bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complexities of Zika Diagnosis and Evaluation in a U.S. Congenital Zika Program
Authors: Mulkey Sarah B. , Ansusinha Emily , Cristante Caitlin , Russo Stephanie M. , Biddle Cara , Kousa Youssef A. , Pesacreta Lindsay , Jantausch Barbara , Hanisch Benjamin , Harik Nada , Hamdy Rana F. , Hahn Andrea , Chang Taeun , Jaafar Mohamad , Ambrose Tracey , Vezina Gilbert , Bulas Dorothy I. , Wessel David , du Plessis Adre J. , DeBiasi Roberta L.
Published: April 2021

The objective of the study was to describe the complexity of diagnosis and evaluation of Zika-exposed pregnant women/fetuses and infants in a U.S. Congenital Zika Program. Pregnant women/fetuses and/or infants referred for clinical evaluation to the Congenital Zika Program at Children’s National (Washington, DC) from January 2016 to June 2018 were included. We recorded the timing of maternal Zika-virus (ZIKV) exposure and ZIKV laboratory testing results. Based on laboratory testing, cases were either confirmed, possible, or unlikely ZIKV infection. Prenatal and postnatal imaging by ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were categorized as normal, nonspecific, or as findings of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Of 81 women–fetus/infant pairs evaluated, 72 (89%) had confirmed ZIKV exposure; 18% of women were symptomatic; only a minority presented for evaluation within the time frame for laboratory detection. Zika virus could only be confirmed in 29 (40%) cases, was possible in 26 (36%) cases, and was excluded in 17 (24%) cases. Five cases (7%) had prenatal ultrasound and MRI findings of CZS, but in only three was ZIKV confirmed by laboratory testing. Because of timing of exposure to presentation, ZIKV infection could not be excluded in many cases. Neuroimaging found CZS in 7% of cases, and in many patients, there were nonspecific imaging findings that warrant long-term follow-up. Overall, adherence to postnatal recommended follow-up evaluations was modest, representing a barrier to care. These challenges may be instructive to future pediatric multidisciplinary clinics for congenital infectious/noninfectious threats to pregnant women and their infants.
Risk factors for hazardous drinking in university students from South Africa and Belgium: a cross-cultural comparison study
Authors: Inaç Yasemin , Larivière Ynke , Hoque Muhammad , Van Hal Guido
Published: April 2021

Background: Previous studies have associated certain risk factors with hazardous drinking in students. However, big cultur- al and geographical differences exist regarding alcohol use.

Objectives: To determine whether or not there was a difference in hazardous drinking between Belgian and South African university students and to establish the risk factors that contribute to hazardous drinking in university students (calculated using the AUDIT-C) from a developing country (South Africa) and a developed country (Belgium).

Methods: An online survey assessing hazardous drinking among university students in South Africa (University of KwaZu- lu-Natal, UKZN) and Belgium (University of Antwerp, UoA) was conducted, using the shortened version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Risk factors in males and females for hazardous drinking were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: In total, 499 students were included in the study (250 UoA and 249 UKZN students). A significant higher amount of male (94.8%) as well as female (92.4%) UoA students drank alcohol in the last year compared to the male (66.2%) and female (67.8%) UKZN students (p<0.001). Additionally, a significant higher amount of UoA students were hazardous drinkers, compared to the UKZN students (p<0.001). Multivaiate analysis showed that male UoA students were almost 6 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than male UKZN students (OR=5.611, p=0.005). Female UoA students were more than twice as likely to be hazardous drinkers than female UKZN students (OR=2.371, p=0.016).

Conclusion: This study found a significant difference in hazardous drinking between Belgian and South African university students.

Keywords: Hazardous drinking; university students; South Africa; Belgium.
User - provider perspectives to overcome the challenges of TB/HIV service integration at Mulago National Referral Hospital _ Kampala
Authors: Namakula Katende Jane , Omona Kizito
Published: April 2021

Background: Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa have been closely related and persistent, proving a considerable burden for healthcare provision. This has complicated utilization of services, with noted opinions on the integration of these services from both users and providers of the services.

Objectives: To establish the users and the provider’s perspectives in overcoming the challenges of TB/HIV services inte- gration at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design, with predominantly qualitative methods was used. Qualitative aspect adopted phenomenological design. Participants were randomly selected for FGDs and Key informants. An observation checklist collected quantitative data from the patients to measure level of services integration.

Findings: Level of service integration of TB/HIV services was at 68% (below the acceptable 100% level). Opinions from the users pointed to; increasing number of work-days for TB/HIV service provision, strengthening sensitisation and health education and integrating other services like reproductive health services, among others. Health care providers opinions pointed to increasing trainings for health workers, increasing staffing and need for more support from Ministry of Health.

Conclusion: Opinions from both users and providers were similar. These ranged from increasing awareness to the users and healthcare providers about the integration of services.

