Gudu, being a fringe local government area of Sokoto State of Nigeria, is in the heart of desertification zone of Nigeria where agriculture as the sole means of livelihood for the ever increasing population is endange...Gudu, being a fringe local government area of Sokoto State of Nigeria, is in the heart of desertification zone of Nigeria where agriculture as the sole means of livelihood for the ever increasing population is endangered. The extent of the effect of desertification on the soil quality is unknown, and for sustainable livelihood, timely information on vegetation and soil resources of the area is of essence. It was therefore hypothesized that desertification has effect on the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and particle size. Objectives include assessment of vegetation condition of the area, vegetation change detection and identification of hotspots and assessment of soil properties in the hotspots. Biennial time series (1998 and 2014) of 1-km 10-day SPOT Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was subjected to Time Series Analysis (TSA). Vegetation change detection was carried out to isolate hotspots (improved and degraded areas) from which soil samples were taken. ANOVA was used to test for difference in the measured soil properties at P < 0.05. Results show a general reduction vegetation cover, typical of a semi arid environment. SOC was generally low but higher in improved vegetation areas. While the degraded areas were purely sandy, improved vegetation was either Sand clay loam or Loamy sand, indicating a relationship between SOC and soil texture. It was concluded that desertification had effect on the selected soil properties in the study area. Embarkation on massive afforestation programme and protection of existing forest reserves coupled with environmental education for the farmers were recommended.展开更多
The Impact of Swelling Indices of Sokoto Clays on the Moulding Properties of the Clays in Sand Mixtures was investi- gated. Four clays (labeled A, B, C, D) from different locations in Sokoto state of Nigeria were samp...The Impact of Swelling Indices of Sokoto Clays on the Moulding Properties of the Clays in Sand Mixtures was investi- gated. Four clays (labeled A, B, C, D) from different locations in Sokoto state of Nigeria were sampled. The sampling method was that for each deposit five samples were taken at different positions and then mixed together. At the labora- tory they were washed to remove organic matter and then dried at 110°C in the oven. A laboratory ball mill was used to grind the dried clays. Each of the clay was then sampled for the determination of its swelling index. The determination of the moulding properties of the clays then followed. Only green compression strength, dry compression strength and green permeability, moulding properties were determined. The analysis of the result revealed that clay B has the highest green and dry strength values it had the highest green compression strength of 71.7 KN/m2 and the highest dry com- pression strength of 3225.75 KN/m2. Clay B also has the highest swelling index of 60% and very high degree of expan- siveness when compared to the other three clays. Clay B was followed by clay A with swelling index of 25%;the clay has high green and dry compression strength and a moderate degree of expansiveness. The inability of clay D with swelling index of 40% to be the next clay to clay B which has the highest swelling index of 60% among the four clays in terms of good moulding properties is an indication that high swelling index does not always mean good moulding properties in clay binders.展开更多
Physicochemical parameters of surface water collected from six different points (P1 to P6) on River Sokoto were analysed during January (Dry Season) and August (Rainy Season), 2014 to determine its water quality using...Physicochemical parameters of surface water collected from six different points (P1 to P6) on River Sokoto were analysed during January (Dry Season) and August (Rainy Season), 2014 to determine its water quality using standard methods. The highest temperature of 25.6°C was recorded by P1 in dry season while P5 recorded the highest value of 29.2°C in rainy season. All the water samples were alkaline in dry season with the highest pH value of 8.50 in P5 and the least value of 8.02 in P6 whereas in rainy season, P1, P2 and P3 were slightly acidic while P5 and P6 were slightly neutral and P4 alkaline. The highest values of 510 μS/cm and 850.3 mg/l were recorded from P4 for electrical conductance and hardness respectively in the rainy season whereas in dry season, P5 and P4 had the highest values of 321 μS/cm and 282.8 mg/l respectively. The highest DO and BOD levels in dry season were 1.7 mg/l and 0.7 mg/l respectively in P1 and the least values were 0.7 mg/l and 0.2 mg/l respectively in P5. But in the rainy season, P6 recorded the highest DO value of 0.1 mg/l while P2 and P5 recorded the least value of 0.07 mg/l. For BOD, P5 had the highest value (2.13 mg/l) while P3 had the least value (0.20 mg/l). For COD, the highest value (230 mg/l) was found in P4 and P6 and the least value (30 mg/l) was found in P1 in dry season while in the rainy season, P2 had the highest COD value (1008 mg/l) and P4 had the least value of 32 mg/l. TDS and TSS values generally were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season due to higher amount of floating particles in the rainy season. While P1 and P6 recorded the highest values (800 mg/l and 700 mg/l respectively) in the rainy season, P4 recorded the least value of 100 mg/l in both seasons. The highest Chloride level was found in P4 in the dry (100 mg/l) and rainy (180 mg/l) seasons with the least level in P2 (35 mg/l) in dry season and in P1 and P2 with the least level of 60 mg/l in the rainy season. The highest concentration of Sulphate in P1 (220 mg/l) in dry season was展开更多
This study evaluated the effects of time and temperature variables on routine Pro-thrombin Time test and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test among subjects of African descent in Sokoto, North Western Nig...This study evaluated the effects of time and temperature variables on routine Pro-thrombin Time test and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test among subjects of African descent in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. Samples of 99 subjects made up of 49 male and 50 female subjects with mean age 38.3 ± 22.3 years. Coagulation tests were performed immediately specified times after phlebotomy up to 24 hours (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24 hours at room temperature of 40 degrees C. Our data demonstrate that prothrombin time and APTT results are stable for up to 2 hours, remaining constant regardless of storage conditions. Post hoc tests using Bonferroni correction revealed that there were increases in PT time from 0 hour to 4 hours (17.82 ± 0.61 seconds vs 18.30 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively), from 0 hour to 24 hours (17.82 ± 0.61 seconds vs 18.48 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively), from 2 hours to 4 hours (17.89 ± 0.58 seconds vs 18.30 ± 0.59 seconds), from 2 hours to 24 hours (17.89 ± 0.58 seconds vs 18.48 ± 0.58 seconds), which were all statistically significant (p = 0.002 and p < 0.000, p < 0.000, p < 0.000, respectively). However, the increase in PT time from 0 hour to 2 hours (17.82 ± 0.61 seconds vs 17.89 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively) and from 4 hours to 24 hours (18.30 ± 0.59 vs 18.48 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively) were not statistically significant (p = 1, p = 0.428). A repeated measure ANOVA determined that mean PTTK time differed statistically significantly between time points F (3, 291) = 119.22, p < 0.001. Post hoc tests using Bonferroni correction revealed that there were increase in PTTK time from 0 hour to 2 hours (37.86 ± 1.04 seconds vs 39.94 ± 1.07 seconds, respectively), from 0 hour to 4 hours (37.86 ± 1.04 seconds vs 42.34 ± 1.11 seconds, respectively), from 0 hours to 24 hours (37.86 ± 1.04 seconds vs 44.93 ± 1.20 seconds), from 2 hours to 4 hours (39.94 ± 1.07 seconds vs 42.34 ± 1.11 seconds), from 2 hours to 24 hours (39.94 ± 1.07 seconds vs 44.93 ± 1.20 seconds) and from 4 hours t展开更多
