University of Nigeria, Nsukka

About: University of Nigeria, Nsukka is a education organization based out in Nsukka, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 10211 authors who have published 13685 publications receiving 138922 citations.

Nonadherence Factors and Sociodemographic Characteristics of HIV-Infected Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract: Adherence to treatment instructions with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is very crucial for successful treatment outcome. However, sticking to treatment instructions pose-great challenges to HIV/AIDS patients. This cross-sectional study was on HIV infected adults attending ART clinic in Nigeria to explore nonadherence factors in relation to their socioeconomic characteristics. Validated structured questionnaire was administered to 221 participants. Results showed a high nonadherence rate of 85.1%. The commonest occurring factors of non-adherence were forgetfulness (53.8%), busy schedule (38.8%), side effects of drugs (31.9%), and stigma (31.9%). Males were more likely to complain from busy schedule, feeling healthy, fear of partner disclosure, long waiting period, and long term regimen. Patients with no formal education were more likely to attribute non-adherence to poor communication, side effects of drugs, and stigma. Employed patients seemed to miss their drugs more than the unemployed and artisans. The high non-adherence rate has serious implications for the control of HIV in infected individuals and management of HIV in general. Nurses should intensify efforts on patient education and counseling.

Studies of phenotypic and genotypic variation in sixteen cucumber genotypes

Abstract: 7 CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 76(1) JANUARY-MARCH 2016 3 ULY-SEPTEMBER Genetic variability in a crop population is important for successful plant breeding. Sixteen cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes were evaluated in the early and late planting seasons to estimate the magnitude of their genetic variability and heritability. Genotypes were also classified into groups based on the performance and determination of the highest discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability using cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), respectively. The measured agronomic traits were vine length, number of branches, number of leaves, and leaf area 8 wk after planting, days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, number of staminate flowers per plant, number of pistillate flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight per plant, number of fruits per plant, mean fruit weight, and total fruit yield ha-1. A high coefficient of variation was recorded for most traits in both seasons and high variability was found among genotypes. High broad-sense heritability was associated with all the traits in both seasons, except for mean fruit weight in the early planting season and fruit girth, mean fruit weight, and total fruit yield in late planting season. Cluster analysis and its comparison of means showed that ‘Beit Alpha’, ‘Ashely’, ‘Straight 8’, and ‘Sumter’ from cluster F in the early planting season and ‘Beit Alpha’ and ‘Ashely’ from cluster E in the late planting season expressed the best agronomic traits and yield potentials. Hence, selection for any trait would favor genotypes in these clusters. Principal component analysis involved vine length as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in cucumber in both the early and late planting seasons, and it should be considered in cucumber improvement programs.

Childhood intussusception: The implications of delayed presentation

Abstract: Background : In some developing countries, many children with intussusception are reported to present late for definitive therapy. This study determines the effect of delayed presentation on clinical parameters, management, and outcome of childhood intussusception in southeast Nigeria. Methods : Comparative analysis of 87 consecutive children with intussusception managed from January 1998 to December 2007 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, was done. Results : Overall, the mean time from onset to presentation was 3.0 days (range 4 hours to 7 days). Thirteen (14.9%) presented within 24 hours of symptoms (group 1) and 74 (85.1%) presented after 24 hours (group 2). Clinical presentations were similar in the children with the exception of bilious vomiting, rectal bleeding, and abdominal distension which were significantly commoner in group 2 children (P < 0.05). Type of intussusception found at operation did not differ in the groups, but cases in group 2 had higher incidence of bowel complications, and greater risk of failed operative reduction and bowel resection than group 1 patients (P < 0.05). Though the postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups, mortality directly related to intussusception occurred only in patients who presented after 24 hours. Conclusion: Significant number of children with intussusception in our setting presented late for definitive treatment. These cases have a higher risk of bowel complications and intestinal resection. Outcome in these patients might be enhanced through improved perioperative care in the short term, or by improving access to, and reducing delays in seeking health care, in the long run.

First-principles optical calculations of AsNMg3 and SbNMg3

Abstract: The structural, electronic and optical properties of antiperovskite semiconductors AsNMg3 and SbNMg3 have been studied using the full-potential augmented plane wave plus local-orbital ( APW + lo ) method. The exchange correlation has been treated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The equilibrium lattice constant and other structural properties have been determined. The AsNMg3 is found to be a direct band gap semiconductor while SbNMg3 is indirect. The results for electronic band structures, density of states, charge densities as well as optical properties are presented and discussed.