Showing papers by "Ladoke Akintola University of Technology published in 2014"

Housing delivery system, need and demand

Abstract: This paper reviews the past and current housing delivery programmes in Nigeria and analysed the demand and supply issues. The paper examined factors responsible for high housing pricing trends, it state the constraints and challenges in accessing housing. The paper ascertains guiding principles for implementation towards quality housing delivery, and it identifies the various housing delivery mechanisms in current practice and suggests a holistic programme to address the huge housing shortage in Nigeria. The study addresses the problem of housing delivery systems, the supply and the demand issues with a view to inform policy on housing provision structure, want and request towards improving the level of delivery in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for the study includes interviews and analyses of data collected during the field investigations. These investigations were complemented with review of literature. The data required for this study were obtained primarily from secondary source and personal observations. Suggestions were put forward on policy measures that can sustain future planning of housing provision in Nigeria to conform to what is obtain in other part of the world.

Emergence of trimethoprim resistance gene dfrG in Staphylococcus aureus causing human infection and colonization in sub-Saharan Africa and its import to Europe

Abstract: Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) is clinically valuable in treating skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The genetic basis of emerging trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance in S. aureus from Africa is unknown. Such knowledge is essential to anticipate its further spread. We investigated the molecular epidemiology of trimethoprim resistance in S. aureus collected in and imported from Africa. Five hundred and ninety-eight human S. aureus isolates collected at five locations across sub-Saharan Africa [Gabon, Namibia, Nigeria (two) and Tanzania] and 47 isolates from travellers treated at six clinics in Europe because of SSTIs on return from Africa were tested for susceptibility to trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, screened for genes mediating trimethoprim resistance in staphylococci [dfrA (dfrS1), dfrB, dfrG and dfrK] and assigned to spa genotypes and clonal complexes. In 313 clinical and 285 colonizing S. aureus from Africa, 54% of isolates were resistant to trimethoprim, 21% to sulfamethoxazole and 19% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. We found that 94% of trimethoprim resistance was mediated by the dfrG gene. Of the 47 S. aureus isolates from travellers with SSTIs, 27 (57%) were trimethoprim resistant and carried dfrG. Markers of trimethoprim resistance other than dfrG were rare. The presence of dfrG genes in S. aureus was neither geographically nor clonally restricted. dfrG, previously perceived to be an uncommon cause of trimethoprim resistance in human S. aureus, is widespread in Africa and abundant in imported S. aureus from ill returning travellers. These findings may foreshadow the loss of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for the empirical treatment of SSTIs caused by community-associated MRSA.

Enzymatic trends of fructooligosaccharides production by microorganisms.

Abstract: Fructooligosaccharides are influential prebiotics that affect various physiological functions in such a way that they promote positive impact to health. They occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables in trace amounts. However, they are mainly produced commercially by the reaction of microbial enzymes with di- or polysaccharides, such as sucrose or inulin as a substrate. For maximum production of fructooligosaccharides on an industrial level, development of more enzymes with high activity and stability is required. This has attracted the attention of biotechnologists and microbiologists worldwide. This study aims to discuss the new trends in the production of fructooligosaccharide and its effect on numerous health qualities through which it creates great demand in the sugar market.

Adsorptive Removal of Malachite Green Dye Using Durian Seed-Based Activated Carbon

Abstract: Chemically prepared activated carbon derived from durian seed (DSAC) was used as adsorbent to adsorb Malachite green (MG) dye. The prepared DSAC was characterized using Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and proximate analysis, respectively. Batch adsorption studies were carried out for the removal of MG dye from aqueous solutions by varying operational parameters like contact time, initial MG dye concentration, solution temperature, and initial solution pH. Maximum dye removal of 97 % was obtained at pH 8. Experimental data were analyzed by eight model equations—Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Radke–Prausnitz, Sips, Vieth–Sladek, and Brouers–Sotolongo isotherms—and it was found that the Freundlich isotherm model fitted the adsorption data the most. Adsorption rate constants were determined using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order rate equations, Elovich, intraparticle diffusion, and Avrami kinetic model. The results clearly showed that the adsorption of MG dye onto DSAC followed the pseudo-second-order model, and the mechanism of adsorption was controlled both by film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. Thermodynamic parameters such as ∆G, ∆H, and ∆S were also calculated for the adsorption process. The process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic in nature. This work provided an attractive adsorbent for the removal of MG dye from wastewaters.