Keywords: User - provider perspectives; TB/HIV service integration; Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Midwives’ challenges in the management of postpartum haemorrhage at rural PHC facilities of Limpopo province, South Africa: an explorative study
Authors: Irene Ramavhoya Thifhelimbilu , Sonto Maputle Maria , Tsakani Lebese Rachel , Makhado Lufuno
Published: April 2021

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the causes of the rise in maternal mortality. Midwives’ experiences related to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) management remain unexplored, especially in Limpopo. The purpose of the study was to explore the challenges experienced by midwives in the management of women with PPH.

Methods: Qualitative research was conducted to explore the challenges experienced by midwives in the management of women with PPH. Midwives were sampled purposefully. Unstructured interviews were conducted on 18 midwives working at primary health care facilities. Data were analysed after data saturation.

Results: After data analysis, one theme emerged “challenges experienced by midwives managing women with PPH” and five subthemes, including: “difficulty experienced resulting in feelings of frustrations and confusion and lack of time and shortage of human resource inhibits guidelines consultation”.

Conclusion: The study findings revealed that midwives experienced difficulty when managing women with postpartum haemorrhage. For successful implementation of maternal health care guidelines, midwives should be capacitated through training, supported and supervised in order to execute PPH management with ease.

Keywords: Midwifery in South Africa; implementation of maternal guidelines; postpartum haemorrhage; maternal mortality.
Why do married women procure abortion? Experiences from Ile-Ife, south western Nigeria
Authors: Eunice Ojo Ibitola , Olumuyiwa Ojo Temitope , Okechukwu Orji Ernest
Published: April 2021

Background: In Nigeria, about 1.25million induced abortions occur annually and the country accounts for one-fifth of abor- tion-related deaths globally.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the determinants of induced abortion among married women.

Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The quantitative component employed a cross-sectional study design while the qualitative aspect comprised focus group discussions. Information on contraceptives use, unintended pregnancy and induced abortion were obtained from 402 married women (with at least one child) aged 18-49 years using a semi-structured questionnaire. Four focus group discussion sessions were conducted among women of reproductive age.

Results: Majority (67.2%) of respondents had ever used a contraceptive method. However, 34.3% of the women have had un- intended pregnancies and 14.2% had induced abortion. FGD findings revealed that non-use of contraceptives and contraceptive failure were major reasons for unintended pregnancies and induced abortion. The significant predictors of induced abortion were non-use of contraceptives, age≥ 40 years and multiparity.

Conclusion: Induced abortion still occur among married women particularly those not using contraceptives, aged ≥40 years and those with high parity. More emphasis should be placed on making contraceptives more accessible to married women.

Keywords: Induced abortion; unwanted pregancies; married women; Nigeria.
Socio-demographic determinants of neonatal mortality in Algeria according to MICS4 data (2012-2013)
Authors: Sidi-Yakhlef Adel , Boukhelif Meryem , Aouar Metri Amaria
Published: April 2021

Background: Neonatal mortality remains a public health problem in developing countries, including Algeria. Information on this indicator makes it possible to assess government efforts to improve the living conditions of target populations.

Objectives: This study aims to identify some determinants associated with this mortality from data of multiple indicator cluster survey conducted in Algeria in 2012-2013 (mics 4).

Methods: A retrospective case-control study including 1047 cases and 1041 controls. From a logistic regression model, we appreciated the role of different factors, socio-demographic, economic and geographic (Mother's age, level of education, wealth index, area of residence) in newborn survival. Results: The main factors associated with neonatal mortality were rural residence (p<0.01; OR= 1.3 ; CI 1.08-1.54), South geographical area (p<0.05; OR=1.5 ; CI 1.18-1.84), low education level of mother (p<0.01; OR= 2.10 ; CI 1.35– 3.29), early age of maternal procreation (p<0.001; OR=4.34 ; CI 2.19– 14.40), the birth rank "7 and over" (<0.01; OR = 1.57; CI 1.13 – 2.44) and the two lowest wealth indices (p <0.001; OR = 2 ; 1.45- 2.62 and p <0.01; OR = 1.66; CI 1.23-2.26).

Conclusion: In addition to the various reproductive health strategies already adopted by the authorities for health promo- tion and family planning, action should be taken to evaluate their implementation with sustained assistance for disadvantaged people and in risk areas.

Keywords: Neonatal mortality; Algeria; MICS4 data (2012-2013).
Herbal medicine used by the community of Koneba district in Afar Regional State, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Zeynu Ali , Wondimu Tigist , Demissew Sebsebe
Published: April 2021

Background: Pastoral communities of the Afar people in northeastern Ethiopia use medicinal plants for various health problems. However, very limited scientific documents are found addressing ethnomedicinal knowledge of the community.

Objective: This study aimed at documenting herbal medicine and the associated knowledge from Koneba district of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods: Purposive sampling method was used to select study sites and key informants. General informants were selected through simple random sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews and guided field walk were used to collect data while Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL) and Preference Ranking were used to analyze and verify data.

Results: A total of 67 medicinal plant species used to treat humans and livestock ailments were recorded and collected. Thirteen medicinal plant species were mentioned as effective medicine against snake bite (ICF; 0.68) while nine species used to treat malaria, common cold and fever (ICF: 0.67). Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A.Rich.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. was the most preferred species used to combat snakebite, which was prevalent in the area.