This study was conducted with the aim to record pathological conditions of the female genital tract of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) does with the objective of comparing the prevalence of genital tract ...This study was conducted with the aim to record pathological conditions of the female genital tract of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) does with the objective of comparing the prevalence of genital tract pathology between the two breeds. Of the 211 (RS) and 221 (WAD) genital tract collected and examined, 104 (49.3%) of RS and 97 (43.3%) of WAD showed different types of pathological conditions. Highest occurrence of pathological conditions found in RS was in the uterus (38.4%), followed by those in the ovary (30.8%), cervix (6.6%), salpinx (6.2%) and vagina (1.4%) while in WAD, pathological conditions were highest in the uterus (28.1%), and followed by ovary (26.8%), salpinx (5.0%), cervix (2.2%) and vagina (0.5%). In RS and WAD does, respectively, endometritis (11.9% and 7.1%) was the most common pathology followed by ovaro-bursal adhesion (10.4% and 5.4%), inactive ovaries (4.3% and 4.9%), cystic Graffian follicles (4.2% and 2.2%), paraovarian cyst (3.3% and 3.1%), uterine haemorrhage (3.8% and 2.7%), and ovarian hypoplasia (2.4% and 4.5%). Other pathological conditions found in RS and WAD does include cervical lesions: cervicitis (2.8% and 1.8%), haemorrhage (3.2% and 0.5%);uterine lesions: hydrometra (1.9% and 1.3%), pyometra (2.8% and 1.8%), mucometra (2.8% and 3.6%), metritis (2.4% and 1.3%), post parturient metritis (2.8% and 1.8%), caruncular atrophy (1.4% and 0.5%), endometrial hyperplasia (1.0% and 1.8%), melanosis (1.9% and 1.8%), post parturient emphysematous metritis (1.4% and 2.2%), perimetritis (1.4% and 2.2%), uterine congestion (1.9% and 2.2%), oedema (1.0% and 0.5%) and Cysticercus tenuicolis cyst (0.5% and 0.5%);esophageal lesions: salpingitis (1.9% and 3.1%), hydrosalpinx (1.0% and 0.5%), tubo-bursal cyst (3.3% and 0.9%), ovarian lesions: cystic corpora lutea (2.8% and 1.8%), oophoritis (0.5% and 1.8%), and Cysticercus tenuicolis cyst (1.0% and 0.9%). Hyperaemia (0.5%) and calcification of cervical caudal rugae (0.5%) occurred in RS only. Genital lesions were not statistically diff展开更多
Hypertension is a major public health problem that adversely affects the health status of individuals, families and communities. L-arginine levels of a total of 90 consecutively-recruited hypertensive subjects and 50 ...Hypertension is a major public health problem that adversely affects the health status of individuals, families and communities. L-arginine levels of a total of 90 consecutively-recruited hypertensive subjects and 50 age-matched non-hypertensive controls were studied. Plasma from subjects and control participants were analyzed for L-arginine. The mean values of L-arginine level were significantly lower among the hypertensive subjects which are (174.33 ± 78.31 μmol/L) compared to those of the 50 non-hypertensive controls (237.82 ± 261.16 μmol/L) (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in the L-arginine levels of hypertensive subjects based on gender, age and ethnici-ty (p = 0.87, 0.23 and 0.57) respectively. The L-arginine level was significantly higher among married hypertensive subjects (181.71 ± 78.17 μmol/L) compared to single or unmarried subjects (130.62 ± 65.99 μmol/L) (p = 0.03). The mean value of L-arginine level was significantly higher among hypertensive subjects with mild blood pressure (187.63 ± 77.93 μmol/L) compared to those with high blood pressure (156.93 ± 76.31 μmol/L). The difference however was not statistically significant (p = 0.05). The findings from this study confirm that the level of L-arginine is lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls. Age, gender and ethnicity did not have a significant effect on the L-arginine levels of hypertensive subjects. L-arginine level was significantly lower among single hypertensive patients and those with markedly raised blood pressure. It is recommended the L-arginine supplement be prescribed to hypertensive patient as a prophylactic measure. There is a need to enlighten hypertensive patients in the area on the need to maintain a balanced diet containing sufficient level of L-arginine.展开更多
Introduction: Laryngeal stenosis is partial or circumferential narrowing of the endolaryngeal airway from congenital or acquired causes. It can present with life threatening upper airway obstruction, and the goal of t...Introduction: Laryngeal stenosis is partial or circumferential narrowing of the endolaryngeal airway from congenital or acquired causes. It can present with life threatening upper airway obstruction, and the goal of treatment is restoration of good quality voice, respiration and laryngeal competence. We report a case of laryngeal stenosis following strangulation by a trapped overflowed head scarf, whilst being transported on a motor cycle and highlighted the treatment challenges. Methodology: A case of laryngeal stenosis studied, clinical findings, investigation results and treatment analysed. Results: A 70-year-old Nigerian elderly woman presented with three weeks’ history of hoarseness and progressive difficulty in breathing, following pulling of her long head scarf into the back wheel of the motor cycle taking her home. She had immediate loss of consciousness, which lasted for about 60 minutes. There was associated bout of cough while eating. Examination revealed life threatening upper airway obstruction. X-ray soft tissue neck showed soft tissue mass obliterating larygotracheal air column. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy showed grossly distorted laryngeal inlet with invisible vocal cords. CT scan of the larynx showed multiple and displaced fractures of the laryngeal cartilages. Microlaryngoscopy findings were pin-hole laryngeal lumen with firm collapsed mucosa. Emergency tracheostomy was done to relieve the upper airway obstruction. Attempts were made to excise the collapse mucosa and insert a stent proved difficult. Referral for endoscopic laser excision was caution because of the potential risk of aspiration. She was counselled and coping well with the tracheostomy.展开更多
Hypertension (HTN) is a major health problem worldwide. It can lead to cardiovascular disease and functional disturbances including haematological parameters. Full blood count (FBC) parameters of a total of 60 consecu...Hypertension (HTN) is a major health problem worldwide. It can lead to cardiovascular disease and functional disturbances including haematological parameters. Full blood count (FBC) parameters of a total of 60 consecutively-recruited hypertensive subjects and 30 age-matched non-hypertensive controls were studied between June and September, 2018. Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) anticoagulated blood and serum from subjects and control participants were analyzed for FBC. The total white cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) haemoglobin (Hb), neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls (p 40-year-old compared to those <40 years of age (p = 0.02 and 0.01) respectively. The RBC count was significantly higher among female compared to male hypertensives (p = 0.05). The haemoglobin and monocyte count were significantly higher among male compared to female hypertensives (p = 0.02 and 0.04) respectively. The monocyte count was significantly higher among hypertensive subjects of Hausa ethnic group compared to Fulani (t = 2.79, p < 0.01). The findings from this study indicates that the WBC, PCV, Hb, neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls. Stage of the disease, age, gender and ethnicity had a significant effect on the FBC parameters of the hypertensive patients. There is need to step up public enlightenment programme to educate hypertensive patients on the need for attending clinic regularly for effective follow up. It is recommended that facilities for the routine monitoring of FBC parameters among hypertensive in the area be provided.展开更多