Antibiotic resistance and resistance genes in Escherichia coli from poultry farms, southwest Nigeria.

Abstract: Introduction: This study investigated the mechanisms of resistance in 36 E. coli isolated from waste, litter, soil and water samples collected from poultry farms in Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions of the isolates were determined using the methods of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute and resistance genes detected by PCR. Results: A total of 30 isolates (94%) showed resistance to more than one antimicrobial. Percentage resistance was: tetracycline 81%, sulphamethoxazole 67%, streptomycin 56%, trimethoprim 47 %, ciprofloxacin 42%, ampicillin 36%, spectinomycin 28%, nalidixic acid 25%, chloramphenicol 22%, neomycin 14%, gentamicin 8%, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, colistin, florfenicol and apramycin 0%. Resistance genes found among the isolates include bla-TEM (85%), sul2 (67%), sul3 (17%), aadA (65%), strA (70%), strB (61%), catA1 (25%), cmlA1 (13%), tetA (21%) and tetB (17%). Class 1 and 2 integrons were found in five (14%) and six (17%) isolates, respectively, while one isolate was positive for both classes of integrons. Seven out of eight isolates with resistance to ciprofloxacin and MIC ≤ 32 mg/L to nalidixic acid contained qnrS genes. Conclusions: Our findings provided additional evidence that the poultry production environment in Nigeria represents an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes such as qnrS that may spread from livestock production farms to human populations via manure and water.

Adsorption of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution Using Steam-Activated Carbon Produced from Lantana camara Stem

Abstract: This study investigated the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) present in wastewater onto the activated carbon produce from Lantana camara stem. The agricultural material (Lantana camara stem) was carbonized at 300°C for 2 h, ground and steam-activated. The Steam-Activated Lantana camara (SALC) stem carbon was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometry before and after adsorption. Batch model experiments were conducted at 20°C to study the effects of pH, agitation time, adsorbent dosage and initial concentration of methylene blue. The equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetics were investigated. The FTIR bands at 3500, 2500, 2196 and 1682 cm-1 were shifted to 3646.3, 3030, 2822, 1709.05 cm-1 after MB adsorption. Similarly, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the average pore size on the activated carbon was 20 μm. The Methylene Blue (MB) uptake increased with the increase in pH. Similarly, the dye adsorption increased as contact time increased, and reached equilibrium at 60 minutes. The removal of the dye increased when the dosage was increased from 0.5 - 2.0 g·L-1, at different dye concentrations (50 - 200 mg·L-1). The percentage removal decreased with increasing initial dye concentration for SALC. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.989) while the experimental data fitted very well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.99). This study suggests that adsorbent prepared from Lantana camara stem can be used effectively for the adsorption of methylene blue in wastewater.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Peer Education in Improving HIV Knowledge, Attitude, and Sexual Behaviours among In-School Adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract: Introduction. Young people are at the centre of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer education in improving HIV knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices among in-school adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods. This was an intervention study that was carried out among in-school adolescents attending mixed secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. The study was in three stages: before intervention, intervention, and after intervention. The impact of peer education was evaluated twelve weeks after intervention. Data were collected using pretested semistructured questionnaires and data analysis was done with SPSS version 16. Results. At the preintervention stage, the study and control groups were similar in their sociodemographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices, including high risk behaviours for HIV/AIDS transmission. After the peer education intervention, those with good knowledge and positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS increased significantly from 50.0% to 86.7% and from 49.0% to 85.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The study showed that peer education is effective in improving knowledge, attitude, and some preventive practices towards HIV/AIDS among in-school adolescents. Educational programmes about HIV/AIDS should therefore be designed to target this age group putting into consideration their unique characteristics.

