugu.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed in the medical out-patient clinics in Enugu Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from an existing epilepsy register. Cluster seizures were defined as frequent repetitive seizures (two or more) occurring more than usual within a week. Epilepsy was defined based on ILAE criteria.
Results: A total of 73(45.3%) reported a lifetime history of cluster seizures; similar in males 39(48.1%) and females 34(45.9%). P=0.73. About 36.4% and 38.2% of PWE who had a history of traumatic brain injury and stroke had also experienced at least one SC. A large proportion of PWE with SC also had experienced status epilepticus in the past. Seizure cluster was correlated by older age of onset, having various forms of seizures and longer seizure freedom
Conclusions: The reported lifetime history of cluster seizures among people with epilepsy attending a tertiary hospital clinic is high. This may suggest both poor seizure control and severity. Careful patient education will improve both adherence and emergency management of epilepsy to reduce the morbidity of epilepsy in the community
Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Uptake of Regenerative Agriculture Technologies in the Dry-lands of Embu County, Kenya
Get PDFThis study evaluated socioeconomic factors influencing the uptake of regenerative agriculture technologies in the dry lands of Embu County. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 400 farm households. Multivariate Probit model (MVP) and percentage were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicate that several socioeconomic factors including farming experience, farm size, main occupation, off-farm activities, age, gender, marital status and education level influenced the uptake of various regenerative agriculture technologies. Government and other inventors should take these factors into consideration while making decisions and formulating policies to support the dissemination and uptake of agricultural innovations
Determinants of Youth Farmers’ Utilization of Improved Rice Production Practices in South West, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study assessed the determinants of young farmers’ utilization of improved rice production practices in South West Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 317 respondents for the study. Data were collected through the use of an interview schedule. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, and Probit- censored double-hurdle regression model was used to analyze the data. Findings reveal that the major improved rice production practices utilized by the young farmers included: the selection of improved rice varieties (88.3%) and appropriate use of agrochemicals (99.3%), while the most intensively utilized practices were: farm planning and use of cropping calendar (WMS=1.38), timely planting of rice (WMS=2.24) and safekeeping and handling of agro-chemicals (WMS=2.48). Age (β = -0.073646, -0.0039496). Years of education (β = -0.0565773, 0.003665), years of farming experiences (β = 0.0081413, 0.003140, availability of improved agricultural practices information (β = 0.0413969, 0.114309) and knowledge level of improved rice production practices (β = 0.0396945, 0.408986) had the likelihood of determining utilization and intensity of use of Improved rice production practices in the study area. Government and other relevant agricultural stakeholders should focus on the identified factors in view to enhance the utilization of improved rice production practices in the study area
Conceptualizing and measuring collective action in school management committees: validity and reliability of the CASC scale
No full textIn spite of the numerous surveys of public goods provision in school management committees (SMCs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), proper conceptualization and measurement of the underlying construct remain a challenge. This study argues that advancement in the survey of public goods in SMCs rests on an appropriate conceptualization and measurement of collective action. This article conceptualizes and measures collective action in school committees using a 10 items instrument, i.e., the CASC scale. The instrument was applied within the framework of a PhD project completed at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Dar es Salaam in 2015. The validity test, using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), demonstrates that the eigenvalue of the first factor is larger than the eigenvalue for the next factor (3.2 versus 1.2); and the first and second factors account for 46% of the total variance, indicating that the items of the CASC scale are unidimensional. Similarly, the reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha shows that the coefficient for the 10 items is α = 0.75, which is acceptable and respectable. It is expected that the availability of a CASC scale will inspire surveys of the provision of public goods in SMCs to adopt the relevant theoretical bases of collective action
Opportunities and challenges experienced by smallholder farmers in using climate smart agriculture to adapt to climate variability and change in Kilosa District, Tanzania
No full textThis study assesses opportunities and challenges experienced by smallholder farmers in using climate smart agriculture (CSA) to adapt to climate change and variability in Kilosa District, Tanzania. The objective of this study was to establish the opportunities and challenges that arise due to the adoption of CSA practises in enhancing crop production and adaptive capacity in improving food security among smallholder farmers. Data were collected from 100 purposively selected crop farmers’ households using a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and observation; as well as conducting transect walks. Obtained quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and inferential statistics, in particular chi-square cross-tabulation to determine relationships between variables. The analysis of qualitative data involved the identification, examination and interpretation of patterns and themes that arose from the textual data. Findings revealed that the opportunities brought about by climatic smart agriculture included high demand for minimum water usage technologies, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. Shortened rains, conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers, and the lack of CSA knowledge were found to be the major challenges. The study concluded that CSA practises are of potential benefits in the adaptation to climate change and/or variability. The study recommends supporting services such as agricultural subsidies, technologies, trainings in CSA practises and funding to smallholder farmers to enhance their adaptive capacity and long-term resilience to adverse impacts of climate change and variability
Efficacité de l’Artéméther-Luméfantrine dans le traitement du paludisme simple à Plasmodium falciparum dans la région du Centre du Burkina Faso: Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine in the treatment of simple Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the central region of Burkina Faso
No full textLe paludisme reste aujourd’hui encore la maladie parasitaire la plus fréquente sur la planète avec, en 2020, 241 millions de cas et 627000 décès. L’objectif de l’étude était d’évalué l’efficacité de l’Artéméther-Luméfantrine dans le traitement du paludisme simple à Plasmodium falciparum dans la région du centre du Burkina Faso.L’étude s’est déroulée dans 4 structures sanitaires de la région du centre au Burkina Faso notamment : CSPS de Bazoulé, CSPS de Pabré, CSPS de Donsin et le CSPS de Bendogo. La population d’étude était constituée de tous patients étant venus se faire consulter dans une des formations sanitaires où s’est déroulée l’étude et présentant un signe de paludisme simple à P. falciparum. Les patients inclus ont reçu l’Artémètherluméfantrine (20/120mg en fonction du poids) comme traitement antipaludique pendant trois jours à partir de Jour zéro (J0) et ont fait l’objet d’un suivi au bout de 28 jours à savoir : J0, J1, J2, J3, J7, J14, J21, J28.Après traitement des patients et suivi jusqu’au jour 28, il a été observé 0% d’échec thérapeutique précoce et d’échec clinique tardif, 10,93 % d’échec parasitologique tardif et 87,5% de réponse clinique et parasitologique adéquate. Il y a eu 14 cas de nouvelles infections soit 21% et zéro cas de recrudescence.L’Artéméther-luméfantrine reste efficace dans le traitement du paludisme simple à Plasmodium falciparum dans la région du centre du Burkina Faso.