Conclusion: Snake bite, malaria, common cold and fever are common health problems in the study area. Efficient use of herbal medicine has minimized the impact of these diseases.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine; informant consensus; snakebite.
Distribution of phthisis bulbi and status of fellow eyes at a tertiary eye-care centre in Nigeria: a ten-year review
Authors: A Adewara Bolajoko , A Badmus Sarat , T Olugbade Olukemi , Ezeanosike Edak , O Adegbehingbe Bernice
Published: April 2021

Background: Phthisis bulbi is an irreversible cause of visual loss with insufficient evidence about its aetiology and status of patients’ fellow eyes.

Objectives: To identify the distribution of patients with phthisis bulbi and determine the status of their fellow eyes at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Methods: We analysed data retrospectively retrieved from medical records of patients diagnosed with phthisis bulbi at in- itial clinic visit from January 2008 to December 2017. Information abstracted included biodata, laterality of phthisical eye, duration and aetiology of phthisis bulbi, visual acuity, and morbidities present in fellow eyes.

Results: Seventy-nine patients presented with unilateral phthisis bulbi. The mean age was 51±21.2 years and forty (50.6%) were males. The commonest aetiologies of phthisis bulbi were trauma 37 (46.8%), infection 17 (21.5%) and uveitis/inflam- mation 11 (13.9%). Seventy (88.6%) patients had morbidities in their fellow eye such as glaucoma 26 (32.9%), refractive errors 23 (29.1%) and cataract 22 (27.9%). Forty (50.6%) patients were either visually impaired or blind in their fellow eye (p=0.001).

Conclusion: The commonest cause of phthisis bulbi was trauma. Approximately nine out of ten patients had ocular mor- bidities in their fellow eye. A thorough follow-up of patients with phthisis bulbi is recommended.

Keywords: Fellow eye; Nigeria; ocular trauma; distribution; phthisis bulbi.
Mercury hygiene and biomedical waste management practices among dental health-care personnel in public hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatosin Makanjuola John , Idah Ekowmenhenhen Uyi , Lami Enone Lillian , Chioma Umesi Donna , Mojirayo Ogundana Oladunni , Toyin Arotiba Godwin
Published: April 2021

Background: Indiscriminate disposal of hospital wastes including mercury/amalgam wastes pose a serious threat to life and environment. There is a growing concern about biomedical waste (BMW) management among health care workers, however there are limited reports on BMW management by dental personnel in developing countries.

Objectives: This study investigated the level of knowledge of BMW, observance of proper mercury hygiene and BMW management practice among public dental personnel in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study regarding BMW management across public hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria was con- ducted following institutional ethics committee approval. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data from different facilities selected by purposive and simple random sampling techniques as applicable. The questionnaires were dis- tributed among 437 respondents by convenience sampling. The resulting data were statistically tested using Chi-square and G-test with p-value < 0.05 indicating significant level.

Results: Amongst 437 respondents, majority were females (62.5%) and the highest proportion fell within the age range of 25–34 years (44.4%). Only 17.2% of the respondents had good knowledge of BMW management/legislation and 4.1% had good BMW practice. Less than half (49.4%) of respondents disposed mercury-contaminated materials inside the trash and majority (92.2%) did not observe proper mercury hygiene. Significantly better mercury hygiene practices were observed in secondary facilities (p=0.040).

Conclusion: A minor proportion of public dental personnel had good knowledge and practice of proper mercury hygiene and BMW management. This shows there is an urgent need for training of health personnel on proper BMW handling and disposal in developing countries like Nigeria.

Keywords: Biomedical waste management; mercury hygiene; dental personnel; Nigeria.
Access to root canal treatment in a Nigerian sub-population: assessment of the effect of dental health insurance
Authors: Ikhodaro Idon Paul , Akeem Sotunde Olawale , Olawale Ogundare Temiloluwa , Yusuf Janada , Oluwatosin Makanjuola John , Mohammed Abdulmumini , Emmanuel Igweagu Chibuzor , Alalade Olusegun
Published: April 2021

Background: The final pathway of tooth mortality lies between tooth extraction, and the more expensive and less accessible root canal treatment (RCT).

Aim: To determine the extent to which individuals’ financial resources as measured by socioeconomic status and dental insurance coverage affects their access to RCT.

Methods: A hospital-based study that used a 15-item questionnaire to collect data among patients scheduled for RCT. All scheduled subjects (N = 291) over a one-year period constituted the sample for the study. Using the SPSS software, associa- tions between the subjects’ variables, and the dental insurance status were carried out with Chi square and independent t test respectively at 95% confidence interval.

Results: Two hundred and ninety-one subjects were to have 353 RCTs within the study period. A high proportion (79.7%, p < 0.001) of the subjects had dental health insurance, majority (95.3%) of which was government funded. 20.9% of those with previous tooth loss was due to inability to afford cost of RCT. The lowest socioeconomic group had the highest pro- portion (90%, p = 0.421) of insured that visited for RCT.

Conclusion: Dental insurance increased access to RCT. Socioeconomic status did not affect dental insurance status and dental visit for RCT.