Aeromagnetic method of exploration is famed for its suitability for locating buried magnetic ore bodies because of their magnetic susceptibility. This method has been used in the early stage of petroleum exploration t...Aeromagnetic method of exploration is famed for its suitability for locating buried magnetic ore bodies because of their magnetic susceptibility. This method has been used in the early stage of petroleum exploration to determine depth and major structures of crystalline Basement rocks underlying the sedimentary basin. In this study, high resolution aeromagnetic data were used to ascertain the viability for hosting hydrocarbon potentials of the study area which forms part of the Illummeden Basin (also known locally as the Sokoto embayment) of West Africa. This was largely carried out through Spectra analysis to determine sediment thickness. The results of the analysis of the aeromagnetic data show that, deeper magnetic source ranges from 0.41 km to 2.69 km, shallow magnetic sources from 0.17 km to 0.97 km. Areas with shallow sediment thickness could not allow the thermal maturation of the sediments, since temperature increase with depth and a depth of two kilometers and above has a temperature range of 60°C and above. Areas with sediment thickness of 1.5 km and above were delineated and considered as sub-basins and hence potential areas for hydrocarbon exploration.展开更多
Background: Self ear cleaning with cotton buds and other objects is a common practice. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of self ear cleaning habit among patients attendin...Background: Self ear cleaning with cotton buds and other objects is a common practice. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of self ear cleaning habit among patients attending a family medicine clinic in a teaching hospital in Sokoto metropolis. Materials and Methods: This was a 4 weeks prospective study carried out between May and June, 2013 at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A structured self response questionnaire containing items on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of administering objects into the ear and complications of self ear cleaning was administered to the respondents after institutional research ethical clearance. The data were analysed using SPSS for windows version 16.0. P-value was considered significantly if less than 0.05. Results: A total of 200 subjects were included in this study, comprising of 93 (46.5%) males and 107 (53.5%) females. Their ages ranged from 18-57 years with the mean age being 30.29 years (±8.70). Eighty percent (160) of the respondents practise self ear cleaning. Types of objects included writing objects and cotton buds. For many of the subjects, the frequency of insertion was once daily and both ears were frequently cleaned. Complications that have arisen due to the practice included otitis externa. Conclusion: Self ear cleaning was prevalent in the subjects. Considering the complications that may arise, ear cleaning is better done by trained health personnel.展开更多
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world. It is associated with oxidative stress which occurs as a result of HbS unstable character causing a rise in the formation of free radi...Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world. It is associated with oxidative stress which occurs as a result of HbS unstable character causing a rise in the formation of free radicals. The aim of this study was to determine some antioxidant enzymes activities among patients with SCD. We investigated the superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) levels among 60 children aged 1 - 14 years with SCD. Twenty-two age-matched non-SCD children served as control. The study subjects were divided into two groups;steady state A (n = 30) and vaso- occlusive crisis (VOC) B (n = 30). The SOD, and GPx levels were significantly lower among the SCD subjects compared to controls (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels between sickle cell disease patient in steady state (A) and those in crisis (B) (p = 0.998 and 0.555) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the SOD and GPX levels between sickle cell disease patient in steady state (A) and non-sickle cell controls (p = 0.005 and 0.000) respectively as well as between sickle cell disease patient in VOC (B) and non-sickle cell controls (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels of sickle disease subjects based on age, gender, maternal level of educational attainment, occupational group and income (p = 0.629 and 0.476;p = 0.382 and 0.417;p = 0.450 and 0.314 and p = 0.397 and 0.762 and p = 0.553 and 0.929) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels of sickle disease subjects of Hausa/Fulani extraction versus Yoruba (p = 0.714 and 0.856), between Hausa/Fulani extraction versus Igbo (0.917 and 0.486) and between Yoruba extraction versus Igbo (p = 0.740 and 0.965) respectively. This study confirms that SCD children have lower values of antioxidant enzymes compared to controls. SOD and GPX levels in sickle cell disease patient in steady state and vaso-occlus展开更多
Objectives: There is a paucity of information on the prevalence of iron deficiency among blood donors in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria. The present study was, therefore, designed to investigate the prevalence and soc...Objectives: There is a paucity of information on the prevalence of iron deficiency among blood donors in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria. The present study was, therefore, designed to investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with iron deficiency among blood donors in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria using a combination of haemoglobin haematocrit and serum ferritin measurements. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty consecutively recruited whole blood donors, comprising of 148 (98.7%) family replacement donors and 2 (1.3%) voluntary non-remunerated donors, 145 male (96.7%) and 5 (3.33%) female blood donors aged 18 - 60 years with mean age 39 ±?21 years constituted the subjects for this study. Subjects included farmers 55 (43.3%), 56 civil servants (37.3%) and 39 (26%) students. The full blood count was carried out using Mythic 22 CT fully automated haematology analyser (Orphee SA, Switzerland). Serum was tested for ferritin using a human ferritin enzyme immunoassay kit—ACCU DiagTM ELISA Ferritin kit (Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostic Inc. California (U.S.A). Result: Three haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume and serum ferritin) were assessed among blood donors. The haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin levels were significantly lower among regular voluntary remunerated blood donors (13.5 ±?0.00, 43.5 ±?2.0 and 34.88 ±?0.00) compared to Family replacement donors (14.10 ±?.40, 45 ±?3.0 and 74.12 ±?45.20) respectively (p =?0.01, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). The mean haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin levels were compared among donors based on gender. The haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin were significantly higher among male donors (14.2 ±?2.0, 44 ±?4.0 and 78.02 ±?49.10) compared to female donors (12.35 ±?2.5, 42 ±?3.0 and 42.2 ±?32.13) (p =?0.01, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). The mean haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin levels were compared among donors based on展开更多
<b>Introduction</b>: Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) may occur with skin and ocular involvement which are not common manifestations in children and may lead to debilitating complications. <b>Objective...<b>Introduction</b>: Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) may occur with skin and ocular involvement which are not common manifestations in children and may lead to debilitating complications. <b>Objective</b>: A child with multi-organ TB involving the lungs, chest abdomen, skin and eyes who had been symptomatic for 3 years is reported. <b>Case Report</b>: A 6-year-old girl presented with recurrent fever, abdominal pain and weight loss of 3 years and skin lesions of a year duration. There was history of pain and redness of the eyes associated with discharge. She was not vaccinated at all. She was chronically ill-looking with bilateral conjunctival hyperaemia, purulent eye discharge with corneal opacity of the right eye. She had significant lymphadenopathy, digital clubbing and ulcerated, discharging swellings around her neck and axilla (scrofuloderma). She had reduced breath sounds and coarse crepitations. Hepatosplenomegaly and ascites were present. She later developed bulging of the upper part of the cornea of the right eye which was diagnosed by the ophthalmologist to be cornea ulcer with anterior staphyloma. <b>Results, Treatment and Outcome</b>: Complete blood count (leucocytosis 12,800 cells), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (150 mm/hr) and tuberculin test (7 mm induration) were suggestive of TB. Radiological tests were also supportive. She received anti-Kochs in addition to systemic and ocular antibiotics. Skin lesions healed progressively and stopped discharging. Caregivers were counseled on poor visual prognosis of the right eye. She was discharged but lost to follow up. <b>Conclusion</b>: Multi-organ involvement of TB especially ocular and cutaneous TB is not common but is very debilitating. More preventive efforts with vaccination and expertise are needed at lower levels of health care in the community to aid early diagnosis.展开更多
Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It is a significant contributor to the burden of diseases and affects over a million men. This...Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It is a significant contributor to the burden of diseases and affects over a million men. This study investigated the levels of malondialdehyde and plasma total antioxidant capacity among patients with prostate cancer in Sokoto. This case-control study was conducted among 28 confirmed prostate cancer patients attending the Urology clinics in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Sokoto Specialist Hospital in North Western Nigeria. Twenty-eight age-matched healthy males were monitored as controls. Determination of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) reagent while the Malondialdehyde in serum was determined as a conjugate with Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) acid. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were processed using SPSS version 20 and results were reported as Mean ± Standard deviation. The malondialdehyde level was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) among subjects with prostate cancer (0.215 ± 0.06) compared to controls (0.073 ± 0.04). The plasma total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly among the subjects (247.9 ± 63.3) compared to controls (743.3 ± 104.40) (p < 0.0001). The findings from this indicated a high Malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation indicator) and low levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity among prostate cancer patients as evidence of redox imbalance. Subjects in monogamous relationships compared to polygamous, rural dwellers, farmers, individuals of Hausa ethnicity and subjects who reported no family history of the disease were more predisposed to prostate cancer. Further epidemiological studies are needed to determine the predisposing factors and the potential role of these markers in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of prostate cancer patients in Sokoto in particular and Nigeria in general. We recommend that Malondialdehyde and Total An展开更多
BACKGROUND Female breast cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide with an incidence of approximately 2.1 million in 2018.Hormone receptor status plays a vital role in its management.AIM To determine the molecula...BACKGROUND Female breast cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide with an incidence of approximately 2.1 million in 2018.Hormone receptor status plays a vital role in its management.AIM To determine the molecular expression pattern of biomarkers in breast cancer and their correlation with tumor variables.METHODS This prospective study was designed to analyze expression patterns of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR)and human epidermal growth factor receptor(HER2/neu)in breast cancer patients.The dataset has been taken from the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto,Nigeria from 1 January 2015 to 2 December 2019.The dataset had 259 records and 7 attributes.SPSS version 23.0 for statistical analysis was used.The data analyzed demographic and other clinicopathological characteristics as categorical variables.The mean and standard deviation were determined for the quantitative variable.RESULTS A total of 259 breast cancer cases were included in the study.The mean age was 48.3±11.0,with an age range of 26-80 years and a median age of 46 years.The morphological categories were invasive ductal carcinoma 258(99.6%)and invasive lobular carcinoma 1(0.4%).ER,positivity increased in 73 patients(50%)under the age of 50 years,as well as PR positivity increased in 34 patients(23.6%)under the age of 50 years.HER/2neupositivity decreased in 8 patients(5.6%)under the age of 50 years.Hormonal receptors were statistically significant with clinicopathological characteristics(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Our study showed that ER,PR and HER2/neuexpression had a strong correlation with age,tumor grade,tumor size and lymph node status.Hence,hormone receptor assessment is highly recommended because of its significance in clinical management and prognostication.展开更多
Postmortem examination is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be presen...Postmortem examination is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present.This study aimed to assess the knowledge,attitude,and perception of postmortem examination among doctors and nurses in a tertiary health care of Sokoto state.A cross‑sectional study design was used,and a total of 149 doctors and nurses participated in the study.Respondents were recruited into the study using probability proportionate to size followed by a simple random sampling method.Data were obtained through self‑administered questionnaires,and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 17.0.Descriptive statistics,Chi‑square test,and multinomial logistic regression analysis were carried out.The mean age of respondents was 31.6(5.6)years.There were more nurses than doctors(60.4%vs.39.6%)in the study.More than three‑quarter(80%)of the respondents had fair to good knowledge of postmortem examination.While many respondents expressed positive attitudes and perceptions,less than half were willing to accept organs from deceased donors.Respondents’profession influenced both the knowledge(P>0.001,odds ratio[OR]=13.95)and attitude(P<0.04,OR=2.49)to postmortem examination.Although greater than three‑quarter of respondents had fair to good knowledge and many expressed positive attitudes and perceptions with respect to postmortem examination,there is need to create more awareness on medical benefit of postmortem examination.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among blood donors in Sokoto,North Western,Nigeria using a combination of haemoglobin haematocrit and serum...Objective:To investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among blood donors in Sokoto,North Western,Nigeria using a combination of haemoglobin haematocrit and serum ferritin measurements.Methods:One hundred and fifty consecutively recruited whole blood donors,comprising of 148(98.7%)family replacement donors and 2(1.3%)voluntary non-remunerated donors aged 18-60 years and mean age 39±21 years constituted the subjects for this study.The full blood count was carried out using Mythic 22 CT fully automated haematology analyser(Orphee SA,Switzerland).Serum was tested for ferritin using a human ferritin enzyme immunoassay kit-ACCU Diag^(™)ELISA Ferritin kit(Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostic Inc.California,USA).Results:The prevalence of anaemia(haemoglobin<11.0 g/dL)was evident in 24(16%)and iron deficiency anaemia(serum ferritin<12 ng/mL+haemoglobin<11 g/dL)in 5(10%)of donors.The haemoglobin and ferritin levels was significantly lower among regular voluntary remunerated blood donors(13.50±0.00 and 34.88±0.00)compared to family replacement donors(14.10±2.40 and 74.12±45.20)respectively(P=0.01 and 0.05 respectively).The mean haemoglobin and ferritin level was compared among donors based on gender.The haemoglobin and ferritin was significantly higher among male donors(14.20±2.00,78.02±49.10)compared to female donors(12.35±2.5 and 42.20±32.13)(P=0.01).The mean haemoglobin and ferritin level was compared among donors based on occupational groups.The haemoglobin and ferritin was significantly higher among civil servants compared to farmers and students(P=0.01).Conclusions:Iron deficiency anaemia is prevalent among blood donors in Sokoto,North Western,Nigeria.There is need to include routine ferritin in the blood donor testing protocol in the area to enable the diagnosis of donors with latent iron deficiency anaemia to facilitate iron supplementation for regular blood donors at risk and those with iron deficiency anaemia.展开更多
