Rivers State University of Science and Technology

About: Rivers State University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Threatened species. The organization has 1826 authors who have published 1833 publications receiving 15183 citations.

Antimicrobial Activity of Honey on Some Bacterial Isolates from Selected Brands of Sachet Water Sold within Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: The present study was carried out to assess the antimicrobial effect of honey on bacterial isolates from sachet water sold within Eligbolo Community in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology: Five brands of sachet water commonly consumed by the people living in Eligbolo Community of Port Harcourt, Nigeria were purchased from different Vendors in the community. Nutrient and MacConkey agar plates were used for culturing of water samples using spread plate method. Ten-fold serial dilution and Most Probable Number (MPN) were among the methods used and the samples analyzed were according to standard procedures. Natural honey purchased from Ogbokolo in Benue State, Nigeria was used for susceptibility testing. Quality control, ant inhibition and water test methods were performed using the honey to confirm its originality before use. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was done using the agar well diffusion method. Results: Results obtained showed the bacterial isolated from the 5 sachet brands of water. These include Bacillus species 5 (62.5%), Enterococcus faecalis 1 (12.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 1 (12.5%), and Escherichia coli 1 (12.5%). All of the 5 sachet water samples analyzed failed to meet the WHO drinking water standard of zero coliform per 100 ml making them unsuitable for Original Research Article Agi et al.; EJNFS, 12(2): 40-46, 2020; Article no.EJNFS.55414 41 human consumption. Faecal coliform was isolated from sample C indicating faecal contamination of the drinking water. The sensitivity of the isolates to the honey sample showed higher zone of inhibition compared to the standard antibiotic used as control. Staphylococcus epidermidis showed the highest zone of inhibition (39 mm), followed by Escherichia coli (37 mm), Bacillus species (35 mm) and Enterococcus faecalis (32 mm) respectively. Conclusion: The results revealed that honey has a broad antimicrobial spectrum against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and could provide alternative agent to overcome the problem of increasingly bacteria resistance to synthetic antimicrobial agents. It is therefore, recommended that further work should be encouraged for the extraction of the crude components of honey and their use for antibiotic production.

Quality Indicator Measures as It Affects Turnaround Time (TAT) in A Molecular Laboratory in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract: Background: Turnaround Time (TAT) is an important Quality Indicator in the medical laboratory. The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory was enrolled in the process of World Health Organisation (WHO) - Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) accreditation by FHi360 in preparation for the ISO 15189 accreditation in 2016. One of the services rendered in the laboratory is Early Infant Diagnosis (EID)/Dried Blood Spots (DBS) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exposed infants. Clinicians depend on these results to determine the next step for the management of HIV exposed Infants. This study is aimed at assessing the rate of sample rejection (SR), determine the effect of specific intervention on this rate and the effect of SR on TAT. Method: It involves the assessment of samples delivered to the RSUTH PCR Laboratory from January 2019 to March 2020. A baseline rate of sample rejection was established from January to July 2019. Interventional measures were put in place such as introducing the national algorithm for rejection and acceptance of samples, training was also done for EID sample collectors and a final assessment of changes in the rate of sample rejection was determined at the final period of January to March 2020.Results: During the baseline period, sample rejection rate started at 5% in February and went back to 0% in March. In April however, the rate of rejection increased to 9%. There was a decline in rejection rate to 5% and 7% in May and June respectively. A sudden spike in rejection occurred in July at a rate of 19%. The major reasons for sample rejection were DBS cards with insufficient blood spots, DBS cards with clots present in spots, DBS cards that have serum rings and grossly haemolysed DBS. After baseline data was collected and interventions put in place. Sample rejection rate drastically reduced to 1%, 0% and 0% respectively from January to March which is way below the maximum threshold of 2% as advocated by WHO. At baseline EID, TAT was longer than a month, however; with SR, the TAT increased to about seven weeks. The final assessment in March from this study showed a significant reduction in sample rejection to 0%.Conclusion and recommendations: This study has shown that quality improvement is achievable if interventional tools are utilized promptly. This will result in shorter TAT; fewer samples rejected and therefore prompt treatment of exposed infants thus reducing morbidity and mortality due to HIV.