Keywords: Dental insurance; health insurance; root canal treatment.
Exploring intentions to teach mathematical problem solving: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Armah Prince Hamidu , Robson Dean
Published: April 2021

This study examined the beliefs underlying teachers’ decision-making regarding teaching Mathematical Problem Solving (MPS), from the perspective of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). 375 primary teachers drawn from 50 schools in a large, mainly urban local authority in Ghana, completed a questionnaire assessing the direct TPB measures of attitudinal beliefs (positive/negative consequences), normative beliefs (approving/disapproving significant others), control beliefs (easy/difficult circumstances) and intentions in relation to teaching MPS. In the follow up qualitative phase, six semi-structured teacher interviews were conducted to further explore the quantitative findings. The merged results revealed that teachers’ intentions to teach MPS were influenced by their attitudinal beliefs towards teaching MPS (e.g. stimulate critical thinking, apply mathematics to everyday contexts), their perceptions and actions of important others (e.g. education authorities, pupils and parents), and some perceived control difficulties (e.g. lack of instructional resources and time availability). The results identified both attitudinal and control beliefs as the main determinants of teacher intentions to teach MPS. These findings highlight the key beliefs to target in developing the capacity of schools to support mathematics teachers’ willingness to implement curriculum reform imperatives.
Relationship between pre-service teachers’ mathematics self-efficacy and their mathematics achievement
Authors: Ampofo Charles Bediako
Published: April 2021

This study sought to explore the relationship between pre-service teachers’ perceived self-efficacy in teaching mathematics and their achievement in mathematics. It is a descriptive study which involved forty students (47.5% male, 52.5% female) of Kibi College of Education. Data was collected through a Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) questionnaire and a Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT). The findings of the study revealed a strong positive relationship between the pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in mathematics and their achievement in mathematics. In view of the findings, the study recommends among others that teacher educators should focus on helping to develop pre-service teachers.
Ghanaian public and private junior high school mathematics classroom learning environment: A look at students’ attitudes
Authors: Asomah Richard Kyere , Dennis Hager , Alhassan Mohammed Nurudeen , Aseidu Joseph Kofi
Published: April 2021

The public outcry about students’ poor performance in mathematics can be said to have gained currency in recent times, in the dailies in Ghana. The outcry has been fueled by the fact that Ghanaian eight graders have always been among the least performing in international assessments such as TIMSS. Since available literature is replete with the fact that students’ attitudes of their mathematics classroom environment influence their attitudes to their classroom activities and hence their mathematics achievement, this study was designed to determine the attitudes of junior high school pupils towards their mathematics classroom learning environment. A total of 350 eighth and ninth graders (i.e., forms two and three junior high school students) from four public and two private randomly selected schools in a metropolitan community in southern Ghana participated in the study. The study adapted the mathematics attitude questionnaire (MAQ) instruments, a questionnaire designed to measure students’ attitudes of their classroom environment on four different subscales. The results revealed that, though in general, the attitudes of students were positive, that of the private school students were relatively more positive than their public-school counterparts in each of the subscales. Implications of this are discussed and recommendations for classroom teachers and future research are also presented.
Effect of the constructivists teaching method, undergraduate students’ statistics self-concept and other psychological constructs in mediating their motivation for learning statistics
Authors: Arthur Dissou Yarhands
Published: April 2021

This study sought to model the effect of the constructivists teaching method, learners’ statistics self-concept and their psychological constructs (i.e. need for competence, relatedness and autonomy) in mediating undergraduate students’ motivation for learning statistics in a Ghanaian university. The study adopted quantitative approach by using simple random sampling techniques. A sample of 107 students from the Faculties of Technical and Vocational Education of the University of Education, Winneba were given questionnaires to measure how the constructivists teaching method and as well as psychological constructs have mediated their motivation for learning statistics. The data obtained were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to estimate model parameters to answer the research questions and test hypotheses. The study revealed that students’ psychological need for competence, relatedness and autonomy is positively and significantly influenced by the constructivism teaching approach. Moreover, students’ psychological need for relatedness and autonomy positively and significantly affect the students’ statistics self-concept. The results further suggested that students’ statistics self-concept positively and significantly influences students’ motivation to study statistics. The study concluded that the teaching method predicts students’ needs for competence (R2=0.189), relatedness (R2=0.503) and autonomy (R2=0.198). In addition, students psychological need for competence, relatedness and autonomy significantly predict (R2=0.630) students self-concept in statistics. Finally, students’ motivation can be predicted (R2=0.480) by constructivism teaching approach using psychological needs and self-concept as mediating variables.
Sixty years of teacher education in Ghana: Successes, challenges and the way forward
Authors: Mereku Damian Kofi
Published: April 2021