Malaria still remains the most common parasitic disease on the planet today with, in 2020, 241 millions cases and 627,000 deaths. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of simple Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the central region of Burkina Faso. The study took place in 4 health facilities in the central region of Burkina Faso, in particular: CSPS of Bazoulé, CSPS of Pabré, CSPS of Donsin and the CSPS of Bendogo. The study population consisted of all patients who came to be consulted in one of the health facilities where the study took place and showed signs of simple P. falciparum malaria. The included patients received Artemether-lumefantrine (20/120mg depending on weight) as antimalarial treatment for three days from Day zero (D0) and were followed up after 28 days namely: D0, D1, D2, D3, D7, D14, D21, D28.After treatment of the patients and follow-up until day 28, 0% of early therapeutic failure and late clinical failure, 10.93% of late parasitological failure and 87.5% of adequate clinical and parasitological response were observed. There were 14 cases of new infections or 21% and zero cases of resurgence.Artemether-lumefantrine remains effective in the treatment of simple Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the central region of Burkina Faso
Prévention et contrôle des infections liées au cathétérisme veineux périphérique au service des urgences du CHU Souro Sanou (Burkina Faso): Prevention and control of infections related to peripheral venous catheterization in the emergency department of Souro Sanou University Hospital (Burkina Faso).
No full textIntroduction. L’offre de soins de santé doit être de qualité, donc sécurisée pour le patient. L’étude a évalué les pratiques de pose de cathéter veineux périphérique (CVP) en relation avec la prévention des infections associées aux soins dans les services des urgences médicale et chirurgicale du Centre hospitalier universitaire Souro Sanou de Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.Matériel et méthodes. Il s’est agi d’une étude observationnelle prospective à visée descriptive. Collectées du 4 juillet au 3 août 2018, les données incluaient toutes les insertions de CVP et ont concerné le processus d’insertion, la surveillance et la traçabilité.Résultats. Parmi les 511 actes d’insertion de CVP observés ; 81,4% ont été insérés par des prestataires de sexe masculin et 97,4% par le personnel infirmier. Il n’a pas été observé ni élimination immédiate du mandrin ni antisepsie lors de la manipulation. Il n’a été observé aucune traçabilité de l’insertion, de la surveillance et de l’ablation des cathéters veineux périphériques.Conclusion. Il s’avère nécessaire de mettre en place des protocoles d’insertion, d’ablation, de manipulation et de surveillance des cathéters veineux périphériques afin d’améliorer la qualité des soins et la sécurité des patients.
Introduction. The provision of health care must be of high quality and therefore safe for the patient. This study evaluated peripheral venous catheter (PVC) insertion practices in relation to the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in the medical and surgical emergency departments of the Souro Sanou University Hospital in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.Materials and methods. This was a prospective observational study with a descriptive aim. Collected from July 4 to August 3, 2018, data included all CVP insertions and concerned the insertion process, monitoring, and traceability.Results. Of the 511 CVP insertion procedures observed; 81.4% were inserted by male providers and 97.4% by nursing staff. There was no immediate removal of the mandrel or antisepsis during handling. There was no traceability of the insertion, monitoring, and removal of peripheral venous catheters.Conclusion. It is necessary to implement protocols for insertion, removal, manipulation, and monitoring of peripheral venous catheters in order to improve the quality of care and patient safety
Phytochemistry of selected Gambian traditional medicinal plants
Get PDFTraditional medicine has played a crucial role in the treatment and management of different human diseases since centuries ago in many African communities and traditions. Plants are a potent source of food and medicine in African communities. Malaria, diabetes, and parasitic diseases are common in Africa and cases can reach alarming levels occasionally. In this research, we studied the phytochemical constituents of popular plants in traditional medicine in The Gambia. The leaves of Cassia tora (Fabaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) and Vernonia amygdalina (Asteraceae), the bark of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae), and roots of Cassia sieberiana (Fabaceae) respectively, were extracted by maceration in ethanol (90%). The samples (crude ethanol extract, n-hexane, and DCM fractions) were screened for phytochemical profile. The ethanol extract, n-hexane, and DCM fractions revealed Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenol, Steroids, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, and Quinones. These phytochemicals are suggested to contribute to the efficacy of the plants in traditional medicinal application in The Gambia. It is hoped that the findings in this research will contribute to chemistry education through research on African medicinal plants and their healing properties