Drinking Water Quality and Public Health of Selected Towns in South Western Nigeria

Abstract: This study was aimed at establishing a water quality database in the study area where none existed previously. Groundwater samples from bore-holes, hand-pump, and hand-dug wells of four densely populated towns in South-Western Nigeria were analyzed in respect to physicochemical factors, biological factors, and the metals Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Iron (Fe) for six consecutive months from September 2012 to February 2013 to give mean values for each town and water source. Total aerobic plate, total coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were detected in most of the water samples from the different towns and sources considered. Except for total suspended solids and total solids, the physicochemical parameters of all the samples were within permissible limits. The concentrations Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd were above the minimum permissible limits. The presence of coliforms and E. coli in the groundwater samples indicates fecal contamination. The microorganisms isolated in this study include Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Micrococcus species. The analysis of variance of data obtained from this study shows that bore-hole water samples were safer for drinking that water samples from hand-pump, and hand dug wells across the communities.

Quality of life of Nigerians living with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Few reports from Nigeria have examined the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) despite the fact that Nigeria has the second largest number of PLWHA in the world. This study evaluated the QOL of Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for HIV-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument and assessed the impact of demographic laboratory and disease-related variables on QOL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 491 consecutive PLWHA aged >/= 18 years attending the dedicated clinic to PLWHA in South-west Nigeria. RESULTS: The lowest mean QOL scores were recorded in the environment and social domains. Participants aged >/= 40 years had better QOL in the environment (p = 0.039) and spirituality (p = 0.033) domains and those in relationships had better QOL in the social relationship domain (p = 0.002). Subjects with no or primary education and those who rated their health status as good gave significantly higher ratings in all QOL domains. Participants with AIDS had significant lower QOL in the level of independence domain (p = 0.018) and those with CD4 count >/= 350 cells /mm3 had better QOL scores in the physical psychological and level of independence domains. Subjects without tuberculosis co-infection and those on antiretroviral therapy (ART) reported significantly better QOL in the physical psychological level of independence and spirituality domains. CONCLUSION: Marital relationship absence of tuberculosis CD4 count >/= 350 cells /mm3 and use of ART positively impacted QOL of our patients.

Inhibition of key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in rats' pancreas by phenolic extracts of avocado pear leaves and fruit.

Abstract: Persea americana fruit and leaves had been known in folk medicine for their anti-diabetic prowess. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of phenolic extract from avocado pear (Persea americana) leaves and fruits on some key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase); and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced lipid peroxidation in rats' pancreas in vitro. The phenolic extracts of Persea americana fruit and leaves were extracted using methanol and 1M HCl (1:1 v/v). Thereafter, their inhibitory effects on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation and key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) were determined in vitro. The result revealed that the leaves had fruit of avocado pear inhibit both α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in a dose dependent manner. However, the Peel had the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity while the leaf had the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity as revealed by their IC50 value. Furthermore, incubation of the rat pancreas in the presence of 5 mM SNP caused an increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the tissue, however, introduction of the phenolic extracts inhibited MDA produced in a dose dependent manner. The additive and/or synergistic action of major phenolic compounds such as syringic acid, eugenol, vnillic acid, isoeugenol, guaiacol, kaemferol, catechin, ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, naringenin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, lupeol and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate in avocado pear using gas chromatography (GC) could have contributed to the observed medicinal properties of the plant. Therefore, inhibition of some key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and prevention of oxidative stress in the pancreas could be some of the possible mechanism by which they exert their anti-diabetic properties.