This paper was a presentation made at the launching of the 60th Anniversary Celebration and the Annual Graduation Ceremony of Peki College of Education, on Friday, 13th June 2014. The paper examined the history of the development of initial teacher training institutions in Ghana since 1835 when the first (i.e. Presbyterian Training College [PTC]) was established by the Basel Mission at Akropong in the Eastern Region. It explains that currently there are 38 public and 3 private colleges of education in the country producing teachers for basic schools. It argues that even though the 41 colleges of education have been elevated to tertiary status to offer programmes leading to diploma in basic education, they are still being run like the old missionary teacher training schools. These and several other factors had led to concerns about the quality of the products of the colleges in terms of the generic and subject-specific competences as well as the capacities of the institutions to meet the increasing demand for basic school teachers. It is therefore suggested that the boarding system in the Colleges of Education be scrapped, and instead, few (about 10) of the colleges selected for development and upgrading into Teacher Education Universities. It is further suggested that special incentives are introduced to attract the top candidates to the colleges of education and also the institutions should review their programmes and study modules to ensure pre-service teachers develop practical skills in teaching the core competencies in basic education.
Comparative effects of charred bamboo and its ash on the growth of Entandrophragma angolense (welw.) C dc seedlings
Authors: Aderounmu A. , Asinwa I.O. , Omolewa J.O. , Ishola J.O.
Published: April 2021

Entandrophragma angolense is relatively slow growing species and its growth needs to be enhanced by soil nutrients amendment. Uniformed two weeks old seedlings of E. angolense were transplanted into the polythene pots filled with 2kg of degraded soil and mixed with different levels of biochar and ash produced from bamboo. A 2 x 7 factorial experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications to assess the effects of charred bamboo and its ash on the stem girth, leaf area, leaf production and shoot height of E. angolense. The germination data were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments in leaf area and shoot height while there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the treatments in stem girth, leaf production and interactions among levels of biochar and ash. On stem girth, leaf production and shoot height, T6 (15g of bio char + 15g of ash + degraded soil) had the highest mean value of 4.27 mm, 4.59 and 37.55cm respectively while T2 (30g of bio char + 0g of ash + degraded soil) had the highest leaf area (73.31cm2 ). The biochar and ash from bamboo had significant effects on the growth and development of E. angolense seedlings on degraded soil.

Keywords: Degraded soil, Pyrolysis, Biochar, Ash, E. angolense
Field management of Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) leaf blight via fungicidal spray of foliage
Authors: Mbi Tabi Kingsley , Ntsomboh-Ntsefong Godswill , Tonfack Libert Brice , Youmbi Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

Taro leaf blight (TLB) epidemic hit Cameroon for the first time in 2009. Since then, the disease is persistent and its typical devastating legacy is threatening Taro (Colocasia esculenta) in the North and South West Regions of Cameroon. This study was initiated with the objective to determine the potentials of some fungicides to control TLB. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 3x15x2 factorial, including 3 treatments: T1 (Callomil plus72WP), T2 (Mancoxyl plus 720WP) and T3, 1:1 ratio T1 + T2 all applied at concentrations of 4g/L; 15 repetitions and 2 planting seasons (dry season i.e. October 2014 – March 2015 and rainy season i.e. April-October 2015). Disease incidence and disease severity were used to evaluate the disease progression while corm yield was used to appraise the economic injury. The results revealed disease incidence of 0% during the dry season and 18.2%, 27.3% and 100%, for T1, T2 and T3 and control during rainy season respectively. Disease severity was 75% in control and only 1% for the different treatments. Corm yield in the rainy season was 17.4kg, 15.08kg, 14.27kg and 5.89kg for T1, T2, T3 and control respectively. This study suggests that TLB epidemic can effectively be managed by foliage spray with Metalaxyl containing fungicides at a weekly dosage of 4g/L.

Key words: Chemical control, Colocasia esculenta, Epidemic, Phytopathology, Phytophthora colocasiae
Consumption pattern of chicken and consumer awareness of unwholesome practises by some dressed chicken smugglers In Oyo Town, Nigeria
Authors: Okunlola O.O.
Published: April 2021

Oyo town has a large concentration of poultry farms in Oyo state. This will in no small way influence the meat choice of the people of the town. This study was carried out to determine the consumption pattern of chicken and the unwholesome practices by dressed chicken smugglers in Oyo town, Nigeria. A total of 100 questionnaires were purposively administered to chicken consumers in thestudy area. Also, a multistage sampling method was adopted with the study area divided into three, on Local Government Area (LGA) basis. in the first stage. In the second stage, 30 questionnaires were administered in each of Oyo East and Oyo West LGAs while 40 were administered in Atiba LGA. Data from the table show that majority of the respondents were female (62%), aged between 20 – 39 years (46%) and had tertiary education (54%). From the table, 22% claimed affordability as the reason for chicken purchase while 72% preferred dressed chicken to live chicken.The results also show that 56% of the respondents ate chicken weekly and 47% of them made their purchases from farms and farm outlets. Factors considered to influence purchases were affordability (30%) and availability (24%). Only twenty four percent (24%) of the respondents were aware of the unwholesome practices by dressed chicken smugglers while 46% of those aware saw the consumption of smuggled chicken as hazardous.