Land degradation is one of the most ubiquitous environmental challenges affecting the semi-arid ecosystems of the world and the Sokoto-Rima basin is not immune to this. In this study, we evaluated vulnerability of the...Land degradation is one of the most ubiquitous environmental challenges affecting the semi-arid ecosystems of the world and the Sokoto-Rima basin is not immune to this. In this study, we evaluated vulnerability of the Sokoto-Rima basin to land degradation by combining remote sensing and geographic information system technologies. An appraisal model was developed for the identified nine variables, whose weights were ascertained by the analytical hierarchy process. Using this model, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution of vulnerability to land degradation stimulated by climate change from 2002 to 2015. Largely, the basin is extremely vulnerable to land degradation with roughly 88% of the land area in 2002, 2012 and 2015 while areas with low vulnerability were just 1.52%, 1.48% and 1.51% respectively. Geographically, there exists a north-south vulnerability index dichotomy as the index increases northwards. Also, integrated vulnerability index showed that the entire basin is getting exposed to the vagaries of climate change that stimulates land degradation. Large-scale resilience projects such as greening and integrated shelter-belts and woodlots can be implemented in the long run as existing ones are inadequate to address the observed degradation.展开更多
文摘Gudu, being a fringe local government area of Sokoto State of Nigeria, is in the heart of desertification zone of Nigeria where agriculture as the sole means of livelihood for the ever increasing population is endangered. The extent of the effect of desertification on the soil quality is unknown, and for sustainable livelihood, timely information on vegetation and soil resources of the area is of essence. It was therefore hypothesized that desertification has effect on the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and particle size. Objectives include assessment of vegetation condition of the area, vegetation change detection and identification of hotspots and assessment of soil properties in the hotspots. Biennial time series (1998 and 2014) of 1-km 10-day SPOT Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was subjected to Time Series Analysis (TSA). Vegetation change detection was carried out to isolate hotspots (improved and degraded areas) from which soil samples were taken. ANOVA was used to test for difference in the measured soil properties at P < 0.05. Results show a general reduction vegetation cover, typical of a semi arid environment. SOC was generally low but higher in improved vegetation areas. While the degraded areas were purely sandy, improved vegetation was either Sand clay loam or Loamy sand, indicating a relationship between SOC and soil texture. It was concluded that desertification had effect on the selected soil properties in the study area. Embarkation on massive afforestation programme and protection of existing forest reserves coupled with environmental education for the farmers were recommended.
文摘The Impact of Swelling Indices of Sokoto Clays on the Moulding Properties of the Clays in Sand Mixtures was investi- gated. Four clays (labeled A, B, C, D) from different locations in Sokoto state of Nigeria were sampled. The sampling method was that for each deposit five samples were taken at different positions and then mixed together. At the labora- tory they were washed to remove organic matter and then dried at 110°C in the oven. A laboratory ball mill was used to grind the dried clays. Each of the clay was then sampled for the determination of its swelling index. The determination of the moulding properties of the clays then followed. Only green compression strength, dry compression strength and green permeability, moulding properties were determined. The analysis of the result revealed that clay B has the highest green and dry strength values it had the highest green compression strength of 71.7 KN/m2 and the highest dry com- pression strength of 3225.75 KN/m2. Clay B also has the highest swelling index of 60% and very high degree of expan- siveness when compared to the other three clays. Clay B was followed by clay A with swelling index of 25%;the clay has high green and dry compression strength and a moderate degree of expansiveness. The inability of clay D with swelling index of 40% to be the next clay to clay B which has the highest swelling index of 60% among the four clays in terms of good moulding properties is an indication that high swelling index does not always mean good moulding properties in clay binders.
文摘Physicochemical parameters of surface water collected from six different points (P1 to P6) on River Sokoto were analysed during January (Dry Season) and August (Rainy Season), 2014 to determine its water quality using standard methods. The highest temperature of 25.6°C was recorded by P1 in dry season while P5 recorded the highest value of 29.2°C in rainy season. All the water samples were alkaline in dry season with the highest pH value of 8.50 in P5 and the least value of 8.02 in P6 whereas in rainy season, P1, P2 and P3 were slightly acidic while P5 and P6 were slightly neutral and P4 alkaline. The highest values of 510 μS/cm and 850.3 mg/l were recorded from P4 for electrical conductance and hardness respectively in the rainy season whereas in dry season, P5 and P4 had the highest values of 321 μS/cm and 282.8 mg/l respectively. The highest DO and BOD levels in dry season were 1.7 mg/l and 0.7 mg/l respectively in P1 and the least values were 0.7 mg/l and 0.2 mg/l respectively in P5. But in the rainy season, P6 recorded the highest DO value of 0.1 mg/l while P2 and P5 recorded the least value of 0.07 mg/l. For BOD, P5 had the highest value (2.13 mg/l) while P3 had the least value (0.20 mg/l). For COD, the highest value (230 mg/l) was found in P4 and P6 and the least value (30 mg/l) was found in P1 in dry season while in the rainy season, P2 had the highest COD value (1008 mg/l) and P4 had the least value of 32 mg/l. TDS and TSS values generally were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season due to higher amount of floating particles in the rainy season. While P1 and P6 recorded the highest values (800 mg/l and 700 mg/l respectively) in the rainy season, P4 recorded the least value of 100 mg/l in both seasons. The highest Chloride level was found in P4 in the dry (100 mg/l) and rainy (180 mg/l) seasons with the least level in P2 (35 mg/l) in dry season and in P1 and P2 with the least level of 60 mg/l in the rainy season. The highest concentration of Sulphate in P1 (220 mg/l) in dry season was