Influences of socio-cultural experiences on residents’ satisfaction in Ikorodu low-cost housing estate, Lagos state

Abstract: This study examined the influences of socio-cultural experiences on residents’ housing satisfaction in Ikorodu low-cost housing estate in Lagos State. This study was carried out with the aid of questionnaire administration and reconnaissance survey. The result of the survey shows that the total numbers of the housing units in the area were 119 buildings which comprised 106 bungalows and 13 story buildings. The estate was stratified into two (2) zones which were story buildings and bungalow buildings. Using a systematic sampling technique, one of every two (2) houses was selected for interview in both zones. A total of 106 residents were selected from the bungalow units and 20 residents from the story buildings making a sum of 126 residents that were selected for the interview, but a total of 122 questionnaires were recovered. Findings from the study reveals that the residents’ were fairly satisfied with the environmental elements of their dwellings, the physical elements, the behavioural elements and the economic elements and were dissatisfied with the functional elements and timing element which constitute the quality performance and maintenance criteria of their buildings. More so, findings from the study reveal that there is significant difference in residents’ level of satisfaction in the housing elements among several socio-cultural characteristics of residents, such as gender, ethnicity of end users, family size, family structure, religious beliefs, ethnic group of residents, social relation, years of living in area and age of residents among others. The study further revealed that there is no significant difference in residents’ level of satisfaction in the housing elements among residents’ household position and marital status. Recommendations were proffered to guide policy-makers, some of which includes local participation approach in housing delivery, the use of local building materials, intensive site and service scheme among others.

Association of hypertension and obesity with HIV and antiretroviral therapy in a rural tertiary health center in Nigeria: a cross-sectional cohort study.

Abstract: Background There are few studies from Nigeria and Africa regarding the contribution of obesity and hypertension to cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients. This study investigates the prevalence of hypertension and obesity and their association with HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study in a rural tertiary health center in Nigeria. The data collected included demographic variables, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, educational attainment, HIV status and ART treatment, duration of treatment, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count. Results A total of 403 participants met the inclusion criteria. There were 153 (38.0%) HIV-negative subjects (42.5% male, 57.5% female; mean age: 35.5 ± 7.6 years), 120 (29.8%) HIV-positive drug-naive subjects (42.5% male, 57.5% female; mean age: 36.5 ± 9.1 years), and 130 (32.2%) HIV-positive subjects taking antiretroviral drugs (33.1% male, 66.9% female; mean age: 38.6 ± 8.0 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 13.7% in HIV-negative subjects, 19.0% in HIV-positive drug-naive subjects, and 12.3% in HIV-positive ART subjects. The prevalence of obesity was 15.9% in the HIV-negative group, 3% in the HIV-positive drug-naive group, and 8% in the HIV-positive ART group. Multivariate regression analysis showed no relationship between hypertension and HIV status (P=0.293) or ART status (P=0.587). In contrast, BMI showed a strong relationship with HIV status (odds ratio: 0.281; 95% confidence interval: 0.089-0.884; P=0.030) but not with ART status (P=0.593). BMI was a significant predictor of hypertension. Conclusion HIV or ART status was not associated with hypertension. HIV infection was associated with a lower BMI, and a lower prevalence of obesity compared with HIV-negative subjects.

Cardiovascular risk factors in semi-urban communities in southwest Nigeria: Patterns and prevalence

Abstract: Introduction Over 80% of cardiovascular deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries; most of these deaths are due to modifiable risk factors. The study aimed at estimating the prevalence and pattern of major cardiovascular risk factors in both men and women older than 18 years. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of cardiovascular risk factors among semi-urban dwellers in Ekiti State, south-western, Nigeria. 750 participants were drawn from 10 communities. The instrument used was the standard WHO STEPS (II) questionnaire, while blood samples were obtained for analysis. Results There were 750 participants with 529 (70.53%) females. The mean age of participants was 61.7 ± 18.50 years and participants’ ⩾65 years comprised 38.3%. There were 0.8%, 24.9% and 12.4%, who at the time of this study smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol, and ate a high salt diet, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, generalized and abdominal obesity was 47.2%, 6.8%, 8.5% and 32.0%, respectively, with only 48.9% receiving hypertension treatment. Elevated total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and low HDL was seen in 4.4%, 16.7% and 56.3% respectively. Conclusion High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors call for an urgent need for more public health attention and reinforcement of primary preventive strategies to curb its menace.