Key words: Oyo town, chicken consumption, chicken preferences, dressed chicken smugglers, food safety
Vector-borne haemoparasitic and rickettsial diseases of dogs in South west, Nigeria: An eleven years retrospective study
Authors: Takeet M.I. , Sumonu D.A. , Awoyomi J.O. , Abakpa S.A.V.
Published: April 2021

Adequate knowledge of the occurrence and seasonal variation in the distribution of parasitic and rickettsial diseases affecting dogs is required for formulation of effective disease control measures. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of vector borne  haemoparasites and rickettsial of dogs between 2009 and 2019. Clinical records of dogs presented for clinical examination and confirmed by microscopic screening of their blood were assessed and analysed statistically. Overall, 1483 dogs were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). This included 641 (43.2%) male, 842 (56.8%) female, 967 (65.2%) young and 516 (34.8%) adult dogs. 33 (2.2%) and 1450 (97.8%) were mongrel and exotic breeds, respectively. 511 (34.5%) were infected with either haemoparasites or rickettsial. This comprised 34.0% (218/641) and 34.8% (293/842) male and female, 317 (32.8%) and 194 (37.6%) young and adult dogs, respectively. There was no significant (p =0.05) difference in the prevalence among sexes and age groups. Seasonal prevalence was 35.88% (315/878) and 32.40% (196/605) in wet and dry seasons, respectively. Six haemoparasites/rickettsials were reported from 511 dogs, these included single infections of Babesia species 477 (93.5%), Ehrlichia species 8 (1.6%), Hepatozoon canis 2(0.39%),  Mycoplasma haemocanis 7 (1.4%), Trypanosoma species 16 (3.1%) and mixed infection of Babesia and Hepatozoon canis 1 (0.2%). The mean PCV values were significantly (t = 2.45; P = 0.014) different between infected and non-infected dogs. This study suggests that Babesia spp. isthe most prevalentin the dogs presented to the VTH in the study area and the detection of Trypanosoma spp. in some dogssuggeststhat dogs could be reservoir of trypanosomesfor both animals and human.

Keywords: Dogs, haemoparasites, prevalence, retrospective-study
Status of Eimeria infections of sheep and goat sold at small ruminant markets in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi O.O. , Idowu E.T. , Ikenweiwe J.C. , Otubanjo O.A.
Published: April 2021

Coccidiosis, an intestinal disease caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria, continues to challenge profitable small ruminant production worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of Eimeria and identify the species infecting sheep and goat sold at small ruminant markets in Lagos State. Fresh faeces were collected from 83 sheep and 51 goats. The faecal samples were grossly examined for their consistency and subjected to salt floatation to detect the presence of Eimeria oocysts. Morphometric measurements of oocysts were taken for species identification. The number of oocysts/ml of faeces were estimated using a haemocytometer. Results revealed that 67 (80.7%) sheep and 34 (66.7%) goats were positive for Eimeria. There was no difference in the prevalence of infection between male and female of both animals (P > 0.05). The difference in infection rates between the breeds of sheep were also insignificant (P > 0.05). Goats with diarrheic stool had higher faecal oocyst counts (20400 oocysts/ml) when compared to those with normal stool (5250 oocysts/ml). E. faurei (41%), E. ovinoidalis (36%) and E. intricata (31%) were the most common of the 11 species infecting sheep in this study. Of the 8 species recovered from goats, E. ninakhloyakimovae (51%) and E. alijevi (39%) were the most frequent. The high incidence of pathogenic Eimeria species detected in the study area poses serious economic risks to stakeholders in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. Small ruminant farmers and traders are advised to improve biosecurity and sanitary conditions where livestock are kept.

Keywords: Eimeria parasites; coccidiosis; goats; sheep; small ruminant markets; Nigeria.
How consumption of unwashed fresh vegetables continued to serve as transmission avenues for Intestinal parasites in man
Authors: Ajakaye O.G. , Obimakinde E.T.
Published: April 2021

The spiking rate of occurrence of food-borne parasitic diseases in developing countries calls for continuous public health surveillance. This study evaluated how consumption of unwashed vegetables serves as transmission routes for parasites. Two hundred vegetables (cabbage, carrot, tomato, cucumber, and green pepper) samples from Ikoko, Oja oba, Eyin Ogbe and Ojomu markets in Owo and Oja-Oba, Shasha, Nepa and Ijomu markets within Akure were examined for parasites using sedimentation techniques from April to July, 2019. Results revealed a cumulative positive prevalence rate of 61.5% for parasites. Cabbage had the highest prevalence of 87.5% and the least prevalence of 30% amongst the carrots. The food-borne protozoa and helminths parasites of different developmental stages (cysts, eggs and larvae) recovered in this study were Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Strongyloides stercorali, Taenia spp., Enterobius vermicularis, Toxocara spp., Vampirolepis nana. The most common parasite was A. lumbricoides(21.3%) while the lowest prevalence rate was observed in Toxocara spp. and Vampirolepis nana(0.5%). It was observed that vegetables sampled from Owo markets appear to be more contaminated with most of the isolated parasites than samples from Akure markets with a significant difference (p>0.05). From the high parasitic load, there is the  need for monitoring the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in the study areas as residents in the areas are at risk of contracting intestinal parasitic infections through consumption of raw salad vegetables.