文摘This study evaluated the effects of time and temperature variables on routine Pro-thrombin Time test and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test among subjects of African descent in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. Samples of 99 subjects made up of 49 male and 50 female subjects with mean age 38.3 ± 22.3 years. Coagulation tests were performed immediately specified times after phlebotomy up to 24 hours (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24 hours at room temperature of 40 degrees C. Our data demonstrate that prothrombin time and APTT results are stable for up to 2 hours, remaining constant regardless of storage conditions. Post hoc tests using Bonferroni correction revealed that there were increases in PT time from 0 hour to 4 hours (17.82 ± 0.61 seconds vs 18.30 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively), from 0 hour to 24 hours (17.82 ± 0.61 seconds vs 18.48 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively), from 2 hours to 4 hours (17.89 ± 0.58 seconds vs 18.30 ± 0.59 seconds), from 2 hours to 24 hours (17.89 ± 0.58 seconds vs 18.48 ± 0.58 seconds), which were all statistically significant (p = 0.002 and p < 0.000, p < 0.000, p < 0.000, respectively). However, the increase in PT time from 0 hour to 2 hours (17.82 ± 0.61 seconds vs 17.89 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively) and from 4 hours to 24 hours (18.30 ± 0.59 vs 18.48 ± 0.59 seconds, respectively) were not statistically significant (p = 1, p = 0.428). A repeated measure ANOVA determined that mean PTTK time differed statistically significantly between time points F (3, 291) = 119.22, p < 0.001. Post hoc tests using Bonferroni correction revealed that there were increase in PTTK time from 0 hour to 2 hours (37.86 ± 1.04 seconds vs 39.94 ± 1.07 seconds, respectively), from 0 hour to 4 hours (37.86 ± 1.04 seconds vs 42.34 ± 1.11 seconds, respectively), from 0 hours to 24 hours (37.86 ± 1.04 seconds vs 44.93 ± 1.20 seconds), from 2 hours to 4 hours (39.94 ± 1.07 seconds vs 42.34 ± 1.11 seconds), from 2 hours to 24 hours (39.94 ± 1.07 seconds vs 44.93 ± 1.20 seconds) and from 4 hours t
文摘This study was conducted with the aim to record pathological conditions of the female genital tract of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) does with the objective of comparing the prevalence of genital tract pathology between the two breeds. Of the 211 (RS) and 221 (WAD) genital tract collected and examined, 104 (49.3%) of RS and 97 (43.3%) of WAD showed different types of pathological conditions. Highest occurrence of pathological conditions found in RS was in the uterus (38.4%), followed by those in the ovary (30.8%), cervix (6.6%), salpinx (6.2%) and vagina (1.4%) while in WAD, pathological conditions were highest in the uterus (28.1%), and followed by ovary (26.8%), salpinx (5.0%), cervix (2.2%) and vagina (0.5%). In RS and WAD does, respectively, endometritis (11.9% and 7.1%) was the most common pathology followed by ovaro-bursal adhesion (10.4% and 5.4%), inactive ovaries (4.3% and 4.9%), cystic Graffian follicles (4.2% and 2.2%), paraovarian cyst (3.3% and 3.1%), uterine haemorrhage (3.8% and 2.7%), and ovarian hypoplasia (2.4% and 4.5%). Other pathological conditions found in RS and WAD does include cervical lesions: cervicitis (2.8% and 1.8%), haemorrhage (3.2% and 0.5%);uterine lesions: hydrometra (1.9% and 1.3%), pyometra (2.8% and 1.8%), mucometra (2.8% and 3.6%), metritis (2.4% and 1.3%), post parturient metritis (2.8% and 1.8%), caruncular atrophy (1.4% and 0.5%), endometrial hyperplasia (1.0% and 1.8%), melanosis (1.9% and 1.8%), post parturient emphysematous metritis (1.4% and 2.2%), perimetritis (1.4% and 2.2%), uterine congestion (1.9% and 2.2%), oedema (1.0% and 0.5%) and Cysticercus tenuicolis cyst (0.5% and 0.5%);esophageal lesions: salpingitis (1.9% and 3.1%), hydrosalpinx (1.0% and 0.5%), tubo-bursal cyst (3.3% and 0.9%), ovarian lesions: cystic corpora lutea (2.8% and 1.8%), oophoritis (0.5% and 1.8%), and Cysticercus tenuicolis cyst (1.0% and 0.9%). Hyperaemia (0.5%) and calcification of cervical caudal rugae (0.5%) occurred in RS only. Genital lesions were not statistically diff
文摘Hypertension is a major public health problem that adversely affects the health status of individuals, families and communities. L-arginine levels of a total of 90 consecutively-recruited hypertensive subjects and 50 age-matched non-hypertensive controls were studied. Plasma from subjects and control participants were analyzed for L-arginine. The mean values of L-arginine level were significantly lower among the hypertensive subjects which are (174.33 ± 78.31 μmol/L) compared to those of the 50 non-hypertensive controls (237.82 ± 261.16 μmol/L) (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in the L-arginine levels of hypertensive subjects based on gender, age and ethnici-ty (p = 0.87, 0.23 and 0.57) respectively. The L-arginine level was significantly higher among married hypertensive subjects (181.71 ± 78.17 μmol/L) compared to single or unmarried subjects (130.62 ± 65.99 μmol/L) (p = 0.03). The mean value of L-arginine level was significantly higher among hypertensive subjects with mild blood pressure (187.63 ± 77.93 μmol/L) compared to those with high blood pressure (156.93 ± 76.31 μmol/L). The difference however was not statistically significant (p = 0.05). The findings from this study confirm that the level of L-arginine is lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls. Age, gender and ethnicity did not have a significant effect on the L-arginine levels of hypertensive subjects. L-arginine level was significantly lower among single hypertensive patients and those with markedly raised blood pressure. It is recommended the L-arginine supplement be prescribed to hypertensive patient as a prophylactic measure. There is a need to enlighten hypertensive patients in the area on the need to maintain a balanced diet containing sufficient level of L-arginine.
文摘Introduction: Laryngeal stenosis is partial or circumferential narrowing of the endolaryngeal airway from congenital or acquired causes. It can present with life threatening upper airway obstruction, and the goal of treatment is restoration of good quality voice, respiration and laryngeal competence. We report a case of laryngeal stenosis following strangulation by a trapped overflowed head scarf, whilst being transported on a motor cycle and highlighted the treatment challenges. Methodology: A case of laryngeal stenosis studied, clinical findings, investigation results and treatment analysed. Results: A 70-year-old Nigerian elderly woman presented with three weeks’ history of hoarseness and progressive difficulty in breathing, following pulling of her long head scarf into the back wheel of the motor cycle taking her home. She had immediate loss of consciousness, which lasted for about 60 minutes. There was associated bout of cough while eating. Examination revealed life threatening upper airway obstruction. X-ray soft tissue neck showed soft tissue mass obliterating larygotracheal air column. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy showed grossly distorted laryngeal inlet with invisible vocal cords. CT scan of the larynx showed multiple and displaced fractures of the laryngeal cartilages. Microlaryngoscopy findings were pin-hole laryngeal lumen with firm collapsed mucosa. Emergency tracheostomy was done to relieve the upper airway obstruction. Attempts were made to excise the collapse mucosa and insert a stent proved difficult. Referral for endoscopic laser excision was caution because of the potential risk of aspiration. She was counselled and coping well with the tracheostomy.
文摘Hypertension (HTN) is a major health problem worldwide. It can lead to cardiovascular disease and functional disturbances including haematological parameters. Full blood count (FBC) parameters of a total of 60 consecutively-recruited hypertensive subjects and 30 age-matched non-hypertensive controls were studied between June and September, 2018. Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) anticoagulated blood and serum from subjects and control participants were analyzed for FBC. The total white cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) haemoglobin (Hb), neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls (p 40-year-old compared to those <40 years of age (p = 0.02 and 0.01) respectively. The RBC count was significantly higher among female compared to male hypertensives (p = 0.05). The haemoglobin and monocyte count were significantly higher among male compared to female hypertensives (p = 0.02 and 0.04) respectively. The monocyte count was significantly higher among hypertensive subjects of Hausa ethnic group compared to Fulani (t = 2.79, p < 0.01). The findings from this study indicates that the WBC, PCV, Hb, neutrophils and eosinophils were significantly lower among hypertensive subjects compared to non-hypertensive controls. Stage of the disease, age, gender and ethnicity had a significant effect on the FBC parameters of the hypertensive patients. There is need to step up public enlightenment programme to educate hypertensive patients on the need for attending clinic regularly for effective follow up. It is recommended that facilities for the routine monitoring of FBC parameters among hypertensive in the area be provided.