Challenges and Possible Panacea to the Municipal Solid Wastes Management in Nigeria

Abstract: This paper provides overview of the state of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) by local authorities in Nigeria. Different areas through which the challenges can be tackled in order to improve municipal solid waste (MSW) services are discussed. With increasing global change pressures (population explosion, haphazard rapid urbanization, climate change etc.), coupled with existing un-sustainability factors, cities in developing countries are most likely to experience difficulties in efficiently managing MSW. The unplanned urbanization growth will definitely lead to huge problems on governments especially for meeting the increasing demand for proper and healthy municipal services. The growth results in increasing quantity and complexity of the generated wastes and overburdens. The rural economy needs to be improved if rural–urban migration is to be managed. Communal efforts of local, state and federal government, the stakeholders, Non-Governmental Organizations and the private sector are paramount to attaining high level of development and sustainable MSWM.

Efficacy of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium infection among school-age children in rural communities of Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Abstract: Background: Chemotherapy with praziquantel (PZQ) has been the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control over the last two decades. Being the only available drug for the treatment of over 200 million people worldwide, continuous monitoring of PZQ efficacy under the pressure of widespread use is therefore advocated. Methods: The efficacy of taking two doses of oral PZQ for the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium was examined among school children in Nigeria. Urine specimens were collected from 350 school children and examined using the filtration technique. Blood was collected for packed cell volume (PCV) estimation, and the weight and height of each child were estimated. S. haematobium egg positive pupils were treated with two oral doses of PZQ at 40 mg/kg with a four-week interval in between. Drug efficacy was determined based on the egg reduction rate (ERR). Results: Among 350 school children, 245 (70.0%) – of which 132 were males and 113 were females, with an age range of 4 to 15 years – were diagnosed with S. haematobium. All the 245 infected children received a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg PZQ twice with a four-week interval in between and were followed up for 12 weeks. At four, eight and twelve weeks post treatment, the ERR was 57.1%, 77.6% and 100%, respectively. The ERR was significantly higher among the children with a light infection compared to those with a heavy infection. One hundred and twenty-one children were egg negative at four weeks post treatment, among which 1 (6.3) and 120 (52.4%) had heavy and light infections, respectively. Following the second round of treatment, the cure rate at eight weeks and twelve weeks was 85.3% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the efficacy of taking two doses of oral PZQ for the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis among school children in Nigeria.

Relationship between socioeconomic status and HIV infection in a rural tertiary health center.

Abstract: BACKGROUND There is a scarcity of data in rural health centers in Nigeria regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and HIV infection. We investigated this relationship using indicators of SES. METHODS An analytical case-control study was conducted in the HIV clinic of a rural tertiary health center. Data collection included demographic variables, educational attainment, employment status, monthly income, marital status, and religion. HIV was diagnosed by conventional methods. Data were analyzed with the SPSS version 16 software. RESULTS A total of 115 (48.5%) HIV-negative subjects with a mean age of 35.49±7.63 years (range: 15-54 years), and 122 (51.5%) HIV-positive subjects with a mean age of 36.35±8.31 years (range: 15-53 years) were involved in the study. Participants consisted of 47 (40.9%) men and 68 (59.1%) women who were HIV negative. Those who were HIV positive consisted of 35 (28.7%) men and 87 (71.3%) women. Attainment of secondary school levels of education, and all categories of monthly income showed statistically significant relationships with HIV infection (P=0.018 and P<0.05, respectively) after analysis using a logistic regression model. Employment status did not show any significant relationship with HIV infection. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that some indicators of SES are differently related to HIV infection. Prevalent HIV infections are now concentrated among those with low incomes. Urgent measures to improve HIV prevention among low income earners are necessary. Further research in this area requires multiple measures in relation to partners' SES (measured by education, employment, and income) to further define this relationship.

Prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among staff of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract: Aim: The aim was to describe the frequency of occurrence of traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors among selected university workers in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 206 staff of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria had an assessment for nine traditional CV risk factors. Demographic and clinical parameters were taken. Blood sample was taken to determine the random blood sugar and lipid profile. 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG) was done for all participants. Statistical analysis was performed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 (Chicago Ill., USA) Results: The study population included 96 males (46.6%) and 110 females. The mean age was 45.3 ± 7.9 years (range 27-73 years). The prevalence of CV risk factors were as follows: Hypertension 84 (40.8%), visceral obesity 92 (44.7%), generalized obesity 79 (38.3%), low high density lipoprotein 113 (54.9%), impaired blood glucose 16 (7.8%), diabetes mellitus 3 (1.5%), hypercholesterolemia 102 (49.5%), left ventricular hypertrophy-ECG 24 (11.7%), elevated low density lipoprotein-cholesterol 99 (48.1%). About - (72.3%) had two or more CV risk factors clustered together. Females had a higher prevalence of CV risk factors and its clusters than their male counterparts. Of those diagnosed with hypertension in this study, more than half had never been told they were hypertensive 48 (57.1%). Conclusion: This study suggests a very high prevalence of CV risk factors among University Staff in LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Clustering of CV risk factors is more prevalent among women. Appropriate preventive strategy in terms of education and modification of risk factors are important to reduce the burden of CV diseases among this population.

Insights into the Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Wastewater using Diatomaceous Earth

Abstract: The release of large quantities of heavy metals (e.g., Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, etc.) into the natural environment has resulted in a significant number of environmental problems, disorderliness in human physiology, and other biological systems due to their high toxicity to plant, animal, and human life. This review paper explores the feasibility of diatomaceous earth for the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater, its application in metal adsorption, and wastewater purification. Impregnating the diatomite surface with 0.38 g/g of manganese oxide gave a 2.4-fold increase in the adsorbent surface area. A number of equilibrium studies demonstrated that treated diatomite has a higher removal capacity for heavy metals from water than untreated diatomite. The future challenges and prospect of diatomite were also addressed. Conclusively, it was established that the use of diatomaceous earth is a promising technology in the removal of heavy metals from wastewaters and environment

Effect of chitosan coating combined Aloe vera gel on cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) post-harvest quality during ambient storage

Abstract: Edible films and coatings are an environmentally-friendly alternative method to extend the post-harvest life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Edible coatings based on chitosan (CH), Aloe vera gel (AL) and its combination with Aloe vera gel (CHAL), were developed and applied to cucumber, in order to improve its quality and shelf life during storage. Weight loss, changes in soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, firmness, pH and the percentage of fungal infection of uncoated and coated samples were determined throughout ambient storage for period of 7 weeks cucumber stored at ambient temperature of 25°C, 95-98% RH for seven weeks. The above parameters which are related to post-harvest quality loss were however significantly controlled in the cucumber coated in the following order CHAL>AL> CH>Control. The storability of cucumber fruits was extended by seven weeks. It was concluded that used chitosan mixed with Aloe vera gel could be used as a coating for cucumber could serve as an alternative to post-harvest chemical treatments.

Soil transmitted helminth infections among primary school children in Ile-Ife Southwest, Nigeria: A cross- sectional study

Abstract: had double infection. Six STH were recorded in this study namely: Ascaris lumbricoides 59 (36.4%), hookworm 9 (5.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis 6 (3.7%), Teania spp. 2 (1.2%), Schistosoma mansoni and Hymenolepis nana 1 (0.6%) each. The intensity of infection based on the number of egg in 1 g of stool was categorized into severe, moderate and heavy infection. None of the children had heavy infection while 44 (27.0%) of those infected with A. lumbricodes had light infection and 7 (4.3%) had moderate infection. No significant difference was observed when the mean weight and height of infected and non-infected pupils were compared. The wide spread infection among the pupils is attributed to poor hygienic condition and the low socioeconomic status of these communities. The low intensity recorded is an indication that with more coordinated control efforts the parasites can be eradicated. Education on proper hygiene habits and regular de-worming exercise especially at the primary school level is recommended.