Keywords: Parasite, vegetable, prevalence, Akure, Owo
Catch Composition of Dipteran flies in Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Omonona A.O. , Abioye S.A. , Odeniran P.O. , Ademola I.O.
Published: April 2021

Dipteran flies play significant role in disease transmission to human, domestic and wild animals. The distribution and diversity of dipteran flies of medical and veterinary importance in Old Oyo national park and its significant importance were assessed in relation to altitude and ecology. Twelve Nzi traps were set at 50 m equidistance to capture dipteran flies between February and August 2019. A total of 1529 dipteran flies belonging to five families were captured. More dipteran flies (64.9%) were trapped during the dry season than wet season (35.1%) (X2 = 270.8; P < 0.0001; OR = 3.41). Of the total flies caught, 289 representing 18.9% were identified as haematophagus flies. Differences in the total haematophagus fly 2 abundance was not significant across the altitudinal levels (X2 = 0.432; P = 0.511; OR = 1.13). The relative apparent density (RAD) of 0.47, 0.22, 0.13, 0.09, 0.07 and 0.03 (flies/trap/day) was observed in Glossina, Hippobosca, Tabanus, Haematopota, Chrysops, Ancala and, respectively. The diversity index of 0.55 and 0.76 were determined for Glossina spp. and Tabanids respectively. The non-blood sucking flies in order of abundance are Musca domestica (43.6%), Fanniacanicularis (41.9%), Chrysomyia bezziana (8.9%), Lucilia sericata (5.6%). If the value-chain of ecotourism is to be promoted in the park, vector-borne arthropods need to be controlled through the use of integrated methods.

Keywords: Ecological survey, haematophagus flies, Old Oyo national Park, RAD
In vitro Efficacy of Albendazole against Strongyle eggs recovered from Trade Goats slaughtered at the Nsukka Abattoir: A Preliminary Survey of Resistance to Albendazole
Authors: Idika I.K. , Ebuk V.J. , Okoro E.I. , Nzeakor T.A. , Uzonnah N.M. , Nwosu C.O.
Published: April 2021

The efficacy of Albendazole against trichostrongyle nematode parasites in goats presented for slaughter at the Nsukka municipal  abattoir was evaluated using the In vitro Egg hatch assay (EHA) model. The abattoir was visited once every week for 4 consecutive months during which a total of 240 goats were sampled. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from a minimum of 15 goats on each day of the visit. Egg Hatch Assay was performed on strongyle eggs recovered from pooled faecal sample on each day of sampling with a 2.5% W/V Albendazole. Faecal culture was also set up from the pooled faecal sample on each sampling day to recover and identify the nematode parasites present in the goats. Among the 240 goats sampled, the prevalence of trichostrongylosis as observed by the presence of strongyle eggs was 94.6% (227/240). Faecal culture and larval identification revealed 69.8% of the strongyles as  Haemonchus contortus, while 25.5 and 4.8% were Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Oesophagostomum species respectively. In the EHA, Albendazole had mean LC50 value of 0.16 µg/ml which is slightly in excess of the discriminating dose of 0.1µg/ml as prescribed by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) as an indication of anthelmintic resistance. There is therefore an urgent need to screen the nematode parasite population in the Nigeria for the presence Albendazole resistance genes.

Key words: GI nematode; egg hatch assay; goat; Albendazole; Resistance; Nigeria
Prevalence and Pattern of Non-Trauma Induced Bone Disorders Among Young Dogs Presented At The Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University Of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Eyarefe O.D. , Oyetayo S.N. , Adetunji A.
Published: April 2021

The study evaluated the prevalence and pattern of orthopaedic conditions in young dogs below one year presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan Nigeria from January 2015 to April 2019. Out of two hundred and thirty-eight (238) patients presented for surgical management, fifty-one cases (21%) were orthopaedic in nature, and thirty-two cases (62.7%) involved young dogs below 1-year-old. Seventy-five percent (75 %) were males while 25 % were female. Fifty percent of young dogs presenting with fracture had no apparent bone disorders. Some (15.6%) had Legg-Calve Perthes disease (LCPD) with or without fracture. While 12.5%  had Osteopenia with or without fracture. Other observed bone disorders included: hypertrophic osteodystrophy with or without fracture (6.3%), osteochondrosis (6.3%), and hyperostosis (3.1%). Fifty percent of fractures occurred on the tibia and fibula, 31% occurred on the femur, 13% were on the radius and ulna, and 6% were on the humerus. The bones of most of the patients were low in radiographic opacity, presenting with thin cortical margins and enlarged medullary cavity, with resultant low cortical bone index. The mean cortical bone index for the femur was 0.107±0.04, and tibia was 0.09 ± 0.04. Those of humerus and radio-ulna were not included  for low case numbers. We therefore conclude that bones disorders, with or without fracture, are common in young dogs presenting lameness in Ibadan, Nigeria, and should be noted during patient routine examination, and pet-owners counselling on pets’ care for proper bone health.