文摘Aeromagnetic method of exploration is famed for its suitability for locating buried magnetic ore bodies because of their magnetic susceptibility. This method has been used in the early stage of petroleum exploration to determine depth and major structures of crystalline Basement rocks underlying the sedimentary basin. In this study, high resolution aeromagnetic data were used to ascertain the viability for hosting hydrocarbon potentials of the study area which forms part of the Illummeden Basin (also known locally as the Sokoto embayment) of West Africa. This was largely carried out through Spectra analysis to determine sediment thickness. The results of the analysis of the aeromagnetic data show that, deeper magnetic source ranges from 0.41 km to 2.69 km, shallow magnetic sources from 0.17 km to 0.97 km. Areas with shallow sediment thickness could not allow the thermal maturation of the sediments, since temperature increase with depth and a depth of two kilometers and above has a temperature range of 60°C and above. Areas with sediment thickness of 1.5 km and above were delineated and considered as sub-basins and hence potential areas for hydrocarbon exploration.
文摘Background: Self ear cleaning with cotton buds and other objects is a common practice. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of self ear cleaning habit among patients attending a family medicine clinic in a teaching hospital in Sokoto metropolis. Materials and Methods: This was a 4 weeks prospective study carried out between May and June, 2013 at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A structured self response questionnaire containing items on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of administering objects into the ear and complications of self ear cleaning was administered to the respondents after institutional research ethical clearance. The data were analysed using SPSS for windows version 16.0. P-value was considered significantly if less than 0.05. Results: A total of 200 subjects were included in this study, comprising of 93 (46.5%) males and 107 (53.5%) females. Their ages ranged from 18-57 years with the mean age being 30.29 years (±8.70). Eighty percent (160) of the respondents practise self ear cleaning. Types of objects included writing objects and cotton buds. For many of the subjects, the frequency of insertion was once daily and both ears were frequently cleaned. Complications that have arisen due to the practice included otitis externa. Conclusion: Self ear cleaning was prevalent in the subjects. Considering the complications that may arise, ear cleaning is better done by trained health personnel.
文摘Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world. It is associated with oxidative stress which occurs as a result of HbS unstable character causing a rise in the formation of free radicals. The aim of this study was to determine some antioxidant enzymes activities among patients with SCD. We investigated the superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) levels among 60 children aged 1 - 14 years with SCD. Twenty-two age-matched non-SCD children served as control. The study subjects were divided into two groups;steady state A (n = 30) and vaso- occlusive crisis (VOC) B (n = 30). The SOD, and GPx levels were significantly lower among the SCD subjects compared to controls (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels between sickle cell disease patient in steady state (A) and those in crisis (B) (p = 0.998 and 0.555) respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the SOD and GPX levels between sickle cell disease patient in steady state (A) and non-sickle cell controls (p = 0.005 and 0.000) respectively as well as between sickle cell disease patient in VOC (B) and non-sickle cell controls (p = 0.000). There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels of sickle disease subjects based on age, gender, maternal level of educational attainment, occupational group and income (p = 0.629 and 0.476;p = 0.382 and 0.417;p = 0.450 and 0.314 and p = 0.397 and 0.762 and p = 0.553 and 0.929) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the SOD and GPX levels of sickle disease subjects of Hausa/Fulani extraction versus Yoruba (p = 0.714 and 0.856), between Hausa/Fulani extraction versus Igbo (0.917 and 0.486) and between Yoruba extraction versus Igbo (p = 0.740 and 0.965) respectively. This study confirms that SCD children have lower values of antioxidant enzymes compared to controls. SOD and GPX levels in sickle cell disease patient in steady state and vaso-occlus
文摘Objectives: There is a paucity of information on the prevalence of iron deficiency among blood donors in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria. The present study was, therefore, designed to investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with iron deficiency among blood donors in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria using a combination of haemoglobin haematocrit and serum ferritin measurements. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty consecutively recruited whole blood donors, comprising of 148 (98.7%) family replacement donors and 2 (1.3%) voluntary non-remunerated donors, 145 male (96.7%) and 5 (3.33%) female blood donors aged 18 - 60 years with mean age 39 ±?21 years constituted the subjects for this study. Subjects included farmers 55 (43.3%), 56 civil servants (37.3%) and 39 (26%) students. The full blood count was carried out using Mythic 22 CT fully automated haematology analyser (Orphee SA, Switzerland). Serum was tested for ferritin using a human ferritin enzyme immunoassay kit—ACCU DiagTM ELISA Ferritin kit (Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostic Inc. California (U.S.A). Result: Three haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume and serum ferritin) were assessed among blood donors. The haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin levels were significantly lower among regular voluntary remunerated blood donors (13.5 ±?0.00, 43.5 ±?2.0 and 34.88 ±?0.00) compared to Family replacement donors (14.10 ±?.40, 45 ±?3.0 and 74.12 ±?45.20) respectively (p =?0.01, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). The mean haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin levels were compared among donors based on gender. The haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin were significantly higher among male donors (14.2 ±?2.0, 44 ±?4.0 and 78.02 ±?49.10) compared to female donors (12.35 ±?2.5, 42 ±?3.0 and 42.2 ±?32.13) (p =?0.01, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). The mean haemoglobin, packed cell volume and ferritin levels were compared among donors based on
文摘<b>Introduction</b>: Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) may occur with skin and ocular involvement which are not common manifestations in children and may lead to debilitating complications. <b>Objective</b>: A child with multi-organ TB involving the lungs, chest abdomen, skin and eyes who had been symptomatic for 3 years is reported. <b>Case Report</b>: A 6-year-old girl presented with recurrent fever, abdominal pain and weight loss of 3 years and skin lesions of a year duration. There was history of pain and redness of the eyes associated with discharge. She was not vaccinated at all. She was chronically ill-looking with bilateral conjunctival hyperaemia, purulent eye discharge with corneal opacity of the right eye. She had significant lymphadenopathy, digital clubbing and ulcerated, discharging swellings around her neck and axilla (scrofuloderma). She had reduced breath sounds and coarse crepitations. Hepatosplenomegaly and ascites were present. She later developed bulging of the upper part of the cornea of the right eye which was diagnosed by the ophthalmologist to be cornea ulcer with anterior staphyloma. <b>Results, Treatment and Outcome</b>: Complete blood count (leucocytosis 12,800 cells), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (150 mm/hr) and tuberculin test (7 mm induration) were suggestive of TB. Radiological tests were also supportive. She received anti-Kochs in addition to systemic and ocular antibiotics. Skin lesions healed progressively and stopped discharging. Caregivers were counseled on poor visual prognosis of the right eye. She was discharged but lost to follow up. <b>Conclusion</b>: Multi-organ involvement of TB especially ocular and cutaneous TB is not common but is very debilitating. More preventive efforts with vaccination and expertise are needed at lower levels of health care in the community to aid early diagnosis.