Varietal Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Field Performance and Yield of Some Improved Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study examined eleven improved cassava varieties that could be recommended to farmers for higher productivity in order to meet the high demand for cassava produce in the sub region. The eleven cassava varieties include TMS 01/1371, TMS 96/1632, TMS 98/0510, TME 419, TMS 98/0581, TMS 01/1368, TMS 07/0593, TMS 98 / 0505, TMS 30572, TMS 92/0326 and TMS 95/0289. The field performance evaluated include: plant height, leaf number, number branched, fresh tuber yield and dry weight. Immediately after harvest, the tubers were analyzed for chemical composition such as hydrogen cyanide, percentage moisture content, fibre and starch for each of the varieties. Results of the study showed significant (P TMS 01/1368 > TME 419 > TMS 98/0505 > TMS 98/0581 > TMS 30572 and TMS 92/0326 in decreasing order. Similarly, low cyanide content and early high dry matter content such as starch and fibre evaluation of the studied varieties significantly (P TMS 30572 > TMS 01/1368 > TMS 01/1371 and TMS 07/0593 in decreasing order. These varieties could be recommended for rapid stem multiplication and distribution to farmers for cultivation and consumption in Rivers State and Nigeria at large to increase the quantity of cassava products. With these selected improved varieties, adequate agronomic practices and processing, cassava yield and product quality could be bettered with less land use and labor.

Alternative livelihood programs in Africa: A substitute or an added portfolio?

Abstract: Alternative livelihoods are often promoted by conservation organizations or governments to reduce rural people’s reliance on, or use of natural resources, or to compensate them for loss of access. The effectiveness of such interventions has, however, been limited over the years. It is no news that the greatest challenges facing humankind are the alleviation of poverty and the conservation of biological diversity. Yet, rather than being perceived as separate issues, these two challenges are often closely linked. In order to find solutions to these challenges, both non-Governmental and Governmental Organizations have been put in place of diverse alternative projects. Unfortunately, such endeavours have met with little or no successful outcome. This, therefore, leads to the question of whether an alternative livelihood program is really a substitute or an added portfolio to the existing activities of rural people. This paper critically examines alternative livelihood projects on the basis that these are either the former or the latter. The data were obtained through the use of various search engines and also from a direct observation. The study discovered that, while different alternative livelihood projects have been employed with various objectives across Africa, most of the reviewed projects have had little or no success owing to the management issues within the NGOs or GOs, and, most especially, due to the actual condition of local people. Thus, ‘alternative livelihoods’ tend to be an added portfolio of other activities rather than a substitute for current reality.

Predisposing Factors Promoting COVID-19 Infection and Mortality

Abstract: The pandemic of COVID-19 infection has had an untold adverse impact on patients living with chronic disease, across various ethnicity/race, age and gender. Underlying hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory illness are key risk factors for the development of severe COVID-19 pneumonia and systematic inflammation. Patients who are immunosuppressed by virtue of their chronic disease, age or a therapy have been identified as susceptible groups. The redirection of healthcare services towards the increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients has compromised the healthcare delivery to patients with chronic illness. Movement restriction measures as approach to curb the spread of the infection have also compromised the metabolic Review Article Anthonia et al.; IJPR, 6(4): 43-48, 2021; Article no.IJPR.66129 44 health of many patients who need enhanced physical activity to improve their health. Media publications on COVID-19 infection and restrictions may have also contributed to the poor mental health of some individuals, especially patients with underlying mental conditions or its risk factors. The inadequate or availability of quality health care system across low income and developing regions especially, those with older age groups, has further accelerated the spread and death rate from COVID-19. Future research should be directed towards protecting vulnerable groups from possible waves of COVID-19 as a measure to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on these individuals.