Influence of Drying Conditions on the Effective Moisture Diffusivity and Energy Requirements of Ginger Slices

Abstract: The thin layer drying behaviour of ginger slices in a laboratory dryer was examined. The slices of 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm thicknesses were dried using heated ambient air at temperatures from 40 to 70 oC and air velocity of 1.5 m/s. The effects of drying air temperature and slice thickness on the drying characteristics, drying time and energy requirement of drying process was determined. The results have shown that an increase in the drying air temperature causes shorter drying times. Thinner slices also causes a shorter drying time. The effective moisture diffusivity values increased from 3.36814 × 10-10 m2/s to 5.82524 × 10-9 m2/s while the activation energy values for different slice thickness of ginger varied from 196.15 to 198.79 kJ/mol. The total needed energy varied from 735.3 to 868.5 kWh while the value of specific energy requirement varied from 3676.6 to 4342.4 kWh/kg respectively.

Treatment Outcome of Tuberculosis Patients Registered at DOTS Centre in Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria: A 4-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract: Background Information. Monitoring outcome of tuberculosis treatment and understanding the specific reasons for unsuccessful treatment outcome are important in evaluating the effectiveness of tuberculosis control program. This study investigated tuberculosis treatment outcomes and predictors for unsuccessful treatment outcome in Ogbomoso town, Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology. Medical records of all tuberculosis patients registered from January 2008 to December 2011 in 5 Local Government areas, Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria, were reviewed. Treatment outcome and tuberculosis type were categorized according to the national tuberculosis control guideline. Bivariate analysis was used to analyse the association between treatment outcome and potential predictor variables. Results. Out of the 965 total TB patients (579 males and 386 females) with mean age 42.4 ± 1.9 years, 866 (89.74%) were categorized as pulmonary tuberculosis and 109 (11.30%) as extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Treatment outcome among total 914 subjects was as follows: 304 (33.26%) patients got cured, 477 (52.19%) completed treatment, 87 (9.52%) died, 9 (0.98%) defaulted, and 1 (0.11%) failed treatment while 36 (3.94%) were transferred out. Higher treatment success rate was associated with those on Category 1 treatment (). Conclusion. The treatment success rate of tuberculosis patients was high (85.45%) compared to national target. However, certain proportion of patients died (9.52%) and defaulted (0.98%), which is a serious public health concern that needs to be addressed urgently.

Seroprevalence of Rubella IgG Antibody in Pregnant Women in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: Infection of mothers with Rubella virus during pregnancy can be serious; if the mother is infected within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy she is likely to have miscarriage, stillbirth, or baby with congenital rubella syndrome This study was carried out to define Rubella virus seroprevalence in pregnancy in Osogbo, Nigeria Methods: This study is a cross‑sectional sero‑survey of rubella IgG antibody among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria Socio‑demographic information on participants was collected by interviewer‑administered questionnaire while venous samples were collected, stored at −20°C and serum samples were screened for detection of rubella IgG antibodies using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay Results: Of the 200 sample evaluated for rubella Immunoglobulin G antibody, 175 (875%) were positive and 25 (125%) were negative The result indicated prevalence of 857% in 15‑19 year age group, 868% in 20‑24 year age group, 896% in 25‑29 year group, and 100% in greater than 40 year age group Rubella IgG seroprevalence was not associated with age, gestational age, gravidity, vaccination, occupation and education Conclusions: As the immunity gap in the studied population was high, rubella vaccination should be provided for all women of child‑bearing age and children