Key words: Non-traumatic, Bone disease, Fracture, Young dogs
Determination of Tetracycline Residues in Broilers Reared in Makurdi Metropolis
Authors: Bosha J.O. , Akwuobu C.A. , Onyeyili P.A.
Published: April 2021

Tetracycline residues in broiler tissues were assayed using a microbiological assay method. A total of four hundred samples  representing one hundred samples of liver, kidney, lungs and breast muscles each, were collected from five different farms within Makurdi Metropolis. The analysis showed a total of 70 % residue incidence with the liver having 60 %, Kidney 31 %, lungs 14 % and muscles 5 % of the total. The highest concentration, of 6 µg/kg, was seen in the liver from farm 1, which had an incidence of 50 %, with the liver contributing 90 % of the incidence. Farm 2 had an incidence of 75 %, in which the liver contributed with 50 % of the cases. Farm 3 had a 100 % incidence, with the liver contributing with 75 % of the cases. Farm 4 had 75 % incidence, with the liver involved in all cases. Farm 5 had a 50 % incidence, all from the liver and kidney. Despite the higher incidence of 70 %, all the values were significantly (p < 0.01), lower than the recommended Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) or Tolerance of 600, 300 and 200 µg/kg for the liver, kidney and muscle respectively. The values were also in accordance within the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-30 µg/kg, recommended by the Codex Alimentarius. This may be an indication of the rational use of antibiotics in good agricultural management in the selected farms in Makurdi Metropolis. Significantly, it shows that this method can be used mathematically to quantify drug residues in lower income areas.

Key words: Tetracyclines, Residues, Broilers, Makurdi, Determination.
Psoroptic Mange in a Weaner Pig
Authors: Akande F.A. , Oyewusi I.K. , Idowu A.O. , Ajakaiye M.A.A.
Published: April 2021

Mange is a contagious skin disease affecting various groups of animals. Psoroptic mange is a severe skin condition of farm animals; it is highly contagious and is responsible for huge economic losses in many farm animals. Infestation with Psoroptes has been reported all over the world in various farm animals, but none has ever been reported in swine. A male weaner large white breed pig of age 3 months weighing 10kg was presented with skin lesions and areas of alopecia during a routine farm visit by the handlers. The alopecia was found around the thorax, abdomen and ear regions with severe pruritus, emaciation, wrinkling and thickening of the skin with heavy crust formation on abdomen and the ears, along with curling of the tongue with attending vocal loss noticed on close  observations. A tentative diagnosis of mange was made with the following differential diagnosis: Allergic dermatitis, Bacterial dermatitis, Fly bite dermatitis, Hypovitaminosis. Further confirmatory diagnosis was done by collection of deep skin scrapping from which Psoroptes mites were demonstrated and a case of psoroptic mange diagnosed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first demonstration of Psoroptic mange in pigs. The affected animal was treated using Ivermectin (1%) and Long acting Oxytetracycline (20%). This case may be the first case in which psoroptic mange was reported in pigs with effective ivermectin control. More work should be done on the prevalence and possible molecular characterization of Psoroptic mites on pigs across the globe to ascertain if there are other strains that can affect pigs.

Key words: Psoroptes mite, Mange, Ivermectin, and Pigs
Sero-Detection of Avian Influenza A/H7 in Nigerian Live-Bird Markets in Plateau State
Authors: Chinyere C.N. , Okwor E.C. , Meseko C.A. , Ezema W.S. , Choji N.D. , Amos D.I. , Sulaiman L.K. , Shittu I. , Nwosuh C.
Published: April 2021

Avian influenza has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria since 2006 and subtype H5 of the Gs/Gg lineage has continued to be detected up till date. It has been suggested that waterfowls and local birds sold in live-bird markets may be natural reservoir and source of reinfection of different subtype of avian influenza in poultry farms. This study aims at serodetection of avian influenza virus in waterfowls and local birds at live-bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of three hundred and nine (309) blood samples were  collected over a period of three months and two hundred and ninety-two (292) sera were analysed by c-ELISA for influenza A nucleoprotein using standard protocols. Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) specific for subtypes H5, H9, and H7 was also carried out using standard protocols on ELISA positive samples. The results showed seroprevalence of 5.14% (n=15) for influenza A. Serotype H7 was thereafter detected by HI in 5 of the 15 influenza A positive samples. The H7 positive sera also reacted with H7N3, H7N4, H7N1 and H7N7 virus strains with HI titre ranging between 1:32 to 1:512. This investigation for the first time showed serological evidence of influenza A subtype H7 in local birds and waterfowls sold at the live bird market in Nigeria. Further virological surveillance to isolate the virus is important in order to better understand influenza virus epidemiology in Nigeria and the potential risk that other subtypesof influenza poses to poultry production and public health.

Keywords: Influenza A, subtype H7, serological detection, live bird market, Nigeria.
Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in hormone-dependent cancers
Authors: Mukherjee Siddhartha , Elia Angela R. , Calcinotto Arianna
Published: April 2021

Tumour-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells. The main feature of MDSCs is their ability to suppress T-cell activation and function, which leads to immunosuppressive activity in the tumour microenvironment. Higher numbers of circulating and tumour-infiltrating MDSCs have been observed in a large number of patients with various types of tumour, and are linked to poor prognosis, especially in hormone-driven tumours. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the recruitment of MDSCs in prostate cancer confers resistance to canonical endocrine therapies, opening a new approach to the treatment of hormone-driven cancer patients.