文摘Globally, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It is a significant contributor to the burden of diseases and affects over a million men. This study investigated the levels of malondialdehyde and plasma total antioxidant capacity among patients with prostate cancer in Sokoto. This case-control study was conducted among 28 confirmed prostate cancer patients attending the Urology clinics in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Sokoto Specialist Hospital in North Western Nigeria. Twenty-eight age-matched healthy males were monitored as controls. Determination of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) reagent while the Malondialdehyde in serum was determined as a conjugate with Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) acid. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were processed using SPSS version 20 and results were reported as Mean ± Standard deviation. The malondialdehyde level was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) among subjects with prostate cancer (0.215 ± 0.06) compared to controls (0.073 ± 0.04). The plasma total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly among the subjects (247.9 ± 63.3) compared to controls (743.3 ± 104.40) (p < 0.0001). The findings from this indicated a high Malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation indicator) and low levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity among prostate cancer patients as evidence of redox imbalance. Subjects in monogamous relationships compared to polygamous, rural dwellers, farmers, individuals of Hausa ethnicity and subjects who reported no family history of the disease were more predisposed to prostate cancer. Further epidemiological studies are needed to determine the predisposing factors and the potential role of these markers in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of prostate cancer patients in Sokoto in particular and Nigeria in general. We recommend that Malondialdehyde and Total An
文摘BACKGROUND Female breast cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide with an incidence of approximately 2.1 million in 2018.Hormone receptor status plays a vital role in its management.AIM To determine the molecular expression pattern of biomarkers in breast cancer and their correlation with tumor variables.METHODS This prospective study was designed to analyze expression patterns of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR)and human epidermal growth factor receptor(HER2/neu)in breast cancer patients.The dataset has been taken from the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto,Nigeria from 1 January 2015 to 2 December 2019.The dataset had 259 records and 7 attributes.SPSS version 23.0 for statistical analysis was used.The data analyzed demographic and other clinicopathological characteristics as categorical variables.The mean and standard deviation were determined for the quantitative variable.RESULTS A total of 259 breast cancer cases were included in the study.The mean age was 48.3±11.0,with an age range of 26-80 years and a median age of 46 years.The morphological categories were invasive ductal carcinoma 258(99.6%)and invasive lobular carcinoma 1(0.4%).ER,positivity increased in 73 patients(50%)under the age of 50 years,as well as PR positivity increased in 34 patients(23.6%)under the age of 50 years.HER/2neupositivity decreased in 8 patients(5.6%)under the age of 50 years.Hormonal receptors were statistically significant with clinicopathological characteristics(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Our study showed that ER,PR and HER2/neuexpression had a strong correlation with age,tumor grade,tumor size and lymph node status.Hence,hormone receptor assessment is highly recommended because of its significance in clinical management and prognostication.
文摘Postmortem examination is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present.This study aimed to assess the knowledge,attitude,and perception of postmortem examination among doctors and nurses in a tertiary health care of Sokoto state.A cross‑sectional study design was used,and a total of 149 doctors and nurses participated in the study.Respondents were recruited into the study using probability proportionate to size followed by a simple random sampling method.Data were obtained through self‑administered questionnaires,and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 17.0.Descriptive statistics,Chi‑square test,and multinomial logistic regression analysis were carried out.The mean age of respondents was 31.6(5.6)years.There were more nurses than doctors(60.4%vs.39.6%)in the study.More than three‑quarter(80%)of the respondents had fair to good knowledge of postmortem examination.While many respondents expressed positive attitudes and perceptions,less than half were willing to accept organs from deceased donors.Respondents’profession influenced both the knowledge(P>0.001,odds ratio[OR]=13.95)and attitude(P<0.04,OR=2.49)to postmortem examination.Although greater than three‑quarter of respondents had fair to good knowledge and many expressed positive attitudes and perceptions with respect to postmortem examination,there is need to create more awareness on medical benefit of postmortem examination.
文摘Objective:To investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among blood donors in Sokoto,North Western,Nigeria using a combination of haemoglobin haematocrit and serum ferritin measurements.Methods:One hundred and fifty consecutively recruited whole blood donors,comprising of 148(98.7%)family replacement donors and 2(1.3%)voluntary non-remunerated donors aged 18-60 years and mean age 39±21 years constituted the subjects for this study.The full blood count was carried out using Mythic 22 CT fully automated haematology analyser(Orphee SA,Switzerland).Serum was tested for ferritin using a human ferritin enzyme immunoassay kit-ACCU Diag^(™)ELISA Ferritin kit(Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostic Inc.California,USA).Results:The prevalence of anaemia(haemoglobin<11.0 g/dL)was evident in 24(16%)and iron deficiency anaemia(serum ferritin<12 ng/mL+haemoglobin<11 g/dL)in 5(10%)of donors.The haemoglobin and ferritin levels was significantly lower among regular voluntary remunerated blood donors(13.50±0.00 and 34.88±0.00)compared to family replacement donors(14.10±2.40 and 74.12±45.20)respectively(P=0.01 and 0.05 respectively).The mean haemoglobin and ferritin level was compared among donors based on gender.The haemoglobin and ferritin was significantly higher among male donors(14.20±2.00,78.02±49.10)compared to female donors(12.35±2.5 and 42.20±32.13)(P=0.01).The mean haemoglobin and ferritin level was compared among donors based on occupational groups.The haemoglobin and ferritin was significantly higher among civil servants compared to farmers and students(P=0.01).Conclusions:Iron deficiency anaemia is prevalent among blood donors in Sokoto,North Western,Nigeria.There is need to include routine ferritin in the blood donor testing protocol in the area to enable the diagnosis of donors with latent iron deficiency anaemia to facilitate iron supplementation for regular blood donors at risk and those with iron deficiency anaemia.
文摘Land degradation is one of the most ubiquitous environmental challenges affecting the semi-arid ecosystems of the world and the Sokoto-Rima basin is not immune to this. In this study, we evaluated vulnerability of the Sokoto-Rima basin to land degradation by combining remote sensing and geographic information system technologies. An appraisal model was developed for the identified nine variables, whose weights were ascertained by the analytical hierarchy process. Using this model, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution of vulnerability to land degradation stimulated by climate change from 2002 to 2015. Largely, the basin is extremely vulnerable to land degradation with roughly 88% of the land area in 2002, 2012 and 2015 while areas with low vulnerability were just 1.52%, 1.48% and 1.51% respectively. Geographically, there exists a north-south vulnerability index dichotomy as the index increases northwards. Also, integrated vulnerability index showed that the entire basin is getting exposed to the vagaries of climate change that stimulates land degradation. Large-scale resilience projects such as greening and integrated shelter-belts and woodlots can be implemented in the long run as existing ones are inadequate to address the observed degradation.
